Well it's been a while hasn't it? I guess I'll dust the cobwebs off the old blog and say something.
The first day of summer is here and is in full effect. And boy is it hot outside.
Well, whats been going on since I last posted?
Hmm, well, lots of stuff really.
I have had some major changes and events occur.
My grandfather passed away.
I thought about moving closer into town next to some friends from church but ended up staying.
My new Taurus SHO came in.
I installed slate tile into my bathroom myself.
I had a "God in my face" moment.
Most of my friends know that I'm still pretty 'young' in my spiritual journey. I'm not a perfect Christian, nor do I have all the answers.
A few months back I had a "God in my face" experience. Too many times, little things happen, and we attribute them to coincidences or something unremarkable enough to not even give a second thought to why they happen. This event was one that I would have never imagined would happen in a million years. And it was really an experience to show me that God is in my life. He is around, and he does things on his timetable. Not anyone else's.
My good friend Gary, once said to me, "If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans for the day." This has rang true many times in my life.
So now, where do I go from here? I don't really know.
Life in the past three months has been a series of events of ups and downs. And all of this, is part of Gods plan for me. Sometimes I wish I could see the schedule, or have a peek at the plans, but I know, or at least hope, that in due time, it will be revealed to me.
The end result will be an awesome thing, so I just need to have faith that God will show me when he's ready to.
Journaling has been helpful, but I know in the end I need to spend more time praying and asking God to show me his will.
Adios amigos!
Showing posts with label spring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spring. Show all posts
Monday, June 21, 2010
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Ford Five Hundred Cabin filter
So my biggest complaint about the new to me ride is, the lack of a cabin filter. I work in the dust bowl. There is a daily smattering of ultra fine dust on my car every day when I leave the office.
How much of this dust is SUCKED into the car and into my lungs? Surely, Ford has decided to put a cabin filter in their newest sedan in their model line up. Nope.
Not only is air quality of concern, but its unhealthy for the AC system. Dust on the blower motor and evaporator core wreak havoc on the system.
However, they did have a cutout for where one SHOULD be.
So I checked around. The 2008 Taurus which has a cabin filter, uses a popular number, that many cars, including Acuras use. So I went out, picked up a cabin filter, and armed with my dremel and a fine toothed hacksaw, I went to work.
This mod is applicable to the 05-07 Ford Five Hundred, Ford Freestyle, and Mercury Montego. I am not responsible for you destroying your evap case due to poor decision making on your part.
You'll need to to get all your junk out of the glove box.
Next, you want to pull up on the button as shown here.
Now you have access to the evap case.
Notice Ford had made provisions for Cabin filter access cutout in the blower box.
You'll want to cut between the 2 ridges. All the way around. Dont worry about being perfect. Keep it between the ridges, youll be fine. Dont throw the piece you cut out away.
Now heres the cutout removed. Notice that Ford had every intention of having a filter here. Square opening, flat floor ridges, etc. Also notice the amount of dust in there. Blech. Windex and paper towel time.
So heres our new cabin filter installed.
Now heres the piece we cut out, back in place, and some Aluminum tape, holding it all in. Not the prettiest, but functional.
Now I can enjoy clean filtered air! Most manufacturers recommend annual replacement, so I'll check in a year from now and we'll take a look at that filter!
How much of this dust is SUCKED into the car and into my lungs? Surely, Ford has decided to put a cabin filter in their newest sedan in their model line up. Nope.
Not only is air quality of concern, but its unhealthy for the AC system. Dust on the blower motor and evaporator core wreak havoc on the system.
However, they did have a cutout for where one SHOULD be.
So I checked around. The 2008 Taurus which has a cabin filter, uses a popular number, that many cars, including Acuras use. So I went out, picked up a cabin filter, and armed with my dremel and a fine toothed hacksaw, I went to work.
This mod is applicable to the 05-07 Ford Five Hundred, Ford Freestyle, and Mercury Montego. I am not responsible for you destroying your evap case due to poor decision making on your part.
You'll need to to get all your junk out of the glove box.
Next, you want to pull up on the button as shown here.
Now you have access to the evap case.
Notice Ford had made provisions for Cabin filter access cutout in the blower box.
You'll want to cut between the 2 ridges. All the way around. Dont worry about being perfect. Keep it between the ridges, youll be fine. Dont throw the piece you cut out away.
