Antique-Tractor (ATIS) Community

Miscellaneous Forums => 'round the pot-bellied stove => Topic started by: Gene Dotson on May 12, 2011, 05:00:07 PM

Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 12, 2011, 05:00:07 PM
Still waterlogged here in western, Ohio. Seems rain every other day. Have the field cultivator parked about 30 feet from the edge of the field behind the barn. Tried to get the tractor to it on Monday and got stuck before I got half way to it. Finally got it headed back toward the grass and on solid ground. Want to change the sweeps on the cultivator, but another inch of rain with marble size hail and will still be there for a few more days.

I was driving through Urbana and West Liberty Monday and the tractors and planters were working there and only 25 miles south of here. Much different ground there, with gravel and sandy soil. Saw corn growing enough to row in some fields along Route 36 west of Urbana. Still water standing here and totally saturated, so everything runs off. No reserve capacity in the soil at all. Temperature has been warm the last few days and sunshine, but so humid that very little drying occurring.

Still plenty time to plant the soybeans here.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 12, 2011, 09:29:38 PM
We finally have had a decent break in WNY.  A few days in the 60's with a steady wind to get some drying going on.  Yesterday was over 70 and today over 80, but now 50% chance for rain for about the next week.  My big thing in life these days is lawn so have taken advantage of this chance.  

(http://images12.fotki.com/v155/photos/9/1608999/8701750/100_3668-vi.jpg)

My main lawn is now in good shape, having been cut three times. Part of the back lawns are equally well done.

(http://images55.fotki.com/v268/photos/9/1608999/8701750/100_3671-vi.jpg)

Another part had to be cut at four inches, but considering the grass was eight to twelve inches, it came out pretty well.

(http://images58.fotki.com/v612/photos/9/1608999/8701750/100_3674-vi.jpg)

After this dried in the sun for a day, I hit it again this evening at three inches (normal for out there) and it is fine now.  
Just one small area still under water as the next photo will show.  I came as near as I want to get to being stuck there.

(http://images108.fotki.com/v613/photos/9/1608999/8701750/100_3675-vi.jpg)

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on May 14, 2011, 12:47:56 AM
Charlie, its getting pretty bad when you can almost get stuck with a lawnmower. We have some green grass here finally but none in need of cutting yet.
Gene, too bad you can't get in the field. We have been lucky lately with some good drying winds improving the field situation . I got in my first day on the anhydrous cultivator today and did a tank full in the afternoon. Actually making some dust as you can see in the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdGegzD1D5Y[video=youtube;BdGegzD1D5Y]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdGegzD1D5Y[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 14, 2011, 12:49:57 PM
Yet another good Roosty6 video, Ralph.  It would seem that your abundance of lakefront property would have far more value as resort property than for agriculture!


Only kidding.  I know that situation is NOT FUNNY.

As you probably know the turf tires on mowers will get stuck easily, even on a banana peel.  It took every ounce of good luck that I had along to get out of the mud in the picture without a tow.  I notice that some guys put ATV type bar tread tires on those mowers.  I am sure ATV tires would improve the ride but I never wanted to shell out the money for them.  Because they are less firm, they may adversely effect the level cutting somewhat it would seem.

Charlie V.

P.S.  We are back to all night, all day rain today.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 14, 2011, 01:05:27 PM
Default Western Ohio Update

   " Still waterlogged here in western, Ohio. "

Your forecast for today through Wednesday looks like a ditto of ours, Gene.  When the change comes it will probably be full bore summer and hotter than he-double toothpocks.  We had two thermometers locked on 91 F  (not in direct sun) yesterday pm and another at 88 in full shade.  Humidity was not real high, but it was still pretty uncomfortable out there.  It just takes a while to shift out of winter and thin the blood for summer.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 14, 2011, 08:50:36 PM
Ohio Hasn't changed, except for cooling off. Had another inch of rain this afternoon, with hunderstorms. A tornado was sighted at Piqua, about 30 miles southwest of me. Moving north and weakening now.

Got my new sweeps for the field cultivator yesterday evening. Went out early with the bulldozer and chain and pulled it to solider ground so I could get it hooked to the tractor and bring up to the shop. Got all the old sweeps off and about half the new sweeps on when the rain started. Finished in the rain, all except one. I miscounted the sweeps and was one short. Went back out after the rain stopped and sorted out the best of the old sweeps and put it on. Got rained out again. Came into the house for dinner and rest period during the rain. Went back out and finished a couple other jobs on it. Finally finished about 6:00pm. I had left the bulldozer out on a dry patch of ground to dry the mud on the tracks before I put it in the barn. Went to put it in this evening and wouldn't you know, it was setting in the second wettest spot in the field.

Weather cooled off while i was on break. Put on a light sweatshirt when I went back out. Temp forecast for early part of the week is for near record lows. What a change.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 14, 2011, 08:59:31 PM
I got my lawn mowed yesterday after 3 days without rain. Still very wet. Thursday I managed to get the Gravely off into a plow furrow and had to pull it out with the tractor. Mowed yesterday with the John Deere. Not as fast as the Gravely, but handles the wet grass better. Mowed all the lawn around the house, almost 3 hours. Most of it was in good shape, except the east end where water runs off the neighbor field. Almost got stuck, but the bar tread tires pulled me through. Only had to leave a small patch and a few tracks.. At least it will look good for now and won't worry about the rain.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 24, 2011, 01:56:25 PM
Haven't seen Ralph on here for a while. Must have dried out in Sask. so he can put his crops in. Haven't been so fortunate here in Ohio. Had a decent 3 day weekend for drying. Fields still too wet, but we're slowly gaining on the moisture. Well, Monday, along comes another storm and cascaded another inch of rain in 10 minutes, on top of the half inch on Sunday evening. Warmer weather has helped some, if we could get some dry winds and lower humidity. Working dry ground has only been a dream here this spring, and to think I actually cursed the dry hard ground while plowing last fall.

Went to Portland, Indiana swap meet last Friday and didn't see a single field planted. Flew around the area on Sunday and saw one field along a small ditch that had been worked and the planter sitting at the edge of the field. Not a tractor running anywhere that I saw.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 24, 2011, 09:14:15 PM
Hi Gene,

Ralph is finally getting an opportunity to blow some seed into some of his fields.  He has a new video out that he may post on here when he gets a few minutes to spare.

I checked a few thousand acres in a 20 mile jaunt this evening and saw only one field with nice rows of corn sprouted.  Many acres of land have been plowed either last fall or the first week of this April, and there they lay.  I saw quite a lot of timothy fields and a few Alfalfa fields that look to be enjoying this weather  and having good stands.  Many, many acres of winter wheat that mostly look about knee high and very lush green.  Except for a few fields with patches of wheat killed off by ponding, the rest looks happy and healthy. Any lawn mowing at my place is out of the question right now unless I fire up the canoe and use a hand sickle.  I guess that would be too much work.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 26, 2011, 11:13:20 AM
I sure regret passing along bad news. Ohio had another 3 to 5 inches of rain from 2 storms that passed through last evening and early morning today. Winds of up to 65 MPH and quite a light show and thunder. Couple tornados touched down east of Lima. 2 semi trucks blown over in the Dayton area. Rivers and roads flooding again. Still no corn planted in my area or most of Ohio and eastern Indiana. Man, this is starting to get OLD!!!

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Ron Cook on May 26, 2011, 11:16:34 AM
Gene, Charlie,
Here in western Iowa right around me(just southeast of Sioux City), the corn is probably 95% planted and most of that is up and going.  The soybean planting got interrupted by the rain that has gone nutz and I really have not a clue as to how much got planted.  I will venture a guess of around 50-60% with a few fields starting to emerge.  The rest is mud.  All in all, we are in very good shape here with the exception of the areas that have had storm damage.

Ron Cook
Salix, IA
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 26, 2011, 03:42:31 PM
Hi Ron,

Good to have you posting here as it is mainly pretty quiet so the more, the better.  I, like you, followed Ralph to the coffee cup and have been lurking there for several months.  Those guys keep it interesting, don't they.  I considered posting a couple of times, but haven't.  That thread is a perfect example of what I tried to point out here some time back.  It is not up to Spencer to make this forum interesting. That can only be accomplished by the users of the forum via posting content interesting enough so other users will return often and comment often.  All in all, I am happy that those of us here do O.K. with that.  Some days we just do not have much new to add.

Hope you stay out of the wind.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on May 26, 2011, 11:29:40 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;1515
Hi Ron,

Good to have you posting here as it is mainly pretty quiet so the more, the better.  I, like you, follower Ralph to the coffee cup and have been lurking there for several months.  Those guys keep it interesting, don't they.  I considered posting a couple of times, but haven't.  That thread is a perfect example of what I tried to point out here some time back.  It is not up to Spencer to make this forum interesting. That can only be accomplished by the users of the forum via posting content interesting enough so other users will return often and comment often.  All in all, I am happy that those of us here do O.K. with that.  Some days we just do not have much new to add.

Hope you stay out of the wind.

Charlie V.

 
Charlie, you have summed it up pretty well. A good forum requires input from members, the more the better. I've been spending most of my days and parts of some nights in the tractor seeding, harrowing, picking rocks and generally making good progress. Only problem is, due to wet weather and other delays I am two weeks behind normal and just can't catch up . Everything I do needed to be done yesterday it seems. Days aren't long enough and I don't feel like spending half the night out there too so I guess it will get done when it gets done..
Yes, I carry my camera all the time and have a few pictures and videos but haven't got around to posting them anywhere. Usually by the time I get in and make supper it is late and I am too tired to do any more than check email. Tonight, being an early night, here is the seeding video.[video=youtube;_-CHic3bPrY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-CHic3bPrY[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on June 04, 2011, 04:50:00 AM
June 4 update.

What a difference a week of dry warm weather can make. Most field work resumed on May 31 and now tractors and planters are running everywhere in the area. Had a couple days with 93 degrees, a little wind and much lower humidity. Ground conditions are good. Tillage has been hard pulling, but working up in pretty good shape. Made the old Case 700 grunt pulling the 13 foot field cultivator.

I finished planting my soybeans yesterday, so with reasonable weather should have a chance of reasonable yields. Hope to start cutting hay today. It is a little past ripe but ground is dry now to give it a chance at curing.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on June 05, 2011, 11:56:34 AM
Hi Gene, looks like you might have a couple days of good weather to work with--hope you get your hay in while the dry weather holds.  Yesterday was dry and sunny here in Dayton except for a brief thunderstorm that rolled through mid-morning, literally out of the blue, and knocked the power out for a while, and another that rolled through around ten pm.  My route to work takes me past some nearby fields that the farmer managed to get planted between rains a couple weeks ago, and the corn is now looking pretty good everywhere except the next-to-lowest spots--where nothing came up at all.   The lowest areas didn't even get planted, just bypassed on planting day since they were so wet.

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on June 11, 2011, 08:40:57 PM
Have a positive update for Western, Ohio. Weather held to get the beans planted and the hay baled. Got a couple custom hay jobs that I cut-ditioned on Thursday. Rained on Friday morning and again Saturday morning. About 1.5 inches total. Will be beneficial for the beans, but will delay the hay baling a couple days. Sure way to get rain it to cut hay.

Most of the past 10 days has been very hot with temps in the mid 90's most days. Has cooled off for the weekend and looks like more favorable weather coming for the first part of the week. Soybeans have gotten off to a good start before the rain and will most likely relish the rain. I do have a couple small lakes in one field, but should be down in a day or two.

Neighbor came over Wednesday evening to help with the baling. I started loading the wagon, but after only 1 round, I was not able to take the heat so he worked the wagon. He relished the exercise and I got along fine on the tractor. He loaded the first wagon and another friend showed up and loaded the second wagon. Decided to call it a day and I finished the last 79 bales myself on Thursday morning and got along fine after a good night's rest.

Funny situation is next door neighbor has not been able to mow his lawn this year. Was there last Sunday night and he was unable to get his lawn mower started. I told him I would bring my tractor and sickle mower over and cut it for him. He paid me $20.00 for cutting it and said to do whatever I wanted with the grass, so thursday evening I raked and baled and got 32 bales of grass hay. Called a friend to see if he wanted it for his donkeys and mules. He bought it for $50.00 and came right over and hauled it away. I came out $ 70.00 to the good. Pays to be kind to neighbors.

Got my grass all mowed today, even the wet areas. Have to wait till Monday for teh cut hay to dry enough to bale. I may be able to take most of Sunday off.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 12, 2011, 03:03:33 PM
Gene, glad the weather has given you a chance to catch up. Similar here in Sask. as I finished seeding last Monday in spite of a flat dual wheel on the tractor. Had not cut any lawn here all spring either due to other jobs being more important. When I finally got to it a couple of days ago the grass was already headed out in places and a real challenge for the little John Deere 111. Didn't go far and the front axle collapsed bringing me to a sudden halt. I thought it was going to be a major repair but was able to get it apart and welded, back to cutting the next day. Video [video=youtube;If2d9bJI7UE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If2d9bJI7UE[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on July 21, 2011, 09:18:21 PM
Another Ohio update. Very hot and muggy. Was over 100 degrees and 74 percent humidity. I had 100.3 degrees at 3:30pm. Ground is getting dry and crops starting to show stress. My soybeans seem in good shape and not stressed yet. Starting to set a few blooms. So dry that the grass has stopped growing and only thing to mow is the buckhorn, wild carrots and mares tail. Forecast for at least 2 more hot days then cooling some next week. Promising some rain for Friday night and Saturday, but only hit and miss t-storms. With the heat buildup, we should be getting some strong storms and rain.

May go to an auction sale not far from me on Saturday. An estate sale of a couple who were murdered last winter. Be a chance to get away for a while.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Merton on July 22, 2011, 03:14:04 PM
Gene - Don't forget that it always rains and storms near or at Portland's August Show and that's not far off. I think the heat you are getting is now here on the East Coast. The weather man said some towns here in Eastern North Carolina had a heat index of 118 degrees yesterday. Merton
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on July 22, 2011, 04:45:00 PM
Mighty hot here in Dayton too, Gene.  Last night at 10 pm it was still 90 degrees out... can't say I ever remember that happening around here before.

I've been reading the occasional news item about that couple--what an awful story.

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on July 22, 2011, 10:21:06 PM
Western NY is a cookin' as well, Gene.  Yesterday around 11 AM when I left to head to the Hospital to visit my wife I had one thermometer at 100.0 and another at 98.5.  I am sure it got a little warmer later as the SW wind was pushing hot air like the Santa Annas in California. It was strong enough to drop a few dead branches in the yard.  Today was somewhere in the 90's, but I did not have time to look.  It has been quite a hectic week for me.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on July 23, 2011, 07:34:58 AM
Yesterday was another 100 degree day here in Ohio. Showed 101 at 3:20. Went out about 4:00 to reposition some machinery so I could mow. Was 98 at the time when I started mowing. A very strong northwest wind started blowing and cooled off to about 78 in less than 20 minutes with only a sprinkle of rain. Made for a pleasant evening. Forecast back to 92 today. 75 now at 7:30.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 23, 2011, 10:31:23 AM
We have had a major turn around in weather here after the intense heat and humidity earlier this week. I don't think we hit 70 yesterday and this morning is 52 degrees. Its a land of extremes. Back to the insulated shirts today.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on August 07, 2011, 10:44:17 PM
Weather finally starting to moderate here in Ohio. Forecast for cooling temps after Tuesday with highs in the upper 70's to low 80's. Been in the high 90's almost every day since first of July. Soybeans have fared pretty well and had a couple nice rains the last 2 weeks. 2 inches 2 weeks ago on Sunday, 1/2 inch last Wednesday and another inch today. Soil is nice and moist now and the beans have responded really well. They are about waist high in some places and starting to bloom real nice. The cooler weather should help the polination. Rain today came hard with the inch coming down in 20 minutes. Some of the taller beans are leaning, but will recover. Hoping for a good harvest.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on August 08, 2011, 08:05:16 AM
Good to see a post , Gene.  I have been pretty laid back internetwise since 7/18 when my wife took a morning dive to the floor and broke a hip.  Surgery on 7/19 and thankfully she is well on the mend now.  When the 70% portion of a two person team is taken out, the 30% guy remaining has his work cut out for him.  With some valuable help from daughters and SIL, we got through it.  Mrs. Charlie V. came home on 7/26 and is back into doing many of the light household chores.  I knew home would be the best place to get her back on her feet, because she just can't be still for long at a time.  

We are still in pretty dry mode here.  We did catch nearly one inch on 7/18, but have had no real measurable amount since. Temperature on average has been about ten degrees F less than yours in Ohio.  When My oldest came back for a few days from Delaware O., she thought she was in heaven by comparison.   Not many miles to the north and south, it may be a totally different story.  Numerous thunderstorms have traveled those tracks and delivered some decent amounts of rainfall.  From here we see the flashes of lightning, hear the thunder, but remain on the sidelines.  All that being said, about 200 acres of beans nearby me that were planted around mid to late June are looking good.  They are in nice green rows like snap beans would be so I am not sure what they will turn out to be.  Last year those fields had soybeans.  The many acres of winter wheat looked very good and were harvested on schedule for this area.  Even though most wheat these days is a stunted variety probably not more than 18 or 20 inches high, if that, it seems almost all of the straw was baled up and taken in.  I have seen less oats than normal, but what I have noticed looked to be a good crop and seemed ripe for harvest perhaps a little earlier that usual.  Lots of corn in the fields.  No way for me to know feed corn from sweet corn from field corn from bio corn.  Those fields that were planted prior to this years spring monsoons are looking great and some over 6 feet tall.  Other fields that were much later in the ground still are doing well but some behind the early plantings.  Here and there  some land can be seen that never did get planted.  I may be seeing a little droop of the leaves in a few fields.  Not sure if that is from dry weather or just the variety of corn.

I have not paid much attention to hay lately, so that is about all there is to say.  Keep 'em coming.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on August 08, 2011, 08:25:28 PM
Charlie;

Good to hear from you. Sorry the Mrs. has been laid up, but happy to hear she is on the mend.

Wheat in the area came off normally, about July 1st to 5th.. Reported yields were good and good quality. Corn close to here is late, but growing pretty good now. Was seeing some firing and curling before we got that late July rain, but looking pretty good now. lots of variation in different fields depending on when planted. Later planted corn hasn't started tasseling yet, but as you say, the corn planted before monsoon season is doing well. Will be a late and drawn out harvest and expensive drying. Only oats grown here is the Amish and they are done with the binding and threshing now. My third cutting alfalfa is ready to cut and plan to do that Tuesday or Wednesday. Temps today only to mid 80's and lower humidity, so made a pleasant day for outside work.

Been getting ready for Portland show. Will take the tractor over this weekend. Plan to meet Steve Sewell and Tim Brown, probably have dinner in Portland. Will take the motor home over on Saturday, the 20th., then stay till the following Saturday.

Got bad news on my dog last week. Took him in for a kennel cough shot so I can board him. They tested him for heart worm and tested positive, so will start his treatment as soon as I get home from Portland. We caught it early and he is in good health, so the treatment should be successful. Hasn't shown any sign of being sick, other than the heat. Still goes for our walks and keeps the groundhog at bay.

Hope you get some rain soon.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on August 09, 2011, 08:38:06 PM
Another update:
Having given my opinions on crop conditions currently in WNY in an earlier post, I am adding the following statements form the experts.  This information is as published in MPN Now newspapers today.




Farmers went from wishing every day for an end to the rain to wishing every day for it to rain, all in one all-or-nothing growing season.

Experienced farmers know that every year will not be perfect and so plan on summer days like these. But that doesn’t change the fact that working the land has been a challenge, said Jim Ochterski, agricultural program manager for the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County.

“I’ve not seen a year that has had such poor planting conditions to such poor growing conditions,” Ochterski said.

That’s a sentiment echoed by Mike Lincoln of Linholm Dairy in Bloomfield, who has been working at the farm his parents started since 1997. The rain delayed the crop, and the extended dry spell stunted its growth.

“It’s probably the worst I’ve seen,” said Lincoln, who expects to take a financial hit because of the weather.

Poor conditions have hampered the corn and hay crop at Black Brook Farm in Farmington, said owner Henry Adams, making it among the worst seasons he’s seen in 30 years.

“The last year it was this bad was 1995,” Adams said. “We had corn die before it fully matured, and we’re close to
that again.”

One crop’s folly is another’s potential bounty. Grapes and apples are doing as well as expected, aided by the heat.

Here’s how the weather is affecting the region’s cash crops:

Corn
“Some corn that is supposed to be knee-high by July is not knee-high. Normally, all the corn is at the same height, but we have a wide range of conditions,” Jim Ochterski said. He points out another potential concern: Some ears of corn may not have as many kernels as normal. Corn is resilient, though, Mike Lincoln said.

Grapes
All things considered, the grape crop is experiencing a normal pattern, Ochterski said. Grapes benefit greatly from sunshine and warmth, but they also suffer with changes in soil condition, such as swamped land in the spring to arid soil today. “Generally, the grapes have been faring as well as expected,” Ochterski said.

Apples
No rain, no problem — at least as far as the apple crop is concerned. The sunny summer will produce unusually sweet apples and cider, according to the New York Apple Association.
The size of this year’s New York state apple crop is expected to be at or near last year, at about 30.3 million bushels.

Link to article
http://www.mpnnow.com/canandaigua/x1852603601/A-bummer-crop-for-corn-grapes-and-apples-fair

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on August 10, 2011, 12:00:39 AM
Charlie, sorry to hear of your wife's mishap.
Busy summer here and the crops are looking not too bad. Maybe a couple of weeks to go before canola swathing can start. Although the flax is still flowering so it will be a while.
(http://[URL=http://hotimg23.fotki.com/p/a/142_165/85_176/60sSedans-vi.jpg][IMG]http://hotimg23.fotki.com/a/142_165/85_176/60sSedans-vi.jpg)[/URL][/IMG]

Me and my Chevy II and a friend's Ford Fairlane recently.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on August 11, 2011, 12:36:17 PM
Nice Chevy II, Ralph.  I worked with a guy who bought one of those new.  I think it was 1967.  The first thing he did was put a V-8 in it.  I think a 305.  That wasn't enough so a few months later he built a 327 and put that in. Guys his age that rode in the car with him claimed that when he shifted gears the body would twist enough that the steering wheel jumped about six inches. He drove the car daily on the streets for transportation.  It sure was a different world then.



Charlie V.

P.S.  I have had second thoughts about the six inch statement.  It may have been two or four inches.  Too many years have passed to remember exactly, but let me just say the steering wheel moved a visual amount.

CV
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on August 14, 2011, 10:18:16 PM
No doubt the Chevy Ii with a v8 of any size would be a real power house.
I've seen enough old iron in the past couple of days to get really lost in the fifties. Here was one of my favourites. A 54 Chev with a semi modern power train including a 350 v8 and an overdrive automatic (700R) transmission.
(http://[URL=http://hotimg23.fotki.com/p/a/142_165/85_29/P1040290-vi.jpg][IMG]http://hotimg23.fotki.com/a/142_165/85_29/P1040290-vi.jpg)[/URL][/IMG]
Perfect summer day with my favourite kind of cars (and trucks).
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on August 30, 2011, 09:15:02 AM
Okay, time for aother update for the western, Ohio area.

Soybeans are looking excellent. Lots of good growth and pods developing nicely. Have seen a lot of 4 bean pods. Still early in the development stage, but have good soil moisture to fill them out. They will be later than normal, but barring an early frost, should do very well. Have had nice timely rains since end of July. Cooler temperatures during polination really helped.

Bad news is my dog tested positive for heartworms and is now in treatment for that. Took him in yesterday morning for the 2 day treatment and will bring him home this afternoon. We seem to have caught it early and so far has had no adverse symptoms and still very active.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on October 09, 2011, 07:37:47 PM
Well, the combines have finally started in Central Ohio. I flew about 85 miles to the east over central Ohio yesterday, Oct.8, and saw beans being run north of Columbus area. Today saw a few running close to my area in west central part of the state. Still see lots of yellow and green in the soybeans. Some corn has been run, but only in scattered areas. Many are still cutting silage.

This past week was ideal weather with temps in the mid 70's. Lots of hay made this week. I cut and baled my 4th. cutting. Was light, but very nice quality alfalfa.

Clear weather forecast good through Wednesday with chance of rain for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Figures about right as this is the days for  the Portland swap meet.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on October 28, 2011, 09:33:05 AM
Scenery will change rapidly now in WNY.  We finally accomplished our first hard freeze last night and this morning.  It occurred somewhat late this year.  Color change in the leaves has been slow to happen as many trees still carry mostly green leaves.  A large Norway Maple in my yard that is normally full color and dropping by now is still in summer green.  I suspect after this frost all of the leaves from the top 1/3 of this tree will hit the grouond with a burnt green color.

Rain, rain, and more rain.  Very wet conditions here with standing water in places.  On a trip to the orthopedic office yesterday in pouring rain, I did notice that a couple hundred acres of soybeans disappeared from the field during the last two days of rain.  Two very large combines were parked in the barren field just around the corner from our house.  Appearently soy beans are not affected by humitity and rain as grain crops are.  These conditions probably result in less dust in the air during harvest.    It appears the the area soy bean harvest is about 50% done with the other half still standing.  Many acres of dry corn still stand in the fields, which is not uncommon.  Many growers wait until the ground is frozen before going in to pick or combine.  Not uncommon to see it done here with snow on the ground and on the corn stalks.  Often corn is being harvested during deer season which is the last half of November in this area.

I noticed a strange crop of green oats in full head this week.  With spring outs usually being ripe and harvested in july and perhaps early August, the green field caught my attention.  I am mystified, unless it will be cut green for cattle feed.  I have planted oats for the purpose of turning them back under to enrich clay soil, but I understood the time to plow the oats under for most benefit is just before they stalked, thereby takiing less nutrients from the soil to grow them.

It seems that is about all that is happening in this area except that many lawns are still being mowed and there is no shortage of PU trucks pulling trailers down the road with two and three zero turn mowers aboard.  Yup.  Strange year.  I am thinking it may not be a bad idea to mount the snow plow on the 4x4 any time now.  I see no hope of going out to hunt during deer season next month due to health issues, so the truck may as well be ready in case of an early storm.  Stranger things have happened.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on October 29, 2011, 09:03:36 AM
Ohio is still very wet. I tried to run soybeans on Tuesday, but ground is too wet and soft, just couldn't go. Got 61 bushels off. Parked the combine by the barn when I quit and as soon as I throttled it down, the combine stalled the engine. Turns out that a bearing in the variable speed unit had failed. Lucky I was by the barn on the grass to work on it. Worked most of the last 3 days working on it. Got it back together yesterday evening. Just have to tighten the bolts in the main shield.

Had our first hard frost yesterday and this morning. 32 this morning. Fire and coffee are both nice this morning. Our leaves started turning 2 weeks ago. With all the excess moisture this fall, the colors were very pretty. Flew over the area 2 weeks ago and saw a lot of yellow and red. Maples in the lawn are slowly dropping leaves, especially in strong winds. Oak trees hang on much longer, some till late winter. Ash and hackberry leaves are long gone.

Been cutting firewood and have an impressive pile at the barn with more cut in the woods to be split and hauled. Will be warm and cozy this winter.

The rain washed soybean straw across my airstrip and spent last sunday clearing that off. Had 6 loads in my 3/4 yard dump trailer that I hauled to a brush pile in the woods. Was a full day project.

Crops are coming off slowly. Lots of soybeans too late to be harvested before the rains set in. Probably only 30 to 40 percent harvested. Very little conr being shelled. Much of it is still green, some were still chopping silage before the hard rain.

Lawn mowing has finally slowed down. Cool weather has given a reprieve to that. Likely won't have to mow again this fall. No snow in the forecast for next 10 days, but chance of rain by mid week. Need about 5 dry, warm and windy days to dry the ground.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on October 29, 2011, 10:44:12 PM
Well Gene I hope you are missing out on that snow that is hitting the northeast according to the weather network. I bet Charlie is able to try out his snowplow by now. That snow can't be good for any crops still in the field. My combines have been put away in the sheds for a couple of weeks or so now and I'm glad of it. We finished up hauling the last flax straw bales today taking advantage of the continuing nice weather. Of course "nice" is a relative term seeing as we barely saw 40 degrees today.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on October 30, 2011, 06:53:55 AM
Ralph;

No snow in Ohio and none forecast for the 10 day forecast. With the saturated ground and getting only 2 or 3 days between rains we are not gaining much on the water.  Rain forecast for Monday and again on Thursday and Friday. Fall tillage has been non existant the past 2 weeks.

Nice weather here would be any day without rain and with sunshine. Temp is unimportant. Can dress for the low temps.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on October 30, 2011, 08:20:46 AM
Ditto to Gene here, Ralph.  I guess I can say we are blessed with not a flake of snow.  Not too many miles to our South and East is another story.  On the Radar scan early last night it appeared that Ithica NY was the NW edge of the main storm getting National attention.  Ithica is probably 60-65 miles from here, but trail out of snow may have been as near as 25 miles to our SE.  We are again down to 26 deg.F this AM, so it is surly cold enough.  Even on Friday night some areas in the Bristol Hills 20 miles south of here accumulated six inches of snow from what was getting here as rain, so that is close enough.  If the sun warms the air today it would be good to do some mowing.  The rest of the story is the ground is most likely too wet and soft to be driving around on so I will just keep admiring a good stand of grass.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 04, 2011, 10:29:36 PM
Ohio has finally gotten some typical cool, dry fall weather. Only about 1/2 inch total for the past week. Combines are running day and night, especially in corn where the ground is firmer. Some beans are being run, usually 1 day at a time and then only on firmer ground. Rains coming reegularly every 3 days, just enough to keep the pods tough. crop moisture finally down to 13 percent yesterday.

I have run about 16 of my 20 acres and leaving ruts where I could run. Couldn't run the higher clay ground at all. Lower black ground I could run in most areas. Yield is a little less than I expected at about 45 bushels. Checked the ground behind the combine and saw very little loss, so guess they just aren't there. Sure a lot of straw though. We have had a couple nice drying days now. Nice warm sunshine yesterday and a strong north east wind last night and today, so hopefully the ground has dried enough to finish this weekend. Two good hours should finish. More rain forecast for Monday through Thursday.

Only one breakdown of consequence. Week from last Tuesday I lost a bearing in the variable speed driven unit on the transmission. Fortunately it siezed up after I parked it on the grass at the barnyard, so didn't have to waller in the mud to repair it. Took 3 days to repair it and get it going again, but didn't lose any field time because of the rain, so was actually a good time to fix it and a couple other niusance items.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 14, 2011, 09:57:05 PM
Nov. 14, 2011;

Good news, bad news.

Good news is I finished combining the beans on Nov. 6, and finished plowing on Nov. 13. Feel good about that.

Bad news it that there are still a lot of crops in the fields and about 3.5 inches of rain this morning and severe thunderstorms and hail this evening has really soaked the ground again. Lots of runoff and localized flooding in fields. Won't be any combining the rest of this week. Saw combines standing in water this morning and worse now. Saw a truck with an empty header cart stuck in the mud and the combine with a 36 foot head in water to the rims. No freezing weather in the forecast to help firm up the ground.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 16, 2011, 01:13:49 PM
Good news and bad news are better than no news at all, Gene.  Thanks for the update.  Very wet here also, although not as bad as you describe.  I still see standing corn and soybeans but many fields are harvested now.  I would guess about 25% still standing around here. I also notice some fields with substantial tire rutting from the machines and ruts full of water.  Some fall plowing has been done.  Our above normal temperature spell is now ending for a few days so that may bring dryer weather.  I suspect most of the wet ground around will have to freeze dry at this point, or be wet until spring.  

I hope everyone reading has a great Thanksgiving next week.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 18, 2011, 09:49:12 PM
Well its not at all wet here. At 0 degrees F every bit of moisture is frozen solid tonight . Just had our first blizzard last night and I have had my share of exercise shining up the snow shovels this afternoon. Happy thanksgiving to you guys in the south. We have ours a month early.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 19, 2011, 06:32:17 AM
Thankfully, winter hasn't arrived here in Ohio yet. Lowest temp so far has been 27F. Been windy most days with 15 to 20 mph winds. No freezing temps in the 10 day forecast.

Wet ground still has the soybean harvest on hold, but the corn harvest resumed yesterday around the area. Saw several combines running and trucks traveling the roads. More rain forecast for 3 days first of the week. Not much fall tillage being done. Very little wheat has been planted.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 19, 2011, 12:45:09 PM
A couple of shots of our first attempt at Winter.  This is enough to last me at least until the first of next year, but it probably will not work out that way.  The lowest thermometer readings here is about 22 Deg F.  Locations 20-40 miles south saw 3-5 inches of snow.  50 miles SW had a couple of localized tornadoes that flattened some buildings. We skinned by with some thunder and lightning, but even that was not right overhead.  I am sure Gene will agree with me that we are very willing to allow Ralph to be the "cold king" of the forum.

By the way, Ralph, did you get the Craig's list ad that I sent for a Farmall Super MD converted to gas with a Chrysler V-8 and two transmissions?  

(http://images12.fotki.com/v20/photos/9/1608999/10026891/firstsnowab-vi.jpg)

(http://images12.fotki.com/v335/photos/9/1608999/10026891/Firstsnowa-vi.jpg)

Charlie V
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 19, 2011, 08:22:49 PM
Charlie;

Not ready for the white stuff here yet, though we did have a light covering of hailstones last Monday night. Was warm enough to melt very fast though. Lots of lightning and thunder and strong winds as a strong cold front passed through.

Have had pretty persistent south winds for most of the week. Made my job of cleaning up the leaves yesterday since the field I take them to is north of the lawn and barnyard. Did a little experiment with the hayrake to try to rake them. That got the bulk of them into a windrow, but left too many behind. I bought a backpack leaf blower at Portland last spring. After some fresh gas and a little fine tuning, I was finally able to get it running good enough to blow the leaves into a couple big piles. Then I got my 12'X20' tarp and used that to drag them out into the plowed field to burn. Trees are nice, but why do they have to aggravate us with the leaf mess?

This makes my 199th post, so have to make another one to pass the 200 benchmark.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 19, 2011, 08:38:25 PM
Quote from: RG8800;1626
Well its not at all wet here. At 0 degrees F every bit of moisture is frozen solid tonight . Just had our first blizzard last night and I have had my share of exercise shining up the snow shovels this afternoon. Happy thanksgiving to you guys in the south. We have ours a month early.

Ralph;

Checking your weather, it looks like you have some of the coldest weather around. Checked the Regina weather at 6:00 am and showed you at-6F and now at 8:30 pm you are already at 0 F and even with a south wind. Hope the wind doesn't change.

We are at 52 here right now and actually warmer than Spencer has it in N.Carolina at 44 degrees.

Okay, I have my 200th post so will be quiet for now.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 19, 2011, 10:15:59 PM
Now Gene,don't just sit back and quit at 200 posts. Without you this would be a pretty lifeless forum. Been a long time since I saw 50 degrees outdoors . You are right that the temp was well below normal today but it was actually quite comfortable for the job we were doing if you read my posting in Dean's thread. Its all to do with the wind here. Today was quiet so it didn't matter so much about the low temps. Field work is history for this year as the ground has frozen solid a few weeks ago and now has a good covering of snow for a few days already. Its winter, no doubt about it.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 22, 2011, 05:53:42 PM
Another rainy day in Ohio. Probably close to 2 inches on our saturated soil. water running across the low areas. Not a good day for outdoor work. Nice and cozy in the house with the wood fire burning. 5:30pm temp is 52 degrees. No white thanksgiving this year. Looks like Charlie V has it wet too in New York.

Still some crops in the fields. Very little field work. Some of the Amish were plowing yesterday. Others husking corn, but even that is on hold now. Lots of mud on the roads from their wagons.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 23, 2011, 08:48:52 AM
You are on target, Gene.  Tuesday was mid 30's with heavy overcast.  The rain turned on around 5 PM and pretty much put it down all night with the promise of more for most of today.  I have to say that with air temperature at 33 we are lucky the atmosphere did not give us snow instead.  When I look out the window the landscape looks like a satellite view of Minnesota with it's 1000 lakes.  I had to go mid-morning yesterday to my Retina Specialist for a shot in the eyeball anyway, so not much was lost time wise.

Aside from getting snow removal equipment on standby for the big ones ahead, my mini project has been trying to get the Farmall 560 back on it's feet.  I started the old gal back in the summer and moved it just a little way when it sputtered and stalled out and would not restart.  It seemed out of gas so I let it stand until recently.  I put some gas in and could not even get a pop.  In checking things over I found that a critter of some sort had pulled the coil wire.  Hooking that back up made no change.  I believe being out of fuel let a little water stand in the shutoff/fuel bowl assembly which turned to rust.  I cleaned the cross hole with the bowl off, but still not enough flow to reach the carb.  The next step will be to siphon the gas back out, remove the shut off assembly and clean it properly. Little jobs take a long time now as my time on my feet has to be pretty limited. Hopefully the tractor will be running before real cold weather sets in.  

In closing I would like to wish Gene, Ralph, and all of our other tractor friends a great Thanksgiving holiday weekend, even if it is not the correct day in Canada and the rest of the world.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 24, 2011, 10:16:32 AM
Quote from: Charlie V;1628
A couple of shots of our first attempt at Winter.  This is enough to last me at least until the first of next year, but it probably will not work out that way.  The lowest thermometer readings here is about 22 Deg F.  I am sure Gene will agree with me that we are very willing to allow Ralph to be the "cold king" of the forum.

By the way, Ralph, did you get the Craig's list ad that I sent for a Farmall Super MD converted to gas with a Chrysler V-8 and two transmissions?  

Charlie V


Hi Charlie
Somehow I seem to have missed the ad you mention. Maybe it is lost somewhere between the upstair and downstair computers.
We actually had some "sub zero " temps back a few days ago but now we are seeing unusually high temps in the 40s. I was all ready for winter , now haveing to re-adjust but not complaining too much. Winter will return I am sure.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 24, 2011, 08:11:52 PM
I resent the ad through Craig's list, Ralph.  I just thought a 318 CID sitting in the MD was rather interesting.  Dual stacks must sound authoritative.  Hopefully it will get to you this time.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 24, 2011, 08:21:15 PM
Still wet with seasonable temps in Ohio. Took a drive yesterday and today and still see a lot of standing corn. Several fields with combine ruts, even in corn fields. Lots of large areas of standing water in the fields. Still have a corner of my front hayfield with a pond. The neighbor's ducks are enjoynig it. Still no ice in the forecast.

Amish Neighbor wanted an extra wagon for ear corn. Only had the big center dump wagon here. He loaded it with just over 200 bushels of ear corn, complete with the husks and silks. Took it to another more modern Amish about 15 miles away. Had just over 14,000 pounds on it. Needed to unload it into an elevator then into a wire crib. Wagon has double door bottom outlets. Had to use a sheet of plywood to direct it into the elevator and coaxing every ear out. 2 guys with shovels directing it into the elevator and Me inside the wagon pushing it through the door with a broom handle and kicking it down from the sides. Was a very tiring job for all of us. The guy where we delivered said he didn't want to see that wagon again. Told him there would never be another ear of corn in that wagon.

Hope every one had a good Thanksgiving day and Northern neighbors a good Thursday.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 24, 2011, 08:26:56 PM
Just to bring this up to speed for all, here are two of the photos from CL.  For sale is a Super MD converted to a 318 CID Chrysler with a truck transmission plus the original tractor transmission.  Asking price is three grand.  If nothing else it is a conversation piece.  The seller claims the tractor has been employed for several years pulling a dump trailer and works well.

(http://images54.fotki.com/v104/photos/9/1608999/10026891/superMD1-vi.jpg)

(http://images112.fotki.com/v386/photos/9/1608999/10026891/SuperMD2-vi.jpg)


Charlie V
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 24, 2011, 08:29:55 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;1637
I resent the ad through Craig's list, Ralph.  I just thought a 318 CID sitting in the MD was rather interesting.  Dual stacks must sound authoritative.  Hopefully it will get to you this time.

Charlie V.

Charlie;

I would think the Chrysler industrial 318 would be a good engine for a tractor. My White 7300 combine has one in it and is a very bullet proof engine. It is rated at just under 100 horsepower in the combine and will average just over 4.5 gallons per hour combining. Would want to replace the constant speed governor with a variable speed governor, unless you just let at run at set governed speed all day.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 24, 2011, 09:15:56 PM
Under much different circumstances, Gene I would look at that to polish into a parade tractor.  The three big if s would be:

If I were younger and healthier
If I did not already have more machines than I can care for
If I had good indoor storage

It is still a fun thought.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 25, 2011, 10:34:46 AM
You might have to try posting the link here Charlie. I agree, it would sound impressive. Right up there with the little Ford 8Ns with a flathead V8. [video=youtube;nEPxN0DcgZ4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEPxN0DcgZ4&feature=related[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 26, 2011, 08:54:52 AM
Follow up on the 560.

Quote:
Aside from getting snow removal equipment on standby for the big ones ahead, my mini project has been trying to get the Farmall 560 back on it's feet.

Put my siphon hose in the tank on the 560.  While that was dribbling along, I unhooked the fuel line to the carburetor.  On impulse, went to the other side and cracked open the shutoff to see if flow had changed.  Noticed some cloudy gas came into the existing clear gas in the bowl. Hummm.  That appeared to charge right in there and flow out the line side looked improved.  Shut the gas off and hooked the line to carb back up.  Turned gas on.  Removed drain plug from carb.  Walla.  Lots of fuel. Replaced plug ASAP.  I then stopped the siphon, wiped up lost fuel and allowed the area to vent a couple of minutes before connecting the ignition wires that used to be riveted to the back of the switch.  Touched the starter button and the old girl fired up and ran fine.  Poured the drawn gas back in, picked up tools , etc.  Restarted the tractor and used the front bucket to flatten the annoying golden rod that has taken over that parking area.  Not much exercise for that machine, but if it went any further in would sink out of sight in out over saturated soil.  One thing I had been hoping for was for the clog to soak loose from being wet with gas for a few days.  I think that is what actually happened.  

Next on the list is the '42 Farmall M.  The bad news is that our 50-60 degree weather is due to come to an end.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 26, 2011, 08:20:26 PM
In response to the Ford engine conversions, a few years ago, Ford was featured at Portland, Indiana show. Fellow showed up with Fords powered with stock engine, An OHV Ford 239 six cylinder, A 100 HP flathead V8  and a Zephyr V12 flathead. Quite a display. The Zephyr was an impressive sounding machine.

Don Knasel, also known as "Awesome Henry" who lives a short ways from me, Has a Ford with a 429 Ford V8. Don and his son has quite an assortment of Customized Ford tractors and sells some of the conversion parts. He also has a couple Model T's, One he parades and restoring the other one.

Had a couple nice days here in Ohio. was in the low 60's today. I have been housebound for the last few days. I am walling off part of my living to make a downstairs bedroom. Getting tired of climbing my steep stairway to bedroom. Living room was originally 19 feet by 16 feet. Don't need that much room at all, so walled off 8 feet by 16 feet for bedroom. Will still leave 11 feet by 16 feet living room. Finished the framing yesterday and added some electrical outlets and switches today. Ready to start drywall now.

This house is like a lot of houses built in the late 1800's. There is nowhere that is plumb, level or flat. The whole house tips 1 3/8" to the west. The wall I built is 3 inches higher on the east side than the west, no such thing as standard studs here. Wall board will have to be cut to match the house. The present stairway is very narrow and steep with an ell at the bottom, making it impossible to take furniture and mattresses up the stairway. Have to remove the window in the small bedroom and move things out over the side porch, not very handy. I think I will enjoy the new room when I get it done.


Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 28, 2011, 08:57:57 PM
Being Cyber Monday, I could not overlook a post here on the forum.  I mentioned in my last post that getting the '42 Farmall M fired up would be my next project.  I am very happy to report it has been accomplish.  I had some serious concern because the starter only turned the engine about 1/4 turn then stop, even after a good charge on the battery.  I could turn the motor over backward with the fan, but not forward.  I feared a stuck valve or rust in the cylinders.  The long and short of it turned out to be a shorted battery.  I rotated the motor back easily with a pipe wrench on the crank mount, front side of the lower pulley. The lights were bright, so I hit the starter with the lights on.  They immediately went out.  Clearly a bad connection or an internally shorted battery.  Remover the battery and took it to my garage for a load test.  Under load, voltage dropped to 2 and the battery gave no output at all.  I decided to borrow the battery from the JD 316 garden tractor for test purposes.  I usually take that out for the winter anyway.  When I put that one in the M, the starter spun the motor in great shape.  After adding some gas the old girl fired right up and sounded fine.  I am promising myself not to leave these tractors sit as long next time between starts.

That sounds like an ambitious project on walling off the living room, Gene.  I can understand your reasoning for doing it as my wife and I are at a point where the stairs are not that easy. For us to do that here would require an addition to the house for a BR and a full bath.  Our full bath now is up, with only a 1/2 bath on the first floor.  I am sure you will enjoy the change once the work is done.  

For the conversation Ralph brought up of the V-8 in the Fords, That guy in the video is living dangerous.  It looks like he is doing a good 35 MPH.  I hope the neighbors dogs stay in as he is probably at about three times the stopping capacity of his brakes.  Somewhere in my extensive digital photo collection I have pictures I have taken of Ford conversions.  I have not been able to locate them, but when I do I will post them here.  I sure would like to own the 9n in the pictures.  It is a beauty.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 28, 2011, 10:14:24 PM
Charlie;

Glad you got the M running. Sometimes we worry about big problems and turn out to be something simple like the bad battery. Muffler and tailpipe in my Dodge dually was rusted out. It has an aftermarket 4 inch system on it. Couldn't find the right muffler or tailpipe to fit, so ordered a whole new system from turbo back. The parts laid in the shop as I was dreading the work to change it. Finally had a nice day to work on it and torched the old system off. Worried that the bolts on the turbo would be rusted fast, but they came right out. New system went on very easy and was done in about 1 hour of assembly.

Rain, rain and more rain here in Ohio. Just a continuous light rain all day Sunday and today. Rain gauge showing more than 2 inches and still coming down. Don't know how all this water can come up from the south and not leave some of it in Texas and Oklahoma. Would be glad to share at least half of it with them. Better still let tham have all at no extra charge. Possible snow for Wednesday, but no accomulation. Looks like N.Y weather is the same. Looks like Ralph is enjoying a nice clear balmy evening at 23 degrees.

The new construction is progressing, though slowly. Trying to be careful with my measurements. Got the main part of the dry wall up. Ordered a new bed and it was delivered today, now have to get a new mattress and bedding, then I will be ready to put it to use and finish as I go. After all, I have all winter do it. Finishing drywall is not my forte, but I will get it done and learn as I go. Have a neighbor lady who loves to paint and may let her do that.

Just checked the hits on this thread and it has had over 10,000 views on it so far. Makes it the number one on the site. Sure be nice if we could get some responses from these viewers

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 29, 2011, 02:30:30 PM
Charlie, I'd agree that it is living on the edge to drive that old Ford tractor at high speeds. I don't think the steering was ever meant to handle well at speeds like he was driving . I think I have found the Lincoln V12 powered Ford tractor. Probably not the best tractor engine.
[video=youtube;0xOb_s1lQ78]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xOb_s1lQ78[/video]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xOb_s1lQ78
Gene, that rain sounds depressing. Lucky you can keep busy though. It has been unusually warm here the past week and we are gradually losing our snow. Not normal at all but its nice to be able to work in the unheated shed without freezing my fingers.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 29, 2011, 10:09:00 PM
[Gene, that rain sounds depressing. Lucky you can keep busy though. It has been unusually warm here the past week and we are gradually losing our snow. Not normal at all but its nice to be able to work in the unheated shed without freezing my fingers.[/QUOTE]
 
Yes, it is depressig, but have all my important outdoor farm work done. Did a couple hauling jobs today for the Amish and did some more drywall work. Only have 2 more sheets to fit and install.

The rain has finally stopped here. Turned to snow about 4:00pm and when I checked 2 hours ago, we had about 2 inches of very wet snow on the ground and still coming down. Makes working inside more enjoyable.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 29, 2011, 10:15:22 PM
Forgot to report in the previous post that many roads are under water and creeks and streams are running at near flood stage. Fields everywhere look like lakes. Seeing a lot of gulls in the fields. Probably easy pickings of all the grain and earthworms floating in the water. These are inland gulls and are so many that when they land in a field it looks like a covering of snow. They visit for part of a day and may see them miles away a few days later.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 30, 2011, 08:20:03 PM
Quote:
"I think I have found the Lincoln V12 powered Ford tractor. Probably not the best tractor engine."

That Lincoln engine in the N ford is a beauty, Ralph.  Truly awesome. Great that some of those motors have survived the years.  I rode in a Zephyr owned by one of my uncles when I was a kid.  It was pretty funny at the time, because the motor had a bad rear crankshaft seal.  That caused the clutch to slip since it was constantly soaked with the leaked oil.  Getting the old Lincoln to make it over a hill required a lot of hope and a prayer.

I have located a couple of the Ford conversion pictures I have taken, so will post them here.

(http://images112.fotki.com/v386/photos/9/1608999/10026891/8nV8Ford-vi.jpg?1322701444)

This next one is a beauty.

(http://images56.fotki.com/v362/photos/9/1608999/10026891/2nV8a1-vi.jpg?1322702175)

(http://images16.fotki.com/v258/photos/9/1608999/10026891/V8b-vi.jpg?1322702223)

(http://images57.fotki.com/v300/photos/9/1608999/10026891/V8c1-vi.jpg?1322702281)

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 30, 2011, 08:48:07 PM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;1649
Forgot to report in the previous post that many roads are under water and creeks and streams are running at near flood stage. Fields everywhere look like lakes. Seeing a lot of gulls in the fields. Probably easy pickings of all the grain and earthworms floating in the water. These are inland gulls and are so many that when they land in a field it looks like a covering of snow. They visit for part of a day and may see them miles away a few days later.

Gene

It looks like you will be dry from now until Sunday, Gene.  Hopefully that will give some of the flooding a chance to run off.  Our warm days have left us now.  Today was in the lower 30's with an unfriendly wind.  As you pointed out, it is good weather to hide in the house.  Although we are pretty saturated here, I really cannot complain much about our conditions, with tomorrow being December 1 st.  My SIL out your way took the week off to persue four legged critters.  It looks like the next three days may be better for him than the last three were.  I guess I know how he must feel.  Every time we get a cold, wet, rainy day during fall my favorite comment is "reminds me of deer season".  Been there, done that.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 01, 2011, 10:12:43 AM
Thanks for those old Ford pictures Charlie. I have a weakness for the flathead V8 as my formative years were spent riding in either my Dad's 39 Ford sedan or later on the 52 Merc.
Still a mild fall here in Sask. with day time temps up near the thawing point most days. Although winter is coming as I saw a dog wearing it's winter coat the other day
(http://[URL=http://hotimg23.fotki.com/p/a/142_165/85_134/Jasminecoat-vi.jpg][IMG]http://hotimg23.fotki.com/a/142_165/85_134/Jasminecoat-vi.jpg)[/URL][/IMG]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 03, 2011, 07:42:44 PM
My dog Bandy doesn't need a winter coat. He grows his own. He enjoys the cold weather. Would likely be at home in Sask right now. During the snow on Wednesday evening, he was laying in the snow and using a pile of leaves for a pillow. Looked pretty comfortable and had to coax him into the house for the night.

It is 47 degrees here in Ohio at 7:30pm. Had 3 dry days with moderate temperatures. Still lots of standing water and roads flooded. No field work, except for the Amish plowing, and even some of them say it is too muddy.

Reports estimate that 25 percent of the corn is still standing from northeast Indiana to northwestern Pennsylvania. More rain forecast for tomorrow and Monday and then snow for Wednesday. Will be lucky if we get a good freeze before Christmas.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 05, 2011, 09:01:54 AM
It sounds like Bandy is his own man, Gene.  Folks who do not spend a lot of time with their pets do not understand the reasoning ability animals have.  As an example, I will relate an experience we had with our two English setters, Lady and Scamp.  Being litter mates and sisters, those two were a little more competitive than the breed normally is.  Perhaps it was also partly due to their field trial bred blood lines.  At any rate, Doris and I were sitting at the kitchen table one evening after dinner.  For some reason I do not remember their seemed to be mild competition between the two dogs over one dog bed at the time.  We may have put the second bed up during the day for space requirements.  Lady began agitating at the side door to be let outside.  Doris began to get up to accommodate the dog.  I stated that they had been outside about fifteen minutes ago, so I suspected that Lady was up to something else.  Scamp had custody of the dog bed at the moment.  When Doris got to the door to open it, Scamp got off the bed and ran over to go out also.  As soon as Scamp got to the door, Lady did a 180 , went to tne dog bed and laid down on it.  Going outside was the last thing Lady wanted.  I looked at Doris and calmly said "I told you there was an ulterior motive."  Doris said, " I don't believe it! "  Often having those two was like having kids in the house again.  

(http://images16.fotki.com/v377/photos/9/1608999/10026891/100_0376-vi.jpg)

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 05, 2011, 05:30:14 PM
Very nice picture of your "kids". Good story and proof of their intelligence.. Is lady on the right with the concentrated stare, or on the left with the pensive look?

Don't know if you read about our friend and fellow tractor collector, Frank Rostorfer? Frank was killed in an auto accident last Wednesday morning. Bandy was extremely fond of Frank, ever since he gave him his first golf cart ride. I told Bandy about Frank's death and he got very sad and remorseful. He has been by my side almost constantly since I told him about it. When I got home from the viewing he smelled all over me and when he smelled my hand where I had touched Frank in the coffin, he dwelled on that for some time. I really think he understands what has happened.

Still more rain here in Ohio. Has rained all day and flood warnings out for the area. Have a river running through my yard and hayfield of water finding its way to the road ditch and county ditch south of me. No where else for the water to go but seek lower ground. More rain forecast most of the week.

This weather pattern all fall has been a conveyor belt from the gulf of Mexico, up the Mississippi River and Ohio River, along the west side of the Appalachions and soaking most of Indiana, all of Ohio and western Pennsylvania and New York. Hope the moisture runs out before it gets cold enough to turn to snow.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 05, 2011, 08:32:27 PM
First, Gene, I wish to express my condolences re: the loss of your friend, Frank.   Bandy may understands the situation, but at the very least I am sure he is picking up on your emotions and sharing them with you.

Scamp is the one with the stare.  Lady was quite statuesque and poised.  She always sat straight arrow like the statues of sitting lions that some folks have at the end of their driveways.  Lady was normal size for her breed with an adult weight of 55-60 Lbs.  Scamp on the other hand may have been the runt of the litter of about six pups. Her adult weight maintained at 45 lbs. and she was a firecracker waiting to go off.  Their names fit them quite well.  If you looked at scamp and said "boo", she would charge.  She was a living coil spring waiting to be sprung.  It took a while for me to break her of the habit of rushing you and crashing head first into your legs.  Eventually she learned to stop or go around, but it didn't come easy.  With her extra size and weight, Lady was pretty much the "boss dog".  One day at maybe four years old Scamp decided she had had enough and stood her ground.  It cost her a small scar on her face, but I think she gained some respect.

It seems you have caught the Autumn weather that Ralph had last year.  We had a run of no rain the last part of last week and on the weekend.  Sunday was a bonus day for December in the mid 50's and mostly sunny.  I had to get out and get a few more winter ready chores taken care of.  This will make Ralph chuckle when he reads it.  I tried to loop out on the lawn with my three wheeled handicap scooter and promptly buried the back wheels. I had to get off the thing, switch it out of drive gear and pull it to higher ground by hand.  Ralph thought it was pretty bad last spring when I nearly got the lawn mower stuck.  With saturated clay about everywhere, I can get anything stuck now.  Today we have had rain off and on all day, heavier tonight. About the same is promised for the week except Wednesday.
]
Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 06, 2011, 09:47:33 AM
It is quite something all the wet weather hitting Gene's part of the country. And Charlie, its hard to imagine getting stuck "in" the ground now. Here that can not happen anymore since the ground is frozen solid. We loaded semis of oats yesterday with close to 1700 bushels per trip and they never made a mark in the ground, just tracks in the snow. Wish I"d taken a picture but after standing in the cold wind for an hour or more I think my fingers were too stiff to work the camera. It had warmed up to +9 or so by the time we finished at noon. Just typical Sask. winter weather. The dogs were the lucky ones, laying by the wood stove in the house with the sun shining in through the windows.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 07, 2011, 08:19:48 PM
Not much new with our weather today.  Just about like it was yesterday except a few degrees colder.  The evening news mentioned falling snow to our SE, but we have no more than an occasional flurry so far.  

Just for conversation, I am posting pictures from my collection of a two way plow.  This is a handsome old piece of equipment and just what is needed to keep the team of work horses in shape.  

(http://images16.fotki.com/v363/photos/9/1608999/10026891/tw1-vi.jpg)

(http://images57.fotki.com/v300/photos/9/1608999/10026891/tw2-vi.jpg)

(http://images60.fotki.com/v662/photos/9/1608999/10026891/tw3-vi.jpg)

I like the fancy reinforcement cast on the back of the RH moldboard.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 08, 2011, 06:54:05 AM
Charlie;

Couple nice looking pieces of machinery. I see the name "Chattanooga" on the moldboard. Is this the manufactures of the plow? Or is it a replacement moldboard? Is the planter a John Deere? Enquiring minds and all that!!!

Had a rain free day yesterday. Took a little drive to the south side of Indian Lake yesterday. All the farm land on the south side of the lake is flooded. Roads there and several others along the Miami River and Muchinippi Creek are flooded and closed. Farm report Tuesday morning said northwest Ohio had close to 18 inches of rain during the month of November. Low area of my airstrip is flooded. Temps a little lower with 28 degrees this morning and snow forecast for Friday.

Bedroom construction coming along nicely. New bed with memory foam mattress is really an improvement for sleeping. Really comfortable and wake up with no pains from the mattress. They really do work!!.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 08, 2011, 10:35:09 AM
Good Morning,

Gene, it is my guess the moldboard on the plow has been changed as the two of them do not match.  I was unable to find a manufacturers name on that piece of equipment.  These implements were located at The Bradford County Manor in West Burlington, Pa. along the famous Route 6. Some residents at The Manor are well along in years and may have used  equipment similar to this during their lifetimes.  Knowing this, a kind and considerate person restored the items and placed them at the Manor for the enjoyment the residents.  I was impressed by the thoughtfullness of that kind gesture as well as by the impliments.  Naturally it was necessary to crank up my camers for a few shots.

Now for the planter.  I was saving that as fodder for another day, but since your sharp eye spotted it and today is another day, here it is.  It is clear to see the planter is a David Bradley.  I am not positive, but that makes me think of Sears Roebuck.

(http://images16.fotki.com/v258/photos/9/1608999/10026891/planter1-vi.jpg)  

(http://images51.fotki.com/v278/photos/9/1608999/10026891/planter2-vi.jpg)

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 08, 2011, 11:02:17 AM
The pictures of the planter are very defining that it is not John Deere. The wheels though are very similar, but the seed and fertilizer boxes are very different. JD fert boxes were placed lower and forward of the wheels.

I spent many hours riding the seat of our converted JD horse drawn planter as a young farm boy. Still remember the effort to raise the planter exactly as we reached the end rows. We pulled it with a F-12 Farmall with one brother driving and another brother working ground with the Farmll H. We would trade off from time to time so wouldn't get so boring. Seems like it took forever to plant 40 acres of corn and 20 acres of soybeans. Even wide open in 3rd gear we would often get off and walk behind the planter to work out the kinks and break the boredom. Sometimes when three of were planting, one would wait at each end of the field and get on the planter to raise it at the end and lower it again to start the new row and get off and wait for the next round.

Nice how a few pictures can bring back so many memories that have not crossed our minds for so many years.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 09, 2011, 05:17:11 PM
Thats a unique plow Charlie. I didn't know the reversible plows were available for horse power.
It was -12 here this morning, thats farenheit degrees too so its a little cool to be working outside. I took the opportunity to convert a little more old video tape to digital and got it on display at youtube. This how we break up grassland here back in 1989. [video=youtube;R16aT43_j84]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R16aT43_j84&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 10, 2011, 12:56:31 PM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;1661
The pictures of the planter are very defining that it is not John Deere. The wheels though are very similar, but the seed and fertilizer boxes are very different. JD fert boxes were placed lower and forward of the wheels.

I spent many hours riding the seat of our converted JD horse drawn planter as a young farm boy. Still remember the effort to raise the planter exactly as we reached the end rows. We pulled it with a F-12 Farmall with one brother driving and another brother working ground with the Farmll H. We would trade off from time to time so wouldn't get so boring. Seems like it took forever to plant 40 acres of corn and 20 acres of soybeans. Even wide open in 3rd gear we would often get off and walk behind the planter to work out the kinks and break the boredom. Sometimes when three of were planting, one would wait at each end of the field and get on the planter to raise it at the end and lower it again to start the new row and get off and wait for the next round.

Nice how a few pictures can bring back so many memories that have not crossed our minds for so many years.

Gene



I am betting those are good memories, Gene.  I hope your ground was not too littered with stones.  I can just about feel the spine jarring jolt of having those steel wheels ride up over a good size stone, then drop off the other side.  The only thing in their favor is the fairly good size diameter.  My days on converted horse drawn implements is mostly confined to an Oliver mowing machine and a dump rake, both pulled with either a Farmall Regular or an unstyled John Deere model L.

Charlie V.

P.S.  Good to hear that the new mattress is working out well. It is a good day when money is spend on something new and it meets or exceeds the buyers expectations.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 10, 2011, 01:11:57 PM
Nothing personal, Ralph, but it is better that you have the -12 instead of me.  We do get there at times, but it is O.K. if it is not this winter.  With a full moon and clear sky last night we had a well lit night that allowed temperature to drop down to +20 F.  Now past midday we have made +28 and some wind.  Call me spoiled, but 55-60 is much better..

Good video.  Ripping that sod in 1989 was making the Case earn it's paycheck from the sound of it.  How or why does the land become "grassland" to begin with?  Was the land a new purchase, or just land which had not been worked in a few years?  

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 10, 2011, 01:24:36 PM
Back up to +20 today so it keeps us busy adapting to the rapid changes in temp.
If you ever look at google earth Charlie you might notice that this is pothole country. Every low spot used to be a hay slough surrounded by poplar bush. In the dry years many of the bushes were bulldozed and broke to open up a field and get more acres in cultivation. Wet years come back, flood out the low spots so that they won't even grow a crop of slough hay. Thats just how it works here in this part of Sask. That spot in the video where the 830 was pulling hard, now adays the water would be pretty near up to the platform of the tractor, maybe more.
Heres a shot of another spot I cleared up a couple of years ago and it was a complete waste of time. Chopped those bulrushes up good and worked the ground but the only thing I could get in there with now is a canoe or a raft.
(http://[URL=http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2360139990032927439uSeaQB][IMG]http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/43925/2360139990032927439S500x500Q85.jpg)[/URL][/IMG]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 10, 2011, 02:27:13 PM
I also enjoyed the video. Working ground like that on my farm would be working the 930 with 9 shanks and maybe 8. I am fascinated at the difference in soils and tillability across the continent. A friend on the Case forum from Wyoming posts similar pictures. He is very knowledgable on Case history and says the manufacturers rated their tractor plow capability in Nebraska prairie soils. A tractor rated for 6 bottoms there is more likely to be seen pulling 4 bottoms 16 inch moldboard here. Of course they were always rated with 14 inch bottoms in their tests. West central Illinois through eastern Nebraska and to southern Minnesota is the main part of our prairie land. Northwestern Ohio was originally black swamp land and was worthless until drained and now is some of the most fertile land in the state. This was originally the southern reaches of Lake Erie. Our area in west central Ohio were the original shallows of Lake Erie and the soils are extensively wave modified, which results in the extremely fine grain texture of the soil making tillage more difficult. There are a few potholes near me that can be farmed about half the years, but will sometimes flood late in the crop year destroying any crop planted as happened this year. These areas are so low that they are not able to drain to the Miami river, only 2 miles to the west, and are pretty much containment for excess flood waters.

Charlie, ditto on the weather here. Light wind and now 27 degrees at 2:19pm after a low of 15 this morning. The light freeze is welcome to firm up the ground a little and bright sun is a mood enhancer.

Portland Tri-State tractor club banquet is tonight so will be heading that way about 4:30. Looking forward to a big feed and a lot of socializing.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 14, 2011, 08:41:35 AM
Quote from: RG8800;1665
Back up to +20 today so it keeps us busy adapting to the rapid changes in temp.
If you ever look at google earth Charlie you might notice that this is pothole country. Every low spot used to be a hay slough surrounded by poplar bush. In the dry years many of the bushes were bulldozed and broke to open up a field and get more acres in cultivation. Wet years come back, flood out the low spots so that they won't even grow a crop of slough hay. Thats just how it works here in this part of Sask. That spot in the video where the 830 was pulling hard, now adays the water would be pretty near up to the platform of the tractor, maybe more.





Thank you for the explanation, Ralph.  I have looked at your area on satellite view and noticed the many 'potholes".  What I had failed to realize was the effect of the ever changing water table  on the terrain.  It surely has to be a larger gamble to invest in planting a crop on low ground.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 16, 2011, 09:00:52 PM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;1646
Charlie;

Glad you got the M running. Sometimes we worry about big problems and turn out to be something simple like the bad battery. Muffler and tailpipe in my Dodge dually was rusted out. It has an aftermarket 4 inch system on it. Couldn't find the right muffler or tailpipe to fit, so ordered a whole new system from turbo back. The parts laid in the shop as I was dreading the work to change it. Finally had a nice day to work on it and torched the old system off. Worried that the bolts on the turbo would be rusted fast, but they came right out. New system went on very easy and was done in about 1 hour of assembly.

Rain, rain and more rain here in Ohio. Just a continuous light rain all day Sunday and today. Rain gauge showing more than 2 inches and still coming down. Don't know how all this water can come up from the south and not leave some of it in Texas and Oklahoma. Would be glad to share at least half of it with them. Better still let tham have all at no extra charge. Possible snow for Wednesday, but no accomulation. Looks like N.Y weather is the same. Looks like Ralph is enjoying a nice clear balmy evening at 23 degrees.

The new construction is progressing, though slowly. Trying to be careful with my measurements. Got the main part of the dry wall up. Ordered a new bed and it was delivered today, now have to get a new mattress and bedding, then I will be ready to put it to use and finish as I go. After all, I have all winter do it. Finishing drywall is not my forte, but I will get it done and learn as I go. Have a neighbor lady who loves to paint and may let her do that.

Just checked the hits on this thread and it has had over 10,000 views on it so far. Makes it the number one on the site. Sure be nice if we could get some responses from these viewers

Gene

Gene,

Have you checked the views lately?  I think the counter is on steroids or it is getting google hit counts by mistake.  I would be the first to say that we are very interesting fellows, but 30,000 views.  Dunno about that.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 16, 2011, 10:25:12 PM
It is hard to believe all the views, isn't it? I check the site often and always see a lot of guests viewing. Also see names of a lot of members who don't show up on the member list. I am sure a lot of the viewers find the site from Google search..

Interesting sight yesterday morning. Was driving out my driveway and Amish was plowing a sod field across the road from my drive. Water often lays next to the road after a lot of rain. He was plowing with 1 bottom sulky plow with 6 horses. He ws plowing through the standing water that was almost to the top of the plow wheels. He was having to hold his feet up to stay out of the water. Saw today that he finished plowing the field of about 4 acres.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 17, 2011, 09:56:24 AM
The underwater plowing with a six horse team would make an interesting picture, Gene.  I have always heard that when you plow clay it has to come over shiny.  It sounds like your neighbor is taking that to a new level, but who would know?? Only the fish.

Speaking of horse drawn equipment, here is a nice old mowing machine owned by a friend of mine.  He uses it to take down weeds in his horse pasture and pulls it with a four wheeler.  It would look good behind my McCormick Deering 10-20.

(http://images30.fotki.com/v472/photos/9/1608999/10026891/no7a-vi.jpg)

(http://images18.fotki.com/v673/photos/9/1608999/10026891/no7b-vi.jpg)

(http://images42.fotki.com/v1318/photos/9/1608999/10026891/no7c-vi.jpg)



Just enough snow here this morning to make everything white out there.  Not too cold at 27 degrees, but an unfriendly wind.  Right around this area it appears most of the fall plowing is finished and waiting for spring.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 17, 2011, 11:39:11 AM
Charlie;

The soil on the south side of the road from me is much different than what I have on the north side. It is a high organic, almost mucky soil and didn't seem to stick to the wheels like the clay does. Probably kept the mud washed off when he went through the water.

Still a lot of standing corn, estimates are 20% still standing. Will require a hard freeze before anyone can go now and 10 day forecast doesn't look good for that.

Spent many hours, both on the seat and on the tractor with a McCormick horse drawn mower pulled by our H or F-12. Don't have many good memories using that mower. Always sliding the drive wheels and plugging the cutterbar. Dad finally bought a PTO mower and vastly improved the job of mowing.

A much earlier memory of the Mc Cormick was our old #4 or #5 mower with the open ratcheting pinions. Always had a nest of bumble bees and when we would turn the ring gear it made a loud ratcheting sound that really agitated the bees. Have made many fast get-aways from the swarm. Our town living nephews were less aware of what was happening and were slow about leaving the scene and would get a few stings.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 17, 2011, 02:48:21 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;1672
The underwater plowing with a six horse team would make an interesting picture, Gene.  I have always heard that when you plow clay it has to come over shiny.  It sounds like your neighbor is taking that to a new level, but who would know?? Only the fish.

Speaking of horse drawn equipment, here is a nice old mowing machine owned by a friend of mine.  He uses it to take down weeds in his horse pasture and pulls it with a four wheeler.  It would look good behind my McCormick Deering 10-20.

Charlie V.


Nice looking mower Charlie. I wonder who he gets to ride that "comfortable" cast iron seat? Those seats are worth a lot of money but more for collectible or ornamental purposes. I think there are at least two old horse mowers sitting in the bush on my Uncle's farm . I could never understand how they kept the knife speed up to avoid plugging. If the horses slowed down, so did the knife. I had enough trouble with the pto mower. Now I've got a "haybine".
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 18, 2011, 09:28:26 PM
Here is a picture of our Oliver mowing machine that I rode as a kid.  We always pulled with a tractor so I have no background on the speed with horses.  With the gearing of the machine it seemed the knives ran fast enough to cut well as long as the wheels were not stopped without clearing the bar form the cut first.  The biggest worry we had with a tractor was to keep from going too fast and exceeding the top speed the machine was designed for. The old girl would really clatter if the tractor had too much throttle.

(http://images60.fotki.com/v778/photos/9/1608999/10026891/Oliver-vi.jpg)

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 22, 2011, 09:17:02 AM
At this point I have the feeling I may be talking to myself.  That is O.K..  It is not unexpected behavior from a person my age.  I get frequent e-mails of Maxine cartoons and she always appears to be talking to herself and folks seem to enjoy that.  When I was a young boy (as opposed to the old boy I am now) I would hear my mother talking to herself frequently.  I would be in the dining room playing with toys or the old English Setter and Mom would be in the kitchen cooking or doing dishes and I would hear her talking away.  Just thinking out loud probably.  On the other hand, having me around as a young boy might cause any Mom to talk to herself or mumble almost under her breath.

Looking at the calendar it is apparent the shortest daylight day of the year has passed and we are now officially into Winter.  With a 43 degree thermometer and more off and on rain, it seems more like I should go mow grass when the rain stops.  This is really a better deal than the current blizzard in Colorado and the Rockies.  We still have a chance for my earlier wish for no real snow before Jan. 1, 2012 to come true.  I had a talk with my snow shovels and they say they are perfectly happy in their currently unemployed status.  Now that makes me think that I need to bring the green one (my favorite, purchased at a yard sale) in and do a sheet metal or epoxy repair on the crack / split it has near the handle.  If I wait until it breaks in half, it will be a goner.  I still have a steel snow shovel in the garage like we used many years ago. Whenever I pick the old shovel up I realize that the weight of the empty shovel was more work than a shovel full of snow is today.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 22, 2011, 09:31:41 AM
Now that the snow talk is over, just thinking ahead six or seven months to what the winter (white) wheat will look like as it begins to ripen.  The white wheat grown in this part of the U.S. is normally used in white breads and flour.

Note: I probably should have said in white flour for breads, etc.  Seems to make more sense that way.

(http://images61.fotki.com/v219/photos/9/1608999/10026891/100_3315-vi.jpg)  


Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 22, 2011, 10:37:50 AM
That is a nice looking crop of wheat. I don't know if there is any seeded around here but it could be a hard winter with the minimal snow cover that we have so far. Might be good for the deer though. :D
(http://hotimg23.fotki.com/a/142_165/85_194/PICT0033-vi.jpg) (http://hotimg23.fotki.com/p/a/142_165/85_194/PICT0033-vi.jpg)
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 22, 2011, 12:11:10 PM
Nice rack on that lad, Ralph.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 22, 2011, 06:30:17 PM
Have had people ask about my talking to myself. Just tell them I am talking to the most intelligent person I know.

While in the Air Force and stationed in Dover Delaware, had a senior master sargeant that I worked with. He was a loaner and would talk to himself often. Have seen him sitting in the mess hall talking with himself. He would actually get to arguing with himself.. Guess a true split personality. Actually a nice guy to work with. He was eventually sent to the Naval hospital in Philadelphia for treatment. He returned to work for a while, then retired.

Hard red winter wheat raised here in Ohio is mostly used for cakes and other baked products. Does not have the quality for white flour. Some is ground for flour and used in some of the specialty darker breads. Our typical yields will usually run between 60 and 90 bushels per acre.

Was driving to Port Columbus last Sunday to pick up a passenger. Going around I-270 on north side of Columbus, I saw a nice 6 point buck that had been hit and laying against the concrete barrier. There is a metro park near there and it is over populated with deer. They somehow manage to get over the high fence and on to the interstate in the traffic. Bleeding hearts won'r allow thinning the herd and the population is greater than the park will support.

Deer harvest in Ohio was much lower than normal this year. The warm weather and wet ground keeps the deer closer to cover and many hunters didn't go out in the rains and mud. Don't see many moving, even in the fields with good grazing. No problem finding food and water this year. Likely out mostly at night and sleeping during the day.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 23, 2011, 10:02:05 AM
Quote:  "There is a metro park near there and it is over populated with deer. They somehow manage to get over the high fence and on to the interstate in the traffic. Bleeding hearts won't allow thinning the herd and the population is greater than the park will support."



Warning!!

Gruesome tale:

The deer do not always make the jump, Gene.  Below is the best photo I was able to find on the net of a cemetery entrance in a well populated Rochester suburb. If you can make out the wrought iron fence in the background, the steel verticals used to be as tall as the posts.  Additionally, each vertical came to a point at the top to yield a perhaps Medieval look.

(http://images32.fotki.com/v1089/photos/9/1608999/10026891/WhiteHaven-vi.jpg)

You probably have guessed where this story is going.  The fence for many years has completely surrounded the cemetery.  With the fence being that tall it would only seem to pose a danger to passengers falling out of air planes.  Wrong!  Annually, a small number of deer ( 1 or 2) failed in their attempt to jump the fence and became ornaments on top of it thus having to be removed by staff workers.  A few years back, neighbors and passersby complained enough to prompt the board to order the fence be cut down some 12 to 16 inches and left flat on the top so the animals could clear it.  No disagreement from me that it was the humane action to take, but this exemplifies what a deer over population can do.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 26, 2011, 08:58:11 AM
Goodness, what a Christmas day in Western NY.  We crept to 47 degrees F with a good amount of mixed in sunshine.  I had to loan Santa a golf cart on Friday evening so he could make his rounds with no snow on the ground.  I am quite content to share the wealth and allow Texas to enjoy our usual white Christmas.  

In some limited travel yesterday, there seems to be less than the usual amount of Winter wheat. Most likely a wet fall prevented planting in on ground not well drained.  Below are  couple of shots of a rolling field that did get off to a good start.

(http://images27.fotki.com/v994/photos/9/1608999/10026891/100_4425-vi.jpg)

(http://images12.fotki.com/v335/photos/9/1608999/10026891/100_4426-vi.jpg)

Sorry about the dullness in the pictures.  The low angle of winter sun did not offer good lighting.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 27, 2011, 01:22:30 AM
Your photos look quite natural to me Charlie. Typical winter lighting when its overcast. Its continuing well above normal here in this part of Sask. but we are managing to hold on to our snow that has fallen so far. What little we have is well distributed and gives good ground cover. Here is a video I shot on Friday showing snow conditions on my farm.
[video=youtube;Q9nI5NUqZng]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9nI5NUqZng[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 27, 2011, 06:49:59 PM
Ralph;

Looks like the mount is very stable. Be nice for videos from the tractor where you can keep your hands on the controls. Have had a fine wet snow most of the day here, but too warm to stick until this evening. The lower parts of the lawn grass are just starting to to show a little white. Started out as a misty rain this morning.

Christmas day and Monday here was just like Charlie reported in N.Y. Highs in the high 40's to low 50's and lots of sunshine all weekend. Back to dreary again today and high of 33 degrees. Sunshine forecast for Wednesday and Thursday with cooler temps.

I washed the jeep Grand Cherokee yesterday, then traded it off today for another Grand Cherokee Limited. Got a 2007 model. May be the last vehicle I ever get. Sure is a nice vehicle. Won't bother me if I don't need the 4 wheel drive this winter. Be able to start the new year off right.

Charlie;

Yes, I could see very clearly where you were headed with the steel fence. Always did feel they were pretty scary. Didn't know if they were to keep people out or to keep the residents from escaping. Have noticed lately that a lot of the old cemetery fences are being taken down. Maybe for concern for the animals and maybe because the high price of scrap metal helps to maintain them.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 28, 2011, 09:22:33 PM
Quote:  "Didn't know if they were to keep people out or to keep the residents from escaping."

Well Gene, I have been trying very hard to not drop the old one liner from high school, but now that the can is opened, I may as well dump out the beans.

Joe:  "Why do they put fences around cemeteries?"

Moe:  "I don't know, why?"

Joe:  " Because people are just dying to get in there."

There you have it.  Sorry about that.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 29, 2011, 06:38:10 AM
Yep, been hearing and telling that as long as I can remember. Another one;

How many dead people in there?

I don't know!

All of them.



I know and I am ducking!!!!

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 29, 2011, 08:22:59 PM
Reminds me of a "news story" I heard a while back. Not sure of the location, might have been a small town in Sask. A single engine Cessna plane crashed in a cemetery. Volunteers recovered hundreds of bodies from the crash site.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 29, 2011, 09:31:18 PM
Quote from: RG8800;1687
Reminds me of a "news story" I heard a while back. Not sure of the location, might have been a small town in Sask. A single engine Cessna plane crashed in a cemetery. Volunteers recovered hundreds of bodies from the crash site.

Rescue was terminated at darkness and more bodies expected to turn up when search resumes tomorrow.:rolleyes:

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 30, 2011, 12:20:11 PM
Thanks for a good chuckle Guys.  I may have heard that before, but it tickled my funny bone anyway.  Naturally that brings to mind a few more but I guess I will let them slide for now.

Weather wise, we have gotten past out lows of 13 F and 16 F of the past few days.  We are cruising in the 40's today and our 1/4 inch of snow has quickly disappeared.  This may be a good time to wander out of doors and see if everything is still where I left it.

Happy New Year

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 31, 2011, 05:28:45 PM
Around our area of Ohio and I am sure it is the same in Charlie's part of New York, We have several very old and secluded cemetaries. Many from the civil war and Indian war years. Many are small family plots, usually on a hill toward the back of the property. As a small child, maybe 6 to 8 years old, I remember the Hassan farm just east of our farm had such a cemetary. Small, maybe 50 feet aquare, with a wrought iron fence around it. Was always afraid to go near  or into the fenced area. It was unmaintained and forgotten by anyone who may have had family buried there. The county finally passed a bond issue to finance the maintenance of all these sites. With the bond money and many volunteers, some sites were cleaned up to near parklike condition.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 02, 2012, 01:16:08 PM
I remember just one very neglected cemetery that I saw as a kid some 40 years ago. Headstones in amongst the tall grass and weeds with little photos of the occupant on the headstone. I have not been back since but I would guess that like so many others, it has been restored to it's former well kept status. There seems to have been quite a renewed interest in keeping the old cemeteries up lately. I know of one that is along the edge of a farm field. Used to be a Church there that was moved to town in the 1950s. Pretty hard to move a cemetery.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 03, 2012, 09:51:13 AM
As a young teenager, I and a couple of friends occasionally would go to a place up on the main road and each buy a quart of soda pop (orange crush, root beer, cola, or whatever we wanted that day).  This off brand pop sold for 15 cents a quart plus a five cent bottle deposit if we didn't bring a return.  Sometimes if we lacked cash we would scrounge bottles along the road side to get the fifteen cents from deposits to buy our pop.  We would then walk back down the road a few hundred feet to the large Catholic Cemetery.  At the back side to that cemetery ran the B & O Railroad tracks.  At one point there was a somewhat overgrown six foot diameter concrete tile under the tracks to the other side.  Once through the tile you found a small overgrown cemetery perhaps one acre in size with most headstones that were still readable  dating to the 17 and early 1800's.  This place was situated on a knoll with a number of large, stately pine trees for cover above.  The cemetery offered a cool place on hot days to sip our quarts of pop and read the stones.  Being raised with a decent level of respect, it would never occur ot us to cause any damage to that special place as so often happens in recent years. Sadly, I think that in later years I did hear that the cemetery had been vandalized and many of the stones broken.  It is surely a different world these days.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 03, 2012, 07:38:24 PM
Our Dotson family has a lot of history in eastern Kentucky. My parents' families were from the Salyersville/ Prestonburg area. Our family and Richardsons and Mitchell and Bailey families were intertwined and lots of local sites, churches and roads named for our families. Visited one overgrown site down in a stone wall with 4 graves. The giant ragweed had everything pretty well hidden. I trampled the weeds down and found 3 of the stones and hunting for the fourth, when cousin Ralph, the family historian, told me there were rattlesnakes in that area. Decided I would leave that for a later time.

Lots of our history in the area. Ancestors were large land owners with lots of timber land. Ancestors at one time had a grist mill on one branch and a sawmill on the other branch of Bonanza creek. Our dad taught school at Bonanza school, which still stands neer the gristmill site. A Mapquest search for Dotson, Ky will take you there.

http://classic.mapquest.com/maps?city=Dotson&state=KY&country=US&latitude=37.6469&longitude=-82.858101&geocode=CITY

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 04, 2012, 08:33:49 PM
I found a Dotson Cemetery on Dotson Branch Road, Gene.  A couple of others in Ky. also.  Sure is a lot of woodland in that area.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 05, 2012, 11:27:48 AM
Charlie;

You wouldn't believe the cost for a small parcel in the salyersville area that can be built on. Houses built into hillsides and supported by stilts. A row of houses built over a running stream with patio at lower level above the water. Most of the hills here would challenge a good pack mule, and many are still used to move timber and firewood.

Interesting names in our family history, like Ruff and Tuff and Bee Tree.

Very obvious that roads are built in creek and river channels. Also many towns strung out along the rivers. Still used a lot for navigation.

I enjoy looking at maps of different parts of the country. So much of interest in them.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 05, 2012, 06:57:27 PM
Bee tree is especially interesting, Gene.  I wonder if these are birth names or "acquired" names.  It makes me think of a Peoples Court episode.  The defendant referenced his "Uncle Gangster".  Judge Judy chastised the defendant and said she wanted a real name.  Defendant responded, "Uncle gangster is all I ever knew him by".  LMAO

I am also a map looker.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 05, 2012, 08:47:50 PM
Guess I didn't make that very clear. I should have said "place names" in our family history.

An aunt on my mother's side had a beauty shop at the top of Bee Tree, which was a steep hill with a steep gravel approach to the top. Was not usable in wet or snowy weather, except by horse or mule.

Schools were somewhat remote in some areas and was common for students to stay with relatives who lived closer to the school in times of bad weather. My mom told of her attending school by riding 5 miles by horseback with her sisters. She and her sisters often stayed with relatives so she would not miss any school days. She would always be there if the school was open.

During my dad's short term as a teacher he would often stay at the school house to keep the fires burning. Had a bunk in the furnace room to sleep.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 07, 2012, 07:44:59 PM
Western Ohio has had a very favorable change of weather. We have gone more than 10 days without rain and only a dusting of snow. Temperatures have been well avove freezing and have had very pleasant sunshine. Warm temps and gentle winds have a noticable drying affect on the soils. Still have water in low lying areas but level ground is starting to dry. Today I was actually able to walk back to the woods and view the damage from our wind storm 2 weeks ago. Trees blown over with no root support in the saturated soils. Water still standing in the trails and seasonal ponds. Was dry enough for Bandy to chase a rabbit through the woods.

Warm temp of about 50 degrees, bright sunshine and nice breeze blowing made for a very pleasant walk.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 08, 2012, 12:05:30 AM
Seems like the warm weather covers most of the country from what I hear. We are still well above normal temps. Got up in the 40s one day but we are still keeping our snow cover somehow. I went out and pushed some snow earlier this week but it might have been a waste of time if this warm weather keeps up.
[video=youtube;wonDoKy70ds]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wonDoKy70ds[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 08, 2012, 08:39:44 AM
Nice comfortable way to plow snow, Ralph.  It appears you get a little soil grading done along with the snow plowing.  Good video and thanks for posting.

Our twenty degree above average temperature has taken leave at the moment.  We are currently at +32 F which is still a mild temp. for this time of year.  This year we are in reverse gear as we are looking for the January freeze instead of the usual January thaw.  We have a light dusting of snow on smooth surfaces in the last 1/2 hour.

Gene, it appears the views for this thread will cross the 75,000 mark sometime today.  Sure is great to be popular.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 14, 2012, 08:58:56 PM
As of January 13, it is now very January in WNY.  The ground is buried in a solid eight inches of settled snow.  Heavy stuff to move by hand as it followed heavy rain on Thursday that changed to snow in the wee hours.  Plenty of water puddles under the snow.  Current temperature of +7 F.  The good luck had to wear thin at some point.  The two good points:

Winter held off for a long time.
We are still above 0 degrees.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 15, 2012, 06:58:08 AM
Winter has finally come to western, Ohio. Temp this morning (Sunday) is 3 degrees F. had snow and 45 MPH winds on Thursday and Friday. Not a lot of snow, but blown into drifts, mostly right in front of my shop and barn door. Got the tractor out yesterday and knocked down the drifts so I can get around. Ground finally freezing making for easier snow removal. Wood fire sure feels good and taking a lot of wood to keep warm.

Looks like Ralph is enjoying warmer weather than Charlie and I have this morning. Maybe lake affect snow in N.Y.? Florida has temps this morning in the high 20's and low 30's. May chill the citrus crop.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 15, 2012, 12:19:31 PM
Gene, we might be "warmer" at present but it is going downhill fast. Starting to snow and the North wind is getting up strong enough to blow drifts. Forecast is not good for the rest of the week. Sounds like 0 farenheit will be the "high" temp some days.
Heres an old pic I scanned a while back. Think it was inside the cover of the operator manual for Dad's Case bush disk. My Uncle Sandy had a  Case LA like this one back about 1950.
(http://inlinethumb14.webshots.com/27277/2950578170032927439S500x500Q85.jpg) (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2950578170032927439iGpNim)
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 15, 2012, 06:00:50 PM
Yep, Ralph, just like my LA. Wonder what happened to the exhaust stack? Would like to have some equipment to make mine work. The sawmill at Greenville is the only chance I
have to make it work. With the overbore kit and LP head it developes close to 90 horsepower. Seems to hold up real well.

Have read the stories about the trainloads of Case tractors sent to different parts of the country. Case would have a special deal for dealers in one part of the country and ship an entire train load to different dealers in an area.  This ad looks like they are appealing to the Florida area farmers.

Noticed the temperature difference there. Been dropping all dAY. Got to 30 here today with bright sunshine and light wind. Not a bad day to be out. 25 now at 6:00pm.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 15, 2012, 08:02:44 PM
With  a heat wave like that, Gene, you may be at risk for sprouting Palm trees.  At 7.55 PM Eastern time, we are on the goose egg and dropping.  As I look at the hourly forecast, we may start warming slowly after midnight.  Hope so.  

Charlie V.

-4 at 3 AM.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 16, 2012, 10:28:37 AM
Warming up in Ohio. It is 40F at 10:00am. Warming to mid 40's for today and tomorrow with rain possible. Thought about moving some ,ore of the drifts with the tractor, but decided to let it melt and the rain carry it away. Forecast to turn colder by midweek and chance of snow for Wednesday.

I have not even put the snowblower on the Case 222 this year. It is behind a non running tractor that I will have to pull out to get access to the blower. Procrastionation has worked pretty well so far this winter. At least we are finally able to get rid of some of the excess soil moisture as the tile is still working in the unfrozen ground. I was actually able to walk across the plowed ground without getting mired in the mud.

Don't know how things will work this spring as we usually get a lot of help with freezing ground to help the spring tilth. Only 3 1/2 months till planting time and days are getting longer.:)

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 16, 2012, 01:04:22 PM
Well the bottom dropped out of the thermometer here. Nearly -20F this morning. I knew those sundogs yesterday indicated cold. Actually it feels better today as the wind has dropped. Snow didn't amount to much. I put the draft arms and lift links on the three point hitch of the Cockshutt 40 last week in preparation. Always nicer working without freezing my fingers. Sometimes being prepared means you won't have to use it. I wouldn't bet on it in Sk. though. Its not up to date but this is what a sundog in the early morning looks like.
(http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/46641/2365692880032927439S500x500Q85.jpg) (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2365692880032927439LqPqLo)
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 16, 2012, 05:48:38 PM
Interesting picture of the sundog. Do you often get multiple sundogs? A rarity here, but did see a triple here a couple years ago. Was very cold and lots of frozen moisture in the upper atmosphere and I believe at the time we had a near record high barometer reading nearing 31.5"

Most interesting sight I have seen was a 360 degree rainbow. Was flying across Indiana at about 7500' between 2 thunderstorms when the rainbow appeared ahead of me. Followed it around and it actually met itself before it reached the ground. No pot of gold there.

Got to 44 degrees here today with a fairly strong southeast wind. Melted a lot of snow that was still on the ground. Started raining about 5:30, just a fine mist so far. Forecast to last till tomorrow afternoon with 44F for a high, then cooling off and becoming snow for Wednesday.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 17, 2012, 01:01:06 PM
-30 F when I got up this morning and I forgot to look for sundogs. The typical formation is sometimes like 3 suns in the sky on a really cold morning. Later in the day it is almost a rainbow ring around the sun. Almost always a sign of cold and wind like we had on Sunday.
A good day to look back at the hot summer of 1992 and tour a really good museum here in Sask.

[video=youtube;NJaXkSX2S_o]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJaXkSX2S_o[/video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJaXkSX2S_o
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 17, 2012, 06:21:42 PM
Nice trip through the museum, Ralph. Looks like a very interesting attraction.

Checked your weather this morning and saw it had taken a big nose dive. We were still warm here yesterday and today. Got to 55 this afternoon with 45 MPH winds, changing from southwest to northwest this evening. It it now 35 at 6:15 and going down to mid teens by tomorrow night. Looks like winter may be on the way now.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 17, 2012, 09:15:25 PM
You topped ours, Gene.  We made it into the high 40's today, but the wind moved in about 7 PM with more rain.  We lost a lot of snow yesterday and today, but not all of it.  We are aiming for 20 tomorrow AM and into the teens tomorrow night.  All of the commotion going on out there is the result of the jet stream moving from our North to our South once more.  I heard something bang on the side of the house a while ago.  We will probably have some tree branch clutter on the ground come daylight.  

They sure have a lot of old iron in that museum, Ralph.  Thanks for posting it.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 18, 2012, 08:34:43 AM
I picked up the limbs yesterday afternoon. Then raked and shoveled the gravel off the grass I had pushed off the drive last week. Othen than the strong winds, it wasn't bad working outside at 55 drgrees.

Wind was so strong as I was watching my dog standing on the sidewalk. He was standing crossways to the wind and was listing to starboard from the wind. Was a comical sight.

Temp this morning is at 25 degrees and just a skiff of snow overnight. Still windy with 20 mPH winds.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 18, 2012, 10:52:16 AM
As predicted, we have some clutter under the trees.  On the far side of the driveway from the house, I still have two very large silver maple trees.  At their advanced age, some dead branches are always up there waiting for a good wind to prune them out.  Last nights wind was good enough.  The official gust recorded at the R-MC airport was 79 MPH, so in the 80's or higher could be likely out here.   Some of the windfall branches are three inches or more in diameter.  Until our ground is frozen enough to drive on I will just pick them up and make a pile near the driveway far enough back to not hamper snow plowing.  On the bright side, a distant glance reveals that all of the silver tarps on tractors, etc. still are there.  We gained a light dusting of snow, probably similar to what Gene has.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 21, 2012, 08:32:03 PM
Well, western Ohio finally had a little more snow last night. Got up to about 5 inches on the ground and 15 degrees. Not much wind, so drifting wasn't bad. Got the Case 644 loader tractor out and cleared some paths so I can get to the barn and wood pile. Put the snowblower on the 222 yesterday and put it in the heated shop. Still have to finish the hookup for the belt and spout linkage, then the tire chains. Probably do that in the morning and clear the driveway. Forecast for more warm weather for tomorrow and first of the week. predicting 50 degrees for Sunday, so may just let the snow melt. Probably get too wet to blow by the time I get around tomorrow.

Looks like Ralph is warming up nicely, but the wind is still raw. Charlie may be getting some lake effect snow?

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 21, 2012, 08:36:06 PM
Charlie;

Did you notice we have over 90,000 hits on this thread? Be nice if we got this moch interest in the rest of the site.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 22, 2012, 09:50:35 AM
Good Sunday Morning,

Not bad on the snow front, Gene.  Much of the eight inches or so that fell the week before last melted away.  New snow accumulation Friday night amounted to only 1 1/2 inches more or less.  A few very light flurries drifting down last evening which may have been lake effect.  Actually not enough wind passing over Lake Ontario or Erie to keep the snow machnine running well, let alone carry snow much further inland than the lake shores.  Cold!!!  That is another story.  Much of last night showed +6 degrees.  

I am guessing that with all of the good indoor weather, Gene, that new wall is all trimmed, painted, and has photos of your favorite tractors hanging on it.  ??  I know Ralph is staying occupied converting old movies to digital and uploading to Utube.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 22, 2012, 10:22:30 AM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;1720
Charlie;

Did you notice we have over 90,000 hits on this thread? Be nice if we got this moch interest in the rest of the site.

Gene




The number keeps growing, Gene.  Speaking of weather, here is a not too colorful photo of the window screen on the East side of our kitchen a week ago Friday Morning.


(http://images60.fotki.com/v661/photos/9/1608999/10026891/Snowonthescreen-vi.jpg)

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 22, 2012, 04:38:18 PM
Weather guesser missed by a big margin today. Morning forecast was for a high near 5o degrees. High for today has been 33 degrees. Just made the snow wetter and heavier. Strong wind had drifted my paths closed again. Had to get the little loader tractor out to reopen the path to the wood pile. Decided to get some dry wood from the barn instead. Had the little snowblower out early and cleared the driveway and some of the barnyard. Had to be careful and watch the wind. First tried to clear in front of the shop door, but the wind was like a whirlwind there and blew the snow back onto me. Worked alright out in the open.

Forecast for tonight is freezing rain now through Monday night. High wind warning out till Monday evening. Looks like another stay in day

The wall is still not done. That bronchitis really held me down for 2 weeks and the thought of breathing plaster dust with infected lungs didn't appeal to me at all. Got the room usable for a bedroom and been lazy getting back to it. My new memory foam mattress has really been nice and comfortable. No more morning pains. Getting in a cold bed, the mattress is instantly warm. One of my better buys.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 22, 2012, 06:33:54 PM
Looks like my neighbours to the south have more snow than I have here in Sask. for a change. Its true, we have warmed up considerably. I think it hit near +15F today. Yesterday was a little miserable with that strong south-easter and maybe +10F but it didn't bother us at all as we sawed up firewood in the shelter of the big evergreen trees at my brother's place. Plenty warm enough for that job. And the old saying is true that wood warms you several times before you are done with it.
Funny how this thread gets so many views and only 3 people putting anything into it?
(http://inlinethumb13.webshots.com/40652/2544439430032927439S500x500Q85.jpg) (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2544439430032927439HnNatW)
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 24, 2012, 08:15:11 AM
Sorry about Ohio missing the 50 degrees, Gene.  The good news is that I found it for you.  It took a wrong turn and came here instead.  The snow that we had is pretty much history now.  Today we are back to mid 30's with some breeze but still pretty good for late January.

Ralph, did your buzz saw ever have a sliding of tilting table on it for the log to rest on as you cut.  Maybe I asked this another year but I cannot remember that I did.  Yours is the first saw I have seen without a moving table.  Great picture of men in action.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 24, 2012, 11:06:28 PM
Charlie, there was no table on that saw or either of the other two that I have worked on. There is a spare one parked at my brother's place that he was given and it does have the tilting table. I don't think he has ever tried it. We grew up around the open front saw where you just pushed the log into the blade. Not saying which is better but its what we are used to. Here is one of my favourite wood cutting pictures from about 25 years ago. My Dad at the saw.
(http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/44337/2518476120032927439S600x600Q85.jpg) (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2518476120032927439WZYeMg)
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 26, 2012, 08:33:09 AM
Good pictures, Ralph.  Having grown up cutting without a table, you are most likely good at it.  It has to take some practice to keep the log on a straight line as the cut progresses, avoiding binding.  I have two, both having tables.  Tables make it easier for an operator with less practice to make a straight cut.  With the log firmly held against the back wall of the table, table travel provides the line of cut rather than the operator.  Back in the day when our wood for buzzing had to be cut with a cross cut saw, most of the logs were 12 feet long and harder to handle.  I recall my father at the table with my older brother on the far end of the log as an outboard support.  My task was normally to gather cut wood away from the blade and load it unto the truck. (Little brothers never have much fun on most jobs.)  I always had to pick chunks from the ground as Dad felt it would be too dangerous for me to take them directly from the saw blade as they cut loose.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 26, 2012, 11:00:29 PM
As a youngster, my dad bought a brand new. C.A. Mc Dade buzz saw. This had a table that ran on 4 roller bearing v-shaped wheels on steel runners. Was a wide and fairly long table. We built a ramp to let the blocks slide down away from the blade to keep a safe distance. Was a really nice saw to operate.

We always called the person who piled the cut wood as the"off bearer". We also cut with a crosscut 1 or 2 man saw, so only cut small enough for two of us boys to handle. Spent a lot of time on those handles in the hot sun. Was nicer cutting in the shade in the woods. Cut a lot of elm after the dutch elm disease killed them all off. No wood splitter there, not even a splitting mall. Was done with a 2 blade axe and sledge hammer and wedges. Good thing there were many of us boys.

More rain in Ohio. Been raining all day here. Warnings posted for areal flooding. Second day of rain this week and with the melted snow, we are still satureted. Would welcome a hard freeze for a few days. More rain forecast through Friday, then snow for Saturday. Where is winter?

Spent the day working on my new bedroom. Building a closet on one end with hangers rods and shelves. Hope to get it finished tomorrow if I can get to town and get more lumber and plywood. Been a long day of it. Still no more progress on the wall.

Gene

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 27, 2012, 01:12:17 AM
The only type wood sawing I've known here is the open front (no table) buzz saw. When I was a kid I remember the crew of neighbours that would gather to help Dad saw up the year's wood supply. Then Dad would take his turn helping at several different neighbours. In those days everyone needed their firewood for heating and cooking. By the time I was big enough to help, not many folks burned wood anymore. My Uncles did though, right up to the last it would be a winter time ritual helping out at the saw with the old JD AR on the flat belt. We would usually get by with 3 guys, sometimes 4. The wood was not big but long poles.
Stay tuned for a video showing our most recent wood sawing with a big crew, six of us. I watched it in HD on a big flat screen tv tonight and was very impressed with the video quality and sound. I just need to edit and splice a bit ......
I hope I haven't posted this picture already. Its my Uncle Don resting on the woodpile after we finished cutting. I think it was the last time.
(http://hotimg23.fotki.com/a/142_165/85_196/Donaldwoodpile-vi.jpg) (http://hotimg23.fotki.com/p/a/142_165/85_196/Donaldwoodpile-vi.jpg)
Title: Wood Cutting January 2012
Post by: RG8800 on January 27, 2012, 01:13:21 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM2ilg_0hO0
[video=youtube;TM2ilg_0hO0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM2ilg_0hO0[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 29, 2012, 08:06:44 PM
Great to see this back.  Thank you Spencer.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 01, 2012, 09:16:04 AM
Temperature above 50 degrees F on Jan. 31 made short work of the new 3 inches of snow on the ground.  We are promised above freezing daytime temperatures for at least seven days to come.  It is almost getting safe to say that winter 2011-2012 in Western NY is wimping out, keeping in mind that it is not over until it is over.  Below is a little view of what we were looking at on Feb. third of last year (my #2 daughters birthday).

Good video of the wood buzzing Ralph.  The crew is mowing right through it.  

Hope you are keeping your head above water out in Ohio, Gene.

The ornamental windmill in our yard was listing heavily to the ESE yesterday as one of the four legs was heading toward the center of the Earth.  I rounded up two pieces of flat stone and threw them over there, then headed that way on my two canes. There was just enough frost crust on the ground surface to support the canes so they did not pop through the turf.  I lifted the windmill and pushed a flat stone under each back leg.  The soil there was absolute mush, so pushing the stones down a bit with my foot took no effort.  The unit is not dead level, but is at least within a few degrees of vertical.  It will be interesting to see what happens with the next strong wind.

Here is the view from last year as a reminder, and last year was actually an easy winter for this area.

Oh Oh.  Sorry about the picture.  the forum software may be messed up as it will not let me post the pic.  I will try it in a follow up post.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 01, 2012, 09:47:42 AM
Lets try this.

http://images60.fotki.com/v367/photos/9/1608999/10026891/Feb_32011-vi.jpg (http://images60.fotki.com/v367/photos/9/1608999/10026891/Feb_32011-vi.jpg)


Obviously something has changed.  Most of the pictures I have included here from a link have been in excess of 100kb. see above, this page, the snow on the window screen as an example (142.9kb.)  This one is 116kb.  I realize that a photo uploaded to this sight must be under 100kb, but it has not seemed to matter on a linked photo that is actually stored on another web sight.  Today it does matter.  Maybe Spencer will read this and check it out or advise.

Thanks Spencer if you are listening.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 01, 2012, 04:41:14 PM
Charlie;

Certainly nothing like that in Ohio this year. Last 2 days has been 53 degrees. Windy yesterday anc calm today, not the strong winds we had over the weekend. Had just a light shower overnight last night, probably less than a tenth inch. Ground is starting to show signs of starting to dry, but still ponds in the fields

Warm weather all across the northern states. Ralph is showing a balmy 30 degrees and fog. Bet it is coating the trees there. Walked back my airstrip and the south 2/3 is starting to get pretty solid, but still spongy on the north 1/3.

Celebrated my 70th birthday yesterday. Not bad at all. Woke up feeling good and had a good day. My insurance agent took me out for lunch and had a good visit with him. Cleaned the shop where I had been cutting my lumber for the closet. Was actually able to work with the door open.

I will send Spenser an email to let him know about the problem posting pictures.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 01, 2012, 07:51:38 PM
And a very Happy Birthday to you, Gene, one day late.  My calculations tell me that you are now the same age as I am.  Being that I am so lively and quick, (about like a pet rock these days) I will pull ahead of you again in a couple of months.  Thank you on the e-mail to Spencer.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 01, 2012, 11:30:17 PM
Congratulations on hitting another milestone Gene.
Charlie I'm wondering how big that windmill is that you were able to lift it and put a stone under the leg. The windmills I see here would need a jackall or front end loader to lift even one leg . And they are of course bolted down.
Yes, it was a heavy foggy day with poor driving conditions for those that had to drive. Not me luckily. I am suffering with a miserable cold, not doing much more than the basics. Have to try testing a fotki picture here.
(http://hotimg23.fotki.com/a/142_165/85_135/930and460in1980-vi.jpg) (http://hotimg23.fotki.com/p/a/142_165/85_135/930and460in1980-vi.jpg)
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: SpencerYost on February 01, 2012, 11:52:28 PM
While getting the machine back up, I upgraded the bulletin board software.  It did include some security fixes that had direct bearing on posting videos, but not pictures.  I'll continue doing research.

Spencer

Ps.  I do know the update placed a few restrictions on "quick reply", but don't remember the details.  So if you are trying to post using quick reply, try a full reply instead.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 02, 2012, 08:14:32 AM
Thank you, Spencer.  I will try the same picture again and see what happens.

Same problem.  the window which appears when insert image is clicked is different.  It now has two tabs which I do not recall in the past.  I use the "From URL" tab as the picture resides on the Fotki sight.  The previous window would always have HTTP on the line when it opened.  This one does not.  When OK is clicked after pasting in the photo address, another small window immediately pops up stating the photo file size is too large.  After this happens, several clicks on OK and Cancel are required to make the windows go away.  

Hope this helps.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 02, 2012, 08:53:06 AM
"Quote";   Charlie I'm wondering how big that windmill is that you were able to lift it and put a stone under the leg. The windmills I see here would need a jackall or front end loader to lift even one leg . And they are of course bolted down.

Hi Ralph,

It seems that I have a very strong back for a little guy.  :rolleyes::rolleyes:

Actually, you may have missed a key word. That word being ornamental. The windmills you are thinking of actually pumped water at some time in their existance.  They may look like this:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]609[/ATTACH]

The windmill I referred to is a yard ornament that at most tells wind direction like this one.


[ATTACH=CONFIG]610[/ATTACH]


Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 02, 2012, 09:10:57 AM
Spencer:  On the picture situation.

Having just finished the previous post, I think I see what has changed.  When the "insert picture feature is used, it now brings the picture in as an attachment, probably causing the size limit to apply.  Previously the picture line in the post would show as an address (HTTP> xxxxxx.xxx.xxx.xxxxxxx.jpg[ATTACH=CONFIG]609[/ATTACH].  The number in the middle will change with the picture as the next picture will be 610, etc.  I hope this helps and also hope the size allowed can be increased.  Often pictures under 100 kb offer very little to the viewer.

Thank you again.

Charlie V.

P.S.  I have scratched my mind and cannot find where I am doing anything differently than before.  I go through the same motions.

O.K. I showed the information and it actually brought in the picture again.  If I wanted that it never would have happened.  I will try it again in a slightly messed format and try to fool it to get the point across.

[ATTACH  =  Config} 1002 [/ATTACH  ]
Title: Trying a video link
Post by: RG8800 on February 03, 2012, 11:26:35 PM
[video=youtube;bJNVK_heTGQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJNVK_heTGQ[/video]

Some more home video I shot in 1992. Lipton, Sask's vintage tractor pulls. Good entertainment.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 04, 2012, 09:28:05 PM
Nice video Ralph. That is the kind of tractor pulling I can associate with. Have done a little pulling myself. Pulled the LA and VC at West Liberty in 2010 and got 3rd place with both of them. Was a little better prepared this past year, but the pull was rained out. Was the start of our monsoon season.

Had a few nice drying days last week, but this morning we had another half inch rain mixed with an inch of snow. Snow is melted now.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 05, 2012, 05:32:35 PM
Have you noticed?  The odometer on this thread rolled over 100k this morning.  Someone is looking.  Another very nice day in WNY for this time of year.  

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 05, 2012, 07:20:15 PM
Gene, got any video of your tractor pulling with your Cases?
Weather continues warm and sunny, quite a contrast to the weather in Europe right now where they are having real winter weather problems. Guess our winter went over there.
I hadn't noticed the odometer but I guess people are checking in to look.
I have been spending some time on another interesting Canadian antique tractor forum at
http://www.canadianantiquetractor.com/tractorforum/index.php
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 05, 2012, 10:54:30 PM
Ralph;

No, I don't have any videos. Never had a camera to take them or anyone to take them. Would be a learning experience to get to where you are with your postings to the lists.

Charlie;

I looked early this morning and noticed it was just short of 100,000 views, then checked now and see it has zoomed past that number now.

Another pleasant winter day here today. High of 39 degrees with lots of sunshine and very little wind. Bandy and I walked back the airstrip to the woods this afternoon. Worked a couple hours picking up limbs and piling them. Last month's winds brought down a lot of limbe. Trying to get it clean enough to be able to bushhog the briars and weeds.

Airstrip is still too wet to get on with the airplane. North end is still very spongy and wet. More rain forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 09, 2012, 08:41:02 PM
Has been pretty benign weather in Ohio. Had a little freezing rain Thursday morning, then an inch of snow on that. Made the roads slick for a while, but the sun came out and the roads were good by afternoon. Forecast for snow for Friday night and Saturday, possible 2 to 4 inches. then dipping to 10 degrees for Saturday and Sunday nights.

Nice sunny day today. Made a trip with the truck and trailer to Tiffin, Oh, to pick up a plow for Spencer. He found a 1x16 plow for his John Deere. I agreed to pick it up and store it till he comes in April and picks it up. I put a couple pictures of it on my album page. Will be a nice restore project for him.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 10, 2012, 09:31:09 AM
On my map it looks like you took a good ride yesterday, Gene.  That is a neat old plow.  Those had to be a step up from the walk behind horse drawn plow.  Good pictures.  It looks like the end of the point may have met up with a stone at some time.  On the subject of pictures, I am wondering if the earlier conversation about the change in posting pictures here on the forum is a dead issue, or if Spencer just hasn't had a chance to get back and read the followup posts in that regard.  

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 10, 2012, 03:58:02 PM
Charlie;

Haven't talked to him again about the pictures. I actually like the idea of the thumbnail and clicking to enlarge. They display really nice. Kinda displays them like viewing pictures on Facebook.

The plow would have been made about the same time as Spencer's unstyled tractor, mid to late 30's. Yes, the point has had a piece added to it. Didn't look underneath to see if it was broken or just worn and this added for better suction. the total trip was right at 150 miles. Most from Kenton to just east of Tiffin was on Ohio Rt. 67 which is nice road to the Seneca County line. From there to Rt.18 was older pavement and a little rough. That is my golf cart trailer it is on and was a perfect fit for the plow and easy to pull and maneuver. Fuel price in Kenton was $.20 cheaper in Kenton, so filled up there.

Light snow started about noon, but barely cold enough to stick. More forecast for tonight and colder temps. May have 3 to 4 inches on the ground by morning. Got a little extra firewood in out of the weather.


Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 10, 2012, 05:07:02 PM
After weeks of above normal tempertures, today we are below. Yes, it was almost -20F this morning and I don't think we will see above zero today. Although it felt comfortable out there considering there is no wind  and bright sunshine. I suppose the six layers of clothes I was wearing might have helped too.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 10, 2012, 07:55:15 PM
We too have some strange white stuff coating the ground for a change.  I guess it is called snow.  Temperature now at +30 but will drop for a high in the low +20's the next two or three days.  Back up to +40 again next week so all is not lost.  Ralph, be careful not to tip over with all of the layers of clothing.  I used to say that if that happened to me. I would be like a turtle on my back and not be able to get back up.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 10, 2012, 09:07:25 PM
I haven't had my Carhartts on for almost a month. Insulated hooded sweatshirt has been adequate. Occasionally wear a short insulated chore jacket. The Carhartts are so heavy that I use more energy just moving in them, but are warm with a light hooded sweatshirt under them. Been looking for some insulated nylon coveralls, but haven't found what I want yet.

Used my little John Deere 240 mower tractor to move my small trailer on Wednesday. While starting it, I noticed the positive battery cable was smoking. Got the trailer moved and put the tractor in the shop to clean the cable. After cleaning I tried to start it and the starter tried to engage and then would only chatter when I turned the key. Thought the starter was bad, so pulled it off this afternoon and tested it in the vise. Worked fine, so put it back on and did the same thing. Retested it in the vise and worked fine again. Reinstalled again with same result. Put jumper battery on and now worked fine. Put the battery charger on the battery and will not take a charge at all. Guess the battery couldn't take the extra amperage of the clean cables. Gotta get a new battery for it now.

Ralph;

I checked your weather about noon and saw you were showing -1F. so knew you were getting normal weather. We are forecast for below zero chill factor for Sunday and Monday morning. Maybe the ground will finally freeze enough to get some more firewood from the woods.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 13, 2012, 10:52:03 AM
Weather update:

As usual we got off pretty easy with the weekend snowfall.  Saturday gave about four inches of very light, easy to move powder snow brought on a NNE wind.  Temps starting in the teens and getting to the low twenties.   Sunday the wind gained some strength, more from the North, and produced more very fine lake effect snow much of the day.  The Sunday snow was fine enough to only accumulate another two inches in all. With some blowing, the Saturday snow became more pulverized to a fine grain to amount to less on the ground than it was Saturday.  Temp. still low twenties.  To our North nearer Lake Ontario, the weather folks are claiming fifteen inches of snowfall.  My SIL stopped by this AM.  They live fifteen to twenty miles South of us.  His statement was that they have a lot more snow than we do.  This all goes to prove that if you have to live in a northern climate, between the major snow belts is the place to be.  Today we are to 31 degrees at present with bright sunshine, so some melting will occur.  

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 14, 2012, 06:34:01 PM
I've heard lots about the "lake effect snow" that happens around the great lakes. With some of the big flooded areas we had here you would think we would have some of that too. Not so. There is still well below normal snow. We don't see much melting, just keepng what we have. Still havent installed the snow blower and I am sure that is a record in my lifetime.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 15, 2012, 08:14:39 AM
Ralph;

The lake effect snow is formed by air blowing over open, unfrozen water. I suspect your large ponds of standing water are frozen solid and prevents enough evaporation to support snow. When the great lakes freeze over they will not support lake effect snow.

2 inches of wet snow Monday night has started melting with rain forecast tonight and tomorrow. 32 right now and overcast. High of 38 today. Cleared the deiveway with the Case 700 and driveway maintainer. Works good in heavy wet snow and leaves a nice level surface. Ground had frozen enough to clear the area in front of the hangar. Was able to get back to the woods on Monday and get a nice trailer load of wood I cut and split 3 months ago.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 05, 2012, 09:26:00 AM
Holy Mackerel, Gene.  10 Degrees here this AM.  Down to zero in the hills south.  I think that is as cold as we have had in a while.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 05, 2012, 05:05:01 PM
Charlie, you are officially colder than Sask. and that is unusual. I noticed on the news today that eastern Canada was having a real cold air system hit today so I guess you are feeling the effects of that. I think it is in the high 30s here today but cloudy so not too much melting going on. Still haven't put the snow blower on the tractor yet this winter. Wonder if I will make it to spring without having to?
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 07, 2012, 06:37:29 AM
Looks like Ohio has been the warm area the last few days. After the heavy rain on Friday, we have been dry, Was cold for the weekend and has warmed up since Monday. Had 60 degrees on Tuesday and forecast for 64 for today. Very strong winds has helped with the drying. Forecast 30 MPH plus winds for today and tonight, then rain for Thursday. Very mild temps forecast through the forecast period.

Been hauling chicken litter for the Amish. Using gravity wagons to make the 50 mile round trip.. Totally destroyed a wheel and tire on the 12 ton wagon with 10.00x20 truck tires. These wheels are hard to find. Went to local combine salvage and they had 2 high flotation 16.5x16 1 wheels and tires. Got one on the wagon Monday and will put the other one on today. Smaller 6 ton wagon has gotten 2 rear tires from the replaced tires from my truck, so now have all 4 tires matching with good solid tires

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 10, 2012, 01:00:21 AM
Sounds like summer time in Ohio. 10.00 truck tires hard to find? Thats not good. My truck takes 9s and 8.25 and I have not tried to buy any lately. Hope I am not in for a surprise.
Thinking of summer, here is a nice way to spend a day this June. Looks like a yard full of interesting old iron.
 http://www.farmauctionguide.com/cgi-bin/hodgins_new.cgi?sec=v&type=c&id=barrie&anum=1313103700
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 10, 2012, 08:06:47 AM
Summer is not quite here yet. Have 21 degrees this morning with promise to warm up the next couple of days. Nice bright sky, so should be warming up for the next few days.

Sounds like that would be a nice way to spend a late spring day. That is a nice looking Case LA. Doesn't look to be too beat up.. Nice looking trucks too.

Our local spring consignment sale in Kenton is today. Been a little under the weather lately, so will stay home and maybe get a few things done at home. Hope for a warmer afternoon.

I got a pair of 16.5L16.1 flotation tires for the wagon. They should last a long time. Still have the 10.00X20's on the front. Made 2 trips with them and seem to be doing well. One front tire seems to be scuffing some, so will check the alignment when I get it home this afternoon. The wagon pulls real good empty, but only able to get 25 MPH loaded when it starts to weave.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 10, 2012, 09:12:07 AM
That auction looks more like a museum sale, Ralph.  It makes me wish I had the money and the means to be there. The Model AA is almost a twin to the one in our pasture lot that I drove almost a million miles when I was a kid.  I think that one was a 1928.  

20 degrees here also this morning, Gene.  We still have snow drifting down off and on.  About a new inch on the back deck from this AM, but it will not last long after tomorrow.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 10, 2012, 02:39:51 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;1765
That auction looks more like a museum sale, Ralph.  It makes me wish I had the money and the means to be there. The Model AA is almost a twin to the one in our pasture lot that I drove almost a million miles when I was a kid.  I think that one was a 1928.  

20 degrees here also this morning, Gene.  We still have snow drifting down off and on.  About a new inch on the back deck from this AM, but it will not last long after tomorrow.

Charlie V.


That sale looks like it would be real nice one to attend just to look if nothing else. Its a good hour or more drive for me but I'll see whats happening.
Feeling more spring like here this morning with sunshine, no wind and in the 30s. Cattle were feeling good too.
[video=youtube;WyTM3g0ujAA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyTM3g0ujAA[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 19, 2012, 08:47:13 AM
Ralph,  

Some gals just cannot resist showing off for the camera.  Playing a little "Bet my head is harder than your head is".

Gene,

I am afraid to talk about the weather for fear that might cause it to change.  Pretty nice except for the mix of rain.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 21, 2012, 06:06:52 AM
Weather in my area has been very warm and dry. Record highs for the last 7 days with temps in high 70's and low 80.s. Been some heavy showers around us bt have missed here. Sunday had 2 inches only 5 miles north and not enough here to make the ground wet. Was able to work down my plowed ground over the weekend. Still have 6 weeks to planting time, but will let the ground mellow out. Amish neighbors all have their oats planted. Other farmers are applying fertilizer and lime. Everything seems more like late April.

I was leveling some low spots in the field yesterday with the Case 700 when the steering locked up. Was at end of field near the barn, but was really a chore getting it into the shop, but finally got it there. Will start working on that today.

Been feeling listless and out of sorts last couple months, so went to doctor last week. I have been diagnosed with diabetes. It is controlled by oral medicines and diet, so will have a normal life. Started medication last Thursday and now feel better than in months.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 22, 2012, 02:07:41 PM
Gene, glad to hear you are feelling better now. You are ahead of us getting in the field. I was out on the trike looking for cattle yesterday and I could get around on the stubble not too bad with the big tires but its still mud everywhere. Sask. is dry on the east and wet on the west. They were hit by a big snowstorm a couple of days ago. Nothing but wind here. Talk of drought for this year is already being heard.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 23, 2012, 10:22:59 AM
I agree with Ralph on the feeling better part, Gene and am sorry you have encountered that problem.  I hope continued improvement is the name of the game from this point on.  

Today is the change day from the summer weather we have been having this week.  Daffodils and bugs have been pushed ahead of normal by the unseasonable heat.  Winter wheat fields have lost the winter flattened down brownish look and are as green as a golf course.  I also noted a few fields of freshly worked ground (Like ready to seed) and saw one farmer plowing with a decent size John Deere  pulling 7 or 9 bottoms. (I am guessing here as I could not see the plow that well.  We will be colder for a while, but no below freezing is forecast until early April.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 24, 2012, 06:29:34 AM
Charlie and Ralph;

Yep, feeling great lately with more energy than in a while. Actually looking for things to do.

Got the steering repaired on the 700. The input steering shaft had digested the bearings and galded the shaft. When I removed the end cap, All the parts from the end of the shaft came out in the cap, including the retaining nut, bearing and thrust washers. Fortunately, I had another steering motor that I had removed because of leakage. Removed the complete shaft from this one and installed it in the good housing and had everything back together Thursday morning and had it back in the field by Thursday afternoon leveling some low areas with the driveway maintainer.

Weather starting to cool off a little this morning, down to 54 degrees and likely only get to 68 this afternoon. Light rain started yesterday afternoon and continued most of the night, but probably less than half an inch. Will be good for the planted crops, as all the oats have been planted and lots of people have started planting gardens with good condition.I actually did a little planting Thursday. I planted 2 short rows of white lupine in a corner of a field, just to see what they are like. Neighbor planted a patch and brough some of his left over seed. This crop is pretty much unheard of here and we would like to get some interest started if they will grow here.

Consignment sale is at Wapakoneta today. Hope to get over there for that. Will take my raincoat and umbrella, just in case.

Grass starting to grow wild and is begging to be mowed.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 28, 2012, 09:43:14 AM
O.K.  Which one of you guys sent me this weather.  Today on Wednesday it is currently 53 degrees, and that is fine.  However yesterday morning the Temp. was only 19 degrees.  The string of 70 to 80 degree days pushed out many tree blossoms and flowers.  With the hard freeze to 19, much is lost.  A bunch of concern on the news about lost fruit crops inland away from the Lake Ontario shoreline.  Cherries in particular were mentioned.  One grower had brush pile fires burning in the orchards hoping to keep the temp. up one or two degrees and avoid loss.  Still a year of changes.  Sonny, a neighbor has mowed his lawn twice so far.  I put the battery in the Exmark and started it up to run for five minutes, but am waiting for warmer and dryer to start pouring gas through the engine.  Lawn mowing in March here is pretty much unheard of in this neck of the woods.  

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 28, 2012, 10:54:12 PM
Yep, turned colder here too. Mowed grass last Saturday afternoon in a sweatshirt. First time I ever mowed grass in March. Tuesday had 29 degrees. Cherry tree was out in full bloom, have to wait and see if they are hurt. Apple trees just starting blooming, so probably not hurt yet. More chance of frost on Thursday and Friday night. Oats fields here are really coming along nicely. Lots of new bright green. All the neighbors got their oats planted and looking good. Got to 75 today with 35 MPH winds.

Went to local consignment sale last Saturday. Lots of machinery and junk there. Lots of people with money too. Most things went high. I bought a 200 bushel gravity wagon, rusty, but solid on a good John Deere gear for $475.00. Weren't many tractors there, maybe 12 and half were John Deere a guy was selling from his collection. Had a rain early morning, so was a little muddy, but manageable with good roads between rows. Only had a light shower at home, so was able to mow lawn in afternoon.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 31, 2012, 11:09:18 PM
[ATTACH=CONFIG]614[/ATTACH]Beautiful day in Sask. for the last day of March. Temp up in the sixties with no wind and lots of sun . Nice day for a walk around the farm yard with a little visitor from town. Buds on the native poplar trees are weeks ahead of normal. At this rate I can be in the field doing something in a few days .
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 01, 2012, 07:01:27 AM
Ralph;

Tell us more about your visitor. Family member or just friend?

After our exceptionally warm first half of March, we are back to normal temps the past week. Highs in the 40's and 50's and lows in the 30's. Had a couple thunderstorms that missed us the past couple of weeks. Has rained north and south of us, but only teaser shower here. Hope it in not setting a pattern for summer.

Soil conditions are very favorable now for primary tillage that was not able to do last fall. May have actually been some corn planted, but haven't seen for myself. Usual starting date is April 15 here. My alfalfa is growing fast. Almost a foot high now. Be ready to cut by mid May. Fruit trees are in bloom if the freeze on Wednesday didn't kill them. Went ahead and sprayed them anyhow to give them a chance. Trimmed the dead limbs off the apple trees to make it easier to mow under them. Had 2 trailer loads of limbs from them.

Checked weather yesterday afternoon and Regina was 61 degrees and here was 43 degrees. My friends in Minnesota had 66 at the same time. Need to move north for warm weather.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 01, 2012, 10:40:11 AM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;1778
Ralph;

Tell us more about your visitor. Family member or just friend?.

Checked weather yesterday afternoon and Regina was 61 degrees and here was 43 degrees. My friends in Minnesota had 66 at the same time. Need to move north for warm weather.

Gene


Gene, the little guy is my brother's grandson and it was his first visit to the farm so it was all new to him. Cows, chickens and cats. Funny how is was warmer here than way down south. Not so nice today with a wild southeaster blowing and in the 40s. The garden is dry enough to plant potatoes but I don't know if it would be advisable yet. Sure as anything if they came up the frost would cut them down. I might just risk a few as a gamble though. Its about 3 weeks before I normally plant and I am usually one of the earliest .
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 01, 2012, 05:29:16 PM
Grump! Grump!  We are out of the good weather loop here.  Snow covered ground yesterday morning, even though some had melted during the early hours from ground warmth.  It took much of the day to melt it away even with off and on rain.  Clear sky last night.  We had a nice sunrise this AM with temp at 27 deg. F.  About the time sunbeams started casting across the lawn (7AM more or less), Clouds took over and it has been rain and mist ever since.  We are currently up to a scorching 35 deg. at 5:15 PM.  After the balmy days last week, it is hard to convince myself that it is only April Fools Day.  

The Auction sounds like it was an enjoyable day, Gene.  I guess that is a sure sign of Spring.  I stay away from those events these days.  I do not need anything else following me home. Grin.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 02, 2012, 02:01:21 AM
Just to brag a little, it was so warm and dry here this weekend that I rototilled part of the garden and set up a line for potatos . Didn't put the seed in the ground yet but might tomorrow. That would be almost a month earlier than normal. Auction sale season starts this week. [ATTACH=CONFIG]615[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 02, 2012, 08:39:54 AM
That is O.K., Ralph.  Glad to see you getting some good weather.  You folks in Sask. sure pay your dues most of the time.  Daylight here came with 31 degrees along with 98% humidity.  The good news is we are looking at bright sunshine all day and heading to the high 40's.  We sure need some drying up as everything is dripping water out there.  I like that garden ground.  Not a stone or a lump in sight and finely worked soil.  I am guessing about 100 years worth of manure and straw have gone into that garden plot.  Not a bad self portrait either.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 05, 2012, 02:20:10 PM
Still sunny in Sask. but it sounds like it may end tomorrow. So I quickly planted a few potatos, driest ground I can remember planting in. Also tested out the old IH hammer mill that I have been working on intermittently through the winter. Got it set up in place of the Case mill and put the belt on this morning to try it out. Have a look and listen.
[video=youtube;WgUbrz5Zjc8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgUbrz5Zjc8&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 05, 2012, 05:21:32 PM
Glad the old mill is ready to work. Ran one like that many hours as a youngster. Usually ran it with the Farmall H or the F-12 in a pinch.

Looks like you are the warm spot again. High here today of 48 degrees and freeze warning for the next 2 nights. Got the wood fire going again. Been colder here this month than in March.

Got brave, or maybe dumb and planter some soybeans yesterday. Had about 100 pounds of seed left over from last year and decided to put them in the ground rather than throw them away. There was some mold in them, so couldn't mix them with the new seed. Will give them a chance since it is 3 1/2 weeks till I normally plant, so if I have to tear them up I won't really be out that much.

Have an appointment at eye clinic on Tuesday To evaluate for cataracts. Been having trouble with double vision and poor focusing. Hope to have this taken care of before planting season.. Diabetes seems to be under control and doing well with that.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 06, 2012, 01:15:30 PM
Looks like the tables have turned for us in Sask. today. Raining and temps just a few degrees above freezing with a good possibility of snow before the day is done. In a word, miserable, although I guess it will be good for the grass and those potatos I planted yesterday.:D
Gene, my Dad had cataracts removed I think when he was in his 80s and it was  not too big a deal as I recall. He had to take it easy for a few days and saw quite an improvement in vision. Hope you get the same results.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 07, 2012, 10:20:35 AM
Weather guys were right. We went from planting potatos in the dust to shoveling snow in less than 48 hours. This is the scene that met my eyes this morning April 7. Depressing. ..

[ATTACH=CONFIG]616[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: GeorgeBest on April 09, 2012, 01:44:54 PM
Yesterday I mowed my fields with my Cub Cadet riding mower.  This is the first time I've tried mowing it this year, we've had a record amount of rain during the month of March.  Had standing water in places where we've never had standing water!  I usually mow the fields with my Farmall Super A and Woods belly mower, but the ground was still so soft that I used the Cub Cadet instead.  Even using the light riding mower with its high flotation tires, there were a few areas in the field I had to skip as the ground was still too soft and I almost got stuck a couple of times.  Was lucky enough to have enough forward momentum and able to turn towards some drier ground.

I also mow the grass for our church and haven't been able to do that either.  At least for the Easter egg hunt this past Saturday, the tall grass made the egg hunt a bit more challenging for the older kids.

Will definitey be glad when we get drier weather and I can use the Farmall for mowing as it takes half the time of using the riding mower.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 09, 2012, 04:39:34 PM
I finally pulled the trigger on the mowing too.  Being cold and windy all last week prevented me from doing more than thinking about  mowing.  Temperature did get into the 50's on Saturday but the wind was just too much.  Yesterday at 11  AM the wind was up some but not as bad as later in the day so I had a go at the cutting.  It worked out well enough so I did all of it.  I had too be careful not to turn the wrong direction or I would end up wearing all of the clippings.  The clay was a little gummy in places, but really no standing water.  Wind all week did a lot of drying even with some rain tossed in.  Like everyone else, this is the earliest mowing ever in my memory.  At least the grass will stay all neat and even for 15 or 20 minutes.  

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 10, 2012, 06:32:48 AM
Western Ohio has turned very dry for the past month. Could use a nice soaking rain. Has been windy with daily winds of 25 to 35 MPH. Worked up the plowed ground 3 weeks ago expecting a rain to mellow it up, but hasn't happened. Worked it down with the harrogator last Saturday to help break it up and help retain moisture. Been able to get some rocks picked up from the fields, a luxury I haven't had for a few years. Mowed the grass last Friday for the second time. Growth has slowed down with the cold weather. Nightly lows near or below freezing likely has put a stress on the fruit trees. Looks like a warming trend after Thursday.

Appointment today at eye clinic to check for cataracts. Will know after today what I need. Brother had cataracts removed a couple years ago and has good results from that. Says procedure is quick and relatively painless.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 10, 2012, 07:58:06 PM
We are anxiously waiting to hear that all you needed was a new prescription in your lenses, Gene.  Hope that is the deal.  Good luck.  We are down into the 40's for a couple of days so I am laying low.  I installed another gig of ram memory in this pc today and I could tell right away that it has more spunk so it was money well spent.  Less than twenty bucks and it is a 50% increase over what it had.  Hard to go wrong on that.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 11, 2012, 06:56:33 AM
Hi Guys;

Eye appointment yesterday went as expected. Cataracts in both eyes with the left being worse with what he described as a white cataract as compared to normal yellow cataract. Said I would have lost all vision in that eye in 6 months. Surgery Monday Apr 16 for the first eye and Apr 30 for the second one. Should be in good shape for the summer.

After I got home yesterday I had hoped to pick up some more rocks from the fields. Temp was 41 degrees and wind blowing at 30 MPH, so decided to build a fire in the stove and stay in for the afternoon. Wind chill was at 28 degrees. 30 degrees this morning and forecast to start warming up after tomorrow morning. Tonight should be the last freezing night.

Lots of ground being worked for corn planting and look to see the planters going full force before the weekend. Guys just waiting for warmer weather. Getting dry here with no appreciable rain for the last 6 weeks. Not much chance in the forecast either.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 12, 2012, 02:02:02 PM
Turned colder up this way too a day or so ago which was  a good thing. We were able to get a semi load of flax loaded at my brother's place early in the morning before the frost came out of the ground. It was frozen pretty good at 15F that morning and the loaded truck never made a track.
Got three more loads out of  my yard yesterday early before it thawed. Fields are mud and wet from the melted snow of the weekend so nothing doing out there. Heres the 970 Case running the grain vac .
[video=youtube;4m9DZ6RKGPc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m9DZ6RKGPc[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 16, 2012, 08:33:16 AM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;1796
Hi Guys;

Eye appointment yesterday went as expected. Cataracts in both eyes with the left being worse with what he described as a white cataract as compared to normal yellow cataract. Said I would have lost all vision in that eye in 6 months. Surgery Monday Apr 16 for the first eye and Apr 30 for the second one. Should be in good shape for the summer.


Best wishes for success today, Gene.  Hope all goes better than expected.  We are aiming for the 80's today with a change for the worse expected after 5 PM.  Maybe a little second cutting lawn grass.  We will see.


Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 16, 2012, 09:04:13 PM
Surgery went well today. Pretty awkward typing with one eye with the new one covered with a plastic shield. Follow up tomorrow and will remove the shield. Not a bad procedure and was over before I knew it. Looking forward to better vision. Have to be careful for a few days. Next one on the 30th.

Temp yesterday was 74 degrees with strong winds of over 40 MPH. Had about 1/2 inch rain on Saturday and a light trace this morning. Still need more to mellow the ground. More forecast for the end of the week. Got to about 63 tday and more strong winds. Colder again tonight with low of 37 forecast, then warmng up the rest of the week.

Soybeans still not emerged, but seeo to be sprouting. Time will tell if they make it.

Dog treed a big coon this morning in the mulberry tree next to the house. Knocked him out with the rifle and Bandy dispatched him as soon as he hit the ground. He doesn't tolerate any unwanted critters in the yard.

Bought an old harrow for the field cultivator. Spent Saturday straightening and welding it and mounted it on Sunday. Hope it works to level the ground better.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 17, 2012, 09:17:55 PM
Gene, glad to hear the eye surgery went well. Hope you will see a big improvement.
I could use that dog of yours here. I see coon tracks in the yard most days so I know they prowl the yard every night. So far they haven't got into any trouble.
I gave the old IH hammer mill it's first test run with oats on the weekend putting about 40 bushels through it. I was impressed. It handled it well and that old fibre pulley didn't slip near as much as the Case steel pulley did. Consequently I think this little ten inch IH puts grain through as fast as the 14 inch Case used to. A short video of it here . That was the last nice day we had. Nothing but cold, rain or drizzle, even a little snow when it got down to freezing. Its a slow spring here.
[video=youtube;CzzxmTclK8g]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzzxmTclK8g[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 21, 2012, 06:38:21 PM
Looks like you have the mill running good. Make a good replacement for the Case mill.

Bandy was out in the barn a few nights ago. Had the neighbor's yellow cat cornered behind some spare parts. Thought it might have been another coon. I got a piece of pipe and convinced it to come out. It finally ran out the door and made it safely home. Try to convince him to not bother them, but he may still remember the monster feral cat that was here a few years ago. Biggest and strongest Cat I have ever seen. It was under the front porch and with leather gloves on, I could not pull him loose from behind the chimney. Even after being shot in the chest, he would not give up the fight. Finally got his head turned and got him out. Bandy was on it before it got 5 feet from the porch. It was metal gray with a short tail and may have been a hybrid with a bobcat.

Finally got a nice shower here last night. Maybe 3/4 inches that came nice and slow most of the night. I had about 2 acres to finish with the harrowgator when I got rained out. Got pretty wet before I got the tractor in the barn. Yesterday was a very nice day here with high of about 75 degrees and light to moderate south wind. Turned cold over night and high today of 41 degrees and cloudy all day. Forecast lows the next 2 nights in the mid to high 30's. Looks like Charlie is having the same weather we had last night and Ralph is warmer than both of us.

Lots of corn planted in the area last week. Was ideal weather for getting it in. Farmer who farms the ground to the west of me came in with his 48 row planter and planted the 120 acres there in less than 2 hours. Saw one farmer planting beans on Thursday. May be a little early for them, but he probably had his corn all planted and wanted to keep working.

Doing well after the eye surgery. Has healed up real well. Much better distance vision. Will still need glasses for near vision.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 22, 2012, 10:02:52 AM
Good Morning,

You are on target re: our wet, rainy weather, Gene.  Friday was a stellar day with a high of 82, full sun and very light breeze.  A lot of blossoms pushed out that have just been in a holding pattern since the last warm spell.  Flowering trees around town are simply loaded this year and lovely.  It looks like my hybrid Lilacs have been taken out by an earlier freeze as they appear to have no buds to open out. The old fashioned bushed which bloom a little later do have nice buds ready to open.

I took as much advantage of Friday as possible and did some out of doors chores. My  #1 helper is at my side offering to do the go get this and go get that as I am not too mobile.  She is a gift. She gets along pretty well considering her broken hip last summer but it is not without her share of pain. Many chores left to go, but it is great just to be out in the perfect weather.

I see many acres of well worked ground that I think are mostly planted and just waiting for water.  If we see warmer temperatures after this 24 hours of rain, the corn will be sprouting all over the place, and maybe some soybeans as well.  The problem is that the forecasters are all screaming "Snow Warning" for tonight and tomorrow in the hills south, so just how wet is wet enough.  Time will tell. I am glar that Ralph is in the good weather and hope it turns out to be a good year in the North country.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 22, 2012, 11:21:49 PM
Gene, glad to hear you got through the eye thing and see some improvement. Charlie, we had our first reallly nice day today. I think it must have hit near 70 degrees. Of course we are still drying up from Friday's rain and nothing doing in the fields yet but its looking hopeful.
Here is a pic from today. Discovered a big beaver dam and lodge where they are trying to flood some more of the land i farm so we tried to remedy the situation somewhat. I am standing on top of the lodge in this photo. [ATTACH=CONFIG]617[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 26, 2012, 08:55:01 AM
Ralph, you look like the King of the dam.  Probably 1/2 stick would take care of that if it is still legal.  Too many regulations these days. We do not have much in the way of beavers in this area other than what are called bank beavers in some streams.  Other areas of the state do have them.  

I guess Gene will be busy for a few days getting organized for work days.

Our weather has been pretty boring of late.  The massive blizzard we were promised with wide spread power outages turned out to be about one inch of wet snow and not really bad wind.  I am glad it was not more, but it hardly seems justifiable to close every school for miles around in anticipation of something that does not occur.  We may touch freezing tonight and day temps in the 40's are predicted until next Tuesday. This weather is a wait and see game.

For lack of anything better to post, I will leave you with a picture of Tommy.  I found this shot yesterday in my oldest digital camera.  It is a better quality photo than I get a lot of the time from my latest and greatest cameras.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]618[/ATTACH]

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 26, 2012, 10:21:14 AM
Quote from: Charlie V;1804

  We may touch freezing tonight and day temps in the 40's are predicted until next Tuesday. This weather is a wait and see game.

For lack of anything better to post, I will leave you with a picture of Tommy.  I found this shot yesterday in my oldest digital camera.  It is a better quality photo than I get a lot of the time from my latest and greatest cameras.

Charlie V.


Nice looking cat Charlie. I used to have some like that, friendly too. Now all I have are a bunch of wild reprobates that won't give me the time of day unless it is feeding time.
Weather is absolutely miserable, although it is not raining here yet there is rain in the forecast. The wind is wild and the radio actually mentioned wind chill this morning. If I could just get into a climate controlled tractor cab and go to work it would be ok but things are just not falling into place  this spring.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 27, 2012, 09:36:55 PM
Getting dry, but cool weather here in Ohio. Forecast to be warming up. This morning should be out last freezing morning. Had a nice half inch of rain last week that dried enough by Tuesday to get back to working ground. I planted my soybeans on Wednesday and finished in a very light rain. Got a nice half inch or so of rain Wednesday night then down to 29 degrees on Thursday morning and 32 degrees this morning. The rain gave enough moisture to start the beans swelling, so next weeks warm weather should get them off to a good start.

Work day scheduled for tomorrow, due to the forecast for cold wet weather, has been postponed till next Saturday. Chance of rain and high of about 45 degrees doesn't give a good mood for outdoor work. I concur with the officers decision. I do have everything ready to go when weather is right.

Monday will be surgery on my other eye. The right eye has turned out well. Met with my optometrist(Sp) on Tuesday and it has completely healed and my distance vision in that eye ie 20-20. Really plaesed with it, though I will still need reading glasses. I can live with them.

Would be hard to get a picture of a cat here. Bandy won't let them hang around very long, but he goes to the neighbor's and won't bother their cats, ducks or chickens. He allows the chickens and ducks to graze in our hayfield and pays no attention to them.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on May 01, 2012, 09:44:23 AM
Finally, after almost a week of dull, cold, windy and damp weather, the sun came out for a day Monday. Perfect timing for my scheduled seed cleaning at the plant. Got my wheat all done and back in the bin ready to go. Sure was nice to work in the sunshine for a day at least. BAck to clouds and threatening showers today though. First of May and next to nothing doing in the fields yet. Not late yet and not quite time to hit the panic button but every day brings it closer. [ATTACH=CONFIG]619[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 02, 2012, 07:33:12 AM
Ralph;

Hope you finally get some favorable working weather. Had favorable weather here until last evening. Had 1.5 inches of welcome rain last night and warm temps for the next few days. Most corn has been planted. and a good start on soybeans. Most like to wait till after May 1 to plant beans here, but many started earlier counting on the warm forecast. Rain last night came pretty hard and fast and left standing water in the low spots in the fields, but the dry ground will soak it all up. Forecast high temps in the mid 80's for the next 3 days.

My beans have been in the ground for 1 week now and should respond to the warm wet weather. The beans I planted a month ago are up and growing now. Seems that experiment paid off. Nice to see them growing.

Eye surgery Monday went well. Have to take it easy for a couple more days. Gonna need new glasses for near vision. My old glasses are too strong now. Need only half as much magnification now.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 02, 2012, 08:43:37 AM
Pleased to hear your surgery went well, Gene.  Have been wondering.  I have to keep moving this AM.  Have to get a shot in the eyeball in a little while.  Just a note from my trivia department:

52 years ago this morning this young guy started a new job with a small company.  In 2008, some 48 years and 3 months later I retired from the same company.  A real job hopper I am.  

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on May 04, 2012, 11:56:04 AM
Well Charlie, you have me beat by at least ten years at sticking to the same job. It will be 42 years this August when I took my first "on the job training" riding the fender of my Uncle's 730 Case learning the ropes of cultivating summerfallow with weeds three feet high. It was a learning experience and a wonder it didn't turn me off farming forever. Also surprising my Uncle didn't fire me off the job. I wouldn't have had the patience to put up with some of the stupid mistakes this new "driver" made. But 40+ years later I work the same land with a much newer and more comfortable tractor. The old 730 sits in my shed, rain beating down on the metal roof wondering when we will ever get to plant a crop on those fields.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 07, 2012, 06:29:59 AM
Been good growing weather here in Ohio. Couple good rains the past week have gotten the crops off to a good start. My soybeans have emerged better than I can remember in recent years. The heavy rains left some standing water in low spots , so may have some damage there.

Work day at Portland went well. The rain here missed the Indiana area, so the ground was dry for our tasks of trimming trees and painting buildings and roofs. After a foggy start, it warmed to about 75 degrees with light winds for a pleasant day. Crops in western Ohio and eastern Indiana look excellent with corn mostly 2 to 5 inches high. Actually saw some hay being cut, probably for haylage, as there are a lot of big dairy farms in the area. Some field work was being done in the area, but too wet here at home.

My work career was a lot more checkered than you folks. Had a variety of jobs, from aircraft mechanic for Uncle Sam, mechanic in a repair garage, commercial pilot and flight instructor, farmer and and farm hand and finally retired in 2002 after 30 rears of factory work.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 07, 2012, 09:48:26 AM
Good to hear the crops are growing in Ohio.  Most of the field work seems to be shut down here for the moment due to the cooler temps and wet ground.  I noticed a decent size Case/IH tractor sitting in a field yesterday that had been fall plowed.  The tractor had in tow a string of implements probably 32 or 36 feet wide and included disc, drag, and who knows what else.  It looked like the field would be plant ready after one pass over with that rig, but it is patiently waiting for the right ground conditions.  We dropped to 23 degrees two nights last week and hit 37 the night before last so it isn't quite summer yet.  Another inch or more of rain called for tonight, so it will not dry up real soon.

I did quite a bit of farm day labor when in school.  Also did nearly a year in a local gas station part time which was often 36 hours a week.  I did most of a year on a dairy farm, mainly in the barn my last year of school.  Following graduation I worked as a mechanic in a small town Chevrolet dealership and doubled as their 24 hour tow truck operator. I did not mind that work and would have possibly stayed at it long term if I could own my own business.  That not being the case, very low pay and zero benefits did not seem like much of a future.  When an opportunity in the screw machine industry came my way, I took it to try. Little did I know it would last the rest of my working career.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 17, 2012, 08:42:45 AM
Eeeeek.  35 degrees F at 5 AM today.  However, we are promised a stellar day today.  High 72, clear skies and wind under 5 MPH.  I think they have the wind wrong as it is already more than 5 MPH.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 17, 2012, 09:54:21 PM
Weather in Ohio has been delightful all week. Daytime highs in the low to mid 70's and nighttime lows in high 40's to low 50's. Lots of sunshine and few clouds. High tomorrow and Saturday in the 80's. The cool mornings make you want to pull the covers up and just enjoy the warm bed for a few more minutes.

Attended the Portland swap meet yesterday with nice morning temps and 72 by mid afternoon. Very good turnout and lots of treasures to consider. Bought a few things I needed, like a wheel for my wagon, a couple battery boosters, wiring supplies and a 12 volt electric water transfer pump. A few other items I have forgotten about. Very seldom the swap meet has this nice weather. Usually heavy rains or cold and windy. Will go back tomorrow to pick up a few more things I have coming in.

Corn planting rapidly winding down. Soybean planting going rapidly and near done. My soybeans are looking excellent and off to an early running start. Lots of hay being made. About 10 days earlier than normal. I cut my hay today. Have a good stand but more weeds than I like. Can't believe how many big square balers on the trip home from Portland. Looks like these guys are running 10 MPH across the field. impressive sight seeing all those big bales laying in the fields. Didn't see a single small square baler anywhere. Maybe I am the only one left?

Visit Tuesday to eye doctor was good news. I now have 20-20 distance in both eyes. Will only need reading glasses for near vision and then only for close work. Can read the computer without glasses, but do need the glasses for the keyboard.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 21, 2012, 08:48:26 AM
Here in WNY it was a good weekend.  Saturday in the low 80's.  Yesterday became hotter and stuffier.  A thermometer here at the house was sitting at 92 by mid afternoon.  The soil has dried nicely and a lot of field work is going on.  The ground that looked worked and rolled three weeks ago has not sprouted anything yet.  I thought I would see soy beans of corn by now, but nothing showing.  It seems like a long time for germination, so maybe that land is not planted yet.  I did find out that the AC in my SUV still works when I ran it for a time yesterday afternoon.

Great news about your eyes, Gene.  that should keep you in the air for a long time to come.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on May 22, 2012, 10:42:02 AM
Good going for the past couple of weeks, almost continuously but it is all over this morning. Rain and the next couple of days look the same. I've got a lot of seeding done but still a couple of hundred acres to go which I think is about typical for the area. No major breakdowns, just long days in the tractor so a day or two off is not unwelcome.
My trail cam has not caught any great wildlife pictures but it did catch me driving by on the Cockshutt 40 yesterday. ;)[ATTACH=CONFIG]620[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on May 23, 2012, 01:49:42 AM
[video=youtube;rsArC-VVmek]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsArC-VVmek&feature=youtu.be[/video]
A few scenes from the tractor seat this spring while seeding. We have had close to two inches of rain today so the tractors are getting a rest.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 23, 2012, 08:58:17 PM
Glad the work has been going well. Suppose the rain and rest period are both welcome. Looks like the dogs enjoyed their outing.

I am sure the crops in N.Y. are just waiting for warm weather to show their faces. Still see a few planting here, but most are done with corn and soybeans. Some mega operators still planting and raising lots of dust.

Western Ohio has had warm, clear and dry weather for the past week. Starting to get pretty dry, could use a good rain. Been perfect hay making weather with light winds and low humidity. Two day drying has been the norm. Mowed my hay last Thursday and baled it on Saturday. Did a small custom job down the road that I mowed on Friday and baled on Sunday. Had a ready buyer for all of it, so it is sold and in his barn.

Soybeans are doing well despite the dry weather. The weeds are starting to grow, so need to spray them soon. My sprayer pump had a leak and bad bearings, so I ordered a repair kit for it that should be here tomorrow. Grass is growing faster in the fields than it is in the lawn. Mares tail weeds are fast becoming a problem here. I have them in the fields on both sides of me, so today I mixed some 2-4-d, banvel and roundup and sprayed the field borders on both sides of me to try to get a good early start on them. Also did the outer edges of the soybean fields with roundup. Did all this with my 15 gallon lawn sprayer and J.D. 210 mower tractor. Like to do the fields this way so I don't miss anything with the field sprayer and don't have to worry about overspraying the lawn and airstrip.

First tractor show of the year is this weekend at Wapakoneta, Ohio. Plan to take one tractor to show. Will take the tractor over tomorrow and spend Friday there and maybe Saturday morning. Don't have much time to spend at this show as my high school alumni banquet is Saturday night. Get to reacquaint with a lot of the former students and have a great meal.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on May 27, 2012, 11:26:28 AM
I cut a little hay this week too Gene :D The three inch rain has us all shut down since Monday night but we did get one sunny day for me to cut the long over grown grass and dandelions in my yard with the little John Deere. I tried to harrow a small field yesterday. Every low spot was either holding water or too wet to drag the harrows through without spinning ruts which is not good for the seeded wheat. The fields are really packed from the heavy rain and even the heavy tine harrows did not do a really smooth job as they normally would. Culverts and creeks are running harder now than they did in April spring thaw. At least the early potatoes are up and survived the near miss with frost a few nights ago. On the positive side today's rain should be good for the peas and beans planted yesterday in the garden.  Its been backwards progress most of this spring it seems.

[video=youtube_share;lhi9dyeXOmY]http://youtu.be/lhi9dyeXOmY[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 28, 2012, 10:00:52 AM
Our lilacs are long gone and the peonies have finished too. Both 2 to 3 weeks ahead of time. Haven't had to mow for a coule weeks due to the lack of rain and high heat. Had 97 degrees on Saturday and 98 on Sunday and looks like the same for tomorrow, then a cold front coming through on Tuesday with a chance of showers and highs in the 70's. Sunday night at midnight it was still 80 degrees.

Filled the field sprayer yesterday morning and watered the sweet corn patch. Hoed the weeds this morning beforeit gets too hot. Have nice moisture now. Have been having trouble with ants in the lawn and all my grass, so yesterday I broadcsat Lorsban on all the grass. Needs water to activate it so I again filled the field sprayer and spraye all the open areas I could get to with it, then used the 15 gallon lawn sprayer to water the rest of it. A little rain would sure help to make it work better.

Will be leaving in a few minutes to visit my parents and other family members at the Fairview Cemetery. Have a lot of our family members there. Nice quiet place for the souls to rest.

Hope everyone takes the chance to honor our veterans, both living and deceased. I plan to do the same.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 28, 2012, 09:11:02 PM
You are taking the grass down pretty good with the John Deere, Ralph. I noticed you passed up your shadow one time.  I was due to mow on Friday, but held off until Saturday so it would look a little better for the holiday today.  I do not know if any passersby noticed or not.  Our ground is quite dry and hard now but still can not go more than a week between cuttings so there is some moisture underneath.  We moved two tractors, two cars, and the 20' trailer yesterday to mow those areas.  Not attractive to see tall weeds growing up around things.  Still have several more to go, but had to lay low today.  We were to 92 deg. yesterday but made 94 today, so it is a little warm out there.  beautiful evening now though.  After the activity of the last few days I have a shoulder, hip, and knee that are a little more than ugly so some time off is in order.  

It sounds like you have been hard at it in Ohio, Gene.  I have an ant population piling dirt on my patio blocks.  I got rid of one colony by putting Borax on their dirt piles for a few days.  About that time they popped up in another area with a bigger amount of dirt piles.  I had to get more Borax and have been sprinkling faithfully.  I have them slowed down but still have a few eruptions.  I do not use pesticides in there because of the dog.  The weeds between the blocks were getting so thick that I did hit them with Roundup  for the first time a couple of weeks ago.  At least with that we were able to keep the dog away until it completely dried.  

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on June 02, 2012, 08:08:32 PM
Had a nice slow 3/4 inch rain yesterday and turned cool, so the water will not evaporate. Had a teasing shower this evening, not enough to measure, but it all helps. High temps last 2 days has been in the mid 50's, 45 degrees colder than last weekend.

I mowed my grass Thursday. Ground was very dry and rough. The ants had made fist size mounds of dirt everywhere and the lawn is as rough as if cattle had run in it. Really bounced me around and took a toll on my back. Don't see any new activity from the ants, so hopefully the Lorsban has done the job. It has a 24 hour re-entry tme for animals and humans, so kept the dog in the house except when he had to go out, then kept him on the sidewalk and driveway to his favorite field. It was very hot, so was not a problem keeping him in the house.

Local crops are looking good, in spite of the dry conditions and very hot temps last week. Later planted crops are off to a slow start germinating in the dry soils. some are emerging pretty spotty, but the rain should help them now. Still saw several planters running on Monday on my trip to the cemetery.

Charlie, in the past I have had good luck spraying ant mounds with Malathion. It is safe for dogs and people with no re-entry minimum time. It is labeled as a flea treatment for dogs and I have used it for that in the past.

Gave Bandy his yearly haircut on Thursday. He is sure a different dog now. Much more active now and a lot cooler.

I will be attending George Willer's viewing on Monday afternoon. Will be several of the A.T.I.S. members to honor him. Will be a very big empty spot with his passing.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on June 04, 2012, 09:17:17 AM
Wishing you a good and safe drive to the service today, Gene.  Do we have rain?  We sure do.  I dumped 7/8" from the gauge late last week, another 1" on the weekend, and there is probably another inch in it now.  I foresee no grass cutting before late this week at best.  Mostly in the 50's and 60's steady now.  Rain is forecast with at least 50% probability through Thursday so the week will be pretty much a wash out.  We did take a ride about late last week.  Most of the worked fields now have little rows of corn, corn, and more corn.  Some will go to feed wagons for dairy cattle and some may be sweet corn contracted to the canning factory. but the rest must be really counting on a high price this fall.  Saw a couple of fields of soybeans and a little oats, but the corn is big time.

Thanks for the tip on the Malathion, Gene.  I may even have some of that here as well as Seven.  The problem is that these colonies are under the patio blocks and mound up in the cracks between the blocks. (see photo)  Because of that it is about impossible to get spray under the blocks to the colonies.  They just keep popping up in another area long term.  The theory with 20 Mule Team Borax is that the critters track it back into the colonies and not only wipe out the population, but also the larvae. It does work but it is necessary to be diligent for up to a week, each day as a few new little mounds appear.

Ant mound:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]622[/ATTACH]

My read headed girl friend:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]623[/ATTACH]


Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 09, 2012, 01:37:32 AM
Boy, it has been one busy week (or two) for me. Early mornings and short nights but I have finished seeding and worked most of the ground that will be summerfallow. Ground dried up surprisingly fast and I was able to do a fair job of seeding. Canola needs to be sprayed but rain is forecast for tomorrow. The lilacs are sure blooming nice this year and seem to be lasting a longer time than usual. You can see a little of them in  this video. And check out the surprise animal sighting at about the 1:24 minute mark.
[video=youtube;Jx49nOCM9E0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jx49nOCM9E0&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on June 10, 2012, 07:50:27 AM
Ralph, glad to hear you have finished seeding. Seems to have been a long planting season for you. Still a few stragglers planting a few soybeans here and some replanting because of the dry conditions. Late planted crops just laying in the ground waiting for the rain. Promise is for rain on Monday and Tuesday and everyone has their fingers crossed. Hope to at least get enough to fill the cracks in the ground. Last 2 rains were only teasers but anything we get is welcome.

Charlie must be getting the rain that has been missing us for the past 2 weeks. Hoping this week is our turn for a little relief.

Heading out for breakfast in the airplane. Need to take advantage of this beautiful morning.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 19, 2012, 12:17:34 AM
It seems we are into a cool and rainy spell here which is making crop spraying difficult. Field conditions are better than last year (so far) but windy , damp days have kept my sprayer parked while the crops and weeds grow bigger.
On the positive side, those early potatoes I planted the first week of April are looking great and actually blooming. Must be the earliest I have ever had.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on June 19, 2012, 09:59:11 AM
Your early potatoes are looking pretty happy, Ralph.  As near as I can tell from your photo, you have them hilled well so they will not get sunburn.  I am thinking they will make good eating pretty soon.  Maybe a nice kettle full of salt potatoes.

Gene has it right about where the rain is falling.  We have just about enough to share with everybody.  I have dumped three inches from the gauge in the last week.  We are heading into the 90's today and for the next two days so it is a good time to hide behind the AC.

As can be seen in the attached photo, with all of the water and hot sunshine, green growth abounds.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]625[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 20, 2012, 10:24:13 AM
Nice friendly looking cat you have there Charlie. Mine are a bunch of independent creatures that wont' give me the time of day unless I am carrying cat food.
No,those potatoes were not hilled in the picture but three rows of them are now. While waiting on the weather to make up it's mind I kept busy yesterday with the hoe.
Our weather is a direct contrast with yours. With a high of 60 degrees yesterday I was quite comfortable with coveralls and insulated shirt while working in the garden. Somehow everything is growing even without the heat.
I sure wouldn't enjoy those 90 degree temps you are having.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on June 20, 2012, 01:52:17 PM
Now at 2:45 PM, Ralph, We have two thermometers in the shade both saying 95. something.  The weather guy claims the "discomfort index" is something over 100 F and the air quality is bad.  For me it feels like 74 degrees.  That is where the air conditioners are set.  I am indoors and staying here until evening.  I sure do appreciate electricity

.Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 20, 2012, 02:20:55 PM
Just to make you envious Charlie, it is 67 degrees in the house and I have no air conditioning. I don't ever see a need for it in this country although I know some people that have it ..Its heating up out there , going to push the 70 mark today I think . Thunderstorm weather with hot sun causing daytime heating and possible storms. Like this one from last summer over Lipton. It never touched down but was a definite funnel cloud.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on June 20, 2012, 10:46:02 PM
Been hot here in Ohio too. Highs every day in the mid 90's. Had a light rain over the weekend on Sunday of about 3/4 inch. It was a help, but need much more. My soybeans are faring alright but needing rain.

Last Saturday we had high hopes of a rain. It all dumped in one area about 10 miles west of us and we didn't get a drop. There was one area about 5 miles square that got up to 2.6 inches in less than one hour and lots of standing water when I flew over it on Sunday evening. Outside that 5 mile square area had nothing. Must have a good church there? Forecast for cooler weather by this weekend.

