Between 265 & 485 SQ/FT The "Glendora Garage"

[Dan in Pasadena]

Start of a new project:
Removing 6 big rosemary bushes so we can relocate some plants from elsewhere in the yard and then planting new, shady-loving plants where those plants had been. Simple job but labor intensive.

My truck and a tow strap made it easy peasy. Dropped it into Drive and they popped out with the root ball. A lot more work chopping them up to put them in the trash.

 

[Swanny1953]

Sorry, there's no link. He's on Facebook and his name is Craig Augustin if you want to reach him you'd have to do it there I guess. He's been very nice, very easy to deal with. Best of luck.

Thanks for the info. I was able to contact him and have a drawing in the works. If it turns out as good as yours, I'll commission several others. He does offer a "quantity" discount.
I have the Dakota Digital gauges in 3 of my vehicles, and, yes, you can program the gas gauge. It's based on the type of sender used, and the ohm ratings at full and empty. It might take a bit of experimenting, but you should be able to dial it in, particularly with using an ohm meter.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Thanks for the info. I was able to contact him and have a drawing in the works. If it turns out as good as yours, I'll commission several others. He does offer a "quantity" discount.
I have the Dakota Digital gauges in 3 of my vehicles, and, yes, you can program the gas gauge. It's based on the type of sender used, and the ohm ratings at full and empty. It might take a bit of experimenting, but you should be able to dial it in, particularly with using an ohm meter.

Oh good. Make sure you post the pictures when they’re done please.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Been considering a generator due to the wildfire power outages and last summer’s rolling blackouts.

Decided an inverter generator because they (supposedly) provide more stable power for stuff like computers and phones.

Found this new in the box Westinghouse dual fuel inverter generator for $150 cheaper than Amazon at “The Outlet”. It’s an outlet store for Costco & Sam’s Club.

The only assembly was plug in the battery (dead?) and add oil. Started immediately, I test ran it on propane and I’ll avoid using gas until/unless I have to.

 

[captain14]

So how many propane tanks and sizes will you have to store? If I remember your HOA doesn’t allow sheds.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

So how many propane tanks and sizes will you have to store? If I remember your HOA doesn’t allow sheds.

We have no HOA.

I only have one 5 gallon propane tank that is stored inside the base of a standing portable heater. I suppose I should get a devoted larger tank for the generator but I have no idea how long it takes to empty one. I need to read the Owner's Manual

 

[rharman]

Well, you could always switch to gas when the propane runs out, right? In an extended outage, you might be surprised how quickly propane gets used. You might want to save the propane for grilling or heat during an outage.

 

[captain14]

When the power is out, gas stations can’t pump gas either unless you can get to another area.

I know when I had a job, we “exercised” the generators once a week with a load on it.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Hmmm, of course I know you need to start a generator periodically so gasoline doesn’t go bad and to keep carburetor functioning but I’ve never heard of “exercising” one. It’s not a living thing so it can’t “forget” how to generate power.

I keep a 5 gallon gas can for my lawn mower though lately I’ve been using an electric mower I was given. Need to use up that gas before long.

So far the longest outage we’ve experienced was about 30+ hours but I’m sure one could be longer in the event of emergency.

 

[kaymccampbell]

Hmmm, of course I know you need to start a generator periodically so gasoline doesn’t go bad and to keep carburetor functioning but I’ve never heard of “exercising” one. It’s not a living thing so it can’t “forget” how to generate power.

I keep a 5 gallon gas can for my lawn mower though lately I’ve been using an electric mower I was given. Need to use up that gas before long.

So far the longest outage we’ve experienced was about 30+ hours but I’m sure one could be longer in the event of emergency.

Yeah, they can forget. It's physics. Then, in the middle of your emergency, the engine runs, but the electrons no chooch. You've actually got to run it periodically, AND put a load on it.

 

[gilr]

Just FYI (and FWIW), most home standby generators run for 20 minutes weekly as an "exercise" to circulate the oil in the crankcase and check the operation of the generator and its associated controls to insure its readiness when it is actually needed. Your portable unit would benefit from running periodically to keep the bearings lubricated at the very least, no different that running your 55 as exercise, which helps prevent gasoline from going bad in the carb. Running the generator on propane is cleaner from the carbs point of view, but it is far more costly than gasoline. Your manual will state how much is consumed based on the load on the generator. Do the math and plan accordingly. Having a transfer switch wired to the breaker panel with a compatible cord and socket to easily connect the generator when needed allows for a quick connect and powering the devices you need during an outage. 5kw isn't a lot but will keep a refrigerator and some lights and maybe a TV running, but certainly not the whole house. The transfer switch needs to be installed by a qualified electrician so that the generator does not back-feed to the grid when in use. You'll find running extension cords from the generator to appliances when on the generator not convenient and there are small transfer switches made for portable generators that allow you to easily switch loads (appliances or lighting circuits, etc.) most convenient.