Now heres the cutout removed. Notice that Ford had every intention of having a filter here. Square opening, flat floor ridges, etc. Also notice the amount of dust in there. Blech. Windex and paper towel time.
So heres our new cabin filter installed.
Now heres the piece we cut out, back in place, and some Aluminum tape, holding it all in. Not the prettiest, but functional.
Now I can enjoy clean filtered air! Most manufacturers recommend annual replacement, so I'll check in a year from now and we'll take a look at that filter!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Test Drive a Ford, raise money for Breast Cancer Research
From April 21, 2009 to June 1, 2009, Ford is helping raise money for the Komen for the Cure.
Heres how it works:
Heres how it works:
| |||
| | THE RACE CONTINUES AT YOUR FORD AND LINCOLN MERCURY DEALERS. In times like these, giving back to the community is more important than ever. So when you test-drive a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle between April 21, 2009 and June 1, 2009, Ford will donate $20 on your behalf to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® - up to a total of $1 million. Come in today and be a part of Ford’s ongoing commitment to the fight against breast cancer. | ||
- Log in here: http://www.fordspecialoffer.com/fordcares/
- Fill out a certificate, and print it out.
- Take it to a Ford Dealer.
- Test Drive a car of your choice.
- Ford Donates 20 dollars to Komen for the cure.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Autocross Fun!
Last year, I started participating in the Mercedes Benz Club Houston Sections Autocross.
This was a FUN event!
I won second place in the D Class this year (Non Mercedes vehicles). Was beaten by a caterham 7, which of course, slices like a razor through an Autocross course.
Video here! This is my fastest run of the day.
This was a FUN event!
I won second place in the D Class this year (Non Mercedes vehicles). Was beaten by a caterham 7, which of course, slices like a razor through an Autocross course.
Video here! This is my fastest run of the day.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Forgot to Remind all you readers! (DST Time again!)
Once again, we have DST!
This is a good time to remember other things that need to be taken care of, specifically on your car, and at your home!
I like to remind folks that really aren't into car care, that at least twice a year, (a good reminder is around the time change) you should:
House:
This is a good time to remember other things that need to be taken care of, specifically on your car, and at your home!
I like to remind folks that really aren't into car care, that at least twice a year, (a good reminder is around the time change) you should:
- Change the oil (more than 2x per year but if you can't remember do it now)
- Rotate your tires, correct air pressure
- Inspect/Replace your air filter
- Wash the car really well (including the wheel wells and rails/drains).
- Remove the garbage inside the car
- Inspect all your exterior lights
House:
- Fertilize the lawn (Fall Fertilizer, and Spring Time too)
- Change the Ice maker Filter
- Change the A/C Furnace Filter
- Open the windows and let some fresh air in!
- Drain that hot water heater
- Check/Replace any light bulbs that burned out
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Hurricane Ike Fence Repair...Continued
So after Ike, the fence behind and to one side of my back yard was knocked down.
The guys on the side of me said "Don't worry, we're gonna let insurance handle it." As did the people behind.
No problem. Now its the middle of March, six months later. Still not a peep. The guy next door finally fixed the fence that faces the street, before that, you could drive by and look straight into my back yard. Several times, I have approached him and offered to split the cost and help him repair the fence between us. He gets all gung ho about it, and we set a time and date, and when the times up to do it, he's nowhere in sight.
The folks behind me have propped the fence up pretty well, but it still is an eyesore. I'll have to work on them next.
So a few weeks ago, I set out and picked up some 4x4 posts and 2x4 posts, to lay the framework out. I thought about being a jerk and fixing the damage only to where the 'pretty side' was facing me, but I'm not repairing the entire fence, just the fallen part. I went ahead and flip flopped each section.
With my Craftsman circular saw, level, sharpie, demo bars, shovels and Quikrete, I was able to start the project in a timely manner. This is really the first time I've done any kind of construction project of any significance, and it sure is satisfying. Still not done yet, but its better every day. Don't have to look at their neighbors trashed out back yard.
I've been cutting the old fence/debris into smaller pieces for the garbage men to take away, hopefully the back yard will start looking decent soon enough.
Heres the frame work, new 4x4 and 2x4 rails. I was hoping the builder didn't use concrete for the posts but they did
First section up and running, second section started.
Second section completed. Third starting (gotta go buy more pickets)
I'd like to end this entry with a Robert Frost Poem....
Something there is that doesn't love a wall,
That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it,
And spills the upper boulders in the sun,
And makes gaps even two can pass abreast.
