What I did today -instead- of Rocketry.

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Replace a toilet tank that had cracked. Strangely enough, not at the bolts where one might expect it, but at the top going down. Had to buy an entire toilet to replace the tank. Anyone need a brand-new American Standard toilet bowl? I'll throw in a brand new toilet seat and a wax seal.
 
Replace a toilet tank that had cracked. Strangely enough, not at the bolts where one might expect it, but at the top going down. Had to buy an entire toilet to replace the tank. Anyone need a brand-new American Standard toilet bowl? I'll throw in a brand new toilet seat and a wax seal.

Plumbing is the worst.....ever.
 
Spent the weekend at the first swim meet the little dudes have had since March. Took forever because each session (2.5h with warmup) was limited to one age group. Normally they would both swim the session, but different age groups. Parents were not allowed in, but the pool had big windows, so you could stand outside and watch. The parents all did a good job of rotating the window space for each heat, and it was as good as it could be. A bit cold and dank today, but I hadn’t realized how much I missed watching them race, so it was great. Little dude picked up his first ever TAGS (Texas Age Group Swimming) Championship cut In the 50 fly too...he was crazy excited as he has watched his brother rack up awards and fast cuts, so he gets what an accomplishment that is.
 
watch four or five episodes of the YouTube videos called The Sessions which featured legendary drummers telling about their experiences and how much practice that they did.
 
In what sense does opening a food truck constitute retirement?

One bad thing about being a medic is that I am always a small injury away from a forced retirement. When my body says no more jumping out of helicopters, I probably won't be ready to stop everything.
 
Took one of the cars in for panel repair (sideswiped in a car park - no note left) and was told the loan car I booked wasn't available. It hadn't been returned by another customer. So, the Rav4 is in for repair, daughter has my Subaru Brumby (Brat) and I'm driving MILs automatic Corolla. Hope none of my friends see me...
 
Spent the weekend in Hocking Hills, OH. Beautiful fall colors. Had a good morning run on Saturday and then a few hikes on the numerous trails.IMG_0507.jpg
 
put winter tires on


Law in Quebec: certified winter tires required between Dec 1st & March 15th.. Which makes sense. But, sadly it is somewhat regarded as a gimmick:
  • To encourage you to buy winter tires: taxes & such for the added tires, and a chance for your local mechanic to "charge" you a tire installation fee when you go in for your winter tune up (typically an additional $20 added per wheel to put on (even if the tires are on rims). But if you're taking the wheel off to inspect the brakes...)
  • Since winter tires are 'law', many will by what is lawful, and then drive all summer on said winter tires.. And will drive them almost bald! which kinda defeats the purpose!
 
put winter tires on


Law in Quebec: certified winter tires required between Dec 1st & March 15th.. Which makes sense. But, sadly it is somewhat regarded as a gimmick:
  • To encourage you to buy winter tires: taxes & such for the added tires, and a chance for your local mechanic to "charge" you a tire installation fee when you go in for your winter tune up (typically an additional $20 added per wheel to put on (even if the tires are on rims). But if you're taking the wheel off to inspect the brakes...)
  • Since winter tires are 'law', many will by what is lawful, and then drive all summer on said winter tires.. And will drive them almost bald! which kinda defeats the purpose!
I grew up in Duluth, MN. Think of San Francisco with snow. Learned at a young age winter tires are your best friend. I live 65 miles south of Duluth in NW Wisconsin. Still lots of snow here. I have dedicated summer tires (mounted) and winter tires (mounted) and always put my winters on for the winter & take them off in the spring.

A good winter tire makes all the difference in the world for winter conditions. I'm out driving with no problems while even AWD SUV's are having a tough time of it. (Both my VW's are FWD.) I wish mandatory winter tire rules existed here.
 
I was stuck in Walmart in Chickasha, OK several years ago. 13" of snow closed the world, well at least OK. I was the only one with a shovel, dug out 33 vehicles and one ambulance. The biggest, baddest 4WD pickup and a beast of a Jeep, all had the baldest tires I had ever seen in my life.
 
The biggest, baddest 4WD pickup and a beast of a Jeep, all had the baldest tires I had ever seen in my life.

I've seen that a lot. And the people who have 4WD or AWD (do they even know the difference?!) and think they cannot / will not get stuck because of it.. The funniest is when they plow into someone on icy streets, forgetting that regardless of how many wheels are driven, 4 locked-up wheels on ice is 4 locked-up (and sliding) wheels, regardless.. "But I have 4-wheel drive..."

Forgetting basic high school physics: Priceless!!
 
I've seen that a lot. And the people who have 4WD or AWD (do they even know the difference?!) and think they cannot / will not get stuck because of it.. The funniest is when they plow into someone on icy streets, forgetting that regardless of how many wheels are driven, 4 locked-up wheels on ice is 4 locked-up (and sliding) wheels, regardless.. "But I have 4-wheel drive..."

Forgetting basic high school physics: Priceless!!
But that is what I am afraid of. I'm driving at night, lots of snow, big drifts, and one of those "I can't get stuck guys" gets stuck in a snow bank and then I plow right over them as I cannot stop 40 tons as fast as they did:(
 
Or he fails to stop at a T intersection and t-bones you. I witness that on an icy morning in central New Jersey, never mind the Frozen North™. I saw it coming as I drove along a two lane state route 18 southbound through New Brunswick. A street entered the highway coming downhill, and I just knew that car wasn't going to stop, and that other car wasn't going to get out of the way. I moved into the left lane, watched the accident, then pulled over past them to offer assistance. (This was before the cell phone age.)
 
That would be bad also. But all might live in that type of accident. If I drive over a vehicle in the semi, they are not going to make it. God forbid that would ever happen.
 
One thing I always do at the first snowfall, is go "shopping" after the stores close. then literally throw the car around the parking lot!! improves skills, works out any 'surprises', re-hones teh abilities, and its a heck-uv-a-lotta fun!!

too many people rely on the gimmicks & gadgets in their cars these days..
 
Today I went to my M.D. to get written 90-day prescriptions. As I am now legally an Olde Farte, my healthcare plan means I have to deal with Express Scripts.
:(
 
One thing I always do at the first snowfall, is go "shopping" after the stores close. then literally throw the car around the parking lot!! improves skills, works out any 'surprises', re-hones teh abilities, and its a heck-uv-a-lotta fun!!

too many people rely on the gimmicks & gadgets in their cars these days..
State Patrol reported over 300 accidents the day it snowed. My God, this is Minnesota and people forget what winter is like. They are complaining on the news that it got down to 10 degrees. Wait till it hits 43 below!
 
Back in '90 I did a ski instructors course in Whistler. I purchased a '78 Chevy in Calgary and drove it for ten weeks. BC, Alberta and down into Washington State too. Good snow tyres got me most places without sliding, and my skills, including risk management, kept me from hitting anything when it did slither a little. Serious cold too. Minus 40degC one night (-40degF). The V8 started well in the cold.
 
One thing I always do at the first snowfall, is go "shopping" after the stores close. then literally throw the car around the parking lot!! improves skills, works out any 'surprises', re-hones teh abilities, and its a heck-uv-a-lotta fun!!

too many people rely on the gimmicks & gadgets in their cars these days..
You to, eh? :)
 
One thing I always do at the first snowfall, is go "shopping" after the stores close. then literally throw the car around the parking lot!! improves skills, works out any 'surprises', re-hones teh abilities, and its a heck-uv-a-lotta fun!!

too many people rely on the gimmicks & gadgets in their cars these days..
@dr wogz Here's a good video about the difference between all season & winter tires on AWD SUVs.

 
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