 

[M.Brane]

I run mine once a month for at least 30 min with a parabolic electric heater hooked up set at 50% duty cycle. Works so far.

 

[gilr]

I run mine once a month for at least 30 min with a parabolic electric heater hooked up set at 50% duty cycle. Works so far.

That's good, keeps the engine lubricated and the fuel from becoming a gel in the carb. 15 minutes would be enough for a portable generator.

 

[gilr]

That's good, keeps the engine lubricated and the fuel from becoming a gel in the carb. 15 minutes would be enough for a portable generator.

Forgot to mention adding Stabil or similar fuel preservative would help greatly too.

 

[M.Brane]

I feed it with gas from the toyhauler which has Stabil added. The Onan in the toyhauler gets cycled on the same schedule, but the AC provides the load.

 

[gilr]

I feed it with gas from the toyhauler which has Stabil added. The Onan in the toyhauler gets cycled on the same schedule, but the AC provides the load.

That works!

 

[PugetDude]

Hmmm, of course I know you need to start a generator periodically so gasoline doesn’t go bad and to keep carburetor functioning but I’ve never heard of “exercising” one. It’s not a living thing so it can’t “forget” how to generate power.

I keep a 5 gallon gas can for my lawn mower though lately I’ve been using an electric mower I was given. Need to use up that gas before long.

So far the longest outage we’ve experienced was about 30+ hours but I’m sure one could be longer in the event of emergency.

Get a second propane tank and a crossover valve like they use on RV's. I helped a friend install propane for his gas range last spring. Used a pair of 30# bottles, so far they are still operating off the first one.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

What's a crossover valve and why do I need one?
This generator will go in my storage shed until needed - I'll start it periodically to keep the starting battery charged and so it'll run when I actually need it!

FYI:
TRIED to register it online. Paperwork say you get a "free" (yeah, right!) cover for it if you do. Small print says if you don't click on their "Survey" you don't get the freebie. I clicked and it returns you to the page that just shows the unit. No link, nothing. Tried 3 times, the same.

Called the 800 number, you get put on hold til hell freezes over then it tells you to press "1" to be called back but that it will call only once and if your phone I.D.'s it as spam you're screwed. SO DAMN TIRED of this ****** customer service. EFF them and their registration. Likely only to annoy me with emails, rob phone calls, etc.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Back on the front yard work:
Went looking for 2 large espaliered Camelias yesterday but found none.

Bought 6 agapanthus (Lillies of the Nile) in deep, almost purple color called "Storm Cloud". Set them out where I pulled out the rosemary bushes in post # 1921. They're approximately where they will be but we have others already planted that we will divide and replant where there's better sun. Then we're putting some Clivia - shade loving plants - we already bought in the shady places.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

The orange plants are Clivia. Had them at our Pasadena house and they were really nice. The dark blue Agapanthus are a newish variety. Usually see them all over in a baby blue or white - some of which we already which we will intersperse into the new ones.

 

[captain14]

When you exercise your generator, you need a load on it to. Run for 30 seconds without a load, plug your light/whatever in and at the end unplug the light and run for 30 more seconds to let the windings cool down. Your specs may call for a differnt run before and after the exercise.

At the fire station, the stationary generator ran once a week and on the apparatus we ran the generators during the daily or weekly checks.

The new plants look good. We are still in winter mode here. I did see some landscapers doing some work at one of the shopping centers near me this am.

 

[PugetDude]

What's a crossover valve and why do I need one?

 

[kaymccampbell]

This generator will go in my storage shed until needed - I'll start it periodically to keep the starting battery charged and so it'll run when I actually need it!

Run with a load, or you just as well might not have bothered..

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

When you exercise your generator, you need a load on it to. Run for 30 seconds without a load, plug your light/whatever in and at the end unplug the light and run for 30 more seconds to let the windings cool down. Your specs may call for a differnt run before and after the exercise.

Run with a load, or you just as well might not have bothered..

Well, this is all new to me so I'd better read the Owner's Manual to see what it calls for. Damn, I hate reading instructions, ha ha.

 

[rharman]

When the power is out, gas stations can’t pump gas either unless you can get to another area.

I know when I had a job, we “exercised” the generators once a week with a load on it.

