GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project~”

[Grizz1963]

Managed a 3.7 km walk over the farm with Tom, my new lodger of 6 weeks, he was going stir crazy, stuck indoors.

Using Map my Walk, makes it easy to track your own moves. The challenge is to create pictures.....

I made a noose yesterday.... COVID 19 tightening around our necks.

Bugggerr, I am so unfit. Lovely day out on the farm.

COVID- 19 beard growing.








From Dennis in St Louis, a new family member.

Meet Archer.





Not too big.



And with Dennis......



Stay safe out there people.

Stay at home.

Keep your distance.


.

[Grizz1963]

SOCIAL DISTANCING



ISOLATION



ALONE



SOLO



Been staying in touch with our man Andy in Tulsa, Oklahoma


He is looking after his health, staying alone, avoiding potential infections.


At over 70 years of age, his risk is increased.


Today he was making hay.


Maybe too soon though.








Dodge was not able.


Dodge and FJ together failed.





Up to the plate stepped a 72 year old.......


Ready to save the day.


Pushing and pulling






Hero of the day.





It was a good day for Andy.

[68Timber]

Hard to believe it's only 72. My grandfather had an IH Farm-all 200 that looked very similar except the two front wheels were under the nose.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by 68Timber

Hard to believe it's only 72. My grandfather had an IH Farm-all 200 that looked very similar except the two front wheels were under the nose.

Love those, my uncle had one on the farm about 50 years ago when we were kids.

Still love the design and look of them..


Some random COVID 19 stuff done this week, outside of work.

Cut the lawn, and noticed just how bad my driveway looks....



Big difference.



Amazed how mossy the house walls were too.

Overdue for paint, since I did it in 2012 whenmI was unemployed.



Quick break for a coffee inbetween, dirty feet, thanks to back spray.



Cutting the edges in.

Every paver has to be individually done. Kills time, kills your back, shoulders and even your hands on the trigger.



Job done from side gate to street, took two days, paving still drying out.



Sunset......

[Grizz1963]

Right...

Happy times in the Randomness posted thread.

COVID 19 meals.....

Went shopping for mainly fruit and vegetables yesterday.

My shopping preference lies with the Turkish fruit and vegetable and general dealer as their prices and quality beats and rivals mainstream shops.

Had told Sally she could have a small BBQ as a reward for still working despite lockdown.

She actually has a 4 day weekend as their hours and demand has reduced somewhat recently.

So while in the Turkish shop, I got these with a plan in mind.



And some of these.



Nice size.



Making the Kebabs, they were covered in canon and Sweet Thai chilli sauce.

Red onion. Tomatoes, apricots, mushrooms, prawns



Also made a flat chicken



Fire to start with.





Chicken flipping.



Served up.

Also lamb Konte patties.

[Grizz1963]

So Sunday Sally came around again, we are doing the separation thing fully, frustratedly.

We had decided to rest on Sunday which led to a 5 mile or 8 km walk over the farm, down to the edge of the Thames river.

Some Irisis on the way.



Shipping carrying on, up the river.



Down on the tidal wall, Sally saw some friends based on their profiles.....

Note the distance being kept, some sensibility maintained.

River tide was mostly out.



Loads of driftwood on the bank, including this long board, worn away over time, leaving a lovely pattern, I really wanted it.







We picked up loads of glass and some other bits, including a lump of driftwood for Sally’s garden, and a construction helmet, that seemed brand new.



Sally’s treasures, glass will be part of a wind chime mobile.



Our route.

[Grizz1963]

BUGGERRRRR !!!

Tried to start the Galaxy..... Needed food.


KZZZZZZZZ...Pffft

KZZZZZZ...Pfffft

KZZZZZZ. KZZZZZ KZZZZZ

Kzzzz... Pfffft


Being stood so long now with COVID 19, another casualty.

I knew the battery was fragile.




.

[Grizz1963]

Considering this COVID-19 thing has turned our lives into a Groundhog Day from hell, some more of the same.