Been preparing the airplane for annual inspection tomorrow. Been pretty warm working on it, but at least I am in the shade in the barn and have had a nice breeze blowing. Should be able to finish it by this weekend.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on June 23, 2012, 10:15:40 AM
Ralph,

67 degrees in the house, my Wife would want the thermostat set to make the furnace run.  

Gene,

Getting a plane ready for inspection is quite a deal, isn't it.  I remember when my former neighbor used to do that with his 1947 Piper Cub.  I had my '95 truck inspected yesterday and that is enough for me here in NY.  It really needed nothing except to be checked so it cost only $21.00.  Naturally we are required to pay the emissions fee even when the vehicle is pre 1996 so a computer hook up cannot be done.  Grabbing$$$$ is SOP in NY.

Our three day heat wave is over, so we are back to cool and comfortable for the moment.  We did the lawn last night.  With less rain we might get by longer than a week this time.  On the other hand, clover is coming on so a lot of blossoms will be showing in a few days.  My daughter in Delaware O. shares your dry conditions, Gene.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on June 25, 2012, 08:38:26 PM
Still very dry in western Ohio. Forecast rains never develop and nothing in the forecast to give any hope. Late planted soybeans are having a hard time getting started. Corn is starting to show stress, particularly no-till crops. Wheat harvest has finished almost 2 weeks early with most reporting good yields. Oats are already turning and will be coming off starting next week. Second cutting hay was very short, but good quality. Third and fourth cutting look doubtful unless we get some good rains. My soybeans and sweet corn is fairing alright. Can find moisture at 4 to 5 inches, so the roots are deep enough to tap the water. Been in mid 90's most of the past week, but only got to 85 today with strong north winds. Forecast to be back to high 90's by end of week.

I made a lot of birds happy today. I filled in the holes where I had taken out a cherry and plum tree. I soaked it good with the sprinkler on Sunday and seeded it this morning. I had the sprinkler running while I went in for dinner and when I went out after 1 1/2 hours, the birds had found the water. Were about 15 birds bathing in the water and from their carrying on, they were enjoying their bath. Had robins, chickadees, mockingbirds and sparrows. I moved the sprinkler a couple times and they followed it till they got enough and all left.

The airplane inspection Thursday went well. No problems were found. I finished reassembling it Friday evening and flew it on Saturday morning. Everything checked out alright. Fortunately in our part of Ohio we don't have motor vehicle inspections. Seems everyone gets along just fine without them.

Ralph, I hope you are getting some good growing and spraying weather. Hope the weeds are not getting too rank.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 27, 2012, 09:54:45 AM
Your crops are way ahead of us Gene. I will attach a photo of my canola from yesterday which is pretty advanced compared to some. I think it is just about past the stage for a second spray of glyphosate and is not bad for weeds.
Just the flax left to spray in the next day or so when the temp and wind are right.
We had some intense weather yesterday with heat index of 41C which is about 104 F I think . Way too hot for me and it brought on some thunder and lightning storms, wild wind laid all the hay flat and spun up some tornados. Wind blew my rain guage away so not sure what I got.
Its cool  (60) with wind warnings this morning.[ATTACH=CONFIG]627[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on June 29, 2012, 10:35:49 PM
Canola hasn't been raised in our area in several years. In the late 70's several farmers grew it for a few years, but it just went away. Always liked flying over the fields when they were in bloom.

The hot dry weather has been taking a toll on th crops in Western, Ohio, especially the corn. Yesterday when I went to town, I passed field after field of corn with the leaves curled up tight. My soybeans still seem to be holding their own. Sprayed the second time on Tuesday.

Been trying everything to get some rain. I left the truck and car windows down all week, watered the sweet corn again this morning, and even left my hand saw out for 2 nights.

Finally got some rain today. About 1 inch in one of the strongest thunder storms I can remember. Winds probably 80 MPH and blew things around as I have never experienced before. Had some 1 inch by 16 foot boards laying on a hay wagon and even blew some 20 feet away and even blew 2 4x4x7 feet off the wagon. Blew my hat off and ended up about 200 feet away by the apple trees. Blew many of the green apples off the trees and the lawn is littered with tree limbs. I had just gotten back from the woods where I hauled the scrap lumber from the hay wagon I am building a new bed. Felt the air cooling and saw the black clouds to the west. Hurried and closed the truck and car windows and got the mail, just as the winds started and got in the house without getting rained on. Rain came in a horizontal sheets. The sweet corn is leaning about half way to the ground, but hope it comes out of that. Noticed today it is started to tassle. Temperature went from 97 degrees to 68 degrees after the rain had stopped in about half an hour. Power was off from 4:00 to 9:00. Brought the little generator to the house and kept the refrigerator running till power was restored.

Yesterday we had a high temperature of 107 degrees, first time since 1988 we have been over 100 degrees. The humidity was low, so I was able to work outside most of the day. Today's high of 97 was very humid and was much worse working outdoors.

I filled the dog's bath tub with water for the birds. They sure appreciated it. Haven't seen so many around here before, so I guess they spread the news.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 30, 2012, 01:57:55 AM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;1842
Canola hasn't been raised in our area in several years. In the late 70's several farmers grew it for a few years, but it just went away. Always liked flying over the fields when they were in bloom.



Gene, I think Sask. is going to be mostly yellow soon. There is a lot of canola planted here and mine is just showing the first blossoms today. That wind warning on Wednesday was serious. Recorded winds were wiithin a few points of hurricane force (118 Km per hour) and did a lot of damage some places. Power lines down, buildings roofs lifted off, steel bins tipped, etc. Lucky I had none here.
Guess I will make it rain tonight. I hitched the old 40 to the haybine and cut a little hay.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on June 30, 2012, 12:10:07 PM
Hey Guys, I am still here and reading.  I have not been saying much as I have nothing noteworthy to chime in with.  Had to do a hundred plus mile drive yesterday so did a lot of crop looking.  As I stated prior, many, many acres of corn.  I suspect some will head to the processing plant to be distilled into corn liquor for the gas tanks.  All sizes from less than knee high to probably about four feet and lush green.  It really takes off after it is fertilized.  I saw that going on in my neighborhood last week.  Soy been fields look o.k. at this point, considering a late start.  Wheat fields have that bright yellow with a reddish hue and look like they will be going down any time now.  Some have already seen the combine.  I see more of a short variety of wheat now.  The whole stand will be only 12-15" tall and in head and color turned. I suspect it resists blow down very well and may be good when straw is not an important by product, as there sure is not much straw there.  The combine head will have to be nearly in the dirt to get the heads cut off.  The old tall variety can still be seen but is not as common.  some oats are still green while other fields are ripening.

With the several steady days or drying, hot 30-40 mph wind we have had, everything is getting quite dry.  I can't tell that crops are hurting now, but if we see no rain for another week and it stays hot the story may change.  Good harvest weather for the hay and wheat anyway.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on July 01, 2012, 10:06:46 PM
Charlie;

Good to hear from you. You always have something noteworthy to post. Really appreciate your updates for the crops in your area and also the nice personal stories you post, after all, this is the Pot Belly Stove forum. I have been raising a semi-dwarf variety of wheat. Not a lot of straw, decent yields and no lodging problem. Matures early too.

Friday night storm here has us looking like a war zone. Trees down everywhere and a local dairy farm lost one of his cattle barns and several head of cattle. Had straight line winds of 80 MPH and gusts to 118 MPH. Ralph will have to convert that to KPH. My figuring comes to 128 KPH to 188 Kph. Higher winds than I have ever heard for Ohio. At least my rain gauge didn't blow away.

Took a golf cart ride through my woods to my neighbor's woods behind me. Couldn't get very far with the trees blown across the trails. Very large, mature trees broken off from 15 to 20 feet above ground. Trees are hickory, oak and wild cherry. I have 1, 15 inch hickory that splintered about 20 feet high and blew into other trees at about a 30 degree angle, a real widow maker. Neighbor has many oak and cherry trees that have been completely broken over at about the same height. These will be very dangerous to take down. I get most of my firewood from this woods. Guess I will just cut what I can from the tops and let the rest go if I can't pull them down with the dozer.

Spent all morning picking up limbs from the lawn around the house. Got a full load on my 3/4 yard dump trailer and hauled to the woods. Quit about noon as the heat and humidity got too oppressive. 95 drgrees and saturated humidity. Still have the limbs at the east end of the lawn to finish. Some will require chainsaw work.

My neighbor with the woods behind me lost electric Friday and didn't get it back till after noon today (Sunday). Offered to take him back through the woods, but he is not ready to face that yet. My sweetcorn that blew over seems to be recovering nicely. It is almost standing upright now.

Had another wind storm this evening. More limbs down where I picked up this morning. Only a sprinkle of rain as the severe storm went west and south of us. Was hoping for more rain. Cooled off nice this evening to 70 degrees. Be a good night for sleeping.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 02, 2012, 11:05:36 AM
Gene you are sure getting hit with some bad weather. All that wind damage and not enough rain to help, then the heat. I've been hearing how bad it is hitting the crops down that way and people with no electricity dealing with the extreme heat. We hit 85 here yesterday which is plenty hot enough for me. Then it built up into a thunderstorm in the evening. I was at a neighbour's place watching the buildup in the Western sky and took this picture before the rain hit. Big lightning strikes and rain the rest of the evening.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on July 02, 2012, 05:57:52 PM
Gene, sorry to hear that storm took such a toll up there.  I know it hit hard over in Steve Sewell's neck of the woods as well.  Here in Dayton, Ohio, I was fortunate to miss any serious damage from the storm--just a few branches down here and there in my yard--although many others nearby weren't so lucky.  Lots of traffic delays due to power lines fallen across roads or knocking out traffic lights.  Back to dry and hot now.

Dean Vinson
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on July 03, 2012, 03:46:38 PM
Oops!  I did not realize this morning that I had jumped threads and was replying to posts on two threads at the same time.  To keep life in balance, I will duplicate the post here.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________-

Gene,

Those are kind words in your last post, and I appreciate them. The condition of your woods sounds similar to what ours was following the devastating ice storm in 1992. In addition to many whole trees down, a lot more were just broken off at 20 to 25 feet up where the limbing on the trunk started. Most were white ash and trees with missing upper portions are probably still visible now. Quite a sock to see.

Great photo of your Dad's place, Dean. It sure is pretty and colorful.

I was out and about in the late afternoon last weekend and spotted a large field laid with neat windrows of golden wheat straw with a baler busily putting out the old fashioned square bales and dropping them on the ground. I am glad I do not have to pick them up. I did enough of that when I was young and able. Up on a slight hill further back was another field of wheat with the combine making more windrows to bale.

On Saturday while taking a glance on my checking account I noticed a problem. It seems that a check that had been sent to my insurance agent from the banks electronic bill pay had cleared, but also an electronic debit from the insurance COMPANY for the same $$$ amout showed up. Well now! How does that happen? I called the agent and got no explanation and the bank was closed. Yesterday I got mobile and drove to Mendon to talk it over with the bank. Not us they said. We did not pay this. It was an electronic funds transfer done by the insurance company so someone supplied them with your banking information. Not me, I said. It would have to be the agent. Off to Bloomfield I went to have a little heart to heart and face to face with the Agency. They did a little checking and found their mess up which allowed this to happen. While at the bank I signed a form to allow the bank to vacuum the extra amount right back into my account. I guess all is well that ends well, but what a pain. What this ramble is leading up to is that while driving down RT. 64 on yesterdays beautiful, sunny morning I passed yet another field of golden wheat just starting to fall to a combing. About two rounds had been cut, the rest standing proudly. What a great picture, but due to my original mission I did not bring a camera.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on July 04, 2012, 10:56:44 AM
Thank you, Charlie--that little farm remains one of my all-time favorite spots.

Glad you got the funds transfer situation straightened out.  Not much riles me up, but that would qualify.  I hope the agency was suitably humble.

And I know what you mean about the great photo of the partially-cut wheat field.  If I had some land (still hoping to make that a reality in just a couple of years now) I'd be powerfully tempted to plant some grain crops just because they look so doggone good.

This morning I spent an hour and a half cleaning up dead-fall branches and twigs from my yard, the remnants of last week's storm, and being thankful that's all I had to contend with.  Hot and humid already out there.

Happy Fourth of July, folks!

Dean Vinson
Dayton, Ohio
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 04, 2012, 11:58:42 AM
Dean, that was a great yard picture you posted. SOmebody puts a lot of work in to make it look that good.
Charlie, this electronic world works pretty good most of the time but once in a while it can throw a monkey wrench into the works and you have to sort it out in person it seems.
More wild weather last night with 3 recorded tornado touchdowns in South Sask. Thankfully none of them near me. Got another inch and a quarter of rain though.
I spent an afternoon moving machinery on Monday. Seems every time I want to park something in the back of the shed I have to move about half a dozen other machines that all share one battery. :D One of the machinery items was my Uncle's old John Deere AR
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on July 05, 2012, 08:57:40 PM
"Glad you got the funds transfer situation straightened out. Not much riles me up, but that would qualify. I hope the agency was suitably humble."

The agent was humble, Dean and offered a cash refund of the over billing, or to pay any bank costs which I may have encountered.  My bank was already in the process of recovering the money and I had no service charges, so that was taken care of.  The agent asked what they could do for me.  I suggested that he make sure this situation never happened again.  I have a premium for another policy paying tomorrow, so that will be a good test.  

Still no rain here in WNY.  I have seen a few well drained lawns completely browned off.  Mine is still mostly green except along the edges of driveways where there is gravel underneath.  Growth has stalled out except in a few shaded areas.  We could use some rain soon.


I am just sitting here on the back deck enjoying the 72 degree evening.  The sun has about set.  I will go inside soon when the flesh eating skiters show up at dark time.  I still like the old John Deere AR, Ralph.  Someone locally is advertising a running '52 JD A for $ 1400.00. I have no need for it and cannot take proper care of the ones I have, but it is still a temptation.

Wishing everyone a good evening,

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on July 07, 2012, 04:33:57 PM
Dean; Good to see your post on here. It is a very picturesque setting. I like the motto on the sign. It is such a true meaning.

Charlie, no 72 degree evenings here. Had a low of 84 this morning and now at 4:09pm it is 105 degrees. Have the air on in the motor home and Bandy is relaxing there now. I just came in the house after a short relaxing nap there. House is all closed up and still a susvivable 84 degrees in here. Still no rain here and very little chance in the forecast. I watered my sweetcorn for the 5th time this morning. It is still holding on pretty well. Ears just starting ti show silks. Soybeans are still looking decent and actually still growing. Most other local crops are burning up. Went to town this morning and saw several fields of corn starting to fire on the lower leaves, so not much hope for that.

I spent the last few days on my flying trip to Minnesota. Hot there too. Was 97 degrees when I landed at 5:00 pm Tuesday. Wednesday got to 101 degrees and Thursday only got to 97. Humidity was very high and the mosquitos were ferocious as soom as the sun started to set. Too hot to be sleeping in the tent and too many many flying critters to be outside. No one else had shown up for our camping outing, so I decided at noon on Friday that I had enough and packed up and headed home. The flying was decent with clear skies so was able to fly high enough to enjoy the cooler temps at altitude. Going out at 8500 feet the temp stayed in the sixties and coming home at 11,500 feet the temp stayed in the lower fifties. Lots of headwing going north westbound for a long 8.2 hour trip with 2 fuel stops. Coming home was better with 1 fuel stop and 6.2 hours flying time. I landed just before 7:00pm to 101 degrees. Really dreaded coming down.

Crop conditions in most of Minnesota looked pretty good. They have had timely rains and even with the high temps, the corn looks pretty good. Flying over eastern and northern Indiana, I saw way too much soil through the thin crop canopies. Looked more like mid may than early July. Lots of brown lawns and hay fields. Fireworks were cancelled for the entire area of western Ohio and northeast Indiana.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 07, 2012, 08:39:31 PM
Gene, you are sure getting some intolerable heat there. I keep hearing how it is affecting the crops down south and no letup in sight. Amazing what a difference a few hundred miles can make. Daytime highs of 80 here and no shortage of rains (yet) means crops are doing great. I've started cutting and baling hay and its a good crop too. But as somebody said once, "in Saskatchewan we are only ever two weeks away from a drought". I still haven't forgotten 1988, the driest, hottest summer I ever experienced.
Surprisingly, we have very few mosquitos this year. Crawling with wood ticks though.
Took a drive through the always scenic Touchwood Hills on the way to Raymore for parts yesterday and here is a quick view out the window.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on July 07, 2012, 10:01:06 PM
Not only is the ground dry, but the air is dry too. Have run my air conditioner in the motor home all afternoon and not a sign of condensation from the unit. Usually have it running off the front side. Was right at 100 degrees late this afternoon and I walked through the soybeans and pulled a lot of lambsquarters that had survived the glyphosate spray. Worked about 2 hours and was not all that uncomfortable. It is 9:00pm right now and still 90 degrees. Plan to sleep in the motor home tonight.

Forecast for tonight and tomorrow is 30% chance of isolated showers, then dry the rest of the week, but highs only in the 80's.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on July 08, 2012, 07:33:22 PM
Hi Gene.  Were you at Greenville this year?  I made it up there briefly today, but it was already mid-afternoon and the sawmill had been taken down and a lot of exhibitors were packing up.

We also enjoyed a stop at the old Pennsylvania Railroad interlocking tower at Bradford, about ten miles east of Greenville, on the way home.  A museum volunteer and former tower worker opened the place up for us and gave a little tour, which was fun.  Neat to imagine that tower back in its heyday, and the trains that would have run back then, and the tractors that would have worked the surrounding farm fields, and the folks that made it all tick.

Driving along the small highways between Greenville and Dayton, I sure saw a lot of short, spiky-looking, tasseling corn.

Dean Vinson
Dayton, Ohio
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on July 08, 2012, 10:53:56 PM
Dean;

No, I didn't go to Greenville. I went to Minnesota instead. Usually make it to both, but with the holiday falling on Wednesday, both events were at the sme time. I did come home Friday evening and could have made Greenville on Saturday, but decided it best to stay home with the high temp of 105 degrees. Decided it best I water the sweet corn.

With the high temps all week, I cannot imagine sitting on the LA running the sawmill. It must have been intolerable for the work crew. I will be there next year as this was my last trip to Minnesota for the campout which seems to be dieing out. Have been going there since 1980 and only missed a few years. Trip is also getting more expensive as I used nearly $700.00 in gas.

Glad you enjoyed the museum tour. Sounds very interesting. There is a grist mill museum east of Greenville called Bears Mill. Probably half mile south of U.S.36 on Bears Mill Road. They have nice tours there.

Have to concur on the short, tassling corn. Have a lot of that in western Ohio and eastern Indiana. Have heard of some cutting and baling it just to get something out of it and second and third cutting hay is very poor. Cows have to have something to eat. Good friend and dairy farmer near New Weston is buying all the hay he can find. He ran out last year and had to buy on late winter prices. He will have very little hay and not much silage. He had a good wheat crop and said he is investing all that in hay. If there is any crop close to him he will try to contract some corn silage. He is not a big farmer and only smaller acreage, so the weather hits him hard.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 10, 2012, 08:44:17 AM
The country is turning yellow here as there are more fields of canola than usual. Bad news is that heat records fell yesterday and more are predicted today. That can cause the blossoms to drop off the canola plants and reduce yield. They are predicting heat index in the 40C range today which is over 100 degrees. Not looking forward to work today.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on July 14, 2012, 08:30:43 PM
Hot and dry here in WNY.  A total of 0.17 inches has fallen since June 20th.  There were a couple of comfortable days early this week but the last three or four have been in the 90's F and peaked around 95 here.  80 degrees currently here on the back deck at 8:15 PM.  Lucky the outdoor cat has come back to life somewhat.  He has pretty much been in hibernation all day.  We have had three great weeks of harvest weather for grain crops but the green crops have to be getting thirsty.  I have had a break from mowing lawn.  Mine is about 50% mixed brown off now,  Many others that are better drained soil are a total brown out.

Sometime over the weekend a willow tree fell and landed partly on my Farmall 560, so on Monday evening while it was still cooler we cut the willow up enough to clear the tractor and move it out from there.  I liked that parking place as it is out of sight and mostly shaded.  Keeping the sun off the tires is a good thing.  I have some more of the willows to cut down before the tractor goes back in place.  The good news is that the tough old tractor carried the load and I do not even see a dent.  Some 4" limbs just missed the exhaust pipe.

I hope those with AC are staying cool and comfortable.  I know anyone without air is a little warm.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on July 16, 2012, 06:28:44 AM
Still no rain for this part of Ohio. Forecast for the past weekend was chance of rain each day, but this didn't develope. Had a few clouds go over and rumble but not a drop of rain from them. Temps still in the mid 90's and low of 70 at night.

My soybeans are still holding their own and even growing some. Must have deep roots to reach any moisture.  Been watering the sweetcorn so it is doing very well. Starting to develope some nice ears. Much of the local corn is drying up and starting to die off at the lower leaves. Very little green grass anywhere. Hav saved on the mowing costs. Has been a month since I had to do any general mowing.

Neighbor to my west tried to raise a patch of White Lupine. The 90 to 100 degree temps has pretty much killed all of it. Just won't tolerate the high temps here.

Gonna clean up the brush in the driveway while it is cool this morning.

Gene



Hard to believe the prices on corn and soybeans. Local price on corn is $7.92 and soybeans at $16.09. Hope I have something to harvest to take advantage of these prices.

Got the chainsaw out yesterday and cut down one of the big dead ash trees along the driveway. Only have 16 more to go, but most are smaller than this one. Went back to the woods and started cleaning up some of the storm damaged trees to open the paths that are blocked by trees. Got a lot of very big trees down and will take a lot of work to clear the paths. Should clarify that most of the trails are in my neighbor's woods behind my woods. Looks like I will have plenty firewood for the next couple of years.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 17, 2012, 03:08:05 PM
Charlie , I guess you were lucky to have a tree fall on your Farmall and no damage done.
That drought is sure getting serious for you guys down south and it is pushing the price of grain up. I guess we are getting your rain up here. I've lost track but think we must have had 4 inches in the past couple of weeks. Long slow drizzleing rain going on all today, the kind that really soaks in and does some good. Poor haying weather but I won't complain . I got my first patches of hay cut and baled before the rain hit it.
[video=youtube;7E1tcVXZib8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E1tcVXZib8[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on July 18, 2012, 05:21:34 PM
Finally got some rain in western Ohio. Looks like maybe an inch in the rain gauge. Thunder storm with pretty strong winds and rain came in a deluge. Be thankful for all we get. Still calling for possible showers for next 2 days.

Ralph, I have a 479 haybine just like yours, noises and all. Still gets the job done. Third cutting hay was a disaster on the 3.5 acres. First cutting was a good crop with 146 bales, second cutting was 39 bales and 3rd cutting was 6 bales. Sure had to do a lot of driving to rake a viable windrow.

Gonna go out and get reacquainted with what real mud is.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on July 20, 2012, 11:15:58 AM
No mud in our neighborhood yet.  About 1/4" fell last weekend.  That was just a little better than none.  Wednesday evening brought some thunderstorms along the Ontario shoreline but they did not reach more than a few miles inland.  Last night we were given a tease of about 7/32 inch. Not much, but better than none.  All in all conditions here are getting very dry.  

Sorry to hear the Minn. trip was less than expected, Gene.  That is a lot of dollars for gas.  At least I hope you enjoyed te flying time.  Probably like driving a car, you need to put in some time to stay good at your game.  I always had a desire to be a pilot. but as life worked out, never had the $$$$ or the opportunity to do it.  

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 21, 2012, 10:15:03 AM
Living in a different weather system up here in Sask., we continue to have nearly ideal conditions. Although the 40C humidex on Thursday was a little hard to take, glad it was only one day. Grass and crops gowing fast. I guess the drought affecting U.S. corn prices is helping us here as oat prices were up to $3.30 or so per bushel a day or so ago when I emptied out the last bin. The old 479 haybine has been sitting in front of the shop waiting for repairs so long that the grass needs cutting underneath it. Hopefully today I will have it back together.
Spring wheat is pretty well fully headed now as can be seen in this photo. Canola is about done blooming and flax just starting.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on July 21, 2012, 10:34:03 AM
Pretty good looking heads on your wheat, Ralph.  Do you have any photos of the Canola blossoms.  I think you posted some last year, but not sure.  I used to like to grow a small patch of buckwheat to have three weeks or so of nice white blossoms.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 22, 2012, 03:02:11 AM
Quote from: Charlie V;1866
Pretty good looking heads on your wheat, Ralph.  Do you have any photos of the Canola blossoms.  I think you posted some last year, but not sure.  I used to like to grow a small patch of buckwheat to have three weeks or so of nice white blossoms.

Charlie V.


Something like this Charlie? Or were you talking about a real close up of the plant? This shot was taken two weeks ago. Not many flowers left on this field now.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on July 22, 2012, 09:05:46 AM
Thank you, Ralph.  That is exactly what I had in mind.  I wanted to see it again to refresh my memory.  It appears the blossoms pretty much run the length of the stem, rather than being in heads at the top.  An entire field in full blossom must be a sight to see.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 24, 2012, 09:22:41 PM
A little shower in town today. My brother sent me a few pics. Normally the black labs like water but it looks like this one has had enough. There was four inches fell in a very short time this afternoon. Tornado warnings all around and some hail fell but, luckily for me, none here at the farm. Only 3 tenths of rain so far. Always interesting weather.
Edit: now I am hearing there was only an inch and 3/4 in town. Came down so fast that it caused flooding though.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on July 25, 2012, 06:49:47 AM
Conditions are changing here in Ohio. Have had some rains this past week. Last Wednesday and Thursday we had 3+ inches. Things are greening up again. Yesterday, Tuesday, we had another inch. Grass will need mowing again. I think my soybeans have grown almost a foot in the past week.

Had this all typed up over the weekend, but forgot to send it when I exited the page. Was too tired to retype it all. Frustrating when that happens.

Have had sweetcorn from my patch the last 2 nights. Really good and tender and ears filled out really well. Ears about 9 inches long. Have to cut the ends off to fit the boiling pot. Makes it worth all the effort to get it grown.

Been cutting the ash trees along the driveway. Have 16 out of the 18 trees down and have 14 of them cut up. Will be quite a job cleaning up all the brush and firewood blocks. Will have lots of firewood from them for the winter.

Family reunion coming up this weekend. Will be taking a trailer load of stuff today that we will need. The reunion will be held at the Hardin County Fairgrounds starting this afternoon and going through Sunday. We are expecting as many as 150 people to attend. Will be picking the sweetcorn this afternoon or Thursday morning to feed the group on Friday evening. The corn is always a big hit and will be especially special this year.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on July 27, 2012, 08:42:40 PM
It sounds like the living is good in Western Ohio this week.  Fresh sweetcorn, easy fire wood, and family reunions.  I can't say we are out of dry conditions here in WNY yet.  Rainfall Thursday and Thursday night gave us about 1 3/8 inch total so that will be a big help and maybe save a few crops.  Another dose in a few days would be a good thing.  We will see what happens.

Not much else notable happening here so I guess I will not rattle on just to hear my own voice.  Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 28, 2012, 12:24:57 AM
Sounds like things are looking up in Gene's part of the world if a little rain has fallen. We continue to get adequate rainfall and the temperature has dropped to normal or less. Grass growing fast and I spent the afternoon with the haybine cutting more hay. Probably more than I will need for the winter but its like money in the bank.
Got a few interesting photos on the trail cam this week including this one of a young buck with what almost appears to be a huge set of reindeer antlers.
(http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/49002/2677615380032927439S600x600Q85.jpg) (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2677615380032927439QPaHOH)
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on August 02, 2012, 09:53:32 AM
That is a fine looking lawn mower in your photo, Ralph.  From what I can see he is at least a 10 point.  That will be a pretty rack after he rubs the velvet off, or do you have reindeer there.  I always thought the West had mostly mule deer, but that isn't a mule deer.  Looks more like a whitetail if not another species entirely.

We continue to get a little rain at a time.  We are probably near 2 1/2 inches for the last two weeks.  It has not been enough to really green up the grass but at least the burn off has been checked.  Areas to the south and north have had substantially more rain and more violent storms as usual.  Naturally, two drops of water makes the weeds jump six inches over night.  I did mow lawn last night to even up the high spots and take down a weed here and there.  With the grass being mostly rye and crab grass growing in the dry ground, which is sparce growth, the mowing would be done in no time, except the ground is too rough for my body to tolerate the 10 MPH the mower is capable of.  Even at the speeds I can do, observers seem to think that I am going like HE - double tooth picks.

With the difficulties I have getting around i did not do anything with a couple of flower beds that I normally cultivate.  Finally last week I worked them to get rid of the weeks and just the bare dirt looks better than weeds.  On 7/29 I scattered some marigold seeds that are about two years old.  My wife found one pack in a drawer that were dated 1992 so I scattered them too.  I will be suprised if they germinate, but it will be an interesting experiment on the shelf life of flower seeds. I will keep you posted on the results.  If anything blooms before frost, that will be a bonus.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on August 03, 2012, 05:30:43 AM
Charlie, glad you are at least getting enough rain to get by. Some rain last month really greened up things here in Ohio. The grass took off and had to be mowed on Monday. Soybeans are getting more new growth and now more than waist high in places. Look promising. The marigolds are very hardy. I have some at the corner of the house that don't get any care. They still bloom every fall.

The deer here seem to be coming out in the open more. They are having to travel farther to get to water. They seem to have a path along the front edge of my woods where they are going to the Miami river for water. Local creeks are still very low or dry still.

Family reunion last weekend went very well. The fairgrounds at Kenton was a very good location for the event. Early campers set up on Wednesday and many more came on Thursday and Friday. Had about 20 camping units set up including 8 tents. Looked like a circus had come to town. My sweetcorn was a very big hit with everyone. I took 155 ears to fix and only had a few left over. Gave that to my daughter to take home. Probably had about 140 people there over the 4 days.

Been working on the dead ash trees along the drive. Got them all down now and working on cleaning up the brush and picking up and splitting the firewood. Still going to be a long process, especialli in this heat. Burned a big pile of brush yesterday evening and that didn't help to cool things down any. I expect there will be about 4 to 5 cords of wood when it is all cleaned up. Really appreciate my neighbor letting me use his wheat stubble field to do the trees.

I was at the local salvage yard yesterday and spotted a small self powered roller there. Looks to be about 4 feet wide and powered by a small Intec engine. Said he would sell it for $650.00. Been needing something a little heavier than my little roller to roll my airstrip and lawn. Going this morning to get it. Should be a fun machine to operate.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on August 08, 2012, 01:33:47 AM
Beautiful weekend here in Sask. Not too hot or cold or too windy. Good Sunday drive with family and friends to see the crops and scenery.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKjrHqQ3wiM&feature=share
[video=youtube_share;wKjrHqQ3wiM]http://youtu.be/wKjrHqQ3wiM[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on August 08, 2012, 10:18:22 AM
You gentlemen have been busy.  Nice to take advantage of summer while it is here.  Winter seems to last a long time each year.  Our weather has mellowed out some this week.  Yesterday was pretty comfortable in the high 80's but with a low dew point.  Today is heading for 84 as a high.  Not bad compared to the 90's again last week. The rest of the week we are looking for 70's as a high.  Great weather for the Pageant of Steam which starts today.  I am not going to make it again this year.  Hopefully by next year I will have gotten some aftermarket parts installed so I can get back in the groove.  

I have been puttering around with some yard maintenance chores a little at a time which is about as much as I can put up with.  It is a good feeling whenever anything gets done.  We did get another 1/2 inch of rain here since my last post.  Once again, nearby areas had as much as two inches from the same storm cluster.  The up side is that we did not get any of the damaging winds either.  I see some beautiful fields of soybeans.  They are not waist high like Gene's, but not too far from it and as green as green can be .  Most corn seems to be looking good as well.  Doesn't seem to be as much going on with hay crops due to the dryness.  

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on August 09, 2012, 06:59:15 PM
Yep, Charlie. Been pretty busy here in Ohio. Main job was getting the ash trees cut up and the brush cleaned up and burned. The firewood blocks are piled at the edge of the field and I have split a load on my hay wagon. Looks a whole lot better now.

Ralph, thanks for taking us along on your tour and sharing your visitios. Been seeing lots of deer in the soybean and hay fields the last couple weeks. Watched one cross the back of the field Wednesday morning. Too far away to tell if it was a buck or doe. Was driving by a soybean field south of me this morning and saw 2 does with their young.

Have had a couple nice rains this week. Had 2.4 inches on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Crops and grass really responding to the water. Soybeans podding right now and the rain will about finish them. 4th cutting hay is growing nice and plan to mow it on Saturday or Monday. Need to make it next week before I go to the Portland tractor show. Actually got my shoes muddy walking in the soybean field yesterday. Almost forgot that we got another 3 tenths of rain this morning. Temps moderating nicely with highs in the low 80's and low at night in the upper 60's. Ideal weather for us. May be too late for a lot of the corn and likely only half of normal yields.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on August 12, 2012, 03:47:49 PM
This is the opinion of YNN news on NY soybeans.  The crops I see sure look prosperous now.

Charlie V.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

In New York State this year, the soybean crop is booming.

“We had a great planting season, so a lot of soybeans went in," said Craig Yunker, owner of CY Farms and Batavia Turf.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s report Friday, the soybean crop in New York is on track for a record harvest: about 14.2 million bushels will be picked; a nineteen-percent jump over last year.

“We've gotten some rains at the beginning of August, when the soybeans need it. I think the yield will be pretty good.”

Yunker says his crop is maturing well, and only needs average rainfall this month to finish strong, but elsewhere in the world, soybean crops are suffering.

"South America is the second-largest producer of soybeans, behind the United States. South America's had problems. Brazil is out of soybeans. ”

Even though there are soy products for humans, like soy sauce or soy milk, it’s estimated 98-percent of the soybeans grown in America are used to feed livestock. And with drought conditions nationwide, but no less livestock, these soybeans in New York just got a lot more valuable.

“The world is waiting on this U.S. soybean crop, and it's smaller than expected because of problems out west.”

And one state like New York can’t make up for all those troubles – certainly not cheaply.

“Soybeans are now at about $16.70 a bushel. They've gone up about 40-percent in recent months.”

Which is good for Craig Yunker, but bad for other farmers – like dairy.

"We have a lot of dairy farmers in this area. They buy a lot of soybean meal to feed as a protein source for cattle. It's going to pinch their margin, between the price of milk and the price of feed inputs."

Meaning a new storm may soon be on the horizon.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on August 14, 2012, 12:38:46 AM
Sounds like its not too late for the soybean crop anyway. I hear so much about how the drought has affected the corn crop though. Food prices are predicted to rise 4% next year due to the drop in corn production. We are looking ok here although reports of disease are disturbing. That good looking wheat might have nothing in the heads. I'm afraid to look at this point. Took this picture a couple of days ago of the neighbour's wheat. Starting to turn colour.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on August 14, 2012, 09:43:11 PM
Ralph; Hope your crops turn out well. Is your wheat spring planted? Wheat harvest in the northern states is winding down and most are very happy with the yields and quality. Wheat harvest here was finished before July 1, earliest I have ever known. Silage corn just beginning to come off now, that is 2 weeks early too.

Charlie; I can concur with the New York report on soybeans. The rains since the middle of July has really brought the soybeans along. Still getting new growth on the plants and lots of pods and enough moisture to fill them out. Temperatures have cooled off to 70's during the day and high 50's at night. I actually wore a light sweatshirt all day today.

I mowed my 4th cutting hay today. Really a heavy growth in the alfalfa. Need to get it baled this week so I can go to Portland for the next week. The hay couldn't wait that long, so had to get it mowed, in spite of threat of rain on Friday.

Portland show is featuring Case tractors this year. I took my LA and VC over last Sunday and our camping area for out ATIS group. Been working on the VAIW this week to take over this weekend. Should be a good turnout of Case tractors.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on August 18, 2012, 10:01:04 AM
48 degrees this morning.  Burrr.  Only 16 degrees above freezing. I am thinking with the warm summer this year I have turned into a Southerner and feel cold at anything below 75 or 80 degrees.  It is time to start keeping the flannel shirts and sweat shirts an arms length away.  Just a sign of things to come.  16 degrees above freezing reminds me I have to make a point to test the antifreeze in the 340.  I usually never add just straight water to anything, but the 340 was down out of sight this spring.  Not knowing how much it would take or if it had a leak, I did add straight h2o so now a test is in order.

Not much else exciting happening here.  Corn and soybeans look great at this point.  Apple harvest will be down some away from Lake Ontario, but it is claimed that quality and sweetness will be better than normal due to this year's weather.  Good to have something to hang your hat on.

Wishing Ralph a good time terrorizing Sask. on the three wheeler and harvesting the fall crops.  For Gene, best wishes for a very successful Tri State show.  I think it is time to go give my beard a trim now.  Seems to be starting to feel shabby.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on August 19, 2012, 09:39:52 AM
Cool nights here too Charlie. No official frost yet but we were down in the 40s. It would hurt some of the crops at this point. First combines sighted in winter wheat a few days ago and swathers are rolling everywhere in canola fields. Including mine.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on August 26, 2012, 12:42:18 PM
From Aug. 2, 2012


"With the difficulties I have getting around i did not do anything with a couple of flower beds that I normally cultivate. Finally last week I worked them to get rid of the weeks and just the bare dirt looks better than weeds. On 7/29 I scattered some marigold seeds that are about two years old. My wife found one pack in a drawer that were dated 1992 so I scattered them too. I will be suprised if they germinate, but it will be an interesting experiment on the shelf life of flower seeds. I will keep you posted on the results. If anything blooms before frost, that will be a bonus."

Time for an update on the success of the expired seeds.  It appears all of those seeds were DOA upon arrival to the soil.  Now nearly a month later, with ample rain and sunshine, the only things growing are 8,225,007 1/2 weeds.  Most of it is what I know as Jewel Weed and it creeps all over.  The Jewel Weed really likes to fill in areas where other growth has been exterminated with Roundup. The good news is that the outdated seeds had a proper burial, so all is O.K.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on August 28, 2012, 06:09:11 AM
Had a great time at Portland witeh ideal weather with mild days and cool nights. Light rain shower on Monday night settled the dust. Nice turnout of Case feature tractors. I took 3 tractors, the LA, VC and VAIW tug. Ran the sawmill on Tuesday with the LA and had the VC on the buzz saw the rest of the show. Did a little plowing with the LA and 5 bottom, well used International plow. Had lots of firewood at the campsite, so had a fire going all week. Was very welcome for the cool evenings to sit around with the gang.

Soybeans are looking good. Starting to turn now and look to have lots of pods. Pulled one stalk yesterday evening and with 4 branches, I counted 147 pods on the stalk. Yield outlook looks very good. Will have to get the combine ready soon.

Lawn grass grew wild while I was gone. Only got about half mowed the last 2 days. Trying to get rested up, so only mow a couple hours each day.

Will be mowing hay today. Amish has 15 acres I will be making for him. It is grass hay that hasn't been made this year so it will likely be a heavy mess.

Quite a bit of corn silage harvesting around the area. Saw several cutting on the trips to Portland. Crop appears to be pretty light.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on August 28, 2012, 02:44:13 PM
Charlie, were you aware that we have a weed here called "creeping Charlie"? It is a real persistent ground covering weed.
Must have been a good time with old tractors Gene. We don't have anything like that close enough to take my antiques to so I just run my own demonstrations here on the farm pretending to work. I ran the old Cockshutt 50 for a few hours yesterday putting oats through the hammer mill for cattle feed. Had problems with belt slippage and oil leakage on the tractor. It got so low that the oil pressure dropped below normal and lucky I happened to look before it did any damage.
Looks like another winter repair project.
Winter sounds good today. It is 85 degrees here and may break a record. That means I don't want to do much outside of an air conditioned cab. [ATTACH=CONFIG]638[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on September 01, 2012, 10:49:29 AM
Hi Ralph,

I have my share of Creeping Charlie growing in my lawn, mostly at the edges.  It does not seem to get a good enough hold to take over.  I was not sure what it was so I looked it up .  Now I know.  The other weed which I mentioned and thought was Jewel Weed is NOT Jewel Weed.  I have posted a photo here and perhaps you will be able to tell me what it is.  It is a spreading type ground cover with a reddish colored vines and green meaty , juice filled leaved.  Wherever
other vegetation has been removed, this weed fills in prolifically and is fast growing.

(http://images51.fotki.com/v282/photos/9/1608999/10026891/Weed-vi.jpg)

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on September 02, 2012, 02:45:44 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;1886
Hi Ralph,

  Now I know.  The other weed which I mentioned and thought was Jewel Weed is NOT Jewel Weed.  I have posted a photo here and perhaps you will be able to tell me what it is.  It is a spreading type ground cover with a reddish colored vines and green meaty , juice filled leaved.  Wherever
other vegetation has been removed, this weed fills in prolifically and is fast growing.


Charlie V.


Charlie, that weed picture you posted sure looks like the weed we call "portulaca" or some call it purslane. It is a very persistent weed and hard to kill. Even pulled out by the roots and turned upside down it will keep trying to grow.
I have heard it is edible but never tried it yet. I have a lot of it in my garden along with round leaf mallow.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on September 04, 2012, 08:57:40 PM
Thank you for that information, Ralph.  Having a name for the plant to work with made it easy to find all of the information I need.


Some rain today which is good.  Much more further North of us.  (Rochester)  We  have gotten back into very dry conditions here as rain has been just about non existent.  I noticed some fields of soybeans that changed from lush green to about 50% yellow in two to three days.  Hope the pods and beans were mature.  I suspect the fast change is due to dryness  and record setting hot weather.  Corn is going dry quite fast also.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on September 11, 2012, 05:45:27 AM
Tried to think of the name for purslane, but wouldn't come to mind. We have it here, common in late summer. Seems to do best in hot dry weather. Not a great problem, but covers a lot of ground where nothing else grows, like drives and bare lawn areas.

Had a nice rain Friday night of about 3 inches. Think it all soaked in and don't think we wasted a drop of it. Have had timely rains for the last 6 weeks and things are nice and green. Looks like I will get a 5th cutting from my hay, never had that before.

Brought home another tractor last week. Another Case VC, 1941 model. Tractor has been dismantled for about 25 years. Plan for this to be my winter project. Tractor is pretty straight with junk rear tires. Couldn't pass on it for $400.00.

Getting the combine ready to harvest soybeans. Time and outside storage has taken a toll on the machine. Had to repair some rusted areas. With the price of soybeans I want to keep as many inside the machine as I can. Soybeans are ripening rapidly, but uneven. Have most dropping leaves, but in low areas of the fields they are just now starting to turn. Will just have to wait on them. Saw one field last week that had been combined, must have been a very early variety.

Gene.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on September 13, 2012, 02:53:37 AM
http://saskatoon.ctvnews.ca/winds-wreaking-havoc-for-local-farmers-1.953504

This is what are dealing with here the past couple of days. My canola swaths survived pretty well except for some of the exposed hilltops. Other areas much worse from what I hear. Poor crop to begin with , now it gets blown away and threshed out by the wind. There are some unhappy farmers in Sask. I can't complain though as it could be a lot worse.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]639[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on September 15, 2012, 10:21:26 AM
Thank you for the thought on the Purslane, Gene.  I was confident you or Ralph or both could help me out on that one. Congrats on the put together project.  Local Craig's List had one early this week that I thought was interesting.  I am not sure of the model, but it had the tube center similar to a F-cub.  I think it was a VC or similar.  It was in VG condition, at least close to show quality.  $ 1200.00.  I thought about calling, but really do not need another to care for.  No shock that the listing was gone later in the day.

Disappointing about your high Sask. wind, Ralph.  Sure did havoc on the swaths.  Hopefully by now you have most of what is left thrashed out and in the grain bins.  It looks like a bit of a turnabout on weather today.  We had a cold front show up yesterday PM which brought us just over an inch of rain.  We are still on the dry side, so that is not a problem, but temp. is now 57 F and not going to climb much for a couple of days.  The TV told me this morning that your neighbors to the South in Montana are 10 to 20 degrees above normal so I am guessing you might be getting some of that warmth also.

Most of the area agriculture looks about normal for this season.  It is a given that some crops will be a little light, but at least there are crops for harvest.  The locally grown Tomatoes which I have been buying sure seem to be good.  Great sandwiches and salads.  I like the chunky blue cheese dressing.  I had some very good cucumbers too, but they may not really be my friend when it comes to digestion.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on September 17, 2012, 01:46:16 AM
Charlie, the swaths were not as bad as expected for wind damage. Wheat swaths showed a little too but really can't complain compared to some. I have lots of video and photos of this harvest that I will eventually get around to either posting in an online album or video on youtube but time is a little short supply right now . If I don't get some sleep I find myself wandering off the rows of swath with the combine some evenings.
Good crop of tomatoes here too and I have most of them picked as there are frost warnings tonight. Still pretty green.
Photo from today...
(http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/49648/2115751630032927439S600x600Q85.jpg) (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2115751630032927439loQWZw)
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on September 23, 2012, 10:07:46 PM
Weather in Ohio last week was ideal for our area. A bit cooler and dry after a light morning dew. High temps in low 70's and lows around 50. Only mild winds till Saturday when we had wind speeds up to 40 mph gusts. Got 1.5 inches of rain on Fridayevening.

I combine most of my soybeans on Wednesday and Thursday. Had to go around several patches of very green beans, but got the bulk of them off. Rest should be ready by end of the week. Yield running about 50 bushels with moisture of 11.2 to 13.2 percent and test weight of 57 pounds. I was one of very few running this early, so no wait at the elevator. The combine ran perfectly with no breakdown or adjustments. Guess the time spent getting it ready was worth it. Ground condition was good and only left left normal tire tracks in the ground. Soil moisture here is now officially adequate. Friday's rain and more rain for this week may change that to more than adequate.

Been watching the hay crop for a fifth cutting. Growth looks very good and just waiting for the first signs of blooms and a window of dry weather to get it cut.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on September 23, 2012, 11:15:21 PM
Gene, is 50 considered a good yield for soybeans? I don't know of any grown here but people are a bit fed up with canola and it's disease problems this year and are actually talking about soybeans.
I'm done harvest except for the field of flax that I just finished swathing. Incredible dry conditions. There are big cracks in the ground and the swather makes no tracks at all. Hay is done. I cut a little  when I finished the flax but it is pretty dried out and had a few frosts on it so not much better than straw. Dug a few potatos this week and they are not bad. They come out of that dry powdery soil clean enough to eat.
Here is an aerial view of my yard taken a week ago. You can see those big 42 foot double swaths of oat  straw behind the yard. [ATTACH=CONFIG]640[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on September 24, 2012, 07:53:50 PM
Ralph;

Those are some impressive windrows. Takes a pretty good baler to handle them. Glad your harvest has gone so well. Now you just need some of the rain we have been getting. Nothing going on in the fields right now. Most soybeans are still too green. Had a frost this morning that may harm the latest beans. Was 32 degrees and clear sky and no wind, perfect for nipping late crops.

Soybean yields in my area can run as high as 65 BPA, but 40 to 50 is much more common. A good yield on my farm would be 60 BPA. County average is most likely in the 40 bushel area. My 50 bushel crop this year with current prices is a good money maker. I planted an early variety and planted early, so was able to get a good start from the early rains. The early harvest helped to beat the market drop that occurred the day after I sold mine. Sure helps the spirit and pocketbook. Won't be near as worried about bad weather now.

Charlie, is anything happening in you area? Got any frost yet?

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on September 25, 2012, 09:17:38 AM
Congratulations on your soybean crop, Gene.  From the reading I do, you did better than many others.  It looks like Ralph has been going great guns there in Sask. as well.  This year has to beat last years mud with sunken equipment all over the place.

We now have enough water here too.  Not a mud hole, but not dry either.  In some years with very dry conditions the tree leaves can start showing color at their edges in mid to late August.  Not so this year.  Just now in late September I am seeing some yellow starting to show in some areas.  Right around here there is almost no color change yet.  Much behind most years.  I suspect that sooner or later we will have a hard freeze into the 20's and half turned leaves will drop in a day or two.  We have been down to 38 F two or three times, but no frost at this point.  A goofy weatherdude on Tv was making a big fuss yesterday, saying his neighbor saw frost in the morning, but the temperature there was 39 deg. F.  I am not a weather dude, but to find frost at 39 degrees it seems you must look into your home freezer.


A week ago I saw a clever farmer who left headlands on a cornfield probably 40 or 50 feet wide when he planted.  Then he cross planted soybeans on the headland.  When I drove past he was in the combine taking off the headland soybeans.  That brings to mind the old "Waste not, want not" adage.  Other than that I have not seen a combine in motion.  There must be several varieties of beans out there.  Some soybean fields have totally dry stalks with almost no visible leaves but top to bottom with pods.  Other fields have taller plants with plenty of leaves that are a mix or green and yellow or perhaps all yellow.  Still others have short plants, lots of leaves and mixed amounts of color.  I think the latter look more like kidney beans or white pea beans.  Lots that I do not know.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on October 01, 2012, 08:08:22 AM
Five days can make for a lot of change.  Took a little 35 mile ride around the block yesterday PM on the way home from  the gas station.  I am seeing a lot of yellow in the tree leaves and some red.  The brownish burnt orange appears om some oaks. Unfortunately skies were overcast so there was no sunshine to give the leaves brilliance.  Corn and soybeans are pretty much on hold while they dry more.  We have had enough rain now to make puddles appear in a few fields.

Charlie
.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on October 02, 2012, 10:19:49 AM
Still no rain here in this part of Sask. and I am done with harvest as of Saturday night. Lots of leaf colour out there now but they are falling fast as the winds get up. Took a pic of the old Loadstar in the field on the last day of harvest. I don't think there is much, if any crop left to harvest in this area. It has been a month of un interrupted harvest weather which is rare.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on October 02, 2012, 05:31:19 PM
Ralph;

Send me an air mail stamp and I will send you some of our rain. Have had close to 12 inches the past 2 weeks. Ground is very wet. Very little harvest completed here. Yesterday, I did manage to finish the 1.5 acres of green soybeans beans I went around 2 weeks ago. Finished at 3:30 and got the small load to the elevator. Came home and started cleaning the combine when it started raining again. Got it about half cleaned. The beans were a little wet at 15.7 percent, but at least I am done. Probably the only done. Some corn was taken off over the weekend as the wet ground is not as much of a problem. Got about 1 inch over last night and raining again this afternoon. Started about 3:30 pm. Looks like it will last through tomorrow, then return again on Friday. Was hoping to plant wheat this fall, but not looking good for that right now.

George Willer's estate sale will be this Saturday. Will be selling the tractors, truck, Mercedes car and motor home. Shop equipment and tools will be later, but don't have the date on that yet. I will be going to the sale Saturday. Weather forecast is for cooler weather. Hope the rain holds off.

Starting to get a little color on the trees. Maples are usually one of the first. Have a few crimson maples showing their bright red colors.

Yesterday Bandy and I were walking through the soybean field when we saw some sort of solid black animal. Was about as big as Bandy, maybe 65 to 70 pounds. Had a long black tail almost as long as its body. I walked closer to try to get a better look, but it disappeared into the neighbor's soybean field. It walked with a high step like a cat would. Couldn't identify it, but sure looked like some sort of feline. The same black animal was in the east lawn a few nights ago and Bandy stayed close to the back door and when I went out, he told me there was something out there. It ran off as soon as I opened the back door.

Got the wood stove going again this afternoon. Need to take the damp chill out of the house. Only 62 outside, so not too cold, but just damp chill. Nice afternoon to enjoy the fire and have another cup of coffee.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on October 02, 2012, 10:36:01 PM
Several stories on line about this one, Gene.  I know it is 150 air miles away, but sounds like you and Bandi need to keep a sharp eye.

http://www.recordpub.com/news/article/5196698

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on October 02, 2012, 11:29:12 PM
Charlie;

I agree we will have to be on the lookout. The tail on this animal more resembled a fox's tail. Did a google search and came up with these images of black fox. Hard to tell from the distance the exact size, but these images below look very close to what I saw. This would explain whe Bandy was not more alarmed when we saw it in the lawn that night. He would have likely been scavenging apples under the trees. Foxes are fond of apples.

http://www.google.com/search?q=black+fox&hl=en&biw=1385&bih=605&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=q65rUIj_A4qVyQGfjoGoAw&sqi=2&ved=0CCgQsAQ

If the image page doesn't come up, Google black fox and click on images.

Gene

P.S. I mowed my 5th cutting hay on Sunday, just in time to get all this rain.

G.D.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on October 03, 2012, 07:39:26 PM
The link worked fine, Gene.  Fox is not as bad as what I was thinking.  We have our share of Red Fox around here (not the junk yard one, Sanford) but I have not seen a black one.  Once in a great while I have seen silver.


Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on October 04, 2012, 08:54:45 AM
Charlie;

I had never seen a black fox either. I did a little research and learned the red fox actually develope 3 different colors. The commom red, silver gray and black. They can actually come from the same litters. I actually suspect what some people report as a black panther is actually a black fox. I have no bad feelings toward foxes and actually like seeing them around. A large portion of their diet is rodents and they are welcome to them. Any dog I have ever had seemed to take them in stride when they come around the barnyard. Guess they see them as cousins. There is a den of them somewhere in my neighbor's woods behind mine. Lots of good cover there. Have seen evidence of digging in some mole runs and they may be after them.

More rain here yesterday. I emptied 1.5 inches from my rain gauge yesterday morning from Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Even the Amish have stopped husking corn due to the mud.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on October 04, 2012, 09:55:53 AM
Incredible amount of rain you have Gene. More than we have had all summer I think. Nothing here, just cold. Gas furnace running now as it was down to 62 in the house and downright uncomfortable. Sure glad my crop is all in the bin. Now I need to get rid of the flax straw but it is too dry to risk burning .
You need to set up a trail cam like I have here to catch some of the night life out in your yard. It is pretty entertaining.
Like this coyote who I think has noticed the camera.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on October 05, 2012, 05:06:10 PM
Interesting picture of the coyote. I was just talking to my brother yesterday about setting up a camera. No telling what I would see. I am seeing a lot of deer tracks in the muddy field. Wish the critters would wipe their feet before they cross my airstrip.

I was able to drive the tractor across the field to the woods yesterday to retrieve my disc there. Got along alright with only light tracks as long as I stayed on the high ground. Hadn't used the disc for about 5 years since I caught the end on a railroad tie fence post and bent the gang axle shaft. Also broke the cast bearing on one side. Got the shaft straightened last night and put it back together with the broken bearing on the inside end so when I find a bearing I can change it without disassembling the whole gang. JD wants $147.00 for just the bearing spool. Can't justify that cost. Got a wanted ad on YT list for a used one.

More rain today and looks like heavier rain coming through tomorrow noon. Only harvest is the Amish husking corn. Cooler weather coming with possible freeze for Sunday morning.

 May be a cool damp day for George Willer's sale tomorrow.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on October 12, 2012, 08:35:45 PM
Western Ohio has changed since last week. Finally getting some dry weather and sunshine. Frosty mornings and 50 degree days. Forecast to be in 70's for the weekend.

Farmers are finally getting a good start on harvest. Ground is drying out enough to run corn and soybeans. Some corn harvest started about Tuesday and today was the first good day for soybeans. Starting to see lines at the elevator. I got fertilizer spread on my bean stubble ground today. Did a little trial with the disc, but a little too wet. Hope to be able to plant wheat next week.

Leaves are starting to turn. Getting some nice colors. About 2 weeks for prime colors.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on October 13, 2012, 09:06:43 AM
Our neighborhood in still in our first freeze.  Last night got down to 24 F and is not yet much above that.  I suspect this is what farmers have been waiting for before harvest of corn and soybeans.  Most look very dry but are still standing in the field.  Leaves are pretty well changed with some falling, but lack brilliant color this year.  The hard freeze may change that for as long as they stay on the trees.  I did see some acreage being seeded to wheat in the last few days.  The darn grass sure has not slowed it's growth.  We have been under the weather here with head colds and bronchial infections for a week or so.  Hopefully we are getting on the yonder side of that deal as the antibiotics are almost used up.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on October 13, 2012, 09:57:46 AM
Harvest is history on this farm, and pretty much the whole area although I did hear of one guy that still had a field to do as of yesterday. After a cold damp week I am glad it is done and the combines in the shed. We even had a bit of wet snow one morning. No measurable precip though and the ground is still hard and dry as bricks. Still got my flax straw to burn and working fireguards was hard going as the spikes would hardly go in the ground some places. Other places broke up chunks of soil like boulders and just about as hard. Lawn mowers and field sprayers are parked for winter but we could still see some nice days this fall. Picture of the yard a few days ago.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]643[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on October 19, 2012, 08:09:09 PM
Harvest in Ohio has been in starts and spurts. Get 2 or 3 drying days to get in to the fields for 1 or 2 afternoons of harvesting, then the rain comes again. Usually about 4pm. Still a lot of corn and soybeans still in the fields. Been trying to get my ground worked to plant my wheat, but the rains keep the ground just a little too wet to do the finishing passes.. Raining now since mid afternoon. Not hard rain, but sure not dryng the fields.

Been hauling soybeans for the Amish. They grow organic crops and sell it to an organic chicken farm for organically produced eggs. It is about a 27 mile trip each way pulling a gravity wagon with about 190 bushels. Makes for a long trip and sometimes hard to stay awake at 20 MPH. Made 7 trips this week. Next week they will start shelling corn and will be hauling that to the same place. Makes a nice income supplement.

Temperatures are jumping all over the scale, from frosty mornings and occasionally to 74 degrees in the afternoons. Lots of humidity in the air and makes the cool mornings feel even worse. Got the wood stove going tonight to take the chill off of the 42 degrees outside.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on October 22, 2012, 10:10:07 AM
You sure do stay busy, Gene.  At 20 MPH, your truck is probably running in second gear all of the time.  That can make it drink a little extra fuel no doubt.

This weekend I notice that some area soybeans are gone from the field, but not a lot.  A few fields of corn are gone also and some of the ground has been worked.  Some fields of winter wheat look like huge, green lawns.  We have been seeing plenty of rain lately and our drought has been declared "officially over" by at least one newspaper article that I read.  Not many days lately without a 15 mph or more wind blowing.  With Temps in the 50's and low 60's the wind can make it just a little unpleasant out of doors.

Today is going to be sunny with little wind so I have to get moving to get as many getting ready for winter chores done as I can.

Charlie.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on October 22, 2012, 10:17:48 AM
We might be only hours away from winter here in sask. 20 degrees this morning and snow in the forecast for tonight. Glad I got the combines put away in the sheds on the weekend when the temp got up to 60. Hope you guys in the south get the weather you need to finish harvest. Glad I got this flax straw burning job done a week ago too.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on October 23, 2012, 11:21:11 AM
Ice on the plow seat this morning. Most of Sask. is getting wet snow and the highways are a little dangerous I hear. Is the real beginning of winter? Seems a little early even for Sask.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on October 25, 2012, 03:10:16 PM
No ice or snow here today.  We are catching warm air due to the large storm along the lower U.S. East coast.  Current temp. is 77 degrees F. with full sunshine.  One more day promised before a drastic change.  Best to enjoy it while it lasts.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on October 26, 2012, 04:40:38 PM
We had 3 days of Indian Summer. Highs in the upper 70's and lots of sunshine. That all changed overnight last night. High yesterday of 77 degrees and 50 this morning and now at 4:30, it is 42 degrees. Rain started about 10:30am. I hauled a load of shelled corn to the chicken farm this morning and planned to plant the last 10 acres of wheat. Just got the drill hooked up when the rain started. Been raining steady light rain since. May not get the rest of the wheat planted. Planted the other 10 acres on Thursday morning after a 3 day rain delay. Possible snow forecast for Sunday and Monday and high temps in the 30's.

Local farmers had almost 3 days of harvest weather. Been good conditions for corn harvest. Soybean fields are showing many combine ruts in the wet areas.

I hauled a total of 9 loads of corn to the chicken farm this week. Felt like I was married to the truck seat, especially at 20 to 25 MPH for the trip. Working on my 3rd tank of diesel fuel.

Gasoline price is really taking a plunge. Local station posted $3.04 this morning and diesel price was $4.04. How to explain that?

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on October 27, 2012, 11:09:35 AM
Those warm temps sound pretty good compared to here in Sask. I am wearing full winter gear when I work out in the yard now. Never got above 28 degrees yesterday. A few flakes of snow fall each day but no real accumulation yet. Got my driveway trimmed up for winter last weekend when it was a few degrees warmer so it wasn't too bad sitting out on the Cockshutt 40.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieIg5iKliJM
[video=youtube;ieIg5iKliJM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieIg5iKliJM[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on October 27, 2012, 08:08:16 PM
Man, do not complain, Gene.  I bought gas yesterday at the lowest $$$ station near here for $3.909.  $ 3.04 around here would be like a Christmas present.  With seven refineries near Phillie, the next claim will be that Hurricane Sandy did damage to reduce the supply so price will have to go up.  It is all a giant con game.

We enjoyed a high of 82 degrees on Thursday and about 75 yesterday.  I put the plow on my truck yesterday.  It seemed like 75 is better working weather than Ralph has so get 'er done.  The national news is clamoring for up to a foot of snow in W. Virginia next week but I do not take much stock in those claims.  It is just good to have it done and be prepared for whenever.  Maybe it will keep the snow away.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on November 05, 2012, 10:08:13 PM
Quote from: RG8800;1915
...it wasn't too bad sitting out on the Cockshutt 40.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieIg5iKliJM
[video=youtube;ieIg5iKliJM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieIg5iKliJM[/video]


Ralph, that is one fine-running machine.  Gotta love that smooth six-cylinder sound.  Thanks for another great video!

Dean Vinson
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 06, 2012, 10:15:18 AM
Thanks Dean. Glad you enjoyed the video. I was beginning to think the forum was out of commission as there had been no activity in a while and when I tried to post an update, it didn't appear.
We just continue with the cloudy miserable weather and a thin layer of snow although the sun is finally out this morning. I finally got around to some maintenance on that Cockshutt 40, tightening the axle nut on one rear hub that has loosened up. These tapered splines will wear out to the point that they can't be tightened anymore if left too long. I've got a stack of worn out axles in my "spare parts bin" to prove it. :eek:
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on November 06, 2012, 10:26:30 PM
You're welcome, Ralph.  I have to confess to being one of the folks that doesn't post much anymore, but I do enjoy checking in now and then.  I still live in the suburbs but still intend to move to a more rural setting within the foreseeable future--have even set up initial contact with the realtor and made some visits to properties currently for sale to start getting educated on what's achievable--so hopefully one of these years I can put my Super M to good use (and post some videos to keep yours company).

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 08, 2012, 07:39:56 AM
Guess I have been a little remiss on keeping up to date.

Dean, hope your plans come together. Would be nice to see the Super M back to doing what it was built for.

Wet conditions in Ohio are finally letting up a little. Rains have held off for the past week and corn harvest restarted on Monday. Soybean fields are still wet, but I did see a couple fields being combined yesterday. Fair weather looks like it will stay through the weekend allowing field work to get back to normal. Not much wheat being planted as the soil is still too wet to work and the soybeans still standing in fields planned for wheat.

Had a heavy wet snow last week on Tuesday. Had about 5 to 6 inches of very heavy wet snow. Most had melted by mid afternoon, but was heavy enough to bring out the snowplows.

I traded trucks last week. The 98 Dodge was starting to show its age and miles so I traded it on a 2005 Dodge 1 ton with 4 wheel drive, diesel engine and quad cab and 6 speed manual transmission. Been using it to tow the wagons hauling corn and seems to be doing a good job.

Swap meet at Wapakoneta is this Friday and Saturday. Nice weather is forecast for the weekend so should be a good turnout of vendors and buyers. Plan to go for that.

This morning's weather is a very heavy, freezing fog. Visibility is about 1/4 mile with temperature at 28 degrees. Schools are all on 2 hour delay. Have another load of corn to haul today, but will wait till the weather clears some.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 08, 2012, 09:58:33 AM
How about that.  In just a day or two I went from being the last post to being "odd man out".  That is good.  Actually I started to post yesterday but found I was not signed in since I had to start this hard drive over as new.  My book of "TOP SECRET" names and passwords was downstairs by my laptop.  Would anyone believe that I actually remembered to bring it back up here last night.  (Confession:  My wife reminded me a couple of times.)  Daylight came Wednesday morning and found our temp. at 18.5 Deg. F.  Today started out a little better, in the 20's.  The few remaining leaves hang on tree branches were dropping like flies all day yesterday.  Luckily there has been no snow on the ground here yet, but a few flurries in the air.  

Good luck Dean in your search for country land.  If I were 10 years younger I would do the same.  Congratulations again Gene on the dually.  I know you are already enjoying it.  Do you plan to take one wheel off each back side and replace them with a spacer for winter driving.  The front wheel drive will be a help. but rear duals sure do not get much traction unless they are heavily loaded.  Just wondering!

It seems that a lot of corn and some of the soybeans around here are gone.  Numerous fields of winter wheat and looking pretty good too.  On the outdoor scene I still need to get the snow blowers checked out and running  and a half a dozen other prep chores still need to be done.  I got a steroid shot in one knee yesterday so that may help my mobility a little.  In a week or so when the medicine comes in I will begin the three shot series in the other knee like I had done last year.  I guess old is better than dead, but it ain't always fun.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 10, 2012, 07:04:52 AM
Charlie;

Hope the knees get better. My brother 6 years older than I had problems with a hip and knees. Had replacement surgery on both and is getting along just fine with the new parts. He is able to work on his Packards and Farmall tractors better than he has for several years.

I will have some minor surgery in about a week or so. Have a lump on my lower left jaw and a spot on my lung that will have to be biopsied. Just waiting for the schedule at Ohio State Hospital for that. Old age ain't for the faint of heart is it?

Corn and soybean harvest has been in full swing the last 3 days here. Soybean fields are being cut and rutted in some places. Field just west of me was cut off by 2 big John Deere combines with tracks on them. Got over the ground very well and little damage to the ground. Most operators have the trucks parked near or on the roads to load out.

Charlie, I have put over 500 miles on the new Dodge so far. Most of it has been pulling wagons at less than 30 MPH. Has been doing very well at this. The hauling is mostly done now. Will have some later working out of the cribs to take to the chicken farm. They will be shutting down the organic side of the grain operation to repair storm damage. Will be building an all new leg and will be down for 2 weeks.

Wapakoneta swap meet is going on now. Weather has been very nice for that. Forecast to be 67 degrees today. Nice to see the sunshine again.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 13, 2012, 08:43:59 AM
I have to say I do not envy you on your upcoming surgery, Gene.  You have my most sincere wishes for good results.  I know I am way past the need for some joint replacements.  Every time I think about doing it, it seems like the wrong time for one reason or another.  The steroid shot in the left knee has not helped a lot so far.  Today I go for the first injection of the series of three in the right knee.  Those fixed that knee up pretty well last year.  Not too much fun, but at least it helps.

The warm weather that you had last week finally got here for Sunday and yesterday.  Very nice to get some time outside again and we managed to get several winter prep chores accomplished.  

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 13, 2012, 07:51:41 PM
Gene, I hope things turn out well for you and you keep on truckin. Charlie, I guess that knee and hip problem sure takes the fun out of a lot of things. I know I have to be careful with mine or it will let me know.
I'm putting a photo from yesterday here taken when I was putting hay bales out for the cattle . The little Massey gets around pretty good considering the 8 to 10 inches of snow that seem to be laying around. Deeper in places where it drifted. Its an early start to winter even for us but I guess I am ready.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 22, 2012, 09:59:06 AM
Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Weather for the last 10 days has been mostly dry and seasonally warm and very pleasant for outdoor work. Corn and soybean harvest is virtually all done. Soil conditions are very good for fall tillage work. Have been  seeing more moldboard plowing this fall than I have seen in several years. Outbreaks of glyphosate resistant and annual weeds have many going to full tillage to eradicate some of them.

I spent 2 days in Bellefontaine and Ohio State hospitals for loss of blood from an intestinal ulcer caused by some kind of virus. Was discharged Wednesday, so am able to be home for Thanksgiving. Blood transfusions at Bellefontaine hospital on Monday eliminated the severe anemia caused by that. Doing well this morning.

Hope all are doing well today and appreciate all things we have to give thanks.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 22, 2012, 11:56:05 AM
Sorry to hear of that situation, Gene, but pleased to hear that you are home today.  Hospital stays are never that much fun.  Maybe a good dose of turkey and dressing will put you back on the right track.  I have been wondering how you were doing because of the other conditions which you mentioned previously.  We also have had a nice run of pleasant weather for this time of year.  Today is going to be about the end of it with conditions starting to change tomorrow and winter by the weekend.  

For just the two of us, a turkey in the oven is not real practical as it is a lot of work and we are not able to eat much at a time anyway.  We end up with quite a bit of waste since even with freezing some it will not be used up in a reasonable length of time.  Dressing and gravy sound good, but we have elected to do a frozen pizza in the convection oven today.  We buy the rising crust supreme and when I do them to a light golden brown they are sooooo good.  One of the few things that we both enjoy.  When cut into six slices, we can usually eat two apiece and we are stuffed.  That leaves two slices left over for tomorrow.  That's a far cry from the Thanksgiving dinners we used to enjoy, but it works for us.

Now being nearly noon, it is about time to go preheat the oven, so I will take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 22, 2012, 12:31:04 PM
Thanks for the holiday wishes Charlie.

My neighbors have invited me over for spiral sliced ham this evening. Ham is one of my favorite dishes.

Been doing well today. Went out and visited my next door neighbor who is plowing his field next to my drive. He helped my other neighbor keep things in order while I was gone. Have to give thanks for the good neighbors I have here. After visiting with him, my dog wanted me to run back to the house. This was an exhilirating experience and seemed to take very little effort. Bandy was sure happy to see me home last night. Has been my constant companion all morning. Doing my laundry today to get caught up on that.

Sure hope you are enjoying your non-traditional meal. Sounds better than having to waste what you are not able to eat.

Looks like Ralph is back to winter weather with colder temps and a light snow. Looks like it will be after the weekend before we will get the colder temps and possible light snow by Sunday or Monday. We have certainly have had time to prepare for the forecast colder winter season.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 23, 2012, 10:14:37 AM
Gene, glad to hear you are doing better. Like some famous person once said, "gettin old ain't for sissies". I believe it more with each passing year. And you are right about our weather. A mild start to the week allowed me to get 3 semis of grain out just in time for another big dump of snow. Back to shoveling I guess. You can see some of it in this video I shot a day ago.
[video=youtube;fEOnJ4M6YJg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEOnJ4M6YJg[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 23, 2012, 10:21:04 PM
Ralph,

It looks like your nine little friends have some nice heavy Sask. winter coats on.  Most likely they will need them.  I almost expected to see a deer or two under the pines.  Good Video.  Thanks for posting.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: GeorgeBest on November 29, 2012, 04:53:30 PM
It's been awhile since I last checked in.
Looks like this thread is the only one showing any sign of life.

As for news, I did get another Ford 4000 with the 3 cylinder diesel.
I was having problems with my other 4000 so I bought another one instead.

My old one had the SOS transmission which was okay and I really didn't have any problems with it.  But that tractor never did start well cold and always needed the manifold heater and a bunch of cranking to get started it the engine wasn't already warm.

Although the new tractor I got looks like crap compared to the old one, at least this one starts without needing the manifold heater!  This one also has the manual transmission and the pto is much stronger.  My old tractor if I was tilling and got too deep or mowing and got into really heavy stuff the pto would start slipping.

I'm starting to wonder now if my starting problems on the old tractor was maybe the timing was slightly off on the injection pump.

I may end up robbing some of the nicer stuff off my old tractor and move them to the newer one.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 30, 2012, 08:49:07 PM
Hi George. I guess it would be good to see some pictures of those Fords of yours. My brother has an old 5000 with a front end loader. That six cylinder Ford diesel was one of the smoothest running engines I have ever heard.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 03, 2012, 09:56:27 AM
Good to hear from to you, George.  I hope you are not washing away with the rain on the West coast.  

I went back to one year ago to see what was going on then.  Gene had so much rain that his road was under water and all of Ralph's ground was frozen hard enough so it would be impossible to get anything stuck.  All things considered, we are probably not that bad off this year.  We got our first accumulation of snow Friday night and into Saturday morning.  It amounted to just 1/2 inch and by later Saturday when temperature rose, the  snow gradually disappeared.  It will be fine if that takes care of this winters snowfall.  No snow saves work and gasoline.  

It is not currently raining, but is heavily overcast with temp. in the middle 40's.  Not all that bad for December.  Other than this, not a whole lot going on.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: GeorgeBest on December 12, 2012, 01:44:14 PM
It's been pretty wet here but at least it isn't cold.
Suppose I ought to take the tiller off the Ford 4000 as I'm sure I won't be using it for awhile.

On another note..... I turned 65 this past Monday.  Got my first "senior rate" haircut yesterday which saved me a whole dollar!
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 12, 2012, 04:22:29 PM
A belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,  George.  May you have many more.


65 and a whole dollar, George.  I am convinced I would gladly pay the extra buck to be 10 years younger, but that ain't gonna happen.  It is really a moog point for me as I have not been to a barber since my guy passed away in his late 80's probably 10 years ago.  In 1962 when my son was newly born I spotted a nice barber kit in the local Western Auto store.  Knowing I would not need it for a year or two, I bought it anyway. Family members sort  of laughed at that. You guessed it.  I still use those same clippers to cut my hair.  Works out well except for the back of my neck.  I draft my wife to finish that up and shape the hairline back there.  Saving the $$$ for haircuts is good, but the real deal is that if I had to go to a barber shop, it would not happen even once a year.  I never really did care for doing that and now most of the shops are unisex, so that is a bigger incentive to stay away.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 14, 2012, 08:29:05 PM
Haven't checked in for a while and I see I have missed a little activity. Congratulations George. Hope that senior discount is worth it. I've still got a few years to reach that point (if I live that long) but I'm sure the time will pass all too quickly. Even this cold winter weather seems to pass pretty quickly now.
Charlie, I don't think I have spent a cent on haircuts in my life. My dad learned barbering skills in the army and he kept on with it for the rest of his life for family members. Then my brother married an excellent hairdresser so I get free haircuts there. Lucky or what?
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 15, 2012, 08:51:16 AM
I still have to get my hair cut in town. Have a lady barber who is reasonable and does a good job. Don't get a senior discount and don't even ask for it. I usually ask for the discount when I go out to a restaurant. I will be 71 next month, so have had discounts for a few years.

When I was a youngster of maybe 7 years old, my dad came home from an auction with a pair of hair clippers. I amd my 2 younger brothers were the first ginnea pigs for the clip job. Dad must have thought he was shearing sheep as he cut anything the clippers would cut. Our newly exposed, unprotected skin was severely sunburned. Probably the worst we ever had.

Spent the day Monday at Ohio State Hospital. Had a couple spots, one on my neck and another on my right lung that had showed up on a CT scan. Had a call on my answering machine that it was good news, so have to wait till Tuesday to get the full details. Looks very encouraging though.

Ohio weather has been very agreeable for this time of year. Only a couple of light snow flurries so far. Couple rain showers for about 1 inch total. Nice clear days and frosty nights. Pretty nice for outdoor work.

George, good to see you on here and hope to hear more from you. Ralph, Charlie and I have been feeeling lonely here.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 15, 2012, 09:58:02 PM
Good to hear from you Gene. Been wondering how you were doing. Winter has been hitting us pretty good here with well above normal snowfall for November and some below normal temperatures too although today was warm at 20F. Took this picture out in the woods near the house where I was trimming some trees with the old hand powered saw.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 16, 2012, 02:02:44 PM
Thanks for the reminder of what may come. Not today for sure. I have a bow saw that I use often. It is easy to carry on the tractor and will cut some pretty goo0d size limbs.

Sunday afternoon and is 60 degrees. Had a light sprinkle early this morning but not enough to register in the rain gauge. Wheat is coming on real nice. Green everywhere. Fall tillage around the area has been going well and winding down. Been seeing more moldboard plowing than I have seen in several years. Resistant weeds and hard packed soil has brought out some full tillage.

Cut a little firewood this morning. Still have to pace myself. Seems I tire a little quicker than I should. Brought some of the elm to the house to see how it burns. Been dead for a few years so is well seasoned. The warm weather hasn't taken a lot of heat so have been burning some on the poorer wood and saving the ash and oak for colder weather.

Corn hauling for the Amish has slowed down. Hauled 5 wagon loads this week and have one more neighbor who may have 2 wagon loads. Should have that all done before the weather changes.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 16, 2012, 11:36:36 PM
Gene, the elm we have here (Chinese ) is some of the hardest, toughest cutting wood I have seen. I am not sure if it is good firewood or not as I don't burn wood anymore. I'm trimming off some of the long branches that grow low and horizontally out into the field. I shot a little video today of the forest that I live in. The hoar frost was really impressive even for us. I was trying out a new idea for camera angles.
[video=youtube_share;hdwPtM_hUDI]http://youtu.be/hdwPtM_hUDI[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 17, 2012, 10:06:20 AM
Ralph, you are quite the talent.  You are the producer, director, camera man, and star of that movie.  It seems the only assistant you had was Mother Nature as the prop person.  Interesting to see these clips of your part of the world.  I noticed the 15-30 sitting patiently as you passed by.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 18, 2012, 09:50:34 AM
Nice video there Ralph. Thanks for showing us what we are missing????? Wonder how Charlie H. would react to all the crunching boots?? Charlie V and I are sharing the same weather. Still above freezing with light rain showers. May see some light snow showers tonight. Is 37 degrees here now. Had very light rain early this morning

Got good news from doctor's office this morning. Took tests last Monday to do biopsies on a couple suspicious lymph nodes. One under my jaw and another on my right lung. Reports on both show them to be benign, so a good early Christmas present.

The elm trees here were all killed off by the Dutch elm disease in the 50's and 60's. Most of them are still standing and bare as the bark fell off after they died. They are very well preserved and are decent firewood for this warmer weather. It burns well with very little ashes. Heat output is only mediocre and needs frequent reloading. Good for keeping a fire going when not needing much heat. There were some Chinese elms planted after the big killoff of the Dutch elms. They were resistant to the disease and were fairly fast growing for the area, but never caught on enough to make a sizeable stand. The emerald ash borer has now killed all the ash trees in the area, so will now be seeing then as we see the elms now. They are good firewood too. I probably have 4 cords from the ash trees I cut along my driveway this summer and fall. That will be my main supply for the winter and only have to carry it across the drive to the house.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 20, 2012, 08:56:52 AM
Great news form the Dr. Gene.  I am sure it is a great relief.  Not knowing in those situations is never easy.  

We had some significant rain this week.  The talking heads keep saying it is dry and we need the rain. I was out before the last all day rainfall starting some tractors .  Every place I walked or drove went "squish, squish" from standing water in the grass and I left muddy looking tracks.  Hard for me to figure what planet these TV folks live on.  

I remember Elm wood from my youth.  When splitting with a sledge hammer and wedges, it can be quite easy to bury six wedges in one log and still not have it opened up.  Very though and gnarly.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 20, 2012, 04:54:18 PM
That is the same as our elm. Seems that if it grows in the woods with competition from other trees that it grows straight and not too hard to split. Grown out in open areas it gets pretty gnarly. I have heard it is because it tends to follow the light and light comes from all directions out in the open and only from above in the mature woods. The tree I cut up Tuesday grew very straight and I split all but 2 of the blocks with a mall. Bottom of tree was about 12 inches. After I got those blocks all split, I looked in the barn and discovered the neighbor had brought the splitter back here. Too late to get it out.

Been raining here all day. Have over an inch so far. Can't tell for sure as I left the rain gauge out and it froze and cracked. Had been fairly dry all week and the ground was getting dry enough to cut wood comfortably. Started to cut up some big hickory trees that blew down but still on the stump at about 15 feet. Have to be very careful working around these.

Finished my Christmas shopping today, so plan to just hibernate with the warm fire. Still 48 degrees here with strong southeast winds and light rain. Perfect makings for a lazy afternoon.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 20, 2012, 05:32:43 PM
Gene, good news alright. I guess you can hibernate today but I couldn't . After a week of dull cloudy weather the sun came out today and I had to get busy taking a few pictures and video as the scenery was pretty spectacular when the sun hits all that hoar frost. I think I prefer our weather over your rainy conditions. Although it was -10F here this morning it felt comfortable enough since there was no wind blowing. Heres a photo from this morning.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 21, 2012, 03:35:42 PM
Winter has just been waiting on the calendar. Rain and high winds yesterday changed to snow early this morning . Winds of 28 MPH and gusts to 46 MPH all day with light snow. Maybe 3 or 4 inches but drifting pretty bad. Driveway at the top of the hill looks to be drifted full where cut through the hill. Been a nasty day, but good for hibernating. Taking a lot of wood to keep the fire going to keep the house warm. Don't like being out in this kind of weather. My dog feels the same way, only going out when necessary. I did spend a little time in the shop working on one of my chainsaws. The kill wire had broken off at the terminal end had no way to shut it off but to run it till it was out of fuel.

Had planned to haul some sheep for the Amish this morning but they called and cancelled out on that till tomorrow. That was a welcome idea. Roads are probably pretty bad with the blowing snow.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 23, 2012, 07:39:53 AM
Quiet Sunday morning here on the East side of town.  Gene sent his weather from the above post, much as described.  It did it's work here through Friday night and Saturday.  Lucky the outdoor cat was waiting at the door every time it was opened to let the dog out.  He likes to come in for food and a short visit but does not want to stay in.  We made him a cozy little house against the East foundation wall, not far from the side door for protection from the weather.  That was his hideout during the storm.  The Chihuahua on the other hand normally only needs a trip outside about twice a day, until there is snow.  With snow in the yard her mechanisms go into overtime and and she wants a trip about every 15 minutes.  Hard to believe that some say Chihuahuas do not like snow.  This one would do well with a small "V" plow on her front.

I got out last week and started the 560 and M and made sure the batteries were charged.  The 560 is still having some problem with gas starvation due to some congestion at the tank outlet.  They just need more run time.

I went to the skin Dr. on Friday and had some suspicious skin frozen off by the "Clarabelle the Clown" CO 2 bottle, so our appointments are current for a while.

Aside from that it is winter hibernation time here.

Charlie V
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 27, 2012, 12:31:16 AM
Well we have survived another Christmas here in Sask. and hope it was a good one for all of you out there on ATIS. We endured some typically cold weather. Think we saw a high of -15F today. Not too bad as long as I can keep well dressed. Nearly froze my fingers shooting this video this morning but wanted to try out a different camera.
[video=youtube;y9wkTU7igL8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9wkTU7igL8[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 05, 2013, 09:49:40 AM
Ralph,

Your pictures and videos are a tough act to follow.

2013 already.  More snow on the ground than we have seen in the last two years.  Good for some, but being an old phew phew, I am not particularly impressed.  12-15 inches of very fine snow in one snowfall. then another 4-5 two days later.  That caused me to have to plow twice.  Not a good thing as the ground underneath is not at all frozen, and due to recent rainfall is nothing but mush.  This much snow this early in the season meant pushing banks back some distance to allow for more accumulation.  There will be enough tire ruts in the lawn to repair in the spring.  The last two days have climbed to slightly above freezing with a few more warm days to come so the snow accumulation will shrink some.  I noticed in a photo from Ohio that Gene has more snow on the ground than we do here.

Too much bad stuff going on in the news.  I could say a lot about criminally insane people being released from prison, and then committing yet another brutal crime.  The really shocking side of that is the idiots who immediately want a ban on firearms to solve the problem.  Holy gewillikers.  How dumb IS that.  Criminally insane is not fixable.  Keep them locked up!!  As this is not the forum to air this, I will say no more, but it is really upsetting.

I have another laptop computer due to arrive Monday.  Not anything we really need, but I am an easy mark for a really low price.  It is like tractors.  They just want to follow me home.  I let two really good deals on tractors (one backhoe and one dozer) slide past in the last couple of weeks.  Hard to do, but I just cannot use them much or work on them these days.  I remind myself of a neutered tom cat.  I know what I would like to do, but it ain't gonna happen.    

I guess that is enough ramble for the moment.

Later,

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 05, 2013, 08:49:15 PM
Winter has been about normal last 2 weeks. Have had more snow than all last year. Winds have kept the snow moving. 3 snow storms the last 2 weeks have left more than a foot of snow on the level fields. Temp has stayed below freezing until today. Got up to 42 today, so will help the snow to settle down some.

The snow will be good for the winter wheat though. Have a good even coat over the whole field. I took the tractor out yesterday wth the driveway grader and plowed a path along the airstrip back to the woods. That worked pretty good, so took it back into the woods and cleared the trails through my woods and the neighbor's behind me. This morning the west side of the trail was drifted back in, so will have to clear that again tomorrow. Shoveled snow from around the pile of wood I have in the woods and hope to get some of that split.

Was able to walk back to the woods and make a little tour there. Was a pretty nice day to be out with the warmer temp and very light winds. Nice bright sunshine. Snow and rain predicted for the next 2 days

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 05, 2013, 10:04:42 PM
Sounds like you guys down south have as much snow as I do in Sask. It has stayed pretty well settled. Cold around Christmas but mild New years day. I haven't had to move any more snow for over two weeks or more now. Got a cow with an early calf Jan. 2 so lucky it is mild right now.
Charlie, a new laptop sounds iike a good christmas present to yourself. I sure appreciate mine.
Got an old photo here from 40 years ago. Scanned from a slide, thats me on the Cockshutt 50 and blade. You might say not too much has changed here in 40 years.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 09, 2013, 02:05:29 PM
Change of weather here in western Ohio. Have a January thaw. Temp right now is 47 degrees. Snow melting very nicely. Starting to see bare spots in the lawn and fields. Driveway was packed snow and is now wet ice, have to watch your step. Forecast for Thursday and Friday is for mid 50's. Rain forecast to come in Thursday night and last through the weekend, then turning colder on Sunday night and snow again for Monday. Hope the rains are light so we don't have the flooding from all the melting snow and rain.

Got a couple afternoons in the woods splitting wood I cut last month. Getting a pretty good start on next year's wood. Still have a lot more in the woods to cut up and just waiting for the snow to melt and get a good freeze. Got several oak and hickory trees to cut that were blown down in last summer's storm.

Nice sunshine today and have done most jobs that I don't have to wallow around in the mud. Looks like Ralph has more snow and strong winds, so he is probably out with the 40 and snowblower clearing the lanes and feedlots. Charlie is having the same weather we are having here, so losing much of his snow.

Hope everyone is fairing well.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 10, 2013, 09:02:23 AM
Correct, Gene.  Just about everything you said about your weather is ditto here, including the ice on the driveway.  Had to go to the Doc yesterday to get some antibiotic and my canes wanted to skid right out from under me on the ice. Tricky stuff.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 10, 2013, 04:35:29 PM
Take care on the ice Charlie. It takes a lot longer to get back up than it does to fall down I find now. And Gene is right, we are just getting hit with a real blizzard here. Looks like about a quarter mile visibility in falling and blowing snow. Good thing I didn't bother opening my driveway yesterday as it would have been for nothing. Had to blow out a trail to one of the cattle feeders though as the Massey just could not make it through axle deep snow with a bale on the front end loader. Had a calf born Jan. 2 so it was a lucky break that we had a mild week with temps in the 20s. Now, back to real winter I guess.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 12, 2013, 10:42:38 AM
Nice springtime day here in Ohio. 6:00am temp was 53 degrees and now 58 degrees at 10:30. Forecast for near record high for this afternoon in the mid 60's. Snow has all melted, except for the piles and heavier drifts. Had about 3/4 inch of rain yesterday morning. Only have minor flooding and that is going away fast. Ground is not frozen, so allows a lot of the water to soak in. Have a few ponds in the low apots in the fields and airstrip. Wheat is nice and green along with the grass in the lawn. Nothing seems to have gone dorment even have some green weeds at the edge of the wheat field. Colder weather forecast for next week. Maybe freeze some of the mud.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 13, 2013, 12:02:18 AM
Your temperatures sound a lot warmer than mine Gene. It was too cold to take any pictures or video this morning when I was out blowing snow with the Cockshutt 40 at about -10F. Nice and sunny and quiet compared to the last two stormy days though. Hard snow that the blower wouldn't cut in some places but I made enough of a clearing to get around the yard and out the driveway anyway.
You certainly won't find any ground that isn't frozen solid here.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 13, 2013, 10:13:27 AM
About 58 F here currently, Ralph.  I went out and puff puffed some air to the North, North East but I doubt it was enough to warm you any.  I will try again later when we are in the sixties.  60% chance of rain after noon today.  As Gene says, much of the snow is gone but some remains as well as a little ice left where I plowed snow. I knew when I plowed that I was leaving tire ruts in soft ground , but with that much snow it had to be pushed back a ways.  Who knew then about this thaw.  As expected I have some ugly tire ruts in the lawn.  It will be a good thing if we get a little time below freezing before the next load of snow hits.  Even a two inch frozen crust on the ground would help.  

Not a whole lot else of note to talk about around here.  I have been laying low due to yet another head and upper chest infection so except for the commotion that goes with that it has been pretty quiet.  Eating antibiotics like candy.  It will be good when it settles down enough to allow some better sleep at night.  

Hope you folks have a good Sunday.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 17, 2013, 03:58:16 PM
Hey Gene,

It's snowing again and down to 21 degrees.  Looks like winter is back.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 18, 2013, 12:12:55 PM
Hey Charlie;

Been nice winter weather here in Ohio. Clear, dry days in the 30's and nights in the low 20's. Most of the standing water has gone and only a few ice patches where the water was. Low of 21 degrees this morning and up to 36 now at noon.

Ground is freezing at night to allow 2 or 3 hours in the woods cutting and splitting wood before it gets greasy on top. Hauled 2 trailer loads to the splitting pile this morning. Came to the house at 11:30 as it was starting to get muddy again. Got some nice red oak and hickory from some down trees. Plan to start early Saturday morning to do some more splitting. Getting a pretty good pile in the woods for next year's firewood. Still have several more down trees to cut up. Good feeling to have next year's wood ready to burn. Still have most of the wood from the ash trees from next to the driveway and will more than last this winter.

Looks like your weather has improved today with clear skies and a little warmer. Should be getting more of our good weather.

Looks like Ralph is having some mild weather in his area. Almost up to freezing. Sure to make his work a lot better and a lot easier on the cattle.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 18, 2013, 02:25:55 PM
Its been real yo-yo weather with -15F one day and +20 the next lately. Used to be we had long stretches of -20 weather most of January but those days seem to be gone now that the world is warming up. Its supposed to hit near thawing today and then down below zero F tomorrow.
I took this picture driving home through the flatlands on Monday. High temp was -8F.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 18, 2013, 04:52:23 PM
Sure looks like winter to me. Haven't seen scenery like that here for several years. Nothing on the horizon to stop the weather from crossing your area.

I follow your weather on my CWSU weather site. Can instantly see what the current weather is anywhere on the continent. It is basically an aviation weather site, but available to anyone. I see you are at 32 degrees right now and Charlie is at 24.

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/zoa/mwmap3.php?map=usa

Went to the woods and did some hand splitting this afternoon. Nice sunny day and 37 degrees. The sun and wind is drying the surface of the ground a little each day. May see near zero by Monday morning.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 20, 2013, 01:00:12 AM
Gene, that is an interesting weather map link and it seems to be pretty accurate. We had about a 40 degree drop in twelve hours here overnight. Wind chill factors in the -30F range and that is way too cold for me. Wind got up and blew the loose snow around last night too so my driveway likely needs a little work before I get out.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 20, 2013, 08:08:22 PM
Wow, Ralph!!! Just checked your weather and see you are at-17 degrees and wind chill of -42 degrees. How do the cattle fare in those conditions? Remember as a youngster when we did the morning milking on a cold morning how warmm the barn was when coming from outside. Moisture from the cows would frost up the windows in the loafing pen. Would snuggle up to the flank of the cows while milking for the warmth. Have to break the ice on top of the milk cans to get the morning's milk for the house.

Yesterday we had a high of 52 degrees with a lot of sunshine and a strong drying wind. Spent 4 hours in the woods with the splitter splitting up the wood I had piled. Getting a pretty big piled up for next year. All good oak, hickory, ash and a little maple. All good wood. Have a lot of black oaks that blew down in the summer storm. Plan to start cutting them tomorrow if not too cold. Today was windy and cold, high of 24, so stayed close to the house till wind died down this afternoon.

Gene

Charlie is having pretty much the same weather we had this morning. Cold and windy. Probably a little snow on the ground there.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 21, 2013, 08:59:12 AM
Windy was about right for yesterday, Gene.  One location up near the lake shore recorded 77 or 78 MPH.  I do not think we went that high here, but there were pretty powerful gusts.  I have to rewrap a JD H that became half undone.  Did not loose it though.  If I remember correctly, temperature was at 14 F one time during the night when I looked.  Not bad at all compared to Ralph.  No snow on the ground now, but may get a little today.  Not nearly as bad as it could be this time of year.  

Sure sounds like Gene is going to keep the fires going for a while to come.  You might even have enough to take a load of camp wood to Portland.:)  :)  :)

Not a whole lot else happening here today so far.  It looks like a good day to stay warm and dry and nourish our cabin fever a little more.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 21, 2013, 12:19:13 PM
Gene, you hae it right. Downright miserable out there and it was -20F this morning. Thankfully a litle less wind and that makes all the difference. Cattle are ok as long as they have a place to get out of the wind. The cow and calf I kept in the open front shelter although she would rather have been out.
Your memories of cattle in barns match mine. With up to ten milk cows in a 40 foot barn there would be tremendous buildup of frost inside and big clouds of steam when the door was opened. I spent years in that barn either milking cows by hand, cranking the hand powered separator or shovelling tons of manure. No need to look for exercise in those days. Here is a picture from 1958 when the barn was only 4 years old and we were all a lot younger .
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 21, 2013, 02:54:12 PM
Looks like a nice well built barn. I take it the tow headed boy is you? Picture taken at a different time of year for sure.

We milked 18 cows most of the time. Did it by hand also. After I went to the Air Force, my dad bought milking machines, a manure loader and a baler. Don't know if it was because of the work I did or the fact he could afford it after I left. Still had 4 brothers left at home. Made it a lot easier for them. Oh yeah, he also bought another tractor, a Case SC.

Turned colder here. Started this morning at 20 degrees and now at 2:30 it is 14 degrees with 27 MPH winds for wind chill of -3. Wind chill advisory for tonight and tomorrow, nothing like Sask.


Went to the woods this morning. Had a black oak I wanted to get cut up. Just took the small saw as I only planned to cut the small limbs and brush. Everything went so well I cut the whole tree up. Be another good load of wood. The trip back on the tractor was cold, but when I got out of the wind it was pretty nice working.

Looks like Charlie is getting snow today and a little wind. Only a couple flurries here.

Checked the anti-freeze in the LA as I had added some water to it at Portland last summer. Tested -7 so thought it better to add a little to it. Thing started right up after setting since last summer. Put a gallon of anti-freeze in it and let it warm up and circulate. Won't have to worry about it for the rest of winter. Going to test the truck this afternoon since I don't know the history of it.

You all have a warm afternoon.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 30, 2013, 12:28:21 PM
Just checked Ralph's weather. Wind chill -48 degrees. Don't imagine he is doing much in the shop today. Ohio had a high yesterday of 63 degrees and when I got up at 5:00am it was 63 degrees. Rain overnight and this morning and temp dropped to 53 and uo to 56 at noon. That will all change tonight and freezing weather returning with a high tomorrow of 25 degrees and down to about 10 degrees by Friday morning. Sure is a big change. Started thawing on Sunday and melted all the snow. Heavy rain this morning and back to area flooding now. Have a river across the east lawn and front hay field. Flood warnings out for northwest Ohio. Radar shows the rain is past us to the east now and maybe see some sunshine yet this afternoon.

Charlie is having warm weather too, but likely be getting colder weather in a day or two. Windy almost everywhere in the northern tier of the country. Looks like wood cutting will be on hold for a while.

Been doing some cleaning in the shop yesterday and this morning. Cleaned off the welding table so it is usable again. Did a welding project Monday evening and barely had enough room to work. Amazing how things accomulate on any flat surface.

Neighbors are going to take me out to supper tomorrow night for my birthday. Can't believe I will be 71 years young tomorrow. Seems I was only 50 yesterday!!!

Hope everyone is having a good day.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 31, 2013, 09:16:12 AM
Happy Birthday, Gene.  Time flies when you are having fun so you must be having fun.  Great that you are out there getting things done.

You are a pretty good weather watcher as well.  We did peak out at 63 yesterday.  Not bad at all for January 30th.  We did a morning trip to stock up on groceries for a couple of weeks.  That is a good trip for me as I pick up No bake cookies (peanut butter this time) and some other goodies.  I have switched from filled donuts to pie for a while.  Yesterday it was cherry so I will eat happy for a few days.  

Later in the day I got outside and secured a couple of tarps which became disarrayed in the last 70 mph winds that blew.  With high winds promised for last night and today, that was a chore that could not be put off any longer.  As I did not pull the batteries from the zero turn and the Polaris Magnum, I started each of those and let them percolate for 15 minutes or so to move some gas and charge the batteries.  If I had been able to get about five more things charged up it would really make me happy.  

The honeymoon with the warm weather is over now.  We are at 30 F  and still dropping with just a trace of new snow on the ground.  Winter is back.

Again, Happy Birthday, Gene.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 31, 2013, 10:07:33 AM
Gene, congrats on another birthday. Guess it is an achievement to reach another one these days. And your weather watching is scarily accurate. -35F here this morning and I am not looking forward to venturing outside the door.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 31, 2013, 10:08:33 AM
Thanks for the birthday wish Charlie. Going alright so far. Did some more shop cleaning. Think I will stay in now and keep the fire burning. 18 degrees here with 35 MPH winds and chill factor of 0 degrees. Had a skiff of snow this morning, but the sun is out now.  Nothing like Ralph has. He is at -29F and chill factor of -55 F. Don't envy him at all. Looks like you are getting some pretty strong winds there. Hope the tarps hold down. At least we are getting more daylight now, so may be some hope.

I have to stay away from the sweet stuff or my blood sugar goes up. Especially have to stay away from the peanut butter as I am mildly allergic to nuts. Peanuts and cashews give me muscle and joint pains. Hate that as I really like them.

Glad you were able to get the chores done during the brief spring like weather.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 31, 2013, 10:16:44 AM
Ralph;

You beat my post by one minute. Thanks for the birthday wish. Hope you and the cattle are fairing alright. Has to be brutal even for you. Just think of all the bugs and flies the weather is killing off. I don't think that even hibernating mosquitoes and flies can survive that. Hard freeze will make the spring tillage go better. Hardest part for me is getting dressed in sweatshirts and Carhartts and boots and then 5 minutes after I go out realize I have to make a nature break and do it all over again.

Have a good day if that is possible.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 31, 2013, 09:14:34 PM
I guess I need to get up a little early to allow for the extra time it takes me putting on all those layers of clothes. :D It would be interesting to weigh them some time. Its a necessity though as I can't stand the cold at all. Got through another day of severe wind chill although there wasn't much wind to speak of. Cattle seem to handle it well as long as they have the shelter and the trees to block the wind. This is the kind of weather I really appreciate the trees. I took this picture of the calf yesterday morning and he seems to be ok. I keep him penned up in the shelter with his mother overnight and they don't have any objections. I go out there last thing every night now with the flashlight to check and they are all resting comfortably in the open front shelter.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 01, 2013, 08:51:23 AM
I used to say that if I tipped over with all of my winter clothes on, I would be like a turtle on it's back.  I wouldn't be able to get back up.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 07, 2013, 05:22:14 PM
Don't have to dress quite so warm today. Started the day at 28 degrees and this afternoon got to 48 degrees. Most of the snow has melted except the drifts and shaded areas. Now just have a soggy ground. Nice sunshine all day. Pleasant day to be outside.

Split wood back in the  woods this morning till it started thawing. Worked about 3 hours splitting some of the big hickory I blocked uo on Monday and Tuesday. Got about half of it split. Have 2 nice piles. I managed to split all of the big blocks, some 22inches in diameter. Pretty heavy but managed to get them all on the splitter.

Looks like ralph is getting more snow and wind. A little warmer so maybe has the 40 out with the snowblower clearing the roads and feedlot. Charlie should be getting warmer weather tomorrow and may melt some of his snow.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 07, 2013, 10:25:41 PM
Gene, sounds like you are working harder than me.
It looks like the weather forecast was wrong for you too. We never got the snow they predicted. Just a little bit hardly worth mentioning. I probably need to blow some snow off the drivewy but didn't get inspired to do it today. A cloudy day will do that PLus it is hard to see my driveway when there are no shadows. Like the song says., the sun will come out tomorrow. Probably get both tractors going then.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 10, 2013, 09:52:02 AM
We rose this morning to find a little "Ralph" weather.  Started at -2 deg. and soon after daylight dropped to -3.  (Anytime we are below 0 here it is commonly known as Ralph weather.)   (pick pick) That and the seven inches of snow accumulated over Friday PM and Saturday AM lead me to think that winter is not over yet.  According to the calendar, winter should not be over, but a guy can always hope.  Like Ralph, I have not been moved to plow the driveway and may not at all as we are heading to above freezing today and more tomorrow.  The first two inches of snow after it changed from rain were so wet they seemed to weigh 50 ounces per pound.  The rest on top after the temp. fell are feather light, so it is easy to drive through.  We cleared the patio yard and walks twice to keep ahead of things.  Yesterday PM my fine SIL came by and shoveled the back walk and around the cars. That guy is a hard working roofer and he works like the devil himself is after him.  He's a strong man.  I think Ma Nature will take care of the rest of the snow.

At the moment the sun if fully shining, so with snow frozen on everything out there it is a pretty sight to look at.

Charlie V.

.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 12, 2013, 07:59:41 PM
Our weather changes so fast here I can hardly keep up  . So warm today I had the window open on the truck while driving to get a tank of water. It was up to the thawing point and sun shining. Spent the morning with the Cockshutt and snow blower opening the driveway and figured I'd better take advantage of it to fill the water tank. Sure enough, snow is in the forecast for tomorrow. Combined with 70 kph wind gusts it could get interesting. No rust on my snowblower this winter.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 13, 2013, 01:39:33 PM
Ohio weather has been changing too. Mid 40's on Monday and Tuesday and high at 1:30pm of 28 degrees today.. Have a couple big hickory and red oak trees I am anxious to get cut up. Worked on the hickory yesterday morning, but the mud got too messy. Was cold and cloudy today and would have been a good cutting day, but woke up with a headache and aches all over. Hope I am not coming down with something. Got the wood fire going, but just can't seem to keep warm.

I used to haul water to where I lived in Broadway. Had a 550 gallon tank on my 3/4 ton pickup. Picked up a few custom hauling jobs as cisterns were common back then. Finally had a well drilled and water softener so didn't have to haul my water.

Looks like the temperatures are moderating for all of us. Charlie is above freezing today and Ralph has a more tolerable temp to run the 40.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 13, 2013, 02:26:01 PM
Gene, sounds like you better stay by the fire and make good use of that firewood today.
I put another hour or so on the 40 and blower again yesterday getting the driveway cleared and 24 hours later it is snowing again. Wind warnings for later today so that should put up some more drifts. Sure is keeping the snow blower shiny this winter. Tried out some new camera angles on this video.
[video=youtube;BuqkgJUVGKM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuqkgJUVGKM&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 13, 2013, 04:06:41 PM
Ralph;

Pretty good video. That 40 is sure a sweet running tractor. Haven't missed the snow here. Be glad when the mud season is over. Have the little Case snowblower tractor in the heated garage. Just being pampered.

Been staying close to the house this afternoon. Had to do some grocery shopping this morning and stop at the bank. Walked to the mailbox this afternoon and by the time I got back, I was about worn out. Think I will run a good hot tub of bathwater and soak for a while.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 17, 2013, 10:17:17 AM
Ralph, you blew that snow a little too far.  About two inches of it landed here this morning.  Still not bad for this time of year, so I am not complaining.  Pretty nippy at 16 degrees with some wind blowing.  We went out and shoveled for fifteen or twenty minutes and that was enough for now.   I should have been dressed warmer.

Gene, I hope you are over your bug and hitting on all cylinders by now.  Not feeling well is never a good thing.  Probably still plenty of work for you in the woods to get finished before the spring mud.  With only eleven days left of February, the spring mud may not be too far off.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 17, 2013, 01:15:48 PM
Only  a morning dusting of snow here in Ohio. Had 8 degrees this morning ans warmed to 18 now at 1:00pm. Light winds and periods of sunshine, so not a bad day at all.

Still not up to full speed. Feeling like a caged animal. Neighbor came over yesterday and brought in enough firewood to last for a few days. Brought in the mail too. I was able to get dressed in my sweatshirts and carhartts and go outside today for a while. Couple little jobs in the shop and taking trash out to burn barrel was enough for now. Back to hibernating until tomorrow.

Last week I got started cutting a really nice oak and getting anxious to get back to it. Will be a lot of prime firewood in it.

Have a great Sunday

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 18, 2013, 10:21:28 AM
Gene, sounds like another day's rest might be in order. Today is a holiday anyway.
Charlie, that snow was heading south again yesterday and last night behind a strong North wind. It blew in my driveway pretty bad. In spite of opening it twice in the past week I still got stuck coming home last night. Even four wheel drive , winter tires and momentum will only take you so far before it all comes to  a halt. Time like that is when I appreciate having an old gas tractor in the shed that doesn't need to be pre-heated with the block heater for an hour before it will start.
[video=youtube;GLl9RzAei14]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLl9RzAei14[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 18, 2013, 05:26:51 PM
Gosh, Ralph, looks like it is getting worse by the day. Not much chance of a spring thaw in the near future. Wish I could turn the fan in your direction and give you some of our 54 degree temperatures. Had 18 degrees this morning so ground was frozen enough to get a little wood cut. Mainly piled up brush that I cut last week and cut some more from the tangled mess in the tops of the oak tree. Tree was so big that when it fell it just compressed all the brush in a big mass. I am making progress though. Had to quit by noon before the ground started thawing and getting greasy.. Nice to be able to get back to work. Just took my time and didn't overdo it. Rain forecast for tonight and tomorrow.

Still cold in Charlie's corner of the world. He should be getting some of our nice weather soon.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 18, 2013, 07:54:37 PM
Correct, Gene.  Started out with 8 F. this morning, but pushed 32 by late afternoon.  Heading into the 40's tomorrow, but with rain promised.  Turning cold again for Wednesday and Thursday.  At least we do not have any high snow banks to look over.  Have only used the truck to plow once this season, but it is not over until ?????  Not about to remove the plow yet.  Speaking of truck, how is the Dodge working out so far, Gene.  I think Ralph needs a good one ton 4 x 4 with a decent load in the back and a V plow up front.  I know side banks are not a good thing with the cross wind, but they could still be moved out with the blower when needed.  With the truck you could do a quick clean up each time you went anywhere.  Naturally things like that do not happen without spending a pile of money.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 18, 2013, 08:08:37 PM
Still dreaming about Ralph's new plow. It sure would be overkill for my needs, but if I can link the video, it does look like it would be fun for the first hour or so.

 http://www.westernplows.com/wp/showroom/mvpplus

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 18, 2013, 08:22:27 PM
Charlie, the Dodge seems to do real well. Have pulled my loaded trailer through snow deeper than the front axle with no difficulty. Was hauling for the Amish during the last big snow and he was afraid we would get stuck. Didn't even have to use 4 wheel till I started backing it in to unload. It is a real horse. Has new high traction tires and they do really good. I haven't weighed it yet, but I estimate it to be close to 9000 pounds. Have had the little tractor and snowblower languishing in the heated shop all ready to go. Seems to be a good insurance policy. I put bar tread tires on the golf cart and it amazes be how well it handles the snow. Been using it to go to the woods for wood cutting. Was muddy last Tuesday when I came to the house and it pulled through the mud and didn't even spin. Works good for pulling the wood splitter too.

Radar showing rain about 1 county west of us now at 8:20 so looks pretty sure we will get it. Still 47 degrees.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 18, 2013, 11:20:58 PM
Charlie, I like the idea of owning a truck like that but I don't think it would keep my driveway open this winter. Those snowplow trenches were quite accurately referred to as "snow traps" years ago when people used to ridge their fields to try and catch snow for moisture in a dry year. I think if I had been ridging up the snow this winter my driveway would resemble this scene from 1971. Believe it or not that road has ditches but you would never know it. The graders managed to push a ve plow through and then wing it out with the side wing.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 19, 2013, 10:36:23 AM
We never see banks like that here any more, Ralph.  they used to wing them back pretty wide with the heavy plow trucks.  Now if we get those amounts of snow without a thaw, the big State owned blowers are brought in and the banks disappear.  Haven't even seen that in a few years though.  I always move most of my snow to the east or South side of the plowed area to help prevent fast fill back from the wind.  I do notice that a lot of commercial driveway plowers do not seem to think of that.  I suspect the faster it fills back in, the sooner they get paid to clear it again.  Too often money is the motivator.  

Great news about the truck, Gene.  Glad to hear it is working well.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 25, 2013, 07:20:15 PM
Have had 3 nice spring days. Frosty mornings and light fewwze. Warm up to 52 today with bright sunshine and no winds. Ground is starting to dry out some, but still plenty moisture on the crop ground. Been getting 3 or 4 hours in the woods cutting firewood. Finished a big red oak yesterday that will likely yield a good 3 gords of prime firewood. Been able to get close to the work area with the golf cart with the new bar tread tires. Have an area too wet to get through so have to carry the saws the last couple hundred feet to get to the work area. I spent about 5 hours splitting wood today. Finished the big pile at the edge of the woods without working in mud. Sure can feel it in my back tonight. I probably have at least 10 cords cut and spiit right now and another 4 cords ready to split. I plan to keep warm next winter, plus have some to sell.  Not an easy way to make money.. Don't know how much more I will cut, but still have a lot of down trees I can cut. Been feeling pretty good and nice being in the fresh air.

Have rain and snow forecast for most of this week, but looks like most of it will go north of us in central Ohio. Sure have enjoyed the weather the last 3 days. Was actually able to leave the Carhartts in the house today and work with only a heavy sweatshirt. Looks like Charlie will get some of the snow we will miss. Hope Ralph can finally see some light at the end of the tunnel.

Been seeing a lot of squirrels in the woods and they are driving Bandy nuts trying to get them. Yesterday I cut down a 24 inch ash snag about 35 feet high. When It hit the ground, a squirrel made a quick exit to another tree nearby.

Hope you all can finally get some relief from the weather.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 26, 2013, 10:05:55 AM
Thats some big timber you are cutting Gene. Our squirrels have to make do with smaller trees.
Nice sunny days lately with a little melting on the roofs but no effect on the ground cover. A few days of hard blowing S.E. wind with temps about 0F put some rock hard snow on my driveway. Surprised that the snow blower would even cut it but I did get it cleared over the weekend. Ready for the next one.
Heres a picture of my tracks on top of the driveway drifts before I got it open. That barb wire fence is my only guide line on these dull cloudy days like today though.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 27, 2013, 11:56:03 AM
Ralph;

These big trees are pretty common here. Lots of oaks, Hickoty amd maples with bases of over 24 inches and growing to 165 to 180 feet tall. Many trees over 200 years old. Would be a lot of good timber, but the owner doesn't want to have it logged out. Mainly doesn't want the woods torn up. Many of these trees are breaking off more than 30 feet high so leaves a lot of tall snags. We will eventually cut them for firewood. The summer wind storms were very hard on them last June. I will try to get some pictures of them when I can get back to the woods.

Had cold rain most of Monday and today light rain with a little snow mixed in. May turn to mostly snow and freezing rain by tonight. Have some ponding in the low areas of the fields. Still some frost in the ground to prevent soaking in. Don't think it is enough to kill the wheat yet. It is still dormant, so will not be hurt too bad.

I can imagine how the snow is being packed by the winds. Turning into glaciers like the arctic. Hope it warms up and melts slow and no flooding. Going to make some soggy fields when it melts. How much total snow have you had? We have only had 1 snow that I had to clear out. Hasn't been a bad weather at all.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 01, 2013, 09:25:48 AM
That is some really tall lumber, Gene.  We have the same tree families here, but I am not sure they get as tall as your area.  I am not real informed on the subject but 60 to 90 feet seems stuck in my mind as average.  They have to have a monster root structure under ground to keep them standing.  Following our massive ice storm of 1991. I removed two old Box Elder trees (30-36 inch trunk diameter) that grew about 25 feet from the house.  About all that did not go down during the storm was the main trunks.  Fast forward about ten years and I laid patio blocks over both areas where those trees were.  Three or four tears later, the blocks right where the trees stood settled to about three inches lower than the grade of the rest.  I took up those blocks and excavated an area at least three feet round by three feet deep.   I cut out any remaining tree roots, refilled and reset the blocks.  To make a long story short, in another three years I had to do the same thing again.  Now, yet a third time the same spots have dropped and are low spots.  I have concluded they will keep sinking for probably 25 years or more from root decay below grade.  Again, the root system must be massive under a 50 or 100 year old tree.

Our weather this week is mostly dull and dreary.  A mix of light rain and snow off and on with temp. mostly above freezing but still in the 30's.  Some breeze mostly from the SE to E to NE.  Not overly pleasant,  but we have all seen a lot worse.  

It has been a turmoil in NY State for a month since the overly liberal governor presented to the legislature  a very restrictive and unconstitutional "gun control law".  Yesterday more than 5,000 (some reports say 5,000, others 10,000) descended upon Albany in protest of this law.  In order to not have much resistance to passing the law, it was introduced as an emergency measure.  That made it exempt from any review and discussion period in the State Legislature.  It was voted on and signed less than 24 hours after it's introduction.  To date, more than half of the counties in the state have passed resolutions in disapproval of this legislation. With Liberals having a majority in the legislature, it is unlikely the law will be turned over there.  The big hope is that the courts will throw the entire thing out on it lack of constitutionality.  

Until better days,

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 01, 2013, 10:10:07 PM
March came in like the proverbial lamb in the old saying today. There was actually a bit of melting off the roofs today as the temp hit 31 and the sun almost shone this afternoon. I was kept busy on the Cockshutt 40 again blowing snow away from the grain bins, digging out an old grain auger and a hopper wagon getting ready to put some oats through the hammer mill for cattle feed. Started late, various holdups like a stubborn starting auger engine, etc. so I only got the wagon loaded ready for tomorrow. More snow predicted for Sunday so its not over yet..
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 04, 2013, 10:16:13 PM
Got the oats through the hammer mill on a beautiful day. I think you already have seen the video of it on youtube. I took this still shot of what I think might be a "mackerel sky". Weather changed abruptly in less than 24 hours after that.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 05, 2013, 12:49:47 PM
That would be called the same sky here. Always a sign of worsening weather. Our weather yesterday was a delightful day for late winter. By evening the smoke from the chimney was coming down to the ground, a sure sign of changing weather. Woke up this morning to 3 inches of wet snow. Soon after daylight it had started melting and by 11:00am it had changed to rain and 38 degrees and now at 12:30pm it is cooled off to 32 degrees. Roads and driveways are clear from melting. More snow is predicted for tonight.

The trees you noticed in my pictures are what Ohio was before the land was settled. Estimated at 70 percent was forest land. Lots of hard work by the homesteaders clearing the trees for farmland. Estimated at 30 percent forested now. Generally the woodlands are low, wet land or land too hilly to farm. Still some of the land being cleared with improvements in drainage. The early homesteaders had plenty building materials for their barns and houses and still a few of the old rail fences. Rock piles are common on a lot of the farmsteads too. Still have a couple early cemeterys with rail fences.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 06, 2013, 10:14:25 AM
Gene, with high land prices like you have there I can see why most of the land was cleared for cropping. We have seen a lot of clearing in here starting in the 1950s. This used to be called the parklands since every low spot was a slough surrounded by a ring of aspen poplar trees. The prairie was frequently burnt off in the years prior to agricultural settlement. The natives followed the bison and had no buildings to burn. Plus the fires encouraged new grass growth. Consequently there were not enough big trees here to build a log cabin when my grand parents arrived in 03.
With our recent jump in farm land prices I think we will see even the last surviving bushes cleared out as everybody wants to get the maximum dollar out of their high priced land. I'll hang onto ours as long as I can since I like the trees.
You can see some of them at my grandfather's farm at this location on google earth if the link will work.
51°03'31.99" N 103°50'02.22" W
A friend flew over taking some aerial photos last year and he said that treed land stood out like a green oasis as they were approaching it. Plenty of hiding places for the moose.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 06, 2013, 08:16:07 PM
Ralph

I checked your grandfather's area and can see all the slouths there. Good evidence of the weight of the last glaciers. I also looked at a couple areas, one to the northwest with a lot of lakes and many trees, also an area southeast of there with a couple big lakes. Was wondering if these areas are agriculture or they like our national forests or wetlands?. The one near Rt 310 looks like it could be farmed between the slouths, but would be some small and odd shaped fields.. I have taken some aerial pictures of some of the wooded areas here in Logan County and Hardin County to our northeast. Will look them up and see if I can send them to you. Not many slouths around here, but are a few. The area around Bowling Green, north of us was originally called the Balck Swamp and was mostly ignored by the early settlers. Many drainage canals were dug and then ground was tiled. This land is now the richest vegetable growing area in the state. Sciota Marsh in northern Hardin County was the same. Very wet muck land. It was also drained by canals and tiling. Was a rich soil till the muck oxidized and blew away. Now they are farming clay soil 3 feet below the original muck.

I really need to take time and learn how to post photos to the forum.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 07, 2013, 05:48:53 PM
Gene, its mostly all cultivated farm land around here.  We just farm around the water holes and bushes here. Probably a different type of terrain than your level land. The lakes you saw to the south of me are the Qu'appelle lakes. A pretty popular spot in summer. Good ice fishing all winter too.
Here is an aerial view of my yard in spring of 2011, wettest spring ever. A lot  of acres did not get seeded that year. We might be looking at the same situation this spring as I hear we are near record snow levels and about to break the 1955 record.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 07, 2013, 06:17:29 PM
Ralph;
I remember your posts from 2011. Videos of working around the slouths and the stuck and troubled machinery. I sure hope you get an early spring and the water dries up.

We had 8 inches of very wet snow Tuesday night and warm afternoons that has helped melt the snow. Also the ground is unfrozen, so areas under the snow is pretty wet and slimy. Haven't checked the frost depth, but is probably mostly all gone except where the ground was bare during the last hard freeze. Amish are getting anxious to get oats in and this snow will delay that for a couple of weeks.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 08, 2013, 09:11:07 AM
Being about 200 miles to the south has it's advantages, Gene.  I think it will be unlikely to see Oats being seeded here before about mid May.  If someone has high and dry land, as some do, and weather conditions allow earlier fitting of ground, an early crop is risky in my opinion.  Too often we will have a couple of weeks of cold wet rain in May or even early June, so the seed could drown out and never germinate.  We sure saw that type year last year with very warm, dry early April weather, then very cold and wet through part of May and into June.  Some corn planted at just the wrong time laid in the ground for quite a period.  When it finally did germinate, the crop was sparse.

The weather front which gave the mid West all the snow went well south of us, then up the East coast.  It stayed east of I 81, so at least 60 to 70 miles to our East.  I for one did not miss it at all.  I guess we will finally warm up a little with the promise of 55 F. on Sunday.  Even last evening a cloud front was forming North of Buffalo over Lake Ontario.  The effect was on a SW pattern from there.  Here, we were on the trailing edge so the clouds dumped little white ice / snow balls for about 1/2 hour.  Just barely enough to cover over Concrete blocks, but it still keeps trying.  We did have a little more after this picture.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]661[/ATTACH]

I watched a video on utube last night showing D-8 Cats owned by a company that hires out to rescue other heavy equipment which is stuck in variouos situations.  I think they were located in British Columbia.  Seeing excavators and such deep into quarry mud, Etc., brought to mind Ralph's 2011 Summer.


Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 08, 2013, 10:16:24 AM
Field work seems far away just looking out the window right now. I don't know if I should hope for a quick thaw or what. A fast thaw means the water runs off the land and accumulates in the low spots or runs  down the small creeks. That happened in 2011 spring . My small machinery getting stuck is not too bad to get out but I hate to think of getting some of the 50+ foot drills stuck and then hooking on with two four wheel drives to drag it out. Things tend to bend and break.  The guys in this video were lucky to get out in one piece. Impressive video quality.
[video=youtube;G3jvWR06NR0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3jvWR06NR0&list=LLZfh8ayAyV1d-LZm7wpneMA[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 08, 2013, 12:55:54 PM
Ralph,

I could move just like the guys in that video when I was young, but not any more.  :rolleyes::):cool:

I noticed in the video that the thing really holding the planter in the gumbo was the packed up mud in the two sets of front duals.  When I first bought my 560, the wheels were mounted to give a narrow set (narrow front end tractor) with only two or three inches in between at the bottom of the front tires.  They would pack with mud, snow, or anything else that got in the way.  Once packed, they could not turn due to hitting the center steering post.  Oh darn.  Stuck again.  Once I figured out what was going on, I pulled each wheel and turned it around to get a wider set as the dish in them favored one direction.  It doesn't look as "cool" this way but has not been stuck since.  I think if the duals on that planter were spaced out to give at least a foot between the tires it would have pulled out much easier if it even got stuck in the first place.  Notice that the planter did not really start to move until the two sets of dual tires started to roll.  A familiar scene to me from my experience.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 08, 2013, 05:31:06 PM
That  makes sense too Charlie but I think the bottom line is it was just too wet to be out there with an air drill. It looks to me like they tried to pull it backwards first and sunk deeper. What amazes me is that there is no water in sight anywhere and the land looks fairly level. You wouldn't know where it is safe to drive there. At least here we can avoid the low spots where the water is and usually get by (not always).
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 09, 2013, 08:29:42 AM
I sure can not dispute the fact that it was to wet to be on the field in the first place, Ralph.  Looks like those fellas found out the hard way.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 13, 2013, 06:52:32 PM
Wow Ralph, looks like you have a spring day today. At 34 degrees, you are 10 degrees warmer than we are in Ohio. Bet you left your mittens in the house today!!!;). We have had strong winds and snow flurries all day, but no accomulation. Wind gusts to 37 MPH.

Got a new pump for my pressure washer today and got it mounted. Waiting for a warm day to clean up a couple tractors to get them ready for spring work. Ordered the pump on ebay on Friday and got it today, so thought that was good service.

Hope the weather holds for you in Sask.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 15, 2013, 10:39:36 AM
As we approach the first official day of spring (according to the calendar) I can barely see a quarter mile in snow and blowing snow. Temp down near 0 with quite a wind chill factor. No doubt I am facing another blown in driveway with no hope of driving out after this settles down. It looked good a couple of days ago when I shot this video.
[video=youtube;6C9YrPALWgg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6C9YrPALWgg&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 15, 2013, 06:50:48 PM
Nice thing about the snow cover is it covers the pot holes and makes for a smooth, soft ride.

Got to almost 50 here in Ohio today. Been wanting to get the 700 cleaned up. Pressure washer went on the blink last fall when I was half done cleaning the combine. Finally went on ebay and bought a new pump for it. Got the pump and got it mounted on Wednesday. Got the 700 hood, radiator and front sheet metal off it this morning and got it out of the barn and washed it this afternoon. Need to fix a power steering leak, a leaking fuel tank and open the transmission to see why it jumps out of high range. Also need to repair the leveling crank on the Eagle hitch that has stripped the threads. Guess I will be busy the next few days.

Forecast is for falling temps and rain changing to freezing rain, sleet and then snow by tomorrow morning. Will be a good day to be working in the shop. Been hearing a few mourning doves early each morning so spring is getting near. Turkey buzzards have been back for at least 2 weeks and they usually don't return till the third week in March. Guess they heard there was an over abundance of road kill deer. Even seeing a couple blue jays migrating north. They only make a rest stop here and don't stay long.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 16, 2013, 10:26:25 AM
Gene, we have had Blue Jays stay here all winter sometimes. First spring bird is usually the common crow about the middle of May but none yet. We are having a brief respite of sunshine between yesterday's blizzard and the next one coming tonight. Guess I won't bother moving any snow as it will just have to be done all over again tomorrow or Monday.
This picture from yesterday shows how deep the snowbank is on the East side of my yard.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 19, 2013, 08:44:29 AM
Hey guys, I have been slacking here.  Sorry about that.  Haven't had much to say.  I guess Spring is trying to make a showing now.  We are at 34 degrees with a spatter on rain now and then.  Far better than the 11 degrees twenty four hours earlier.  Weather people predicted 1" to 3" yesterday PM and overnight.  It turned out to be about 1/2 inch.  No freezing rain or ice pellets yet.  Winter is really making a good try at hanging on.

Not a whole lot else note worthy happening here.  Just pretty much the same routine from day to day.  We sure are ready for real spring to get here.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 21, 2013, 11:18:09 AM
Hanging on pretty good here too Charlie. Gene is probably looking at our weather and wondering why anybody continues to live and try to farm here. I think some of us are too. Wind chill factors today with high southeasters blowing snow into drifts. Highways really bad in some areas and closed in others. Wish I had an hour meter on the old 40 to count how many hours I have spent opening driveway and yard this winter. The last time (was it Monday?) was the worst. Deep snow for almost the entire half mile. Lucky it was fairly light so the old cockshutt powered right through but needed several trips . Then out with the big Case and blade to scrape and widen it for the grain semi I had booked to pick up flax yesterday. Just lucky he got in during the morning before the wind got up and was able to finish the job. Since then it has been just wind and drifting snow slowly filling in my driveway. We do get the odd nice day as this photo from Monday shows.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 21, 2013, 12:34:24 PM
Ralph;

I just wonder how many times you have blown the same snow, only to have the wind blow it right back? Have had a fairly windy week here since Monday. Hauled some metal for Amish on Tuesday. Had to make 4 stops to deliver it all. Drove about 90 miles by the time we got it done. The last stop we had to back around behind the barn to get out of the wind. Had to unload it all by hand. I guarded the upwind side to keep the wind from catching it while Jonas and Amos unloaded it. Made a trip yesterday to northern Indiana with truck and trailer to pick up 7 tons of feed for Amish who live near Belle Center. About a 300 mile round trip. The Dodge pulled the load just fine. Scaled frght at 26,ooo gross. Truck never slowed down on any of the hills. Pretty nice trip over all. Had to make 4 stops to get it all delivered. Left here at 7:45am and got home at 5:30pm. Wind was at my back coming most of the way home, so that helped. Amish over there all have skid loaders so made unloading quick and easy.

Woke up this morning with 1/2 inch of unexpected snow and 16 degrees. Decided to go back to the woods and get some of the oak I have cut. Ground still soft in the woods. Got through the wet spot alright going in. Decided to finish clearing a path around the wet spot and that worked alright. Mostly a few saplings and down limbs to remove. Got about half a load and decided that was enough. Brought it to the house and split it, so have some good oak for my night fires.

Probably work some more on the 700 this afternoon. Been hoping for a warm day so I can power wash some of the parts before I put it back together. Looks like cold weather for the next week. Got most of the major repairs done. Still need to repair the stripped lift arm adjustable link threads.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 23, 2013, 04:15:56 PM
We finally got a few looks at sunshine today, but with the cold N NW wind it did not have much warming effect.  It did melt away part of the 2 inches of snow that has fallen in the last two days.  At least temperature stayed in the high 20's last night, rather than 11 or 15 as it has been.  On the good side, we escaped the heavy snows of two feet to five feet that some folks saw of the SE and E end of Lake Ontario.  Usually it seems that by this far along in the year water and air temperature have balanced enough to prevent most of the "lake effect snow", but not so this year.

I read that Gene is still busier than a cat covering dirt on a tin roof and enjoying the Dodge.  It sure sounds like a good working truck.  If Ralph does not get some better weather soon, I think the polar ice caps may reach his farm.  That may not blow very well with the Cockshutt.  I have not heard a lot of comment from the wackos about global warming lately.  Probably afraid they will get mobbed if they say too much.  With only eight days until April first, The weather will have to mellow soon.  I for one will be waiting.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 23, 2013, 04:27:35 PM
P.S.  If this link works, this is what Ralph was up to almost a year ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WgUbrz5Zjc8

Edit:  I tried it and it worked fine.  Get lucky every now and then.:o
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 24, 2013, 12:06:56 PM
Yep, a big difference from last year. Ralph had bare ground and we had warm dry weather. I was working bean ground at this time and planted some soybeans on March 28 and they did fine. We are cold today after 2 sunny days and 46 degrees. I actually worked in the shop with the door open and did some parts cleaning outside for the 700. Got it all back together. Just have to repair the 2 point adjusting link. Got a piece of 3/4 all thread I will weld on to replace the stripped threaded rod. Picked that up at TSC this morning. Also have a front tire I will replace.

Have a winter storm warning here with snow predicted to total 6 to 10 inches. Radar shows it should be snowing now at 12:00 but nothing yet. Temps for the next 10 says forecast to be a few degrees of freezing day and night. Forecast to be 10 to 15 degrees below normal. Won't be planting any soybeans this week. Got a trailer load of firewood in the barn out of the snow. Got a stack in the house in case it gets too nasty to get to the barn.

Buckeyes playing basketball this afternoon. May be a good time to stay in and watch the game and then the Nascar race.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 24, 2013, 11:02:14 PM
Started snowing here in Ohio about 9:30 tonight. Real fine fluffy snow and about 1 inch so far. Radar looks like most of it will go west and north of us. Bandy just came in after about 15 minutes outside and covered with snow. I keep a short handle broom by the back door and sweep the snow off him. He likes that, thinks he is being petted I think.

Have a good night.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 24, 2013, 11:22:51 PM
Charlie, the youtube link worked well but what a difference a year makes. I spent 5 hours moving snow today and did not shoot any video since I think I have enough recorded already. Wind blew so hard on Wednesday that it put some major hard drifts on the driveway. Solid ice underneath so traction was a problem. Used the blade to scrape down and ridge the snow in the centre and then cleaned up with the blower. I think this winter equals about two winters worth of snow removal so far. Trans Canada highway was even shut down on Thursday for a while.  
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/story/2013/03/21/sk-highways-hit-by-stormy-weather-1303.html (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/story/2013/03/21/sk-highways-hit-by-stormy-weather-1303.html)
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 25, 2013, 12:21:36 PM
I feel fortunate here in Ohio. We had about 8 inches of heavy wet snow Sunday night. Some wind and drifting. but not bad as the wet snow pretty well stays put. Been shoveling all morning to get the sidewalk cleared and paths to the shop and barn. Cleared out around the house and shoveled paths so Bandy can get to his latrine and his favorite watchdog spots. Walked down and shoveled around the mailbox and a clear approach approach path. wanted to get cleared back far enough that the snowplow didn't destroy my new mailbox by throwing the heavy snow at 45 MPH. Just got back to the house when the plow went by. Good timing. Not going to plow out the drive. I can get through alright and the soft ground under the snow would just plow out too much gravel. Did my grocery shopping Sunday, so don't have any place I have to go. Can get to the barn for firewood now so just hibernate.

Sounds like the Canada highway crew have got their work cut out for them. Gotta be bad if they can't keep up. Our county highway crew here does a good job keeping the roads open with normal snowfalls. Helps being located on the same road as the highway garage since they have to come by my house to get to any road in the western part of the county.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 26, 2013, 08:30:30 PM
Ralph, I hope you are catching up with your snow by now.  If you do not get a break soon, you will probably need a Chiropractor to rebuild your neck and shoulders.

Yahoo!  We missed the snow that Gene got Sunday night and beyond.  What was left of it went pretty well south of here.  Not only that, but we broke 40 yesterday for the first time in two weeks.  Today was even better with a lot of sunshine and into the high 40's.  The spoiler was the constant wind at I would guess about 15 MPH.  When I stepped out the door, 47 felt a lot more like 37.  Even so, it begins to look like we are inching toward some better weather.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 27, 2013, 09:55:28 PM
Well we are getting a break from the snow. The snow has not moved since last Thursday so the roads stay open. I've had a semi load of fertilizer hauled into the yard and two loads of oats hauled out so made good use of the driveway while it was open. And a good job to get done before the roads soften up from spring thaw. Still well below normal temps  with only a little melting on the gravel roads.
My neck and back are pretty much back to normal. Here is a photo of a front mount blower owned by a friend of mine. He took this shot in his yard last week while using his 3020 to do some yard clearing. That must be nearly a five foot pile of snow.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 28, 2013, 07:31:34 PM
Ralph;

Hope you are finally getting a little break from the snow.

Hope you don't think I am bragging, but we had another sunny 46 degree dat here in Ohio. The snow has melted, except in the piles and drifts. The areas I shoveled off on Monday are getting fairly in the lawn. Actually starting to get green in spots and some spring flowers are peeping through. Forecast is for sunny and in the 50's the next 2 days.  I have been stuck in the house all day doing my income tax. Got the federal done and in the mailbox. Get a whole $53.00 refund.  Plan to do the state tomorrow.

Don't know if toy saw the YT post on the Case forum that I bought a Case 970 with loader. Kinda rough looking but seems to be pretty sound mechanically. Even has a full tank of diesel fuel. I thought it was cheap at $4000.00. Think I have the loader sold, so brings the price down a lot. Planning to pick the tractor up on Saturday.

http://columbus.craigslist.org/grd/3607992967.html

The link is to the Craigslist listing of the tractor. May have to copy and paste.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 28, 2013, 10:04:54 PM
Hi Gene
I am patiently waiting for spring but so far not much change in the snowbanks with 20 degree highs. I missed the post on YT where you bought a 970. It is unusual to see one without a cab here. I couldn't tell from the picture, is it a white or yellow one? My brother has my uncle's yellow 970. Its not a bad old tractor and we use it on the grain vac when hauling from his yard. I might have already posted the link to this video I shot of it working last April. Sure was smoking, must have had too much air on the vac or something.
Brakes were a problem sometimes. Dry disk brakes and sure as anything somebody will drive away with the park brake on and burn up the disks.
[video=youtube;4m9DZ6RKGPc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m9DZ6RKGPc[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 29, 2013, 01:40:50 PM
Ralph;

That appears to be a standard tread tractor? Non adjustable front and rear axles? The standards had a shorter wheelbase than the row crop adjustable tractors making them harder on brakes when turning. Old neighbor had a 930 western and he was always complaining about the brakes. Front axle mounted under the radiator so gave less leverage to turn.

A guy from Missouri has an early model 970 with a bad transmission, broke a shaft and went through the bottom of the housing. It has all the sheet metal I need for mine. He wants my loader and hope to make some kind of trade. May just haul the loader out there and take my toolbox and strip it down. He wants to keep the engine, front axle. seat, cab and rear wheels. Don't really want the carcass here, but be nice to have all the parts I need.

Temp is 53 degrees with sunshine and a light wind blowing. Good day to help with drying. Changing oil in the truck.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 01, 2013, 04:56:10 PM
Gene, yes standard treads are about the only type of tractors we see here although I did once see a 930 with the long wheelbase , adjustable front axle and small fenders.
We are still struggling to get out of the high 20s by day so there is a little melting in the sun but nothing in the shade . I have spent a few hours pushing some of the snowbanks out of the yard so that when it does start to melt the water will not turn the driving areas into a muddy mess. Supposed to warm up next week they are saying now. Took this pic yesterday.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 05, 2013, 08:55:18 AM
The 53 degree day that Gene had last week finally got here yesterday.  Bright sun most of the day.  It has been a long time coming.  Not scheduled to get as warm today.  We have partly sunny and expect 46 by mid day.  Then the never ending NW wind will gain strength and chill us to 25 by night time.

The weekend was not bad.  Saturday was better than Sunday.  Nice days to get out and do a few small chores.  It was a surprise to find enough dry, solid ground to drive the old Cushman to the water hole with a load of picked up branches from the yard.  By picking my route, it never even left a wet footprint in the grass.  We have had some rain and some snow since then, but with the almost constant wind and some sunshine tossed in, the soil drying should be progressing well.

Hope you men are doing well.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 05, 2013, 10:50:52 AM
Charlie, you are doing better than me. Our temp can't seem to get up to the thawing mark most days. Snow melts a little in the sun and freezes in the shade. This morning we wake to the depressing sight of snow falling and half mile visibility. And of course still freezing in the 20s. I took this picture earlier this week when two deer wandered into the yard to sample the grass I had uncovered with the tractor and blade. For all the talk I hear of deep snow starving deer, these two looked quite normal and healthy.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 05, 2013, 02:47:23 PM
We are still faring pretty well in Ohio. About 55 right now. Had a couple days that approached 60 degrees with sunshine with mild wind. Seems spring may come. Amish are trying to plane oats. They just pull a heavy drag over the plowed ground to knock down the tops and then plant. Guess that is why their fields are so rough. Have seen a couple tractors with fertilizer spreaders go by. Probably top dressing wheat. Forecast for mid 60's for the weekend and then rain for most of next week.

Been working on the 970. Boy, what a neglected tractor. Floorboard completely rusted out and rust everywhere. Got the loader off on Wednesday. It had some rusty bolts, but basically looks alright. Pulled the air filter out yestarday. Was twice as heave as I thought it should be. Had a date of 1987 on it. The wing screw was rusted and had to give it 2 shots of PB Blaster to finally get it loose with vise grips. Some former person was real helpful and had the clamp turned outward where it couldn't be reached without removing the hood. Next time it will be accessable through the panel on top like it is supposed to be. Looking forward to getting the donor tractor so I can get serious about repairing it.

Our deer here are looking very healthy. Been a lot hit on the roads. Too many of the critters since last years hunt was so light.

Gonna take a walk through the field to see if it is dry enough to get a tractor and spreader on the wheat.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 07, 2013, 06:58:44 PM
Yikkes!!!!  With a strong wind and some mixed Sun giving a "blast furnace" effect, we hit 72 today with no snow or rain.  Things might be looking up.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 07, 2013, 09:53:35 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;2027
Yikkes!!!!  With a strong wind and some mixed Sun giving a "blast furnace" effect, we hit 72 today with no snow or rain.  Things might be looking up.

Charlie V.

Good for you Charlie because things are looking down here. Sitting beside the gas heater to stay warm. Windy from the Northeast and still snowing as it has all day. My driveway was already blown in from the southeast after Fridays storm. Didn't bother to open it and now it is most likely filled in from the Northeast. Its two steps forward and three steps back here in Sask.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 07, 2013, 11:05:34 PM
Quote from: RG8800;2028
Good for you Charlie because things are looking down here. Sitting beside the gas heater to stay warm. Windy from the Northeast and still snowing as it has all day. My driveway was already blown in from the southeast after Fridays storm. Didn't bother to open it and now it is most likely filled in from the Northeast. Its two steps forward and three steps back here in Sask.

Hope it will change soon up your way, Ralph.  That darn NE N NW wind blowing out of Canada and across cold Lake Ontario has been our downfall until now.  It finally went SW last night and today up to 45 MPH.  Major change for the better.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 10, 2013, 10:35:55 AM
Quote from: Charlie V;2029
Hope it will change soon up your way, Ralph.  That darn NE N NW wind blowing out of Canada and across cold Lake Ontario has been our downfall until now.  It finally went SW last night and today up to 45 MPH.  Major change for the better.

Charlie
No doubt you have all seen the latest snow blowing pictures I posted at image shack and on the old atis forum so I won't repeat them here. Yes, our weather changed. We have now broken some old low temperature records. Down to just below zero the past two nights. Mixed precip coming tonight, tomorrow, again on the weekend, etc. same old.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 11, 2013, 07:04:46 PM
Wet and soggy here in Ohio. Have had at least 4 inches of rain since Wednesday afternoon. Saturday through Wednesday afternoon was ideal spring weather. Tuesday and Wednesday we reached low 80's with winds making it hard to keep my hat on.  I plowed my front hayfield on Saturday and disced it once on Sunday. Was a little too wet, but turned nicely. Monday and Tuesday I did a custom plowing job for my Amish friend. Plowed about 15 acres that had been in sod for 20 years so plowed pretty hard. Finished that on Tuesday evening. Wednesday morning had a light shower, so didn't get on to my ground till mid afternoon. Got rained out about 3:30. Tractor is still sitting in the field surrounded by water. Have to wait till it dries to get it to the house. Looks like the whole eastern half of the northern  U.S. is getting rain. We were a little dry, but I was hoping it would hold off for a while till I got the oats and alfalfa seeded. Have standing water and a stream running through the field now.

Been running the 970 on the disc. Engine runs good and has a lot of power, but only pulling a 13 foot disc. Power shift seems to be a little weak in PS 1 and P S3. Will have to check that out. Hope it isn't worn clutches. Was a little low on transmission oil, so went to CIH dealer yesterday afternoon and got 5 gallons of Hy Trans oil. Hope that helps.

See Ralph reached 32 degrees today, but still snowing and drifting. Sure hope it lets up soon. Charlie seems to be getting some of the rain we got Wednesday night. We have had a light drizzle all day and not much change till Saturday.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 18, 2013, 09:21:37 AM
Almost ready to fall off the front page here.    We hit the jackpot here the other day (Monday) with a high of 73 F, warm, bright sunshine, and only a very light breeze.  It doesn't get much better than that. Some really heavy rain on Tuesday coming out of Canandaigua, but not so much here, although we did get wet. Just below freezing yesterday morning, then up to a high in the 50's.  Today we started started in the 40's, but looking to go into the 70's with some south wind.  I'll tell you what.  The grass is about as green as grass can get and starting to grow.  I really need to steal the battery back from the Farmall M and put it in the John Deere 316 so I can fill the roller with water and pull it around for a day or two.  That makes the trips on the zero turn just slightly smoother for the rest of the summer.  It would be great to have a wider, heavier roller to work with. but for only once a year use it is not too sensible to lay out a pile of cash.  

The Case sounds pretty good, Gene.  Thanks for keeping us posted on your progress.  In spite of the undesirable weather Ralph has been getting, I am guessing it won't be long now before he is riding along in the tractor cab.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 18, 2013, 10:17:39 PM
Grass mowing season officially opened here at Mockingbird Hill. Really rank and getting out of hand rapidly. Was a little too wet in spots and the grass was also wet, but knew it couldn't wait for another rain. Started the Gravely at 2:30 and finished at 7:30. The wet grass really built up in the mower deck and had to clean it out twice. Really packed it in. Worst part was the airstrip where the grass is fescue and really likes the cool wet spring weather. Plan to get the JD 240 out and hook to the roller tomorrow. It is a 4 foot roller and I have it permanently filled with sand and used oil. Figure about 1000 pounds total, so does a decent job knocking down the bumps. Have a bracket bolted to the back of the JD and mount a Case slab weight on it to have enough traction to pull it. Also have a 25 pound steel plate on the front to help steer it.

Have had about 7 inches of rain the last 8 days. Still have a lot of water standing in the fields everywhere. The 970 is still sitting in the field with the disc still hooked to it. Only a few feet from getting it out of the field, but too muddy to get it out. It was 81 degrees here when I started mowing this afternoon. Strong wind made it hard to keep my hat on while mowing. Hopefully it will help dry the ground.

Had my semi-annual physical this morning. All lab work and all other signs look very good. Looks like I will be around for a few more years.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 19, 2013, 10:12:43 AM
Gene, good to hear that 970 has still got some life in it too. Charlie, I have spent some time in a tractor cab (pushing packed , melting snow off the driveway) and then trying to fill the ruts I made in the mud to get there. Its slow progress with daytime highs of maybe 34 degrees if we are lucky. Fields are still 90% white with snow and you could drive a snowmobile anywhere.
Spent yesterday at a farm auction, watched a nice 730 Case (gas) sell, took some pictures and video, came home with windburn and headache.
We are getting further behind with each passing day.
You have likely seen the video at my youtube channel but here is a still photo I took at the sale from on top of a combine.Notice the white fields in the background.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 24, 2013, 02:04:37 PM
Its official. We have had the coldest March and April in over a hundred years. STruggling to reach the freezing mark today. I am wearing as many winter clothes as I do in January and still got cold trying to work out in the shed. Not even worth thinking about field work. Most machinery is still buried deep in snow or inaccessible. I have never seen such a cold late spring .
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 24, 2013, 04:14:04 PM
Ralph;

Keep checking to see if you get above the freezing mark. Think you are having a perpetual winter. All the snow reflects the sunshine and won't let the air warm up. We are having a very wet mixed spring here. Have 3 or 4 warm dry days, then rains and turns cold again. Rain this morning is running off the saturated fields and flooding the local streams. Some street underpasses in Bellefontaine are flooded and water running in a river in my front field. Stayed dry enough till Tuesday afternoon that I was able to roll most of my lawn and the airstrip, but about 2 inches of rain this morning has changed all of that. Wish we could send some to our friend out west.

Did see some corn being planted yesterday in the Urbana and West Liberty area. They are much better drained than we are here with gravel subsoil.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 26, 2013, 10:01:33 AM
Not often that I say this, but the weather here is doing O.K..  Still a little cooler than it should be at this time of year, mostly due to wind of varying strength.  In balance, that same wind has taken away a lot of surface water from the ground so although not "summer dry", we are not totally under water either.  I started the M and ran it for a few minutes before robbing the battery back for the JD 316.  got that done, hooked to the old roller and filled it with water. Day before yesterday I hauled the roller around for an hour or so and covered about 1/2 of the yard.  A little cooler out yesterday but full sun and I was O.K. with a quilted flannel shirt on.  Knowing rain was in the forecast, I kept going until the yard was finished.  In some low areas I was actually running in surface water, but brought up no mud and did not spin tires, so I kept going.  Now all that remains is what I usually refer to as the back field.  It looks like it may be dry until tomorrow, so with a high of 68 promised, that may be a good time.  We did have a fair amount of rain during the overnight, but no puddles showing in the driveway today, so not a total soaker.

As I recall last year, it was too wet to roll for a while, then hot and too dry to do any good after that.  I guess that puts me ahead of that game this year.

I have not been out and around to see what is going on on area cropland, so no report.  I suspect some fitting of ground is going on in the higher areas.

CharlieV.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 26, 2013, 02:09:29 PM
Still too wet here in Ohio to do any field work. The rain Tuesday night flooded the fields again. Lawn needs mowed again, maybe Saturday afternoon. Have work day ay Portland tomorrow, so won't get much done here.

Project this week has been repairing the fenders on the 700. Gut in South Dakota makes repair panels for fenders for late SC's through early 830's, so got a pair of them and prepared the fenders and my brother, Gary, welded them up for me. Spent most of the week grinding and filling them. Got them painted today. They aren;t show quality, but will work great for a working tractor.

Wow, Ralph is at 41 degrees today. I imagine the snow is finally melting. Has to give him hope for some spring work.

Nice calm, sunny day here. It is about 56 degrees now with light breeze. Nice drying day, but still a bit cool to think about planting any corn in the area.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 27, 2013, 10:35:08 AM
Its true, we have had a couple of days of real spring like weather. Just a month late. I thought I had posted this pic from the 25th April here but guess it was somewhere else. I dug out a trail to my air seeder with the dozer blade. Surprisingly there is not a lot of water showing up from the melt yet and the snow is disappearing slowly. Rain predicted for Monday though. Not what we need.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 27, 2013, 07:51:40 PM
Stellar day here today.  Two days ago at least one forecaster called for 68 degrees, and that is what we had.  About 98 percent bright sunshine and almost no wind.  That is about as perfect as it can get. I finished the rolling and put the battery back into my Wifes Cub Cadet so she could do a little mowing.  Not a lot of grass to take off but it looks better with the taller spots evened down.  

I did not get to installing the new tire on the wheel for the golf cart, but not as young as I used to be.  Just happy to get something accomplished.  Tomorrow is another day.

Hope you men enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Charlie V
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 28, 2013, 06:13:47 PM
Yesterday was a beautiful day here in Ohio and Indiana. Had our work day at Portland. Our gang  did a lot of tree trimming at the club grounds. I took my trailer to haul the brush to the city grounds. Hauled 3 loads and were done by noon. Temperature got to about 72 degrees with light winds and lots of sunshine. Was nice to get together with a lot of friends and catch up from the summer. I came home and mowed most of my grass. I had started on Friday night with the John Deere and just got a good start when it destroyed the mower drive belt, so spent the evening cleaning the mower deck and sharpening the blades. finished the mowing Saturday afternoon with the Gravely. Grass was really getting rank for the second mowing. Finished about 7:30.

This morning started with light rain and on and off showers all day. Been working on the Gravely getting it ready for the next mowing. Cleaned the deck, sharpened the blades and adjusted the belts. Just got it done and in the barn when the rain started heavy and got wet getting to the house.

Looks like Ralph is getting some warmer spring weather. Will sure help get rid of the snow. Hope the water is not a great problem. Gonna be a lot of long hourd when he can get in the field.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 30, 2013, 12:47:01 AM
Got a real range of extremes here as usual. Grass fires in SW Sask. , snow north of me and then fairly nice right here today. Got up into the fifties today but tomorrow the high is forecast to be the freezing point along with some nice new snow. So I got inspired to plant a row of early potatos today. Kind of a contrast with snowbanks in the background.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 30, 2013, 09:09:32 AM
Ralph, that potato planting brings a whole new meaning to the very old country song, "TAKE AN OLD COLD TATER AND WAIT".  Hope the soil warms enough to allow the little buggers to sprout.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBi_CyJe604

We are doing good here.  We are going for highs in the 70's the rest of the week with a couple of days at 77.   That warmth will surely finish bringing out the partially formed tree leaves.  Have had a few showers since Saturday night, but more off than on and pretty light.

The lawn is all rolled and completely mowed once so we may be good for a few days there.  The new tires ordered came last week, so one is mounted on the wheel and on the electric golf cart.  I do not expect to catch up with Gene, but little by little we make progress.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 30, 2013, 01:37:45 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;2043
Ralph, that potato planting brings a whole new meaning to the very old country song, "TAKE AN OLD COLD TATER AND WAIT".  Hope the soil warms enough to allow the little buggers to sprout.

Charlie

I remember my uncles talking about that song by little Jimmy Dickens. I might have been a little early planting those taters. Although they are well insulated from the cold by a snowbank this morning.  Today is absolutely miserable with snow and drifting and temp in the 20s. I've seen nicer days in January at 20 below zero . This is just crazy for April 30.
(http://imageshack.us/a/img32/7633/april30g.jpg)
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 02, 2013, 08:02:01 PM
82 degrees today, full sun, and low humidity.  This would be fine for the entire summer.  It is supposed to hold for several more days.  In my travels the last couple of days I see a lot of freshly worked ground and some planters in the fields.  It looks like we over the winter hump for this year.  I took the car and the SUV through the laser car wash for a good under body wash.  I do not expect to have to travel in any more road salt for a few months, so time to get rid of it.  Went and got a needle in my right eye this morning but it is not feeling too bad at this point.  Good for another ten weeks on that.  

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on May 05, 2013, 02:37:06 AM
What a difference a day (or two) makes. We are catching up to you Charlie. I saw 70 degrees here this afternoon. Sunshine and blue sky made for a beautiful day and we sure enjoyed it. Still too much mud and the odd snowdrift in the fields to do anything but we made good use of the day I think. Carpe Diem!
[video=youtube;Uno-NWC--xU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uno-NWC--xU&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 05, 2013, 07:07:27 PM
Wow, what a difference at Ralph's. Can't believe the snow melted off that much in the past week. Really nice to have a few genuine spring days.

Been nice here in Ohio also. Typically 70's for high temp and upper 50's at night. No rain the past week and ground is really drying up. I have about 8 acres to plant to soybeans and I have it ready to plant. Disced it and leveled with the Harrogator on Friday and on Saturday I ran the cultimulcher over it. Ned to get inoculant for the seed and plant them Monday. Tried working the hayfield down today, but still too wet to do a good job. Just have to wait on it. Been seeing a few farmers in the fields, but not a lot of activity yet.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on May 09, 2013, 10:25:51 PM
It certainly is amazing how we have changed in less than a week. Up to 80 degrees on Tuesday when I shot that trucking video. I posted a link to it on the old ATIS list but I don't know if it got through or not. Seems like most of my mail there goes missing. I actually did a little experimental tillage today working fireguards in stubble with the 2090 Case and old Cockshutt 249 cultivator. Those narrow shovels tore up the ground pretty well. Still the odd snowbank in the bushes though.
[video=youtube;9_QoiMznXeI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_QoiMznXeI[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 13, 2013, 09:43:44 AM
Interesting video of your ground ripping, Ralph.  Are the fire breaks so you can burn the straw, or is it just part of working the ground??  I am a little dumb about some of the ways of big farming, so have to ask questions to learn.
   
Summer is over in this neighborhood, and winter(almost) has returned.  A low somewhere in the 30's last night.  Only at 39 when I looked at am, after an hour of sunshine.  The weather people have a freeze warning posted for tonight.  I hope not.  things are doing too nicely.  Yesterday was in the low 50's with wind at 25 to 44 MPH, so not too pleasant out there.  More of the same today with a little less wind.  We have had some rain, but not huge amounts.  Without a gauge out, I would guess around an inch over three days, more off than on. The warm up should start again tomorrow.  You can send over some warm air sooner if you want, Gene.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 13, 2013, 10:21:44 PM
Charlie;

You will have to look to Ralph for warm weather. He is at 81 degrees right now, We are at 46 degrees, about the same as you. Just missed frost this morning by a couple degrees. Supposed to start warming up here tomorrow, so after we get done with it we will send some your way. Last Friday's rain put everything here on hold. Ground too wet still. Did see some fertilizer being put on today. Forecast for 70's rest of the week and daily chances of rain. Portland swap meet is this week, so can plan on rain for that. I plan to go on Wednesday and Friday. Have an appointment at dentist on Thursday to get fitted for my new teeth. Getting a partial plate to replace the 4 bottom teeth I have missing.

Made the trip to Missouri on Thurdsay and back home on Friday. Got the parts to fix up the big Case, I hope. Trip went well till the last couple hundred miles before I got home. The truck started blowing out oil from the breather tube and the alternator quit working. Got to within 45 miles of home and just got off the I-70 freeway when the truck wouldn't go any farther. Called my neighbor and he came to the rescue with a set of jumper cables and got enough charge in the battery to get home. Diesel fuel is getting into the crankcase and diluted the oil to the point it was forcing it out the breather tube. Guess I will have to give it some attention now.

Bet Ralph is working some of his high ground right now.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on May 14, 2013, 10:14:45 AM
Charlie, the fireguards are just insurance in case a neighbour's fire gets into my place. All south Sask. is under a fire risk advisory right now as conditions have dried up so much and with winds like today a fire would be almost unstoppable.
Yes, getting a few acres done with as usual , holdups and waiting. Changed anhydrous suppliers and the new guys are doing their best but just run off their feet and running out of anhydrous so I am limited to one tank a day . Got a good 300 acres done. It goes well when I can go but this waiting is hard to take. Still seed to haul and clean. Showers this morning and wet weekend coming up so I'm losing hope of getting a crop planted on time this year. I don't know what is going on with all the repeats and double sentences in this post but I can't seem to stop or edit it out.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]670[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 16, 2013, 11:19:00 PM
Thanks for the education on firebreaks, Ralph.  That was my concept of them, buy my mind always associated them with forests rather than fields.  I can see why thet are important in your situation.  Too bad about the anhydrous shortage holding you back.  Hope the weather holds for you to catch up.

Out temperature has been good the last three days.  low 80's one day.  On the other hand, the wind has been very strong and giving the now fully leafed trees a good workout.  It seems to be blowing 25-35 MPH every day.

No repeats or double sentences in your post on my monitor, so it may be a problem in your computer only.

Gene, glad you were able to find the parts needed for the case.  From here Missouri seems pretty far off.  Hard to think of you doing it in one day  i guess it comes down to location, location, location.  Hope the Dodge is easily fixable.  

Hey, it's past my bedtime.  I did not know it was that late.  Been doing some research.


Later,

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 17, 2013, 07:32:31 AM
Charlie;

Glad you are enjoying the warm weather we are sending your way.. We are having great weather here in Ohio. Afternoon temps in the 80's with plenty sunshine. Farmers working everywhere planting corn and soybeans, even making hay. Ground is in ideal condition for spring work. My soybeans are breaking through the ground nicely and sweet corn in the garden is up and nicely rowed. Got the alfalfa field seeded on Tuesday, so hope that grows good. Even put out 3 tomato plants yesterday, so will have tomatoes to go with the sweet corn this summer. Grass is growing pretty fast and hard to keep up with the mowing.

Attended the Portland swap meet on Wednesday and going back today. Only found a few things, but get to do a lot of visiting with good friends.

Dodge truck still not fixed. Haven't determined if it is an injector or the fuel pump. Either way it will be an expensine repair. Just need to find someone with the right scanner to pinpoint the problem.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on May 25, 2013, 12:08:07 AM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;2053
Charlie;

Glad you are enjoying the warm weather we are sending your way..

Dodge truck still not fixed. Haven't determined if it is an injector or the fuel pump. Either way it will be an expensine repair. Just need to find someone with the right scanner to pinpoint the problem.

Gene


I guess Gene is still fixing the Dodge and Charlie maybe planting soybeans in the garden. I have been in the tractor almost non stop the last two weeks it seems so not much time to check in here. I did take the time to set up the Gopro camera on the air seeder for a view of the machinery at work and was well satisfied with the results.
Planting going well . Driest conditions in a few years which is a nice change. Little rain this afternoon was just enough to shut me down. Only about 80 acres to go.
[video=youtube;6fs4-5_ckIk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fs4-5_ckIk&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 27, 2013, 09:18:20 PM
By now Ralph, you probably have the last 80 acres planted.  Your air seeder looks like a get 'er done piece of equipment.  From the shots from the top of the seed tank, it looks like the ground was pretty dry then.  
from the name air seeder, I am guessing the seeds are blown into the soil.  Some different from the old Ontario grain drill we used to use.  It had the whole row of handles across the ack to lift each hoe as needed when they became tangled with vegetation so the seed would not cover.  I spent a lot of time riding on it, leaning over the seed and fertilizer bins to monitor the hoes and push the handles.  If there was much dead grass in the field, it could keep one busy.  I think the original operation was for a man to walk behind to do that job and manage the lines for the horses pulling the drill.


Gene sent me some cold weather with rain for a few daus, then the guys in Canada sent strong, cold North wind for a few more days.  Today finally settled down and we made it back over 70 degrees.  I finished my mowing late morning after the grass dried, then changed oil and filter on the mower.

Well I had a lot more here, but it somehow got lost and I got logged out.  This is all the auto save save saved.

Charlie V..
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on May 27, 2013, 11:13:36 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;2055
By now Ralph, you probably have the last 80 acres planted.  Your air seeder looks like a get 'er done piece of equipment.  From the shots from the top of the seed tank, it looks like the ground was pretty dry then.  
from the name air seeder, I am guessing the seeds are blown into the soil.

Well I had a lot more here, but it somehow got lost and I got logged out.  This is all the auto save save saved.

Charlie V..

