norseofcourse's journal - spring and show update

[norseofcourse]

Can't the hubster or maybe another family member take care of it? I mean a plumber is gonna cost a first born child with tip... Replacing the valves is now as easy as cutting the pipe below the corrosion and using a new ball valve with "shark bite" fitting. Just run some sand paper around the top of the cut pipe to clean it up/score the surface, then "push" the new fitting on. That's what I did when I had to replace my kitchen sink faucet a month or so back. You might have to get some longer "braided" connection lines to hook it from the fitting to the (new) faucet. Unscrewing the faucet from underneath is for a contortionist, but it's not technically difficult... pop the old one out, pop the new one in and tighten the fitting nuts down and good to go.

Unfortunately no hubster... I do a lot of stuff myself, but for something like this I'd rather pay someone who knows exactly what he's doing, so it's done right the first time, and a lot faster than I'd be able to do it. Besides, there are spiders downstairs...

I got a single-stalk faucet (I like them) with a wide base plate that covers all 3 holes. The one that broke was that type, too, but it was Moen and I went with Delta. Didn't get the exact type I wanted, it isn't carried in store, and would have taken several days to get, so I got my next choice.

I've read about the shark bite fittings and PEX, I might try something like that eventually, on something I can reach more easily.

Next fun thing (which actually happened before the faucet broke), is the attached garage. Hit the button on the remote last week, and the door didn't open. Checked the battery - fine. Checked the breakers - fine. Now, there's a problem. There is no door between the house and the garage. There is a window. Hate breaking into my own house, but the options are a bit limited...

And the reason I needed to get into the garage: the (landline) phone wire goes from the outside box, through the garage, into the basement and up to the phone. I've had increasing static on the line that I thought was my phone. I borrowed a phone and plugged it in - same static. I took the phone to the box outside and plugged it in directly - line clear. So the problem was in my house wiring. Found that a mouse had chewed the wires where they went from the garage to the basement. After being unable to get into the garage, I was able to pull enough slack into the basement to splice the wires for now. Once I can get into the garage, I'll re-run the phone and computer wires, in conduit. Good thing I have all this extra time, being retired

 

[CntryBoy777]

Sorry for all the happenings there....is the window big enough for ya to crawl thru?....most garage doors have a manual back-up in case of no power....as long as ya get up to the window ya can drop down to the floor.

 

[norseofcourse]

Sorry for all the happenings there....is the window big enough for ya to crawl thru?....most garage doors have a manual back-up in case of no power....as long as ya get up to the window ya can drop down to the floor.

Yep, I can get in the window if we can get it open. I would not be surprised if it's nailed shut... lol. Things are always going to happen, my problems are nothing compared to what a lot of folks are going through. Thanks

 

[CntryBoy777]

That may be true, but it is the "Problems" that each of us face each day that is always the most important...cause, I can't get up there to slide thru the window for ya, or replace your faucet for Free....just like ya can't wait for me to get to it. Tho, I could use your help with my goats, but they can't wait either....so, one's focus has to be on what is in front of them each day....and the "Richest Help" we can get is some advice, experience, and knowledge from a "Library of Many" that may make the stiuation faced easier, quicker, and understood.

 

[norseofcourse]

I'm planning a challenge for my local spinners and weaver's guild, and I need your help please! For my challenge, I want to give each member about 6 to 8 ounces of raw wool, and they are to clean, spin and make it into something. Each person will get wool from a different breed of sheep, and their challenge is not only to work with it, but to guess which breed!

Obviously, I have Icelandic wool, so I need wool from 9 or 10 other sheep breeds. I'm willing to purchase wool, or trade for an equal amount of my Icelandic wool. Your sheep don't have to be registered, but you do have to be sure what breed they are. Feel free to reply here or by private message (click my ID, then the "information" tab, then 'Start a Conversation').

I am also checking locally, but figured the more people I can reach out to, the better. Thank you!

 

[NH homesteader]

I wish I could help you, but that is a fun idea! You should absolutely post pictures of the results when they're finished!

 

[norseofcourse]

I wish I could help you, but that is a fun idea! You should absolutely post pictures of the results when they're finished!

Great idea on the pictures, will do!

 

[Bruce]

Well that just bites @norseofcourse, weird for it to just up and die like that. If the door doesn't open and one CAN get into the garage, there is usually a thing to pull to unlatch it so you can raise it by hand. But I've not seen such a thing on the outside of the garage.

 

[luvmypets]

Want some alpaca? I would offer some from our sheep but I already washed it and it isn't the best.

 

[Baymule]

Mine are hair sheep......