Month: November 2014

the Takeuchi bobcat saga (part 2)

I agreed a $75 fee with the towing company and next day, probably because it was early morning and they were not yet busy (or because bobcats are fun) a big tow truck and a couple guys in a pickup came out. They winched the bobcat onto the back of the truck using ingenious pulleys located at varying places on the bed to bring it in at an angle. Getting it off was more difficult - they raised the bed up and jiggled it and the bobcat slowly slipped down, but slowly is the word. So they hooked Read more [...]

the Takeuchi bobcat saga (part 1)

This is a long discourse on engine repair- so if you aren't interested in this subject you should skip or you will find it incredibly boring. It began a few weeks ago.  My Takeuchi TL26 track bobcat has always had an iffy battery.  Even with a new alternator it often struggled to start the engine and the last few occasions I had to charge it before it would start the engine.  I bit the bullet and bought a new tractor size battery from the local Tractor Supply Store.  The next couple days were Read more [...]

repair of double electric wall oven

Growing my own food, harvesting rainwater, using a well are part of being self sufficient, and so too is maintaining and repairing the house, automobiles and appliances.  So when, a couple weeks ago,  the wall oven showed no sign of life, no beeps, no noise, no lights, nada, I began thinking why.  And with me about to leave for Australia and the Thanksgiving meal fast approaching, I felt pressured. Usually there are warning signs before a shut down,  but not in this case.  I checked the Read more [...]

quick visit to Australia

My Mother, two brothers and their families live in Perth, Australia and now my nephews and nieces have reached the marrying age, so trips to attend weddings occur frequently.  I was in Perth in January for a wedding and I just returned y'day from attending another delightful wedding.  Perth is on the other side of the world from Atlanta and it takes about 34 hours to reach there door to door.  There and back takes 68 hours and if you call it 72 hours then it is 3 days travel.  I was gone a week Read more [...]