Hi Charlie. I know how annoying that is to lose all you have typed. Unfortunately I did not finish seeding due to rain. While rain does a lot of good to whats planted it will make the last field late. Plus I'm thinking I may have to re=plant one field due to my own mistakes. A lot of those green wild oats growing in that video did not die and the rain brought them back to life so they will choke out the crop.
Yes the air seeder is a huge improvement over drills. Dump all the seed and fertilizer in the tank and it is metered out by precision augers into an air stream where it is delivered through the lines to each of the 42 openers. Transport is a dream, just push the hydraulic lever to fold the wings. I used to break my back taking apart the heavy hitch of the 22 foot seed rites and hitching one behind the other to move to the next farm.
I'll post a picture of the most expensive seed I have ever planted. That bag of canola sitting on top of the air seeder is over $500 . My old half ton pickup hauled home over $7000 worth in one trip and had room for plenty more.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 27, 2013, 11:50:11 PM
OMG, Ralph.  Farming is really big business these days.  I hope the product of the crop has value in keeping with seed and fertilizer cost. I remember when I was a kid a bushel of Alfalfa seed cost $34.50 and if I remember correctly, it was only 34 pounds / bushel For the ground with the wild oats:  Would mowing the oats as low as possible now do the new seeded crop any good.  Naturally mowing would be time and money but probably far less than working ground and re seeding. Just the first thought that pooped into my head, but maybe not helpful.  ???

Charlie

Well I just looked it up and alfalfa is 60 lbs. per bushel.  Maybe Dad only bought 1/2 bushel, or maybe he did have 60 lbs.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 28, 2013, 12:12:31 PM
Planting and field work is winding down here in western Ohio. Most farmers have finished planting with a few of the big operators still working some of the spread out fields.

I planted some of that $3.92 a pound alfalfa a couple weeks ago. $293.00 to seed 3.5 acres. Just now getting a little rain to get it started. Had about 3 tenths last night. I watered the sweet corn yesterday to help give it a quick start. Soybeans coming along nicely. Rain softened the thin crust on the beans and still have more emerging.

Got the truck back together on Saturday night after replacing the injection pump and all new seals on the injectors. Didn't want to drive till I got it checked out this morning on a scanner at the local diesel shop, so looks like it is ready to go now.

Had a cool holiday weekend. Not too good for the folks at the lakes. Was dry Friday through Sundaywith scattered showers on Monday. Warming up for the rest of the week with highs in the 80's and chance of rain at week's end.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 29, 2013, 09:22:47 AM
No need to water the sweet corn here at the moment.  Two inches of rainfall yesterday and last night.  Yesterday I noticed a few fields of alfalfa hay cut and gone,  Another however was laying all nice and flat and was getting very wet.  It seems to me haying is getting going about two weeks ahead of time here,  Many acres of corn now showing in the fields in it's neat rows.  The tallest I have seen is four to five inches, but looking good. More storms expected for today.

Glad to hear the Dodge is back on it's feet, Gene.  I hope that will be the last time you will have to get your  hands dirty on it for a while. Diesels sure can be a messy deal when they need work.

Lots to do today, so I must pedal my tricycle out of here.  

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on June 01, 2013, 05:26:03 AM
Wow, first of June already!!!!

Been having nice dry weather for the last few days. Was getting a little dry till last night when a storm came through. Looks like a little over an inch in the gauge. Was very welcome on the crops. It did however come with some strong winds. The sweet corn is laying over at about 45 degree angle, but is oly about 5 inches high, so will straighten up and be fine. Wind broke off a maple tree in the lawn next to the apple trees. Was about 6 inches at base. Broke off and split about 5 feet from ground. Had wind gusts about 65 MPH.

Looks like planting is all finished. Lots of hay being made. Appears to be good growth. Worked on the haybine and sprayer for last 2 days, so they are ready to go now. Should have a 4 day window next week to make my hay. Mild days and warm nights have got the crops and lawns growing nicely.

Hope Ralph has finished the last 80 acres and Charlie has caught up on his chores.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on June 01, 2013, 08:48:03 AM
Thanks for the good wishes, Gene.  Actually, I have no hope of ever catching up on my chores, at least until after I go to the hospital and "get fixed" ( not in the same manner as one would do a tom cat).  We just finished two do little days here with temp. at 90 degrees +.  We may have broken the 91 degree record high yesterday, but I haven't checked the official report.  We showed 92.5 here in the shade at one point. --------------------Nope. No record. Just checked.  The official was 89.8 with 94% rel. Humidity.  We did some necessary travel, then laid low for the rest of the day.  I did see one field of corn that was knee high, at least on a midget.  The germination looked a little spotty, but it was not volunteer as it was all in rows.  Looks to be loose partly sandy soil in that area.

Only going to 85 today.  I hope to get out shortly and move some iron to mow where it sits.  It annoys me to see two foot grass growing up around things.  I guess I will take a can of raid along to deal with any hornets that have set up housekeeping.  That much activity will most likely finish me off for the day.

It is good to read the progress reports you two men post up here.  Lots of hay going down in this area right now.  I hope the thunderstorms hold off so the farmers can get it up and in.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on June 01, 2013, 11:56:18 AM
Had a couple 90 degree days this past week. Humidity was low, so not too uncomfortable working outside. Air was so dry that we didn't have any morning dew. The rain yesterday was welcome and temps are coming down.

I was in the process of moving machinery and mowing the high spots. Rain came up and drove me inside. Had a light shower then and when I was going back out, the storm came up and ended that plan. There is some hay down locally that got wet yesterday evening. Most agree the moisture was worth getting the hay wet.

Been suffering with a pinched nerve in my back that makes any bending and walking painful. Went to chiropractor on Thursday and got readjusted. Still pretty sore this morning, but should be better when the nerve heals.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 02, 2013, 12:55:32 AM
We had some of that terrible wind here too. I think there was one decent day in the past ten that the wind was not excessive. I managed to spray 55 acres to apply some pre emergent herbicide. Had to re-seed a 130 acre field due to wild oats. Finished the last 48 acre field of oats today and here is the view out the back window of the 2090 of the Morris packer harrow I was pulling after I finished seeding. Fifty feet wide but that wide lens on the Gopro camera fits it in . I might eventually get around to putting a video together for youtube but it is far down on the list. My yard looks like a hayfield in places. Still waiting for the first cutting. Chem fallow needs doing . Still rocks to pick and harrow on the last field so I doubt I will ever catch up but hopefully not fall too far behind.
We actually had a frost warning here last night but it didn't get that low. Highs are not bad, somewhere around 70 most days I think.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on June 07, 2013, 09:41:22 AM
That is a good looking cultimulcher in your last photo, Ralph.  Looks to break the soil down pretty fine.  I can't imagine working with an implement more than ten feet wide.

After my last post, we had more 90 or near 90 degree days, then the strong north winds came up again and hauled the temp. down fast. We hung in the 50's and low 60's with the cold wind for a few days. The rain started yesterday morning.  This morning we have a new 2  3/4" in the rain gauge and may get spotty rain today.   Yesterday was the first time ever the opening day of the LPGA tournament at Locust Hill Country Club had to be completely cancelled.  That Club is about 10 miles from here.  

Not a whole lot else going on around here at the moment.  So far it looks like it is going to be another very good year for crops, but everything is subject to change when it comes to the weather.  I guess no one knows that better than Gene and Ralph.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 08, 2013, 10:28:52 AM
Quote from: Charlie V;2064
That is a good looking cultimulcher in your last photo, Ralph.  Looks to break the soil down pretty fine.  I can't imagine working with an implement more than ten feet wide.


Charlie V.


That is actually a packer harrow I am pulling Charlie. Coil packers in front and spring tine harrows behind and it does a good job of smoothing and packing. Nobody uses them much these days of zero till and once over seeding. But they work well for my "old tech" farming methods. When my SIL drives it she carries a small saw in the cab in case she gets the wheel too close to the trees . You can't back up with this implement.
Been spraying chem fallow and canola here for what seems iike most of the week. Perfect conditions yesterday. Not too hot or windy. We could use a little rain. I even got in an hour of grass cutting around the yard one evening while waiting for the wind to drop (It didn't).  First time over so its heavy going for the little JD in some places.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on June 10, 2013, 06:36:48 PM
So I guess the difference is the cultimulcher usually would have packers front and back with spring drag teeth in the center.????
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on June 11, 2013, 08:53:42 PM
Four days have passed, with one nice seasonal day for this time of year.  I think I mentioned a little less than three inches of rain in the gauge in my last post.  Now we have made it to four inches, double the average amount for the first ten days of June.  I am in the market for some seed rice to plant in my paddies.  It may turn out to be a good crop this year.  Gene, it will help if you wring those clouds a little harder before you send them over here.:(:cool:
Actually, I think most of this weather is coming up the Ohio valley, then sliding in here.  Tomorrow is going to dry out, then more rain on Thursday.  One thing for sure, things are sure growing.  I read that Onion growers are complaining about 30% or more crop loss  due to too much rain, but hear no other complaints yet.  Onion growers can pump away excess water, but only natural conditions will dry the soil. They are mostly grown in drained muck land to begin with here.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on June 11, 2013, 10:35:47 PM
Charlie;

Actually been dry here. If a cloud came over would try to wring some moisture from it. We are not critically dry, but grass has slowed down its growing. Been a week since I mowed and still not ready to mow. Rains keep threatening, but only get a few drops in the gauge. Had 2 tenths yesterday morning. Temps have been pleasant with highs in the 70's to low 80's and mid 50 's for lows. Most of the rain seems to be going north of us and Michigan is getting more than they need.

Been doing some spraying for my neighbor behind me. He has most of his 140 acre farm in conservation program. Been spraying to try to control the thistles, teasel, giant ragweed and woody plants. Ground is very rough and taking its toll on both me and the sprayer. Still have about 30 acres to spray.

Been taking advantage of the dry conditions to do some cleanup in the woods. Picked up 3 trailer loads of down limbs in an area I had not cleaned up. Making good progress in making it accessable. Neighbor calls it Dotson Park.

Sweet corn is doing good. Only have had to water it once. Had 1 inch last week and still have good moisture. Only had to hoe a few weeds this morning.

I was born on the Sciota muck near Mc Guffey Ohio. My dad farmed my grandmother's 80 acre farm after my grandfather died. I remember how the crops and weeds grew almost effortlessy. Summertime the muck would be too hot to walk barefooted. Giant regweed (horseweeds) would grow 18 feet tall along the river. Was once the onion capital of the world till the onion blight put a stop to that crop.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 14, 2013, 11:45:39 AM
Been doing a little crop spraying here too. More info on that at http://mindlessramblings-rlg.blogspot.ca/2013/06/spraying-crops-in-hundred-acre-woods.html (http://mindlessramblings-rlg.blogspot.ca/2013/06/spraying-crops-in-hundred-acre-woods.html)
Too windy yesterday and raining today so the sprayer (and I) get a rest. Our crops are looking pretty good. Best emergence of flax and canola I have seen in a while. The one field I had to re-seed I figured I have been over it six times this spring so I guess it ought to look ok.
I even had time to do that water pump replacement on the old 730 Case. It was so loose it is a wonder it did not part company with the engine. I stayed up late editing and uploading a video of the process so I hope you all enjoy it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFYgf4FTH1A
[video=youtube;GFYgf4FTH1A]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFYgf4FTH1A[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on June 14, 2013, 09:54:40 PM
Ralph,

You never did tell us if the pump came out of there without radiator removal.  My IH 340U has more wobble than I like and should have the same fix.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 15, 2013, 01:12:14 AM
Quote from: Charlie V;2070
Ralph,

You never did tell us if the pump came out of there without radiator removal.  My IH 340U has more wobble than I like and should have the same fix.

Charlie V.


Charlie, I just loosened the lower mounts and pried the radiator a bit forward and was able to get the pump out. Very little room though and I was concerned I might damage the radiator. I think if I did it again I might remove the radiator.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on June 19, 2013, 10:04:49 PM
About 8 years ago as I was working ground with my 700, I started hearing a metalic sound from the fan. Before I could get it shut down one fan blade broke off and the vibration took out the water pumb bearing and seal. I was working just in front of the house, so i cut the fan belt and drove to the shop. Only damage to the radiator was a small cut on the back side of the top tank. I did remove the radiator and fan shroud to make the job easier. Small soldering job on the radiator and welded the fan blade back on. Got the water pump seal from CIH and bearing from Bearings Inc. Total cost was less than $10.00. Fan blade still holding together. I bought a fan from a Case 730 that I thought I could use, but it is too big to fit the fan shroud.

Took on a contract haying job for Amish friend. 15 acres near Quincy, about 12 miles south of me. I mowed the hay yesterday with the Case 700 and New Holland 479 haybine. Made good time and had it done in 3 1/2 hours. On the way home with the tractor and haybine, I passed a farm that has 3 Case tractors similar to mine. A small brown dog met me at the driveway and ran along with me. Kept waiting for him to turn around at each side road or bridge we passed. Darn thing ran with me all the way into De Graff where I turned onto the state highway. Dog must have thought it was one of his tractors from the farm. I checked the distance with the car today and was 1.5 miles. Hope he found his way home alright.

Having nice weather. A little cool with bright sunshine. Supposed to warm up by the weekend. Could use a little rain as the systems are mostly missing us. Mid 70's for highs and low to mid 50's at night. Soybeans could use a little more heat, but corn is looking good. My wheat is looking pretty good and just now starting to turn. Probably be combining by first week in July. Want to try to get the beans sprayed tomorrow before I go rake the hay. Getting lambs quarter, ragweed and mustard that I need to control.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 20, 2013, 12:50:17 AM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;2072


Took on a contract haying job for Amish friend. 15 acres near Quincy, about 12 miles south of me. I mowed the hay yesterday with the Case 700 and New Holland 479 haybine.Gene


Gene I guess you were lucky the fan did no more damage than that. I wish I could use my 730 on my 479 but between the impossibly "armstrong steering" and as bad as the grass pollen bothers me I will stick with the 2090. Although it is way overkill for the job.
I'm pretty well caught up with crop spraying, just a field of flax and one of canola plus one of oats to do. Rained this aft more to come so it might be a day or two. I took this picture over the hood as I was spraying yesterday evening. Canola is really jumping and I got the second roundup application on just in time.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on June 21, 2013, 09:48:35 AM
I am not sure I should tell my flying fan blade story.  Well. here goes.

Wife and I were returning from a shopping mission one night in the old 1979 Chev. 3/4 to  full time 4x4 with the 350 cid engine.  Not a hot rod by any means, but geared low.  stopped at a signal light in the curb land, waiting for it to change.  This was maybe 20 years ago.  ( No, I am not going to say that the light did not change yet!!! )  Along side in the other lane pulls up a Ford Mustang.  He sits there gunning, gunning.  It was one of those situations where the four lanes narrows to two a couple hundred yards past the intersection, and my lane will disappear.  

That whole deal turned out to be a little too much temptation for me.   The light changed and both drivers stomped down.  I gained enough lead on the Mustang to get the single lane when my lane ended, but had to crank some RPM's and make my dual glass packs really bark to do it.  During that I heard a noise under the hood and got an antifreeze small.  First chance I pulled over and popped the hood to check it out.  Dang flex fan.  One of the blades had flew off from the RPMs, and cut half way through the nearly new top radiator hose. At least it did not chop through the hood.

I dug out a roll of black electrical tape and taped the hose good to get us home .  Still had enough coolant so no overheating happened.  Glad for a large capacity cooling system.  The next day I went to the auto parts and bought a set of aluminum racing fan blades. for not too much money  ( I seem to remember 12 bucks ) that bolted right on in place of the original fan.   I cut the hose where it was damaged, took a short piece out, put in a short piece of galvanized water pipe, and clamped it up.  It was good to go for several more years until the frame rusted in two and I sent her to the scrap yard.

Stomping Mustangs can be fun, but sometimes we have to pay.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 21, 2013, 10:21:30 AM
Charlie that is quite the story. Lucky the old GM did not break in half under the stress of the high torque of that 350 revving. :D Good fun but nowadays it would probably turn into a "road rage" incident with guns and violence.
Your repair job is familiar to me. I used a similar method to get home with the IH Scout when the by pass hose failed on the 304 V8. Happened I was by the community well so there was plenty of water to re-fill it after I had wrapped the hose with baler twine and duct tape. I think the most challenging and innovative fix I recall was on dad's 64 Pontiac when the spring fell off the distributor rotor on a trip to the city. On the shoulder of a Sask. highway in February is not a great place to work but we found a pipe cleaner (remember those)? and used it to wrap and secure the spring back on the rotor. It got the old six cylinder going again and got us to a gas station where they had a new rotor.
A few scenes of my fields and roads after the four inch downpour of Wednesday night.
[video=youtube;ZkjTqcxOp08]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkjTqcxOp08&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on June 21, 2013, 09:15:02 PM
Thanks, Ralph.  That is a good video.

Charlie V
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 27, 2013, 10:01:32 AM
I think we have had enough rain for a while. Haven't checked the guage this morning but I'm guessing it will put me just over the seven inch mark for the past seven days. No real violent storms since last Thursday's wild winds, just some heavy downpours. Some of that crop I seeded in the "duck ponds" will be under water and not likely survive. Luckily I had no hay cut or it would have been well soaked and ruined. I guess I am lucky not to live on a flood plain. Shot some video of the scenery yesterday on a drive and froze this frame of the approaching storm clouds over town about 4:00.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on June 30, 2013, 07:33:41 AM
Rains have been spotty and light here in Ohio. Lots of storms and storm warnings last week. Most have missed us. Most have been going north of us and a few missing us to the south. Have had slightly over 1 inch the past week. Temps have cooled down from the 90's of last week. Having a light rain this morning. Crops looking pretty good for the late plantings. Wheat should be ready at end of this week.

Got the combine up to the shop to get ready for wheat harvest. After driving it to the shop, the radiator started leaking a steady stream. Pulled the radiator off yesterday(not an easy task). Took it into the shop after cleaning it with the air hose and 6 foot wand. Got it into the shop and checked and soldered on it till after 10pm, but finally got all the leaks stopped, including the self inflicted damaged tube when I blew the radiator over and it fell in a big driveway stone and damaged a tube on the front side. Main leaks were the seams where the top and bottom tanks were soldered on. Looks to have been an amateur job putting it together in some previous life. I will apply some paint and be ready to reinstall it.

Got the hay baled a week ago Friday. Had a good afternoon baling and got 508 bales of good mixed hay. Amos was glad to get that. Had 2 young amish guys loading the wagon, so could make good speed with the baling.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 03, 2013, 10:45:28 AM
Gene, I really hate those self inflicted injuries like the one you mention on your combine. I have done that to my machinery and myself too many times.
We are seeing heat worse than any I can recall for a few years. It actually hit 80 degrees in my house yesterday. 90 something outside and the humidex was way up there I hear. Not bad cutting hay with the 2090 Case and ac running but I had some cattle work in the morning that nearly finished me. As usual, with hay laying in the swath there is now a thunder storm watch for later this afternoon.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on July 04, 2013, 11:51:51 AM
July 4, 2013.  Should be a day to celebrate our independence, and it is.  To be truthful, for the first time in my many years of life I do not feel particularly free.  With the screamingly high cost of our governments in the US and the reaching into our pockets, stealing many dollars, and leaving many hard working citizens much poorer, it is hard to feel free.  At the same time these government employed robbers often are paid several hundred thousand dollars a year and can well afford to live like royalty.  I have voted in all major elections for over fifty years, seemingly for the right candidates, but that seems to be of little help.  What is the answer??????  I wish I knew.

As well as all of the above, (which I had no intention of saying when I started this post) the freedom robbing shenanigans of government in Washington and Albany, New York of late are appalling.  

Water!!!  We have lots of it.  Two inches of rain last Friday and Friday night. The ground seemed to accept that pretty well and I found no wet areas in the lawn.  With another inch plus this week, it is a whole different story.  We took a turn about last night and found standing water in the grass in all the slightly lower areas.  If the sun came out for a few minutes it would be nice to mow, but only less than half is dry enough to do that.

Gene, I saw a TV commercial for the air show yesterday.  They show the Mosquito Bomber in flight and are billing it as the only one in the world still flying.  That should be quite a drawing card for the show.

Hope all have a good Fourth of July.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 04, 2013, 03:56:23 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;2080
July 4, 2013.  

Gene, I saw a TV commercial for the air show yesterday.  They show the Mosquito Bomber in flight and are billing it as the only one in the world still flying.  That should be quite a drawing card for the show.

Hope all have a good Fourth of July.

Charlie V.


Seems to me there was a Canadian connection to the Mosquito bomber. Made of plywood and built at one of the Cockshutt equipment plants in Canada during WWII.
We had our Canada Day (July1) formerly known as Dominion Day. I took the day off and took a drive with family and friends on one of the first hot days of the year. It was a good day to be out in the wind and near 90 degree heat.

[video=youtube;AyCF9KPUz6A]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyCF9KPUz6A&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on July 04, 2013, 08:44:52 PM
Great video Ralph. It always amazes me as it seems you ride or drive mile after mile without seeing a single farm or driveway. Looks pretty sparsely populated. Maybe the -40 and -50 degree temperatures have something to do with that?

Charlie I haven't stopped much of the rain from coming your way, but all around me thay are getting soaked. Heavy rains have been within 6 miles to the north, south and east. Indian Lake got almost 7 inches on Sunday amd Monday. We got less than an inch. Been getting gentle rains of 1/2 to 3/4 inch. Weather warnings almost every evening, mostly to the north west of us. The Miami River flood plane south of Indian Lake was completelu inundated Tuesday when I was there. Most of this land is farmed, but probably don't get a crop 3 years out of 10. Soybeans there looked good last week, but not so good this week.

Got the combine radiator back together on Tuesday. Filled it with water and Wednesday morning it had leaked about a pint. Dripped a drop about every 5 seconds. A can of Barrs leak took care of that. Had a couple exhaust leaks behind the radiator so fixed them before putting it back together. Worked more on it today except for a 2 hour rain delay just after noon.

Charlie, wish I could help change things in N.Y. but don't see that happening soon.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 06, 2013, 11:40:15 AM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;2082
Great video Ralph. It always amazes me as it seems you ride or drive mile after mile without seeing a single farm or driveway. Looks pretty sparsely populated. Maybe the -40 and -50 degree temperatures have something to do with that?
 

Gene


Gene, it is sometimes quite a distance between inhabited farm yards here but it wasn't always that way. Used to be a farm family on almost every section it seems but time and "progress" have changed all that. Farms get bigger, farmers get fewer and small towns get smaller. On the positive side there is not a lot of traffic to deal with on the back roads.
Tremendous heat in the 90 degree range this week will be hard on the canola , some of which is just blooming. It will get a break today as rain poured down this morning and supposed to be a cool showery day.
I shot this video on a warm summer evening while moving some machinery around in the shed. Had to take the old IH out on the road to get the engine warmed up.
[video=youtube;2Uy27HHo6r8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Uy27HHo6r8&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on July 06, 2013, 12:43:43 PM
Like the video of the IH. Sure wouldn't take a lot of elbow work to make it like new. Always thought I would like to have one of them. Farmer I worked for many years ago had a 110 and a 1 ton. Both probably early 60's. Then traded them both on a 1600 with grain bed. Would have liked to own the 110, but hog operations take a toll on farm trucks.

Wheat still not ready yet here. Still some green heads and stems. Ragweed starting to show badly in the bare spots. Gonna be a race to get combined before they get out of hand. Normally have the combining done before they are a problem, but are a couple weeks late. Getting good moisture for the soybeans with light rains about every other day.

Japanese beetles showing up at the edge of the soybean field next to the airstrip. Mixed a batch of Sevin and glyphosate in the small sprayer and sprayed about the first 12 feet of the beans with the hand wand. Came back by about 1 hour later and didn't see any on the leaves, so maybe it is working. Saw more of them on the weeds in the wheat, Seems they like velvet leaf and giant ragweed.

Still working on the combine. Put a new bearing on the fan shaft this morning. Doing a lot of minor things that get neglected. Getting about done working on it I hope. Having time to work on it I find lots little things to fix.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on July 09, 2013, 11:45:21 AM
We dodged the storm bullet again last night. Severe storms went north of us again. Indian Lake and Lima area got about 5 inches in one storm. Indian Lake is about 6 miles north and Lima is about 25 miles northwest. We had lots of lightning and thunder, but light winds and only 3 tenths of rain, we are in excellent moisture conditions for the crops. Just need about 3 days of sunshine to get the wheat combined and hay cut and baled.

Getting things ready for the Greenville, Ohio tractor show. Have the LA and golf cart out and washed. I will be running the sawmill again with the LA. They will be featuring Cockshutt and Co-op tractors. Still need to get the motor home ready. Hope to take the tractor over this afternoon and motorhome and golf cart on Wednesday.

Hope all are having good weather and have a nice weekend,

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on July 09, 2013, 07:04:32 PM
You are a busy man, Gene.  Good that the rain missed you.  Five inches in one dump is a lot of water and takes time to go away.  I did manage to get the hay off the big half of my lawn in the last three days.  The brown clippings laying around don't look all that good, but at least they are clippings rather than growing grass.  As of last night the other half still had standing water in places.

We had a bad last week.  Our little dog, who pretty much ran the house, passed away on Monday morning a week ago.  It could have been a number of causes, but the only thing I can relate it to is the multi heartworm treatment which I had recently applied to the back of her neck.  We will never know for sure but she was a healthy five year old until then.  No more pups for a while I guess.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on July 09, 2013, 09:52:03 PM
Update:

I took a little cruise around in the golf cart this evening and found the unmowed lawn just about dry enough to do, so I broke out the mower and did.  If I put it off another day, the sky most likely would open up and wash us away.  We are still a little South of the cold line, so still at risk for T-storms.

Charlie V
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on July 10, 2013, 07:04:46 AM
Charlie;

So sorry to hear of the loss of your dear companion. I had not planned to have another dog after I lost my last one, but Bandy showed up here one snowy morning and made himself at home. When he is gone, I will not have another.

Last night was another stormy night here. I took the tractor to Greenville yesterday evening. Trip over was hot and dry. Coming home I chased the rain from Piqua and finally caught up with it in Fletcher. Lots of standing water and streams running the road ditches. As I turned north off rt. 36 onto 235 I really caught up with the heavy downpour to Quincy and De Graff. Got out of the rain at edge of De Graff, but dreading what I would find when I got home. Rain gauge only had a trace, so we missed it again.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on July 11, 2013, 10:45:29 AM
Sounds like a wet ride home from Greenville, Gene  Lucky the water missed your place.  My daughter in Delaware has been getting a lot more that they need too.  Luckily her garden is raised so it has not washed away or drowned out.

We have had a couple of relatively dry days in a row.  Storms pop up and storms pass near by, but as with you, they have been missing us.  That is fine.  Many beautiful fields or ripe wheat that need to dry enough to harvest.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on July 13, 2013, 10:02:20 PM
Had a few nice days here. I spent the last 3 days at the Greenville tractor show. Had a good time and met with a lot of old friends and made some new ones. Weather way ideal with sunshine and temps in the lower 80's. Overnight lows in the upper 60's so a sweatshirt felt good on the golf cart ride up to the restaurant. Turnout was good and over 40 feature Cockshutt tractors and many implements with them. I ran the sawmill with the LA. I ran it thursday and Saturday.

I came home early today to combine my wheat and finished just before dark. Filled all 3 of my wagons to deliver Monday. Probably about 600 bushels. Kinda disappointed with the yield, but suffered a lot of spring water damage. The ragweed were starting to get real bad, but was able to get through them alright by being careful. Combine ran perfectly, so all the preparation time was worth it.

Bandy was glad to get home. 3 days about wears him out, but he did get to meet a lot of friends, both people and dogs. Most people recognize him and my golf cart before they recognize me.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 15, 2013, 09:52:53 PM
Gene, sounds like a good weekend in which you got to take in the tractor show and harvest your crop. Always helps when the weather co-operates.
I think I am glad I finished baling the cut hay since we have had two rains in the past couple of days giving , and this is a bit of an estimate, another six inches. This afternoon's was a violent wind and rain storm that did a little damage to the canola plants plus flooded out every low spot in the fields. Culverts running full again. Whatever happened to dryland farming in Sask. ?
I took this picture while stranded in one of the sheds this afternoon. You can see the rain blowing like snow.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on July 22, 2013, 09:41:43 AM
Well the wheat is combined and the wheat sold. A little disappointed in yield, but is done. The wheat straw is baled and most is sold. Hay finally cured and baled on Friday evening. All last week was in the mid to high 90's, so made the baling uncomfortable. Fortunately had some help to get it done. Still have 2 small loads of straw that got rained on Saturday morning, but one load covered and the other in the barn for today's rain. Had 1.5 inches of welcome rain on Saturday and perhaps another half inch today that radar shows to be ending. Temps have been much more comfortable since Friday.

Soybeans are looking very good and corn all around is looking excellent with lots of height and dark green color. Most of it is starting to tassle so cooler temps will help that. Got my grass all mowed Saturday and Sunday after I fixed the oil leak on the Gravely front deck mower.

Started giving Bandy his annual haircut Thursday evening but got too dark before I got done. Still have to finish that this week before I leave for the family reunion on Thursday.

Ralph, that was quite a ride around the wet country and fields. Had nothing like that here, but just a few miles north and south have had heavy rains that left some lakes in the fields, but mostly the dry ground has accepted it well with only minor runoff.

Looks like we are all enjoying much cooler weather. Good respite from the hot muggy weather of last week.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on July 22, 2013, 10:08:02 AM
I watched your latest production on the ATIS list with your three wheeler ride, Ralph.  You sure do have plenty of water in your neighborhood.  I think Gene and I are better off right now than Sask., as far as weather conditions.  During the very hot, dry week last, a lot of wheat went from the fields to the bins.  Very good looking crops for the most part.  Rain came in last Friday evening and made me quit mowing just before dark.  Between then and mid-day Saturday we accumulated an inch and one half. I went to finish mowing last evening with some expectation of finding puddling in the low spots.  As it turned out, I did not get wet wheels at all so the ground drank what it got.  There are sure a lot of extremes in weather across the continent this year.  

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 25, 2013, 10:36:42 AM
I think I am up to the 15 inch or a little better point in rainfall now for the past 30 days. Fields are saturated but the crops are sure growing, except where they are standing in water. Spent the last couple of days loading last year's grain to empty the bins for the new harvest (if we are lucky enough to get it). Luckily the semi did not get stuck but there was some concern and a few ruts left. With grain prices in a downward spiral I guess it was none too soon to sell. As usual I shot a bit of video while loading grain. After years of shoveling grain in the hot steel bins I sure appreciate using a grain vac.
[video=youtube;x3jecGO5my4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3jecGO5my4&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on July 25, 2013, 09:58:14 PM
Ralph,

The grain vac sure moves it along, doesn't it?  I can see your point.  Sure a great improvement over a scoop shovel.  Thanks for the peek at your world.

Our weather is like a roller coaster ride.  Last week in the 90's daytime and 70's at night.  Last two days a flannel shirt felt good to have on and down to 48 degrees last night.  I half expect frost warnings at night any time now.  Ground conditions seem good with enough moisture but not too wet.  Grass is still growing like springtime.  My back field which I mowed at 2 3/4 inches last Friday night is looking like about six inches now.  That inch and one half of rain last Friday night and Saturday just gave it another push.

Went to Canandaigua Tuesday and did not spot any standing wheat along the way, only fields of stubble with the straw baled and gone.  Did see one field with the straw still in windrows.  The oats which I did see were golden yellow and to me looked really close to harvest ready.  All in all it seems grain crops here are pretty much on schedule or maybe just a little behind normal.  I always remember when I was in 7th grade we had a teacher who stated that he wished school stayed in a month longer so the class could take a field trip to see wheat harvested.  School normally got out near June 20 for the summer, as it still does.  As far as Mr. Kaminski's comment, my first thought was " You idiot.  We are not going to stay in school another month to make you happy."  My second thought  " At least half of the kids in this class are farm kids and most likely actually work on their families wheat harvest.  I am sure most of us could give you lessions about that."  The town we were in was named "Wheatland".  That should have been a clue that the kids may have already seen wheat harvested once or twice. I never was too fond of that teacher to begin with.  

Funny the memories we carry through life.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 28, 2013, 10:18:54 AM
Charlie, same weather here. The past few days have been well below normal. Overnight temps are starting to scare some people as we inch closer to frost and still needing a month of frost free weather for most crops to survive. It is surprising how big an area this below normal temperature is affecting in Canada and the U.S.
 I finally sprayed my chem fallow for the second time, well overdue. Field was still wet, under water in places but I got over my fear of getting stuck driving through water with an 800 gallon sprayer and front wheel assist tractor. It is impressive, but so are the ruts I left.
Cool weather has been great for sweeping out grain bins. Hauling a little gravel with the old IH, etc.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 28, 2013, 10:40:55 AM
Did I forget to post the link to my latest Cockshutt 50/Loadstar IH/hammer mill video? Gradually catching up on jobs that should have been done a month ago. Shot this a couple of weeks back, finally emptying the seed oats off the truck and putting them through the mill.
[video=youtube;oYfseufQwdU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYfseufQwdU[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on August 04, 2013, 06:59:15 PM
Bet that is an easy job for the 50. Probably didn't open the governor.

Been having much nicer, cooler weather in Ohio. The soybeans are looking very good. The cool nights has slowed the progress of the corn. Low temps in the 50's and daily highs in mid 70's. Good crop of ragweed and mares tail in the wheat stubble. Mowed the weeds the last few days and looks a lot better. Mares tail are getting to be a real problem and I am determined to not let them spread.

Had our family reunion last weekend. It is a 3 day affair. Had pleasant weather for reunion, except for early morning rain on Saturday. Some of the kids sleeping in tents got a soaking, but dried out alright. Had to cancel the horseshoe tournament for Saturday morning. Everything else went very well. Had lots to eat and did a lot of visiting. I furnished the sweetcorn for the dinners and everyone raved how good it was. I took about 160 ears and had very little left.

Finally getting caught up on my work, now just have to start getting ready for the Portland tractor show.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on August 13, 2013, 09:48:24 AM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;2102
Bet that is an easy job for the 50. Probably didn't open the governor.

Been having much nicer, cooler weather in Ohio.
Gene


No big load for the 50 because the belt will slip before it works too hard. Thought I posted this yesterday but will try again. We finally have some real summer weather for the past couple of days. More like fall the past month it seems. Crops are slow and behind normal development. No signs of crop cutting anywhere locally.
Here is a shot from the weekend. My Chevy II on the right beside a fine looking 59 Parisienne convertible at a local vintage car display. Nice display of over 30 cars.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on August 31, 2013, 06:54:55 PM
Decided I better get this back on track. Have had decent weather so far this month. Starting to get a few more warm, humid days.

Portland tractor show went well. I took my Case LA and ran the sawmill 4 days and threshing machine on 3 days. Tractor ran well on both jobs. Put in more than 20 hours on sawmill and tractor never missed a beat. Gave it a good workout. Threshing machine was easy work running the 28X56 Minneapolis machine. Thought it was ironic that for 4 days I had the only tractor to run the mill. There were over 500 tractors there. Finally had a Port Huron 25-75 steamer run it Thursday through Saturday. Had a nice turnout from ATIS group. Good volunteers on the sawmill, parking trailers, operating tractors and working the trading post. Weather was mostly pleasant except for rain on Thursday afternoon. By Friday morning everything was back to normal and the mud had dried up by noon. Was a good dust settler.

I mowed my hay as soon as I got home. Finished that Friday evening. Today I raked up the apples from under the trees. Had a full load on my 3/4 yard dump trailer. Took them back to the woods for the critters there.

The dry weather here is starting to stres the corn. Some early fields are starting to show signs of ripening with ears drooping and lower leaves turning brown, but most fields are behind with late planting and cool July temperatures. Soybeans are pretty much the same condition with early planted beans looking good and later planted need a good rain to fill the pods. My soybeans are looking good and starting to show some yellow leaves, so are pretty much determined.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on August 31, 2013, 10:13:34 PM
Good to see a post, Gene.  I did get your apple tree pictures.  Did not reply.  My bad.  My one apple tree which is a product from the root stock of a flowering crab has a crop like never before.  I am sure they are a wild apple and they do not get very large.  About 2-2 1/2 inch diameter so far.  getting some pinkish red on them.  I did try one a week ago.  Pretty hard, but not especially sour.  If they stay on the tree long enough to ripen well, they might soften up a little.  

We have had generous rain this month.  All of the crops I have seen are looking stellar.  Cooler August than normal and lower humidity.  Every tine we get a thunderstorm or two, I have another inch in the gauge.  I have dumped two inches in less than a week.  I did notice a corn crop yesterday that is yellowed for the first one foot from the ground.

Really hurting hip and knee tonight.  I had some outdoor mowing of high weeds that I wanted to get done today that involved moving a truck, car, and my 20 foot flatbed trailer.  Just getting in and out of a car or truck kills me as I have to load my full weight on the bad leg just to get the good leg up and in.  Add that to a fair amount of walking around with my two canes and it equals a bad evening.  Along with that, the battery in the mower gave up so I had to visit Tractor Supply and get a new one.  The one taken out was the second one in 10 years, and it lasted just about five mowing seasons.  It did almost as well as the OEM battery.  I guess i did not get beat up as it was a Walmart Everstart to begin with.  Lawn tractor batteries do not seem to be known for long life.  Probable why the new Exide from TSC comes with a gigantic six month conditional warranty.  My experience 20 years ago was that Exide gave very short life so I have avoided then ever since.  Guess I had a weak moment today.

After Monday I will most likely be missing for a few days.  Going to get some after market parts installed to see if it will cure at least part of my problems.  Hope you have a great week.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on September 01, 2013, 01:51:23 PM
Charlie, hope the surgery has positive results. I may have mentioned my brother, Edsel, Has had a knee and hip replaced. He is doing very well. He visited us in Portland on Friday and is planning on camping with us next year and bring his Farmall B and hopes to have his H finished to bring it also. He had Rhuematic fever at age 8 and had heart issues since. Had heart surgery and wears a pacemaker and gets around pretty well now. He has a 1955 Packard that he shows and does very well with it.

Just got in from the woods. Cleaned up the ash trees I cut last week and burned the brush. Started cutting the hickory trees at the edge of the woods. They sap the ground so bad that nothing grows for 40 or 50 feet from them. Hope this helps the crop and getting good firewood from it.

Ralph must be busy with harvest. Imagine the spring wheat is ready to harvest and oats too.

Weather today has cooled down some and the humidity is down to more comfortable levels. Forecast rain did not develope here, but did see some lightning and heard some thunder, so maybe someone got some rain.

Hope everyone has a good Labor Dy.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on September 01, 2013, 03:06:23 PM
Good luck Charlie, and I sure hope it gives you some relief and return of mobility. My dad had good results from a hip replacement late in his life. Couple of days this week I felt like I needed a hip and knee joint after bouncing around in the swather cab cutting canola and oats. Unfortunately those 70 acres of oats got an inch of rain on the swath that same night after I swathed them. I think I will let the wheat stand til it is ready.
I shot some video last week while moving  a bunch of machinery out of the shed so I could get the swather out and ready to go. Indoor storage is nice but sometimes a lot of work.
[video=youtube;BNHDR2q4VLM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNHDR2q4VLM[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on September 01, 2013, 10:29:11 PM
Thank you, guys.  Encouragement from friends is always a good thing.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on September 18, 2013, 08:42:01 PM
(http://imageshack.us/a/img5/2087/ry27.jpg)
Just testing. A harvest shot from yesterday.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on September 18, 2013, 10:06:09 PM
That sure is an excellent photo, Ralph, with the agri-landscape as a background.  You may have missed a calling in life.  You seem to have a photographic aptitude.


Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on September 18, 2013, 11:40:40 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;2110
That sure is an excellent photo, Ralph, with the agri-landscape as a background.  You may have missed a calling in life.  You seem to have a photographic aptitude.


Charlie V.

Thanks Charlie but I think its mostly good luck with me. I was actually shooting video with the camera but decided to take a still shot as well as I don't get many pics of my truck driver .
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on September 23, 2013, 10:01:25 PM
Nice to hear Charlie is on the mend and Ralph is progressing with his harvest. Charlie is probably ready to go square dancing?

Nice weather in Ohio. Had 2.5 inches of much needed on Friday. Not a drop was wasted as it came nice and gentle and all soaked in. Ground is now in good condition for fall tillage. I started plowing today with the Case 970 and 4x16 Case plow. Ground turned over in nice shape and probably as nice a job of plowing I have done. Was plowing wheat stubble. Marestail weeds were getting thick and wanted to get them turned under before they go to seed.

Bandy and I wiped out a rat family on Saturday. He was smelling and barking around the combine clean out door, so knew something was in there. I started the combine and ran the seperator when I heard a thump from below. I ran it a couple more minutes and shut down to investigate. Found 3 baby rats below the straw discharge on the ground that Bandy had killed and about 25 feet behind the combine I found the remains of mama rat that went through the straw chopper. Instant carnage.

Soybeans about ready to harvest. Just waiting for them to dry from the rain and heavy morning dews. Likely be ready Wednesday.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on September 24, 2013, 02:37:32 PM
Tried square dancing when I was about in the fifth grade, Gene.  The two problems I had were that I was not used to being that close to girls, and I could not quite get the hang of following the calls.  In later years I got over the girl fear, but never tried more square dancing.

Do not have the new joint well broken in yet, but working on it.  After getting the house work finished and getting blood drawn this morning, I went out and pumped the flat rear tire up on the old 1974 Cushman cart so it could be moved.  Cranked up a string trimmer and cleared the area around the garbage cans  so we can actually see them again.  Things can sure get over run fast when I am unable to keep up. Looking forward to some improved capability.   For the time being, odd but necessary jobs are my therapy for recovery.

We had 1 1/8 inch of rain.  I guess that is what was left over after you took what you needed.  Heading for 66 F today, so it could be worse.  The cold N wind kept us to the middle 50's yesterday.  No snow in sight yet but at 34 this morning.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on September 25, 2013, 03:04:21 PM
Charlie, I'm glad to hear you are getting out and about now.
Gene, no harvest here for the past week except yesterday afternoon when canola got down to 10% moisture (dry) and I got three truck loads done before it got too tough late at night. More showers and now a big rain predicted for tomorrow so I think we are done til October now.. So I am harvesting potatoes today. Trying to get them out of the ground before it turns to mud.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on September 25, 2013, 10:15:01 PM
Ralph;

Those are nice looking  potatoes. Look like the perfect size for baked spuds. Wish I could send some of the sunshine we are having.

Charlie;

So good to hear you are getting some of the neglected jobs done. Glad the replacement parts are performing up to par.

I did do some square dancing many years ago. Thought I was doing pretty good till I attended a square dance in Virginia with a lady I was dating at the time. They called a Virginia Reel and I thought I would do well. Not well!!! Virginians have a completely different brand of square dancing and I was lost the whole set. Caller stopped twice to explain what I was supposed to do.

Combined the soybeans yesterday and today. Moisture was less than I expected with first load at 11.4 percent and the loads from today was 12.4 percent. Yield was just over 47 bu/ac. Respectful but not great, but not bad for the early variety. Lots of guys started on Tuesday. Had a problem with the combine Tuesday when it quit moving. Neighbor came and helped pull it out of the field to where I could work on it. Turned out to be a coupling on the wheel shaft had slipped to some bad splines. Slid the coupling back on to good splines and cut a short piece of plastic pipe that I split and hose clamped on the shaft to keep it from slipping back off. Worked like a charm and held to finish today.

Lots of typical fall sunshine and cooler temps all this week. Lows in the 40's and highs in high 60's to low 70's. My kind of weather.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on October 01, 2013, 10:37:15 AM
Got up this morning and constructed some pancakes for our breakfast (with the help of Aunt Jamima of course).  This will probably not happen again for a while, but I am now on the back deck with my coffee and my laptop.  Not bad for October first in this part of the country.  Temp. is in the 60's.  Not a heatwave, but not bad at all.  Knowing that these days will be quite limited from now on, have to enjoy while it is here.  

We had a rain almost a week back that left 1 1/8 inches.  It has been dry since then.  The grass is still growing like springtime, as it has all summer.  No drying off this year.  Plenty of corn and soy beans still standing in the fields waiting for harvest.  most of the corn needs to dry more as there is still a hint of green showing in places.  We have been down to 34 deg. twice, but no killing frost yet in this area.   Even the leaves on the trees are mostly green still.  I suspect when the sap goes down, fall color will come fast and be short lived.

I agree with Gene that Ralph is digging  some good looking potatoes.  Hope Ralph,s rain stops long enough to harvest his bonanza crops.  Seems we do not have good growing seasons like this often enough.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on October 01, 2013, 11:17:43 AM
Those pancakes sound like a good idea Charlie. I'd have time to make some this morning while watching the clouds and mist out here. Got in another few hours of canola harvest yesterday afternoon before the latest shower hit. It has been a long process of hurry up and wait. Days of waiting for the wind and sun to dry the crop only to get in the field and a shower comes over and sends us home. Some are harvesting their grain tough and drying it but I only have limited aeration bins to dry grain so am not quite hitting the panic button yet and harvesting tough grain. Bad enough that I baled some tough or damp oat hay and it is showing signs of heating in the bales.
While waiting , I took the opportunity to move a couple of thousand bushels of canola from one farm to the other to circulate and cool it down. One bin was actually warming up a little and that is trouble. Shot some video of course.
[video=youtube;gNs5rQXlmqk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNs5rQXlmqk&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on October 05, 2013, 12:05:16 PM
Oatmeal this morning, Ralph, with sliced banana on top.  That will stick to the ribs about as good as the pancakes.

That was a good ride in the Loadstar.  The old girl does the job.,  by now you may be getting some dryer weather.We were promised rain Thursday night and Friday, then sunny and dry for the weekend.  Somebody forgot to tell Ma Nature.  She not only is giving us a high probability of rain for this weekend, but for all next week as well.  Just under an inch in the gauge so far. Looks like Gene is about in the same weather boat as I am.  

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on October 06, 2013, 05:37:44 PM
Charlie, our boat here may be sitting a little lower in the water after rain all weekend. Started Friday just as I started unloading 2 wagons of Amish corn at the chicken farm. Got pretty well soaked doing that. Rain let up just as I finished unloading, then came back with a vengeance on the trip home with the empties. Light rain most of the day Saturday. Had about 1.5 inches by mid morning today and very heavy rains all afternoon. Haven't gone out to check the gauge this afternoon. Won't be any combines running for a few days.

Soybean and corn harvest has been stop and go with the heavy morning dews and every other day showers. Sure glad mine is done. Been hauling organic corn for Amish neighbor. Pulling 2 wagons with the Dodge 32 miles to west with ear corn and 30 miles to east with shelled corn. Makes for a long day when I make 2 runs a day.

Ralph's video brings back memories of the Lodestar 1600 I used to drive for a farmer I worked for. Were hauling 19 miles to elevator with the 16 foot bed loaded with all it would hold. Farmer told me that if I ever got stopped at a scales, just give them the truck to pay the fine. When I had my old S-160 I once delivered a load of soybeans with a net weight of 24,560 pounds and that was on 7.50x20 tires with single axle and straight 4 speed. Did a little frame damage with that load.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on October 06, 2013, 06:02:13 PM
Just checked the rain gauge. Shows 2 inches from this morning. I emptied about 9 tenths this morning from yesterday's rain.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on October 13, 2013, 11:17:49 AM
Yet another morning on the deck.  Being on the North side of the house, no sunshine here when the Sun is this far south.  In the shadow of the house all day.  Low 60's F. with just a hint of a breeze.  Flannel shirt is good, but still, Oct. 13.  Not bad.

I started out late this AM so made Sunday brunch for us rather than breakfast.  (Do not sleep too well since the surgery).  Pancakes and sausage with Maple syrup.......sure was good.  Now I have to go clean up the dishes, but they do not amount to much.  

We were heading to the bank Friday to give back the new checks I have due to printing errors.  Not far from home at 45 mph on a straight level road when a huge crash happened in the front end.  Rolled to the shoulder and shut down.  Steering strange and brakes also not normal.  Smell of rubber burning.  Checked it out to find the left front spring had broken and blew down fron it's cage and was hitting heavy on the left front tire.  All that excitement triggered the fuel cut off switch as well.  Luckily at the moment I do have triple A, only because it gives me a discount on my car insurance premium.  Gave them a call and a roll back from a local collision shop pulled up in about 15 minutes.  Not bad at all.  We loaded up the Santa Fe and the Driver dropped us off at home, then left the car off at the local used car dealer where we bought it.  I went to school with the owner, so he is pretty fair with me.  

Do not know yet how expensive it will be, but it won't be cheap. I read on the internet that some of those break while the car is actually parked.  Mine is nine years old with 75,000 miles on it and has never been used hard.  Pretty poor way to build a vehicle.

A lot of soy beans going into hoppers and bins around here now.  A Lexion has been working in the fields behind me for the last two nights.  I think they are finished now as I heard it last night working a field on the next cross road.  Some corn is being picked, but a lot still standing.  I got a chuckle the other day when I saw a now days little four row combine sitting in a half finished field.  Do not see many that small any more, but it looked like it was getting the job done.

I am not going to proof read this because my outdoor cat wants to be fed.  Hope it is not too bad.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on October 14, 2013, 09:04:21 PM
Charlie, sorry to hear of the misfortune with the Santa Fe. Hope you are on the road soon and not too expensive.

Have had beautiful fall weather here in Ohio. Bright sunshine all day and cool clear nights. Soybean harvest started again last Thursday after a time out for the rain weekend before last. I believe every combine in the state is running either corn or beans. Crops are very dusty and it is not hard to spot the running machines. I have seen some of the smaller 3 and 4 row combines in my travels. Today I saw a new John Deere That I didn't even know they made this small. Think the model was 9240 or something like that. Had a 4 row corn head on it. Also a couple Gleaners and small older IH combines. There are a lot of dairy farms in the Mercer and Darke county areas. Lots of turkey farms too.

I attended the Portland fall swap meet Thursday through Saturday. Had a good time and caught up on a lot of my visiting. Managed to find a few things I can use, but not much tractor related, more garden tractors and mowers than anything. Took my old motorhome with hopes of finding a buyer for it, but no luck. Bandy had a good time meeting new and old friends, both human and canine. He slept very good both nights we were there.

Back to hauling corn for the Amish made 2 runs to chicken farm with shelled corn and one run to organic dairy. Both places are 30 miles away so takes quite a while pulling 2 wagons with about 400 bushels of corn. Drove about 175 miles at these speeds.

Came home early afternoon Saturday and mowed grass all afternoon. Didn't mow under the apple trees because of too many apples on the ground, so spent most of Sunday raking and shoveling the apples into piles. Then shoveled them into my dump trailer and hauled them back to the woods. Had to make 2 loads to get them cleaned up. I then mowed the grass under the trees. Still a lot of apples on the trees. Best apple crop I have seen.

Bet Ralph is busy harvesting his crops. Hope the canola and flax are doing well.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on October 23, 2013, 10:26:50 PM
Big event!!  10:19PM with the thermometer sitting at 33.6 F.  Good possibility we will have the first freeze of the season tonight.  Many leaves still half green and hanging in the trees.  A good freeze should bring many to the ground.  Got the SUV back last Thursday , Gene.  New springs and struts in both front sides, new drag link.  1 new front axle, and a new power steering hose.  When I paid the bill, it seemed I was buying the car for the second time.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on October 24, 2013, 06:16:51 PM
Charlie, glad you are back on the road. Must have been a big shock to get the bill. Hope all is good to go now.

Weather has turned colder here now. Below freezing last 2 mornings and finally had a frost this morning. Wednesday morning greeted us with 2 inches of very wet snow. Didn't last long and was gone by noon. Wednesday evening had cold rain showers mixed with sleet.

Soybean harvest is still stop and go with the frequent rains. Farmers seem to get 1 day in 3 with some afternoon harvest. Corn is doing a little better since it doesn't absorb moisture like soybeans.

Corn hauling for the Amish has been steady, actually too steady. Everybody wants their corn hauled NOW!!! Got an early start this morning, only to have a wheel bearing go bad on one of the wagons. Spent about 4 hours repairing that and when I got to the feed plant, they had gotten so much corn that I had to wait about an hour to get unloaded. Should have been a good day for 2 trips, but only got 1. Maybe I can get in 3 runs tomorrow.

Haven't heard much from Ralph. Hope weather was good enough to finish his harvest. He is working on his Massey and I am sure he has that all figured out now.

Cleaned my gutters this evening, so ready for them to fill with leaves again when they finally start falling.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 02, 2013, 10:36:09 AM
Well I am back thanks to the links you guys and a few others supplied over at the old forum. Yes, harvest finished up Oct. 29. It was a bit unusual swathing and combining flax beside the big slough covered with ice. But the sun was shining and the straw was dry enough to go through with no problem. The flax tested 11.5 which is about 2 points higher than I like to see for safe storage but hopefully I can get it sold shortly and not have to worry about it spoiling.
That Massey Super 90 project is at a standstill. It is a hard tractor to work on . Seems like darn near everything on the tractor is connected to the head and had to be disassembled. Have to admit I have been "window shopping" for something newer and better condition but so far nothing.
A recent shot of a couple of white tail bucks in my yard.
(http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/7629/zx0k.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/689/zx0k.jpg/)

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Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 02, 2013, 11:27:07 AM
Welcome back Ralph. Wondered if you were still stuck in the combine digging out straw.

Nice picture of the bucks. Was that taken with a game camera? Been seeing a lot of deer east of Bellefontaine as I haul the corn. One doe has been standing in the road as I get near, then finally gets off the road. Have seen 3 to 5 at a time there. Saw 5 a couple times in my woods, probably eating the apples I hauled back and dumped.

Harvest still not done here. Spotty rains has really slowed the soybean harvest. Corn harvest a little bit better. Ground starting to get a little soft, had another 3/4 inch Thursday night with howling south winds just before midnight. Blew a lot of the leaves off the trees but still a lot of green leaves on the trees.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 02, 2013, 10:10:52 PM
Our weather here has not been anything to write home about. A lot of rain during the last couple of weeks.  Most of the sunny days have been accompanied by a stiff North wind that made it unpleasant.  Winds to 60 MPH and above yesterday.  Even with that, leaves did hang on some of the trees, Maples in particular.  After my last post, we did get a light freeze but only down to 30 and back above 32 before dawn.  About last Tuesday night the hard freeze did hit.  Well down in the twenties over night.  Catalpa trees are funny.  The day before the freeze they still had all of their leaves, and just only a little off the green which they had been all summer.  By daylight the morning after the overnight freeze, the Catalpas were raining leaves steadily.  By days end there were barely any leaves left at all on those trees.  It was a calm day and there sure were plenty of Catalpa leaves on the ground.  I went out Thursday and turned then into confetti with the zero.  I knew high wind was predicted and wanted them gone before the wind whipped them everywhere and in hard to get places.

Also on Thursday I dug out my two Generators and fired them up.  I know it has been many months since their last start up.  I checked my records and they indicated that the gas had not been changed since 2009.  I thought that impossible.  Probably forgot to mark it down.  While taking out the old gas it dawned on me why so long.  I could tell by the color that the old gas was gas and not gasohol.  I really did not want E 10 in them, so I left the old stuff.  Still ran OK, but new fuel in them now, so time will tell if it will cause problems.

I am thinking with the cold expected this next week it is time to think hard about gassing up the truck, then putting the plow on it. Last year that turned out to be the best way not to need the plow, but that may not work two years in a row.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 03, 2013, 09:52:50 AM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;2128
Welcome back Ralph. Wondered if you were still stuck in the combine digging out straw.

Nice picture of the bucks. Was that taken with a game camera? Been seeing a lot of deer east of Bellefontaine as I haul the corn. One doe has been standing in the road as I get near, then finally gets off the road. Have seen 3 to 5 at a time there. Saw 5 a couple times in my woods, probably eating the apples I hauled back and dumped.



Gene


Yes, Gene, that Bushnell trail cam takes a lot of pictures in my yard some nights. It is surprising to see how many deer come in to clean up where I clean chaff and grain off the combine, swather and baler out in front of the shed. Coyotes, raccoons and skunks show up too. And by daylight it even catches a few images of me working.
(http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/3088/pb8i.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/22/pb8i.jpg/)

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Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 03, 2013, 10:30:38 PM
Ralph, your coat sure reminds me of my old Air Force parka. It was sheepskin lined with a wolf fur lined hood. Warmest coat I ever had. It was obsolete and base supply wanted me to exchange it for the newer style, but managed to keep it till discharge. It was the only one still in service.

The picture of me on my Case S in my photo section was taken by trail cam my friend Dewey had set in my woods. Also had pictures of turkeys, deer, raccoons and squirrels.

I attended the membership meeting of the Tri-State club at Portland today. I was nominated and elected to fill the post of campground director. I will now have official capacity of aiding campers at the summer show.

Charlie seems to be getting along fine with his new parts. Looks like he is getting prepared for winter.

Should be done with corn hauling by Wednesday. Then I can get caught up with my own jobs.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 04, 2013, 09:43:22 PM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;2131
Ralph, your coat sure reminds me of my old Air Force parka. It was sheepskin lined with a wolf fur lined hood. Warmest coat I ever had. It was obsolete and base supply wanted me to exchange it for the newer style, but managed to keep it till discharge. It was the only one still in service.

The picture of me on my Case S in my photo section was taken by trail cam my friend Dewey had set in my woods. Also had pictures of turkeys, deer, raccoons and squirrels.

Gene

Mine is definitely not air force issue. Just a local hardware store "Work King". Not a bad parka but the duck material does not seem to wear as well as the nylon shell parkas I usually wear. Those coats get a lot of use in this country.
I have lost my way to the photo you refer to Gene. The one of you and your Case S.
Light dusting of snow today but still not freezing the ground. I might get back to flax straw piling yet. Water pump started leaking on the Cockshutt 40 so I have another repair job to deal with.
I have finally edited some of my harvesting video to my youtube channel.
[video=youtube;VIJ4c4PcZhg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIJ4c4PcZhg&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 05, 2013, 10:42:38 AM
Great job on the video, Ralph. Thanks for yet another look at life on the farm.  Keep warm.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 06, 2013, 05:53:55 PM
Another rainy day in Ohio. light rain since about 10:00 am. High of 62 today but to turn colder the next few days. 57 right now at 5:45.

 No corn hauling today, but have 2 wagon loads waiting on me for tomorrow. Took the day to put the airplane back together from the annual inspection. All ready to go now. Good rainy day project.

Enjoyed Ralph's video. Watched it again today. Sure glad to hear he is done. Do you do any fall tillage? Been seeing quite a bit around here, but wet ground has put a stop to that. Still a lot of soybeans standing. Not been good weather for combining them.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 07, 2013, 01:51:20 PM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;2134
Do you do any fall tillage? Been seeing quite a bit around here, but wet ground has put a stop to that. Still a lot of soybeans standing. Not been good weather for combining them.

Gene

Gene, back when days were longer and I had more time I used to put my anhydrous on in the fall. It worked well and sure saved a lot of time in the spring. The past few years it seems I barely get my flax harvested and the straw off the field before winter hits. I am still working on piling and burning straw yesterday and hopefully today. Even though the ground is frozen and their is a light dusting of snow it still burns well. More snow predicted for tonight and tomorrow so I guess this might be my last day.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 07, 2013, 10:48:50 PM
Not quite snow here yet, Ralph, but 23 degrees colder this morning than yesterday after the rain overnight.  Late afternoon yesterday we managed 66 with great off and on sun.  Started my snow blowers and both took off on the second pull of the cord and ran fine.  The bad news is the old clunker has an age split in one tire which seems to let the air our pretty fast.  While I was working on that I happened to walk past the 20 foot trailer and noticed how dry the oak deck planks have gotten.   Now that is a priority on a nice day this late in the year so I mixed up some brew, picked up a 4 inch brush and went to work.  Most likely the blower tire still does not hold air but I feel a lot better about the trailer deck.  It was a lot of work screwing those 20 ft planks down and I am not in a hurry to do it again.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 08, 2013, 10:13:01 AM
Charlie, I did the 9x20 foot deck on my bale wagon the lazy way this past summer. I'd been painting the two barns with the spray painter so just added a little more barn red paint and sprayed the whole surface. Those planks are fir that I salvaged from an old barn in 1984 and are still pretty good. Hopefully will last me as long as I need them.
Speaking of cold, it was down near 10F a few nights. I started a couple of engines yesterday. Truck was easy, tractor a little more persuasion in the form of a space heater and battery booster was required.
[video=youtube;HqwAVVMhbhw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqwAVVMhbhw&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 12, 2013, 05:59:10 PM
Winter came to Ohio last night. Started as rain about 9:00pm and had turned to snow by bedtime at 11:00 pm. Woke up to about 1.5 inches of ice snow mix and 14 degrees. Nearly lost my footing on the sidewalk when I went out. Sky cleared up and sun melted snow on the roads and plowed ground. Temp now is 30 degrees at 5:30 and clear sky will let it go to 15 degrees tonight. No corn or soybean harvest for a few more days.

Still have about 1500 bushels of Amish corn to haul. Hauled about 700 bushels on Friday and 630 on Monday. No husking yesterday or today due to a funeral and pallet building. Looks like middle of next week for them to finish with 16 acres to finish husking. Been a long harvest season and excellent corn yields.

Wood stove going good and nice and cozy in the house. Did grocery shopping this morning and finished a pot of coffee this afternoon. Finally got the mail, brought in a load of wood and put new batteries in my indoor-outdoor thermometer that died overnight, probably due to the cold weather.

Saw a couple accidents on the trip to town. Roads were icy and people forget how to drive on the icy roads. 35 MPH was plenty fast this morning.

Ralph, I enjoyed your video as I do all of them. My old IH would start cold as long as it would turn over and the coil wasn't wet. CWSU showing you are at 48 degrees. Are you really that warm? Charlie looks to be getting the snow we had last night. Hope he doesn't get the ice with it like we have.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 12, 2013, 09:39:12 PM
Actually, Gene, we also had snow yesterday afternoon and last night.  Not a lot here.  Inch to inch and one half. Temp. at 22 during the night.  Counties Westward got up to five inches of snow according to the TV.  26 degrees now at 9:30 PM.  Most of the snow tonight will hopefully stay within a few miles of the Ontario shoreline.  I went to the store and picked up some groceries yesterday in the early PM, before the rain turning to snow and high winds got much of a start.  Have been pretty much holed up since then.  I happened to be looking out this AM at about 3:00 and saw a truck go past salting the road.  Hate to see that starting up again.

Looking for some better weather toward the weekend.  I still have some outdoor chores to tend to. 20 and 40 MPH winds are not a good incentive to hang around out there.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 12, 2013, 10:01:41 PM
Well this is a change. You guys down south seem to have more snow than I have here in Sask. at present. Would you believe I was out burning more flax straw today? And it was warm. I saw something over 40 degrees but not sure what the high was. Ground is still frozen of course since we were down to -10F on Sunday night. Combines are all put away and ground work is done for the year due to frost.
Still haven't made any progress getting the Massey fixed so no front end loader to handle bales. I put the three point hitch back on the Cockshutt 40 and installed the bale spear so I can at least move bales with it.
Once again I seem to be unable to reply or post anything on the old atis forum. At least I don't see them showing up. Tell the guys I am not ignoring them, just can't get through whatever hurdles there are to jump to post on the forum.
(http://imageshack.us/a/img809/2489/8jl3.jpg)
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 13, 2013, 10:12:13 AM
With that bale on the spike, Ralph, the 40 should not spin a tire.  Not as handy, but gets the job done.

Update from last nights 26 deg. temp.:  3:30 AM  16 degrees.  6:30 AM 13.2 degrees F.  Bright and sunny now, but clouds moving in from the West.  Some sort of record low was set for the date last night.  I sure am thankful for a snug, cozy house to live in, even if my outdoor cat does not want to stay in it on these cold nights.  I just say, "O.K. dummy.  It is your choice."  Well, it really was not his choice for three hours when I kept him in but he went back out at 6:30 with 13 degrees.  He has good thick fur.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 16, 2013, 10:48:44 AM
We have been pretty lucky up til today. Whatever snow fell , melted in the warm daytime temps. But this morning is looking like winter with slow but steady snowfall. Like death and taxes,  I guess snow in Sask. is inevitable. Oh well, at least I am not driving 7 hours on snowy highways to watch a football game in sub zero temperatures like some are this weekend.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 17, 2013, 02:16:07 PM
I see some severe weather conditions down south right now (Sunday noon). Gene might be in that area but hopefully able to miss the tornados.
http://www.weather.com/news/tornado-central/live-updates-tornado-oubreak-widespread-damaging-winds-sunday-20131117?hootPostID=df2ea4a3024f0ac8de0495c1e64144d6
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 17, 2013, 06:24:01 PM
Ralph, you are right on the weather here in Ohio. 6:20pm. Have weather warnings for high wind, severe thunder storms and tornado watch. So far only very strong winds and light rain. Wind getting worse now, so brought Bandy into the house. Sustained wind of 35 MPH and gusts to 60 MPH. Very mean looking clouds to northwest. Got dark very early. Had 1.5 inches of rain early this morning before daylight. Storm band is pretty narrow and moving at 40 MPH, so won't last too long. Only a couple flickers on the electric so far. Temperature is still 61 degrees, but will drop after this front passes. At least no snow in the forecast.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 17, 2013, 07:28:24 PM
Now 7:20pm and the worst of the storm has passed. Max wind gust was 59 MPH and very little rain. Lost power for a few minutes and lost internet right after I sent the last message. Was off for about 45 minutes. Cooled down to 55 degrees now. Should be able to see the full moon in a few minutes.

Back to hauling corn tomorrow. Have 5 wagon loads waiting on me. Will likely get 3 of them emptied tomorrow. About 1 more day of husking and they will be done. Fair weather for the next 3 days.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 18, 2013, 01:01:28 PM
Beautiful day here in WNY on saturday.  Low to mid 50's, full sun, and almost no wind.  Had to take advantage of it to give my truck it's annual gas up and put on the plow.  Putting on the plow turned out to be a much larger operation than it should have been.  The last couple of years it has gone pretty smooth but this time it was a bear.  Nothing would line up to get the pins in.  Pry it this way and that and it would be either too high, too forward, or too much back.  Finally got the main pins in but the side plates would not line up.   After a bunch of wasted effort, I realized that the lift cylinder was not compressed far enough and that was the hold up.  That bugger is so stiff that even if I stand on it, it will not go down.  Got a 18" monkey wrench from the tool box and hooked it on the arm.  With the truck key on and the MRS. holding the spring loaded control switch in the down position, the extra leverage from the wrench did the trick.  Well at least it was a nice day outside.  I was trying to work a sweat there.   Parked the truck and just before I shut it off, tried to angle the plow back and forth.  No move.  Jump a little, but no move.  Acted like a hydraulic lock.  Checked the center pivot pin and it seemed loose enough.  Long story short, found the hose to one angle cylinder uncoupled.  Now, that would do it all right.  Cleaned things up, hooked it back up, and all works fine.  Because I was not able to keep things string trimmed this past summer, some tough weeds had grown up around the plow.  My only guess is that they were wrapped around that hyd. coupling and released it when I raised the plow.  

Sunday brought even warmer temps than Saturday. but some wind and rain as well.  Not a terrible day but not another Saturday for sure.  Heard the wind a few times overnight and maybe a little rain shower early, but dry and windy so far today.  A couple of peeks of sun with Temp. now at 49, so not too bad.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 18, 2013, 02:50:06 PM
Gene, I guess you were lucky to miss the worst of it. Looks like Washington , Illinois got hit the worst watching the news here. Charlie I am plowing snow already. Not real deep but I was expecting the grain semi early this morning and they are a bit helpless with an empty trailer in snow so I scraped the driving area with the blade. It was a good opportunity to drain the engine oil on the 2090 Case. Don't want to go through the winter on straight number 30 oil so I will be changing to #10.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 20, 2013, 08:05:49 AM
15 chilly degrees here in WNY this morning.  10W oil is what I need in my body on days like this.  I will have to settle for Maple Syrup on my oatmeal instead.  If oats will make a horse "hot", it might help me too.  This temperature at this time of year is not unprecedented here.  I clearly recall on just about this date in 1963 I took my first deer.  When I started out standing that day it was 13 degrees.  I thought I might be stiffer that the fence posts before long.  It took over two hours and a lot of foot shuffling before my target showed up.  Back then I did not own -40 degree rated Sorel pack boots that I have enjoyed in more recent years.  Probably would not have them now if it weren't for shopping the half price sales.

No deer hunting for me again this year.  Although the new joint is progressing pretty well. it is not ready for an adventure that great yet.  These days when I go out it involves having an ATV loaded on a trailer and a trip to the farm where I grew up just to get started.  With the time and effort to make it happen, it becomes an all day adventure for me.  I normally hunt alone and am no longer able to drag a deer from the woods, so the ATV becomes pretty important.  Maybe another year.  Currently I have responsibilities here at home to not allow me to have an all day outing anyway.

The good news is that I am seeing bright sunshine as I look out.  That is a nice change.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 20, 2013, 04:12:49 PM
Charlie;

Still seeing a lot of deer here. Been several hit on the roads.Deer gun season here is Dec. 3 to dec. 8, so still time for the bow hunters to thin them out. Youth gun season is this Saturday and Sunday. I have never been much of a hunter, but as a youth I would take the gun and sit in the woods and pretend I was hunting, but never much of a killer, except for groundhogs and raccoons. Have invited friends and neighbors to hunt here, but few takers.

Weather here has been decent since Sunday night, but still have a chilly southeast wind about 15 MPH. Temps freezing at night and daytime temps in the mid 40's. Last evening was nice and calm, so Bandy and I walked back to the woods to survey aall the new limbs blown down.

Looks like Ralph will be putting on the long underwear and heavy coveralls to clear out the snowdrifts. Shows 1 degree f right now and colder weather waiting to the west to invade tonight.

A couple years ago I was working on the little Case VC restoring it. I was cleaning up the carburetor and had the little fitting for the choke cable cleaning it up on the wire wheel on the grinder, when it caught and threw it across the shop. I cleaned every corner in the shop and spent a Sunday morning trying to find the part. Finally made a new one for it. Well, yesterday I was getting some washers out of a plastic carton that was in bad shape and decided to get another container for them. When I dumped the washers on the bench, that little cable clamp came out with them!!! I was determined I would find it some day.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 21, 2013, 09:57:02 AM
Gene, you are right on our weather. It is way too cold this morning at -20F and enough wind to give a severe chill factor. Glad I got the two semis of canola out on Tuesday when it got up into the +20s and was quite comfortable. Not enough snow yet to have to push much, just a little shoveling here and there. Deer hunting season is here and our hundred acre woods, and the surrounding land, is popular as hunters pass through it often.
Funny how you find things long after you quit looking and have given up on them.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 25, 2013, 06:17:05 PM
Starting to get a little preview of winter here in Ohio. Windy and cold since Friday night. Low of 11 degrees and winds constantly of 25 to 35 MPH. Had a few snow flurries Saturday and Sunday. Was a good weekend to stay inside and keep the fire going.

Hauled the last of the Amish corn today, so they are all done now. Just in time as they plan to shut the dryer down before Thanksgiving. Ground has frozen enough to support the combines now so lots of corn being shelled off. A couple dry days and may be some beans combined. They need to dry down and the cold weather is not good for that. Possible snow forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Watched the Ohio State- Indiana football game Saturday and they had enough snow that they had to clean off the yard line markers. Wind strong enough to blow the ball off the kicking tee.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 26, 2013, 10:45:54 AM
Gene , the only corn fields left standing here are for the cattle's winter feeding. Combines are long since put away and I started feeding cattle last week as there is a layer of snow on the old grass in the pasture . I got the new water pump (built in Turkey) installed on the Cockshutt 40 on the weekend when it warmed up to the high 20s. Gave it a test run yesterday and seems like it will be ok.
[video=youtube;loTdXSspE20]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loTdXSspE20[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 27, 2013, 08:41:33 AM
Glad the water pump repair was successful. Not a good time or season for major repairs.

Tuesday was a rather pleasant day with calm winds and overcast skies. Needed to take the airplane to local airport to finish the signoff for the annual inspection. Flew about 1/2 hour when low clouds and snow flurries mandated a landing. Still was a pleasant flight.

Western Ohio has missed the storms that went south and east of us. Looks like Charlie may be getting the snow now. Good thimg he got the snow plow mounted and the truck gassed up.

Spent part of the afternoon in the woods cutting down the remains of an oak tree that blew down 1 1/2 years ago, About 24 inches at the base. Nice straight splitting wood. Will finish cutting it up today.. Plan to haul more wood from the woods today. Have several piles from last winter's cutting for this year's wood.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 30, 2013, 08:44:51 PM
I cut a little firewood today too. Some trees had fallen into the field and I cut them into lengths to fit in the truck box. A beautiful day with sunshine, no wind, nearly +20F. I even burned a few leftover flax straw piles as can be seen in this picture. Snow and colder weather in the forecast for the next week.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 03, 2013, 09:58:15 AM
The old truck sure takes a nice picture, Ralph.  I once worked with a man who had a twin to it.  Eventually, his was consumed by road salt.

We were hammered pretty good a week ago by the wet heavy snow.  Places not far away got mostly rain, but lucky us----eight inches.  Very heavy and solid.  Gene is right.  I got the plow on the truck none too soon.  I had to use it, but was careful not to let it ride on the ground to keep from tearing up.  With no frost in the ground, I choose not to drive up to the deck and back blade away for the walk.  I used the 1966 IH cub for the walks, front and back and that worked out well.  I have a strap around the front axle to the plow that keeps the blade two inches or so off the ground and that was just about right.

That snow work must have been too much for an old fella.  Wednesday evening I came down with one of my famous U. R. infections with bad congestion and cough,cough, non stop.  Just my bad luck for Thanksgiving.  I fixed our little dinner for the two of us, and at least the food was good.  Saw the DR. on Friday and got prescription and inhalers, etc.  Still working on the recovery, but feeling some better.  I have been warned about infection.  If it should be bacterial and gets into the bloodstream, it will concentrate at the new hip joint and destroy it.  Their best advice with any infection is to get antibiotics ASAP.

Getting some decent weather this week, so with any luck at all, I will get out of doors and get a little work done out there.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 04, 2013, 10:33:28 AM
Charlie, that does take the "fun" out of winter when you get sick from working out in the cold. Hope the anti-biotics do their job soon and you are ok. I shoveled my first snow yesterday banking up around the house foundation for extra insulation from the cold. Wind chill is a factor today (I hear) and it is going to get worse over the next few days. The older I get , the more I dislike the cold.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 04, 2013, 04:35:28 PM
I  believe winter is taking a break here in Ohio. Just getting a recharge before it hits us again. It was 60 degrees here today. cloudy skies and high humidity, so things are not drying at all. High again 60 for Thursday and then high of mid 30's for Friday and snow Friday and the weekend. Then cold all next week.

Tried to plow some on Monday, but even with the 320 bulldozer and 2x16 pull type plow, the mud was too much and kept plugging up under the plow. Neighbor has been plowing steady with his Massey 1100 and 3 bottom rollover plow, but he is plowing wheat stubble and I have soybean stubble.

Took the dozer back to my neighbor's and pushed out some pine tree stumps. Probably did 18 or 20 stumps and some trees that were dieing. Nice day and the soft ground was a good time for this job.

Most of the harvest was finished during last week's freeze. Don't see any standing crops close to home now.. Sure were a lot of wagon and truck loads of corn and beans going past the houst last week.

Worked in the woods on Saturday and Sunday cleaning up the hickory trees I had dragged back there that I had cut from the edge of the woods. Had a monstrous brush pile, so decided to burn it on Sunday. Really had a hot fire going, probably why it is so warm for Charlie and me. Went back on Monday morning and cut some more limbs and kept the fire going. Didn't get any pictures this time.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 05, 2013, 10:13:16 AM
Gene, we were doing almost the same job on the weekend. No ploughing here except snow on the frozen ground. But I did take the opportunity to burn a huge pile of branches that had been accumulating for a year or so. When I trim the hedges of carragana, spruce and maple I pile the branches to dry. Not safe to burn until snow is on the ground though and once its going it burns really well. I took this shot after dark. Sheltered from the cold wind and only the light of the fire and the sound of the coyotes howling nearby.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 06, 2013, 06:49:26 AM
Yep, fire is still the best cleanup tool. Been especially helpful on my farm that was so neglected when I bought it.

Weather in Ohio has turned back to winter. Yesterday morning was 54 degrees and temps dropped throughout the day to 32 by 6:00pm. Snow started some time during the night. Looks like about 2 inches so far and forecast for 5 to 8 inches throughout today. No wind at all, so no drifting. Bandy came in the house a little while ago looking like a white sheep with all the snow on his back. Should have plenty wood to keep warm. Got a nice stack in the house and wheel barrows loaded and in the dry. Looks like a good day to spend in the house and shop.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 11, 2013, 08:04:39 AM
I am wondering if you gentleman can get some more flax straw and tree brush burning and send the heat this way.  Genuine winter out there. An inch of new snow last night to once again cover our green grass.We are at just a fraction under +20 this morning and going to hold near there all day.  Dropped to +15 during the Monday night.  Nothing like the cold in the mid West, but plenty cold enough for me.  A nurse mentioned the other day that we might not have a white Christmas.  I said that sure would be terrible but I would not miss the white one bit.  She pretty much agreed.

Our new career here is tripping to the Doctors.  My wife got the respiratory infection also and she has more static breathing problems than I do, so it hits her hard.  Took her to the Dr. last week.  They checked her over, called an ambulance and had her trucked right to the Emergency Dept. at the Hospital.  After about eight hours of evaluation and treatment they released her.  I did not expect they would.   Now the Dr. wants to see her again to check her lungs.  I saw the Surgeon on Monday for a final check and the eye specialist yesterday for a retina scan and the eyeball injection.  I am at the point where I need a rest from these people.

While on the road yesterday a standing field of corn caught my eye and I commented that he might get the combine in there soon.  A ways down the road on the other side, there sat an CIH combine with a corn header in a field of corn stubble.  Guess he is getting close to the standing field.  Not uncommon to see late corn harvested here in winter conditions.

8:00 am  so it may be a good time to start building some breakfast  I had my OJ earlier, but now am getting hungry.  

Charlie V
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 11, 2013, 11:49:03 AM
Charlie;

Hope you get all the medical issues under control.

Cold and white still here in Ohio. Have about 4 inches of snow on the ground and was 11 degrees early this morning. Sunshine and south wind has warmed to 23 degrees now with more light snow starting after noon. Low tonight of about 5 to 8 degrees.

Delivered a load of metal and lumber for Amish. Picked it up Tuesday afternoon and evening. Got loaded too late to deliver last night so delivered it this morning. Just a good day to stay in and keep the fire burning. Ralph at -15 degrees and -35 wind chill is probably limiting any outdoor activity. Probably editing more videos to show us.

Talked to the new Amish neighbor across the road. When they buy a house, they take out all the normal utilities and heating system. Took out a near new propane high efficiency furnace with air conditioning coils and all the sheet metal and outside unit. Will sell it for $25.00. Will buy it for sure. Been wanting to replace my fuel oil furnace for a couple years. Good chance to do that. Already have my own tank for the shop furnace, just have to run a line to the house for this.

Got a new smart phone on Saturday and trying to figure that out. The name "smart" phone is aptly named, Have to be smart to figure them out.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 11, 2013, 08:43:03 PM
Well I am pretty sick of this continuing cold spell. We have had wind chill factors in the -40C range which is pretty well the same as -40F. Today , without the wind, -5F felt fairly comfortable for a change. I took the opportunity to get to town and empty the junk mail out of my post office box.
Charlie,, I guess if your health is not good it just makes the bad weather that much harder to take. Hope things turn around for you and your wife.
Gene,, too cold to do trucking here far as I am concerned but they phoned for my flax today. The trucker figures he can make it for a couple of semi loads next week so I don't want to miss the chance to move that flax before something happens to it.
Got a couple of new videos to upload but I have to take it easy on video as SaskTel has cut my ration back to 8GB per month now that I am off contract. Monthly bill is still the same though. :eek:
Title: Cold Day
Post by: RG8800 on December 13, 2013, 12:08:17 AM
Here is some video of me checking out the diesel fuel tank, starting the Cockshutt 40 on a very cold day in December , 2013.
[video=youtube_share;n44VuPRE2xg]http://youtu.be/n44VuPRE2xg[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 13, 2013, 09:01:54 AM
Ralph;

Watched the video earlier on YT and brought a smile when I heard the 40 fire off. Probably not be able to start anything here at that temperature. Maybe with the Reddy heater on it for a while. Diesels have block heaters and maybe would start if covered up with a blanket. Coldest I have ever experienced was -28F about 15 years ago when I lived near Newark, Ohio. Had a little Buick 4 cylinder and it started right off and made it to work without incident. Was like a fairyland with all the frost on the trees and wires. Power lines stretched almost straight out from contraction.

Not that cold here. Was +3 degrees yesterday morning and only 18 this morning. Snow predicted for tomorrow with 3 to 8 inches of accomulation. Going to town for groceries and gasoline this morning and get the little Case 222 with snowblower  out of storage and put it in warm shop.

Portland Tri-State Christmas banquet is Saturday night. Hope the weather is not too bad to go. I am now the camping director for the club, so feel I should be there. Directors have to pass out the prizes for the drawing.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 18, 2013, 09:27:10 AM
Fortunately Wny is not down to Ralph's low temperatures and hopefully won't be.  Night before last I was watching the thermometer floating between -7 and -8 F.  A clear sky and full moon really let all of the warmth leave town in a hurry.  Around 4:30 AM, clouds moved in and warming started.  By 7 AM we were up to 7 above and to 15 above shortly afterward.  Nothing like a blanket overhead.  Only problem is, that blanket keeps dropping snow.  Getting spattering of an inch or two each day.  Today we are looking at bright sunshine so far.  Held in the mid 20's overnight and looking for 30 today.

I managed to modify a wheel from an old spare blower with a good tire to fix my antique.  It ran well through the 8-10 inches on the weekend.  Did all of the walks and some extra pathways.  However. when I put that wheel on I found that two out of three bolts would not tighten, so no surprise they have loosened back up.  The studs thread into a flange on the axle that is only about 5 / 32" thick.  Hopefully today I will find time to drill open the holes in the flange, slide 5/16" bolts in from the back, and nut the outside.  More than one way to skin a cat, and that may be the way.

Hope Gene and Ralph are staying warm and staying healthy.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 18, 2013, 07:12:24 PM
Charlie;

Doing alright here in Ohio. Keeping the wood fire burning and nice and cozy. Like the wood heat. Wood I cut last winter is burning very good and providing a lot of heat.

Temperatures here have moderated somewhat and forecast to be much warmer through the weekend with temps in mid 40's. Been getting snows from the passing Alberta clippers with a couple inches every other day. Have about 5 inches on the ground and no wind to cause drifting. Snow should be gone by end of weekend

Had a good banquet with the Tri-State club Saturday night. Good food and good entertainment. Door prize drawing passed me by as it always does, but some members won some nice prizes. Weather was a little iffy with some freezing rain forecast, so several members did not attend, but weather missed us and roads were in pretty good shape.

Got my Christmas shopping done today so ready for get-together on Saturday night with my family.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 19, 2013, 10:53:56 PM
Sitting here in the house with cold feet . Wind chill outside is in the -30s they say. Not much wind but the temp is low enough that even a little is too much. I got lucky when Viterra called for my flax last week and the trucks came Monday when the temp got up into the 20s. Water dripping off the bin roofs in the sunshine.
I haven't put the snow blower on the tractor yet but did have to push a little snow with the blade so the semis could get in and out of the farm for the flax.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]688[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 22, 2013, 06:34:26 PM
Ralph;

Glad you got the flax hauled. Pretty good way to close out the year. Good the weather held for you.

Charlie and I are having springtime monsoon. Temperatures in the 50's since Thursday melted all the snow. Friday the rains
 
started and came with a vengeance, Don't have the rain gauge out so don't know how much rain we have had, probably 5

inches or more. All the low ground is flooded and all streams are out of their banks. Low land across the road from me looks

like a lake and the creek can't handle all the water. Already started to cool off and will have a high tomorrow of 32 degrees and going down from there.

Last night had Christmas gathering with all the kids. Got home about 8:15 and about 9:30 a violent storm went through with

howling wind and Very heavy, horizontal torrents of rain. Had a wheelbarrow of firewood outside the back door covered with a

plastic water tank. Wind blew the cover off and the wheelbarrow was completely filled with water this morning. Haven't

checked the driveway, but hear it has washed out at the road. Will deal with that tomorrow.

Got the gas line run from the propane tank to the house so will be able to install the gas furnace soon. Rented a trencher on

Thursday and dug the trench and installed the copper line. With ground thawing out it was a muddy, mushy mess trying to

tamp the backfill in the trench. Finally just covered the trench and the heavy rain has settled in a lot of the trench.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 23, 2013, 09:32:50 AM
Well. my belly is happy.  I fried some bacon this morning and ate if in a sandwich between two slices of toast.  I do not know if that is my favorite food, but if not, it is not far from my favorite.  OJ and coffee and I am good to go for a while.  

You are right, Gene.  Lots of rain.  Not as much as you had and not as warm. 53 called for yesterday, but we only made it to about 37 in the daylight hours.  It did get a little over 40 in the overnight.  The snow is gone, except where there were piles.  Some of those remain.  I heard mention somewhere on TV about two inches of rain.  Our guage is put away for the winter also.  Quite a surprise this morning to see that the puddles of water that were numerous yesterday are pretty much gone today.  My sump pump for the cellar that was working every few minutes over the weekend is mostly laid back now. Good!  


Do not have much to talk about today. With the weather being what it was I pretty much hid in the house except for a trip to the store for vittles.  I did epoxy my beard trimmer which had broken inside so the blade assembly would fall right off when it was turned on.  They do not make stuff like they used to.  It is somewhere between 15 and 20 years old.  Tried to buy a new set of Wahl like it.  Many web sights show it but say out of stock.  I checked the Wahl sight to learn it is discontinued.  Bummer.  The new model looks like cheezy .  Epoxy to the rescue.  I will put the blades on today and see how we made out.  Pretty delicate repair, but I am hopeful.

Wishing you men a good week and a very Merry Christmas.

Charlie
.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 23, 2013, 10:01:53 AM
Charlie, I use JB weld for similar repairs.  We were close to 40 overnight here too. As in -40F. I see it is up closer to -20 this morning. Not very inspriring to get out and do anything other than chores. No rain, freezing or otherwise. Radio is saying wind chill factor in the -40 range this morning. Going back to sleep I think. Seasons greetings to all.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 23, 2013, 11:25:26 AM
Ralph,

Put on an extra blanket or two.  The clippers are back together and so far seem to work OK although I have not really clipped anything with them yet.  At least they did not fall back apart.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 24, 2013, 08:34:28 AM
Merry Christmas to all. Hope everyone has a good Christmas. My Christmas was last Saturday night with all my children and grand children. Was a good Christmas. Kids got me an Ipad tablet for Christmas, so will be a learning experience to learn this. Will spend a few cold snowy days and nights learning this!!!!

Looks like we in western Ohio are the coldest this morning. Colder than Ralph or Charlie with 8 degrees this morning with just a dusting of snow overnight, don't know if it will still be around for a white Christmas.

Will be working in the shop and basement today to prepare for putting in the gas furnace. Have to modify the furnace bonnets to fit the existing ducting in the house. Got the heat side done and now need to modify the cold air side. Nice to have the heated shop to work in.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on December 28, 2013, 04:45:55 PM
Western Ohio update, as it were:   We closed on the new property yesterday, in Saint Paris, Ohio.   It'll be nice for the Super M to have some room to breathe.

Dean Vinson
[ATTACH=CONFIG]689[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 28, 2013, 07:52:34 PM
Two thumbs up to you, Dean.  Pretty exciting time for you and your family, I'll bet. When the stress of the move is over, hope you find a lot of enjoyment at the new place.  Now if I ever get to visit my daughter in Delaware, I can   catch Gene and Dean with a seventy mile drive from her place.  Someday, I hope.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 28, 2013, 08:50:17 PM
Dean, congrats on the closing. Looks like a nice property. The Super M will make a nice home there. I tried to find the proprety on Google, but Nettlecreek and Lonesome road are so crooked and entertwined and I am suffering from a head cold and concentration is hard to come by.
I have made some deliveries in the area, especially on Smith and lonesome road.

Look forward to having you for a neighbor.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on December 29, 2013, 12:24:53 PM
Thanks, Charlie and Gene--it is indeed an exciting time, and we're looking forward to settling in.  

Gene, I just looked at Google Maps and there seem to be two Nettlecreek Roads in the area, one each north and south of US 36.  I'm on the one south of 36, just east of Kite Road.  Figure maybe half an hour up to your place?  And Charlie, do let me know if you're in the area, I'd be glad to say hello to you in person as well.  Delaware is perhaps an hour east of me, right there on 36, and it's a nice drive.

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 29, 2013, 05:59:02 PM
Dean. I did find the right road, What I was seeing north of 36 was Nettlecreek ditch. Let me know some day when you are down at the farm and I will stop for a visit.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 30, 2013, 10:50:59 PM
Dean, congratulations on the new property. I'm sure you will enjoy it.
I shot this video back on November 30 when it was still relatively warm. Last run for the trike this season. Too much snow and too cold to drive it now. Headed for 30 below tonight so the old year is going out in a deep freeze.
[video=youtube_share;kUXkUvpoI2Y]http://youtu.be/kUXkUvpoI2Y[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 31, 2013, 01:09:48 PM
From the looks of the buildings you have there, Dean, you easily have room for 8 or 10 more collector tractors to keep the SM company.  :)

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 05, 2014, 04:26:53 PM
First post of 2014 here. Just had to take a picture to show you all what -50 Wind chill factor looks like. Took this out my south window about 1:00 today and you can see the hazy air which is a mix of frost crystals and blowing snow. Way too much wind for -22F but thats what we are getting. Hope it ends soon.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 05, 2014, 06:53:59 PM
Happy New Year all.  The bad news about that weather, Ralph is that you are sending it our way in the next day or so.  Not looking forward to that.  In the picture you posted, it that tiny bright spot in the far distance Texas??:cool:

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on January 05, 2014, 08:44:12 PM
Ralph, another fun video, as usual.  Looks like you were having a good time on that trike!  I can imagine why you're not out riding around in this weather, though...it looked pretty darn cold to me even in that video.

Charlie, yes indeed, this new place is well equipped for tractor storage!   The block barn farthest northeast from the house has a great lower level with concrete floor, big sliding doors, and must be ten or eleven foot clearance below the underside of the second-floor joists, perhaps even 12 feet.   A guy could get dozens of tractors in there without trying hard.  And the old bank barn could hold another six or eight easy also on the upper level.  Then there's the garage/shop/corncrib/miscellaneous barn to the south...  I'll have to work hard to figure out where *not* to park something.  :)

Nearing 9 pm on January 5th as I write this, still pretty warm outside (~35 F) but supposed to start falling fast and far.  We'll see how tomorrow goes.  Hope everyone is under cover with the power on.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 05, 2014, 09:43:53 PM
Charlie, the photo was pointing towards Texas but even my 10x zoom only shows about a 3 mile distance. Those bales in the photo are about two miles south.
Dean, I like the sound of the block barn. Wish I had an extra one here as I know I cold find something to fill it up with.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 05, 2014, 10:21:53 PM
Still waiting on the nasty weather the weather service has been forecasting. Looks like the 12 inches of snow was actually rain all day Sunday and finally turning to show about 9:00pm. Went out and shoveled the slush off the sidewalk before it started to freeze. Still 29 degrees at 10:15 pm and light snow. Forecast low by Tuesday morning is -17 to -20 degrees with 35 to 40 mph winds for wind chill of -40 degrees. Was able to get back to the woods this morning and bring in a nice trailer load of firewood. Just beat the snow and rain by getting it in the barn to keep dry.

Dean, I looked up your new property on Google Map. Sure looks like  nice set of barns. Gonna be a very nice farm.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on January 06, 2014, 12:09:17 AM
Hi Gene.  I took your idea and just went out and shoveled the drive and sidewalk.  We'll see how much more accumulates by morning--but it sure looks like it'll be way colder by then, so I'll be glad to have less to deal with whatever it is.

This old farm is a beauty, no doubt.  Here's a larger version of the earlier photo.  The house and bank barn are real classics and I'd have wanted the place just for them alone.  There's a small amount of tillable land and pasture, and some woods south of the house.   After all those years of "I hope to move back to the country someday," it sure feels good to be on the way.

(http://www.vinsonfarm.net/photos/nettlecreek.jpg)
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on January 06, 2014, 01:15:07 PM
What a difference a week makes... here's the same view above, as of today.   Four below zero F, but pretty comfortable as long as I wasn't looking into the wind (coming from the right in this photo).

(http://www.vinsonfarm.net/photos/four_below_zero.jpg)

And another view from the other side.  I took my glove off just long enough to take this picture, but that was plenty long enough...

(http://www.vinsonfarm.net/photos/southeast_pasture.jpg)

Dean Vinson
St Paris, OH
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 07, 2014, 06:43:50 AM
Dean, those are some beautiful photos. You do so well with your camera.

Have you started moving yet? And what is your plans for permanent residence?

When I bought my farm, it took 9 months to finally get things ready to move and to sell my former home. Never even looked back when I left there with my last load.

Temp is -10 this morning with 25 to 30 MPH winds for wind chill of -40 degrees. Driveway still drifted shut, waiting for wind to let up to get the snowblower out.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 07, 2014, 06:01:55 PM
I agree with Gene.  Both Dean and Ralph do a good job with the cameras.  I really enjoy their photos. At daylight here we were at -5 with wind at 0.0 and a windchill of -5 also.  How is that for coming out even?  The wind blew some during the night but laid back at around 5 AM.  Made a high today of about +5 with some wind throughout the day, but not tearing the roofs off.  As we only got a trace of snow I did not have to venture out at all.  Warmer days are coming to do whatever needs to be done.  I understand we have substantial icing  on the open stretches of highway.  Near the Lake shore and to the West are a totally different story.  I 90 is closed from 8 miles North of here all the way West to the Pa. state line.  From about five miles West, all the way to Lake Erie, well, those folks have tons of snow.  We do not hear much about it, but most likely the Watertown, Tug hill area are also measuring their new snow in feet, not inches, off the East end of Ontario.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on January 07, 2014, 07:53:09 PM
Thanks, Gene and Charlie.

Over the years some camera lessons have stuck with me:  Get close, or zoom in close.  Don't put the main subject of your photo in the exact center of the photo; a one-thirds/two-thirds split, either horizontally or vertically or both, works better.  For landscapes, a little bit of sky goes a long way; point the camera down a little to get more grass and less sky.  Mid-day sunlight makes for boring pictures; morning or evening sun, with the sun behind your back and somewhat off to one side, works much better.   And most importantly, take lots and lots of pictures and then only keep the few good ones.

All the way up to 9 degrees F here now, and slowly rising.  Guess the worst is past.

Gene, I'm making trips up to the farm pretty often, hauling miscellaneous boxes and smaller stuff that will fit in my car, partly to move, partly to keep an eye on the place, and partly because it's such fun being there.  I have some home-improvement projects to finish up in my current house before putting it on the market, little stuff that I should have done before but never got around to.   Might be a couple months yet before I'm fully moved, depending on how things go.  

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 07, 2014, 08:11:32 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;2188
 We do not hear much about it, but most likely the Watertown, Tug hill area are also measuring their new snow in feet, not inches, off the East end of Ontario.

Charlie


Tug Hill? Charlie, was it the one in this video from 1939? They certainly had their share of snow.
[video=youtube;4MJv6b0q6WI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MJv6b0q6WI[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 08, 2014, 07:48:22 AM
Exactly, Ralph.  They would be one in the same.  We are now at plus 8.6 degrees so I am thinking we are into a heat wave.  Looks to be very little wind so far.  That should shut down the lake effect snow machine in the areas that have been getting blasted.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on January 08, 2014, 10:42:13 PM
Great old video, Ralph!   Ramming that deep snow, over and over, must have beat heck out of those trucks, and the guys standing in front looked pretty close sometimes.   But I bet they had a lot of pride in their work.

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 15, 2014, 06:09:49 AM
Trying one more time to post from my mobile… Don't seem to be posting the message.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 15, 2014, 06:15:14 AM
Well men, it looks as if we are about to fall off the board here on the front page.  I am not too verbal but I can talk about this weather.  Mid thirties for high is not at all bad for mid January.  Not  a lot of sunshine around here but that may be a good thing.   The grass being as green as it is, two days of full sun and I would have to start prepping the mower to cut it.  Plenty of water in the ground so no rain or snow in the forecast the rest of this week is fine.  Spring is not just around the corner, but is quietly edging closer.

The only tractor that has been running a little here is the 1966 International cub.  That little thing runs like new.  The bad news is the battery is about finished. doesn't want to take a charge any longer.  It is dated 12/05, soooo, to be expected.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 15, 2014, 09:50:19 AM
Charlie, we are going to catch up to you in temperature here in Sask. today, if forecasts are right. Trouble is we are expecting 100K (62 mph) winds with it so that just cancels out any benefits of higher temps. Also light snow or freezing rain is possible so not a great day to be out driving.
I dropped the bale spear off the Cockshutt 40 on the weekend so I could install the snow blower. Getting tired of stumbling through snow banks as I walk around the yard. I have no idea what color the grass is here as it well buried under snow. Not as much as last year but just normal.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 15, 2014, 02:05:28 PM
Wow, looks like Ralph is the hot spot today at 39 degrees, may be losing some of his snow cover. Charlie is not too far behind Ralph, but he has cold weather coming his way. Have 21 degrees here in Ohio, but had a few warmer days since the end of last week. Only snow left is the piles and bigger drifts. Was 47 degrees Tuesday with very little wind. Had a nice walk to the woods with Bandy. Windy and 21 degrees today and low tonight of 14 degrees, so will help freeze the mud.

With my new smart phone and tablet, I had to set up a wifi terminal, so had to buy a wireless router to make them work. I had another post all typed out and was not able to post it, that is the reason for my last post that did send.

Still waiting for the oil furnace to burn up the last of the fuel oil so I can install the gas furnace. Got it into the basement yesterday.

Bet Dean has been doing a lot at his new farm. Been nice weather to get a few things moved. Also just to stand and admire his new surroundings.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on January 16, 2014, 09:37:25 PM
Hi Gene.   Are you going with an LP tank, or is there a gas utility to tie into?

"Stand and admire his new surroundings"... well, guilty as charged.  I'm anxious to really move in so I can be there full time, get to work on assorted stuff indoors and out, and just enjoy the beauty of the place.

I did run into a few practicalities.  Well pump quit working, so I called the company listed on a sticker on the pressure tank.  They came right out and said "Wow, we were just here a month ago to service the pressure tank and everything looked good."  I'd wondered if it was related to the cold, but none of the lines were frozen and when they pulled the pump out of the well it was just dead.  Blew another fuse when they hooked it directly to the power supply, bypassing the long cable inside the well to make sure the cable wasn't the problem.  Not seeing any other options, I had them put in a new pump.

That got me thinking about the water, since it looked pretty rusty (and had that sulfur-like smell) when we first turned the taps back on after replacing the pump.  The folks who'd lived there before had a little rental water softener and r.o. treatment unit, but I'd told them I didn't want to take over the rental--I'd rather buy a system of my choosing and then not have to worry about yet another endless monthly bill.  I hadn't been in any hurry to get to that since I'm not there full time yet, not showering or washing dishes there, etc, but the rusty/stinky water prompted me to speed things up.  So tomorrow some guys from a local water treatment company will come out and tell me what they think.

I've also been talking with some folks who stopped by to inquire about leasing the pasture and some of the buildings.  I would be delighted to keep the place in active farm use and a little cash flow couldn't hurt, but after brief discussions with a lawyer and the insurance rep I'm wondering whether I want to mess with it--and also wondering whether I want the activity of people coming and going all the time.  Right now I'm leaning toward not leasing the pasture, at least for the first year, and just settling in and seeing how things feel.  There's a hayfield that a young guy has been baling small squares off of and is apparently still interested in doing so, and I'll be happy to keep that up.  Also planning to get rid of a bunch of osage orange in the woods and start planting nice hardwoods.

Snowing again here, and temperature dropping...

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 16, 2014, 10:15:29 PM
Dean, sorry you had the pump troubles. Hopefully not too many more problems. My water here has a high content of iron sulfide and water from the well if allowed to settle will turn red overnight. I have a 48,000 grain softener that clears the water up real well. My well is only about 30 feet deep, so uses a shallow well pump in the basement. Just replaced my pump this fall with a 1 horsepower pump to replace the 1/2 horsepower pump that developed a leak.

For my gas furnace, I already had a propane furnace in my shop and own my own 500 gallon tank. I trenched a line off the tank to the house for that furnace. Put in 100 foot underground to the house and from the second stage regulator along the house to the furnace in the basement was about another 32 feet to the furnace. Hardest part of the installation was boring a hole for the exhaust vent pipe. Sill plate I had to bore through was a solid 8x8 hardwood beam and bored the hole with a 2 1/2" hole saw. Not a fun job.

28 degrees here with snow flurries. Trip back to the woods this afternoon had whirlwinds blowing the snow. Looked like dust devils in summer.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 18, 2014, 01:01:54 PM
The up side of replacing some of the items at the new home, Dean, is that they will be "new" for some time.  That should cut down the worry of waking up at three AM on a cold winter night and wondering how old such and such is, and when it will give up the ghost.  The $$$ you are spending now is partly "peace of mind money".

Once again we are living in a white world.  The green grass of yesterday is gone from sight.  Sure was nice while it lasted.  I had very good intentions of snapping a green grass photo and sending it to Ralph just to cheer him up.  I had that thought several times but did not get the camera right then.  Too late now.  Sorry Ralph.  Next time.  In a few blinks of an eye I can photograph flower blossoms instead.

Charlie.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 18, 2014, 01:29:00 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;2199
The up side of replacing some of the items at the new home, Dean, is that they will be "new" for some time.  That should cut down the worry of waking up at three AM on a cold winter night and wondering how old such and such is, and when it will give up the ghost.  The $$$ you are spending now is partly "peace of mind money".

Once again we are living in a white world.  The green grass of yesterday is gone from sight.  Sure was nice while it lasted.  I had very good intentions of snapping a green grass photo and sending it to Ralph just to cheer him up.  I had that thought several times but did not get the camera right then.  Too late now.  Sorry Ralph.  Next time.  In a few blinks of an eye I can photograph flower blossoms instead.

Charlie.

I'm sure you will get another chance to see the green grass Charlie. Here I expect it will be 3 or 4 months to wait. So I took a look back at last summer yesterday when I was editing yet another old international truck video.
[video=youtube;4boibVLyVYU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4boibVLyVYU&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 19, 2014, 07:29:01 PM
Another good video Ralph. Gives hope for better weather.

Getting more winter here. Snow squalls coning down from Canada about every day. Have about 4 inches on the ground, but with wind drifting some areas and blowing other areas bare. Seems to like driftimg my sidewalk right outside the back door and then halfway up the walk. Forecast for below zero for middle of the week. This morning was 8 degrees and now at 7:30pm it is 28 degrees with clear sky, so temp will drop tonight.

Finally burned up all the fuel oil for the furnace, so pulled the oil furnace out yesterday and put the gas furnace in, so am heating with gas now, but still have the wood fire going with the furnace for backup heat. Will give it a good test when the cold weather moves in.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 19, 2014, 07:42:29 PM
Trying another post. Reason I couldn't post before on mobile was because I wasn!t logged in. See if this works now.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 20, 2014, 09:30:48 AM
Gene,

Funny how those little technicalities can mess things up so much.  These darned electronic devices always have to teach the users a whole bunch of rules and regulations.  Sometimes I am sure they were designed by Government.  Congrats on the furnace install.  Sure did not take very long once you started.

We still only have about two inches of snow on the ground.  Too windy to go out yesterday to do much although temp. was mild, near 30.  About the same this AM but the wind is easy.  That is all supposed to change as the day progresses and once the cold sets in it is supposed to stay for days, at least.  I took advantage of this small window and went out and cleared the walks.  Won't last long as the forecasted snow is already falling, but it makes me feel better to have it done for a few minutes.  That is about as lasting as mowing the grass in Springtime.  Maybe even less.


Wishing everyone a good week.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 20, 2014, 06:14:06 PM
Charlie, we have about 4 inches of drifted. Wind blown drifts are almost hard enough to walk on. No wind today, so clearing the sidewalk this morning lasted all day. Yesterday's wind made it miserable to be out, so stayed in and did some housecleaning. 30 degrees this afternoon and calm wind, so Bandy and I walked back to the woods and piled some on the brush I cut off a couple down trees. The snow made it hard to find some of the smaller limbs, but I think I made a difference.

Things getting goofy on the site tonight. Had much more typed, but wouldn't let me send it till I refreshed the page and auto save only saved the first part.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 20, 2014, 06:19:42 PM
Looks like things are back to normal, so will try to finish my post.

The furnace install went pretty quick as I had been working on getting things ahead of time. Had the vent, electric and plenums all ready to set it in. It seems to be working alright, but will know for sure on Wednesday morning.

Checked Ralph's weather and he is below zero again, but with light winds so the cattle should be alright.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 20, 2014, 11:27:38 PM
You are right Gene. We were up in the 30s and melting a little yesterday. Down to -20F when I got up this morning. Sunny and quiet so its not too bad. I even worked in the unheated shed for a while cleaning up the Massey engine head. I guess you will like the gas heat. It is supposed to be more efficient than oil. Also no worries of the oil tank running empty during a blizzard.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on January 21, 2014, 09:44:21 PM
Ralph, just watched your latest video featuring your old IH truck.  That is just one fine machine.  Thanks, as always, for taking the time to make and post those videos.

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 23, 2014, 12:19:01 AM
Quote from: vinsond;2207
Ralph, just watched your latest video featuring your old IH truck.  That is just one fine machine.  Thanks, as always, for taking the time to make and post those videos.

Dean

Glad you liked the videos Dean. I'm just trying to keep the International name alive.
Down to -22F here this morning with a high of -10F. Not a bad day at all with bright sunshine and no wind at all.
Coyotes are looking healthy. This one from my trail cam.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 24, 2014, 11:24:20 AM
Quote from: RG8800;2208
Glad you liked the videos Dean. I'm just trying to keep the International name alive.
Down to -22F here this morning with a high of -10F. Not a bad day at all with bright sunshine and no wind at all.
Coyotes are looking healthy. This one from my trail cam.



Ralph,

You beat our fourteen below on Tues night by 8 degrees.  We did a little better than you on Wed., as we made plus 5 with the help of full sunshine.  Thur. night made minus 5 and last night, minus 2.  It seems we are in a warming trend for a few days with extreme cold scheduled to return early next week.  That is a great coyote photo that you caught. Thanks for posting it.  There are low numbers of the critters around here.  i have seen tracks out back, but never met one in person.  Sure have plenty of deer making the nightly rounds through the yard.  

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 24, 2014, 05:29:31 PM
Ohio facing another Siberian express. About -5 for tonight and strong winds and 3 to 5 inches of snow. Wind is already more than 30 mph and snow just starting to come down. Temp now is 10 degrees at 5;00 PM. Warmest it has been all week. Was down to -8 Wednesday morning and then again this morning. Winds have made it just too bad to be out very long.

Been enjoying the warm house. Bought a laptop computer Wednesday and been learning a little on how to use it. Trying to catch with technology.

Haven't seen any signs of coyotes here lately. Not even any tracks in the snow. Not very good hunting for them here.


Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 25, 2014, 02:21:43 PM
Melting yesterday, today it is cold and snowing. Gene, you are really updating things there. Is your new furnace propane? I hear no end of talk on the forums about the sky-rocketing price of propane and the real possibility of running out in some places. I hear it may affect natural gas prices too which would be bad news for most of us as natural gas is the heat of choice here. Also it will increase fertilizer prices. Just what we need with the hit we have taken on grain prices this winter. That is if we could actually sell any grain.
The coyote pic is just one of many I have. I have a "bait station" that attracts them so at least I am getting a few interesting photos like this fierce looking one.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 27, 2014, 08:53:43 AM
Weather here in Ohio is the big news item. High winds and frigid temps has a forecast of -15 degrees with 30 to 35 mph winds tonight will drive wind down to -35 to -40 degrees. Have about 6 inches of snow on the ground that is drifting with the high winds. Went to bed last night with 37 degree temp and woke up to 1 degree and dropping.

Took the little Case and snowblower out yesterday and cleared the driveway and barnlot so I can get out if I have to. Also cleared a path to the woodshed trailer so I can bring in more wood.

Gene

Yes, the furnace is propane. Natural gas is not an option here. No lines close and no plans to install them. De Graff is 6 miles away and plans are to have ng there, but only been talk for last 3 years. LP price was $1.65 here early fall. i filled my tank in December at $2.40. Price now is over $3.00. Many suppliers have a 200 gallon maximum delivery, but my supplier say they have adequate supply to supply everyone. Just at a price.

I had wondered how you heated since you no longer heated with wood.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 27, 2014, 09:40:33 AM
Gene, hopefully the price of propane will settle down to a sensible level soon and nobody will run out. Sounds like our weather hit you last night. We had extreme winds blowing the new snow yesterday. Swept the open areas down to ice or frozen ground and put up some big hard drifts in other places, like in front of some of my barn/bin doors. At -10F is was bad enough in the morning but worse by late afternoon when it was down to -18F. I walked part way out to check the driveway and nearly froze my nose walking back. Not planning to start a tractor today as it is -32 this morning. At least the wind has dropped.
This picture from yesterday morning.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 28, 2014, 04:17:11 PM
Well, Ohio had a taste of the polar express. This morning we had a record low temperature for Logan county of -17 degrees. Fortunately we had very little wind so the wind chill factor was not as low as predicted. Our high temperature is the current 4 degrees with bright sunshine all day. I was able to work outside without too much discomfort. Shoveled a little snow and dug some wood out of the outside wood pile. Warming trend coming in so tonight should be the last below zero weather. Gas furnace ran quite a bit overnight and I got up 2 times to add wood to the stove. Was nice and comfortable in the house when I got up.

Bandy has enjoyed being out quite a bit the last 2 days. He lays at the corner of the house or top of the hill by the shop. Keeps an eye on the neighbors and barks at everything that moves. Didn't spend much time outside on his early morning outing at 5:45am.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 29, 2014, 03:25:37 PM
Gene, I guess it is never hard to keep warm shoveling snow or gathering firewood. Today was the first day above zero so far this week. Hit a high overnight near 20 and then dropped steadily to down near zero by mid day. Kind of backwards but I guess nothing is normal now when it comes to weather. Got another interesting trail cam shot featuring a stand off between two of the local wild creatures.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on January 29, 2014, 07:20:41 PM
Ralph, those are some cool photos--thanks for sharing them!

Forecast is calling for temps at or near freezing tomorrow, which will be fine with me.  I do enjoy seasons in all their glory and drama, but some milder stretches now and then sure make life easier.

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 30, 2014, 08:25:40 AM
Ralph, I will put my money on the skunk. Always liked them. Probably one of the most social wild animals out there. They are very friendly when not threatened.

Forecast for warmer weather. Looks like the below zero temps are behind us. Couple express systems lined up to the west, but looks like the track will be mainly to north of us. Forecast for Saturday is warm and rain, then colder again for next week. Maybe we will get rid of the snow. Was out with the snowblower yesterday evening and cleared some drifts on front of the shop and barn door and around the truck. Also cleared a lane along the airstrip so I can get back to the woods with the tractor and trailer to haul some firewood. and cut some more of the down trees.

Hope the snow tomorrow misses us. My neighbors are taking me out for supper for my birthday. Don't want to miss that.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 30, 2014, 02:11:41 PM
I think the skunk will be fine Gene. I saw him in a few more frames later on. They get a little too friendly here and come up to help themselves from the cat dish on rare occasions. I released a live one from a raccoon trap last summer. It took a bit of patience but as you say, they are not a bad animal and I think help control mice.
Plenty of below zero weather still to come for us. Wind chill is in the -30s today they tell me. I guess I will find out when I get beyond the shelter of the trees. Not sure if my driveway is passable even in 4 WD with winter tires but will give it a go. If nothing else I will keep warm shoveling snow to get unstuck.
Not quite as cold as it was a few days ago when I shot this video.
[video=youtube;agbVf3Z6oVU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agbVf3Z6oVU[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 30, 2014, 06:13:47 PM
Have a skunk story to tell.

In high school, I worked for a farmer a few miles from home. Ralph was very particular about building fence. It was probably middle of August and Ralph wanted to build a fence to pasture part of the barnyard. To set a railroad tie for a corner post, we had to dig a hole 6 feet x 6 feet and 4 feet deep and braced the bottom of the tie with 4 2x4's. Naturally in August the ground is very hard and dry and took 3 days to dig this hole. Corner post was just a few feet from a chicken house that sat about 18 inches above ground. First day of digging I would see a shadow moving under the chicken house and just thought it was a cat. Second morning I looked over and mama skunk was outside watching me. That afternoon she was out again with her 4 babies watching all the action. Third morning mama and her babies were right at the edge of the hole as I was digging, all were very curious what was going on. I was able to pick up the babies and Ralph's son got a picture of me that afternoon standing in the hole and holding the 4 babies in my arms and mama right beside me. Have had special respect of them ever since.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 30, 2014, 07:01:58 PM
Happy Birthday, Gene.  Best wishes for another healthy and prosperous year.  

I sure can't blame you for walking fast in that raw wind, Ralph.  If you slowed down you might freeze to the ground on the spot.  See you did a little tree pruning near the end of this video.  That is sort of a back door way to get the job done, but if it works, well..........................:):)     Great trail cam shots.  My money is in the skunk also, although I did have a short hair that killed a skunk one time, right after the skunk thoroughly washed the dogs face.  The dog was normally not aggressive but I guess the soaked face made him mad.  Quite a sight to see.  Then the dumb dog wanted to bring his kill home.  Nooo chance my friend.  You are lucky I am letting you come home.

Nice day here today.  High in the high 20's.  Bright sunshine all day and not much wind.  Another day closer to spring.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 31, 2014, 04:08:41 PM
Trying something new. Got a new laptop last week and checking to see if I have learned enough to post a message.

    Warmed up today to 35 degrees and forecast for 43 tomorrow with freezing rain and then rain for most of the day. 2 days of warm temps, then back to below freezing and more snow by first to middle of next week. Just a light sleet this afternoon and a chance of light snow this evening

    Worked in the wood pile back of the barn digging some wood out of the snow and stacking it inside.
 
    Neighbors will take me out to supper tonight. Probably go to Mount Victory to Plaza Restaurant. Will be a nice birthday celebration.

         Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 05, 2014, 10:42:03 AM
Hi Gene. Hope you survived your birthday celebrations. Looks like your laptop skills are just fine at posting here. We had close to 35 degrees here this morning too, but on the minus side. Hit a high of -8F yesterday but enough wind chill factor to make it miserable out in the wide open spaces. More of the same (or worse) predicted for today and the rest of this month in fact. On the plus side, I've only had to run the snowblower over the driveway once so far this winter so the old 40 is having an easy winter.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 05, 2014, 07:06:01 PM
Yes, survived the birthday just fine. 72 is not much different than 71. Had a great supper at the Plaza and good visit with neighbors and others at the restaurant. Had a light snow for the trip, but only amounted to about 1 inch. Weather was rather mild for the weekend and spent some time Sunday walking through the woods identifying different animals from the tracks. Lots of rabbit, squirrel, raccoon and deer tracks. Saw one buck deer that Bandy protected me from. Sent him running. Woodpeckers are out too.

Monday I cut up the big hickory and oak that had finally come down from leaning in other trees. Tuesday I took the dozer back with a chain and pulled the main part of the trunk down from the 15 foot high snag. After that I was going to pull another hickory down in neighbor's woods, but on the way there, I discovered the master pin in the right track had come half way out. Spent almost 4 hours getting it back together. As soon as I got it running, I took it to the shop and drilled and tapped each end of the pin and put a large washer and bolt in each end. Won't be worrying about that anymore.

Last night had about 8 inches of snow with moderate north winds. Had some drifting, so got the little Case and snowblower out and spent about 3 hours clearing the barnyard and driveway. Getting some good size piles at edge of the gravel.

Laptop computer is doing a lot of updating right now, so doing this on the PC.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 10, 2014, 12:59:18 PM
Sounds like you are moving as much, maybe more snow than I am Gene. I have only run over the driveway once with the snow blower. Couple of times with the blade as there were just a few problem areas. Otherwise we have had so much wind that blew a lot of the snow away. Continuing cold and below normal temps. Wind chill near -40 this morning they say. Not much wind here thank goodness. I put together this vintage video from 1988 showing how we used to plant crops here with the one way disker. Still got both machines but I don't plant crops with it anymore.
[video=youtube;nk5rWTudmhg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk5rWTudmhg[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 11, 2014, 07:54:46 AM
Enjoyed the video of the discer. Had never seen one in operation before. Knew the principal, but never used around here.

Lots of below zero temps here. -8 this morning. Each day sets a new low for the date. Have probably 12 inches or more snow on the ground and each wind we get lust makes more drifts. Had 8 inches of snow last week and then 3 more inches Sunday morning.

Sunday about 11:00am I made a round to the woods with the little snowblower, planning to haul some firewood I had cut on Saturday. Came in for dinner and by the time I came out with the tractor, I could not even see the path I had cleared. Have a homemade driveway maintainer on the tractor and cleared the path again and cleared back through the woods so I could get back with the trailer and finally got the wood hauled.The wood pile and LP tank goes down fast with the cold temps.

Just checked the weather and we are actually colder than Ralph and Charlie. Weather forecasters keep promising a warmup but hasn't happened yet. Maybe by Friday.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 11, 2014, 02:48:17 PM
That is about the way I saw it at the beginning of the weekend, Gene.  It looked like the 0 degree nights and high teen days would hold out till about next weekend.  then we might see some above freezing days tossed in.  We did get somewhere between 10 and 12 inches last Wednesday.  Very fine and light snow, so easy to move.  Now our friendly Great Lake is giving us very fine, light snow each day.  Not a lot .  About two inches yesterday.  It keeps the ground cover fresh and bright white.  Our temps have moderated a little.  Getting into the early 20's the last two days and last night stayed up to 7.  Nice sunshine off and on today, but it still cannot resist dribbling down the Lake snow part time.  The wind luckily has not been too much of a factor.  Some blowing across roads in the open country but not in town.  I have been getting out to do snow clean up and grocery duty as necessary and that has been going OK.  Even took the time to move four battery maintainers to different batteries.  I am currently running four chargers for eight batteries and switch the leads every three or four weeks.

 On my wife's 2005 Sable, I have to keep a maintainer on all of the time. Since she no longer drives, the car gets little use.  Ford in their infinite wisdom designed a perimeter alarm  system on those cars that sucks enough current to kill the battery in less than two weeks if the car is not started.  I read the shop manual and could see no way to disable the system as it is tied into other things in a very complex computer and sensor system.  I checked with my favorite car dealer and they pretty much confirmed the PATS system in not meant to be disabled and a battery maintainer is the way to go.  They tell me that many people have lost their batteries because of that on Fords.

The good word for today is that Spring starts in five weeks and two days.  Hang in there guys.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 12, 2014, 05:41:27 PM
Winter storm warning alerts on radio right now for all south Sask. but I only need to look out the window. Its a wild south easter blowing with new snow falling since before noon today. Last I checked the temp was about 0F. Guess I will find out in a few minutes when I head out to put a bale out for the cattle. Better things predicted for the weekend.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on February 15, 2014, 05:27:16 PM
Ralph, can I borrow your Cockshutt 40 and snowblower?  I'm getting tired of using a scoop shovel.

Dean

(http://www.vinsonfarm.net/photos/driveway_snow_20140215.jpg)
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 15, 2014, 05:55:14 PM
Dean, if you spray the shovel with spray silicone the snow comes off much easier. Saves a lot of work. That wind Thursday night sure drifted the snow. I had cleared 2 different paths back to the woods on Thursday afternoon expecting to get to the woods to cut and haul some wood. The wind completely covered both paths and was a struggle with the tractor and trailer getting to the woods. Even with no new snowfall. After I got to the woods I had no problem. Fellow borrowed my trailer for a trip to an Amish sale, Got the trailer out and on cleared ground, but still had to pull him with the tractor to get down the drive. He brought it home last night and I had to pull him up the driveway. Couldn't get up the hill with a 2 wheel drive van.  

Spent some time last night on your Facebook page Dean. I am very inpressed with your talents there.

Still haven't gotten the warmer weather promised. Maybe next week? Morning lown have been just above zero and highs of low to mid 20's. Used the little Case and snowblower to clear the driveway and path back to the woods. Hope it stays clear for a while. Looks like Dean will have to get a 4 wheel drive to negotiate the long driveway.

Charlie seems to be getting the same weather we are here in Ohio. At least it has been above zero now for 2 mornings. Ralph is still getting the benefit of the Canadian clippers with snow, winds and cold temps. Five more weeks till spring.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 16, 2014, 10:30:43 AM
Dean, just look at that snow shoveling as the price you pay for the life you live. That's how I justify my half mile driveway of snow, high priced ,limited internet, etc. The benefits of living out in the sticks still outweigh the negatives as far as I am concerned.
We had one nice day of sunshine and no wind yesterday. "Warm" at 0 degrees too.
Shot a bit of outside video the other day while trail blazing my driveway. Made it out without starting a tractor. Those 4 winter tires are paying for themselves.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 16, 2014, 05:55:34 PM
This is what you need, Dean.  Stay warm and dry while you get the work done.  If you were right next door, I would swing over and take a couple of passes.

Charlie



[ATTACH=CONFIG]696[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 17, 2014, 09:44:59 AM
Charlie

Sure could have used that here this year. The winds keep blowing the snow into drifts in the driveways. Cleared it out Saturday with the snowblower and then pushed the banks back with the tractor. Didn't even use it till Sunday and wind Saturday night drifted it over and snow showers last night with the wind has made it necessary to blow it out again. Have to wait till the wind lets up a little. Don't really have to go anywhere today.

Ralph, my Jeep Grand Cherokee does a real good job in the drifts. Have been able to get through wherever I have to. All season tires are a great investment here too. Went to Ada, about 35 miles north of me to look at a grain drill, that I bought. The roads were drifting on the west lanes from the west winds. Hoping it warms up enough to start melting the snow so it will stay put. It is so fine and powdery it blows from the lightest wind. Forecast is for 3 to 5 more inches tonight and tomorrow and high tomorrow of 40.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on February 17, 2014, 07:01:45 PM
Charlie, very nice setup on your truck!  Indeed, that'd have been downright handy.

Gene, the hardest part for me (aside for the sheer length of the driveway, which the above photo doesn't show well--look at the fenceposts on the right side) was that I'd already driven through the snow a time or two and packed some of it down, which made it hard to shovel.   Some of it had frozen crust, also, which might have cut down on further drifting but likewise made it hard to shovel.   I went back up today and got in and out without getting stuck and without shoveling any more.  I'm hoping warmer temps over the next week will give it all a chance to melt.

Ralph, no doubt, dealing with snow on a long driveway is part of the price of admission to living out there, but I'm happy as clam to pay it.  Many years now I've been looking forward to returning to a more rural setting, and not once since buying this place have I had any second thoughts.  Lots of chores to attend to but I'm looking forward to all of them.

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 18, 2014, 12:41:00 AM
Charlie's plow truck looks like a better option for when the weather is miserable but today was so nice that I was comfortable sitting out on the old 40 for hours blowing snow. Sunshine, blue sky, no wind and got up to about 30 degrees. Almost too warm for good snow blowing since it is easier with cold dry snow. But I won't complain. Shot more video using a few new camera angles.
[video=youtube;w3If1uIg7hA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3If1uIg7hA&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 18, 2014, 06:26:10 PM
Ralph, another great video. That must be a good stabilizer you have on the camera.

Dean, I should have taken a picture today of my snow remover. The high winds and freezing rain and sleet had completely drifted my driveway. The ice made it too hard to use the snowblower, so got the Case 320 bulldozer out and cleared the driveway. With the frozen ground I was able to let the blade float and cleaned right down to the gravel. Some places was as much as the little dozer wanted, but got the drifts all pushed out. Then went back with the snowblower and cleand up the windrows the blade leaves. After that, I took the dozer back the path to the woods. Snow was starting to get wet and the blade rolled it up into a big roll twice as high as the blade. Was kinda fun doing that.

Had a storm here last night with sleet, freezing rain, snow and strong wind. I lost all internet and telephone when the wind blew the microwave antenna off location. Service guy came about 5:00pm and got it lined up and working again.

High temperature today was about 45 degrees. Nice day to be working outside.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on February 23, 2014, 09:07:02 PM
Gene, I bet that 320 is a mighty handy machine indeed.  I found a few photos of such tractors on line, but only a few.  Late 50s?  

And Ralph, ditto what Gene said--you do an absolutely great job with your videos!

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 24, 2014, 09:38:09 AM
Thanks for the compliments on the videos . I have a lot of fun making them and am hopefully learning something in the process. I spent a day circulating canola from one bin to the next after cleaning up the snow. Since our railways seem unable or unwilling to ship our grain, all we can do is watch the price drop and move it around to make sure it stays in good condition until the day comes we can sell it (hopefully at a profit). Consequently the driveway blew in again before I got a chance to get to town. It did give me the opportunity to shoot another "trail blazing" video though. Back down into the -30s this morning. If this isn't the coldest winter we have had in years then I don't know what was.
[video=youtube;QiWzPTXfmAg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiWzPTXfmAg&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 24, 2014, 12:09:50 PM
Dean, this is a photo from my photos on ATIS. It is a 1957 Case Terra-Trac. First year after Case bought them. Uses a Case G148 engine and Clark transmission and final drive. Has a 6 foot blade and weighs about 6000 lbs. so can haul it behind my pickup. Need to learn how to include pictures in my post.

http://www.atis.net/forums/album.php?albumid=18&attachmentid=448


Most of the snow is gone here, except piles and drifts. Colder temps for this week and possible light snow tonight. Should freeze the ground again.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on February 27, 2014, 11:02:23 PM
Hi Gene.  Really a nice-sized machine.  And very cool to have that Case connection.

Inserting photos in your posts is easy if you already have them on line somewhere.  Here's how I do it:

1.  Go to the photo you want to include, and select and copy the whole URL for that photo.
2.  Click the "Insert Image" icon as you're typing your post--it's the third icon from the right, in the menu bar above the text window as you're typing.
3.  Select the "From URL" tab and paste in your photo's URL.
4.  Un-check the "Retrieve remote file and reference locally" box, and then click "OK."

Ralph, no doubt on the "coldest winter in years."  Just when I think surely we're past the bitter cold, it gets bitter cold again.  Forecast for this weekend is bad ice on Sunday followed by snow and at least a few more days well below freezing.  Alright already.

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 28, 2014, 10:00:00 AM
Dean,, it is even worse today. Nice sunshine but strong NW winds with ground drifting and blowing snow at -20F. Tomorrow's forecast is for close to record breaking lows and wind chill in the high 40s. That is cold even for Sask. The other day when it got up a degree or two above zero it felt warm. Good thing I got out to town yesterday. Driveway was heavy going even in four wheel drive but if I had opened it I guess it would blow in again today with the winds we are getting.
This little calf is almost a week old and does not know what warm weather is yet. Tough little animals.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 01, 2014, 06:22:11 PM
Gonna try to post a photo[ATTACH=CONFIG]698[/ATTACH]

Hope it worked.
This is a photo of one of the Ball mansions in Muncie, Indiana. The Ball family made their fortune making canning jars. There are 4 of these mansions on the same street.

Dean. I posted the photo directly from my computer.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 01, 2014, 07:04:34 PM
Had some cold temperatures most of the week so was able to get in about 3 1/3 days cutting, splitting and hauling firewood. Getting a pretty nice pile of wood for next winter. Most of the snow has melted except for a few drifts. Ground was frozen good and hard until today. Started early with the splitter but the sunshine and warm temperatures started melting the mud, so had to take the splitter and tractor to the barn about 10:30. Walked back this afternoon with the maule and hand split some oak and piled up some hickory for the splitter.

Winter storm forecast for tonight and Sunday. Starting as rain and turning to snow later tonight and maybe 8 inches of snow. I expect it to mainly stay north of us, but will see. Winter still has 3 weeks.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 01, 2014, 07:59:02 PM
Looks like you have the picture posting working fine Gene. I think I might have a few of those jars somewhere.
We had record breaking low temperatures all over Sask. this morning. I saw -38F on mine and I think the high might have been -15F Way too much wind for those temperatures. Not fit to do much outside other than essential chores.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 01, 2014, 09:55:28 PM
Wow, don't care for those temps at all. I worked in a pilot lab where we had a cold room at -40 degrees. Worked there a few nights when the regular man was on vacation. It was used to freeze dry coffee for freeze drying.

Yes, I remember my mother using Ball mason jars for her canning. I took that picture about 5 years ago and if you Google Ball Mansion, you will see that picture. Guess they got it off my Photobucket site. If you have ever heard of Ball State University, it was started and financed by the Ball family.

Still no snow here at 9:55pm.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 01, 2014, 11:05:53 PM
Gene,

I think the ball fruit jars used to be about as standard in American households as the first floor.  I have a few with the glass lid that used the rubber ring for seal, prior to the pop down tin lid style.  My Mom did a lot of canning when I was a boy.  I used to work with a poacher and his wife who canned enough venison each fall to feed the family for the whole year.

The weather here has been similar to Ohio for the past week or so.  We got a one day break today and made a high of 42. ( that is 42 F on the plus side of the goose egg, Ralph.)

 I bought a 10 K / 8K generator the other day that should arrive in about a week by truck.  Lift gate delivery is pretty pricey so although I wanted it, I passed.  My plan now is to back my 20 foot trailer up to the delivery trailer to bring the generator down my eight foot ramps onto it.  That should reduce the amount of drop enough to make it doable.  Today seemed like the day to rescue my trailer from way out back.  If the ground should thaw I might not be able to get it until May.  I thought the tires might be frozen into the ground, and they were.  After I hooked up I gave it a try and the truck just spun tires.  All four truck tires were sitting on packed snow.  I went a got eight gallons of hot water and started pouring a quart or two around each trailer tire, then waiting.  The water was not able to soak down under the tires through the ground frost.  The next step was a good heavy crow bar.  Picked a whole beside each tire so the water could soak.  Still not getting far, so picked  along the outside of all four tires and kept adding more water periodically.  Then I got the bar under the tire treads front and back and flexed the rubber as much as I could.  Being 12 ply tires and cold they do not flex much.  After a good hour and one half I was considering giving up on the trailer retrieval.  Gave it one more try with lightly bumping ahead and back, and walla--out it came and we were off to the driveway and hard ground where it will not freeze in.  Here are pics of where it was sitting.

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Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 02, 2014, 07:52:08 AM
Yep, Charlie, we are sharing the same weather. Nice Saturday, today I have snow, you have snow. 16 degrees here, 16 degrees there. Looks like today is a day to sit with the fire going and drink coffee. Maybe learn some more on the laptop computer. Want to learn how to do photos on it, maybe even learn how to post pictures from it.

Ralph has -29 degrees this morning with wind chill below minus 50 degrees. Sure sounds brutal to me. Hope the little calf is doing alright. Has to be a shock to leave his warm mother and come out to such a cold world.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 02, 2014, 09:51:34 AM
Charlie, you had quite a workout getting that trailer unstuck. I don't think pouring water around the tires would help here as it would just freeze right away. Gene is right on with that temperature. I guess -29F is an improvement on yesterday. I was a little concerned last night when, falling asleep in front of the laptop about 10:00 I was suddenly awakened by silence and near darkness. Only the light of the laptop screen to see by. Yes, power failure at -33F is cause for concern. Laptop battery lasted less than five minutes but by then I had the flashlight and found my way around. Surprising that it is not really dark outside even at that time of night. Starlight I guess. Looking south I could see the lights of town 12 miles away but the neighbours a couple of miles south were in the dark too so I knew it was  a local problem. A quick call to Sask. power assured me that they were working on it and the power should be back in an hour. The little gas wall heater would keep at least one room comfortable, just no fan to circulate the heat. Sure enough , power was back in a while. But it makes you think, what would happen if it took hours, all night? A day? I guess I'd be draining water lines before they froze. Not a good scene.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 02, 2014, 10:53:44 AM
Okay guys, be patient if it doesn't work. If it does  work, it is the other 3 mansions from my laptop.



Well, that didn't work
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 02, 2014, 11:26:40 AM
Hang in there. Gene.  I know you will crack the combination.  

Ralph, I need a new generator like I need another hole in my head.  I have two perfectly good units.  The only problem is that we are not as young as we once were.  Our power rarely goes out.  Our supplier is diligent about keeping tree limbs cut back from the lines.  However, when it does go out, folks our age do not need to be out in the rain or snow with a 30 mph wind messing around with a flashlight and pulling a rope to start.  Sometimes have to take out the spark plug and prime the cylinder.  The new one is electric start.  A fully automatic backup generator on natural gas would be the ultimate, but a whole bunch of money.  Many folks are doing it.  We might get by without heat for a few hours but not for days in winter.  My biggest problem here is ground water.  During the wet season it can be within inches of the ground surface.  Without electric for the pump we can have two feet of water in the basement  in short order.  I had that happen during the five day outage in 1991 following a massive ice storm.  Being submerged is not too good for furnaces, hot water tank, or freezer.  With a possible consumption of nearly a gallon of gasoline per hour a good winter supply is advisable, but ????? have to try to be prepared.  Some is better than none.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 02, 2014, 06:12:41 PM
Trying again, wish me luck. I cheated, this is from my P.C.



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Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 03, 2014, 01:08:50 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;2249
Hang in there. Gene.  I know you will crack the combination.  

Ralph, I need a new generator like I need another hole in my head.  I have two perfectly good units.  The only problem is that we are not as young as we once were.  Our power rarely goes out.  Our supplier is diligent about keeping tree limbs cut back from the lines.  However, when it does go out, folks our age do not need to be out in the rain or snow with a 30 mph wind messing around with a flashlight and pulling a rope to start. Charlie


Charlie, when the power went off here Saturday night at -30 I think it would have been difficult to start a generator if it was out in the unheated shed. I had nothing plugged in so every engine was stone cold. The old Cockshutt might have started but I would not bet the farm on it at that temp. The Blazer would likely start but my driveway was most likely impassable. Good thing the power came back in a half hour or so. I don't know of anybody that has a stand by generator locally but there might be a few. Sask. power has been pretty good so maybe we are getting  a little lax on self preservation.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 05, 2014, 01:15:19 PM
Ralph,

30 below 0 sure would make life difficult.  Glad we do not get that far down.  Especially for any small engine such as a generator, I would surely have synthetic motor oil such as Mobile 1 in the crank case.  They claim it flows well to -35 F.   Sure makes cold starting easier and lubricates more quickly.  I use synthetic in my snow blower and generator.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 05, 2014, 09:51:16 PM
Charlie, I only have synthetic 0w30 oil in one engine. The little 16 hp Kohler on a grain auger that I use to load trucks sometimes. It has never failed to start but I do sometimes give it a little help by blasting it with the space heater to warm up the carburetor. I don't know the price of that oil today but it was very expensive a few years ago when I last bought some. Considering that even ordinary motor oil is very high priced now I hate to think what the synthetic might be.
Snowing, sunshine and up to +10F here today so things are improving.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 06, 2014, 11:22:30 AM
Ralph,

With the rising cost of petroleum oil the gap to synthetic may have narrowed a little.  Checking out WalMart, Shell Rotella full synthetic is under 22 bucks for a five quart bottle.   Mobile 1 is 25.17.  Conventional oil ranges from 12 something to over $ 17.  It seems that one to two dollars per quart difference is less than a few years ago.

Speaking of cold temperature starts, we were at minus 12.5 degrees F at sunrise today.  In my recollection, that should be a record low for March.  No wonder the polar ice cap is shrinking.  All the darn cold is down here.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 06, 2014, 01:15:54 PM
Ralph, odd you mention preheating your small engine. I have been taking advantage of the frozen ground by splitting and hauling firewood. Yesterday morning at 12 degrees, I took the splitter to the woods and being cold was reluctant to start, but finally did. This morning again at 12 degrees, I preheated the engine and oil and started it before Going to the woods. Have been using 10w40 oil in it because of high oil consumption.

I got a little more than 2 trailer loads of hickory split before the sunshine and rising temps started making the ground greasy and muddy. Temperature got up to 40 degrees by noon and dropped back to 37 now at 1:00pm.

Only things I use synthetic oil in is my chainsaw, motorcycle, golf cart and portable generator. Guess it is in my Jeep Hemi too. Like it in the chain saw mainly because it doesn't smoke.

Looks like we will be having a March thaw with temps climbing in to the 40's for the next week. Ready for that.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 06, 2014, 06:42:05 PM
Have to preheat my air compressor at around 30 deg. and below or it will trip the breaker on start up, so I know how you guys feel.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 06, 2014, 07:44:23 PM
I keep heat in my shop, so I keep it about 42 degrees, so the compressor starts without a problem. That is warm enough to do most small jobs. When I am working on bigger projects, I turn it up to about 60 degrees, just a nice working temperature.

My kerosene heaters have been very handy starting the tractor, airplane and bulldozer, and this morning for the splitter. The little Case V I do most of my wood hauling will start in any temperature I am willing to work in. Little Continental flathead with 12 volts will start almost instantly at zero.

Been a good week for splitting wood. Have been getting 2 trailer loads most days and some nice size piles still in the woods. Probably have enough to get me through next year, now just have to cut for the neighbor. They will be in South Carolina till the end of March.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 09, 2014, 01:19:53 AM
What a change in a week. -30F last Saturday night but closer to +25 tonight. Close to six inches of snow mid week but not much drifting. Seemed like a good day to haul a tank of water from the community well with the old GMC. Managed to get around the yard in the loose snow but got sideways on the main grid road at about 80 kph and ended up head first up to the headlights in the ditch. Lucky it was near a yard with a tractor ready to go and he pulled me back onto the road with a little bit of difficulty. Haven't been stuck that bad in quite a while.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 09, 2014, 07:59:44 PM
Wow, sounds like you had a wild ride. Glad the tractor was there to pull you out. Back about 1976, I bought a new GMC pickup. I had a 550 gallon water tank that I used to haul water for spraying. At the time I lived where I had a water cistern and in winter with no runoff to fill the cistern, I would haul for our use. Other people heard I could haul water, so started doing that as a sideline. I remember times the roads were snow covered and slippery and the GMC would go anywhere with a full water tank.

No snow here now to worry about. Couple 45 degree days took care of all but the piles and drifts, and they are disappearing. Turned cold overnight with a skiff of snow this morning and 24 degrees. The ground was frozen on top just enough to get the bulldozer back to the woods and with a couple lengths of chain, I pulled down 2 trees that had fallen into other trees when they were cut. Was able to drag them out and fell to the ground. Had 2 hickory trees that had broken over several feet up and was able to drag them off of the snag so we can cut them. Had been watching a large ash tree that had broken over and fell into other trees and had planned to pull it down, but when I got to it, it had already fallen down and taken a walnut tree with it.  Took the dozer back to the barn and got the little tractor and trailer and chain saws and went back and cut up one of the hickories and the big ash tree. By the time I got these cut up it was really warming up and the mud was all melting, so had to call it a day by 2:00pm.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 13, 2014, 01:47:53 PM
It seems we survived the blizzard of March 12, 2014.  I do recall an even bigger March storm than this, but the official snowfall yesterday was 16.1 inches.  Wind gusts were to 50+ MPH.  By looking out it seemed no snow was falling.  It was all moving longitudinally with the NE wind.  Going out today and doing the clean up I see that plenty of the stuff stayed here.  Drifted by my truck to two feed and half way up the drivers door on the SUV.  Started at 8 this AM and pretty well cleaned by 10:30.  Had breakfast, then went back out and shoveled the front walk.  Pretty good amount of sunshine today but the temp. only started at 6 degrees.  Enough wind to still be moving some snow around so we will see how long the clean up lasts.  I am hoping that will be the last for this year.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 13, 2014, 07:41:38 PM
Charlie, looks like you got what missed us yesterday. Had some heavy rain in the morning and changed to sleet and freezing rain. Ice and snow made about 2 inches, but the rain caused some minor flooding. Wind was strong enough to blow some more limbs from the trees. Was about 11 degrees overnight and only got to 30 this afternoon. Ralph is basking in 37 degrees this afternoon. Probably left his winter coat in the house. Looks like warmer weather coming for Friday and then cooler again for the weekend. Spring is coming slowly but surely. Will try to send Charlie some warmer weather.

I am sure Dean is working on his new place. Likely looking forward to making the big move.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 13, 2014, 08:47:06 PM
We made it all the way up to +17 today, Gene.  Looks like Ralph is high man on the temperature totem pole.  Ours looked like this........

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Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 13, 2014, 09:30:15 PM
Charlie, looks as if you have more than your share of snow to shovel. I have been pushing the winter's accumulation up into piles so it can melt in the low spots and less traveled areas. And Gene you are right on the temperatures but I am not quite giving up my parka yet. Did change over to the summer weight coveralls though. Its nice but I fully expect more snow before this winter is over.
Coyotes are thriving here as seen in this trail cam shot from a few nights ago.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 14, 2014, 10:44:49 PM
Those eyes sure look menacing on the coyotes. Haven't seen or heard any around here. Seeing some tracks in the woods that could be coyotes or maybe fox, not really sure how to tell them. Lots of deer, rabbits, raccoons and  squirrels.

Windy and warm here in Ohio today. Got up to about 55degrees and 55 MPH winds. Good for drying the ground but brought more limbs down in the lawn and woods. Raining now, started about 9:45pm.

Sure hope you and Charlie get some warm weather to get the snow melted and don't suffer the flooding.

Bandy is having a little difficulty getting around the last couple days. He has been going back to the woods with me and I thing he overdid it Wednesday with the soft ground and icy snow. I left him at the house today and he seems better tonight. Getting harder for him to get up on only one back leg.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 15, 2014, 08:13:06 PM
Not much danger of flooding here with the amount of snow we have so far. Turned colder the last day or so and today was right cool with that south easter blowing and high humidity at maybe 15 degrees. Good day to cut firewood though and I helped my brother and family cut a load of logs into firewood length. Here we are at the end of the job with the wood all stacked up in the new wood shed. They even got Rosco the dog in the picture.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 20, 2014, 08:47:21 PM
Finally making a little progress on the Massey Super 90. We picked up the head last week and got it set in place earlier this week. Now all the little accessories to install and get it together enough to run the engine and re check the head bolt torque. Its a good thing I am not a mechanic as I would never make a living considering how slow I work. :p
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 20, 2014, 09:56:14 PM
Glad you are finally making progress on the Massey.working on some of these machines can be daunting.. At least the weather is a little friendlier.

Have one nice day and then turns cold and windy. Had light rain yesterday and windy. Decided it was time to get the taxes done. Today was cold and windy again, so finished the taxes. Forecast for tomorrow is morning snow then warming up to 60 with rain. Ground is still wet and still frost in the ground. Too wet to do much in the woods.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 21, 2014, 08:28:44 PM
Had a beautiful day today. High of 63degrees, bright sunshine and light wind. Good day for drying. Alfalfa field is still soggy wet, but lawn is drying nicely. Forecast for rain tonight and colder for the three days and possible snow by Monday. Hope March goes out like a lamb.

Got a few outside jobs done today. Sure nice to be out without heavy coveralls. Taxes are sent in, just have to waIt for the refund.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 22, 2014, 04:41:11 PM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;2268
Had a beautiful day today. High of 63degrees, bright sunshine and light wind. Good day for drying. Alfalfa field is still soggy wet, but lawn is drying nicely. Forecast for rain tonight and colder for the three days and possible snow by Monday. Hope March goes out like a lamb.

Got a few outside jobs done today. Sure nice to be out without heavy coveralls. Taxes are sent in, just have to waIt for the refund.

Gene


REfund? We live in different worlds I guess Gene.:D Weather-wise too as it was -8F here last night. Still cold today and I had the furnace running in the shed this morning while I did a little more work on the Massey. Forecast is for below normal temps for the rest of March for us. The sun has  lot of power though as it is melting in the sheltered spots away from the wind. Cold enough that I am keeping this new calf and cow in the barn until it gets a little stronger.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 23, 2014, 06:06:15 PM
I have been feeling a little "put out" because the cold weather is hanging on the way it is.  Just for curiosity I backed up a year to see what the deal was then.  Guess I will replay this post from 3-23-13.  Today's comment would be the same.  Now maybe I feel just a tad better.

Quote:

We finally got a few looks at sunshine today, but with the cold N NW wind it did not have much warming effect. It did melt away part of the 2 inches of snow that has fallen in the last two days. At least temperature stayed in the high 20's last night, rather than 11 or 15 as it has been. On the good side, we escaped the heavy snows of two feet to five feet that some folks saw of the SE and E end of Lake Ontario. Usually it seems that by this far along in the year water and air temperature have balanced enough to prevent most of the "lake effect snow", but not so this year.

I read that Gene is still busier than a cat covering dirt on a tin roof and enjoying the Dodge. It sure sounds like a good working truck. If Ralph does not get some better weather soon, I think the polar ice caps may reach his farm. That may not blow very well with the Cockshutt. I have not heard a lot of comment from the wackos about global warming lately. Probably afraid they will get mobbed if they say too much. With only eight days until April first, The weather will have to mellow soon. I for one will be waiting.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 24, 2014, 09:47:41 AM
A couple of inches of fresh white fluff this morning at 14 degrees F.  Cold enough for this time of year but we have bright sunshine.  Suspect the new snow will disappear by mid-day.  I have been saving my empty yogurt cups for a while, thinking that this year I might try starting some seeds indoors.  I picked up two packets of flower seeds at TSC last week, one Marigold and one Zinnia.    I did not look closely enough and now discover that they are giant and will grow to 30" tall.  Might be OK for the ground bed but too tall for the deck boxes.  Will have to try again.  Long story short, put about 24 of the Marigold in soil yesterday and will do the Zinnias today.  Big farm work for an old man.

Charlie.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 24, 2014, 12:49:55 PM
Charlie, I think the early spring in 2012 had us spoiled. I planted some soybeans the last week of March that year. We are back to cold weather here again. Doesn't look like above freezing till Thursday. Had 12 degrees here this morning. No rain or snow, so things are starting to dry out some now. May be able to get the tractor and trailer into the woods to get some firewood hauled.

May be optomistic but I ordered my seed soybeans this morning. $45.00 a bag now, Ouch.

Ralph, I was wondering how the new calf was doing. Good to see him and mama inside and comfortable. Always liked that part of cattle, not so much the winter care. Always liked seeing the herd on the hillside on a balmy summer day.

The refund is not that much. Not much taken out of my retirement check and the farm income last year was down, so had negative on the farm. Federal tax credit on fuel used was more than my withholdings.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 24, 2014, 04:07:41 PM
Gene, I don't know how big the bags are or how many pounds per acre you seed but that price sounds pretty good compared to what the seed companies are soaking us for canola. I complained last year when it was over $10 a pound. This year it is over $11. So that 20 kg bag is going to be at least $550. It will seed ten acres at recommended rates. Of course that price also includes Monsanto's share of the tech fee. There are better varieties that are higher priced than that. There are also guys saying it doesn't pay to grow the crop considering the seed price,, fertilizer, fuel etc. And canola prices having dropped on top of that. Right now cattle look like the best bet but I don't have enough of them to live on.
Cold night predicted with wind chill factors in the -20s they say. Not a good night to be out in. I work a little in the shed on the tractor with the furnace running most days. Good thing furnace fuel is cheap. Sarcasm intended.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 27, 2014, 08:51:25 AM
The seed price goes up every year. Soybeans are 60 lbs. per bushel and seed around 70 Lbs. per acre, so seed cost is about the same as for your canola. Typically only have one application of glysophate for weed control. Sometimes use canopy PPI to control wild mustard and early velvet leaf and lambsquarter.

Warmed up a little this morning and supposed to get into 50's today and tomorrow with light and back to freezing Saturday with snow. Spring is having a hard time getting through the door. Have a good supply of wood and 25 percent in the LP tank, so will be able to stay warm.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 29, 2014, 03:10:03 PM
Been a sad day for me. Bandy was killed in a driveway mishap. He ran under the wheels of a van coming in the driveway. Was able to get him buried before the rain and snow started before noon. I am going to miss the big guy.
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Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 29, 2014, 03:53:17 PM
My sympathy, Gene.  I know just how you feel.  Tough to loose a good buddy that way or any other way.  

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 29, 2014, 08:21:07 PM
Thanks Charlie. I will miss him but will go on.

Rain snow and sleet here today and 32degrees with about two inches on the ground.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 29, 2014, 11:37:45 PM
Just about the same here, Gene.  Rain started late PM then turned to snow after dark also at 32.

Spent the evening watching the finish of the on line auction that I sent you the Case link from.  One buyer spent $93,500.00 which bought him 25 of the 29 collector tractors offered.  

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 30, 2014, 01:28:10 AM
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your old friend Bandy, Gene.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 30, 2014, 06:26:05 AM
Thanks Ralph. Looks like we are even on our posts.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 30, 2014, 01:17:23 PM
Well, that two inches of snow we had last evening turned into 8-10 inches by this morning.  Pretty heavy stuff and loved to stick to the snow shovel like chewing gum on the seat of someones pants.  I rinsed the shovel with warm water and coated it with WD 40 because I had no silicone handy.  I could hardly keep the snow on it then.  Really worked.  The good news is this snow will be all water in a couple of days.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 31, 2014, 10:23:10 AM
Doesn't sound like my kind of sale if one buyer bought that many tractors and spent that much.

Our 2 inches has mostly melted. Just a little in the shaded areas. Was at directors meeting in Portland yesterday and they had very little snow and no rain. Went back to the woods yesterday evening and was really wet Lots of standing water and surface was really wet and soft. Water standing in low spots in the fields. Hand carried the small saw to the back of neighbors woods to check on a couple large oak limbs that that I will cut up when I can get back with the big saw. Was hard walking through the soft ground.

Sunny today, Tuesday and Wednesday with strong winds and in the 60's. Should dry things up some.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 31, 2014, 10:31:55 AM
Well we have broken low temperature records in parts of Sask. this morning of March 31. About -5F when I first looked. Guess the bare ground will be frozen solid as ever and the snow will remain in the same banks it has been since November. On the positive side,,, no new snow.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 31, 2014, 03:43:38 PM
We started today off with +15, Ralph.  20 degrees warmer than you but still cold for this time of year.  Out new snowfall is going down with + 45 and full sun at mid afternoon.  I sat on the front steps for a few minutes (south side) with the sun on my back and it  felt as warm as indoors.  Very nice.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 01, 2014, 01:20:11 PM
In Ohio, March went out like a lamb. Temperature at 62 degrees, clear blue sky and mild winds. Srarting to get some nice drying. Able to get the tractor and trailer into the woods and have hauled out 2 loads of nice ash firewood. Putting the second load in the woodshed trailer. Good wood and seasoned. Plan to take the saws to the back end of the woods and block up 2 large oak limbs. Will have to wait for more drying to haul this out.

Amish neighbors are plowing. Ground across the road is different than my side of the road. Lots of muck ground there.

Windy and warm today with 63 at 1:15 and wind gusts to 44 MPH. Good day for drying.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 03, 2014, 02:09:57 PM
Little more snow fell last night. Sun came out for a while this morning and it was pretty warm, somewhere in the 30s. Opened up the shed and let the sun shine in while I took this pic of myself wearing one of my vintage hats in front of the even more vintage Cockshutt 40. Now back to work on the Massey.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 09, 2014, 04:42:21 PM
Ralph, sure glad to see you are getting some spring weather. Here in Ohio we are having nice spring days after some heavy weekend rain. Lots of water still ponding in fields.

Going to see if I can send you [ATTACH=CONFIG]714[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]715[/ATTACH]some green pictures.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 09, 2014, 10:25:50 PM
Gene, been a while since I saw any green grass like in your pictures. I don't have any here yet but the snow is really melting the past few days. Up to about 50 degrees. Getting some mud and water around. I got stuck for a bit with the old 40 moving a bale feeder this afternoon.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on April 10, 2014, 10:06:32 PM
Great pictures, gentlemen!   And man, that weather is fine today.  72 F or so, windy earlier today but not bad this evening.   I'm going to post this to the tractor list also, but am not sure it's working lately so will offer it here as well.   Been a while since I was inspired to write much, but sometimes things just fall into place.

I'm preparing to move my 53 Super M from its and my suburban home to our long-awaited little old farm in the country, and the onset of warm weather makes me think I'll simply drive it the 35 miles rather than arrange to have it hauled.   This evening's chore was to take it down to the corner gas station and fill the tank, and then change the oil once back home, and 70+ degree temperatures and warm evening sunlight made it seem like a simple task.

First discovery was that my battery was dead, again, somewhat to my surprise since I had removed it from the tractor and fully charged it not that long ago.  Okay, it was probably six months ago, but in my mind it was very recent.   So I threw the charger back on it for a while and attended to some household chores, but as sunset approached I thought I'd best get on my way so I took the charger off, flipped the seat base back down over the battery and bolted it tight, and cranked the engine over.  Fired right up like the fine old girl she is, and I chugged my way down to the station.

Chugged being the right word, too, since last year's remnant of gasoline was looking rather orange in the sediment bowl and seemed to cause the engine to be undecided about what RPM it ought to be running at, or possibly whether it ought to be running at all.   In hindsight, I notice my factory-sealed little bottle of StaBil sitting right there near the battery charger where I set it not that long ago, intending to put it in the tank before winter.  Okay, it was six months ago, but in my mind it was very recent.  

$63.00 worth of fresh gasoline later, I climbed back up, listened to that familiar rhythm of clank-rattle-rattle-squeak-click-scratch (clutch in, make sure gear shift's in neutral, little tug on throttle, pull out ignition switch, pull back starter rod).   As always, that part sounded great.    But the following "click-click-silence" wasn't so endearing a tune.   #@*$! that battery.

Now, I refer to this place as the "corner gas station," since it is in fact a gas station and on a corner, and I like it because one of the roads that forms the corner is a quiet neighborhood street that links up to some other quiet neighborhood streets, one of which eventually links up with my driveway.  Trouble is, the other road on the corner is a six-lane divided artery two-tenths of a mile from the interstate off-ramp and one-tenth in the other direction from a traffic light at the entrance to the mall, and it turns out I wasn't the only one who'd thought to stop at the gas station this evening.   I was the only one with an old farm tractor, to be sure, but the fact that it was dead silent and blocking one of the service aisles at the station detracted somewhat from whatever cachet I imagined I'd had up to that point.

So I left it in neutral, climbed back off, and proceeded to roll it out of the way.   For a 6000-pound machine, it rolls pretty easily on nice smooth level asphalt, which would have come in right handy if the gas station parking lot had had very much of that.  As it was, I was working up a sweat leaning into one of the rear wheels and inching my way along over potholes and patches, when a young man pulled up in the next aisle and came over to ask if I needed jumper cables.    I thanked him and said yes, that would be terrific, since my alternate plan was to inch my way the remaining two hundred yards or so to where I hoped the road sloped down steeply enough and for far enough that I could roll-start the tractor.   So he hopped back in his SUV, pulled around and parked nose-to-nose with the tractor, and got out with his jumper cables.   Then after I showed him that the battery was actually under the operator's seat at the back of the tractor, he patiently drove back around to the back.

By then I'd climbed up to open the toolbox to get the big crescent wrench to loosen the battery-cover bolts, only to be greeted by its distinct absence along with a crystal-clear mental image of it sitting on the bench in my garage where I'd set it about 12 minutes earlier after tightening hell out of those bolts.   Evan (as the young man was named, I later learned), turned out to be more patient and helpful than I could have hoped for and offered to drive me home to get the wrench.   So we made a quick round trip, opened up the battery box, and hooked up the cables.   I realized I'd have to break my rule about never starting the tractor unless I'm in the seat with the clutch in, since the seat was flipped back over and the jumper-cabled-battery didn't seem too appealing an alternative.  So after making sure it was in neutral with the brakes set I settled for the squeak-click-scratch of throttle/ignition/starter rod, and the Super M fired right up like the fine old girl she is.

Evan said his goodbyes as I said my latest round of thank-yous, and then I bolted the seat base/battery cover back down, carefully put the wrench in the tool box, hopped up on the seat, switched the lights onto Low, released the brakes, and hummed off into the darkness.   Hummed being the right word, too, since that new yellow gasoline flushed the sediment bowl and flowed on down to the carburetor and made it nice and easy for the engine to know right what RPM it ought to be running at.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 11, 2014, 10:10:23 AM
Dean, that is an interesting account of your adventure with the Farmall. I would not want to push a tractor that heavy even on a hard surface. My back aches just thinking about it. Lucky for you a helpful stranger stopped to give you assistance getting it running. Should be a nice drive at those temperatures. It would make a good youtube movie, a few video clips of the more interesting parts of the journey. The exercise will be good for the tractor too.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on April 13, 2014, 11:34:48 AM
Thanks, Ralph--and good suggestion about the video clips.  I'll see what I can do.

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 14, 2014, 11:06:48 AM
Quote from: vinsond;2291
Thanks, Ralph--and good suggestion about the video clips.  I'll see what I can do.

Dean

It will be fun to look back on in years to come I am sure. I wish I had video of some of the drives I have done in the past 40 or so years. I don't want to repeat the drives but it would be good to look back on.
We set new low temperature records here overnight. Still some of the old snowbanks left and a little new snow falls overnight. Melts pretty quick.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 14, 2014, 02:42:36 PM
I looked at our thermometer yesterday afternoon and saw strange numbers which I found hard to understand.  First was an 8, then a 3,then a decimal point, then a 4.  Let me see ----- --- --eighty         three     point       four.   What world did I wake up in today.   No sunshine either.  Had to start the old cub and drive it 300 feet down the road to splash some gear oil up into it's gizzard bearings.  Ground is too wet to drive it anywhere except the road.  I did make it out back with the utility golf cart to get rid of a load of tree branches.  Had to stay to the high spots.  Great to have a couple of warm days, even if warm is not yet here to stay.

Charlie V




[ATTACH=CONFIG]717[/ATTACH]


[ATTACH=CONFIG]718[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on April 14, 2014, 10:51:40 PM
Hi Charlie.  Right about 80 degrees in Ohio yesterday too, and like you I thought it was a good day for a tractor drive.  I took Ralph's suggestion and took some video as I drove the Super M to my new place.   Kind of bouncy and the wind noise is pretty aggravating to listen to (I'm no Roosty 6, obviously), but it was fun.

Dean

[video=youtube;ny1KSNGj5w4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ny1KSNGj5w4[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 15, 2014, 10:00:45 AM
Great job with the video, Dean.  The SM seemed to be enjoying itself too.  Very nice machine.  

Sad to say we joined the league of cold, rainy, and wet today.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 15, 2014, 11:25:15 AM
Dean, great work on the video. I can see you went to some effort in setting up and editing and it shows in the results. Your camera mount worked well too. The sound of the engine came through well and there was enough interesting scenery along the roadside that I was never tempted to hit the fast forward tab.
Snowing here and 20 degrees this morning. Not open tractor weather but I guess the cattle are looking for a bale of hay and I will fire up the old 40 to carry one out.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 15, 2014, 03:20:22 PM
What a chance in weather here in Ohio. Had 76 degrees on Sunday and high today of 29 degrees and about 1.5 inches of snow overnight. Ralph and Charlie are both warmer than we are in Ohio. More rain before the snow, so now have more water ponding in the lawn and fields. Gonna take a while for it to dry.

