2009 at the Hammond Barn

[RHClarke]

Originally Posted by servicepub

We had a bit of a cold spell here and the temperature plumetted to +28. However, it is nice to see photos of snow - it gives me a nice warm feeling al over.

Clive, How long have you been having these hot flashes? Do you feel the need to buy a convertible? Or perhaps go on an adventure somewhere? Hopefully, you will get a chance to come back to Ottawa on leave to (ahem) chill out...

[Gunner]

Rob:

Congratulations! After throwing a lot of money at the provincial government you now have proof that you own something thats been yours for years!!

Staggering!

Mike

[RHClarke]

Originally Posted by Gunner

Rob:

Congratulations! After throwing a lot of money at the provincial government you now have proof that you own something thats been yours for years!! Staggering! Mike

Gunner, Nothing succeeds like excess - especially when it comes to paperwork. It looks like the system is set up to exact money at every turn from those whom it is supposed to serve. Despite the load of tax money we fork over every year to support those who are paid to support us, it appears to me that we are getting less service at greater cost. It is time to sink unions, lawyers and pencil neck tax and spend politicians.
Back to the main topic - It helped going to a rural office as the offices close to home seem to be run by male-hating, weightwatcher wannabes, who see us as "inconveniences". I was more than a little annoyed by the constant questioning of my motives (“Why would you want to register that?”) and their slavery to procedures (“Why doesn’t the VIN have 17 digits?”). The less than helpful manner in which I was treated in Ottawa contrasts with the excellent advice and assistance given by David and his team in Kemptville.
Bottom line is that the HUP is legally registered in my name and registration is one more step toward the Spring 09 roll out. Seven years...King Solomon would not be impressed!

[servicepub (RIP)]

Originally Posted by RHClarke

. Seven years...King Solomon would not be impressed!

But it's only one in dog years???

[RHClarke]

Bob queried my posting of photos on this thread. He had a question from a fellow CMPer from afar about the types of photos being posted on threads. Since the Posting Photos thread is locked, I'll respond here with my two cents worth.

We have two options as far as I know:
Attaching thumbnails; or
Attaching a photo via URL.

Both have advantages and disadvantages. The Thumbnail is easy to effect - just follow the directions under "Manage Attachments". Once posted it requires that extra step (clicking) to expand it but it usually only gets a little larger. No problem. You can save the photo by right clicking and selecting the save options. You can then open the photo in a photo manipulation program and have your way with it.

My preferred option is to post a URL to a photo by copying it and pasting it into the text field of a reply. There are disadvantages - first, you need to join an online photo archiving website (I use Photobucket), set up an account and upload the photos to the website. You must also allow public viewing, so save the "candid snaps" for your private viewing... Once uploaded, you superimpose the cursor over the photo and all sorts of detail pops up. Select the URL, copy and paste it as mentioned. Here's the rub - if the website closes up shop or changes some of its "character", your link may/will be lost. I am not sure how much bandwidth URLs take up, but the larger photos sure look nice...

We will see if Bob goes the thumbnail or URL route when he posts photos of today's barn antics...

[RHClarke]

Guy Vapeur of the Hammond Quartet spent the night imitating Betsy Ross (do a Goggle search if you don't recognize this American icon). Now all Bob needs to do is construct a flag pole to mount on the barn!



Well done, Guy.

[RHClarke]

The spare tire mounting hardware was the focus of my efforts last weekend at the barn. Bob and Grant were of great assistance by providing advice, welding and some heavy lifting.

We used the old "trial and error" method of construction and fitting with more emphasis on the error part of the equation. The tire hold down bar was an easy build. I decided to go with a "T" bar configuration instead of just a wheel nut as in the original configuration. I don't expect that there will be too many folks tinkering with the hardware, but to make sure they don't end up wearing a very heavy wheel, a lock will be fitted in the future.

Hold Down Bar post welding:


Central Shaft mounted - the outside nut was removed to allow play:


Two man lift - those old wheels are HEAVY!


Almost finished product - the shaft was subsequently shortened: