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I was chewing my way through pushing the snowbank back and broke through a layer of ice into the leaves. FOOOP! Down she goes. Right to the frame.

This is a long post that's mostly for my own notes and thoughts, shared publicly. I'm known for long posts. This one's a book. I very much welcome your own thoughts comments questions suggestions. And I also encourage you to join. ****************** I've been a fair amount larger than most folks for nearly all my life. As I age and watching my immediate family and friends have health issues I know I just can't stay this way and remain mobile and happy. I've tried several times in several years to get a real world handle on my physical health. I've been fighting unknown body pains for over 9 years now. Fibromyalgia. In other words, we don't know the cause. I've seen at least a half dozen doctors and NPs. I've been tested Every Which Way but Loose (catch that?) for diseases and syndromes. I've learned over the 9 years that my pain tolerance is extremely low. That by itself is certainly a serious issue. I've tried at least a half dozen meds. All meds failed. Some miserably. NO MORE meds. Because of those medicinal failures I've failed to improve my health for several years now as well. The after effects have been horrific. Reduced energy. Increasing chronic pain and fatigue. I haven't taken a prescription pain med for awhile now. 1.5 or 2.5 years?? Interestingly, this is the first year I've been able to move a little more when I get home from work since 2017. My biggest issue THIS year is going to be literally - all in my head. I am Neurodiverse. What we used to call ADD or ADHD depending on symptoms or even depending on the day. My conscious mind and thinking patterns are not properly recognized - or even connected to - my subconscious. We literally are missing some or all of the nerve pathways to accomplish proper connection. It's EXTREMELY DIFFICULT to form a habit and I can drop one instantly without even realizing it. It's also subconsciously gratifying to have habits that satisfy a very short term/time increase in dopamine. YouTube Shorts and videos less than 10 minutes. Crunchy foods. Sometimes sugary foods but not always. Texting. Reading short stories or emails. Changing subject matter often. Start a project and only work on it rarely afterwards. All short. All quick. All very satisfying. Forming and changing Life Habits on a large long term scale is VERY DIFFICULT. Having this type of thought pattern is a HUGE challenge for losing weight. On another side, we neurodivergent have the ability to hyperfocus on things. This obviously has its ups n downs depending on subject matter or mood. Also, my short term memory is extremely insufficient. Digital calendar and notepads are a necessity. I've tried MANY ways to deal with it including several meds, both prescription and natural remedies. I've learned over the years to be flexible about having a plan or desire to get a certain thing done but I now understand that my thought process just is NOT like most folks. I head to the workshop or outside and let my disconnected subconscious drive what I can do for the day. I keep a task in mind and understand that it may or may not be accomplished on that day, but will later. Odds are very high that I'll see a thing I've "been meaning to do" or remember that something else should be done first. (Remember, terrible short term memory). So.... back to my physical health... Goal #1. Begin with reasonable consistent weight loss. 16 weeks @ 1.5 lbs/week loss is 24 lbs. 272.6 lbs starting January 31st. 248 lbs by Memorial Day. Friday January 31st. 9 days ago. I was 272.6 This morning 270.9 I'll take it. Goal #2. Begin to increase stamina and strength. We went to the gym again yesterday morning. Treadmill to start. I gradually go to the steepest setting while increasing to 3 mph. Using my own home scale, I checked the scaled weight of ONLY my hands while in push-up position. 185 or so. I've read that I should be able to bench press about 70%-90% of that number. After warming up I did a couple reps at 145 lbs. Nearly 80%. I could've done more but don't want to push too hard yet. I'm pretty happy with that. After Memorial Day I'll continue with the changes. I'm not sure I have a realistic future goal weight. My oversized frame is off the scales of the Medical folks. I'll aim for around 220 lbs and see how that looks and feels. That'll be over a 70 lb loss. One thing I've never done is bench press my body weight. Always wanted to. Reduce me from 272 to 220. Increase weights from 145 to 220. Doable? Yes. Realistic?...... maybe. There are optimists. There are pessimists. I'm a Realist. I know that increasing my bench press weight to that point is a VERY lofty goal. Will I do it? I don't know. That's 2 or 3 years away if at all possible. I'll try to remember to keep this thread updated....