Dean picked a good day on Sunday to move the Super M. Made and posted a nice video too. Thanks Dean.

Have had a lot of damage from ants in the lawn. Don't know how the little critters can move so much dirt and make the lawn so rough. Decided this morning to do something about them. Went to seed store and got 50 pounds of Pilot, which is generic Lorsban. I have a small broadcaster I mount on my John Deere lawn mower to spread the chemical. The chemical requires water to activate it, and I figured the snow would be a good source of water. Also made it easy to follow my tracks to see where I needed to broadcast. Now when the snow melts it will activate the chemical and move it into the soil where the ants live. Hope it works. Was a cold  job, even with heavy coveralls and insulated gloves. Wind about 20 MPH.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on April 16, 2014, 06:26:43 AM
Thank you, gentlemen.  I had fun making that video, and learned a few things in the process:  Next time I'll try to protect the camera from wind somehow, and give it some more side-to-side stability (the vertical part was a 1x3, flexible enough and long enough to whip back-and-forth side-to-side when I went over a bump, so I had to keep my hand resting on it most of the time).  But most importantly I'll be more careful about hitting the right button to stop filming.  I ruined a few clips, such as the one in which I'd arrived at Tractor Supply to pick up a new battery, by fumbling around and hitting the "off" button rather than the "stop filming" button as I was driving along--which I later realized caused the camera to only keep the first second or two of that clip instead of the whole scene.  Oh well.

Looks like the wet and snow are behind us for a while, but it's still cold this morning, just below freezing.

Gene, I hope your lawn treatment works well--those pesky little critters sure can have a big impact.

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 16, 2014, 11:24:28 PM
Gene, hope the Lorsban works on the ants. Pretty toxic stuff so be careful using it. Dean, the wind noise was not all that noticeable to me in your video. One trick I use is bungee cords to firm up the mounting when I use a camera pole. Mine is a pieces of electrical conduit pipe and can be a little too springy sometimes. I think the rubber straps help take out some of the vibration too.
Cold overnight here with a little blowing snow. It was to our advantage as it kept the ground frozen enough to get a couple of semis of wheat loaded and off the farm early this morning. Spring break up will soon put a stop to moving heavy trucks around the farm. Took this picture from on top of the bin looking down on the 2090 Case running the grain vac. Sure beats shoveling.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 18, 2014, 02:06:35 PM
Ralph, are you getting any melting and thawing yet? We have 72 degrees now at 2:00pm. Nice sunshine and very little wind. Was a good morning for cleaning up the lawn from the winter limb falls. Did some wiring work on the John Deere lawnmower and used it to tow the dump trailer for clean up.

I know the Lorsban is pretty strong stuff, Since I no longer have Bandy Nothing will be in the area. It has a 24 hour re-entry period. Sure hope  it does the job at $84.50 for a 50 pound bag.

Have work day tomorrow for the Tri-State club grounds. Have lots of dead ash trees and that will be a big cleanup job.

Hope everyone has a good Easter.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 18, 2014, 07:16:39 PM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;2300
Ralph, are you getting any melting and thawing yet? We have 72 degrees now at 2:00pm.
Gene

Well Gene, it is melting , but the new snow is falling faster than it can melt so in a word it is miserable out there. Got about half mile visibility now and its around 30 degrees with a strong south easter blowing.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 18, 2014, 07:32:00 PM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;2300
Ralph, are you getting any melting and thawing yet? We have 72 degrees now at 2:00pm.
Gene

Well Gene, it is melting , but the new snow is falling faster than it can melt so in a word it is miserable out there. Got about half mile visibility now and its around 30 degrees with a strong south easter blowing.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 19, 2014, 11:22:28 AM
We will have a cool day here, (Tropical for Ralph).  Low 50's with a dominant north wind, but a mix of sun.  Last two days have been pretty decent.  I have on e four wheeler that needed a battery last year or the year before.  The price of those small MC/ATV batteries jumped so much that I did not buy one for the little I use that machine.  Mainly for hunting which I have not been able to do lately.  To make a long story longer, that Polaris, the other Polaris, and my Honda Shadow can all take the same battery.  Post position may vary, but I work around that.  Both the other two also need a battery this spring so I went shopping on the net.  Prices generally run $45 to over $100 each, depending on type of construction.  Low and behold, deep into a Google search, like on page 8, I found a supplier practically giving away the battery which I need.  I ordered three so each machine now has a new one and the delivered total was under fifty dollars.  I am happy.  Filled and charged one and it is in the Polaris Magnum and working well thus far.  Have the second one filled and charges for the Shadow.  The third in line will be the Polaris 4 x 4 that has been waiting for a couple of years.  Getting past that, next comes the Honda CH 250 scooter.  (Toy happy??? Maybe.  Nuts is more like it.)  That battery which I installed in 2003 gave up this winter also, even though it had a working maintainer on it.  Same type of battery as the others, but a different size and AH.  It required a bunch of searching but I landed a SLA type for that for $31 delivered.  Still a pretty darn good deal.  I expect that will land on the door step about Tuesday.

When the four in that toy box are all happily running, the plan is to advance to cars, trucks, and tractors.  I am quite sure that even buying blem batteries some heavier money will be required.  Have to go with the old saying about play and pay.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 21, 2014, 09:11:58 PM
Charlie, I found a similar deal on a bettery for my little motorcycle. $18.50 plus $8.50 shipping. Ordered on Sunday and arrived on Tuesday. Was a sealed battery so no hazardous shipping charge.

Have had 3 nice spring days with temps in the 60's and 70's and nice sunshine. Nice to not have to keep the fire going.

Amish neighbore are starting to sow oats and keeping busy. I checked my sweetcorn patch and was dry enough to tear up with the field cultivator. Went to the woods and hooked onto the 700 and made 5 passes across the patch. Plowed ground in the field was drying nicely, so decided to work up some of the edges of the fields and dress down some of the gullies washed across the plowed ground. Ground worked better than I expected, but will wait for the low spots to dry. Still have some plowing to finish but needs to dry some more. Mowing season officially started on Sunday as I spent all afternoon mowing grass. Needed to get that done before it got ahead of me.

Sold my old Winnebago motor home last week, so glad to see that go.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 25, 2014, 10:23:29 PM
Congrats on selling the Winnie. At least someone can sell something.  Luckily our grass here is not at mowing height yet, Gene.  It is starting to take a pretty good hold so it will not take too long.  I put the battery in the old JD 316 the other day and brought the roller over and filled with water.  Did a little flattening of plow truck impressions but all else was too wet.  Today I did get the east half or the property rolled.  Some areas were still pretty soft, but no real standing water.  Took one turn around on the other half out in back and thought I was going to get stuck.  Made it around though and gave that up until conditions get better.

I have all three of the new dry charge batteries filled and in service and all is well with them so far.  The SLA battery for the CH250 came and that is in and working good so far.  This afternoon I brought batteries from winter storage for the Cub Cadet and the Exmark and installed them.  Both of those machines fired up with no problem.  If I remember correctly, the Exmark needs sharp blades as I put it off last fall.  Other than that it seems things are good to go when the grass demands cutting.  Little by little we progress.

Gene, Fed Ex did not require a special haz mat charge for my dry charge batteries with the acid pack enclosed but both battery and acid bottle were sealed in a plastic pack and then absorbent packing was also used inside of the shipping box.  UPS would have charged extra for that so was not used.  My sealed battery was shipped USPS second day priority with no extra charge.  

While I was walking past the old JD model L this evening I stopped, turned on the gas, got the crank and started winding.  It took it eight or ten 1/2 turns to fire up but after a couple minutes of warm up it sounded pretty good.  At least there are no battery worries with that one.  Keep the magneto dry and things should be OK.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 26, 2014, 08:55:54 AM
Charlie, hope you can finally get dried up some. Looks like Ralph is finally getting some warmer weather. His snow should be mostly melted, now just have to get the frost out of the ground.

Ohio had a nice week of spring weather. Soil dried up enough that I was able to finish the plowing and do the first tillage on my soybean ground. Worked pretty good for first time over. Will be at least 10 days before I get it planted. Waiting for soil to warm up. Got sweetcorn and popcorn planted this week. Will need to get some warm sunshine to bring it up.. Neighbors have gotten oats planted this week. Next door neighbor planted some spring wheat, unusual for this area. Will see how it turns out. He does a lot of experimenting with different crops.

Hope everyone has a bright sunny day.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 26, 2014, 05:26:16 PM
No hurry to get the lawn tractor going here for a while. Still the odd snowbank around here and pretty wet from a heavy rain on Wednesday. More rain forecast for the next two days. We had one nice day last Tuesday. Up in the sixties and I spent a little time at a farm auction watching things sell. Roads good but the yard muddy. Garden still too wet and cold to plant any potatoes though I often do put some in by this date. At least a week away from any field work here I think.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on April 27, 2014, 10:46:58 AM
Hi Ralph.  At breakfast this morning in my new place, I was sitting at a table by a window that looks north toward the road.  Nice sunny morning, calm air, cool but warming up quickly.  After a few minutes I heard the smooth hum of some approaching machine traveling along the road, so I watched to see what it was.  Turned out to be a guy on a nice wide-front Cockshutt 40 with a little three-point disk mounted on the rear, apparently on his way to till up a big garden plot or something at the neighbor's place across the road.  Fine looking machine.  I thought maybe you'd driven down for the day... :)

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 27, 2014, 11:27:02 AM
Hi Dean,

Seeing that 40 going by is just a little more evidence that you have moved into a classy neighborhood.  As I read I thought you were going to tell us that you could see Ralph's grain bins when looking out the North window.  :):):D

Glad you are moved in.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 27, 2014, 09:38:21 PM
Nothing like an early breakfast on a clear morning on the country. Makes a person look for reasons to be outside.

Went to directors meeting at Portland this afternoon. Getting things ready for swap meet next month. Came home and used the little tractor and trailer to pick some rocks from the field. By 7:15 had enough of that and called it day,

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 28, 2014, 02:35:24 AM
Dean, glad to hear there is at least one Cockshutt tractor in your neighbourhood. Would you believe the ground has turned white again this evening? After a cold windy and rainy day it has turned to snow. Just what we did not need. I spent a cold few hours at a farm auction today and you can see some of the video scenes here
[video=youtube;TCKdaQF5cwg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCKdaQF5cwg[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 29, 2014, 11:14:56 AM
Raining now and expected to continue most if not all day.  Temperature expected to drop into the 40's during today.  I went for a blood draw early today (before the rain started)  over in Mendon, about a 10 minute drive.  Along the way on Rt. 251 I saw the first field work I have seen this year.  On what used to be the Lord farm,a big IH was ripping to bury corn stalks.  Lords used to grow potatoes just about exclusively there in years past.  Nice folks.  It is a nice high piece of ground, probably 2-300 acres and well drained.   I suspect there is a gravel base under there.  My thought was of getting a picture on the way back.  On the way home the IH tractor was not in sight but a Stieger was hauling a ripper down through the field.  I did not stop for a photo.  My mind was more on getting home and building a big stack of pancakes for the Mrs. and myself.  They were good too.  Like that Maple syrup.

Charlie V
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 29, 2014, 06:53:38 PM
Charlie, we had the rain yesterday. About 3 inches, so have a lot of water standing. No farm work here, but got into the mid 70's with sunshine and brisk winds, so may dry up some, but more chance of rain for next couple days. Will try to send some heat your way. Can't help Ralph with the mud and snow. Hope he gets some better weather soon.

Been working on the motorhome to get it ready for Portland swap meet in 2 weeks. Has a television and antenna in it that I can not get to work. Older analog tv with a hd adapter and can not get anything from it. Keeps saying no signal. Today I ordered a new antenna and television set. Checked all coax cables and are all good. Hope it works now. Redoing some electrical work that was put in by amateur.[ATTACH=CONFIG]722[/ATTACH]

Just went out and took the photo, hope it comes through.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 29, 2014, 11:36:09 PM
Gene, looks like you have a real home on wheels there. I like the name "Mockingbird Hill" on the building.
Would you believe the weather got even worse? Snowed yesterday covering the mud and making a real mess. I was able to get out in it with the Cockshutt 40 and get a bale put out for the cattle, I set up the Gopro camera to catch the fun just in case I got stuck in the process but the old 40 got the job done with no problems. Snow is mostly gone today leaving just mud.
[video=youtube;DNg99_4dwao]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNg99_4dwao[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 30, 2014, 08:37:18 AM
Another nice video. Seems winter will never end for you. See the little calf is doing well following his mama to the fresh hay.

The song, "Mockingbird Hill" by Patti Page has always been my favorite song of all time. Yes we do have mockingbirds here. Interesting to watch. Have had them sitting on electric wire and talking with them. They will chat for several minutes.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]723[/ATTACH]

This is Mockingbird Hill facing my airstrip.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 30, 2014, 08:29:16 PM
Gene, I remember that song on the radio when I was a kid.  Winter turned to spring today and I got a "good" wind burn at a farm auction sale today. Quite a change from the weekend sale. Lots of mud and water to walk and drive around in. An incredible amount of old iron at this estate auction. Some of it still buried in long grass, dirt and trees. I brought home a good deal on a pair of good used 7.50x17 truck tires. Kind of a rare size now.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 01, 2014, 12:31:16 AM
O.K. Guys.  You asked for it, so listen in.

Charlie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHRpbiG_ruk&feature=kp
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on May 01, 2014, 05:27:22 AM
Ralph, that 40 sure sounds good.  I've always had the hots for a 30 but that six-cylinder sound is mighty tempting.

Nice song, Gene and Charlie--I knew it once I heard it but hadn't remembered it from the title.

On the way home yesterday evening I caught one of those fine spring moments with bright golden sunshine in front of dark clouds, and pulled off the road by the neighbor's cornfield to take this photo.  Just in time, too, since two minutes later the sun disappeared behind the clouds.

Dean

[ATTACH=CONFIG]724[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 01, 2014, 11:23:30 AM
Charlie, thanks for posting the video. Brought tears to my eyes. I have her CD album with her most popular songs and have her website bookmarked. She passed on Christmas 2012.

Dean, that was a magical moment for sure. I admire your eye for photography.

Ralph, the old 17 inch tires are pretty rare and now are common on newer vehicles. My Dodge truck and jeep Grand Cherokee both have 17's, so no more using the takeoffs for wagon or trailer tires

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on May 01, 2014, 02:07:04 PM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;2319

Ralph, the old 17 inch tires are pretty rare and now are common on newer vehicles. My Dodge truck and jeep Grand Cherokee both have 17's, so no more using the takeoffs for wagon or trailer tires

Gene
Funny how tire sizes go up and down. When I was a kid most cars had 14 inch wheels , then later increased to 15 which was handy to re-use them on farm implements. At the time it was harder to find 16 inch tires for my old 39 Ford unless I bought truck tires. Now I see newer vehicles with huge 20 inch wheels (which I really don't like) and its like they have gone back to the days of the Model T Fords with 20 and 21 inch wheels.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on May 01, 2014, 10:26:17 PM
Nearly forgot to post the link to yesterday's farm auction. It had an amazing amount of old iron to see. Some of it was a quarter mile walk from the yard and I never did get out there to see it and a scrap buyer bought most of that lot. Some individual items in the yard were picked out by some observant old iron guys and bought. Like the stationary engines.
[video=youtube;yw-aegtcz8o]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw-aegtcz8o[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on May 06, 2014, 08:10:01 PM
Hi Ralph.  At first I thought things were pretty high and dry at that auction site, compared to the clip you'd posted the other day, but then I saw that there was still plenty of mud and water.   It'll be a good while before that all greens back up, I'd guess.

Fairly warm here today, close to 70F this afternoon, and even warmer in the forecast for the next two days.  I'm glad to have the help warming up the farmhouse.

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 09, 2014, 09:40:19 PM
Ohio jumped from winter to summer again this year. No Spring. Mowed grass on Sunday in sweatshirt and coveralls and then to short sleeves and sunburn for Wednesday and Thursday. Strong winds and warm temps and bright sunshine has really made a difference in ground conditions. Tractors and planters everywhere. I was able to get in the fields on Tuesday for a few hours and by Wednesday afternoon was able to work all on the ground over once and finish by Thursday noon. Got my soybeans all planted Thursday by working till 10:00pm. Thought it was going to rain today, so wanted to get them in. Today, Friday, turned out to be a good day, cloudy most of the day and only a couple teaser sprinkles. Got everything put away then picked up some more rocks. Forecast for chances of rain next 3 days. I am ready for it now.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on May 13, 2014, 01:14:32 AM
Busy times here the past couple of days since I got going with the anhydrous applicator. Lots of little problems so I am not breaking any records. Got something over a hundred acres done today. Time lost due to a flat tire on the cultivator. Had to run to town for a new one and got a look at an old David Brown tractor a local guy had just picked up. They are a rare tractor.
(http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag350/alfg1/IMG_1833_zpsc70f32e3.jpg) (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/alfg1/media/IMG_1833_zpsc70f32e3.jpg.html)
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 13, 2014, 10:33:42 AM
Wow, Ralph, winter is sure hanging on there. At least you can finally get started. Never seen a David Brown that old. Nothing like that around here.

Having nice weather. Planted the soybeans on Thursday and checked on Saturday and were already sprouted. Nice soil moisture and half inch of rain Sunday afternoon and Sunday night. Will get the beans off to a good start. High temps in the 80's. Sweet corn planted in April has finally come through the ground. Was getting worried about them.

Will be going to Portland, Indiana this afternoon for the spring swap meet. Will be my first official duties as a director there. Will be there till  Saturday. Be the first outing with the new motorhome. Should be a nice temporary home.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 15, 2014, 08:20:13 PM
Talk about a long winter!!  I do not think this is Ralph as he has beef cattle, not milk cows.  Safe bet though that it might be one of his neighbors in Sk.


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Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on May 18, 2014, 02:18:06 AM
Finally a few warm days but don't put the jacket away just yet. Been a long day so I need to get some sleep. More details of the day in the blog at
http://mindlessramblings-rlg.blogspot.ca/2014/05/18-hour-day.html
Title: Flax Cleaning
Post by: RG8800 on May 21, 2014, 12:46:39 AM
Finally got the call to bring my flax in for cleaning last Saturday so here is some video of it. Got in one day of seeding and then it rained. Quite a bit of rain although I had no gauge out to measure.
[video=youtube_share;6wxCw5M--9E]http://youtu.be/6wxCw5M--9E[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 21, 2014, 01:25:25 PM
Glad to hear spring weather has finally arrived for all concerned. Has had a hard time breaking through here also. Had a few warm days 2 weeks ago that helped with drying and some planting done. Last week on Tuesday the cold weather and rain came through, just in time for the Portland swap meet. Stayed cold and windy for the entire 4 days and about 3 to 4 inches of rain. Kept the heat on in the motor home every day and night to have a place to keep warm. Daytimr highs in the 40's and nighttime in the 30's. When I left on Saturday the sun had just came out. Got home and rain gauge showed only .7 inches of welcome rain. Cold weather has slowed the emergence of my soybeans, but the warm weather the last 3 days has hel[ed them.

Field work was just getting back in the fields on Monday with a lot of corn planted Tuesday. Had rain Tuesday night and today, so will be a few days to get back in the fields. The rain will help my soybeans by softernig the crust from Last week's rain.

Have our local tractor show at Wapakoneta this weekend. Got the VC out yesterday and washed the dust and bird mess off of it and will take it over tomorrow and maybe drive in the parade tomorrow evening.

Went to dentist this morning with a broken tooth. Had to have that removed and during the extraction the tooth next to it came loose and had to be pulled too, so a little sore now. Plan to take life easy the rest of the day.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on May 23, 2014, 06:42:35 AM
Gene, hope you didn't have trouble with the storms on Wednesday.   Torrential rain and a tiny bit of hail came through here, but at first I'd thought it was going to pass me to the north (very dark sky).  Lots of fields in the area still had big lakes of standing water as of Thursday evening, a full day later, which must surely not bode well for those that were just planted.  I'm on my way down to Dayton now to make one last (hopefully, the last) push to get my old house ready to put on the market, and will see how things look.

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 23, 2014, 07:18:38 AM
No Dean. No serious storms here. Have only had about 1 inch total rain in past 2 weeks. Has been ideal germination moisture, just a little cool, but coming along fine. Took my tractor to Wapak last night for the show this weekend. Not much rain there and saw some outfits in the fields on the way there and back.

Good to hear you are making progress on the transfer. I went through the same thing when I bought my place here. Took me 9 months to make the move. Lots of cleanup and improvements to make to the new place before I was ready to make thee final move. I will have to get down your way to have a look at your new place. Come up to Wapak if you get a chance this weekend.

Hopefully Ralph is getting the dry warm conditions to spend those 20 hour days in the IH getting all planted. With a little cooperating weather he can still have a good season.

Charlie must be putting a lot of time with the lawn and garden. New working parts will make working a lot more pleasant.

Forecast for the weekend is clear conditions with comfortable temperatures. Will be nice weather for the Wapak tractor show.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 23, 2014, 07:19:52 AM
No Dean. No serious storms here. Have only had about 1 inch total rain in past 2 weeks. Has been ideal germination moisture, just a little cool, but coming along fine. Took my tractor to Wapak last night for the show this weekend. Not much rain there and saw some outfits in the fields on the way there and back.

Good to hear you are making progress on the transfer. I went through the same thing when I bought my place here. Took me 9 months to make the move. Lots of cleanup and improvements to make to the new place before I was ready to make thee final move. I will have to get down your way to have a look at your new place. Come up to Wapak if you get a chance this weekend.

Hopefully Ralph is getting the dry warm conditions to spend those 20 hour days in the IH getting all planted. With a little cooperating weather he can still have a good season.

Charlie must be putting a lot of time with the lawn and garden. New working parts will make working a lot more pleasant.

Forecast for the weekend is clear conditions with comfortable temperatures. Will be nice weather for the Wapak tractor show.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 24, 2014, 12:00:33 AM
"Charlie must be putting a lot of time with the lawn and garden. New working parts will make working a lot more pleasant."

Hi Guys,

I know I have been slacking again, but reading every word posted.  New working parts do help. Gene, but I wish they were a lot better.  Too many days like today with a pretty high level of pain.  Not good.  Bad weather on the way in really peaks it.  I told Doris today that I think Chicken Little had it right.  She asked what I was talking about.  I replied that my leg feels like the sky really is going to fall.

Good that Gene has seed in the ground and Ralph is drying good.  Sure is not dry here.  It was announced today that three local Finger Lakes are closed to all power boating indefinitely due to high water levels  (1 1/2 feet above normal) and floating debree such as logs, stumps and most everything else in the waters.  A week ago I turned the rain gauge upright from it's winter position.  The next morning it had an even four inches or water in it. That was about two days after the Village of Penn Yan and several others nearly washed off the map.  We did not get that much from that one, but those folks were hit hard with flash floods off the surrounding hillsides.  Massive damage.  I will try to put up a few photos of our creek in town here from the next day after our four inches.  No doubt the highest it has been since Hurricane Agnes in 1972.

Other than that, busy just trying to keep up, catch up, and taking my wife to the hospital frequently for tests and x-rays.

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Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 27, 2014, 07:21:41 AM
Charlie, hope you are finally drying out and Ralph is having good planting weather, so imagine he is putting in a lot of hours in the tractors. Ohio weather has been beautiful for the past week. High temps in the high 70's and low 80's and warm nights. Has been ideal weather for farmers finishing up corn planting and well into soybean planting. Some hay being made around the area. My soybeans are up and doing well.

Attended the Wapakoneta tractor show this weekend and had nice weather for it. Featured tractor was John Deere and was a good turnout of feature tractors.

Was a quiet weekend for me. Mostly stayed home. Finally got the airplane out and washed it on Sunday. Did a little sanding and painting of some areas that needed attention. Broke it out of hibernation and flew for a while Monday morning. Was a nice morning for flying. Still seeing lots of tractors and horses working in the fields.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on May 28, 2014, 08:31:44 AM
Gene, bad luck on the rain for your tractor show , but I guess the second one made up for it. Sort of the same here. We get a good day or so in the field and then it rains and we sit and wait for drying. Every day making it a later spring. The ground is good and workable right now and I worked til dark last night. Which means I don't get a real early start in the morning but hopefully will get a good few acres in today before the next rain hits tonight.
I took this shot of the old Loadstar yesterday morning before the fields were quite dry enough. You can see by that sky it was a good drying day and I was rolling soon after.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 28, 2014, 10:25:02 PM
Glad you are finally getting some field time in. Warmer sure helps with the drying process.

I got a call from my friend, Myron near New Weston needing help getting some ground ready to plant soybeans. He has gotten behind with his wife's aliments and doctor visits. Got there about 9:00am expecting to have equipment ready to run. Not so. Had to work on the harrogator for a couple hours after we dug it out of the weeds. The tractor he bought this winter has Pioneer standard hydraulic couplings and all his hoses were John Deere ends. Next had to remove parts from the cultimulcher to be welded. Went to implement dealer and got the hydraulic adapters and took part to weld shop to be welded to pick up later. Finally got to the field at 2:00pm. Was kinda nice running the John Deere 8650, especially since We had a sprinkling rain all afternoon. Not enough rain to settle the dust or run us out of the field. Coming home at 7:00pm saw lots of water in the fields from the heavy rain. Were lucky to get the day in working ground. Came home to a nice half inch in the rain gauge, so nice for my sweet corn and soybeans. Just hoed the sweet corn yesterday and side dressed with fertilizer. Good timing on that.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 28, 2014, 10:33:30 PM
Didn't want to include the bad news in the last post. Got a call from my granddaughter about my Daughter who is in the hospital ICU in Philadelpha hospotal. She has cancer and now having an infection ih her stomach area coming from her liver where the cancer is. The cancer is spreading and she is very weak. Will likely be making a trip there in the next few days. Sure hoping for her condition to improve.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on May 28, 2014, 11:28:14 PM
Gene, sorry to hear that about your daughter. I was going to complain about losing my camera somewhere in the field today but I guess that is a pretty small problem compared to yours. Hope things take a turn for the better for you and yours.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 29, 2014, 08:09:38 AM
Gene,

Very sorry to hear of your Daughter's illness.  Best of luck and will send a prayer or two her way.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 29, 2014, 10:21:28 AM
Thanks Charlie. She has always been such a positive, active person so is hard to see her in this condition. Her attitude has always brought her through any problems. Hoping that is the case now.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on June 03, 2014, 05:02:00 PM
See on the list that you are in Pa. today, Gene.  Best of luck to you and your Daughter.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on June 03, 2014, 06:49:48 PM
Gene, my thoughts are with you and your daughter.  I'm very sorry to hear of her cancer.

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on June 03, 2014, 11:42:05 PM
Thanks guys. Our family was all there on Monday to hear the doctors pronounce the sentence. The cancer is unoperable and is terminal. Cancer is in the liver and bile ducts shutting down the liver. Severe infection in her system precludes any chemo treatment as it would shut down her immune system. Sad to hear her time is coming. She will be taken home tomorrow to be more comfortable in her home.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on June 04, 2014, 08:09:41 PM
Took a few pictures on the trip through Pennsylvania. These may be a little foreign to Ralph, but familiar to Charlie.

Gene


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Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on June 06, 2014, 06:23:08 AM
Gene, looks like you had a beautiful day along I-80.   I love some of the sweeping vistas across the long valleys that the highway parallels, and going through those tunnels always reminds me of being a kid in the back seat on long-ago summer trips with my parents.

Now even my own kids are grown and out of the house, my time with them as "kids" gone and over.  Sometimes I think about the passage of time and the changes that have come, some good but others not.  No parent should ever have to face the changes your family is facing--but you still noticed the beauty along the side of the road.  Lesson for all of us there.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on June 08, 2014, 08:54:37 AM
You are correct, Gene. I am not "well traveled", but have been around  Pa. some.  There is an abundance of beautiful scenery in the state. Hope you are holding up under your current stresses.

Our weather here yesterday was the perfect day, or as near as we get.  Clear sky, light breeze, high near 80 degrees.  We gained just over 1 inch of rain in two t-storms last week.  The storms were not real long but the water really came down.  In spite of that we are in an overall drying trend.  I see corn in a few fields up and peeking around.  Thousands of tiny two leaf plants.  Most other croplands are nicely finished which makes me think they are seeded.  Grasslands and alfalfa fields look tall and lush so first cuttings should be good.

We are still having cool nights in the 50's so it is good for sleeping without AC.  The house is actually a little cool feeling in the morning.  I let the heat run one cycle this morning. Good to keep the moisture dried out of the furnace.

Dean, hope life is good in your new digs.  Betting you are having no problem keeping busy.  I know Ralph is  hard at it with tractor work.  

Hope everyone has a great Sunday.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on June 08, 2014, 11:16:24 AM
The trip was along the Pa. turnpike, I76 toll road. Been this way many times in the past from the time I was stationed at Dover Air Force base in 1961 to 1964. Still enjoy the sights along the route. My daughter did all the driving so I was able to see all the scenery and take a few pics. Weather was ideal for traveling.

I had cut my hay on the Friday before we left on Sunday. Had about 1.5 inches of rain by the time I got home Tuesday night, so the hay got wet. Nice warm, dry weather for rest of the week dried the hay so I was able to bale it on Friday and delivered it Friday and Saturday. Finished mowing the lawn on Saturday and woke up this morning to light rain with about .75 inches in the gauge. Nice rain for the soybeans and sweet corn.

Word from Pennsylvania has little change. Older daughter drove out on Friday and will come home this evening. Brave girl and dedicated to her baby sister. Great driver too. I want to go out for a couple days. Haven't decided if I will fly my airplane, drive the jeep and stay in a motel or drive the motor home and be able to stay a little longer.

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Hard to understand why things happen the way they do. I am doing alright as long as I keep occupied. Don't know how I will be later on.

Some more pics

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on June 16, 2014, 08:48:46 PM
Sitting on the back deck enjoying a nice 77 degrees F with a comfortable light breeze off and on.  Humidity is up some, but not too uncomfortable now.  We touched on 90 F. around 1pm when I finished the back half of the lawn.  Did the front half Saturday evening after the strong winds that blew all day settled down.  Finishing the back was on my Sunday agenda but was put off due to getting into and mostly finishing badly needed weed tree and brush cutting.  Yesterday's weather was perfect for more labor intense jobs.

I have worked on the cutting and clean up in three different sessions.  Started with some lilac bushes that grew rampant. Whatever variety they are they had grown to 25-30 feet tall.  Most of the blooms come at the top so only folks in planes get to enjoy them.  I took them all down to about 12 feet.  Should have taken them lower but wished to maintain some privacy.  An electric pole saw is a handy tool for that work.  Next came cleaning out many weed trees that were in my row of pine trees and everywhere else that is not regularly mowed.  Probably 50  Norway Maple trees, numerous Box Elders, a few Catalpas, and assorted grape vines and what not.  My brush pile of cuttings out in my water hole would fill a decent semi trailer.  With that the front part of the yard sure looks better.  Out behind the garages I have acquired a genuine woods.  That will take a lot longer to get cleared, but at least getting the front done is a nice start.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 19, 2014, 04:33:09 PM
Charlie, it is incredibly green here with all the rain. Too much . We got another two inches last night and I have water standing in the fields where crop was planted. Water running from one slough to the next as it eventually leaves the farm. I even got stuck with the old Honda trike and had to a little maneuvering to get out. Ducks are happy in my yard. Mosquitos and beavers are thriving. Crops need spraying but not in the mud. This is a photo of a large beaver lodge on one of my biggest sloughs. I need to spend some time there with the .22. Municipality pays a bounty on the tails.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on June 19, 2014, 09:29:35 PM
Sorry for you on that weather, Ralph.  Brings to mind a couple of years ago when folks up your way were getting big equipment burried in the fields because it was so wet.  Sometimes if it weren't for bad luck, there would be no luck at all.  Hope sunshine and clear skies head your way soon.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on June 20, 2014, 06:00:32 PM
Charlie seems to be getting a lot done. Good to hear he is getting along good.

Has been a wet week here. Had about two inches Monday and Tuesday and heavy rain late morning and early afternoon today. Moisture is more than adequate. Water running across the lawn and front hayfield.

Was able to get the soybeans sprayed a and the sweet corn hoed. Crops looking good, just hope they don'drown out.

Will be driving to Hamburg for my daughter's celebration of life. Will stay overnight and come home Sunday.

Gene
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Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on June 20, 2014, 10:02:54 PM
Hope you have a safe trip, Gene.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on June 24, 2014, 07:42:33 PM
Been a hot muggy day here in Ohio today. Thunderstorms started about 6:00pm. Getting a pretty steady rain now at 7:30. Didn't really need the rain. Mostly the soybeans are doing well except for a couple low spots drowned out. Thunderstorm watch for our county.

The trip to Pa went well. Had light to moderate rain till past Harrisburg then dry rest of the way. The celebration went extremely well. I was amazed at the number of friends and co-workers in attendance. Probably 200 people  and many kind words of eulogy from many of them. This Saturday we will be having the celebration in Marysville, Oh where she grew up. Most of the family will be here for this.

Got a new computer yesterday and plan to get it set up this evening. Wish me luck and if you don't hear from me, you will know it got the best of me.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on June 25, 2014, 08:48:15 PM
Hi Gene.   Sure has been a lot of rain showers this month.   My commute to and from work takes me past a lot of farm fields, and just as you said the low spots are drowned out.  Still standing water in a lot of them--seems like it just starts to dry out when another line of thunderstorms comes through.

I celebrated the sunshine this evening by going to pick up this old wagon that I'd bought from a fellow down the road.  Not sure what I'll do with it, other than hayrides, but it looked good and solid.  The previous owner told me his mother used to sit in the back of it as a young girl, separating good seed-corn ears from the rest as her brothers picked and threw the corn into the wagon.  It's been green as long as he can remember but he said when he went to repaint it a while ago he found red under the green--so who knows.  I'll see what I can learn about it as time goes by.  For now I need some remedial studies at backing a four-wheel wagon.  :)

Dean
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Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 26, 2014, 11:11:50 PM
Nice looking wagon Dean. It even has hubcaps. No name on them? A low reverse gear and power steering really help in backing up a four wheeled wagon.
Still too much rain here too. Over four inches last week have drowned out many of the low spots in the fields. Flax and cereal grains are turning yellow from excess water. Canola turning purple. More rain forecast for the whole weekend. I managed to get my canola sprayed today without getting stuck but tore up a lot of crop in the wet spots.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on June 27, 2014, 10:02:53 PM
Ralph, the hubcaps on that wagon say "Dodge."  :)

Wow, that's a seriously wet field you were working there.  Four wheel drive looks like it'd be mighty handy for such situations.   We've had a couple of nice days here but the forecast calls for a chance of showers on three of the next four days.  Looks dry after that, though.  There's a young guy who's been waiting to cut and bale my hay for me on halves, and I'm hoping he can get it in without getting rained on and before it all gets beaten down any more by heavy storms.  

I took the Super M for a short drive around the back woods yesterday evening just to see how things look, and I need to get serious about getting a pull-behind brush hog, or perhaps another tractor with three-point and a brush hog.  I've got lots of chores in mind for that area but they all involve being able to move around without needing a machete.  Still, the tractor sounded good and it was fun to amble along for a while.

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 28, 2014, 01:28:37 AM
Dean, you might have already seen the videos I posted on youtube of working with my 6 foot rotary pull type mower. It is a Farm King built here in Canada and has been a pretty good mower. I've chopped a few rocks and other foreign objects with it and it still works. Biggest mistake I made was putting 108 horsepower up front and twisting the tubular driveshaft in heavy willows. It works well behind the Case 730 or Cockshutt 40. Does a pretty nice job on grass considering it is only a rough cut mower.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 29, 2014, 10:49:36 PM
Well it seems things are never so bad that they can't get worse. 4 inches in the gauge this morning and another half inch by supper time. I have never seen such high water levels. Lots of drowned crop and flooded roads. Culverts can't take it away fast enough. Water in basements in town. My house is ok but I'm pumping water out of the sump in one steel quonset. Just unbelievable.
http://youtu.be/a0DYzrMr7lE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0DYzrMr7lE

Video links working???
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on June 30, 2014, 12:14:36 AM
Wow, Ralph, that's awful--the video links did work.  Was your road at the second creek crossing okay?  Looked like you could get some bad washout on the downstream side.

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 30, 2014, 02:06:19 AM
Quote from: vinsond;2359
Wow, Ralph, that's awful--the video links did work.  Was your road at the second creek crossing okay?  Looked like you could get some bad washout on the downstream side.

Dean

Dean I expect that road might be washed out and impassable by morning as it is still raining. The municipality just replaced those culverts a couple of years ago and it should have been ok but we just seem to have so much more water to deal with lately. I guess I will head out on the trike tomorrow morning to assess the latest rain damage.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on June 30, 2014, 11:38:15 AM
That sure is a lot of water, Ralph.  The only good thing about it is that it is not happening during freezing weather.  At a ratio of about 10:1, imagine how many feet of snow it would equal.  We have been more than lucky here so far.  Last week when the mid west was reporting 3,4, and more inches of rain we ended up with just less than 1 inch, and that came down very genital over a period of time so it soaked well.   The little rain we had yesterday from passing thunder storms was not even measurable.  More promised in these successive days.  Hot!  On our thermometer we are getting to 91 most days.  It stayed above 70 last night, possibly for the first time this year.  Summer is upon us for sure.

With the bad weather in Sask., Ralph, I will try to give you a chuckle.

Was watching the weather report on June 21, ( get that --June 21) and the weather gal stated that this has been one of the nicest summers she can remember, with temps mostly in the low 70,s.  

What a statement to make with summer being only about 10 hours old.  Hay Lady-----Engage brain before starting mouth.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 30, 2014, 02:30:39 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;2361
That sure is a lot of water, Ralph.  The only good thing about it is that it is not happening during freezing weather.

Was watching the weather report on June 21, ( get that --June 21) and the weather gal stated that this has been one of the nicest summers she can remember, with temps mostly in the low 70,s.  

What a statement to make with summer being only about 10 hours old.  Hay Lady-----Engage brain before starting mouth.

Charlie

Charlie, yes, sometimes the weather people need to get out in the real world.  I would almost rather deal with snow. At least you can shovel, push or snowblow it away and it does not take your road and crops out like rain does. That south exit is now washed out as of this morning and the photo shows the evidence . The North exit is still passable but the grid road to the highway has water running over it in two places in a mile. Even the paved highway 35 has water running over it at one point. Good thing I have nowhere to go right now.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on July 06, 2014, 08:47:00 PM
Ralph, glad to hear you've been getting a breather from the heavy rains.

Good weather here this past weekend.  I enjoyed some good tractor time with both tractors:  The 620 to mow and to spread some gravel in a couple of low spots, and the SM to pull a bunch of heavy branches into a big pile so I can come back later with the 620 and mow some more.   They look pretty good next to each other in the barn.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]746[/ATTACH]

Dean Vinson
Saint Paris, Ohio
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 07, 2014, 01:51:04 AM
Thats a nice pair of tractors parked in your shed Dean. And they are earning their way doing chores around the farm. It has dried up enough here that I have got my flax sprayed this weekend. Still plenty of mud to deal with in places but manageable as long as we don't get any more. Severe weather brought up some hail storms and twisters yesterday but thankfully, not in my immediate area. It was dry enough to take the old International out for a spin this evening and I took a picture or two before parking it back in the shed.
(http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag350/alfg1/IMG_1954_zps6a8beb62.jpg) (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/alfg1/media/IMG_1954_zps6a8beb62.jpg.html)
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on July 07, 2014, 06:00:19 AM
Dean, the mixed pair look right at home at the Vinson homestead. Nice photo of the two.

Ralph, glad to hear you are finally getting a breather from the heavy rains.

Charlie must be getting caught up with the yard work.

Been keeping up on the emails and videos of the new 620 and the water on Ralph's country. Just haven't had any comments to make on the subjects.

Have had pretty nice weather here in Ohio. Just a few light showers and mild temperatures. Wheat harvest has just started. Went flying Saturday morning and saw a few fields that looked like a few sample cuts were taken off. Should be a lot taken off this week if the rains hold off. I cut my second cutting hay on Friday and now the forecast is for rain. Hope it holds off. Soybeans looking good and are knee high and very few weeds.

The woods have dried some and was able to get back to some wood I cut last winter. Only able to get part way back as still some standing water in the trails. Brought out a trailer load of black oak blocks. Too many mosquitoes to spend much time in the woods.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on July 08, 2014, 10:54:44 AM
Charlie is not keeping up with much today.  One of those days where I got up only half awake.  Cooked bacon and toast for breakfast with OJ and coffee.  Still only half awake.

Among other things, I have been working on the 560.  Mostly from just sitting around and the bootleg gas, flow was again totally stopped at the tank outlet.  Took the bowl assembly out of the tank.  The gas was so old it resembled coffee.  Drained it out.  Looked inside the tank with a light to see that in is varnished up almost as it coated with spray undercoating.  The major flow problem though was something not expected.  The hole through the nipple should be about 7/32 inch but was filled with lime like build up so as to be less than 1/8 inch.  Probably naphtha.    And then.........Standing vertical was a brown maple leaf with stem lodged firmly in that 1/8 inch hole.  Guarantee I did not put that leaf into the tank.  Either it has been there for many years or I had some unknown help.  Anyway, got her running.  Quit again after about one minute.  Checked the bowl and the gas was black from tarry stuff dissolving in the tank.  cleaned the screen again and it is still running but am thinking cleaning the screen will be a habit for some time to come.  Started to move the tractor and noticed what looked like little puffs of blue smoke out the left side from the front grille.  Dismounted to check that and found it to be two small sprays on Hy Tran.  Shut her down.  

I now have the side panel off and the grill out.  Yes, it is a rusted through power steering line.  Large pit with little pin holes at the bottom.  As this line does not have a normal fitting on the end and goes back to the transmission with several 90 degree bends I am going to try a repair on it.  Pretty small piece to try braze on but I have some other ideas.  Not much to loose but my time by trying.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 15, 2014, 11:12:50 AM
Charlie , I guess by now you have that 560 fixed and in field ready condition. We are getting some dry and warmer weather here in Sask. now so I was out cutting hay yesterday. Nice crop with all the rain and the old rusty New Holland haybine did a good job. Sure glad I was in the cab watching all that itchy grass pollen exploding from the grass heads as the haybine hit it.
[video=youtube;R9Af0FamR9E]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9Af0FamR9E&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on July 28, 2014, 03:21:57 PM
Wrong, Ralph.  the 560 is in deeper trouble than before.  I think I have the ps line mended with JB Weld.  Time will tell.  Rigged a temporary gas tank with a five gallon can and some hose.  Still had the same problem with running for a minute or so then starving out.  Sent some gumout spray into the carburetor.  That must have softened the settled tar in the bowl and clogged the jets.  Now it will not start at all.  Next will be to take it off and clean it right.

Nice video of the hay cutting.  Irregular shaped fields give you lots of turning time.

I have a bone to pick with Gene.  He has been so busy getting things ready for Portland that he is not keeping track of the weather.  While Gene was looking the other way, he let a bunch of rain sneak out of Ohio.  We have received a solid six inches in the last 18 hours. Guess we need to delegate Dean as the back up Ohio weather controller. :rolleyes:   Needless to say I am not finishing my mowing today and will not be for a while.  Glad I did what I did yesterday.  I have seen a few wheat fields cut, and a couple with the straw all baled and sitting or gone.  Mostly I see still standing wheat or fields with just two or three rounds taken off.  I can't think six inches of new water overnight are going to be much help.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on July 28, 2014, 09:20:26 PM
Charlie, sorry I let the rain get through. It was surplus to our needs. We have adequate moisture with the 2.5 inches Saturday night and Sunday morning and again Sunday night.

Most of the wheat is off and a lot of straw baled. Amish have their oats cut and shocked. My soybeans are more than waist high and blooming nicely. Cooler weather has been favorable for pollination. Many crops are behind normal due to late planting  and cool weather. Many reporting good wheat yields with reports as high as 110 bushels per acre, again due to cool pollination weather.

Been to a couple tractor shows and family reunion and the motorhome is working out fine. Nice and comfortable. Will spend about 16 days in it at Portland show.

Hope everyone has good weather for the last half of summer.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on August 01, 2014, 12:48:32 AM
Finally seeing some blue in the flax field. It is a bit later than normal this year according to photos from year's past. We are going to need a good frost free August for it to make flax. Same for cereals. Wheat is looking great but also a bit late. We are finally getting a bit of heat. I don't care much for 80 degrees and up but it is what we need for the crops.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on August 01, 2014, 10:42:16 PM
That is really nice, Ralph.  Blue blossoms.  At home we had a lot of Blue bells in the woods.  If any flax jumps the fence and crosses with the canola can we expect green blossoms??  :)

I guess that would be flaxola.

Charlie

That is O.K. guys.  Don't laugh.  I am chuckling enough for all of us.  I do the self entertainment thing quite often.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on August 02, 2014, 05:56:48 PM
Holy rice paddies, Batman.  Sunday night--6" of rainfall.  Tuesday--1".  Saturday afternoon--- 2" in an hour and it is still raining.  Enough already.  It is too wet out there.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on August 02, 2014, 07:02:21 PM
Charlie, I know about self intertainment. Been doing that too long. I can laugh at myself, even when situation is not funny, at least to others.

Been watching the rain showers go by and only siphoning off what we can readily use. Got .75 inch last night. Keeping the soil nice and moist for the crops. All are looking good, but have to have the right window for haymaking. Amish have been busy this week threshing oats. Didn't know there were so many bundle wagons in the country.

Several years ago there was an effort to raise canola here in Ohio. Only lasted a couple years as the system never developed to maintain production and hot summer weather stressed the crop at pollination. Sure enjoyed the bright yellow blossoms when I flew over the fields.

Worked last 2 days helping Amish dismantle a large barn. My main job was using my chainsaw to trim the ends of the beams rough ends and rotten areas. Barn was built with hand hewn beams and peg and mortise joints. Barn was likely built about 1840 to 1850. All beams and lumber is going to central Montana and we loaded a flatbed semi yesterday and still have another full load to ship. Was a hot day and heat almost got the best of me, so had to take a cool down break.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on August 03, 2014, 06:00:05 PM
Took a few pictures of my soybeans today. Looking real good, but then I `took pictures of the best ones at the edge... Gene[ATTACH=CONFIG]751[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]748[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]750[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]752[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]753[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on August 04, 2014, 10:52:18 AM
Gene,

Not an expert on soybeans but not sure I have ever seen any that tall.  Most around here seem about knee high and not much more.  Different variety?? or just the climate. ??

Another 3/8 inch of rain yesterday and last night but the sun is finally out this morning.  So far my body feels better than it has in over a week so wanting good weather to last.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on August 04, 2014, 12:47:29 PM
Charlie, don't know what happened to the pictures. I posted 5 but only 2 show up. The links are there and will open other photos.

The beans were planted on May 8 so got an early start. They are a full season variety for this area and in the 3.8 maturity range. Weather has also been very favorable for growth. Good yield possible, but price is sinking fast to just over $10.00 for September future. Just hope to get them off early and catch a higher price for early delivery.

My sweetcorn harvest is done. Pulled the last 3 dozen ears last night and gave half to my daughter and other half to my sister.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on August 04, 2014, 03:20:09 PM
Gene, I don't know much of anything about soybeans but those in your photos certainly look good. I heard some were trying to grow them in Sask. this year. I took a few shots here in the blooming flax field yesterday. It is looking good , at least if I don't look at the drowned out patches where weeds have taken over. 85 degrees here today and it feels hot. Not good for the later blooming canola. Mine is mostly finished.
(http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag350/alfg1/RGflaxselfie_zpsa3ea27a0.jpg) (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/alfg1/media/RGflaxselfie_zpsa3ea27a0.jpg.html)
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on August 06, 2014, 09:02:46 PM
Ralph, I've never seen a blooming flax field in person... must be downright beautiful.  Thanks for another great photo.

And Gene, wow!  
[video=youtube;GB33z9xoSw8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB33z9xoSw8[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on August 06, 2014, 09:56:34 PM
Love that Dean. Could have been written about my parents. We made a go of it on 140 acres of yellow clay. Had a few milk cows, some hogs, sheep and chickens, so always had something to fall back on.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on August 17, 2014, 03:43:37 PM
Yes, blooming flax looks pretty nice but can go downhill fast. I think those heavier patches will be fine but any lower spots that had water damage are strting to show a lot of weed growth. Flax is a poor competitor with weeds at the best of times. But, if the hail and frost don't get it, there will be a nice bit of flax there to sell I think
We have had some jungle heat weather earlier this week with humidity making it feel like 40c. (I try not to work too hard in those conditions or else work in a cool tractor cab). Thunder showers around today and raiining right now so we are doing ok moisture wise. Still a week away from canola swathing , more or less.
Picture from the antique car show last weekend. I was there as a spectator, not a participant unfortunately. Roads too muddy to drive mine to the show.
(http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag350/alfg1/IMG_2023_zpse9ab612c.jpg) (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/alfg1/media/IMG_2023_zpse9ab612c.jpg.html)
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on August 21, 2014, 09:40:51 PM
Been a rainy day and night here at Portland, indiana. Some rain this morning and then a fairly dry afternoon. Rain begin again at 9:pm and looks like it will be around for a while. Grounds will be very muddy tomorrow. Lots of thunder and lightning.  

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on August 22, 2014, 07:08:56 AM
Good morning, Gene.  Looks like more rain on the way today--going to be rather a wet show this year.  I'd hoped to come out tomorrow but am tied up with another commitment.   Thanks for being one of the movers and shakers, rain or shine!

Ralph, those are some beautiful old cars.  I'd still gravitate toward your old truck, though.  :)

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on August 24, 2014, 02:59:20 PM
Welll it is no kind of weather for a show of any kind in Sask. this weekend. Inch and a quarter last time I checked and it has been raining all morning. Cold enough that the furnace cut in this morning. Crops are getting flattened by the wind and rain. I have heard some talk of frost next Tuesday so that will be the last straw for many I guess as most crops are still quite green.
It is a good day to work in the shop on another old veteran that has been on this farm longer than I have. Dad's 1939 Ford Deluxe sedan. Doing a quick and cheap clean up and paint job on it and I started pulling the masking off this morning. It is what I have heard called a "fifty foot paint job" on the atis mail list.
(http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag350/alfg1/IMG_2082_zps0cdc0161.jpg) (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/alfg1/media/IMG_2082_zps0cdc0161.jpg.html)
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on August 31, 2014, 11:00:02 AM
Well it came to pass. Here is the reason I have spent some long hours this past week or so getting the old 39 Ford back in half decent shape at least. My nephew's wedding yesterday. I don't think we were too serious about using the Ford as a backdrop until a couple of weeks before the day. Initially I was just going to drag it out of the shed, but one thing led to another and eventually a full (amateur) paint job. Although it was still a non runner and would have to be pushed out of the paint/work shop for the photos. Thanks to my brother (a real mechanic) and his patience and ability with the old Ford distributor we eventually got it to pull start. We had to borrow a six volt battery off the 730 Case tractor (antique tractor reference) for the Ford. Another day spent loosening up a couple of stuck exhaust valves and I was pretty impressed when it actually started itself and moved under it's own power with only one day to spare. I should add, the old Ford had not been started in about 25 years.
(http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag350/alfg1/1952to2014_zps9ebbd026.jpg) (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/alfg1/media/1952to2014_zps9ebbd026.jpg.html)
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on September 01, 2014, 07:37:36 PM
Ralph, that's a great story and great set of photos.  Are those your parents in the older scene?

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on September 02, 2014, 02:55:21 AM
Quote from: vinsond;2385
Ralph, that's a great story and great set of photos.  Are those your parents in the older scene?

Dean

Hi Dean. You are right, I left out that important detail. My parents in the 1952 photo.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on September 02, 2014, 08:47:17 PM
Ralph, thanks for the story and pictures from the wedding and the progress on painting the Ford and getting it running after all these years.

Trying to get caught up from being away for 17 days. Things have sure grown wild, including the weeds and grass. 3rd cutting hay needs cut, but the nuisance rains are making that difficult. Tried to cut some this afternoon, but still too wet. Kept slugging the rolls on the 479 haybine.

Local crops are looking very good. some corn is maturing and ears drooping on the stalks. Some soybeans are starting to show some leaves turning and will ripen soon. My soybeans are just starting to show some leaf color and look to be excellent development and promises to be a good yield. Will be disappointed if they don't make 60 bushels per acre.

Have had good soil moisture all summer and mild temperatures, so has been a good crop year. Only haymaking has been a challenge.

Tractor shows seem to be attracting the rains. Portland had almost 6 inches on Thursday of the show. Our local show at West Liberty had the tractor pull rained out last Sunday. Had just enough rain to muddy the track.

Gene
Title: Summer to fall
Post by: RG8800 on September 09, 2014, 02:55:56 PM
A beautiful summer day on Sunday turned to almost winter overnight. Today the furnace is running and the daytime high is somewhere in the 40s. Another half inch of rain has re soaked the already saturated grounds. It is a common thing to see a four wheel drive tractor parked on the edge of the field while swathers cut canola. I got stuck once myself swathing canola. I have not even taken the combine out of the shed yet.
Here is a video to look back on, back when there was sunshine and blue sky not that long ago.
[video=youtube;xn8q0ygd3k4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn8q0ygd3k4[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on September 09, 2014, 09:20:21 PM
Nice video of the '39 Ford. Look forward to riding along on a ride on the local roads and trails.

Hope you can finally get some harvest weather. Cold wet weather makes the harvest seem to last forever.

Western Ohio has been blessed with very pleasant weather. Had our warmest day of the year last Friday with a high temperature of 91 degrees with light wind and a full day of sunshine. Light rain on Saturday then more sunshine and warm temps since then. Been good haymaking weather finally. I mowed my hay on Wednesday and raked and baled it on Monday. Third cutting and heaviest hay I have made here. Got 295 bales from the 3 acres. Was very satisfied with that.

Neighbors have started cutting corn and filling silos and lots of hay down over the last week. Soybeans in many fields have started turning and even saw 1 field where the leaves were starting to drop.

Weeds and grass is growing like it was the end of April. Never had to mow so much grass this late in summer.

Hope everyone enjoys the last few days of summer.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on September 10, 2014, 06:03:47 PM
We are about at the end of the warm weather right now.  Predicted high today of 81.  Not sure we made that.  Rain and t-storms called for tonight with a cold front.  T shirt weather is over for now.  High tomorrow of 70 and low 60's for the weekend and beyond.  Strange year indeed.  First year I can remember when the heat ran more time in August that the air conditioning.  Like everyone else we have spring growing conditions.  

Did some travel Monday.  Miles and miles of corn fields.  Looks to be about 14 feet tall most places.  Still fresh green in this area but visible change 50 miles West of here.  No yellow leaves, but certainly much more pale green with slight loss of green at leaf edges.  Seeing a lot of soybeans similar to the picture Gene posted earlier this summer.  Appear to be near waist high and very full and bushy. Some real nice stands of what is probably third cutting hay and alfalfa.  Some down and drying and some being cut.

Not a lot else to talk about here.  As Ralph knows   we did some trading and got a newer set of used wheels.  Nice ride and we put on about 1000 miles the first month.  That is huge for us.  60 day, 100% warrenty so have to look for any bugs or problems now.  Come winter the car will spend it's time parked while our necessary travel happens in the all wheel drive SUV.  For as far as we go there is no point in salting up two vehicles.  That does pay off too.  Got back almost all of the money we paid for the 2005 car which we bought in 2007 so that made me a happy camper.  Beyond that, the dealer who was a little worried it would take a while to sell the 2005 at what he allowed plus whatever profit, sold it the first day on the lot.  Guess he is happy too.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on September 12, 2014, 10:44:28 AM
Sad but true.  Two days later and 52 degrees with rain on and off.  If I want summer all winter seems it will be necessary to move South, far South.  Even then it may not be a sure thing.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on September 12, 2014, 10:56:33 AM
Hard frost here and most of south Sask. last night. That will finish the green crops, or at least heavy damage . On the positive side it will also help "dessicate" the green second growth that is holding up the harvest of some crops. Swathers were running late last night trying to get as much green canola down before the frost hit but I think there will still be damage. Showers predicted for tomorrow.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on September 14, 2014, 08:23:56 AM
Getting early fall weather here in Ohio too. Still summer officially, but have 42 degrees this morning. 9 days ago we had the highest temperature of the summer and now have a fire going this morning. No frost or freeze in the forecast, so late crops are safe for now.

In 1964 my brother, Edsel, started a repair garage near Magnetic Springs, Ohio. Yesterday we had a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the business. Many patrons and family members attended with some very nice cars and tractors for display. Had plenty food to eat and door prize drawings throughout the day. Many of the current and former customers attended as well as many neighbors and friends. 6 of us brothers were there for the festivities.  Brother has since retired and his son Kevin now runs the business. Congratulations to Edsel and Kevin for 50 successful years.

A sad note was the phone call we received from Tennessee that our second oldest brother, Ernie, from Tennessee had passed away on Saturday morning. He had been under hospice care for some time with heart problems. Was a blessing we were together to get the news. Ernie had just celebrated his 86th birthday last month. A great brother and friend will be missed.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on September 14, 2014, 01:54:53 PM
Gene,

Saddened to hear about your Brother Ernie Passing.  Hope he is in a better place now.  My wife's cousin lost her husband week before last also.  I did not know him well but understand he was a nice man and easy to talk with.  He did not have it easy the last couple of months and has been nursing a bad heart for fourteen years so I believe he was as ready to go as one can be.

Seems that our weather is a parallel to yours.  Down to 41 again last night.  Best to leave the freezes to Ralph for now.  Only at 58 now so I will dress a little when I go out shortly to mow.  At least the wind is fairly calm.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: pwaugh on September 25, 2014, 10:47:45 AM
Well I am back for a while. I have trouble navigating but that should get better as I hang around here. I don't have a lot of news, I am at that point of my life where it is hard to do major projects. I keep the 4 old tractor I have running and work them with keeping the places mowed. Interesting note it that we have 8.5 acres of alfalfa, which I cannot find anyone to bale it.  Long story is it will go to seed this year and have some one lined up to make it next year, What a waste.
Is this the main thread??
Paul Waugh
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on September 25, 2014, 05:29:51 PM
Hi Paul,

Welcome back.  Sorry about your alfalfa.  It hardly pays to buy and maintain a baler for small acreage, does it.  I am in about the same situation as you when it comes to not being able to do half what I want to do.  One of the penalties of living longer but..............................we all know the alternative and that isn't so good either.  I, for one will stick to this one as long as I can.

If there is such a thing as a main thread, I guess this would be it.  A handful of us just compare what is going on with each of us and chat a bit.  This is the only thread that has had activity for quite a while except for the post I put up yesterday advertising Dean VP and his JD ability.  I will say this area of NY is just now showing some color in the leaves and some fields of soybeans are about a 50% mix of yellow with the green.  Although corn is no longer fresh green I do not think it will really change color until after we have a frost.  

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on September 27, 2014, 08:13:43 AM
Paul, good to see you back on the forum. Hope you keep us up to date on your happenings.

Weather has been delightful fall winter for the past week or so. Cool nights and bright warm days. Forecast for today and Sunday is near 80 degrees. Have had no rain and very little wind for over a week. The trees are just now starting a little color, seems a little later than normal.

Crops are maturing rapidly and many soybeans being combined. I went flying Thursday morning and saw several fields have been harvested. My beans still have some green stalks and leaves, so expect to be able to run them by the end of this week. I combined some beans at the end of the field next to the woods that were dry being stunted by the trees. Needed to be able to get some machinery out of the woods and they were ready.

Last Monday I made a trip to Bryant, Indiana to get a drive axle for my combine. Mercer county had many acres of corn chopped for silage. Looks like a good crop for the whole area.

Had some physical problems this summer with pains in my muscles and lack of strength. Was taking Crestor for my cholesterol and saw this was 2 of the side affects of the medicine. I quit taking it and now have felt a lot better. Finally able to get some projects done.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on September 27, 2014, 05:12:26 PM
Glad to see you made it here to the forum Paul. This is certainly the "busiest" thread on the forum but even so, there are days go by with nothing said. I am guilty this week having had 5 days of good weather and non stop combining canola and wheat. I have a day off from the combine today. Light rain hit this morning. I may have updated my blog, posted a few comments on red power etc. but here is the one you have all been waiting to see. :)
My driving video of the 39 Ford. Had it edited and ready for a week but didn't get around to uploading to youtube until today. Its like 1971 all over again, kind of.
[video=youtube;KaQ0TYNJhGI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaQ0TYNJhGI&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on September 29, 2014, 05:21:59 AM
Ralph, thanks for another excellent video.  Really fun to watch and listen to.

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on September 30, 2014, 09:47:25 PM
Quote from: vinsond;2400
Ralph, thanks for another excellent video.  Really fun to watch and listen to.

Dean

Glad you liked the video Dean. I enjoy making them. Hoping to get some good harvest video but I've been too busy driving the combine to set up the camera it seems . Now the rain has shut everybody down and the forecast is not good. Harvest is around the half way done mark here. Some places more, some less. I took this shot yesterday while harvesting some tough wheat. I don't normally put 17% moisture wheat in the bin but with rain in the forecast and a few other factors, I decided to chance it.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on October 13, 2014, 02:03:47 PM
Hi Ralph.  I do always enjoy your videos and appreciate the time you put into them.

Here's a quick scene from yesterday... I guess it's all about the bedding.

Dean

[ATTACH=CONFIG]755[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on October 14, 2014, 04:13:40 PM
Let it rain. I finished combining the soybeans on Saturday. Got the ground all chisel plowed. Should be good for the fall. Have started hauling corn for the Amish. Delivered over 1500 bushels to farm near Fort Loramie. Took the last wagon load this morning. Is a 30 mile trip each way, so a long time. Rain started a little before noon, so getting a couple nice showers.

Last week spent a couple days at Portland swap meet. picked up a few items I can use. Spend more time socializing than shopping. Only had a light rain and typically cool fall weather. Electric heater and furnace in the motorhome made for comfortable nights.

Fall harvests have been spotty. Some crops not ready yet  and spotty showers have slowed the combines down ic crops that are ready. Fall colors just coming on and leaves starting to fall. more fall cleanup.

Dean is getting a lot accomplished at his place. He is going through the same things I did when I first got my place. Seems there is always something. Ralph, I hope the are getting along well with harvest. Can sometimes be a long season.

Hope everyone is having a good October.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on October 16, 2014, 12:04:45 AM
Its been a long week on the combine and making some good progress. Finished wheat and oats, only flax left now. Started to swath it yesterday but the incredibly wet field conditions had me stuck in the mud in the dark which was no fun. I managed to get through combining up to this point without getting stuck. Been unseasonably warm the past few days which is just what we need.
Combines making dust everywhere as we try to get done before winter.
Got a few fall colour pics but there are not many leaves left now. Here is one from today as I was giving the old Cockshutt 40 a workout on the baler making a few wheat straw bales. Field was so soft in places I nearly got stuck.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on October 16, 2014, 08:46:22 AM
Very nice picture Ralph. Really captures the landscape. I imagine the baling is a nice respite from the combine. Like a visit from a lifelong friend.

Getting rain here in Ohio. Started Tuesday and spotty, gentle rain so no harvest activity this week. Forecast is for sunshine for next 2 or 3 days, but rain and fog today. Ground still not soft as only had less than 3/4 inch of rain. October in normally dry in Ohio, but recently seems we have more fall rains than normal.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on October 18, 2014, 09:55:21 PM
O.K., Dean Vision.  Watching the clip of your purty 620 mowing your pasture shamed me into it.  My '39 H has been down for at least a year and one half.  The US government's worthless moon shine gas has had the fuel system clogged so almost no gas could leave the tank.  I looked at the tractor the other day and decided to get up close and personal with her.  Probably the last really nice afternoon we will see here this year.  After a good amount of air, some cleaning in the tank etc, finally got gas flowing.  Had to cure some leaking in the tank switch valve too.  The shine dries out everything.  It is necessary to run them a lot more than I do to keep stuff working.  So here is a short of the result.  I actually got to drive it around and splash some grease in the rear end for ten or fifteen minutes before the rain started.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKhg6VMiDdQ&feature=youtu.be

And a little more green music form the past.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ck2OwdjlvkM

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on October 18, 2014, 10:27:51 PM
And yet a little more.  I may have posted this one here two or three years ago.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1bI1Jn37bs

Also, getting the little Hercules running when I first bought it, after many years of standing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EA6l7qAgCqs

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on October 28, 2014, 10:23:41 AM
Charlie, I don't know what is wrong with youtube today but it won't let me watch your video or even my own. All I get is the annoying rotating circle.
Hopefully this latest one of mine will open up for somebody. It is the last nice day of harvest we had on Saturday. As of today the ground is covered with wet snow . Nobody I know is ready for this but hopefully it will go away for a while.
[video=youtube;K3BXZIi8DoU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3BXZIi8DoU[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on October 28, 2014, 02:55:38 PM
Your vid worked find Ralph.  You are putting that Flax away.  Also have seen your latest of finishing the wheat on pretty wet ground.  I went back and tried mine again and they played fine from here.  Must be you did hit a YouTube hiccup.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 06, 2014, 10:12:09 AM
Winter, already? Seems like I missed fall. Haven't properly finished combining flax and now we have wet snow on the ground as of yesterday. Forecast highs of -10C for next week which I am not looking forward to. I think I will clean up, unhitch and park the combine before it gets too cold to do it. Nicer weather down south I suspect.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 06, 2014, 12:31:58 PM
Ralph, the moon your picture looks very much like the one we had here last night.  Interesting how that rock gets around.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 06, 2014, 08:01:39 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;2411
Ralph, the moon your picture looks very much like the one we had here last night.  Interesting how that rock gets around.

Charlie

Charlie, that is no moon in the photo. It is my dusk to dawn yardlight which was still on in the morning.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 06, 2014, 09:34:26 PM
Sure fooled me, Ralph.   :o    :rolleyes:  Sorry about your snow this early.  We may see some tomorrow but should not be cold enough to stick around.   Yet.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 10, 2014, 10:02:04 AM
The snow went away but now the temp has dropped way down almost to the zero F mark. Not ready for that. I still have summer diesel and #30 oil in the tractor. Sure glad I got the hay bales hauled before it got this cold.
[video=youtube;v7V8P1M71KE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7V8P1M71KE&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 22, 2014, 07:51:19 PM
Guess it is time I get caught up with the list. Been a little remiss on posting.

I was having trouble with my internet system, so was hard to get anything done. Last week my provider finally replaced my microwave antenna with a bigger one and has worked better now.

Weather has been pretty changeable. 2 weeks ago we had 65 degree temps then overnight went down below freezing for daytime highs. Last Sunday night had 5 inches of snow and high winds for the first part of the week. Now has warmed up to a high of 52 degrees today with sunshine and light rain. Most of the snow is gone now, just bigger drifts and piles left. Nice day to be working outside.

Have spent the last few weeks hauling organic corn for the Amish. Would have finished this week if not for the snow and cold weather. I have hauled about 12,000 bushels so far. 30 mile trip each way pulling 2 wagons with about 350 bushels each trip. So far I have blown 3 tires and one wagon wheel bearing. Have replaced several of the wagon tires so hope they hold up for the last few trips. Dodge truck is holding up well. Had hoped to get more hauled Thursday and Friday, but the feed mill dryer froze up and the wet bin was full so couldn't deliver any last week. Probably be Tuesday before we can deliver more.

Still a lot of corn left in the fields and some soybeans not harvested. Harvest has still been spotty. Usually a 2 day window between rains. Elevators are filling up and transportation is a problem. Propane for the dryers has not been a problem so far, but high moisture takes more gas and more time and causes some delays.

Hope everyone is doing good and has a good Thanksgiving.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 24, 2014, 01:03:38 AM
The list has been pretty quiet Gene. Good to hear you are keeping busy and not snowed in yet. I hear Charlie missed the big snow too. We got it here yesterday . Not a lot but it blew into drifts and I had to do a little shoveling. Temps getting down near zero at night so it is not any too warm for working without mitts. Most of the machinery is put away for the winter except the ones I use. Got winter diesel in the tractors and blade installed. At least that much is ready for winter.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 24, 2014, 06:03:58 PM
Ohio had a warmup starting Saturday through this morning. Saturday and Sunday were very nice days here with temps in the mid 50's to a high on Sunday of 65 degrees. Was very nice for outdoor chores. This morning at 6:00am was 62 degrees with very strong winds and has cooled to 43 at 6:00pm. Had wind gusts of 45 mph today. I left this morning with 2 wagon loads of corn for the feed mill. Have some pretty good hills on Rt. 47 east of Bellefontaine. Was fortunate to be past the hills when I started getting light rain. Got to the mill alright, but as soon as I started unloading the heavy rain started, so got pretty well soaked by the time I finished emptying the wagons. Temperature was still in the high 50's, so not too uncomfortable. Had light to moderate rains on the trip home, so put an end to today's hauling. Forecast is for snow showers for Wednesday night and Thursday so may have a white Thanksgiving.

Charlie has been getting the tail end of our weather with some rain and will be colder before the weekend.

Been watching Ralph's weather the last few days. Looks like winter has set in in Sask. a little early.

Saturday was a good project day. My short legs and high truck made it hard for me to get into the back of the pickup. I got busy and made a step that fits over the hitch ball mount about 5 inches below the hitch. Sure makes it easier to get in the bad. Will try to get a picture of it.

Hope you all are keeping warm and dry.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 25, 2014, 02:03:41 PM
Did I hear my name mentioned.  Yes, I did.  Hi, guys.  You are right about the weather, Gene.  We peaked yesterday with something over 70 F.  I had to get out and chip away a little at the many things I have not accomplished in winter preparation.  Naturally if I get one thing done, three new ones pop up.  As an example, I finally pulled the trigger on a new walk behind snow blower for clearing walks and pathways.  How bad do I need it?  Probably like the 3/4 inch drive socket set.  I may not need it often but when I do, not much else will do the job (shovel). My old freebee hand me down blower finally gave it up last year after my nursing it on for fifteen years or more.  The rubber drive tire on a metal wheel in the friction drive came loose.  I tried re bonding it with three different adhesives and none were successful, sooooo--

The dealer agreed to deliver the new one without charge.  I said there was no hurry and it would be fine to wait until the roads were dry.  When did they deliver?  Friday!  On an open trailer right behind a pick up with no splash flap on the back.  Road was covered with slush and salt.  Exactly what I did not want to see.  My new machine turned white. Give it six months and it will be brown with rust and corrosion.  How careless and unnecessary.  Therefore one of my added tasks yesterday was to wash the blower down as well as possible w/o drowning the engine and wiping it dry.  Hope that solves most of the future rust issue.  

Another good task to have done was the semi-annual coat of my proprietary protective formula to the 20 foot trailer deck.  I think I grabbed the last chance to do that for this fall.  Today we are looking at low 40's with a fair amount of wind so the outdoor stuff is waiting.  I know Ralph would think this weather is summer but.....not here.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 25, 2014, 02:41:02 PM
Charlie, it would be almost worth telling the dealer to take the snowblower back after a careless act like that. Surely he could have picked a day when the roads are dry? Or will the roads ever be dry again before next March?
You are right, 40 degrees would feel like summer to me. Although that wind can be a real "chill" factor no matter how high the temp. Just listen to this Sask. guy in a recent radio comment. He got it right I'd say.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/saskatchewan-winter-too-much-for-one-cbc-radio-listener-1.2840916
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 26, 2014, 08:56:12 AM
I suggested to the man that the weather would be good on Monday and Tuesday of this week, Ralph, and the roads were dry, and still are.  Even had a dash of rain Sunday night to flush them off.  The guy who runs the place was great and was good  to do business with and I got a nice price concession.  It is not a big box store, but a hardware store and equipment rental business.  Like everywhere it seems they have one or more dumb employees.  The problem with not accepting the delivery (and I thought of that at the time) is they only ordered in two of that particular size and brand.  I do not know if the other is also sold.  If it is, no more are available from the manufacturer this season.  It took me quite a while to settle on this machine, so it is mine now.  Hopefully the wash down I gave it got most of the corrosive cleaned off.  

Wishing everyone here a great and enjoyable day tomorrow.

Charlie V.

P.S,  I will let you know my opinion of this blower after we see our first 10 or 12 inch snowfall.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 26, 2014, 06:19:30 PM
[ATTACH=CONFIG]759[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]758[/ATTACH]

Pictures of my hitch step. Hope they come through. Been a while and I may be a little rusty posting pics.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 28, 2014, 08:43:00 AM
Looks like the step will work out well, Gene.  Just remember to keep your chin bone clear of the hitch as you step onto it.  I am in the same boat as you are when it comes to legs that could have been longer.  To make matters more difficult there seems to be a race these days to see who can make the tallest PU.  It wont hurt my feelings at all when that fad gets over.

The votes are in and counted.  Seems I win unanimously the honor of having cooked the best Thanksgiving dinner at our house.  A stacked deck can be a help too since it was the only one.  As far as I know right now we are both still alive so the food was not too toxic.  Everything was good and enjoyably except I pulled the old trick of forgetting the dinner rolls were in the oven.  They did not burn black but might have been useable as golf balls.  The little buggers took a little more eating than normal.  (crunch, crunch).   I always use the timer on the oven but did not that time.


the forecast is for the temp. to stay below 30 D/F today.  I have a couple of errands to do and I want to go to Tractor Supply and catch two or three pails of hyd/trans oil as it is on a today only sale.  I need it anyway so now is the time.

Charlie V
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 28, 2014, 12:44:57 PM
Charlie, I am sure you meant to keep my SHIN bones clear of the step. Think the chin bones are pretty safe. Ralph's long legs are not likely as challenged as us shorter people.

My daughter in Marysville invited me to her house for Thanksgiving dinner. I was glad to accept the invitation as she is a good cook and great host. Had ham, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and some rich desserts that I should have left alone. Her rolls were done to perfection and fluffy enough to float off the tray. Was a nice gathering of the grand children and great grand daughters as well as some of their close friends.

Temperature here at noon is 32 degrees and warmer weather forecast for the weekend. Will send some of the warmer weather to New York when we are finished with it.

Still some corn harvest being done around the neighborhood. Was in the neighbor's driveway Wednesday evening and watched a big John Deere combine drive by followed by a John Deere Tractor pulling a huge grain cart. All machines were on tracks, so should not have any problem on the wet ground. Didn't see the header so it may have passed by before I saw the rest. Neighbor west of me finished a 100 acre field this morning. Only scattered fields of soybeans left standing.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 28, 2014, 09:39:40 PM
Glad you guys had a good thanksgiving and can now enjoy the Black Friday shopping. There is a reason we have our Thanksgiving a month earlier and I guess it is the weather. Today is more like Christmas with snow and blowing snow at +5F. Not nice at all.
And that is nice work on the step hitch Gene. Plus it is always satisfying to make it yourself and save a few bucks.
Not to sound like an old curmudgeon here but these new pickups are getting ridiculous in the box height and the overall size. When you can't reach in over the box rail to pick something out of the box it is time to re-consider the purpose of a pickup. And then some guys compound the situation by adding those crazy big diameter wheels. I'm happy with my old 81 GMC and plan to drive it til it won't.
Here is a pic from a few days ago, our last nice day when I took the opportunity to haul a tank of water and then pick up a forgotten hay bale to haul home. I sure appreciated the low loading height of the old GMC that day, having to load that round bale by hand.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 29, 2014, 09:29:04 PM
-20F here tonight and they are calling for more of the same tomorrow. Got enough snow in the past 24 hours to try out Charlie's snowblower here. I don't have mine on the tractor yet so I'll keep walking and driving on the snow til I can't.
Glad I got the oil change done on the 39 Ford a couple of weeks ago before it got too cold to start or work on it.
[video=youtube;Lxv8IE65elw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lxv8IE65elw[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 01, 2014, 07:08:53 PM
You are correct, Gene.  My c's and my s's got mixed up.  I was not inferring that you are only two feet tall.  Even I am not that short.  In any case a good looking step.  -20 degrees, Ralph.  That is some global warming you are having.  The old '39 looks and sounds good in your part 11 video.  The dash and instruments look like new.  I am not at all sure but I think I am remembering my Dad's 39 as a two door.  I was pretty young so will have to ask my brother if he remembers.  He may have a picture or two but getting a copy of them is not easy.

Nice day here yesterday.  Very dark but into the 50's and no rain until after dark.  30's with wind today.  Dang furnace died again at midnight Friday night.  Different component this time.  Stayed up the rest if the night diagnosing the problem so I could go for parts first thing Saturday morning when the store opened.  Got it making heat in the early afternoon so could have been worse.  Sure hope it stays happy for a few years now.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 02, 2014, 07:49:36 AM
Charlie, my new furnace is having an easy time. The Efel stove has been doing a good job of quietly converting the hickory firewood into BTU's keeping the house nice and cozy. Have a pile of hickory in the woods I cut and split last winter and have been hauling a trailer load at a time and keeping it in the barn as I use it. Use a LP furnace in the shop and it has made it nice for the projects done inside.

Looks like Ralph's weather has moderated a little. Actually above 0 degrees F yesterday.

Ohio temps for Sunday was a high of 62 degrees until the north winds blew in. Tuesday high was 32 degrees and more wind.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 02, 2014, 10:41:53 AM
Gene, I am impressed at how you seem to know the temperature here sometimes before I do. :-) And you are right, it climbed above zero yesterday. By the time the wind dropped in late afternoon it was getting a lot more livable out there. I took this red sunset picture yesterday while picking up a hay bale with the Super 90 Massey. It was still a bit cold for bare hands so I did not get the exposure right to give the full effect of the red sky. Should indicate a nicer day coming up but we will see. -12 F right now.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 03, 2014, 07:51:23 PM
Ralph, glad to keep you updated on your weather. I go often to the cwsu noaa weather site. Can tell current weather for any location covered by the site. Can click on any site covered and it then brings up a page with the weather for the proceeding 24 hours with temperature, wind, humidity cloud cover and even precipitation. More populated areas give more details like average temps and precip amount. For instance Charlie has been above freezing for the past 24 hours with a trace of rain and snow and becoming windy in the afternoon and evening. Regina has moderated some to +12 degrees. Ohio has been chilly all day and barely besting the 40 degree mark.

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/zoa/mwmap3.php?map=usa

This link should take you to the home page. Hope you enjoy it.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 03, 2014, 08:41:35 PM
Thanks Gene, that map is interesting to check out weather conditions all over North America. It looks pretty accurate for what we have right now. Cloudy and some fog made the humidity get right up there. That always makes it feel colder.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 06, 2014, 09:17:30 AM
Looks like Charlie and I are having the same weather. Chilly with light rain. 33 degrees here and been raining a light drizzle since about noon yesterday. Looks like Ralph has a balmy clear morning at 12 degrees. Probably a good day to get things done. No mud like here. Dean's posts show he has been busy clearing up his new property. Making good progress clearing the fence rows.

Spent yesterday afternoon working on our wood splitter. Old engine was getting old and cantankerous so bought a new Briggs and Stratton engine to replace it. Will need to make some changes to get everything lined up and connected. Will be a few days to finish this up.

