New Shed Under Construction

These photos were taken Wednesday March 24th, 2010. I had just finished putting the tin on the roof. I am recycling the tin from the old shed which is tougher than if it were new tin--matching existing holes with 2x4 cross members is harder than it looks!

My intent is to have the 16 foot shed the full length of the barn or 60 feet.

Shed Demolition

The right bay removed and left bay under way(3-20-2010)

The shed after bays were added (2005).

When we purchased Little Falls Farm in 2003, this shed consisted of the two center bays only. After a couple of years, both left and right bays were added along with an extension on the back by another 10 feet or so. At that time, the large Oak tree to the right (10 feet to the right of the white Ford Ranger in the photo) was live and well--even though it was leaning toward the shed.

About two years ago, this large oak was hit by lightning and died. I talked to several folks one of whom recommended a tree surgeon. The only way this tree can be cut down without demolishing the shed is to climb its limbs with chainsaw in tow and slowly and methodically remove the large limbs from top to bottom. This process has now become too unsafe since it's limbs have rotted and probably will not support a man's weight. Not to mention that we are talking $1300 to $1500.

Having said that, I came up with a great idea and my senior VP (Tutz) seconded the motion. The plan is simple. I will demo the shed piece by piece and recycle what I can. Those materials worth saving (tin, lumber, and treated posts) will be used in the new shed. The other photo above shows the right bay removed and the left under demolition.

The new shed will be attached to my barn/workshop on the back side. The dimensions of the new shed will be the full length of the barn--60 feet--and 15 feet wide. It will be able to house all the items under the current shed and then some. It also will serve as a protection in the unlikely case we suffer hail and need to park both the Beetle and F150 under it.

At a later date, I will BLOG as to the new shed.

Wii Bowling All Time High

Last evening, Friday March 19th, I achieved my new all time high of 278!!!! BTW--FJ stands affectionately for "Farmer John"--a term of endearment Tutz gave me some time ago when bush hogging on the Kubota--:o)

Carol's First Time Driving Ford Lariat

Running Boards added.....

As part of the deal, the dealership would "throw in" running boards. They arrived Wednesday morning, I got a call from the sales person around noon, and by 2:30 they were installed!!! While the boards were being added, the great service from Courtesy Ford included a ride in the courtesy van over to Kohl's Department Store (normally I would walk, but it was pouring down rain) so I could do some shopping---now that's service. My new truck looks complete and great, not to mention that Carol can hop into the passenger seat with somewhat ease!!

2010 F150 Supercrew Cab Lariat

Photos include Mary and Carol at the dealership, John with Mattie at home, and the truck (nicknamed FJ) on our drive.

All the years have been good to me!! Especially 1984, 1988, and 1992! Why? In these three years, I purchased a new vehicle--Toyota P/U, Nissan Maxima, and Nissan Pick-up, respectively! So as one can see, I have owned only 3 new vehicles in my life--discounting of course starting in 1992 when I would get a new company car just about every year up thru 2009 when I retired.

Having said that, I now can add number 4 to the list.

On Friday March 5th, 2010, Carol and I went looking for a truck. We knew I needed to buy something large that would support comfort as we head out west this June 12th. Also, in addition to looking for the creature comforts and smooth ride, we knew that some day my little 1996 Ford Ranger could give up the ghost and anyone on 12 acres must have a truck!

A friend at church a few months back had brought a new truck at the Ford dealership in Conyers and highly recommended we visit the owner and use my friend's name to help negotiate the best price. As we arrived at the dealership around 10:00, we were met with the customary salesman--in this case--sales woman. We agreed that we would look awhile and then come in to meet with her and the owner.

We identified a black 2010 XLT F150 that had the things we wanted and so into the office. Met with the owner--Jay--who presented us with a nice jester--he has a Lariat demo (5100 miles)that he wanted us to also test drive. So with Mary (saleslady) in the back seat, off we go! First the black XLT and then the white two tone Lariat. Took the same test route in both units--left on the access road a few miles to Ammon Road where we took a right onto I-20--this was a must as we really wanted to see how smooth the ride would be on an interstate. Both trucks had a very nice ride--but the Lariat rode a little smoother and heavier!

We were impressed with both vehicles! But hands down, the Lariat has more bells and whistles than one could imagine on a pick-up truck. These trucks are not your granddad's farm work horses!! We returned to the dealership and spent some more time discussing what we wanted to do. Finally I made an offer to the owner on the Lariat--I would go with the discounted price he quoted me ($9,000 off the MSRP) if he threw in running side boards (a $500 wholesale value)--which on this size truck is a must for me but especially Carol's 5 foot stature! After a little bit of sparring back and forth, the deal was struck!

As agreed, the dealership would take a couple of hours to prep, change oil, rotate tires, etc while we would go to lunch and return later with a check. Carol and I were really hungry so we stopped in Covington and had our favorites at the local Longhorn. After stopping by BB&T to retire a CD I had taken out last year (specifically to buy a vehicle), we proceeded out to the farm to get checkbook, camera, etc. and back to dealership.

Mary met us to say it would be about another hour and as to the running boards, they had been ordered and should be here in 10 business days--so we'll have that done in a couple of weeks. After spending an hour at the nearby Belks, we returned to the dealership where I wrote the largest check I have ever written for a vehicle, completed the neccesary paperwork, and picked up my new truck!

First order of business after the paperwork was to have Mary set me up a SYNC account--this allows all the service to be monitored and notify me when service is needed! Afterwards, Alaina the service consultant synched our phones so that we have Bluetooth thru the sound system of the cab--all hands free and voice activated! After that, Mary went with us to a local convenience store where she pumped and filled our 26 gallon tank--part of the service of the dealership. Back to dealership where we took photos of Mary giving me the keys and around 5:00 we left for home. Carol followed me in her "Tutzmobile". What a day!!

Just so you know, the Lariat has the all leather package along with additional features that are too numerous to mention here--but some of the highlights include: larger Michelin tires, 5.6L V8 engine, 6 speed automatic heavy duty trans, powered sunroof and electric rear window, keys entry automatic adjust seat, heated and cooled seats, Heavy Duty trailer hitch package, reverse sensing system with camera, 6 CD changer and MP3 outlet, tele folding-heated mirrors, both seats are electrical with lumbar support, TPMS, keyless entry pad, dual heat/air control system, 20 MPG Highway, and 6 months of Sirius radio.

BTW, the official ID of this truck is: 2010 F-150 4X2 Supercrew Lariat 145" wheelbase, 5.4L FFV V8 with electronic 6 speed auto and a 26 gallon tank. Also, these new trucks do not have gas caps any more! The truck has an Oxford White Clearcoat upper and a Champagne Pearl lower trim.