Sunday

Started part 2 of paving cleaning, moving the house firewood box and other items away, its amazing how long prep, clean and clean again takes.





Eventually by 15.30 only that bit left to get to.



Done.



Bad lighting, still wet in places, but job done for part two.



Next up over next weekend will be the driveway strips and down at the garage which is a real mess.

Sally came to visit to weed my garden bed and dust the living room, and as usual, hard as it is, we managed to keep our distance, sensibly.

I cooked Cajun chicken thighs and veggies.

Assisted by Brandy and Pepsi Max, I thought I had earned it.









Chatting with Dennis, who is still working, he sent pics of Hunter the new pup at around 10.00 USA time.



Seems everything was still very quiet after the previous days quad and three wheeler party.....

Beer won.



So life goes on, just with a bit more thought and social distancing.

Plan churning in my head as to how to get that long wooden plank the 4km from sea level at the Thames river, back to my home.

.

[flashed]

Hey Rian , a trick I use with my pressure washer handle with extended use is to use a plastic Zip Tie just tight enough to hold the trigger while washing but can easily slide back when you need to stop . I swear by it .

[68Timber]

Agreed. The wood needs saving. Nice work pressure washing.

[tvblazer78]

I feel like I know you after reading this long post. lol But I loved it. This is my first post in years like 8 or 9 year. I know John 68timber would know.

Also thank yo for showing us the gas station that think is so cool. Now I will build that one day, was going to do a old store front but I like the Gas pumps out front. Any more pics of that? inside?

Thanks,
Travis

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by flashed

Hey Rian , a trick I use with my pressure washer handle with extended use is to use a plastic Zip Tie just tight enough to hold the trigger while washing but can easily slide back when you need to stop . I swear by it .

Thanks John, good plan.

Originally Posted by 68Timber

Agreed. The wood needs saving. Nice work pressure washing.

Thanks re pressure cleaning, happy so far.

And yes, I want the wood.

Originally Posted by tvblazer78

I feel like I know you after reading this long post. lol But I loved it. This is my first post in years like 8 or 9 year. I know John 68timber would know.

Also thank yo for showing us the gas station that think is so cool. Now I will build that one day, was going to do a old store front but I like the Gas pumps out front. Any more pics of that? inside?

Thanks,
Travis

Thank you for the reply and comments Travis,

Interior is “full of stuff” but cannot be completed because Dennis needs to buy a load of hardwood flooring to lay down.

[Grizz1963]

Knowing how many of us like weird or slightly different things.

Not sure if I should add this one here.

Ford Transit Connect, launched 2002-ish in the UK.

Mate Tim likes them and is hoping to bring the Connect 6 he is building to the rescheduled gathering at Goodwood in July.

Previous creations include a Subaru Brat

https://forum.retro-rides.org/thread...r-spots-fitted

And a Chevy C10 camper.

https://forum.retro-rides.org/thread...camper-special

So when a 2002 Connect passed his radar.......

A plan was hatched.

Few random pics from Tim, in case people are interested in more.

Alongside his V12 XJS future project.
















His daily is a 2007 with a chunk of older Connect converted to a trailer for camping.

Thought it may be interesting.

[tvblazer78]

Originally Posted by Grizz1963

Thanks John, good plan.



Thanks re pressure cleaning, happy so far.

And yes, I want the wood.



Thank you for the reply and comments Travis,

Interior is “full of stuff” but cannot be completed because Dennis needs to buy a load of hardwood flooring to lay down.

I have two customers that are sawmills. But I am in east TN..

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by tvblazer78

I have two customers that are sawmills. But I am in east TN..

You never know.

Dennis could hook a trailer if the price was right.


Hell, we could make a trip out of it when I am over there again.


Went for a quick 2 mile walk on Monday.



How fresh do you like your asparagus



Mate Steve asked me what retirement would feel like.

His day.



Paving cleaned twice.



I am so bloody tired of cleaning paving, unfortunately my place has a lot to do.

One more section left to do, down at the garage. Needs some stuff to be moved though.