True, but you would usually have a car or two with gas in the tank. Or, a small amount for the lawn mower. I usually have a couple of gallons already prepped with StaBil for the yard stuff. Not likely that most people would have spare propane just sitting around.

 

[kaymccampbell]

True, but you would usually have a car or two with gas in the tank. Or, a small amount for the lawn mower. I usually have a couple of gallons already prepped with StaBil for the yard stuff. Not likely that most people would have spare propane just sitting around.

I always have a spare 20 lb tank sitting next to the grill.

 

[M.Brane]

Same setup on the front of our toyhauler. When one tank runs out it automatically switches to the other tank, and shows that the first tank is empty. The 30lb bottles last quite a while so it's not like you have to go get the empty filled right away.

 

[rharman]

True, but you would usually have a car or two with gas in the tank. Or, a small amount for the lawn mower. I usually have a couple of gallons already prepped with StaBil for the yard stuff. Not likely that most people would have spare propane just sitting around.

I always have a spare 20 lb tank sitting next to the grill.

Well..... As I said....

 

[kaymccampbell]

Well..... As I said....

Then most everyone I know, living within a mile or so of me has the same thing.

 

[rharman]

Then most everyone I know, living within a mile or so of me has the same thing.

As a SoCal native, I have a hard time understanding the weather conditions you endure with in other areas. I know I couldn't deal with it.

I have enough propane for my BBQ and, in winter, use it to run my torpedo heater. It still lasts me 2-3 years.

 

[kaymccampbell]

Me, being a SoCal native, has a hard time understanding the weather conditions you have to endure with in other areas. I know I couldn't deal with it.

I have enough propane for my BBQ and, in winter, use it to run my torpedo heater. It still lasts me 2-3 years.

I've never considered it endure, more like experience. We always keep a spare because sometimes we have power outages, and it's great to have a non-electric cooker. It's also great to not have to let your grilling victim die a terrible death on the cooker, cause your gas tank goes dry in the middle of things. A tank goes part of a year here.

If I want heat in a power outage, we have a fireplace, which we use even when there's power, cause it's just nice.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Me, being a SoCal native, has a hard time understanding the weather conditions you have to endure with in other areas. I know I couldn't deal with it.

^^^ Same for me - it's "endure". I used travel to New Jersey and New York monthly a long time ago when I worked for Rockwell on the Shuttle program. I HATED going in winter. Not only was it frickin freezing but it was so uncomfortable in all the **** you have to wear in that weather.

Once, I was dressed in suit and tie and had forgotten something in the hotel parking lot. It was -12 degrees and I went out to the car to retrieve something. I couldn't have been out of the warmth for more than 6-7 minutes and my face and ears were in PAIN when I got back inside!

I have a 5 gallon propane tank that lasts basically indefinitely.

 

[kaymccampbell]

Once, I was dressed in suit and tie and had forgotten something in the hotel parking lot. It was -12 degrees and I went out to the car to retrieve something. I couldn't have been out of the warmth for more than 6-7 minutes and my face and ears were in PAIN when I got back inside!

-12 will chap anyone's ***. That's cold. Improperly dressed as you were, that was silly. If there was wind, then the wind chill can really get you.

I tolerate temps down to 5ish for a run to the car in my nightie and Crocs, to grab something quick. Just did it the other night and it wasn't that bad. Otto came with.

I was out in the unheated pool shed the other day with just a flannel shirt as my coat, no gloves, to put up a wall rail and some racks, and transfer a bunch of tiki torch parts into it. 18° indoors was rather pleasant.

-10 is going to make me bundle up a bit. -20, unless it's an emergency, you can get screwed. When I worked, then I was right out in it, starting cars n brushing snow, in a light jacket n gloves, on the way to work.

In my youth, I regularly went out in negative temps for extended periods, to clear walks, and catch buses, and work. Mind you, I was wearing double n triple layers top n bottom, a nice double cap, a scarf or two, and gloves. Yesterday it was 8, and I was bundled up in doubles and spent the hour or so necessary to go run the dogeater over the driveway. So mm yeah, I guess I still do stupid ****. Funny, after all these decades, I still enjoy running the snowblower, even in wind.

 

[Chrisb62]

Here in the land of big wind and rain we sometimes lose power for days and some people lose it for weeks so I have 2 backup cylinder…..your needs may vary.

