Dead dog tired..making progress

[flash]

They do have a lot of stuff on them but I dont even know how to turn the damn things on ,Im sticking with my old flip phone as long as possible.

[Hank70SS]

...Got the cats and dogs fed, gave the old cat his medicine, got kitty-litter cleaned, got floor vacuumed, got the dogs dishes washed, made bacon and eggs for breakfast, did the stinkin dishes again, changed the sheets on the bed, have one load of laundry in the dryer and one in the washer...

You make one fine house b**** Tony. You don't need to hire anyone, you're awesome.

[Hank70SS]

They do have a lot of stuff on them but I dont even know how to turn the damn things on ,Im sticking with my old flip phone as long as possible.

I got a new phone a few weeks ago. Didn't really want to but was having problems with the old one. The new one is sooooo much better. Better reception for calls, faster access/downloads on the internet, great camera. I need good internet access when traveling and good reception for calls. Other than that it's just a toy but it's a pretty cool tool and does a lot of stuff.

[FlintTony]

You make one fine house b**** Tony. You don't need to hire anyone, you're awesome.


Anyone have any tips on how to get the streaks out of widows?

[Ray Barnes]

Use a squeegee, I make my own window cleaner. 4oz ammonia, 2oz alcohol, 3 drops of dish liquid and 20oz of water. Also cleans a lot of other things. When you live alone you learn to do everything. Well, almost everything.

[shadowgray396]

Old school was use newspaper instead of paper towers. The ink would keep the windows from streaking and give a nice shine.

[Ms Grumpy]

Ray I remember using newspaper when I was younger. But it doesn't seem to work as well now, they have probably changed the ink. It seems to leave what looks like greasy streaks. Maybe it is just me.

[Ms Grumpy]

And Tony when you have some free time I could put you to work at my house.
:)

[FlintTony]

Hmmm, those ideas sound better than the spit I've been using.


Mrs., I'll have to check the going rate for moppsy maids. I could use a little extra cash. Although I'd much rather be building Harley engines than doing domestic stuff.

[Hank70SS]

Use a squeegee, I make my own window cleaner. 4oz ammonia, 2oz alcohol, 3 drops of dish liquid and 20oz of water. Also cleans a lot of other things. When you live alone you learn to do everything. Well, almost everything.

He's alive! How you doing Ray? Going to be around this weekend? Maybe I'll stop by and see how your kitchen project turned out.

A little white vinegar, water and a new micro fiber cloth work pretty well.

[Ray Barnes]

He's alive! How you doing Ray? Going to be around this weekend? Maybe I'll stop by and see how your kitchen project turned out.

A little white vinegar, water and a new micro fiber cloth work pretty well.

I should be home.

[FlintTony]

The wife and I made a quick trip down to Florida last Friday. First time that she has seen the place. She likes it. Came back home Sunday night. I was going to stay and work for a couple of weeks, but her broken arm isn't letting her do everything here that has to be done. So now it looks like I won't get anything else done until the fall. Getting too hot down there. I don't see how you guys that live there tolerate the heat.
Some drunk bastard lost control of his car Saturday night and smashed into our power pole. Snapped it off about 8' in the air. Tore up the new sod at the road approach and gouged the concrete all up. The new gator has a clutch problem that won't let it shift when it warms up. The stinkin thing is 2 weeks out of warranty, but the Ocala John Deere dealer thinks he can get it covered. Had to get the fuel pump replaced on the 4x4 Ford van. 600 bucks for that. I could have done it for 200 if I had been there.

[FlintTony]

Some pictures of the yard and where the cows are living.
http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah238/tdw55madman/yard%208_zpshippxvk8.jpg (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/tdw55madman/media/yard%208_zpshippxvk8.jpg.html)

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah238/tdw55madman/yard%209_zps4l8khcrq.jpg (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/tdw55madman/media/yard%209_zps4l8khcrq.jpg.html)

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah238/tdw55madman/yard%207_zpsfacmqqxj.jpg (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/tdw55madman/media/yard%207_zpsfacmqqxj.jpg.html)

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah238/tdw55madman/yard%203_zpsfnvnjrol.jpg (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/tdw55madman/media/yard%203_zpsfnvnjrol.jpg.html)

[FlintTony]

The rest.

