What made you feel good today?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Soaked to the bone after working in the rain all day, I had a late customer come in for a wander. I was in no mood to chat, and yet I spent far too long with this man than the boss should know about.

This gentleman had moved to the area about two years ago and hadn't know we existed till today. After he told me that he had just had to put his dog down this morning, I knew he needed the distraction, someone or something to take his mind off losing a companion. Suddenly, I had all the time in the world to listen, despite being cold and wet. Somehow, the chat turned to cars, I said that I hope he wasn't into bloody Holden's, me also saying I was a Ford man when questioned why I asked that.

Well, it turns out he worked for Tickford and FPV. We talked T-Series, 5.6 Windsor's, Barra Turbo's, Boss and Miami V8 engines. We even chatted about David Flint, the man responsible for leading the Tickford/FPV brand. Apparently, he didn't take any sh.t from Ford, which I always thought was the case. I also agreed with his statement that Falcon's often had the better engineering quality over the Holden product. Comments regarding the transition from FPV under Prodrive to being brough back inhouse at Ford were interesting, although not surprising.

I hope I managed to take his mind away from his grief for at least a little while. And I hope he returns; I have more questions to ask!

He came back!!

My new friend came in again today, we were somewhat busy, so I didn't have as much time chat as much as last week. At least I wasn't soaking wet, and the sun was shining this time.

He also offered to give me his set of FPV company overalls, I didn't know what to say other than he didn't have to do that. His response was that they didn't fit him anymore, that he was a Holden man and that they would be better in the hands of a diehard like me. That made me smile and the offer was lovely.

And it looks like I gained a job out of it as well. I don't normally advertise that I'm a gardener or actively seek out new work. I have a set list of clients that I tend to which I can control rather than saying YES to everyone and everything. I have done that in the past and it just isn't good for me or the client. The conversation ended up falling onto the subject of work and me mentioning I have my own side business. He said he needed some help in the garden and I need to replace a regular that I finished up at this week.

All that from just being there to listen to the man when he needed someone to talk to.

[jaydee]

Cooked up some ribs, sat down with a cider and watched Geelong win.

[CoupeKing]

Originally Posted by jaydee

That'd make me as cranky as.
Dieting or colonoscopy?

Diet/fasting/lifestyle change. Was on a one meal per day for a while.

Took almost a year to get to that point. Just extended it a few hours.

Slowly kept pushing breakfast closer to lunch then combing them so It was 2 meals per day with dinner. Then pushed lunch towards dinner and eventually combined them as one meal.

Cleaned my trusty treadly up and went for a 22km ride fk'n LOL

Didn't mean to go so far i was just in the zone and then it rained LOLOLOLOLOL

[.:4:.]

Recieced an order for my son today. Texted him to say its in. He was keen to see a photo. So as im entiltled to, i did the dad thing. Sent him a photo of the mail package it came in. Its his duty to open mail for him. He was not as entertained as i was. So on his approval i did open it and send him a pic of what was in the package. He was keen after that. It was exactly what he was after.

[Citroënbender]

In the shed with a car, tools all sorted, nothing to distract me, thunderstorm rolling in.

[jaydee]

My brother and I took my other brother to the Perth Royal Show yesterday.
Now he's 59, has Downs Syndrome, arthritic, 90% deaf and onset dementia, I know, right, some people are dealt shyte cards.

So, at the show having a good time and then he cracks it. Can't figure it out.
Won't talk to me, turned has back on me while eating lunch, Won't watch the sheep dog trials.
So we went home, I raced ahead to get the car and drove back to pick them up.
My other brother walked back with him. On the walk back my disabled brother confided I was "bloody rude".
WTF did I do?

Penny dropped this morning.

We were in one of the pavillions where all the old farm equipment is, every year straight there, he loves it.
Anyway, some really old girl with a walker is sitting down next to a table. She was one of the volunteers.
On the table was a couple of stubby holders and she was holding an enamel mug, just finished a cuppa.
My brother whips out some coin and goes to put it in the cup and I stopped him.
Bloody rude.

Just told my other brother, we both got a laugh out of it.

[Citroënbender]

The Conargo Pub is open again!

[ford71V8]

An afternoon free of rain and chill, a casual cruise in the AU through the hills, a few purchases at Beerenberg and a tasty pub burger for lunch.