Grubby down there.





Had some “FREE TIME” from work today between training sessions.... sick and tired of this now.

Went to Sally’s place in the Galaxy and cleaned her patio, walkway and also the alley behind her place.





One more meeting 5.00 to 5.45 then close up shop till tomorrow morning.

Sally was awarded some beers at work for being employee of the week last week, I did get to share in her win.

Corona’d




.

[Grizz1963]

Pioneer woman statue, Ponca City, Oklahoma.

Friend Andy sent this very topical warning to all who pass it.

I have driven past it a few times before COVID 19.




In other news, Dennis delivered his 66 C10 NASCAR truck yesterday to the race Car prep shop, for the roll cage to be fully welded in.

Based on one of these.......





The guys were blown away of course, Dennis being who he is, had never told them he was building this mad thing.

The motor he has fitted was Dyno tested at 850bhp



Looking forward to this coming together.

[Grizz1963]

A few more random than usual pics.


My brother lives in South Africa and since lockdown they have not been able to buy alcohol or tobacco.

Cue his son who lives with him, and used to be a chef and barman plus social club manager years ago....

Yeast, oranges and some sugar for good measure.

Spare bathroom used for Washing machine and tumble drier only (excuse colour choices, not his) pulled into service.

More large on trainers also quietly brewing away.


“Kicks like a mule”





I went food shopping on Sunday, 9 days after previous Friday and saw this beauty.



On the way back, this was the road works sign, covered in the rainbow and Support the National Health Service.

Nice sentiment, and one I always include all and any front line workers who continue to work. In order for the rest of us to be able to carry on away from normal routines.



It has been interesting watching Mickey next door and Sam, two hoses to the other side, get on with jobs on both properties and helping each other, we all look out for each other, and Mickey at 75 post bowel cancer less than six months ago all keeping their distance.

Break in proceedings.




More later.

Online meeting now.

[Grizz1963]

Ongoing saga of cleaning my massive expanse of paving was drawing to a close.

But loads of obstructions in front of the garage to move.





Before starting that job, hedges.... spring comes and you can hear them grow.





Clean up hedge cuttings etc.

Got started in the back corner. Caravan shed was clean when parked there.



Stopped at that point, late Friday afternoon.

Saturday morning was chilly and I was so desperate to just walk away.....

Add in the spray and a gentle air movement with minimal movement myself, and it gets chilly.



Sally stopped by on her way to shops and made me a welcome coffee, then scooted off again.



Amazing how mossy and grubby the paving gets in a year.

And keep in mind, you need to clean the stones on all aspects of the bevelling in order to get a decent finish.

Plus clear the debris every 600mm or 24inches.



End in sight.




.

[Grizz1963]

And pressure cleaning job done.

Knackered.



Next job here would be brushing kiln dried sand into all the grooves and joins opened by the pressure cleaning.



But before that.......

Lifting, repairing, relaying and grouting over at Sally’s place.

I got to realise how knackered my hips, back nd various other joints are.



So much damage.



Also put up a few items I made for her in the garden.





And cross cast at Andy Martins place in Oklahoma last year.

Then back to my place late afternoon to start the sanding of the paving, before it turns and rains as it needs to be very dry.

Handy assistant, many hands make light work.



Lawn needs a cut, desperately.





.

[Grizz1963]

Interesting post storm Cloud formation from Tulsa today.




Fake smile, I had to just get out and go for a walk today.

Beard must come off soon too.

Needing change now.



At least the flowers were good along the way.



And a nice sunset.



.

[Grizz1963]

Weekend almost over.....

Went to Sally’s place to check up how the grouting held up after the rain this week.

All good.

Went inside and found Sally busy making bunting for a friend.



My young friend @PaulY sent me a pic yesterday.....





Been a while, but Stas and his family are well in Siberia.

Been in isolation like everyone else.

Yesterday they worked on the grounds around the block of flats they live in.

Garden beds, flowers, trees, shrubs etc planted and prepped.