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah238/tdw55madman/yard%201_zpsspwjnyiv.jpg (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/tdw55madman/media/yard%201_zpsspwjnyiv.jpg.html)

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah238/tdw55madman/yard%206_zps69ubevea.jpg (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/tdw55madman/media/yard%206_zps69ubevea.jpg.html)

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah238/tdw55madman/yard%204_zpsd9lw0zmf.jpg (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/tdw55madman/media/yard%204_zpsd9lw0zmf.jpg.html)

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah238/tdw55madman/yard%205_zpse4sleuow.jpg (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/tdw55madman/media/yard%205_zpse4sleuow.jpg.html)

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah238/tdw55madman/yard%2010_zpseizkkewh.jpg (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/tdw55madman/media/yard%2010_zpseizkkewh.jpg.html)

[carpoor]

Tony, I'll take the heat and humidity over the cold and snow any day.

[flash]

Me too ,I hate SNOW .

[shadowgray396]

Place looks great.

[RBeckman]

Looking good my friend, is my room ready yet?

[flash]

Tony ,you have done an outstanding job on that place ,absolutely gorgeous .

[FlintTony]

Tony, I'll take the heat and humidity over the cold and snow any day.

I hope I can get used to the heat and humidity. I hate the snow, ice, cold, sleet, and everything about winter here anymore.

Ric, almost ready. I hope Les likes the colors.

Thanks Flash and Ray.

[carpoor]

When it's hot, you can cool off. Some of the cold I have experienced in the past took hours to warm up from. Plus your hands don't crack and bleed in the heat.

[Hank70SS]

Looking good my friend, is my room ready yet?


You should see the nice pad with full hookups he put in for our motorhome. Speaking of that, I'm going to need some minor changes Tony. We bought another motorhome, about 4' longer than the old one with 2 slide outs. I think the pad is long enough but we'll need the electric upgraded to 220v 50 amp. No rush, we can get by on 30 amp until you get to it.

[FlintTony]

All set already Hank. We put 200 amp service in the house and the shop. I have plenty of room for extra breakers.

[RBeckman]

That's good as I don't want to hear Hank running the generator while I'm in my wing of the house sleeping.

[Hank70SS]

That's good as I don't want to hear Hank running the generator while I'm in my wing of the house sleeping.

More likely it's Tony getting his coffee at 5 AM that you'll hear.

[FlintTony]

Went down for a couple of weeks and got more done. If all goes well, two more trips and the dive will be done. I have a final inspection on the big garage, should have a final on the house and attached garage in Feb.

Here's the long workbench.

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah238/tdw55madman/bench%20trip%2013_zpsmcriglhq.png (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/tdw55madman/media/bench%20trip%2013_zpsmcriglhq.png.html)

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah238/tdw55madman/bench%20trip%2012_zpsr45veei9.png (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/tdw55madman/media/bench%20trip%2012_zpsr45veei9.png.html)

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah238/tdw55madman/bench%20trip%2011_zpsroaio31p.png (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/tdw55madman/media/bench%20trip%2011_zpsroaio31p.png.html)

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah238/tdw55madman/bench%20trip%209_zpsh3isjxyz.png (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/tdw55madman/media/bench%20trip%209_zpsh3isjxyz.png.html)

[FlintTony]

Short bench, 16 foot, in my work area.

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah238/tdw55madman/bench%20trip%2010_zpsxxkr44kr.png (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/tdw55madman/media/bench%20trip%2010_zpsxxkr44kr.png.html)

Kitchen cabinets all done.
http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah238/tdw55madman/bench%20trip%208_zpsf8mbvajn.png (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/tdw55madman/media/bench%20trip%208_zpsf8mbvajn.png.html)

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah238/tdw55madman/bench%20trip%207_zpsrnafzrrq.png (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/tdw55madman/media/bench%20trip%207_zpsrnafzrrq.png.html)

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah238/tdw55madman/bench%20trip%205_zpsa9uzzopm.png (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/tdw55madman/media/bench%20trip%205_zpsa9uzzopm.png.html)

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah238/tdw55madman/bench%20trip%201_zpscr5agxdl.png (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/tdw55madman/media/bench%20trip%201_zpscr5agxdl.png.html)

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah238/tdw55madman/bench%20trip%206_zpsqbxzxq4j.png (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/tdw55madman/media/bench%20trip%206_zpsqbxzxq4j.png.html)

[FlintTony]

Couple of outside shots.
http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah238/tdw55madman/bench%20trip%202_zpswgo4itnq.png (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/tdw55madman/media/bench%20trip%202_zpswgo4itnq.png.html)

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah238/tdw55madman/bench%20trip%204_zpsu8dalbvc.png (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/tdw55madman/media/bench%20trip%204_zpsu8dalbvc.png.html)

[carpoor]

What a spread! You're doing a great job Tony.