[MITCHAY]

I finally got around to cleaning up the Weber Q in time for daylight savings and GF

It was pretty dirty and in fact the al foil drip tray actually dissolved. I went to lift it out and there was no bottom so **** everywhere

One of the best things I bought was the Weber Q cookbox scraper. A fairly plain looking piece of plastic but **** me it does almost all the work cleaning these things.

Before I was stuffing around with wipes and sponges taking forever but now just spray the cleaner on and scrape it away

The fact that PPQ feels this plate may be innapropriate

Dunno about tomorrow tho'

[BENT_8]

My youngest Son, who turns 18 this month, finally took the leap and got his Learners permit.
Took him for his first drive this morning, he did ok for a first attempt and showed nice steady progress throughout the 90 minute period.

Good bonding time too which is a bonus.

[ford71V8]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

My youngest Son, who turns 18 this month, finally took the leap and got his Learners permit.
Took him for his first drive this morning, he did ok for a first attempt and showed nice steady progress throughout the 90 minute period.

Good bonding time too which is a bonus.

Great stuff.
Been leaning on our youngest to get his L's but he is a little worried. I said get your test out the way, and the day you are ready the keys are there. I bought a car for him for some incentive but its so comfortable it has become my daily.... this might get awkward soon.
He has a parttime job now plus all the sports... mum is imagining life post taxi service (me too, but I like driving him to work, its when we chat most)

[ford71V8]

What made us feel good?

Youngest son (as above) spent 15+ hours traveling to the east coast from Adelaide with his T20 cricket team to compete. We were hesitant giving him the green light, he is the only kid in the team of adults, and its a long way from home. He does travel well though and pretty experienced in that regard.
Anyway, after all the effort and money to get there, rain has stuffed the comp and it was looking like it was going to be cancelled.
Today they changed it to 10 over matches and knockout style once the weather cleared up a bit. Great, he will get to play!
Just got a text - WE WON!!
He seems to be having a great time. Even rained in with 12 other dudes in a Airbnb, seems to be making the most of it. Someone bought an Xbox, day trip to Luna Park and Opera House, ferry ride.
I am so stoked they won their 1st game. They get to play on now obviously, so fingers crossed they can keep going

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by ford71V8

Great stuff.
Been leaning on our youngest to get his L's but he is a little worried. I said get your test out the way, and the day you are ready the keys are there. I bought a car for him for some incentive but its so comfortable it has become my daily.... this might get awkward soon.
He has a parttime job now plus all the sports... mum is imagining life post taxi service (me too, but I like driving him to work, its when we chat most)

That was how my Son was, he admitted today that it was anxiety of driving for the first time thats kept him from sitting the L's test.
I use a particular set of rural back roads that expose learners to a variety of turns, speeds, surface and signage that forms a figure 8 and provides familiarity and an opportunity to have repeat attempts until progress and confidence allow me to expand from it.
We spent 90 minutes driving the course and the improvement was very evident.
I've used this to teach my 2 eldest, Sister and Nephew with great success.

I asked my Son how he felt about his first drive and he said he wished he'd done it long ago now.

[tbro4123]

Been going for walks now everyday, knee feels sooooo funny as in weird. Feels like I have a clacking CV joint but given I could have lost my lower leg if the disease had progress further then that's a small price to pay.


Doing 10,000 steps for the last week and other than still some difficulty in downward slopes it's all go!!!


Went in for my 6 week appointment with the specialist, he called me in and apparently watched me as I walked in, checked my movement (137 degrees) looked at the scar,
"any questions?" explained that the swelling could last up to 12 months and then said "that's it, we won't worry about the 3 monthly as your so far ahead of where you should be there is no need."

We shook hands & then I almost forgot to ask "Can I drive now?"
He did explain the concerns with me using my right leg to brake,
I explained that I left foot braked anyway he gave me the go ahead.


So driving is so strange, can't get comfy in the Ranger but I'm hoping that will change.


I have to overhaul the front calipers on the Falcon so that will be another challenge of bending and kneeling but I'll save that for a few weeks.


If anybody is contemplating a Total Knee Replacement for whatever reason,

go for it but remember it's all up to you to do the hard and at times painful work early in rehab
because what you end up with at 3 months is the best it will ever get.


Anyhow, off for my "walkies" for the next 2 hours aiming 10km walks by next week
and then back to the pushy on the local bikeways.


Yep "I feel good today"!!

