Moving wood

November 2, 2007 (5:59am)

34º F, Cloudy, S Wind, 8 mph.

Good morning,

So .... I am learning about Fjord and how to use it. Also decided this morning it might be a good idea to read the owner’s manual too. But why hurry with that? Actually it is pretty easy to operate and I am getting the hang of it. I used the bucket to pick up about half of a pile of firewood blocks, left near the previous owner, and bring them from the east side of the main house to the wood splitter near the shop. Not too sure how many trips with a wheel barrow, but sure is a bunch easier! Some of the blocks are rather heavy too. I am finding out how to use the loader and to dump the bucket. Since it doesn’t have live hydraulics, there is a bit of coordinated trickery involved.

I am finding there are a lot of little things needing attention (expected). Most of the mounting pins in various places have been replaced by bolts, most of which are totally rusted. I will have to pick up some new ones. Have already measured them and will next time I am near them in a store somewhere. The rear lift system needs some attention too. Not only me learning what and how, but there are some pieces missing and I need to pick up if I plan to use it. The PTO shaft doesn’t have any guard over it, so will construct something or buy a cover. Don’t think I will have any immediate use for the PTO, but don’t want to get tangled up in it either. Lots of accidents have occurred at the PTO. Don’t want to add to that number.

The ram seals leak on both hydraulic cylinders. I kind of expected that after them sitting for a time with out use. Eli thinks they can be tightened, but have to look at that a bit and probably pick his brain as to how. The bucket release mechanism also needs some attention. Everything on Fjord needs to be greased and boy are there a lot of fittings on it! That alone should keep me a bit busy for a time. Looking at the manual, it seems there are fittings on fittings!

Margriet was busy using the woodstove to make some split pea soup yesterday. One thing, it sure makes the house smell good! I think it is the menu for lunches for a time to come. It started when she pulled a package of soup bones from the freezer only to discover it was a ham steak instead. Either way, it is some good eating. Guess the soup season is here for another year. Not complaining either.

Our dinner with Eli and Pat didn’t happen. For what ever reason they didn’t show up. Not too sure if something happened or we didn’t communicate on the time correctly. We sat for over half an hour waiting and finally ordered. The ravioli with Italian sausage was excellent as was the chicken cacciatore. Margriet had half a serving, and I should have had, still bringing some home as it was too much for her. I will check in with Eli today and see what happen. Have to reschedule it for sure.

I worked on the furnace chimney in the main house yesterday for a bit too. It is more difficult than first thought. Have to trim most of three logs into a flat surface and insert a piece of 1" OSB to support the flue coming through. I did take a couple of the old bins from the storage shelves here and a piece of 1" OSB to use as platform to work from. The added altitude sure makes a difference in the work. Now if I can keep my right hand from going numb. Hope to have the cutting into the logs finished today and the insert fastened in place. Then we can apply some heat into the main house without firing up the wood furnace.

Time to get the day a-going.

In Christ My Saviour,

Chris <><