[shadowgray396]

Very very nice

[chevymaher]

It is a very nice place you've put together.

[FlintTony]

Thanks guys. I'm pretty satisfied with the way it's coming together. I'll post a few more pictures when I get some time. Supposed to get 4-7 inches of snow tonight and tomorrow. Tractor is all ready to go. Just don't know if I am!

[RBeckman]

Looking good Tony, I can't wait to see my room.

[Hank70SS]

Awesome Tony, that's all I can say.

Looking good Tony, I can't wait to see my room.

The short workbench, that's your bed, bring your own pillow and blanket.

[FlintTony]

Awesome Tony, that's all I can say.



The short workbench, that's your bed, bring your own pillow and blanket.

I was thinking more along the lines of a bunk-bed on top of the office. You and Ric can fight over the top bunk.

[Hank70SS]

Ya, I see where you wouldn't want him taking up your workbench space.

[FlintTony]

I'm ready for carpet. Just got back again from a two week thrash. The place is looking pretty good. I have most of the shop done, along with everything in the house done except carpet. I'll be going back down there in a little less than a month to do a final cleaning before carpet installation. Hated to come back here to Michigan. Will post some pictures when I get caught up here at home. Man, lot of shit happens when I'm gone. More ash trees to cut down, and had a couple more blow over.

[Hank70SS]

What's Kathy been doing while you were gone? You mean she couldn't cut them trees down? You have a fireplace, ash is nice burning wood.

[FlintTony]

She pulled half a dozen or so stumps out to the lane. Makes it easier for me to get to them with the tractor. Her mother has had a bunch of doctors appointments. That keeps Kathy pretty busy. She has sewed up a couple of dozen coats for the shelter dogs. Made a really cute Santa's helper coat for one of the females. She has made over 200 coats so far. The shelter has sold a lot of them for big bucks. She has a big heart. The fireplace is gas, so no wood. Guy down the street heats his garage with wood, so I give most of the wood to him.

[FlintTony]

Well, for all that followed along, the end is near. I'll be down there next week to finish the dump up. Carpet goes in next Wednesday, Direct TV and internet goes in tomorrow, bought a new lazy-boy chair that will be delivered the 13th, bought a new queen bed that will be delivered the 14th and have big screen TV there already.. All appliances are in and operational. I'm going to fry me up some Spam for sandwich's, grab a bottle of Black Velvet, and have a good ole time!!

[flash]

Sounds like you are all set ,now just enjoy .

[Hank70SS]

Finally wrapping it up. You've put together quite a place Tony.

[RBeckman]

Congratulations Tony, I bet you can't wait to spend the cold winters down there instead of here.

[FlintTony]

Thanks guys. Yep, I'm ready to get the hell out of here.

[carpoor]

I'll be sure to bring you a bottle of black velvet and some ammo when you are ready to do some target shooting.

[FlintTony]

I'll be sure to bring you a bottle of black velvet and some ammo when you are ready to do some target shooting.


Hell yes !!!!! Now yer talkin!

How for are you away from Dunnellon?

[carpoor]

About 2-2.5 hours depending on traffic.

I mainly shoot .308 win and .45 acp, what's your drug of choice?

[FlintTony]

Up here, I have quite an assortment. Down there, all I have is a 22, 38, 45, and a 12 gauge. I'll be dragging a few more down there when I start driving instead of flying. It is really nice to step out of the garage or house down there and open fire. Here, we are restricted way too much.

[FlintTony]

Got my Certificate of Occupancy last Friday. Been living here since last Thursday. On my third phone and this POS won't send any emails. Man, it gets dark down here! There are noises that come from the woods and swamp that I have never heard before. Been organizing the shop and gettig shelves built. Weather is sooo much better than back in Michigan. Would like to spend the whole season down here.

[Hank70SS]

Got my Certificate of Occupancy last Friday. Been living here since last Thursday. On my third phone and this POS won't send any emails. Man, it gets dark down here! There are noises that come from the woods and swamp that I have never heard before. Been organizing the shop and gettig shelves built. Weather is sooo much better than back in Michigan. Would like to spend the whole season down here.

Good deal on the Certificate of Occupancy Tony. Enjoy the weather down there, it's 7* here right now.

[FlintTony]

I don't want to go back to Michigan. I'm down here by myself and I am absoutely enjoying it. I walk out the shop door and blast away at a target that I made. I go to the river and just set for a while. I walk through the woods and just stop and listen. I'm pretty well caught up on everything that I had to get done, and man does that feel good. The shop is getting closer to being all organized. Been looking for am American made parts washer, no luck so far. Got me a mail-box put up. Livin the dream!!!