Be safe


Terry aka Tbro

[marty351]

Daylight saving beginning and on such a nice day!

[LG17]

Originally Posted by tbro4123

Been going for walks now everyday, knee feels sooooo funny as in weird. Feels like I have a clacking CV joint but given I could have lost my lower leg if the disease had progress further then that's a small price to pay.


Doing 10,000 steps for the last week and other than still some difficulty in downward slopes it's all go!!!


Went in for my 6 week appointment with the specialist, he called me in and apparently watched me as I walked in, checked my movement (137 degrees) looked at the scar,
"any questions?" explained that the swelling could last up to 12 months and then said "that's it, we won't worry about the 3 monthly as your so far ahead of where you should be there is no need."

We shook hands & then I almost forgot to ask "Can I drive now?"
He did explain the concerns with me using my right leg to brake,
I explained that I left foot braked anyway he gave me the go ahead.


So driving is so strange, can't get comfy in the Ranger but I'm hoping that will change.


I have to overhaul the front calipers on the Falcon so that will be another challenge of bending and kneeling but I'll save that for a few weeks.


If anybody is contemplating a Total Knee Replacement for whatever reason,

go for it but remember it's all up to you to do the hard and at times painful work early in rehab
because what you end up with at 3 months is the best it will ever get.


Anyhow, off for my "walkies" for the next 2 hours aiming 10km walks by next week
and then back to the pushy on the local bikeways.


Yep "I feel good today"!!

Be safe


Terry aka Tbro

I've had 3 TKR's, well, 2 and a rebuild.
If you can't walk it's an awesome result.
I had my first one when I was 38, I'm now 72.
I'll be having my 4th next year.


There are things you have to get used to, and some take time and you must work hard at your rehab.
But it's better than either of the other 2 alternatives - amputation or totally wheelchair bound, in my opinion.


137 degrees is absolutely awesome!!!!

[ford71V8]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

.......
I asked my Son how he felt about his first drive and he said he wished he'd done it long ago now.

Its always the way isnt it

[.:4:.]

Im actually looking forward to when my son gets his L's. He is only 13 but i reckon he will get them the minute he turns 16. He is interested in cars. Ive never let him drive my car, but i do let him get in the drivers seat, adjust the seat, pedals, mirrors and start it up. Give it a rev, but it never leaves park. He knows where the controls are, as in lights, indicators and wipers.
Silly thing is, as youtube clearly teaches.... he still kinda thinks every barra is a 1000hp barra. Mine is probably more like a 100hp barra. But because it has an exhaust on it he thinks its way cooler then it is.
Ive had it for 12 years, so dunno why he thinks its cool. He does get a bit embarrassed when i remind him of all the times he barfed in the back as an infant.

[.:4:.]

Got my car rego inspected today. I didnt book it in i just rocked up. The mechanics i use are always busy so never answer their phone. I rocked up in person to book on a time, but they did it on the spot. Good blokes. Only minor foible was a leaking exhaust gasket. So john went next door to the exhaust shop and the bloke came over and swapped it out. Eh, $50 for that to be rectified on the spot isnt terrible in my book. By right i was expecting to be charged an hours labour for a 2 minute job. Other then that, cars apples. The exhaust guy asked who made my exhaust? I dunno, its a wreckers job. But he said they did a good job at it and hurricane mufflers are good. So ill take that as its good. I was half expecting him to try sell me something. Im assuming theyre a reputable exhaust shop as they had a mint datto 1200 coupe in there and a rx2 drag car. My mechanic, he had a mint ke70 (i think, dunno my corollas) with an efi 4 banger and recaro seats. He often works on modified nice cars, not just your run of the mill dailies, so must have a good rep too. I mean, when my brother bent the clutch pedal in his au, these guys pulled the column, re inforced the pedal assembly and only charged $300.

[Tassie f100]

Originally Posted by .:4:.