The work of hunters is another thing:
I have come after them and made repair
Where they have left not one stone on a stone,
But they would have the rabbit out of hiding,
To please the yelping dogs. The gaps I mean,
No one has seen them made or heard them made,
But at spring mending-time we find them there.
I let my neighbor know beyond the hill;
And on a day we meet to walk the line
And set the wall between us once again.
We keep the wall between us as we go.
To each the boulders that have fallen to each.
And some are loaves and some so nearly balls
We have to use a spell to make them balance:
'Stay where you are until our backs are turned!'
We wear our fingers rough with handling them.
Oh, just another kind of out-door game,
One on a side. It comes to little more:
There where it is we do not need the wall:
He is all pine and I am apple orchard.
My apple trees will never get across
And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him.
He only says, 'Good fences make good neighbors'.
Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonder
If I could put a notion in his head:
'Why do they make good neighbors? Isn't it
Where there are cows?
But here there are no cows.
Before I built a wall I'd ask to know
What I was walling in or walling out,
And to whom I was like to give offence.
Something there is that doesn't love a wall,
That wants it down.' I could say 'Elves' to him,
But it's not elves exactly, and I'd rather
He said it for himself. I see him there
Bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top
In each hand, like an old-stone savage armed.
He moves in darkness as it seems to me~
Not of woods only and the shade of trees.
He will not go behind his father's saying,
And he likes having thought of it so well
He says again, "Good fences make good neighbors."
The guys on the side of me said "Don't worry, we're gonna let insurance handle it." As did the people behind.
No problem. Now its the middle of March, six months later. Still not a peep. The guy next door finally fixed the fence that faces the street, before that, you could drive by and look straight into my back yard. Several times, I have approached him and offered to split the cost and help him repair the fence between us. He gets all gung ho about it, and we set a time and date, and when the times up to do it, he's nowhere in sight.
The folks behind me have propped the fence up pretty well, but it still is an eyesore. I'll have to work on them next.
So a few weeks ago, I set out and picked up some 4x4 posts and 2x4 posts, to lay the framework out. I thought about being a jerk and fixing the damage only to where the 'pretty side' was facing me, but I'm not repairing the entire fence, just the fallen part. I went ahead and flip flopped each section.
With my Craftsman circular saw, level, sharpie, demo bars, shovels and Quikrete, I was able to start the project in a timely manner. This is really the first time I've done any kind of construction project of any significance, and it sure is satisfying. Still not done yet, but its better every day. Don't have to look at their neighbors trashed out back yard.
I've been cutting the old fence/debris into smaller pieces for the garbage men to take away, hopefully the back yard will start looking decent soon enough.
Heres the frame work, new 4x4 and 2x4 rails. I was hoping the builder didn't use concrete for the posts but they did
First section up and running, second section started.
Second section completed. Third starting (gotta go buy more pickets)
I'd like to end this entry with a Robert Frost Poem....
Something there is that doesn't love a wall,
That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it,
And spills the upper boulders in the sun,
And makes gaps even two can pass abreast.
The work of hunters is another thing:
I have come after them and made repair
Where they have left not one stone on a stone,
But they would have the rabbit out of hiding,
To please the yelping dogs. The gaps I mean,
No one has seen them made or heard them made,
But at spring mending-time we find them there.
I let my neighbor know beyond the hill;
And on a day we meet to walk the line
And set the wall between us once again.
We keep the wall between us as we go.
To each the boulders that have fallen to each.
And some are loaves and some so nearly balls
We have to use a spell to make them balance:
'Stay where you are until our backs are turned!'
We wear our fingers rough with handling them.
Oh, just another kind of out-door game,
One on a side. It comes to little more:
There where it is we do not need the wall:
He is all pine and I am apple orchard.
My apple trees will never get across
And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him.
He only says, 'Good fences make good neighbors'.
Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonder
If I could put a notion in his head:
'Why do they make good neighbors? Isn't it
Where there are cows?
But here there are no cows.
Before I built a wall I'd ask to know
What I was walling in or walling out,
And to whom I was like to give offence.
Something there is that doesn't love a wall,
That wants it down.' I could say 'Elves' to him,
But it's not elves exactly, and I'd rather
He said it for himself. I see him there
Bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top
In each hand, like an old-stone savage armed.
He moves in darkness as it seems to me~
Not of woods only and the shade of trees.
He will not go behind his father's saying,
And he likes having thought of it so well
He says again, "Good fences make good neighbors."