[flash]

And its a whole bunch warmer and no snow .

[RBeckman]

Let's see what you are saying in July when it is 100 degrees and 100% humidity

[FlintTony]

Let's see what you are saying in July when it is 100 degrees and 100% humidity


In July, I'll be swimming in the pond at home in Michigan, saying "I feel sorry for those guys getting killed by the heat and humidity in Florida".

[RBeckman]

In July, I'll be swimming in the pond at home in Michigan, saying "I feel sorry for those guys getting killed by the heat and humidity in Florida".


Good Plan, living the dream. I'll be working supporting your lifestyle. Your welcome.

[carpoor]

Tony has turned "snowbird" on us.

[FlintTony]

Tony has turned "snowbird" on us.


From what I have learned down here so far, the locals HATE us 'birds. I've been checking into the "permanant resident" thing. Looks like the way to go. Wonder if the hate will still be there then?

[flash]

Let them hate if they have nothing better to do ,you will be fine .

[mestorod70]

The reasons for the anti bird sentiment are.
Them people up north dont know how to drive or too old to drive.
They vote for the democrats...and dont like guns.
And saying..that aint the way we do it up north constantly.

I think you should be fine in florida tony.

[FlintTony]

The reasons for the anti bird sentiment are.
Them people up north dont know how to drive or too old to drive.
They vote for the democrats...and dont like guns.
And saying..that aint the way we do it up north constantly.

I think you should be fine in florida tony.


Man, the old people are downright dangerous! They will drive at 15-20 mph below the speed limit on a two lane road. On a four lane, they get in both lanes and won't get near the speed limit. Traffic behind them is backed up forever. They pull out in front of you all the time, then do the slow driving thing. I surely understand why the locals hate them. Hell, I do too!

Yep, almost everyone that is from here has been brainwashed by their union to vote for the Demos. I don't like people that can't or won't think for themselves.

Guns are a different story for me. I love em!

I have heard that too! I've traveled and worked all over this Country. I'm a firm believer I that old saying "When in Rome, do as Romans do".

I have a 1995, 4x4 Ford Supervan that is jacked up quite a bit, has bigger tires and wheels on it than factory. The locals all love it! Everywhere I go in it, guys ask about it. Maybe the redneck in me will help make some friends down there.

[RBeckman]

Man, the old people are downright dangerous! They will drive at 15-20 mph below the speed limit on a two lane road. On a four lane, they get in both lanes and won't get near the speed limit. Traffic behind them is backed up forever. They pull out in front of you all the time, then do the slow driving thing. I surely understand why the locals hate them. Hell, I do too!

Yep, almost everyone that is from here has been brainwashed by their union to vote for the Demos. I don't like people that can't or won't think for themselves.

Guns are a different story for me. I love em!

I have heard that too! I've traveled and worked all over this Country. I'm a firm believer I that old saying "When in Rome, do as Romans do".

I have a 1995, 4x4 Ford Supervan that is jacked up quite a bit, has bigger tires and wheels on it than factory. The locals all love it! Everywhere I go in it, guys ask about it. Maybe the redneck in me will help make some friends down there.

Hey buddy, some people would say you are old...Not me though. Take the Nomad down there and show them what cool is.3770

[Hank70SS]

Good Plan, living the dream. I'll be working supporting your lifestyle. Your welcome.

And we do thank you.

Want to see crazy drivers, go to southern Fl. Of course most of those people learned to drive in a different country. Leave 5' between you and the next car and they will try to pull out into that space.

I was stopped at a light down there, 2 lanes, I was in the right lane. Car pulled out behind me from the right, trying to go into left lane. Ran right into the left rear corner of our car. I was dead stopped, she started from a dead stop, how hard is it to negotiate that turn. Of course she could only speak a couple of words of English.

[FlintTony]

OLD???? I'll show you old, you whippersnapper!!!!

PS.
How much longer can I depend on you staying on the job?

[FlintTony]

Let them hate if they have nothing better to do ,you will be fine .

I like your attitude John.

[RBeckman]

OLD???? I'll show you old, you whippersnapper!!!!

PS.
How much longer can I depend on you staying on the job?

Well I turn 60 this year so the count down has began...remember I'm not GM anymore since I left 28 years ago to go to Kelsey-Hayes (Now ZFTRW) and we don't have the pensions like GM and don't do early buyouts and the way the stock market hit us in 2008 it's been hell recovering from that mess.