Got my car rego inspected today. I didnt book it in i just rocked up. The mechanics i use are always busy so never answer their phone. I rocked up in person to book on a time, but they did it on the spot. Good blokes. Only minor foible was a leaking exhaust gasket. So john went next door to the exhaust shop and the bloke came over and swapped it out. Eh, $50 for that to be rectified on the spot isnt terrible in my book. By right i was expecting to be charged an hours labour for a 2 minute job. Other then that, cars apples. The exhaust guy asked who made my exhaust? I dunno, its a wreckers job. But he said they did a good job at it and hurricane mufflers are good. So ill take that as its good. I was half expecting him to try sell me something. Im assuming theyre a reputable exhaust shop as they had a mint datto 1200 coupe in there and a rx2 drag car. My mechanic, he had a mint ke70 (i think, dunno my corollas) with an efi 4 banger and recaro seats. He often works on modified nice cars, not just your run of the mill dailies, so must have a good rep too. I mean, when my brother bent the clutch pedal in his au, these guys pulled the column, re inforced the pedal assembly and only charged $300.

Well I guess it is an easy $50 or so for a couple of minutes walk around “inspection”and the exhaust bloke was pretty happy to get $50 for a few minutes job.

[.:4:.]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

Well I guess it is an easy $50 or so for a couple of minutes walk around “inspection”and the exhaust bloke was pretty happy to get $50 for a few minutes job.

Nah the mechanic did his proper inspection. That was a separate bill. It was convenient the exhaust shop is next door. More convenient the exhaust bloke wasnt busy and had the gasket in stock. So the minor job was done on the lift in the mechanics shop whilst the mechanic was checking the rest with a torch. All above board. My rear tyres pass but are close, quoted $120 each for 235/45 17s. So not bad.

[Tassie f100]

Originally Posted by .:4:.

Nah the mechanic did his proper inspection. That was a separate bill. It was convenient the exhaust shop is next door. More convenient the exhaust bloke wasnt busy and had the gasket in stock. So the minor job was done on the lift in the mechanics shop whilst the mechanic was checking the rest with a torch. All above board. My rear tyres pass but are close, quoted $120 each for 235/45 17s. So not bad.

Oh right.Someone on another thread said vehicle inspections in NSW only cost about $50 because they are only a quick look at lights tyres etc,wheras a proper inspection involves removing wheels to check brake pads and disc thickness etc and checking for worn suspension components,but that is much more involved and costs $100-150

[.:4:.]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

Oh right.Someone on another thread said vehicle inspections in NSW only cost about $50 because they are only a quick look at lights tyres etc,wheras a proper inspection involves removing wheels to check brake pads and disc thickness etc and checking for worn suspension components,but that is much more involved and costs $100-150

In nsw a rego inspection is $43. Fixed price. Car on the lift running to check for leaks and in general poke around. They check lights, brakes. Take it out for a brake test with the tester thing. Yeah i had an exhaust leak, but that was fixed. Otherwise it was good.

[Tassie f100]

Originally Posted by .:4:.

In nsw a rego inspection is $43. Fixed price. Car on the lift running to check for leaks and in general poke around. They check lights, brakes. Take it out for a brake test with the tester thing. Yeah i had an exhaust leak, but that was fixed. Otherwise it was good.

Well I haven’t had anything to do with NSW inspections,but from my own mechanical knowledge it is just not possible to do a proper full inspection in 30 min or less,which is how long $43 might buy.Geez even plumbers and sparkys get paid more than $43 for half an hours work and there is a lot more skill and responsibility with mechanics than either of the other mentioned trades.

[.:4:.]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

Well I haven’t had anything to do with NSW inspections,but from my own mechanical knowledge it is just not possible to do a proper full inspection in 30 min or less,which is how long $43 might buy.Geez even plumbers and sparkys get paid more than $43 for half an hours work and there is a lot more skill and responsibility with mechanics than either of the other mentioned trades.

Thats exaxtly why mechanics will usually either stuff you around as towards doing it, or do the dodgey. Its fixed price, they make nothing from it. But the place i use do it by the book. Really, i wasnt overly concerned about my car. When i had work cars, the mechanics work used would drop the brake tester and say its all good. So getting something minor fixed i was good for. The car has been looked over so its all good. Nothing dodgey at all.

[BENT_8]

A little late with this one but we finally got our slabs poured on Friday which was also my Wife's Birthday so made for a double celebration Friday night.

Didn't take them long to have their hand out for payment mind you, invoice was in our emails before it had set, lol.

Been a bit of a delay due to availability of materials which is industry wide.
Has resulted in shifting from timber frame to steel frame which I'm not too upset about to be honest having spent the past few months watching the timber on some unfinished builds looking very weathered as a result of the unusually wet winter we've had.

[Citroënbender]

Did you triple-check the email header?