Monday, March 16, 2009
DirecTV is in the house
Well, after waiting for the satellite guy to come in, I'm officially no longer a Comcast customer. I went to the local Comcast office on Thursday, where I, with 2 dozen other people waited in line at lunch hour while TWO people worked the counter, processing folks through. Over half the people there were canceling service.
DirectTV is now in, but it's still taking a little getting used to with the new Channel line up. I also found out, according to the DirecTV installer, that a bunch of cabling was hooked up incorrectly in the attic. Go figure.
Anyway, back to the world of having 3000 channels and nothing to watch.
Actually, 2 weeks with no cable TV was an interesting thing. I really didn't miss it too terribly, with Netflix and all.
DirectTV is now in, but it's still taking a little getting used to with the new Channel line up. I also found out, according to the DirecTV installer, that a bunch of cabling was hooked up incorrectly in the attic. Go figure.
Anyway, back to the world of having 3000 channels and nothing to watch.
Actually, 2 weeks with no cable TV was an interesting thing. I really didn't miss it too terribly, with Netflix and all.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Lifetime Warranties
Sometimes I miss the days when they used to "make em like they used to..."
Now I find that products that are bought are just total crap. Recently I've been noticing more products have a "Lifetime Replacement Warranty" or maybe a longer than typical warranty.
Example, last spring, I bought one of those fancy "Dial A Sprayer" garden hose attachments, you know the chrome ones with the rubber grip and 63 selectable settings, Shower, mist, angle, cone etc. I think I paid around 12 bucks for it.
After I got home, I noticed the tag. "Life time replacement warranty". Hmm. Interesting.
Let me take the tag off and staple the sales receipt to it, and put it in the 1 gallon ziploc I have for 'warranty' stuff.
Well here it is, the peak of watering season 2008 in Texas. I'm noticing that the chrome is starting to come off on the sprayer, not in little pieces, but in big chunks. So I keep using it, until all the chunks of chrome are gone, and now, the pot metal underneath starts to turn white and deteriorate. Hmmm didn't I remember something about a warranty?
So I found the receipt and warranty info. A quick filling out of the form on the Gilmour website and I had a response 3 days later, promising me a replacement. I asked how I should send the old one back, and the lady said just to chunk it.
Now, I have to say, one one hand, I'm delighted that their warranty service is that wonderful, no questions asked. On the other hand, it irks me that the company doesn't even care enough to find out the cause of the defect, that it would just be cheaper to throw the customer a new one rather find out what the root cause of the issue is.
Another company that is good on warranty is Delta Plumbing Fixtures. No questions asked. Call them with the model number, and its a lifetime replacement on anything newer than 1995. I've had my water diverter cartridge in my shower replaced twice with their warranty (labor not included of course), each time I've had a new cartridge show up on my doorstep via UPS. Its wonderful.
Anyone else have a 'good guys' product they use/like?
Now I find that products that are bought are just total crap. Recently I've been noticing more products have a "Lifetime Replacement Warranty" or maybe a longer than typical warranty.
Example, last spring, I bought one of those fancy "Dial A Sprayer" garden hose attachments, you know the chrome ones with the rubber grip and 63 selectable settings, Shower, mist, angle, cone etc. I think I paid around 12 bucks for it.
After I got home, I noticed the tag. "Life time replacement warranty". Hmm. Interesting.
Let me take the tag off and staple the sales receipt to it, and put it in the 1 gallon ziploc I have for 'warranty' stuff.
Well here it is, the peak of watering season 2008 in Texas. I'm noticing that the chrome is starting to come off on the sprayer, not in little pieces, but in big chunks. So I keep using it, until all the chunks of chrome are gone, and now, the pot metal underneath starts to turn white and deteriorate. Hmmm didn't I remember something about a warranty?
So I found the receipt and warranty info. A quick filling out of the form on the Gilmour website and I had a response 3 days later, promising me a replacement. I asked how I should send the old one back, and the lady said just to chunk it.
Now, I have to say, one one hand, I'm delighted that their warranty service is that wonderful, no questions asked. On the other hand, it irks me that the company doesn't even care enough to find out the cause of the defect, that it would just be cheaper to throw the customer a new one rather find out what the root cause of the issue is.
Another company that is good on warranty is Delta Plumbing Fixtures. No questions asked. Call them with the model number, and its a lifetime replacement on anything newer than 1995. I've had my water diverter cartridge in my shower replaced twice with their warranty (labor not included of course), each time I've had a new cartridge show up on my doorstep via UPS. Its wonderful.