I did talk to the government yesterday to see If I could just pay you and Hank and save the money by not going through middle man (Government) and they will get back to me. I was going to start you guys on profit sharing program.

[FlintTony]

Hey Ric, thanks for thinking about your OLD buddies. I just got off the phone with the Government Employee that I believe you spoke to. He gave me authorization to have your generous donations to Hank and my retirement funds sent directly to us. He thinks that is a fine idea, as it will save the Feds a small amount of paperwork and stamps monthly, and we all know how the Feds like to save your hard earned tax-dollars. No waste at all if possible.. You may start mailing both Hank and I a check in the amount of 2000 per month, beginning last month. I could just drive out to your place and pick it up once and a while, but please refrain from asking me to do this very often, as it could conceivably interrupt my nap time. Many thanks for thinking about us!

[Ms Grumpy]

It is funny hearing you talk about the slow drivers Tony. I held off as long as I could to have my son take his drivers ed class. Well now he has his permit and scares the crap out of me when I am driving with him. I make him drive the small Toyota and he is mad. He says all his friends drive trucks why can't he drive the Suburban. Duh..... You need to learn to drive a car before I let you behind the wheel of a truck. Funny thing is that it costs more to insure him on the 2003 Suburban than on a 2008 Toyota. I think it is because of the amount of damage he can do in the truck.

[RBeckman]

Hey Ric, thanks for thinking about your OLD buddies. I just got off the phone with the Government Employee that I believe you spoke to. He gave me authorization to have your generous donations to Hank and my retirement funds sent directly to us. He thinks that is a fine idea, as it will save the Feds a small amount of paperwork and stamps monthly, and we all know how the Feds like to save your hard earned tax-dollars. No waste at all if possible.. You may start mailing both Hank and I a check in the amount of 2000 per month, beginning last month. I could just drive out to your place and pick it up once and a while, but please refrain from asking me to do this very often, as it could conceivably interrupt my nap time. Many thanks for thinking about us!

I worked it all out with the Government employee(I think his name was Jimmy from Florida) and we worked out a deal where I will sent money to you and Hank direct. It will be mailed sometime during the month (I pick the date) and you will have to at the mail box the day it is delivered (Government requirement) and if you are not at the mailbox the money will come back to me as undeliverable and you forfeit that months handout. Sounds fair to me.

On another note, I talked to one of Obama team and they were telling me about this whole new program they are calling Obama Car to go along with the Obama phone and Obamacare where they will taking cars from others that have more than one and giving it to the people that don't. I told them about you and your cars and they thought you would be a good place to start and that the Nomad would be a good car for a single mother that has 5 kids from 5 fathers and they were excited that I gave them this information. I would be cool if you took off the "Mad Gasser logo" and replace it with " "Obama Car"

Also, I guess the IRS has some questions for you as well but I'll stay out of that.

Have a great day

[FlintTony]

Damn Ric, with friends like you, I should start looking for some "Jimmies" to hang around with.

[flash]

Are Ric and Jimmy brothers ? LOL

[FlintTony]

Are Ric and Jimmy brothers ? LOL

If not brothers, they at least have to be cousins.

[FlintTony]

I hope I can get used to the heat and humidity. I hate the snow, ice, cold, sleet, and everything about winter here anymore.

Ric, almost ready. I hope Les likes the colors.

Thanks Flash and Ray.


Got the heat and AC finished up in the big garage. I ended up with a split-system, four heads, all remote controlled Carrier stuff. That should make for a real comfortable setting now.

[RBeckman]

If not brothers, they at least have to be cousins.

If I have feelings, they might be hurt.

[FlintTony]

If I have feelings, they might be hurt.


Feelings? What the hell are they? Like when I smash my hand and it feels hurt?

[FlintTony]

Been down here for a couple of weeks. Third trip this Winter. Beautiful weather, going home to a foot of snow. I am really comfortable down here. I got another 1000 feet of fence done, 3 gates, put down 10 6" posts in the ground with the hand post hole diggers. I'll tell you whut, those things are hard on a 62 year old guy. Did all of it by myself. My Brother that usally helps me was in Michigan for a little over a week, so it was me alone here. The garage is a grat place to be. I do need more lighting over my work bench, so that will be the project when I come back down. Kathy and Andrea came down 3 weeks ago and bought most of the furniture, so the place is looking good. I got a few of the blinds hung, not all though because they lied about the delivery date. Livin the dream, have shot more firearms down here than I have at home in years.

[flash]

Sounds like you are having fun with a lot of work mixed in .