 

[Bob Heine]

Kay, living in the southerly part of upstate New York, I didn't bundle up until the temperature got below zero. Almost any exertion causes me to sweat so bundling up to shovel the driveway when it was windy meant I was chilled to the bone. There was a fine line where I went from one to two to three layers but the vast majority of the time it was a denim jacket. My 3-piece suit was enough to make the long walk from the parking lot to the IBM complex in East Fishkill in any temperature. The '63 Triumph Herald convertible had a heater that worked OK but for sub-zero weather I put an Arkansas heater helper that covered the bottom half of the radiator (aka cardboard cut to size). It dawned on me I could be in trouble if the Triumph broke down in that weather so I put a second-hand P-Coat in the convertible top storage space. Never had the occasion to need it.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

-12 will chap anyone's ***. That's cold. Improperly dressed as you were, that was silly. If there was wind, then the wind chill can really get you.

I tolerate temps down to 5ish for a run to the car in my nightie and Crocs, to grab something quick. Just did it the other night and it wasn't that bad. Otto came with.

I was out in the unheated pool shed the other day with just a flannel shirt as my coat, no gloves, to put up a wall rail and some racks, and transfer a bunch of tiki torch parts into it. 18° indoors was rather pleasant.

-10 is going to make me bundle up a bit. -20, unless it's an emergency, you can get screwed. When I worked, then I was right out in it, starting cars n brushing snow, in a light jacket n gloves, on the way to work.

In my youth, I regularly went out in negative temps for extended periods, to clear walks, and catch buses, and work. Mind you, I was wearing double n triple layers top n bottom, a nice double cap, a scarf or two, and gloves. Yesterday it was 8, and I was bundled up in doubles and spent the hour or so necessary to go run the dogeater over the driveway. So mm yeah, I guess I still do stupid ****. Funny, after all these decades, I still enjoy running the snowblower, even in wind.

But you lived for a time in Southern California, right? Didn't you say San Diego - which is especially mild.

Having grown up here I had no idea what true cold was. In those days I'd not yet taken up skiing in Lake Tahoe or Utah. I had no experience with real cold weather and I didn't own the clothing for it that I do now.

And I don't remember anyone ever mentioning "wind chill" in those days. Must have been about 1982-85ish. Maybe they DID mention it in the midwest or east but SoCal had not yet started the ridiculous "STORM WATCH 2000" weather forecasts. Now it's "polar vortex" and "atmospheric rivers". I'm sure we ALWAYS had those conditions but we just said, it's gonna be really cold awhile or it's gonna rain like hell. I'm a believer in climate change due to man having EFFED with the climate so much since the Industrial Revolution but we also sensationalize everything for ratings, I suppose.

Back then it was a case of, "....not knowing you don't know enough" combined with youthful, "I can do anything" and laziness not wanting to go put my overcoat back on at the restaurant - not that that would have helped all that much. "I'll be right back" could have killed me if something had happened and I'd have had to stay outside longer than the few minutes I did. I suppose we're all immortal in our youth......until we're not!

 

[kaymccampbell]

But you lived for a time in Southern California, right? Didn't you say San Diego - which is especially mild.

But a year or so in Sux Diego didn't reprogram me to warm weather. Being there was kinda like a really long summer in upstate NY. I got off the plane at LaGuardia in the middle of a blizzard, and made my way to the train station for the haul north. And it was just another day.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

The agapanthus I posted about in post #1939 & 1940 above got planted today. Glendora soil is full of rock. They were all about fist sized. Enough to overfill one of the 2 gallon buckets in the below picture and just enough of them to hit one with every shovel full. Tiring to constantly get down to dig them out with a crow bar. Anyway, the plants are in now.

Tomorrow I'll pull out another 2 or 3 rosemary bushes from the opposite side of the front yard so I can get them into the Wed trash pick up. I plan to relocate several other agapanthus plants, which will make room in the shade for the Clivia we bought and then divide the agapanthus we pull out and plant them to replace the rosemary.

It's supposed to rain Wed, Thurs & Fri this week so gotta get it done.

 

[M.Brane]

Glendora soil is full of rock. They were all about fist sized.

You're lucky. Planting the avocado tree:

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

You're lucky. Planting the avocado tree:

Unfortunately no, NOT lucky.
I also planted an avocado tree in my Glendora backyard when we moved in 5 years ago. Had to dig out basically a 3x3x3 cube and it was FULL of rocks just like the one you show here^^^. It took me two days because around these huge boulders were the same fist sized rocks I got out of my front yard today. They were massive just like yours and I have the exact same Harbor Freight engine hoist I used to get them out too!

The only picture of the tree when I planted it but I didn't take pic's of the rocks. This tree is about 9-10ft tall now. I've wondered if it is stunted some because there is so much rock for the roots to grow around?