Spring is getting closer, although we had snow (mixed with rain) yesterday. Forecast is to hit low 60’s by the end of the week. A robin family has decided to stay, and geese are on the move along the Colorado River. I have decided it’s time to look toward Spring and get some work done on a few of my toys.
I put a new front tire on the motorcycle. To do this I had to pull the front brakes, and inspection revealed the brake pads need replacement. I now need to check the rear pads and see if they need to be replaced as well. Other than that, plus the regular oil / filter change and general cleaning, I should be good to go. I’ll order the pads shortly and add the replacement to my “to do” list.
“The Griz” (ATV) has received a winch mount. I had picked up a cheap 12-volt winch a couple years ago that I used to load stuff in the trailer, and plan to put it on the ATV. Not that I expect to be stuck a lot, but I think we’ll be using it on the Sanderling lot to move logs, rocks, and perform other utility work. I’ll have a few photos of this after I get the work done. Installation is another item on my “to do” list.
Not really a toy,* but we have added a dump cart to our inventory. It can be pulled by either the 8N tractor or the ATV. Getting this cart now was Pam’s suggestion; I had been checking out various carts for the last year or so. We had received a 10 percent off coupon and decided to apply it to the cart purchase. Saved $30.00. The intended use is on the lot for moving rocks, wood, dirt, and landscape material.
Manual for our new dump cart.
Here is a shot of the cart loaded up at Tractor Supply Company and ready for the trip home:
Bringing home the dump cart
I am sure I’ll have photos of the cart in use before very long.
We’re planning a trip to Boise, Idaho in late April. Daughter Felicity is singing at a Sweet Adeline convention in Boise and we plan to meet her there. Pam has made our hotel reservations at a dog-friendly Motel 6 as we will take all 3 on the trip. We may visit the Snake River area while Felicity is occupied with her convention responsibilities, so the trip will be dual-purpose — family and scenery.
The days are getting a bit warmer, some grass is turning green, and our tulips are starting to poke up. Spring must be near. I have not packed up the snowmobile yet, though, as Grand Mesa just received another 8 – 16 inches of fresh snow yesterday. I hope to get in another ride or two before the season ends. Last Saturday I took a back-woods trip along a marked but little-used trail. Happened to meet up with a couple of guys I know out of Grand Junction, so was not riding alone in the back country. Riding solo I would have stayed on well-traveled groomed trails.
Back-country travel is fun. One gets into territory seldom visited and the snow conditions are great. You have seen those pictures of a skier coming down a hill with only his tracks doing “S” turns in new powder? You can do something similar on a snowmobile… 🙂
That’s it for now. Thanks for looking in!
Pam’s two cents worth:
* Really, the new dump cart is not another Jerry toy?
Elinor, remember to give Pat our phone number “just in case.”
The “2-cents, toy” comment reminds me of the previous “Pam tumble on land” photo. Definitely not a toy if it prevents a tumble & injury, not to mention all the lift/carry effort.
Noted the cart’s spec sheet & “assembly” PDF — nice to see it was pre-assembled. The foot-latch, dump feature should come in handy, though lifting heavy rocks into the cart could be a “challenge”.
Enjoy your back-country time as you can — the warming weather means a lot of “land work”.
Good to hear that Spring is near, at least for you.
Locally, below-average temperatures remain consistent — predicted by forecasters (and the Farmer’s Almanac), but disappointing after last year’s “80’s in March”.
Within another rain/snow/sleet multi-day event, at present — really getting sick of winter!
I don’t believe any perennials have even considered poking their heads through the ice around here. And yeah, as L said it rained/sleeted/snowed today. No spring feeling around here AT ALL.
Love a good dumper thingie. Like a propelled wheel barrow and something you can’t do without. Lots of hauling to be done with that… seems like a great investment.
I believe one could argue that anything made as a small reproduction (aka TOY you find boxed on shelves) could be classified as a big-boy toy. But, then again, that would make pots/pans, dishes, microwaves, etc “toys” too, wouldn’t it? Hmmm… regardless, good you have hauling help. I think it will make your clearing projects lots easier.
Anxiously waiting to hear driveway news and progress!
SO jealous of your spring!!
send it this way!!
we are hovering around record lows!!
I packed up the snow boots Sunday and woke up Monday to surprise snow.
Now it’s just bitter and cold with negative windchill temps.
The new cart looks very practical. Such fun 😉
Your Felicity event sounds lovely!
Can either of you sing?