[carpoor]

Sounds great Tony, I am envious about the target shooting. I can't recall the last time I did that. (Several months ago I'd guess)

[FlintTony]

Yep, was having a great time. It's so neat to just open the door and start shooting. I sure have missed that. Got home and had to plow a foot of snow. I hate snow.

[FlintTony]

Hey all, just got home from a month down there. We went down for a 10 day trip, but ended up spending the whole month. Crummy weather here in Michigan was a good reason to stay. Man, I didn't want to come back.
We built a second floor in the garage, above the office, bathroom, and my work station. It's 10x 40, so it's like having another room. Built a staircase for it too.
Had a great time, until about 2AM Sunday. Smacked a big deer on I-75 in Sydney Ohio with the new van. I'll be surprised if the insurance company doesn't total it. Made for a long night and last couple of hundred miles getting home. I had a friend come pick me, the wife, 2 dogs, a cat and a ton of cargo up and bring us home.

[shadowgray396]

Glad you are aright. Sounds like the place coming right along.

[flash]

Sorry to hear about the van/deer collision but glad you all were not hurt .

[FlintTony]

Glad you are aright. Sounds like the place coming right along.


Thanks Ray. The place is pretty much done now. Only need to paint the exterior doors to the wifes color liking. I have the shop all set up for working. I have been looking for a good American made parts washer. Ouch. They want over a thousand bucks for the one at McMaster-Carr. It is the only all American one that I can find. May have to bite the bullet and get it.

[FlintTony]

Sorry to hear about the van/deer collision but glad you all were not hurt .

Thanks John. I have to start the process of dealing with Auto-Owners today. I want any repairs, if they don't total it, done here at home, not in Ohio. From what I have been told by the agent so far, I have to pay to get the Van back here or go get it myself. I would have thought the insurance co would cover that. We shall see. The I-75 interstate is ALL torn up in Ohio. I can't believe they tear up over 30 miles at a time. It would seem like a 5 mile stretch at a time would be a hell of a lot better. Going through Cincinnati is an absolute nightmare. Northern Ohio is just about impossible to drive with all the trucks hogging the lanes. The truck drivers of today are not the same caliber they were some years back. They are so inconsiderate, I don't see how a bunch of them don't get shot out there.
When we were gone, I had the County Sherriff's Dept, the local Township PD, the local Parks Dept, and some of my neighbors keep an eye on my place. Had the alarms set and we have some cameras that we can watch on the phone and computer. I'm real gun-shy after the criminals broke in and stole my shit. Anyways, today I am making donut runs to a few places as a show of thanks. We were able to see the cops checking things out on the phone and computer. The flashlights would send an alert. Some of this techno-shit is pretty cool.
The battery was low in my 2012 Chevy pickup. Original one, so it looks like it needs replaced now. So far that's the only thing I've found after being gone a month. Not too bad.

[Hank70SS]

Insurance companies only want to tow a vehicle to the closest qualified repair facility. Beyond that you get to pay. Can you get it on a car hauler trailer?

I absolutely hate driving through Ohio, especially Dayton and Cinci. It's a little farther but we take I-69 to Indianapolis then I-65 south. Less truck traffic than I-75 and I don't have to drive a motorhome towing a car through Cinci or Atlanta.

Hey, you have to disconnect the battery if you're going to leave it for that long. All the electronics in newer vehicles will drain the battery in a month. I tried using a 2 amp battery maintainer on our 2013 car. After awhile it would say defective battery because of all the drain. Had to disconnect the battery then hook up the battery maintainer and all was good.

[FlintTony]

Hey Hank, You are correct on the towing. I'm waiting to hear from the adjuster on the body shop where the van is now. They have been in business for 60 years, so that is a good sign. They also use only genuine GM parts. One thing that really concerns me is the 4 wheel drive set-up. The display showed something about it being broken. Also it overheated the engine getting if off the highway.

When you take 65 south, where do you get back on 75? I wiil try something different in the fall when we go back down.

I didn't think that a month on the battery would drain it. We don't disconnect battery on the new Camaro all winter and it starts right up. Same with Kathy's Cadillac SUV thing. It started right up yesterday. I was thinking that because the truck is 4 years old now, it is time for a new battery?

[carpoor]

Those pesky deer! That's similar to how my old truck met it's demise.

Glad you are OK.

[RBeckman]

Is this the van you are still driving? I thought they told you not to drive that around town anymore.

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Glad you guys are ok and you are enjoying the new digs.