Won't count as skidding, but this was one of a dozen or so trips after pruning a dang Bradford pear tree.

Dragged out the 308, plowed uphill all the way to the street

About twenty five years ago I would order parts and pieces for projects on so my wife was accustom to seeing packages being delivered but she never shopped eBay herself. With Christmas coming up I began buying some collectables for my wife knowing she wouldn't be any the wiser because she didn't go on eBay. As Christmas approached I became a bit frustrated because hardly any of the gifts had arrived. Christmas morning I slept in because I could hear my wife scurrying about and didn't want to spoil whatever surprise she had going on. When I came into the living room there were a bunch of neatly wrapped small packages stacked up with my name on them. My wife had been intercepting the packages and gift wrapped her own gifts thinking they were items for me,

This is what 8 inches of snow looks like in northwest Florida. "damn" Also, looks like a couple of Storm Troopers tried to swipe my old 603 carcass.

Had something similar happen today: We only got a couple of inches of snow but we had a bunch of ice/snow the other day and I was out scraping down the front walk with HHHOOOWWWAAARRRDDD!!!. My next door neighbor has all driveway about 8 cars wide but an entrance like 2 cars wide. My side walk meets his parking area. At the entrance there is a large deep storm drain which is the only drain on my street. Another neighbor was shoveling his drive way and had the snow piled up in the wrong spot near that drain. I came over and moved that pile very carefully because I knew that drain was there. I was just about done but decided to make 1 more pass. FOOOP! The RF wheel sank into the drain. I was able to leave it in rev and push it back out but had to scramble to stop it once it was out.

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So... Simple question: Would a chain break pulling you out if the wind was calm and there was no reason to believe asking that question would result in a 50 page back and forth on the static vs dynamic load limits of fruit if the loom underwear size 3x??? Asking for a friend...

Okay so it’s not exactly a side shot! But I did get some seat time today, we got around 4” last night. First time since 1984 that I didn’t leave my house to have to go plowing and sanding. Felt kind of weird being able to stay home and not have to go to work in the middle of the night. I waited until it was light out then plowed the driveway with my 418-C and went back inside to the wood stove.

We got about 10" total. Very fluffy. All plowed out now. Got stuck. Got unstuck.

Good luck!!! Sounds like a "Colossal" undertaking, but certainly well planned out!!!

Join us on February 9 as we celebrate National Pizza Day! It’s hard to imagine that before World War II, pizza was little known outside of Italy or Italian immigrant communities. This cheesy disc went from a niche cultural meal to the star of the show anywhere it turns up! Let’s hear it for pizza! It is one of the numerous, delicious food holidays in the U.S. Obviously, Pizza Pie Day is a day for celebrating pizza, one of the most popular foods Americans enjoy. Did you know that 36% of Americans eat pizza as a breakfast meal? Historians claim that pizza-like dishes have been a common staple in the ancient Middle East, but it was Italians who perfected and popularized the recipe. As World War II troops grew fond of pizzas while they served in Italy, pizzerias also sprung up in the U.S. to meet the returning soldiers’ demands for pizzas. The word ‘pizza’ first appears in a document in Gaeta, a city in Southern Italy in 997 A.D. By 1861 King Umberto and Queen Margherita of the newly unified Italy visit Naples and the Margherita pizza gets its name. Baker Raffaele Esposito of Na In 1905 Italian immigrant Gennaro Lombardi opened North America’s first pizzeria, Lombardi’s, in New York City. Pizzeria Uno in Chicago invented the deep-dish pizza in 1943, sparking the still unsettled debate of whether a casserole can really be a pizza. Following World War Two the popularity of pizzas among returning servicemen sparked a rapid growth in the number of Pizza Palaces in the United States and Canada. In 1958 Pizza Hut, the leading chain pizza restaurant chain in the US was founded in Wichita, Kansas.