Today Stas was going to paint the parking space lines on their estate,



Afterwards, a shower and a beer.




Followed by a walk with his family.

And a “Sakura” moment with Katya.




In the mean time, Stas and his family carry on regardless


.

[Grizz1963]

COVID 19 has no real benefit for anyone.

For me, working from home means up to 5 Teams, Zoom etc meetings per day, some up to three hours long, followed by tests, exams, validations, and tasks.

Also a load of online training and tests......

Stuck mostly indoors sucks for someone like me who is used to working away from home.


However, some jobs can be fitted in, between those others that pays the mortgage.


So after cutting down the Leylandi conifer that broke the wall, I tried to pull the two very long Red Robin trees up and away from the drive.

I failed, so cut them back, leaving enough to start new shaped growth.





Part of the reason for changing the back is to rebuild the wall, but also a longer term plan is a 6x6 meter carport in front of the garage that will be done up to look like a 50’s garage forecourt
There needs to be a support post for the main I-beam to run from the garage outward.

Hope this makes sense.

Wall to be pushed back on the left by 400mm reducing to zero when it joins the existing footprint to the right.

Galvanised post to be put in place for future reference.



After that, I decided to use my Galaxy tow bar chainsaw to remove another tree that has irked me for a few years.



The killedtree is being replaced with a pot plant that needs a new home.



Behind the garage my fruit trees were dwarfed by weeds, so clearing up that strip of land was next up.

The Fig tree seems really eager to prove its worth this year.



Apple, pear and plum trees are looking good, pile of scrap steel less so.



Also cleared up behind my 86 year old neighbours place and cut her hedge.





Neighbour Sam has also used this period to sort a gym for his kids and create some garden beds.

Mickey as always on hand to help and supervise.




And still the odd jobs kept presenting themselves......


.

[Grizz1963]

More Covid craziness

Since moving here 10 years ago, I have disliked this very thorny shrub at the front door.



Time to make a change then.

Local nursery got £24.00 out of me. So watch this space.



Multiple other odd jobs seemed to join the list every time I turned my head the other way.

So one of the jobs was to clear the new from last year, deck of all the potplants,

This guy was earmarked for the space where I pulled out the conifer with the Galaxy.



So a hole was due to be dug where the tree got pulled out.

Roots are a problem, but a home made sharp axe on a 5 foot length of scaffolding pole meant deep reach and quick work.









Done.



Out back, the Fig tree seems happy.



Not a great pic, taken from the kitchen, but a total of 50p for 4 solar lights has to be a bargain, thanks Sally.



Roll on summer.

.

[Grizz1963]

TITS.......

Blue Tits.

They come every year.

Without Harley, they have a better chance.

Saturday.







Was looking for a cheap cement mixer to buy on FB Marketplace and saw a pair of Butler sinks for cheap.

I used to have a pair but gave them to mate @Jabbo iirc.

Pounced, fetched and brought home.

Galaxy to the rescue.



In place, herbs to go in next.



Another weekend job the Galaxy stepped up for was scavenging for brick pavers up at the farm, followed by taking them to Sallys place where some were put to use as potplant stands, and also creating little surrounds for shrubs.

Perfect builders van.







Some cement and pavers laid on it, then cemented down from the sides as well. It is not load bearing.



Done first one.



And still it was not over.

.

[Grizz1963]

After doing Sallys garden bits, we went for a walk, taking some tools, including a golf pull along caddy and some ratchet straps.

Proceeded to walk to the Thames river to see if that lovely 15 foot plus board was still there, we knew there had been a super high tide in the mean time, but hope springs eternal.




Real decent social distancing. Looking toward London.



Brought a bit of wood back as a consolation, for my garden.



Of course life goes on for others, and mate Bryan @MrTiki had repainted the wheels on his ever changing Imp.



And he also carved another winner of a Tiki.



Back home for a sandwich before carrying on with more work outside, this guy had made himself comfortable in the lounge.

I am 100% not bothered, his presence means there is work for him.



Great weather again




.