[Hank70SS]

Tony, you can take I-65 to Nashville then I-74 to Chattanooga and pick up I-75 there. We stay on I-65 all the way to Montgomery, Al. Then US 231 through Dothan, Al. and down to I-10. When going all the way to south of Miami it adds around 100 miles to a 1400 mile trip. In the motorhome towing a car it just seems to be a nicer route and worth the 100 miles. In a car, well that's different. All I can say is try it once and see what you think.

You can also take I-77 from OH, through the mountains in West Virginia. Nice ride in a car but not a motorhome. It also puts you on the east side of Fl on I-95. Not so good if you're going to Ocala.

[FlintTony]

I'll look into that route Hank. I'm going to try and figure out a way around Atlanta too. Thanks.

[flash]

I285 will take you round and round and round Atlanta ,dont think thats what you had in mind . No good way around Atlanta that I know of ,just try to pass through real late ,like 2 AM .Atlanta traffic sux and Im going there tomorrow and Thursday for Dr visits .

[FlintTony]

John, my brother travels to and through Atlanta a lot. He says the bypass is just as bad as 75, so I haven't tried that route. Good luck at the Docs.

[Hank70SS]

If you stay on I-65 to Montgomery you won't go anywhere near Atlanta. You can continue on I-65 to I-10 in the panhandle or take US 231 south-east to I-10. US231 is a 2 and 4 lane highway through rural areas and a few smaller cities, towns. I like that portion of the trip. Different scenery and most of it has very little traffic, a very relaxing drive compared to the interstate. A little slower than the interstate but I can't go 80 in the motorhome anyway.

[flash]

Nothing in the Atlanta area for roads is good especially with the road construction from I 575 on to I 75 and i285 is truck clogged all the time .Going thru Alabama is definitely your best bet around Atlanta .

[FlintTony]

Thanks guys. I'll give that route a try next time I go down there.

[FlintTony]

Well, I've been down here for a week. I drove I75 again, but changed my plan of attack. Left at 8 am and drove until just inside the Georgia border. Slept in the van until around 2 AM, then headed out. Hit Atlanta around 3:30,was hardly any traffic. Best trip through Atlanta ever. I don't like night driving, but it wasn't THAT bad. All I did was run over a dead deer, unlike my last trip where I smacked the one on I75 in Ohio at about 73 MPH.

I bought some more property that is connected to mine. Have a total of 33 acres here now. Weather has been great. Got everything brush-hogged down that needed it. Have a batch of cows coming this morning. Can't wait to see how the dogs are going to react to them.

Hope to spend the whole Winter down here.

[chevymaher]

You past within 5 miles of my house. I am near the I 275 75 interchange in ky.

[carpoor]

Glad to know that you are enjoying the fruits of your labor Tony.

[shadowgray396]

Enjoy your time there.

[FlintTony]

You past within 5 miles of my house. I am near the I 275 75 interchange in ky.

If I ever go back to Michigan, I'll honk and holler at ya when I go trough there!

[FlintTony]

Thanks guys. I REALLY am liking it down here. There are a million things that I want to get done, and I'm not in any hurry to get them done. From here on in, it's only about making the place better.

The guy brought two cows over yesterday morning. We stayed with them for a half hour or so, then went to his ranch about a half mile away. The damn cows jumped the fence and went back home!

[Hank70SS]

Thanks guys. I REALLY am liking it down here. There are a million things that I want to get done, and I'm not in any hurry to get them done. From here on in, it's only about making the place better.

The guy brought two cows over yesterday morning. We stayed with them for a half hour or so, then went to his ranch about a half mile away. The damn cows jumped the fence and went back home!

We all know fences don't work, you need to put up a wall!

Glad you're enjoying the place. I'm stuck here cleaning up leaves. Been working on it for days and still not done.

[RBeckman]

I'm really glad my friends are happy while I'm back here in Michigan working and paying for all the entitlements that you all enjoy.

On the bright side we got our Jeep back from SEMA today that has the Hell Cat motor in it that we put all of our new Jeep product on and I got to drive it...all I can say is WOW what a ride. It's for sale for 100k if anyone is looking for a new ride.

Here is a pick. WWW.buywebasto.com. And some jeep products if anyone is looking.

[FlintTony]

Ric, tell me about that Jeep. I can't see the picture, there is a page full of ads.Can you show just a picture?

And keep up the good work. I need to buy more fence and gates.