I haven't made hasenpfeffer for many years, but when I saw this, I was tempted. But Mrs. K quickly squashed my plan to harvest her pet Floppy and friends. The little buggers had chewed on a honey crisp, a bosh, and a plum. I patched the wounds. Then covered the trunks.

Some forward progress & 1 set back. First the forward progress. Got the body work done on the sheet metal. Paint stripped off the transmission, ready for a wash & some paint. Pulled the head off from the engine to see what was what. This was the set back. I was planning on just a paint over haul on this one but plans have changed. When I pulled the head I thought "Holy piston wash Batman". Well guess I'm doing an engine rebuild too. Given this fact the engine is now torn down and ready to go to the machinist as soon as the new parts get here. Crank measures out perfect, bore is not out of spec but finding the early small bore parts is not easy. So late model 2 15/16" bore will be in order. Took the time to blast all the engine parts as well. Wanting more forward movement I decided to squirt a little more paint. All I got for this weekend.

Just got done blowing the windrow of snow out into the field.

That answer is correct everywhere in the universe.

Well first pic is of Wednesdays haul from @Handy Don. Second and third pic is of the haul Saturday morning! Projects to soon attend to!

Snow beasts!!!

Definitely would've been tree planting holes. 🕳 She set right down in there fast as could be an' STUCK. We took turns shoveling. Just a few minutes it was out.

I get a 2 for 1 discount since our anniversary is on 2/13. After 43 years, stories like that just get the rolling eyes response.

Just an FYI (echoing Reality ). As one's metabolism inevitably changes with age, the gaining is easier and the burning off harder.

I just bought parts for it. It’s working for them.😁

I dunno.... @Pullstart ya wanna field this one for me?

Both options are tough machines. Both use basically the same hydrostatic. Simply put- the 312 is a simple, easy to work on machine. If the engine was properly maintained it will run thousands of hours and is literally bulletproof. Thousands of spare parts available for it. Every attachment made for classic machines since 1973 will fit on it. The 5xi is a bit more complex, and likely more expensive. None of the attachments from other tractors will fit, though New Holland also used the same machine painted blue. If it comes with multiple attachments, great. If not, the search for them will be more involved.

Don't feel bad . It happens. Inquisitive minds like we both have can sometimes lead us to say, why did I do that ? Knowing full well beforehand it was NOT a good idea. You know how I know we think alike, I got the 5000 lb JD off the beaten path trying to get over the brook headed to the house from the Cabin 2 hours ago plowing out back. I was almost out of options then I realized I had a small pedal to engage the diff lock and by golly it got me out. Had it in 4 wheel drive as well. How did you make out Bro ? We got an additional 8'' of snow. Just read the outcome.

I didn't see if any of the doctors mentioned depression? And I only ask because I know or suspect that I myself have had some problems with it. I have trouble admitting it because I've always been very happy person that looked forward to the future. Now that I'm for the most part completely disabled with lots of time on my hands to think about things and really not much of a future to look forward too I've had some signs of depression. I spend much of my time alone because my wife is still working and we don't have children so even though I've always been a loner it can get old. I'm blessed with a great wife, friends and wonderful siblings that check in often and has made the difference and keeps me getting up each day. Good luck and keep trying that's all you can do.

Please don't tell us Mrs. Bar fell for that story.

Scam??? That's a dream come true!!

I too have had some "Health Changes" and weight loss around the Holidays. I spent 8 days in the hospital Cardiac Unit for Congestive Heart Failure & Afib. Along with what I call the "Double Diuretic Diet". My weight when admitted was 275, came home at 245. Currently on a lower dose - I weigh 232. I have not seen 232 in about 10 years. Had a procedure Friday to zap the Afib away - so far, so good. Trying to avoid getting a Pacemaker, the last resort. It would END my days of doing any form of Electric Welding. Best of luck to you Eric. Bill

Points push rod apparently changed after a point. If you google eh Kohler Kit 220506 (used on older engines) it comes with two different push rods.