Anyone else have a 'good guys' product they use/like?
Sunday, April 13, 2008
the Big 3-0
Well it's over, the big 3-0. I'm officially in the middle age zone....woo hoo! I guess....
I started enjoying easy listening, and just accepting it when I go to the store and people call me sir.
Oh my GAWD, where did the 20s go???
I celebrated with around 80 people, and it was a wonderful night.
Spaghetti warehouse took great care of us too!
Heres a pic of one of my oldest friends. We've known each other since 1987!
The rest of the pics are available, if you didn't get a chance to see them, drop me a note and I'll send you a link to them!
I started enjoying easy listening, and just accepting it when I go to the store and people call me sir.
Oh my GAWD, where did the 20s go???
I celebrated with around 80 people, and it was a wonderful night.
Spaghetti warehouse took great care of us too!
Heres a pic of one of my oldest friends. We've known each other since 1987!
The rest of the pics are available, if you didn't get a chance to see them, drop me a note and I'll send you a link to them!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
TVs GALORE
So now I have a 65" TV in the living room...which means the 42" will go into the Bedroom...then the 37" will go into the...um...guest room....Now...the 21" will go to the hmmm...where else should I have a TV....uhm Garage, on a wall mount....and the 13" will...sit in the dark corner of the closet!
Seriously, I never thouhgt I'd have too many TVs.
For those of you who were considering putting a plasma in your bedroom, they put out LOTS of heat. I'm going to attempt to mount it on the wall in the next few weekends before my dad and his wife arrive.
Seriously, I never thouhgt I'd have too many TVs.
For those of you who were considering putting a plasma in your bedroom, they put out LOTS of heat. I'm going to attempt to mount it on the wall in the next few weekends before my dad and his wife arrive.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Daylight Saving Time!
Dont forget to "Spring Forward" before bed Saturday night.
Interesting tidbit I never knew. It's "Daylight Saving Time" not "Daylight Savings Time" Someone actually wrote a whole article about it.
Anyway, dont forget to change 'em before bed tonight!
Interesting tidbit I never knew. It's "Daylight Saving Time" not "Daylight Savings Time" Someone actually wrote a whole article about it.
Anyway, dont forget to change 'em before bed tonight!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo!
Its that time of year again! The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is upon us!
Here's the performers and the rodeo events happening. I always like the Chuckwagon races!
Anyone else going this year? The cookoff is coming up soon too! YEE-HAW!
Here's the performers and the rodeo events happening. I always like the Chuckwagon races!
Anyone else going this year? The cookoff is coming up soon too! YEE-HAW!
| Monday, March 3 | Tim McGraw Super Series I, Go Round 1 |
| Tuesday, March 4 | Faith Hill Super Series I, Go Round 1 |
| Wednesday, March 5 | Kevin Fowler Super Series I, Go Round 3 & Championship Round |
| Thursday, March 6 | Alan Jackson Super Series II, Go Round 1 |
| Friday, March 7 | John Legend Super Series II, Go Round 1 |
| Saturday, March 8 | Martina McBride Super Series II, Go Round 3 & Champ. Round |
| Sunday, March 9 | Hannah Montana - Miley Cyrus Super Series III, Go Round 1 |
| Monday, March 10 | Sugarland Super Series III, Go Round 2 |
| Tuesday, March 11 | Rascal Flatts Super Series III, Go Round 3 & Champ. Round |
| Wednesday, March 12 | John Fogerty Super Series IV, Go Round 1 |
| Thursday, March 13 | Toby Keith Super Series IV, Go Round 2 |
| Friday, March 14 | Clay Walker Super Series IV, Go Round 3 & Champ. Round |
| Saturday, March 15 | Brad Paisley Super Series V, Go Round 1 |
| Sunday, March 16 | Duelo / Los Horoscopos De Durango Super Series V, Go Round 2 |
| Monday, March 17 | Miranda Lambert Super Series V, Go Round 3 & Champ. Round |
| Tuesday, March 18 | Big & Rich Xtreme Bulls |
| Wednesday, March 19 | Fergie Super Series Semifinal 1 |
| Thursday, March 20 | Dierks Bently Super Series Semifinal 2 |
| Friday, March 21 | Pat Green Super Series Wild Card Round |
| Saturday, March 22 | Brooks & Dunn Super Series Championship |
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