[RBeckman]

Here are both Jeeps we took to SEMA, they both have Hemi's with the green one have a the Hell Cat Hemi. We bought them and had nothing but the best put on both of them for SEMA and our marketing campaign on out new Jeep aftermarket line. I can't remember if I told you but I retired from TRW and now work for a company called WEBASTO Thermo and comfort division where we supply heating cooling systems and electric sunroofs for the aftermarket and now into Jeep Aftermarket. It is based in here in Fenton. The ads you were seeing was our online Catalog and the people in the ads I work with. I'm thinking of buying a Jeep now so when I retire full time I have a fun vehicle for Arizonia.

4031

[FlintTony]

Jeeps look mean. Did you go to SEMA?

[RBeckman]

Not this year, I don't know the product line up yet. I went the last 2 years for TRW and it's a lot of work but a lot of fun. I will be there again next year for Webasto.

[Hank70SS]

So we stopped at Tony's on the way down here. Spent a nice day with him and Kathy. They've got quite a spread. You've seen all the pics, well it looks that good and even better in person. Tony took us for a tour of the property on his quad. He's cleared trails all around the place. Very interesting, cypress swamp, higher ground, a little bit of everything. He's cleared a nice spot on the river bank. Nice place to just sit, maybe throw a line in the water. So anyway, it's quite impressive.

Tony, Kathy, thanks for the hospitality. It was good seeing you two.

[FlintTony]

Glad you were here Hank. I even got Hank to help dig some of the palmetto roots out of the ground. Now I'm on a mission to kill all this miserable poison ivy. That shit is everywhere. I couldn't see it when it was dormant, but man, it's like a horror movie now. Almost every tree along the river and almost every tree in the swamp has it. Looks like it's going to be a long fight.

[FlintTony]

Hey Hank, I hit a major goal yesterday. I have ALL the palmetto roots dug up from the bullet trap to the north fence. Every day I have spent at least two hours digging and cutting since you were here. The guy down the road has enough firewood to last him for a long time now. The roots will burn for a long time. We had some in the campfire that burned for two days. I've also got all the trees cut down for the additional fencing. I'm a little over 20 pounds lighter that I was when I got down here.

[Hank70SS]

Tony, you're a mad man! Guys, let me tell you, Tony get's something going and there's no stopping him until it's done. Ric knows what I mean. He had a large area with palmetto roots every where. 7 am he's out there with a reciprocating saw and shovel cutting them and digging them up. I can't believe all the work he's done there. Clearing property, cutting trails through the woods, putting up fencing for the cows. BTW, had any more cows escape? Get the poison ivy under control? You need to sit down and enjoy what you have there Tony.

[FlintTony]

No more escapes. Kathy has the cows eating from her hands, they follow her around when she is near the pasture. I'm putting a whoopin on the poison ivy. I'll never get it all, but the trail through the swamp, the river trail and river bank are getting hit hard. We have another 50 feet or so of the river bank cleared out now and the whole point at the trails end too. You can see the bend in the river both ways now. Kathy painted some lounge chairs camo, so we can leave them at the river.

I'll sit down next year. At the rate I'm getting old, I gotta keep working so I don't seize up.

[FlintTony]

Well, I'm back in Michigan. From the day that I started this project, I couldn't wait to spend a full winter down there in Florida. I will never spend another winter in Michigan again. I hope that I never see snow again. We spent 5 months down there. This winter went by faster than I can believe.

Back here in Michigan, I have a ton of work to get done. My 7 foot tall wooden fence has 4 posts snapped off at the ground, the whole property is covered in downed tree branches, and there are at least 10 ash trees blown down or up-rooted. Everything in the garage is still here, no break ins. The guy that used my tractor all winter to plow snow does not take care of machinery like I do. I have to go over it pretty good now.

The battery in the pick-up finally gave up. Now I did something to the anti-theft engine security thing on the new-fangled piece of shit. I kept trying to get it started, the lights keep flashing the horn kept honking, and something in the dash display kept flashing "service engine theft system"? Now it will do absolutely nothing when I put the key in it . From what I found on the internet, I have to somehow re-set the password. I was too tired to look into it yesterday. I had a total of 4 hours sleep in the last 48 hours. I was dragging ass!

The drive home was brutal. Spent hours sitting on the expressways. People are so stupid, they should not be allowed behind the steering wheel. I need to get me an airplane.

[Hank70SS]

We're back in Michigan too. Got home yesterday afternoon. No trees down but lots of branches. A couple of neighbors lost some trees. I disconnected the battery on the car that stayed here and put it on a maintainer. Got what we needed out of the motorhome yesterday and that was it. Four days of driving it, towing a car, I was exhausted. The stupid people Tony mentioned don't make it easy.