What non automotive projects and repairs are you doing?

[xHeart]

This gutter discussion reminds me that my parents house once had gutters built into the eves. The details are vague, but there were troughs built at the edge of the roof to catch rain. The troughs emptied into pipes inside the wall and then down and out at ground level. This was all removed and rot repaired in the 1960's. All of the 'ginger bread' trim was also removed at that time. This house was Victorian style built about 1910 by my great grandfather.
volvolugnut

The 1992 breakup of Yugoslavia after the tragic civil war reported the outflow of skilled bricklayers. The Northwest Chicago has strong Eastern/Central European heritage. Thousands fleeing Yugoslavia settled in this area. These folks revived youth soccer; families, parents with young children will flock to parks and fields. Now well into the American life, the public high school boys soccer teams had to use diversity to keep some spots for non-émigré. The public school boys soccer now frequently challenges the elite private school soccer clubs, playoff are intense, and finals euphoric.

Like your great grandparents, these émigrés also build their homes with bricks and stones - and gutters that are built into the outer walls - clay roofs are not unusual. The overall look and feel of their homes are way different from those of Colonial, Cape Code, Bungalow, Tudor, and Victorian. Some have rolling exterior storm shutters over the windows, which I only saw in homes around Milan, Italy.

[volvolugnut]

This gutter discussion reminds me that my parents house once had gutters built into the eves. The details are vague, but there were troughs built at the edge of the roof to catch rain. The troughs emptied into pipes inside the wall and then down and out at ground level. This was all removed and rot repaired in the 1960's. All of the 'ginger bread' trim was also removed at that time. This house was Victorian style built about 1910 by my great grandfather.
volvolugnut

The 1992 breakup of Yugoslavia after the tragic civil war reported the outflow of skilled bricklayers. The Northwest Chicago has strong Eastern/Central European heritage. Thousands fleeing Yugoslavia settled in this area. These folks revived youth soccer; families, parents with young children will flock to parks and fields. Now well into the American life, the public high school boys soccer teams had to use diversity to keep some spots for non-émigré. The public school boys soccer now frequently challenges the elite private school soccer clubs, playoff are intense, and finals euphoric.

Like your great grandparents, these émigrés also build their homes with bricks and stones - and gutters that are built into the outer walls - clay roofs are not unusual. The overall look and feel of their homes are way different from those of Colonial, Cape Code, Bungalow, Tudor, and Victorian. Some have rolling exterior storm shutters over the windows, which I only saw in homes around Milan, Italy.

Interesting. My Great-Great-Grandfather came to US from Germany in 1860's. We do not know many details, but he was a carpenter in his youth. He likely had influence in the construction of this house, but he was likely too old to do the work. This house had cedar shingles when built.
volvolugnut

[BlackBart]

Dirt is non-automotive, right? We're gradually moving four yards of top dressing / soil from the street to various places around the yard. Some in the flower beds, some in the veggie garden, some at Nana's house a block away, some at a traffic circle island we take care of a block away, and we cut out some more sod and expanded planting beds.

Our small city bought a struggling compost plant and whipped it into shape. Now you can make a call and a small dump truck shows up and delivers tasty warm compost in various forms - fine topsoil to rough compost. Reasonably priced. The city collects all the mountains of leaves that everyone rakes into the street - free. They grind up Christmas trees and compost those. It's a nice system.

[volvolugnut]

Dirt is non-automotive, right? We're gradually moving four yards of top dressing / soil from the street to various places around the yard. Some in the flower beds, some in the veggie garden, some at Nana's house a block away, some at a traffic circle island we take care of a block away, and we cut out some more sod and expanded planting beds.

Our small city bought a struggling compost plant and whipped it into shape. Now you can make a call and a small dump truck shows up and delivers tasty warm compost in various forms - fine topsoil to rough compost. Reasonably priced. The city collects all the mountains of leaves that everyone rakes into the street - free. They grind up Christmas trees and compost those. It's a nice system.

You are lucky have thoughtful city management.
Shovel and wheel barrow work?
volvolugnut

[BlackBart]

Yep. It’s nice to shovel with a scoop shovel actually, but moist and heavy.

[abscate]

A stack of bricks….

[Krons]

I have changing my brake fluid on my 2007 BMW R1200GSA on my to do list, did a valve check earlier this year. Most motorcycle manufacturers push to replace the fluid every two years to keep moisture out. My main thought is that and keeping the ABS pump alive too.

I find it curious though as most domestic cars rarely worry about brake fluid changes...you guys have a set interval for brake fluid changes on your Volvos?

[xHeart]

Our Golden Retriever dog, Kar (May 2008 - Dec 2022) passed away after 14-1/2 years of exciting family life -- well trained and loving. She was 6+ weeks puppy at the time of her adoption.

Our daughter was in town for this Mother's Day, and she found a two-year old irresistible for Mother's Day gift. He is German Shepherd at first look with black coat like Golden Retriever and golden-brown legs up to the knee. He is house trained - gentle soul. Bear is different with his age.

He has no issues with socializing with neighbors or being with neighbors' dogs. Simple put, Bear has not accepted us as his pack -- shows separation anxiety carried over from the previous owner. And yes, he is biting off street-view window sill when we're away to work during the week.

My wife and I are determined to turn him around by Veteran's day weekend -- love his manners. In addition to extending our walk time, intensified play that is less physical yet takes his mental engagement -- moving soccer ball with him, weaving along the cones, monkey in the middle, and more -- he is not following us around the house as much; improvement.

Bear (a German shepherd) accepting us as his pack means he must redeem his original owner for us; can we do it in one more week? We're taking note of his barking pattern and body language to assess his progress daily.

What is your experience?

[abscate]

He will accept you in time. 6-12 weeks isn’t too long

My condolences on your departed one. I’m going through final stages of sunset with my ShepHusky and it’s hard

[xHeart]

He will accept you in time. 6-12 weeks isn’t too long

My condolences on your departed one. I’m going through final stages of sunset with my ShepHusky and it’s hard

Thank you!