Chit chatting with you EB is always great! When you mentioned bench pressing the 70-90% of upper body weight, I instantly thought “That’s an easy goal, I’ve totally got this!” I’ve been hovering around 180 total weight, and found my push up weight at 142 the other day, for a 70-90% goal of 100-130, roughly. I pretty much figured that 150 would be an obtainable goal. Sure, why not? It’s only been over 20 years (23?) since I regularly lifted weights in a gym! Gym class in high school was more than half my life ago, but I’m fairly fit still. 150? Psh. Easy. “Reality to Pullstart! Reality to Pullstart!” Is currently blaring over my P.A. System. Rylee has a weight bench in her room. With the amount of concrete vs. steel weights she has, we managed to fit 120 on the bar. I did it. But it was not easy. I did my 5 reps and called it a day. Wow, I was shocked! Hindsight, I began my intermittent fasting over two years ago now. I still don’t regret it. I FEEL great. There are times (vacation, travel, etc. where I’ll gain weight. I gained 10-18 lbs during a last summer into fall, traveling what seemed to be more than being home, and burned it right back off in a couple weeks. What I wonder though, is how much muscle mass I’ve given up along with the fat? EB. You totally got this! Also, squirrel!

All I'm gonna say is don't let out the seller you will start a bidding war. Sons and daughters have been known to be sold to slavery for a '56 35.

@squonk we really need a video of that.

That ‘66 is so cool

Wide. And stuck.

If that would have been an 8 speed you could have left it in low range reverse and walked away and let it eat itself out....or dig a couple holes to plant some trees this spring So did the dig out work or did the green rig get some recovery fun?

Don't know what type of clay you have out there. We have red clay here in NC if it's to dry you can't get a plow in the ground does make any difference what you have. Too wet you will make brick hard clods. Best to plow in the fall a little wet and let it freeze over the winter. Plowing in the spring it has to be just the right amount of moisture. Plow a short piece and test, take a hand full and press it in your hand if it sticks together it is too wet. If it just right it will crumble back apart.

"I swear, Honey"!

I had a n95 on but I was sanding in the garage so I’ll probably move it outside when it’s not raining sometime soon. And use the wheel again

Can you elaborate on this? Likely different from vegetables.

Cub, Weeblos, Boy Scout... Mom was Den Mother... fond memories. No longer "BSA" as of yesterday... Went to a pinewood derby race yesterday for some nephews who are in Trail Life. American flag, Pledge of Allegiance, opening prayer, kids showed nothing but respect. Clearly recognizable as what BSA once was...

I decided to widen this thing out so I could tow it behind a tractor if I need to. No sense dumping my tools all over the yard. Might look a little silly but I made it this way on purpose. The front axle pivots like a wheel horse axle. I'll probably swap the spindles for some longer ones since some dummy cut them too short to begin with. And 12 degrees looks to be about right on the camber. Ran out of paint, so this is it for tonight.

Hardest part for this one is making the cushions ... 'course I know a guy with bus seats too ...

@SylvanLakeWH Here’s some pictures of my buddy seat that you asked about. As I said in another post it’s actually quite simple. Loosen the bolts on the fender pan, the bracket is slotted so you just slide it in and tighten up the bolts and that’s it! Probably could have taken pictures of the underside, but you get the idea. It’s made out of 1/4” thick aluminum.

Well, I went and got a paint stripper wheel for a grinder and put on a mask opened up the garage and windows in the garage plus the side door in the garage, and had a fan moving air. And then I got the top of the hood done and realized this thing worked great…..the breathing situation….not so much sooo I went and talked to my parents and we decided to wet sand and it looks ok in my opinion I don’t really know what I’m doing but hey,I’m trying, anyways that’s the update here’s some pictures for yall.

Installed the muffler stack today and a new shifter boot. Getting ready to sand blast the mower deck and paint it. I figured I would start with that before I work on the tractor tins. That way If it doesn't look good I won't care as much. Learning as I go. I still need to make a brace for muffler and may shorten how tall it goes. I had a piece of 8 inch so I used that for now.