Think I will put on another pot of coffee. Good kind of day to have that extra cup.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 06, 2014, 02:32:37 PM
Nice and sunny here Gene. The map is right on the weather again. The only tractor driving I do lately is the Massey Super 90 every other day to put out a hay bale for the cattle. The wind has blown most of the snow off the roads but my yard is a bit heavy going in places as it is so sheltered from the wind.
This is a trail cam "selfie" from last week.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 06, 2014, 07:55:03 PM
Hey!!  Did you see the security cam photo of the guy in Sask. stealing a snow shovel.  Some people will take anything.  For me, if I were to steal I think I would go for something a little more fun..........a Corvette.............A speedboat........................ A Civil war cannon........??????????????????

Only kidding, Ralph.

Told my wife this evening that I might take the snow blower back for a refund because it will not blow snow.  She said we do not have any snow.  I said I know that. **** She does not know who would think of that  except me.  Oh well.

Wet and rainy and not too enjoyable but at least it is rain.  A very dark day for sure.  This time of year I always want to hitch a ride on a Goose heading South.  Maybe a plane would be just a little more comfortable.

Charlie V
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 06, 2014, 10:00:54 PM
No, Charlie, didn't see the video. Couldn't have been anyone from around here. Nobody steals anything to work with. There was a skit on Hee Haw about that. Nobody from Cornfield County steals anything to work with.

I bought a new plastic scoop shovel a couple weeks ago. Haven't had a chance to try it out yet. I noticed Ralph's shovel had snow sticking on it. I spray mine with silicone spray and the snow doesn't stick to it. Makes it a lot easier to use. Works good for grain and feed too.

Been a dreary day here too. Had light rain early this morning and just overcast the rest of the day. Temperature has been 34 degrees all day.

May decide to take the motor home and go to Florida for a couple weeks in February for the Florida Flywheeler show. Think that would be a good outing for a change.

Worked in the shop all day. Working on the log splitter. Got the mounting all figured out. Need another piece of 3 inch channel iron and will have to get another coupling then should be ready to go. Lot of figuring and head scratching, but can make it work now.

Watching the Ohio State-Wisconsin football game. Ohio State is ahead 38 to 0 at half time. Looks like they are out for blood for sure.

Gene

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 06, 2014, 10:44:32 PM
HeeHaw was a must watch for me too, Gene.  Archie Campbell and Nurse Goodbody.  Hey doc, it hurts when I raise my arm.  (slap  / hit)  Well don't raise your arm then!!!!!

String bean with his letter from home right close to his heart.  The KORN News.  Good stuff.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 07, 2014, 09:33:31 AM
Ohio sunrise, 12-7-14[ATTACH=CONFIG]763[/ATTACH]

Nice crisp clear morning. Temp is 24 degrees this AM.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 09, 2014, 10:54:29 AM
Brilliant sunshine with 34 deg. F at 10:50 AM.  Change promised later and not for the better.  Took a short drive down a sidewalk yesterday when a brake line on my truck gave up.  Missed the cars that were stopped in front of me and the line of barrier posts that were meant to keep vehicles off of the sidewalk though.  Alls well that ends well I guess.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 10, 2014, 08:35:16 AM
New piece of line installed and the truck is back home waiting for snow detail.  Temp just below freezing with light snow.  All sorts of wild predictions for snowfall over the next two days.  We shall see.  The NE and N wind up to 35 MPH is going to be the uncomfortable part.

Pulled some batteries out and brought them to the bench yesterday so little by little.  Hope to have them all by spring when it is time to put them back in.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 10, 2014, 02:01:54 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;2437
Brilliant sunshine with 34 deg. F at 10:50 AM.  Change promised later and not for the better.  Took a short drive down a sidewalk yesterday when a brake line on my truck gave up.  Missed the cars that were stopped in front of me and the line of barrier posts that were meant to keep vehicles off of the sidewalk though.  Alls well that ends well I guess.

Charlie

Charlie, that must have been a short but exciting ride. Glad you were able to ride it out with no casualties.
Gene probably knows this already but we are having above normal temps here in Sask. today. High 30s and sunshine. Hope it doesn't melt all our snow.
Got another old car video uploaded to youtube showing the 52 Mercury as it is today and as it was over 50 years ago.
[video=youtube;8SqaLFjDKEM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SqaLFjDKEM[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 10, 2014, 07:02:00 PM
Great job with that video, Ralph.  I cannot remember what happened to the '52 Mercury wagon that I bought from the dealership where I worked after high school.  Second gear was gone out on it but it was a running car otherwise.  I paid them $ 25.00 for it.  Never did get to working on the old girl.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 10, 2014, 08:57:57 PM
Yes, Ralph, I checked your weather this morning early and at 36 degrees you were warmer by 8 degrees Than me and Charlie. We have been cloudy all day and never got above freezing and forecast is for 20 degrees tonight with clouds hanging around through tomorrow. Should be in the 50's by the weekend.

Charlie's wild ride is something one hopes to never repeat again.

Enjoyed the Mercury retrieval. I imagine it brings back a lot of memories. Are you the younger or older brother? You may have said before, but it escapes me.

Finished the new engine installation on the log splitter yesterday evening. Haven't tried splitting any wood yet, but it seems to have plenty power. Will try to give it a test tomorrow.

Hauled 2 trips of corn to the feed mill. Have one more trip tomorrow and I will be done. That will make 36 trips to this place, plus 7 trips of ear corn to organic dairy farmer and 2 loads of food grade soybeans to Mount Victory. All trips are 30 miles each way, so makes about 2700 miles hauling mostly pulling 2 wagons. Be a relief when all done.

My first vehicle was a 1948 Mustang motorcycle I paid $75.00. My dad went to the bank to co-sign the loan so I could buy it. Dad never played any favorites with any of us kids. We all had to make our own way.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 11, 2014, 07:16:14 AM
Looks like Ralph can leave his mittens in the house this morning. 32 degrees and 39 degrees just west of Regina. Charlie has gotten his snowplow truck going just in time. Looks like New York is in for some snow. Ohio just cold this morning at 20 degrees with heavy frost. May finally get some sunshine some time today.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 11, 2014, 12:25:07 PM
Not a bad day here.  Started out @ 24 deg. F and a little warmer now.  Six to Eight inches of snow between yesterday and last night.  It is not feather light but not as heavy as I thought it would be because temp. was above freezing when the snowing started.  I went out this morning and shoveled a work area, then fired up the new blower.  Cleared the walkways, then went on to do the driveway.  With the ground underneath being not frozen and actually soft in places that prevented the need to make tire ruts here and there with the truck and no snowbanks along the edge.  We could use a deeper snow to really give the blower a good test but it ran well and threw snow pretty good.  Some features seem a little cheezy and not made to last for many years but time will tell.  With a three year warranty it may get quite a few good tests.  One thing that needs to go are the skid runners.  They do not curve up enough at the front edge and are more than willing to catch and hang up on any obstacle or even in soft ground.   Apparently Husqvarna thinks their machines are only used on blacktop surfaces but that is not so.  I know aftermarket skidders are available on the net or I may have to fabricate.   Maybe I can sent a print to Gene so he can make me a set with lift over metal from his log splitter engine mount fabrication.  :)  :)   :)  

Other than that I do not know much at all.  Good that Ralph is getting a little reprieve from his sub zero weather.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 11, 2014, 02:32:40 PM
Glad you guys liked the video. Maybe it will inspire you to a video or two of your own featuring the wood splitter or snow blower. There is no danger of making ruts in the ground here though. ;)
I sure did take advantage of yesterday's sunshine , mild temps. and no wind. I got most of the stuck valves on the Merc unstuck. With the exception of one stubborn intake valve. I really don't want to remove the heads or manifold unless I have to.
Not so warm today with clouds and a little wind. I'm guessing the humidity is up too as it does not feel as nice as yesterday.
Took this picture at sundown yesterday.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 13, 2014, 12:30:28 PM
Thought I would post a couple pictures of my project from the past week.

Warming up a little bit here. Still cloudy and hazy, 39 degrees. Will be heading to Fort Recovery this evening for the Tri-State Christmas banquet. Will try to not eat too much.

Gene

[ATTACH=CONFIG]766[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]765[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 14, 2014, 09:37:14 PM
Looks like you will be splitting wood in style this winter Gene. One of those new "slant" engines that I have not seen before. I have a photo here somewhere of the splitter my brother built. It runs off his tractor hydraulics.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 15, 2014, 07:25:15 AM
Several years ago I built a log splitter and ran it off the hydraulics on the 700. Was mounted on the Eagle Hitch. Worked okay. Couple brothers in law were also cutting some firewood from my woods. Every time I needed to split. the tractor was nearly out of fuel. Seems they didn't know how to buy diesel fuel. I rebuilt the splitter with a 8 hp Kohler from a JD 110. They had to buy gasoline for it them. Was a really good splitter that I sold at my farm sale. Should have kept it.

Been a lot of fog in the northern plains to the east coast. Has hung on to northern tier states most of the past week and Ohio got  a taste of it over night. Had a high of 45 Sunday and a low this morning at 32 degrees. Rain forecast for tonight and tomorrow.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 15, 2014, 09:46:51 PM
Good looking work on the splitter upgrade, Gene.  I have a B&S engine similar to yours on a pressure washer and it leans right into the load.  Probably smaller than yours as it is around a 6 1/2 H.P.
This is a picture of my old splitter.  Pretty simple but it has always done what I need.


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Ralph, I have looked at the Go Pro cameras but so far am chased off by the cost of them for the little use I have.  I did put up a still picture of the new blower.


[ATTACH=CONFIG]768[/ATTACH]


Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 20, 2014, 02:41:12 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;2448
Good looking work on the splitter upgrade, Gene.  I have a B&S engine similar to yours on a pressure washer and it leans right into the load.  Probably smaller than yours as it is around a 6 1/2 H.P.
This is a picture of my old splitter.  Pretty simple but it has always done what I need.

Ralph, I have looked at the Go Pro cameras but so far am chased off by the cost of them for the little use I have.  I did put up a still picture of the new blower.

Charlie


Charlie, I am scared of the price of a lot of things nowadays but finally just had to have this Gopro. You can actually shoot good video with an ordinary digital camera but the Gopro has the sealed plastic housing that makes it impervious to water, snow, dust, etc.
Gene probably knows my weather already but here is a picture of the scene this morning and it pretty well covers the week. We had a few hours of sun on Monday morning and the rest of the week has been nothing but clouds, fog, mist, light snow, frost. At least the temperature continues above normal. Still a little cool to work with bare hands on old iron though.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 21, 2014, 07:49:24 AM
Ralph, Ohio weather has been gloomy with clouds and no sunshine fore the past week. Only a few flakes of snow now and then. Sunrise promises a clear morning. 21 degrees with light fog. Odd how the high humidity affects the comfort of the air. High humidity lowers the chill factor of outside air, but humidity inside the house helps to make the air more comfortable. Guess it has to do with the evaporation rate. Charlie has been chasing our weather and is the warm spot this morning. maybe the snow blower has kept the snow at bay.

Has been a rough week for me. On Tuesday I came down with a severe chest infection and congestion. Kept me housebound all week. Just a walk to the mailbox was almost more than i could stand. Amish neighbor boy came down and brought firewood up to the house and that was really appreciated. Starting to feel a little more human today. Think I may survive.

Had our Christmas get together at Daughter's last night, so my Christmas festivities are over. Had a good visit with the kids.

Hope all have a Merry Christmas.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 21, 2014, 12:12:51 PM
Glad to hear you are gaining on the illness,  Gene.  Oldest daughter in Delaware O. tested positive for Types A and B flu plus had bronchitis this past week.  She got to the Dr. early and they gave her a script for Tamiflu.  She took it and at last report she was feeling much improved and 36 hours w/o any fever.  Bad junk going around.  She is happy that she can now spend time with her granddaughter again.

As you said, days on end of dark, gloomy weather with dabbles of snowflakes.  Bright sun this AM is nearly blinding to our gopher eyes.  We are  used to being in the underground tunnel.  I might even take the SUV to the laser wash and get most of the salt flushed from underneath.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 21, 2014, 02:35:35 PM
Gene, hope you are through the roughest part of the week health-wise. Charlie, I have given up washing salt of my vehicle as I would have to drive through more salt to get home from town. Washing here at home would leave a protective coating of ice on it which I don't think would be a good idea.
At last we have sun shining today and it made some impressive displays of the hoar frost coating everything. Yes, I took a picture or two.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 21, 2014, 10:20:13 PM
That frost is sure scenic, Ralph.  Makes for beautiful pictures.     The salt on the cars:   If it stays frozen solid it is not too destructive.  Here with warm ups to above freezing temperatures and high humidity the salt / sand lay wet on the metal and that is the opportunity for it to decay any bare metal it is in contact with.  Home washing is not particularly beneficial as most damage occurs on the underside.  The Laser wash that I go to has a rocker panel and under body spray  (high pressure with high volume) that you drive slowly over as you enter the wash bay.  Must buy the eight buck wash or more to get that.  It does a better job of flushing underneath than I could do with a garden hose and nozzle even if I laid on the ground and sprayed up.  I like to go there at least monthly during the bad weather, but only when we have above freezing with dry roads.  If I do that wash five times during the winter equals forty bucks.  My feeling is that it is a real preventive on the body rust.  That is not to say that spraying paint as needed on the underside isn't good too.  There are times you could catch me doing that as well.  Like you, I never drive far enough to wear a car out so I try hard to stop the rust from stealing them away.

In the end  Idid not go to the wash today. More warm weather on the way.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 29, 2014, 09:54:33 AM
Quote from: Charlie V;2453
That frost is sure scenic, Ralph.  Makes for beautiful pictures.     The salt on the cars:   If it stays frozen solid it is not too destructive.  Here with warm ups to above freezing temperatures and high humidity the salt / sand lay wet on the metal and that is the opportunity for it to decay any bare metal it is in contact with.  Home washing is not particularly beneficial as most damage occurs on the underside.  The Laser wash that I go to has a rocker panel and under body spray  (high pressure with high volume) that you drive slowly over as you enter the wash bay.  Must buy the eight buck wash or more to get that.  It does a better job of flushing underneath than I could do with a garden hose and nozzle even if I laid on the ground and sprayed up.  I like to go there at least monthly during the bad weather, but only when we have above freezing with dry roads.  If I do that wash five times during the winter equals forty bucks.  My feeling is that it is a real preventive on the body rust.  That is not to say that spraying paint as needed on the underside isn't good too.  There are times you could catch me doing that as well.  Like you, I never drive far enough to wear a car out so I try hard to stop the rust from stealing them away.

In the end  Idid not go to the wash today. More warm weather on the way.

Charlie

I like the sound of that lazer wash Charlie. We sure need it here with all the road salt lately. Today's weather is actually better for that as it is -30F this morning and I expect the roads will be dry and clear. I used to spray the under side of the vehicle with used oil in the fall as I thought it would help prevent some rusting. That is a lot of work getting under a low vehicle.
Just came in from plugging in the block heater on the old Massey. By the time I have had breakfast that engine should be warm as summer and fire right up. Just hope it keeps running til I get the hay bale hauled out to the feeder.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 29, 2014, 12:29:14 PM
Have had a few pretty nice days. Temps in the 50's and light winds and a few sunny days. I still have not gotten over my bronchitis, but am improving each day.

Sunday was a nice sunny day so checked over the motor home. Serviced the engine and looked over everything. Took it to local gas station and filled it with gas. Gas price was $1.929 per gallon, so was able to fill the tank for $53.00. Haven't seen such low price in many years. Maybe I can afford to make a trip south for a few days.

Weather has taken a turn downward. Ralph is back to the negative temperatures with wind chill of -35. Charlie and I have colder temps in the 20's. Looks like some winter coming in the next few days.

Neighbors will be leaving tomorrow to spend 2 months in South Carolina. They rent a cottage on the beach each winter to get away from the Ohio winter. Will miss them till they get back. Sure they will enjoy themselves.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 29, 2014, 09:48:37 PM
Glad to hear you are gaining on the bronchitis, Gene.  Have been wondering how you are.  You are just about stealing gas there in Ohio.  We on average paying a dollar a gallon more than you paid.  No competition and price fixing seem to be the norm here in NY.  Likely the state adores that because the higher the price, the bigger the sales tax revenue.  NY doesn't just tax the gasoline, but also applies sales tax to the state and federal tax charged on each gallon so it is tax on the tax.  makes me frequently wonder why I still live here.

We now have a trace of snow on the ground to turn the grass from green to white.  Low twenties with wind chill tomorrow.  Mild compared to Sask.. but cold enough for me.

Hope my friends here have a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2015.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 03, 2015, 02:01:50 PM
Lots lof loose and light snow fell here yesterday. Easy shovelling Once the wind gets up we will have some serious snow drifts but right now at -20F and quiet it is not too bad.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 03, 2015, 04:00:58 PM
N0o white stuff in Ohio. Started this morning with 32 degrees and freezing rain. Has now warmed to 45 degrees and just cold rain all day. not a very pleasant day at all.

Checked Ralph's weather and he is at -13 degrees with 35 MPH winds. Looks like those tracks won't last very long. Looks like the hammer mill is all set and ready to go.

Charlie is right at freezing with the freezing rain we had this morning. Hope he doesn't get anything worse.

Yesterday was a good day for Dean's land clearing. I can only imagine the size of his brush pile. Hope he invites us to watch the bonfire.

Not a very nice day to try to do anything. Just keeping the fire going.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 03, 2015, 08:19:15 PM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;2458
N0o white stuff in Ohio. Started this morning with 32 degrees and freezing rain. Has now warmed to 45 degrees and just cold rain all day. not a very pleasant day at all.

Checked Ralph's weather and he is at -13 degrees with 35 MPH winds. Looks like those tracks won't last very long. Looks like the hammer mill is all set and ready to go.

Gene


I question their wind speed Gene. I could not feel any wind here. When I stopped shoveling snow and listened I thought I could hear some slight movement in the trees but not nearly enough to drift any snow. Would be serious chill factor if there was much wind at these temps. -25F here last time I looked this evening. I think I will leave that light snow to lay awhile until the wind moves some of it.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 03, 2015, 10:01:38 PM
Just went outside for a little walk around the barns. Temperature at 9:15pm was 54 degrees and still have a light rain. Forecast for snow by Monday and turning colder for the rest of the week. High temperatures by end of week in low teens and lows in single digits. Forecast quite a change. Think this is reason for a lot of people being under the weather.. Try not to go out in public more than I have to.

Went back and checked Ralph's weather history. Looks like the stronger winds abated after 5:00 am his time. History shows winds at 16 mph with gusts to 26 MPH. guess Ralph slept through them.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 04, 2015, 11:21:38 AM
We are looking at 57 deg. F here this morning with light rain/mist.  Promised wind mid day with gusts to 60 mph.  Cold moving back in tonight.  I have to go out and put in some driveway markers.  Seems the garbage man doesn't know or does not care where his truck tires are and likes to cut new driveways across the lawn.  The ground is soft and the tire ruts will need repair in the spring.  I am thinking that some people never see daylight because of where their head is stuck most of the time.

I am with you Gene on avoiding people and crowds this time of year and especially food prepared outside of our home.  Every day the TV tells me how ineffective the flu shots are this year.   WHOOPEE.  I think we need to move to Ralph's neighborhood where it is too cold for germs to survive.  :)

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 04, 2015, 02:46:33 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;2461
We are looking at 57 deg. F here this morning with light rain/mist.  Promised wind mid day with gusts to 60 mph.  Cold moving back in tonight.  I have to go out and put in some driveway markers.  Seems the garbage man doesn't know or does not care where his truck tires are and likes to cut new driveways across the lawn.  The ground is soft and the tire ruts will need repair in the spring.  I am thinking that some people never see daylight because of where their head is stuck most of the time.

I am with you Gene on avoiding people and crowds this time of year and especially food prepared outside of our home.  Every day the TV tells me how ineffective the flu shots are this year.   WHOOPEE.  I think we need to move to Ralph's neighborhood where it is too cold for germs to survive.  :)

Charlie


Well those germs sure won't last long outdoors today Charlie. It was -32 when I rode the old Massey out to put a hay bale in the cattle feeder. I was ok except my nose which is about the only exposed skin. Had to turn my face sideways and hold one hand up to protect my face a little more even at only 5 mph. Nice and sunny but the wind chill factor is around -40F they say. I believe it. No worries about making ruts in the lawn here Charlie. Its frozen solid and you could not make a track with anything. Yes, if you don't mind living like a recluse you can avoid a lot of the virus out there in the public.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on January 07, 2015, 07:06:22 AM
Ralph, 32 below is some serious cold.  Years ago I spent a year at Thule Air Base, Greenland, and by the end of my tour I'd gotten comfortable with temperatures of zero F, ten below, etc.  But thirty below is just cold no matter how you look at it.

Here's a little clip of my snowplowing practice yesterday.  I need to get a GoPro... holding the camera with one hand while trying to operate the throttle, clutch, steering wheel, and hydraulic lever with the other doesn't make for ideal videos (or tractor work).

[video=youtube_share;GlMJ-tuVhvk]http://youtu.be/GlMJ-tuVhvk[/video]

Dean
Saint Paris, Ohio
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 07, 2015, 01:12:47 PM
Thats not bad Dean. Considering you need three hands to do it. Actually you could just use a "ram" mount for your camera that you have now. I've done it with my old Canon 3000. They all have the same thread mount on the base. I have one ball mount that just hose clamps onto whatever part of the machine I choose, providing it is not too big for the clamp to go around.
If the snow starts flying and melting on the camera then it is time for the Gopro.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 08, 2015, 12:37:33 PM
The news is saying that the American mid west is enduring some serious cold temps today so I guess Gene is staying by the stove today. Not so nice here in Sask. although it has warmed up to -5F. Unfortunately the raging Northwest winds have taken away some of the benefit . Blowing and drifting snow is making travel risky in some areas. Not quite so bad here where I have a few trees for shelter. Makes a world of difference just getting out of the wind and I got to experience it on the tractor taking a hay bale out to the feeder. Miserable trip getting there but calm and quiet in the shelter of the trees where the cattle feed.
I took this pic to try and show the sundogs that were out this morning.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Ron Cook on January 08, 2015, 03:44:49 PM
Ralph, I just checked the weather at Sioux City.  25 degrees F.  pretty nice!  trouble is.........wind is from the North at 41 gusting to 50!  I have to go out and cut up some firewood and bring it into the house.  The drawn out harvest and some health problems(maybe the flu) kept me from getting that done earlier like I should have.  At least my woodshed is open to the South and I can be out of the wind.  Just need the fortitude to go out.

Ron
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 08, 2015, 05:27:25 PM
Good to hear from you Ron. Been under the weather myself for 3 weeks, but finally getting my strength back now. Have firewood in the woodshed trailer. Keeping warm enough now. Ralph's sundogs sure indicates the cold temperatures there. Don't even want to think about being out in his weather. The cows appreciate it though.

Sent this URL to the email list, so maybe Farmer will give us a visit here.

Charlie V and Dean Vinson will probably sign in to let us know how they are doing.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on January 08, 2015, 08:26:08 PM
> I took this pic to try and show the sundogs that were out this morning.

Ralph, nice photo.   I'm surprised you didn't hop in the Mercury and take it out for a spin, though.  :)

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 08, 2015, 11:54:33 PM
Dean, no kidding, I dream of the day I can take the Merc out on the road under it's own power. The 39 Deluxe is in the shed ready to go but I would not want to get it stuck in a snowbank with the bald old 16 inch tires it has.
I got some video uploaded to youtube showing some of the fun of feeding cattle in cold and stormy weather today. Got the Gopro strapped onto the front end loader frame. The battery held out good considering the cold. Actually the sun was shining complete with sundogs but the wind was pretty bad blowing snow around.
[video=youtube_share;aQY8GQd8p0U]http://youtu.be/aQY8GQd8p0U[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 09, 2015, 11:47:51 AM
Yet another stellar video, Ralph.  Sitting here at the table watching you work was pretty comfortable.  I can share your open tractor rides to some degree.  For quite a few years I did all of my snow pushing with an 8N ford and later with the Farmall M. More than once I had to put on my snowmobile helmet with face shield.  The snow driven by a 40 or 50 mile wind would sting my mostly covered face and eyes too much without the shield.  Gets the job done but not always all that much fun.

Good to see some fresh faces here on this forum.  

During our coldest weather night before last we managed to stay up to +1 deg. F. here.  The wind was pretty ugly though.  Pretty steady blowing across roads even yesterday.  Just a covering of snow out there.  Seems like not more than two inches.  Trouble is that we get a new dose once or twice a day so about the time the roads get melted off by the salt, we get a new covering.  Really, considering the possibilities this time of year it ain't really bad.  Twenty deg. now with bright sun and wind off and on.  Except for the fresh new white covering it is hard to know that we were having a wild blizzard three hours ago.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 10, 2015, 06:21:05 PM
Ohio finally had a little moderation in the weather. Temperature got to 15 degrees and very light winds so was finally a day to spend some time outside. Bright sun on the snow gives sun blindness. need to wear sunglasses when I go out. Brought in a couple wheel barrow loads of firewood. Forecast is for a little warmer temps then snow for Sunday afternoon and changing to freezing rain for Monday. So not out of the woods yet. Guess I will go to grocery store tomorrow morning so I can survive whatever comes my way. Being housebound the last 3 weeks has given me a touch of cabin fever. Has been nice keeping the fire going and cozy inside.

Had a serious fire and explosions at the Husky oil refinery in Lima early this morning. Videos on the news shows a pretty serious fire and explosions heard 5 miles to 10 miles away. Lima is about 35 miles northwest of me. Hope things are under control now.

Charlie will likely get some of our same weather about Tuesday or Wednesday.

Hope all are tolerating the weather.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 14, 2015, 11:38:17 AM
Mighty cold night for this neighborhood.  -16.8 degrees F. by dawn.  Got one kitty in for the night and one in  at 6 AM.  The third refuses to come in at all so he roughed it.  Looks no worse for the wear.  Naturally I stayed in too.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 14, 2015, 03:00:05 PM
Ralph has the warm weather now. He is basking in 32f weather this afternoon at 2:30 est. Here in Ohio is the cold spot  for the 3 of us. We are at 12f at 2:30 pm. Prediction is for some Pacific warmer air for weekend.

Has been a decent few days, even with the low temperatures. Winds have been pretty mild and have had nice sunshine. North wind keeps the temperature low. Been able to work outside some. Brought in a trailer load of firewood from the woods on Sunday, just before the sleet and freezing rain started giving about 1 inch of ice then a light snow on top of that. Monday warmed up enough to turn the ice to slush then down to zero overnight to turn it all to ice.  Tuesday got the little Case snow blower tractor running and finished mounting the blower and chains mounted on the tires, so it is ready to go. Tuesday was a cold day, but nice to be working outside and spent most of the day working outside. Bought a new battery for the Case 644 loader tractor so be able to clear some of the frozen drifts.

Farm I used to own seemed to be a magnet to stray cats and probably had at least a dozen in the barn. Set up some straw bales in the barn stall for the dogs and cats. Would go out in the cold mornings and all would be sleeping in the shelter. Would check with bare hand and would be warm as toast there.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 15, 2015, 10:31:24 AM
Gene, as usual you are right on with my weather. It was warm yesterday and I had to turn off the heater in the cab of the 2090 Case while pushing snow from around the cattle shelter. The old Wisconsin (1956) auger engine started up on the second pull of the rope when I had to load some oats. Nice change from last week's freezing conditions. My 3 remaining cats live in a bale house too and seem to do just fine. They come out to eat and back inside to hibernate. Although I will see them sitting out enjoying the sun in the afternoons.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 15, 2015, 12:06:26 PM
The temp got decent by mid day yesterday.  Mid 20's, bright sun, almost no wind.  My leg and hip are being pretty ugly but I pushed the issue and went out to run the blower around in not much more than four inches of snow plus a couple of other chores.  Dropped to 1 early last night but warmed up some when the clouds moved in in the AM hours.  I kept the girl kitty in again but the boys stayed out.  I have to keep the guest outdoor cats separate fron the two that live in as the do not accept strangers.

Today I have to do like Gene and visit the food store for vittles and the post office.  Probably some bills there wanting to be paid.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 15, 2015, 01:51:19 PM
Temperature here at 1:30pm is 30 degrees. Bright sunshine and no wind. Sun's radiation is melting some of the ice and snow in south facing areas. Got the Case 644 loader tractor going this morning. Too much ice for the little loader to move the snow. Just scrapes on top of the ice. Had a drift between the car and truck I wanted to move. Used the square nose shovel to break up the ice and was finally able to move most of the drift. Could not break up the ice at ground level, so still have a layer of ice there, but at least I am able to walk there now. Rest of the ice will have to wait till warmer weather melts it. Not really deep enough to bother getting around. The little snow blower just scrapes the little bit of fresh snow on the top. Got in the heated shop now, so will be ready for the next big snow, but nothing in the forecast.

Don't have to go to the post office to get my bills. Nice lady leaves them in the box at the end of the driveway. Time to go check for the bills and junk mail.

Sure is nice to be able to work outside with the mild weather.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 25, 2015, 11:12:43 AM
At last.  I think I have this whole thing figured out.  My friends to the West / North West do not have time to post here because they are so busy pushing their bad weather East to NY.  Actually, we have plenty of undesirable stuff here in NY, like our Governor and our Speaker of the State Assembly.  At least one finally is facing felony charges.  Lets hope his accomplice is tied in soon.  

Temperature dropped ten over night so we started at 18 F with some snow falling and enough wind to make it feel really cold.  My wife keeps wanting to make this month March so I suggested if she is going to confuse the months, how about making this May.  I could use some summer in a week or two.  On the good side of the ledger, two months of potential snow season have skidded past and I have not used the truck plow at all.  That in itself saves time and gas.  We will see if the other half of the season continues light or makes up for it.  

Hope you men are doing well and not being too overcome by cabin fever.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 25, 2015, 12:11:57 PM
[ATTACH=CONFIG]774[/ATTACH]Charlie, no cabin fever. Weather has been pretty benign benign. Cold enough to mostly keep the ground solid, very little wind. Finally over my health issues and able to spend quality time outside and in the shop. got a few bucket projects done. Rewired the lights on my golf cart trailer, mounted a new chain box on my bumper trailer and brought a couple loads of firewood from the woods. Was going to make a video of the wood splitter today, but the snow has postponed that.

Had some wet snow on Tuesday and I was sweeping the snow off the vehicles. Was going to climb up on the motor home and sweep the snow off of it. Remembered I needed to repair one of the ladder mounts, so decided that was a good time to do that. 3 hours later I had it repaired and the snow had all melted. Got that worry behind me now.

Ralph has had pretty mild weather for his area, so I imagine he has been catching up on a lot of outside and shop projects. Checked CWSU weather a couple days ago and we were all at 32 degrees. Pretty agreeable for Ralph. Couple pictures of a cozy fire this morning.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]773[/ATTACH]

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 25, 2015, 02:18:30 PM
Good to see you in print, Gene.  Sounds like you are making some good progress.  Looking at your pictures makes me think that smoke going right over the antenna might cloud up your TV picture.   :o :rolleyes:

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Ron Cook on January 25, 2015, 04:27:16 PM
I am not up on Ralph's weather, but I have to say it has been pretty darned good here in western Iowa.  A couple days last week it was even 50 degrees and it has not really gotten cold since then.  My snow has melted and has made the place muddy.  As a matter of fact it is 40 degrees today.  No doubt it will get darned cold again soon, but this couple week reprieve from the cold temps we were having is much appreciated.  We had a little bit of rain yesterday afternoon which could easily have turned into snow but it did not happen that way.
I have not had a wood fire going now for 3 days, so I cannot get a photo like Gene's.  I have been sort of down since Christmas, so I welcome not hauling in firewood and I am sure the propane company appreciates me burning up their product.

Ron
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 25, 2015, 04:34:14 PM
That antenna has not been for several years. My television comes over the same microwave that my internet and telephone. I wanted to take those pictures when the sky was cold and clear for better contrast.

Been snowing slowly all day long and have maybe 1 1/2 inches so far. That smoke was coming from some hickory I split yesterday. Trees have been down for almost 3 years and I blocked it up about 6 weeks ago. Was still a little green to burn good. Will have to let it season for a while. Looks like next year's wood. The load I brought up this morning was hickory I split last winter, so it burns real good. Leaves a lot of ashes that I have to empty every 2 days, but well worth that. I spread the ashes on the alfalfa field in front of the house. Seems to sweeten the soil.

Gene

Ron, you must have posted while I was typing. We went through the warm weather late last week. Had a high of 47 degrees and a couple more days in the low 40's. it mostly melted the ice we got before the snow covered it then stayed cold for a few days so the ice was frozen pretty solid. Late week with clear skies and sunshine melted most of the ice. Still a few isolated patches.

I go to the following weather site for North America so I can keep track of Ralph's weather. It is oriented to aviation and most weather sites are airport observations. Can click on that weather site and get 24 hour history.

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/zoa/mwmap3.php?map=usa

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Ron Cook on January 25, 2015, 05:25:24 PM
Gene,
I wasn't aware of that link.  Thank you.  Which one do you use for Ralph?

Ron
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 25, 2015, 07:14:40 PM
Ron, Regina Sask. is the closest one. Just above the eastern border of Montana. Ralph was above 32 degrees this afternoon. I like to check locations close to people I know to see how they are faring. Charlie is in the Pann Yann- Dansville area of New York, I am Close to Bellefontaine, Ohio.

We started out this morning at 37 degrees and are down to 19 degrees now at 7:20pm

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 25, 2015, 09:52:57 PM
Close on me, Gene, but if you used Greater Rochester international it would be some closer distance wise.  We will typically be two to five degrees lower than GRI shows this time of year, depending on wind.  Right now for example, GRI shows 9 and we have 5. Good likely hood we will be near 0 by morning.  In the late spring when Lake Ontario water temp. is colder than out land temp., we might often be that same two to five degrees above the airport reading.  I guess that few degrees of influence from a large body of water is the reason for the fruit belt near the lake.  During hot summer months it can be ten degrees cooler within a couple miles of the Ontario shoreline.  We all know how the wind blowing across the water in winter can manufacture snow. At any rate, you stay pretty close with your airport map.   If I had any brains at all I would go visit my brother in Phoenix Az. or my old friend Charlie Farmer in the Florida panhandle. Last night, however I noticed Charlie was in the mid 30's but at least his day temp. today was near 60.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 26, 2015, 01:23:12 AM
Well this discussion suddenly picked up after a week of inactivity.. Gene, you might check Yorkton Sask. too as it is often closer to my conditions than Regina. It has been well above normal for several days now. Not complaining too much but I am more used to a little colder weather. We had a little wet snow and freezing rain yesterday which I hear made some roads pretty poor driving. I took this photo of Saturday's sunset as we only saw a few minutes of sunlight that day. I hear the Northeast states are in for some serious winter weather.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Ron Cook on January 26, 2015, 01:29:01 AM
You guys are too cold over there for me.  I'll take my mud for now.:)

Ron
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 28, 2015, 12:06:32 AM
Not getting a lot better , Ron.  Minus 5 and sinking now at midnight.  Pretty cold January. No mud in sight.  Loooks like Ralph is soaking up the heat tonight.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Ron Cook on January 28, 2015, 12:14:34 PM
Yeah, Ralph is probably feeding cattle in his shirt sleeves.  Of course I can't talk as it was near 50 here yesterday and will be near 60 today.  But then the wind is going to blow and the temps will be dropping and winter will be back with a little snow, I guess.  These little respites sure do shorten the winter and help with the heating fuel bill.  My border collie is a complete muddy mess and cannot understand why she can't lay by my chair in the living room during the evening.  She minds though and stays on the porch.

Ron
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 28, 2015, 11:38:15 PM
Yes, I have been enjoying the well above normal temps but it is coming to an end they say. No, I don't give up my parka, toque and mitts even though the temp gets up above freezing. Unless I am out in the woods cutting wood of course. I actually did a little work on the Merc yesterday with bare hands. That is unusual for January.  A little more snow fell today. No mud anywhere and I'm ok with that. Its January.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 29, 2015, 08:42:28 AM
Ralph, looks like we traded temperatures overnight. See you are close to zero this morning and we were at zero Wednesday morning and now this morning we are at 34 degrees and very light freezing rain. Charlie at 11 this morning, so he is moderating a little.

Did a little work on the motor home yesterday. I am replacing the interior lights with led lights, also the outdoor entrance light. Needed some heat to work in there, and when I tried to start the furnace it would not run. Fut the kerosene heater on it for a few minutes and finally started. Made it nice to work in there. The lights are on order from ebay and probably be here on Monday. Still making plans to attend the Florida Flywheelers show in February.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 31, 2015, 10:42:00 AM
Oh Boy! Back to -30 wind chill factors today. We have been spoiled by the past week of above normal temps I guess. Anyway, got the Massey plugged in and heading out to drop a couple of bales in the feeders shortly. At least the sun is shining. No sundogs and that is a good sign.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 31, 2015, 03:48:01 PM
Saw a pair of sundogs Monday evening. Guess I missed the morning sundogs a few days earlier.

Had zero yesterday morning and cloudy most of the say. Cleared up on Thursday just before sunset to let the heat escape. Sunshine and light south wind all day today and got to 37 degrees this afternoon. Went back to the woods and got a small jag of wood. Had to leave sooner than I wanted because the ground was getting greasy.

Forecast for tonight and Sunday is for early freezing rain then 6 to 10 inches of snow. Got the snow blower and mini loader tractors in the warm shop and going to put the grader on the Case 700 this afternoon. Got the battery charger on the bulldozer, just in case. Also forecast high winds, so will have a few drifts to clear. Ground is frozen deep enough to make moving snow easier.

Celebrating my 73rd birthday today. Will stay at home just like I usually do.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Warren on January 31, 2015, 07:20:28 PM
I dug out my old password and logged on to find this is the only thread with activity in years. I'm going to bookmark the forum site and try to participate even though I will have nothing to add to this thread, seeing as I'm down in South Carolina and not actively farming. I do still have two tractors, a '49 AC B torn down and awaiting sleeves, pistons, rings etc and a '53 Jubilee that still runs though not with 100% power all the time. The hydraulics are sketchy too.

This is a better way to interact compared to an email list but for some reason our crowd has not embraced it. (I am 50yo by the way, and my age group has seemingly already moved beyond forums to social media and asfaik very few are messing with list-serves any more like the antique tractor mailing list.

I still subscribe to our tractor list and an MG car list and use a Jaguar car forum to keep my old Jag on the road.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 31, 2015, 07:25:44 PM
Happy birthday, Gene.  You caught up with me again for a short while.

We got down to one above during the night but climbed to 24 at today's peak.  Spent an hour or two cleaning up very little snow.  Not really needed but a nice day to be out in the air with sun at first, then overcast but almost zero wind.  

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 31, 2015, 09:23:13 PM
Hi Warren. Glad you found your way to the "new" forum. Only a few of us are regular participants but we always seem to find something to discuss even if its only the weather. I have had so much trouble at the old ATIS list to get my replies and posts to show up that often I don't even bother trying as I never know if my comment didn't make it to the list or if I'm just being ignored.
Gene, hope it was a happy birthday for you and you have many more. Sounds like you are prepared for some stormy weather. Nothing but cold forecast for us with talk of -40C wind chill factor tonight. Thankfully there is hardly any wind and I don't have to be out in it.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 01, 2015, 09:38:17 AM
Hi Warren.  Glad to see your post. You have an interesting fleet there.

Ralph, I have the same problem with not being able to see any post I make to the list.  One time I asked if they were there and other members assured me "yes" they are. I do not have reason to post often but when I do I mostly never see a reply unless it is from you or Gene.  There may be other reasons for that but     -  ho hum.  I do get the receipt message from ATIS so I have to assume the posts do show up there.  This has been the situation for several years since my Hotmail to the list had a total breakdown so I switched it to G mail and got back on. I have checked every setting I can find so if there is a fix, it is well hidden.  As I am an infrequent poster there the no show is not a major deal to me.

Not a friendly day out there today.  The temp. is still at +21 but the wind is steady NE it seems with light, fine, wetting snow.  The forecasters think we are on a downhill silde here and guess i agree.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Ron Cook on February 01, 2015, 11:13:06 AM
Back to winter.  Cold, snowing, blowing, drifting.  But with mud underneath.

Ron
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 01, 2015, 12:30:03 PM
[ATTACH=CONFIG]776[/ATTACH],[ATTACH=CONFIG]777[/ATTACH],[ATTACH=CONFIG]778[/ATTACH]..Western Ohio had a little snow overnight. Maybe 2 inches of heavy wet snow. Forecasters had winter storm warning out for the area, but so far has missed us. Temperature is 37 degrees, so a lot of it will melt.

Cleared the sidewalk and paths to the barn, then Got the Case 700 with the grader and cleared all around the shop and barn. Wanted to get it cleared before it freezes and turns into ice.

Glad to see Warren back on the forum. Gets lonely at times here. Just post what's on your mind, just like a morning coffee gathering. Seems many just want to stay on the email list so they don't want to go to the effort and just want it to come to them. Posting pictures and videos is easy here and keeps the forum interesting and fun.

Wanted to upload the pics from my laptop, but haven't figured that out yet so editing from my PC. Pictures are of the driveway maintainer that I also use to clear snow. Works better in heavy wet snow like we have today.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Ron Cook on February 01, 2015, 01:14:00 PM
[ATTACH=CONFIG]779[/ATTACH]
Just trying to upload a photo.

Ron
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Ron Cook on February 01, 2015, 01:14:59 PM
I'll be darned.  I did it.

Ron
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 01, 2015, 06:33:22 PM
Good for you. Charlie V tutored me. Still have a long way to match Ralph.

34 degrees and light rain here. Most of the new snow has melted. Looks like more coming when it gets colder.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 01, 2015, 11:36:14 PM
Ron you have the picture posting figured out but you didn't say what the photo was.
Charlie we were at 21 degrees here this morning too but on the wrong side of zero. Certainly no problems with mud at that temp.
Gene, that grader of yours looks a bit like an old car or truck frame or is it my imagination? I need to make something like that for my driveway and yard. Got a couple of lengths of railway track I had plans of making into something but haven't got it done yet.
This photo is from a couple of weeks ago when I had the Cockshutt 50 out for it's regular exercise running the hammer mill to put a load of oats through.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Ron Cook on February 02, 2015, 02:27:12 AM
Ralph, that is the original Freedom Rock just a ways North of Greenfield,Iowa.  That rock was the object of much graffiti painted on it over the years.  Some of which was not very nice.  An artist in Greenfield started painting patriotic scenes on it to stop the graffiti.  It worked.  He changes it every year.  The thing gets many visitors and it really is something.  Several locations here in Western Iowa have come up with a huge rock for him to paint.  Usually set up by the local VFW or American Legion Post.  I don't remember what year that photo was taken.  I go by there usually once a year.  It was just the first photo I came to in my computer to try to post.  It is the side of the rock.  There was an automobile parked in the way to photograph the front that faces the road.

We got 8 inches of snow on mud.  Drizzle turned to light rain turned to snow with wind.  They say 7 below for morning temps and I don't have much warm wood left in the house for the morning fire.  I guess I will be going out to the wood shed for more wood early tomorrow.  Propane will have to do the job until I get more wood in.  I had intended to get wood in before the storm, but I was laying under my good pickup replacing the starter in the drizzle and rain.  That was no fun at all.  I don't remember it being fun when I was a youngster and at 71 it danged sure was not.  I did get it done and got the truck home and in the shed.

Ron
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 04, 2015, 07:06:23 PM
Quote from: Ron Cook;2503


We got 8 inches of snow on mud.  Drizzle turned to light rain turned to snow with wind.  They say 7 below for morning temps and I don't have much warm wood left in the house for the morning fire.  I guess I will be going out to the wood shed for more wood early tomorrow.  Propane will have to do the job until I get more wood in.  I had intended to get wood in before the storm, but I was laying under my good pickup replacing the starter in the drizzle and rain.  That was no fun at all.  I don't remember it being fun when I was a youngster and at 71 it danged sure was not.  I did get it done and got the truck home and in the shed.

Ron


Ron, if I'm still alive and under a truck at the age of 71 it will probably mean I have been run over :-) I guess time will tell but I sure don't enjoy laying under machinery working on stuff like I used to. Probably not a good thing for arthritis either.
Turned miserable here today with -25 F this morning when I had to get the Massey out to feed hay. At least there was not much wind but it sure stung the face. By afternoon we were up to 0 but the southwest wind got so strong it was blowing snow and drifting some. Not much of an improvement.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 04, 2015, 09:48:10 PM
Ralph, you should have never mentioned the warm weather last week. Someone bad heard you and bringing the frigid air back.

We had a few decent days here this past week. Not a lot of snow. before this evening we only had piles, ice and drifts on the ground. Mid afternoon today we started getting a light wet snow mixed with a little sleet. Got a couple inches of that mixture on the ground. Ground still frozen pretty deep so any snow will likely be here a few days. Had a high of 37 degrees about noon and temp has been falling, looks like maybe zero tonight and high of 15 for tomorrow with 20 to 25 MPH winds.

Been trying to set up a computer I bought last spring. Worked all day Sunday and again Tuesday. Can't get the thing to behave right. Won't let me run browsers and can't down load new browsers without a running browser. Kind of a catch 22 situation. Had my 2 email programs up and working and felt good about that, but nothing else works. So back to my old PC. Been doing most of my browsing on the laptop.

The grader I pictured was one I welded up from 4 inch and 5 inch channel iron and some odd angle iron. It does a real good for leveling gravel and dirt and will move quite a bit of snow. Works best in wet snow. Most of the clearing is done pulling it forward with the v angle in front leaving a pretty clean path. The 700 has down pressure so helps keep it on the ground. I also made a scarifier to work up the driveway, but it is getting in bad shape and I plan to re-engineer and rework it.

Do you suppose Charlie is snowed in and Ron stuck in the mud?

With this post I am only 1 behind you.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 04, 2015, 10:30:31 PM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;2505
Ralph, you should have never mentioned the warm weather last week. Someone bad heard you and bringing the frigid air back.

We had a few decent days here this past week. Not a lot of snow. before this evening we only had piles, ice and drifts on the ground. Mid afternoon today we started getting a light wet snow mixed with a little sleet. Got a couple inches of that mixture on the ground. Ground still frozen pretty deep so any snow will likely be here a few days. Had a high of 37 degrees about noon and temp has been falling, looks like maybe zero tonight and high of 15 for tomorrow with 20 to 25 MPH winds.

Been trying to set up a computer I bought last spring. Worked all day Sunday and again Tuesday. Can't get the thing to behave right. Won't let me run browsers and can't down load new browsers without a running browser. Kind of a catch 22 situation. Had my 2 email programs up and working and felt good about that, but nothing else works. So back to my old PC. Been doing most of my browsing on the laptop.

The grader I pictured was one I welded up from 4 inch and 5 inch channel iron and some odd angle iron. It does a real good for leveling gravel and dirt and will move quite a bit of snow. Works best in wet snow. Most of the clearing is done pulling it forward with the v angle in front leaving a pretty clean path. The 700 has down pressure so helps keep it on the ground. I also made a scarifier to work up the driveway, but it is getting in bad shape and I plan to re-engineer and rework it.

Do you suppose Charlie is snowed in and Ron stuck in the mud?

With this post I am only 1 behind you.

Gene

You are right Gene. I should have just kept quiet about the nice weather. You need some old grader blades to attach to the cutting side of your land leveller. We used to get them cheap here as they changed the cutting edges on the municipal graders.
How about if somebody e mailed you a link to the google chrome browser for you to download to your spare computer? I use google chrome as my default web browser as it supposed to be safer than internet explorer.
https://www.google.com/intl/en_ca/chrome/browser/desktop/index.html?&brand=CHMA&utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-ca-bk&utm_medium=ha
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Ron Cook on February 05, 2015, 01:36:18 AM
No mud here now, Gene.  I am relieving some of the cold pressure from Ralph.  It is currently 5 below.

Ron
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 05, 2015, 08:54:36 AM
[ATTACH=CONFIG]781[/ATTACH]

Another winter picture with a little better contrast. 1 degree and light northwest wind and not a cloud in the sky. About 2 inches of new snow from last night, with a thin layer of ice under it. May get to 16 degrees this afternoon. Ralph is the warm spot this morning at 12 degrees. Maybe he will share with the rest of us?

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Ron Cook on February 05, 2015, 10:24:38 AM
Nice photo, Gene.  I bet I could have one like that this morning, but it is too cold to go do it.  It was around 7 below or lower @ 7 AM.  Now it is clear up to 4 above and I am still staying put by the fire.

Ron
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 05, 2015, 01:54:52 PM
I am just surprised how much warmer it is here in Sask. compared to the "deep South". Yes, its around +12 this morning and feels ok as long as you stay out of the wind but there is a little ground drifting happening out in the open spaces. I noticed it on the highway this morning as I thought I better get my mail before the freezing rain and snow forecast for later today hits. This photo shows I had a little bad luck meeting a gravel truck. Big ugly star at the bottom of the windshield and tiny shards of glass laying on the dash after that hit. On pavement yet! Same thing happened in about the same spot over 30 years ago with a Dodge pickup.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 05, 2015, 05:19:55 PM
That is too bad about your glass, Ralph.  Never fun is it.  Hope you have as good luck with your insurance company as I did following my incident.

Went out Monday AM at daylight  and blew about eight inches of new fluff that came overnight. (The new blower works pretty good.) Still snowing with some blowing so I knew that would not be the last trip.  Went out again Monday evening and did it all over again for another 4-5".  1 1/2-2 hours each trip.  Took Tuesday off from snow and did some cooking and made a really good macaroni salad.  Another couple of inches by Wednesday and and the plow filled me in at the road so this time I got serious and used the truck so I could push it all back.  Who knows what else may be in the wings waiting.

Seeing some nice winter scenes posted here so thought I would give it a try. Wouldn't you know that 2-3 " of new powder frosted my cleanup job from yesterday.  Pretty to look at though.  This is how the morning sun lookes at about +12 degrees F.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]783[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]784[/ATTACH]

Charlie V
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 05, 2015, 09:32:02 PM
[ATTACH=CONFIG]785[/ATTACH],[ATTACH=CONFIG]786[/ATTACH],[ATTACH=CONFIG]787[/ATTACH]

I installed all new LED lights in my camper. Here are some pics from tonight. Really brightens things up. Also a pic of tonight's moon. I think they call this the snow moon?

Charlie, those are some cold looking pictures. Have some snow here, but nothing like this.

Sorry to hear of the windshield misfortune. My brother was on vacation in Iowa a few years ago and following a dump truck and a soccer ball size rock rolled off the back and bounced up into the center of the windshield. Totally destroyed the glass and had to have it replaced to finish his trip. Fortunate it hit the windshield right in the center between him and his wife so no one was injured.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Ron Cook on February 06, 2015, 10:31:36 AM
Bad luck there, Ralph.  Gene, did you replace the 12-volt or the 110-volt lamps in your camper?

Ron
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 06, 2015, 11:52:16 AM
Ron, I should have said this is a motor home. The lights are all 12 volt. This link to ebay is the lights I installed. They are the bayonet type base.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10X-T10-921-194-RV-Trailer-Interior-12V-LED-Light-Bulbs-24-SMD-/230986124317?pt=Motors_RV_Trailer_Camper_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35c7d88c1d&vxp=mtr


Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 06, 2015, 02:27:02 PM
Quote from: Ron Cook;2513
Bad luck there, Ralph.  Gene, did you replace the 12-volt or the 110-volt lamps in your camper?

Ron

Ron, in the big picture I guess if a stone damaged windshield is all I have to complain about I am fortunate. I doubt insurance will be part of the solution. Come to think of it I have never replaced a windshield in over 40 years of driving so maybe its time. I will likely drive this one til it breaks.
Snowing and blowing pretty good (or bad) here today. There will be some drifts to move when it finally settles down.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Ron Cook on February 07, 2015, 12:24:46 PM
Ralph,  
You enjoy the "wide open spaces" type of living and I envy that.  I never had to replace any windshields until the last 25 or so years.  Too much traffic, too much construction, too many people.  Other than my truck, I am not on the road very much.  About 10 thousand miles a year divided by 3 vehicles.  Around 20 thousand miles a year in the semi which has only lost one windshield over many years.  The pickups and car have several replaced and I currently have a cracked one in my Tahoe.
Ron
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 07, 2015, 11:27:01 PM
Ron, I sure do enjoy my low population density here in this part of Sask. My logic on windshields is that as long as I drive with a few cracks in it they likely won't get any worse. But the very day I get a new one installed I will probably pick up a rock on the way home from the body shop. Good thing we don't have vehicle inspections here that can fail a vehicle for excessive cracks.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 09, 2015, 11:07:37 PM
I am working from my new computer finally. Been a frustrating time getting it running. Thing was loaded down with viruses, spyware and ad ware. Finally installed a program called  Spyhunter 4 and been scanning from noon to about 8:pn. It found more than 2850 threats, mostly sales popups. I had run 2 other programs, but they didn't clean out the threats. Was a paid program, but to me it was worth the $42.00. I had saved all my old bookmarks to a thumb drive, but can't figure how to transfer to browser, so will just work from and bookmark as I use the sites. email contacts transferred alright, except it loaded 4 of every contact, so had to go through them and delete 3 of every one. Been a learning experience, but I persevered.

Saturday and Sunday had high temps in the low 50's. today's high was 21 degrees, so ground is frozen again and no mud. Light rain Sunday evening, but stopped before freezing.

Got a new tablet today, so will be working to understand that. Technology overload!!!

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 10, 2015, 08:50:44 PM
Hi Gene. I don't know much about tablets, except the ones I take for headaches. My brother has an I pad and he really likes it. Very compact and great for surfing and emailing. I'm snowed in again from the last couple of days of light snow and wind. I haven't attempted opening the driveway as it would only have blown in again . Seems like this evening the wind is dropping and maybe I'll get the snow blower going tomorrow.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 10, 2015, 11:00:20 PM
I am getting about tired of snow but do not expect we are anywhere near finished with it.  Had 5 or 6 inches of new powder Sunday night.  Went out Monday morning and cleaned that knowing three to four more were due during the day yesterday.  With it being pretty cold and still puttering snow I skipped plowing or blowing last night, not to mention that my leg was pretty unhappy from the workouts it has been getting.  Went out this AM and cleaned off the truck.  Leg is still angry so I wanted to minimize walking.  the road plow banks at the road which I pushed back the other day were filled back in so they needed to be beat up again.  Places that I skipped yesterday had about 8" of accumulation so the truck earned it's keep. Used the blower again for some tight areas and the walks.  After the 2 1/2 hours spent this AM I am ready for time off.  No snow promised until tomorrow night so a little break at least.

Gene. fifty degrees this time of year is shameful. but it would sure look good here if we could get it.  The new lighting in the RV look good and will be a battery saver while parked.

Ralph, I sometimes wish I could have more of a relaxed attitude about clearing snow like you do.  I know what you are saying about it blowing back in but I am all twitterpated if there is four inches in the driveway. Then again I am usually twitterpated anyway.

Charlie V.

.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 11, 2015, 09:13:15 AM
Very strange brightness oudside today.  Hummm.  I will just bet it is Sunshine.  It has been a while since any of that has been around.  

Now where did I leave my swim trunks and the SPF 50 lotion.......................
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 11, 2015, 10:08:19 AM
Sunny here this morning too Charlie but at nearly -20F that NW wind is going to sting. I was supposed to get a couple of semis of canola out today but no word from the trucker so I have not moved any snow in anticipation. And in this weather I am in no hurry to get out on the open snow blower. Might just use the blade and the 2090 and work in comfort although I don't like putting up big snow piles and ridges. They make a dandy snow catcher for the next time the wind blows.
Edit, adding a photo I took this morning showing the sundog over the McCormick Deering. Nice to see the sun again but its not that nice out in the wind.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 11, 2015, 05:15:12 PM
No sunshine in Ohio. No snow either,, YET. Having light misting rain that started about 4:30 and 34 degrees and getting colder. May turn to freezing rain before it turns to snow. Ground frozen hard and warms just enough during the day to make for greasy surface. Forecast for 5 degrees by Friday morning.

Picked up a load of sheet metal in Kenton for Amish neighbor. Spent most of the morning doing that. They still have a lot of ice on the driveways and fields. Farm where I picked up some spreader parts was shredding corn. The horses were having problems with traction on the ice pulling the wagons. Had to be careful walking.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 16, 2015, 06:29:03 PM
Just a lot of cold here and snow and blowing over the weekend.  Showed -6 here at 5:20 AM but other towns in the area were -10 and in between.  Made it up to +7 for the high today.  I took advantage of the heat wave to go out and plow up the new fallen snow and drifting from the weekend.  Could have used some blower work too but I did about 20 minutes of shoveling and called it a day.  The warmest temp. forecast for anytime this week is +15 and then colder again.  It would be good winter therapy to tie the global warming promoters to a fence post about now and watch them shiver for a while.  Aside from that, not a lot noteworthy going on here.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 16, 2015, 10:08:22 PM
I am thinking that if Gene has not already done it. he must be close to fueling up his tanks for a little ride down I-75.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 16, 2015, 10:43:26 PM
Your conditions sound similar to mine Charlie. Cancelled grain hauling for the second time this morning and hoping for later this week. Opened my yard and driveway with the tractor and snowblower on Thursday. Got one day to use it and then there was a winter storm on Saturday. Its still passable although I got stuck with the 4wd Blazer and had to shovel a bit at one point. Winter is getting old.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 17, 2015, 07:27:41 AM
[ATTACH=CONFIG]789[/ATTACH]   Bought a new tractor, hope this picture comes through. Will be delivered this morning and will get more pictures.

Charlie, I decided to stay home and keep the home fires burning. I do have the gas tank filled though, filled it when gas went down to $1.92. Looks like they will have cold weather with freeze warnings through the weekend. Brother left yesterday, hope he didn't get caught in that snow through Kentucky and Tennessee.

Have had cold temperatures here the past week. Saturday was a brutal day with a light snow and winds to 48 MPH. Morning started out at 28 degrees and south wind. Wind shifted  to west then to north and evening temperature was 5 degrees. What little snow we had all blew into deep drifts with most of the ground blown clear. Wind chill was -27 degrees with actual temp of -7 degrees. on Sunday morning.

Watched a flight of canada geese flying west on Saturday. The wind was so strong they weren't able to maintain formation. The wind was from the west at over 40 MPH at the time so their progress was slow.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 17, 2015, 11:40:32 AM
Good for you, Gene.  That little tractor might become your second right hand.  It should be good for clearing snow from walks and pathways too with enough wheel weight.  Will look forward to more pictures.

We got down to -11.6 deg. around 4 AM.  Not much wind though.  After that a warm up began and we made -4 by 7 am.  By 9:30 made +15 so that was fast.  Today and tomorrow will be milder, then the deep freeze again.

I am guessing traffic going South will be heavy with the Daytona 500 this next weekend too.  Probably a good decision to stay in Ohio and but a tractor.  :):)  

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 17, 2015, 02:48:05 PM
Yes Charlie, guess the desire just wasn't there. Just enjoy being home and don't really mind winter.

We had -2 degrees this morning and up to 26 now. No wind so nice day to be out with proper coveralls

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Got some more pictures of the new tractor. It has 4 wheel drive and 3 cylinder diesel engine. Got the mower deck off this morning so ready to play with it some this afternoon.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Warren on February 17, 2015, 06:21:23 PM
I am back. That's a pretty useful looking compact tractor, Gene. I had no idea Case was still a brand as all we see down here are the green ones and the lawn mower brands in that style. Of course we see plenty of the Kubotas and New Hollands.

Gehl has made some major inroads in compact construction equipment and they seemed to come out of the blue to do so.

We just had an ice storm in Upstate SC yesterday and last night and all heck broke loose. Power has been on and off a few times for a few hours at a time and general traffic chaos everywhere. Temps are not that bad today- in the high 30's but dipping and staying in the teens later this week. I have a friend who works for the highway department in Colorado. His job is managing snow removal and keeping their state roads open all winter in his district. He was making fun of us to me on the phone last night and all I could say was "does it matter if you are driving on 1" of ice or 6"? Seems to me if the roads have a solid sheet of ice that would pose a problem to anyone. Our problem here is that people insist on driving in it.

Anyway, we have firewood and a genset and some 12 oz fortification so I think we will be okay.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 17, 2015, 06:52:27 PM
Good to hear from you Warren. Glad you are well supplied with firewood and refreshments. Stay home and let the crazies make fools of themselves.

Those pictures were taken today, so you can tell we are not burdened with a lot of snow. Cold temperatures, yes, only snow we have are the drifts and piles from snow a couple weeks age. Not much ice here, but just to the north of us there is still ice on driveways, but roads are clear. That may change as it started snowing here about 5:30. Just light flurries. Steve Sewell reported they have 8 inches on the ground at Athens. Bet he is glad he retired from snow removal at the airport. I have everything ready and I think that is keeping the snow away. Keeping the wood stove going and warm and cozy.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 17, 2015, 06:58:34 PM
Sounds like a party, Warren.  You might need bad weather more often.


As mentioned, our high was +7 yesterday so went out and did my truck plowing and a few minutes worth with the trusty snow shovel.  Today we made +17 so took advantage of the short term heat wave to do snow blowing and a little more with the shovel.  Cleaned out like a park until the next blast.  I am nowhere near the Eskimo that Ralph is but it felt good to be out for a couple of hours in comfortable temperature.  (Did I just say that?? It is a long winter.)  Wind was very light so not much problem.

That is a neat Case IH tractor, Gene.  Great to have 4 WD and the loader to make it useful year around.  Thanks for the pictures.  I want one but I have too much stuff now.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 17, 2015, 11:07:04 PM
Charlie I did some soul searching after I first saw the tractor. First saw it on the dealer'lot a couple weeks  ago and fell in love with it. Still had last years soybean money in the bank and decided this was a better investment.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 17, 2015, 11:11:34 PM
Should be a good little workhorse for you Gene. Reminds me a bit of my brother's 18 hp Kubota. It is a diesel 3 cylinder all hydrostatic with three point mower on the back. No front end loader though and I think that would be a real handy attachment. Charlie I know what you mean about getting a bit of exercise working outdoors in winter. It was only +5 in the workshop this morning so I did not start any projects there. Just feed the cattle and get back in the house out of the -30 wind chill factor.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 21, 2015, 10:28:49 AM
Extreme changes here as usual. Sunny with high wind chill factors today but yesterday was up in the +20s. I was actually sweating just driving the tractor. Surprising how much work it is constantly working the shifter and hydraulics, clutch, brakes and steering. I spent a solid two hours pushing snow so the semis could get in to the canola bins. Very deep snow and it was all the 2090 could handle to make it through. I was way over dressed for working in the cab but won't complain.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 21, 2015, 09:35:00 PM
Almost to the road there, Ralph.  We slid down to -15.5 F last night before clouds moved in and some warming started.  Up to +25 today but more 0 degree cold on the way for tomorrow PM.  Last nigh twas the second coldest night I have seen this season.We may still be clearing snow come June.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 22, 2015, 06:41:45 PM
Have a slight warmup. about 30 degrees last 2 days. Friday night had about 6 inches of snow. East wind drifted snow right against the back door, so had to shovel it out to get to the wood in the wheel barrow. Only minor drifting other places. Wind died down and warmed up some so was able to get the new loader out and clear the barnyard and drive way and clear a path to the wood shed. Later got the 700 out and cleared a path around the barn and shop. Used the loader today to clear some of the heavier areas Little loader is pretty handy. Southern Ohio had more snow than we had. Guess they got 10 inches of wet snow. Forecast here for Tuesday is for -5 degrees and same for the rest of the week.

Had a director's meeting scheduled for today at Portland, but was cancelled due to the snow. Guess we will get caught up next month.  

Got the mower deck stowed away. Removed the end of the dog pen and put it in there. Tarp roof should keep most of the rain and snow off it.

Checked weather for Ralph and Charlie and looks more like spring time here compared to you guys. Have had more minus temperatures this month than I can recall.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 22, 2015, 09:21:03 PM
Gene it was downright miserable here this weekend with wind chill factors in the minus 30s. I didn't do anything more than the basic animal feeding chores and then back in the house. My driveway blew in again yesterday with the incessant wind. At those cold temps the snow packs in solid and I can almost walk on top of it without breaking through. The driveway is going to be heavy going for the old 40 and snow blower when I get to it. Sound like warmer but more snow and wind for tomorrow so I might give it a day before I get at the driveway.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 28, 2015, 07:33:06 AM
Today we will put to bed the coldest February ever recorded here.  Temperature at -7.4 F here a half hour ago.  With the sun up it sight we are starting to warm a bit. Also claiming near the most, if not the most snowfall for the month.  I am not so sure on that one and it surely might depend where the measuring is done.  I guess we are with about half of the rest of the hemisphere with these records.  

Strange how quiet the global warming blabbers are at a time like this. Having a 50 degree below zero wind blowing over them as much as it did this year, the polar ice caps must have regained quite a share of their former size if not all of it.  This has been a very generous period of polar vortex as they call it.

I have to admit this month has been pretty to look at here.  A new blanket of fresh, bright white snow almost every day created a picture book season to look at.  More snow scheduled for tomorrow night will keep it going but we are told temp. will get above freezing for a day later next week so that may be the turning point.

A good weekend to all.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 28, 2015, 09:45:02 PM
Wow, Charlie, you trying to rival Ralph for the cold and snowy weather? not quite so bad here. Still getting to below zero almost every night. Snow not melting at all with high temps in the mid 20's. Snow forecast for tonight and we are right in the middle of the highest forecast area. Not a lot, maybe 4 to 6 inches. Don't know that is going to happen with the barometer as high as it is and virtually no wind.

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I posted on the Antique Tractor list of my winter project of disecting my worn out blue jeans. I salvaged some of the rear pockets to make holsters for my cell phone and camera. The picture makes me look like a 2 gun cowboy.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 01, 2015, 10:18:14 AM
Gene, someone must have borrowed your "holster" idea because I saw it on facebook a few days ago. Seems like a good idea.
Charlie, I have heard the same that February has been the coldest and highest snowfall month for us too. I am optimistic though as it seems to feel better out there lately. Even at -20F on Thursday morning I was too warm most of the time rushing around getting things ready to load cattle. No wind and bright sunshine sure helps out even at those low temps. I think we saw +10F yesterday.
Here is a shot I took out my door about a half hour ago. Nice looking morning at 0 degrees here.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 01, 2015, 11:29:13 AM
Hey Two Gun Gene, those holsters are all right.  Bet they will be handy.  That is one plus we bib guys have.  We are a couple of compartments ahead to begin with but still run short at times.

You are a man after my own heart with the denim thing.  Probably 15 years ago when I was doing more shooting I decided I wanted sand bags for sighting in on the bench.  I cut sections of leg out of some wore out bibs, then sewed one end closed, making a bag of sorts.  Next I filled sturdy plastic bags with very dry fine sand and sealed them closed.  This to keep the sand dry and keep it from filtering out through the denim.  Slipped the plastic bags of sand one each into my denim pant leg bags.  Just tied the last open end of the denim bags off tight like a feed bag.  that leaves the tied off neck to pick the bags up by if you wish to.  I still have them and they worked out well for the intended purpose.

That is a nice Morning shot you posted, Ralph.  I took a couple yesterday at -4 f.  I will try to get one or two up here later.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 01, 2015, 08:20:21 PM
I haven't got quite that inventive with the old blue jean pocket belt but I have always recycled old jackets and parkas into a "winter front" for the Cockshutt tractors. Just tie a piece of baler twine from each sleeve back to a headlight and it holds onto the grille to cover it up and protect the radiator from the freezing cold air.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 01, 2015, 08:22:42 PM
This is the -4 deg. from view our back yesterday morning.

Charlie



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Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 01, 2015, 08:42:32 PM
Charlie you just need to get some flavored syrup and pour on that snow on the table and have the biggest snow cone anywhere.

Ralph, that front on the 40 looks like someone didn't get out of the way fast enough. Possibly frozen on there?

Didn't get any pictures of our new snow from last night and this morning. Got about 6 inches, so I have been moving snow most of the day. This morning with a shovel opening paths around the house and to the shop. This afternoon I got the little 222 with snow blower and cleared the driveway, around the barn yard and a path to the wood shed trailer. Was relatively warm most of the day and right on the verge of melting the snow. Was getting pretty heavy for the snow blower this afternoon and pushing some ahead of the auger. Got most opened enough to get around. Managed to get the little tractor stuck out by the mailbox. Wanted to clear the slush in front of the mailbox before the county blasted my mailbox. Got a little too far over and started sliding over toward the ditch. Walked to the house and got the shovel and shoveled the snow from around the tractor and was able to back out without any trouble. Fortunately not much traffic to see my predicament.

High temperature was around 35 degrees and light snow most of the day, so no sunshine to help the melting. It is 25 right now at 8:45pm

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 02, 2015, 11:35:42 AM
Too late for the table top sno-cone, Gene.  I shoveled the snow from it yesterday.  Today there is a new layer there again of a scant two inches, so maybe by next week.  O.K. with me that the new layer is not the 5-6 and maybe ten inches that was promised.  Milder last night.  Dropped to about +16 F.  Off and on sunshine now.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 02, 2015, 07:54:48 PM
Took a few snow pictures today. Thermometer tried to make it above freezing, but a couple degrees short. Bright sunshine all day so some cleared areas melted to bare ground. Been expecting the snow to slide off the barn roofs, but still hold up there. Forecast for tomorrow is for winter storm warning with sleet and freezing rain starting early in the morning and turning to rain by afternoon. Hoped to let the snow melt before the rains start.


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Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 04, 2015, 08:39:46 PM
A little different scenery tonight. Spent the day cleaning the shelves in my utility room. Cleaned my toys and hats and rearranged them to improve the appearance. Been forever since I have cleaned all the dust and decided today was the day.

Been above freezing since yesterday evening and some of the snow has melted. Turning colder tonight and back to near zero in the forecast for tonight. Snow right now is south of us, but may get some before morning.

Gene[ATTACH=CONFIG]805[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]806[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]807[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]808[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 04, 2015, 10:06:34 PM
Sure is a fact that our collectables are great dust collectors, Gene.  Looks like yours will be good to go for now.  I think I need a visit from the Merry Maids or someone like that if I am ever to catch up.

Rec'd a couple of pics taken Sunday from my Delaware daughter today of the snow they had on the weekend.  Looks like they got six inches or more.  Nice to see plow banks along the street being so white.  Here they ALWAYS sand and salt a time or two BEFORE they plow. so when it fills the end of our driveways it is a heavy, ugly brown / black mix.  Nothing pretty about it.  

After getting home from my grocery trip this afternoon I got friendly with my ice chopper and snow shovel to clean up the side walkway some.  Then I got after the back deck.  Wanted to get that done during the narrow window of thawing going on.  Looking for 14 for the high tomorrow.  The first foot of snow on the deck was well settled and a little heavy but not real bad.  The last three inches underneath was a whole nother matter.  Enough thawing had taken place to make that stuff about 70% water.  Get a shovel full of that and it took a grunt to throw it 6 or 8 feet to get over the railing.  I was not particularly concerned about the weight on the deck.  I built that with 2 x 8 plank flooring and and 2 x 8 joists underneath.  It all sits on 16  4 x 4 legs, so it is sturdy.  The good thing about clearing the deck is that it is a little less melt water near the house.  I put a positive grade away form the foundation under the deck but water is always a concern with clay soil.

I think Ralph is staying busy getting trucks in and our hauling some of his crops.  That has to be a challenge when the farm is about half the width of the state of Rhode Island from the road and you are committed to a schedule.   I do not envy you on that job, Ralph.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 05, 2015, 01:38:59 AM
Quote from: Charlie V;2549
Sure is a fact that out collectables are great dust collectors, Gene.  Looks like yours will be good to go for now.  I think I need a visit from the Merry Maids or someone like that if I am ever to catch up.


I think Ralph is staying busy getting trucks in and our hauling some of his crops.  That has to be a challenge when the farm is about half the width of the state of Rhode Island from the road and you are committed to a schedule.   I do not envy you on that job, Ralph.


Charlie
Not too much activity here Charlie. It was wind chill factors in the -30s yesterday and still pretty cool today so I didn't care to sit out on the Cockshutt 40 and snow blower. Most of the snow blew away, the loose stuff anyway. What did accumulate is in one spot on my driveway. Very hard and high density snow. Maybe tomorrow. Got some good sundog pics yesterday but they are on the other camera and it is too late in the day to hook it up now.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Ron Cook on March 05, 2015, 02:56:24 PM
No snow here in my neck of the woods just South of Sioux City, IA.  Cold and wind, though.  Was around zero F this morning, but the wind went to the South and now it is 23.  The forecast is for 55 F tomorrow.  That sounds nice to me, but it will be muddy.  Most of our snow is just in drifts and road ditches.  Fields and such have blown clear.

Ron
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 05, 2015, 07:48:44 PM
Ron I think we had nicer weather here in Sask. today than you. Very little wind, bright sun and temp up to 20 degrees made for comfortable riding on the old 40 opening my driveway. No still photos but I did shoot some video and grabbed a frame from the video to show here .
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: SpencerYost on March 05, 2015, 10:45:57 PM
Here is that picture you wanted Gene!

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Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 06, 2015, 06:58:31 AM
Good picture Spencer. Looks like a warm spell coming starting tomorrow. Should be able to get rid of this white. Now comes mud season.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 06, 2015, 01:26:04 PM
Got the big gun out this morning, Needed to push the snow piles back. Have hopes of building a new shop in this area and wanted to remove the snow to let the ground thaw out to be able to dig a foundation.

Gene

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Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 06, 2015, 04:40:41 PM
No big gun in my picture, Gene.  I like yours though.  Good to give it some exercise.  Sometime in the wee hours of this morning I peered outside to see a bright moonlit night.  Wonder if my camera can see that.  Out I went at two below for a try.  Not great but did get a few shots. Same old pictures, just a different day.

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Then another after sunup and two above zero.  I would not mind giving up these snowscapes for warmer weather.

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Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 06, 2015, 05:18:00 PM
Charlie, I like the pictures. The night picture looks like a sepia setting, like the one I have of my airplane at night. Use it as my profile picture. Had a bright moon last night and sunshine all day. onli got to 20 degrees this afternoon, but the 7 day forecast promises a good warmup. Try to send some your way.

Went out this afternoon and planned out my new shop. It will be 28' by 36'. This size is dictated by the distance between my LP tank and a maple tree. also clearance between my barn and downslope on the south side. This will give my 1008 square feet of open work area. Still have a lot of designing to do. Neighbor has a backhoe and transit and I think I can talk him into helping out. Gonna be a stick built on a full foundation, with steel siding and roof.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 07, 2015, 12:33:35 AM
Charlie you are more ambitious than me getting out there to take a picture at that time of night. Do you guys see much of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)? They have been outstanding in this part of the world lately, or so they tell me. I can't see too much unless I turn out the yard light. Some impressive photos of them have shown up lately.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Ron Cook on March 07, 2015, 02:22:46 AM
What the heck, Gene?  Doesn't the wind blow there?  Whenever I have that much snow it is in huge drifts.

Ron
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 07, 2015, 07:10:45 AM
Ron, we do get some winds and drifting. This year has been rather calm compared to former years. I have managed to keep most of the snow at bay by clearing the drifts. Have some substantial piles around the outsides of the farmyard and drive way. My driveway has a cut through the hill coming to the top that drifts with any wind. Usually the lower end blows clear, but may have 2 foot drifts in the cut. Little Case 222 does a good job clearing drive with the snow blower.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 07, 2015, 08:17:49 AM
Quote from: RG8800;2558
Charlie you are more ambitious than me getting out there to take a picture at that time of night. Do you guys see much of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)? They have been outstanding in this part of the world lately, or so they tell me. I can't see too much unless I turn out the yard light. Some impressive photos of them have shown up lately.

I cannot honestly say that I have ever seen the Northern lights here, Ralph. With the light pollution in the night sky. especially to the north, we do not even have much visibility of stars in the North half of the sky.   I was fascinated by the view of the night sky whenever I went to the Adirondack Mts..  Not only the elevation but the darkness.  Even in summer it seemed the stars were nearly touchable.  I was never there in winter, but with the cold of October and lower humidity the night sky seemed even closer.

We will go above freezing here today.  By all reports it is a good guess the snow will be mostly gone by a week from now.

Looks like some ambitious plans for the new shop, Gene.  We will be watching.  :)

Charlie V
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Ron Cook on March 07, 2015, 11:07:25 AM
Gene, I have never liked snow.  I only went sledding once as a youngster.  Just did not like the cold and wet.  As an older fellow, I really do not like it.  My place drifts in badly.  There will be bare fields and all the snow is in my yard.  I have a gas 4020 with a Westendorf loader on the front and a snow blower on the back, most winters.  I got the blower as I run out of places to pile the snow.  I do not own this farm or even farm it.  I only have the building site, so I am a little limited.  This year I did not mount the blower and have used the loader only twice.  Just no snow.  I am thankful for that.  A couple years ago I spent $1000 just on gasoline for snow removal.  The 4020 is hard on gasolene, but there was a tremendous amount of snow at my place by my standards.  30 inches a winter usually covers it.  This year so far we are open with cold temps.  I can handle that.  Stay in where it is warm.:)  I haul grain for a  living, such as that is, and never go out with the semi when the roads are slick.  I could have hauled all winter this year, but the farmers are sitting with the stuff in the bins.  I have not started the truck since just before Christmas.  And....the loader tractor has only been used to fetch firewood.  

Ron
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 07, 2015, 09:34:43 PM
What,? Where are all the rest of the ATIS guys? I thought for sure by now after the discussions on the list re: facebook and forums that some more of them might show up here. Guess not yet.
I had a busy day moving grain. Long story but I needed to move 5 truck loads from one location to another. Hard to believe that a couple of days ago it was too cold to work comfortably outside, yet today it was so warm I had to throw off my parka at times. The ground where I drove the truck to line up with the auger was getting downright muddy on the top inch or so. No worries, still several feet of frost down below that. That is the reason  I need to move this grain. Once the frost comes out of the ground it will be pretty much inaccesible all summer.
Took this pic at sundown when we were unloading the last truck load.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 07, 2015, 10:38:58 PM
Ralph, I believe most of the conversation on the list about Facebook and posting pictures is cabin fever.  Lets face it.  If anyone seriously wanted to post pictures they could upload them to a photo hosting sight, then put a link to there right on the ATIS list as you have done on some occasions.  Look what Bo Hitch did a year or so ago when he had the annual family crab (oops! Crawfish) cook deal.  No forum or face book needed.  Oh, but that is too much work.  Uh huh, gotcha.  The bottom line is that 80% want to look at pictures but would almost never post one.  That is not anything special.  I think that is true on most forums that I have seen.  When the weather breaks this whole issue will go silent and the list will quiet down as usual.  Cabin fever will be a thing of the past for this season.

Charlie

PS.  Nice picture of the IH in the sunset.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Alan Riley on March 08, 2015, 01:02:16 AM
Quote from: RG8800;2563
What,? Where are all the rest of the ATIS guys? I thought for sure by now after the discussions on the list re: facebook and forums that some more of them might show up here. Guess not yet.

Ralph, I checked in here last night for the first time in ages after reading all the ATIS discussions.  I got cold just from looking at all the snow pictures that you, Charlie V., and others have posted.  That stuff is beautiful to look at but I'm sure glad I don't have to deal with it down here where I live in central Louisiana.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 08, 2015, 08:01:27 AM
Alan, It must get boring with bare ground all year around. What do you discuss on winter days? No Carhartts or parkas to put on every morning.

Getting some relief from the cold weather here in Ohio. Got to 40 degrees Saturday with sunshine and brisk wind. Good day for melting snow and only mild ponding in the fields. Starting to get a little greasy in the open areas, but that is the mud season here. Forecast for warmer temperatures and sunshine most of coming week.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 08, 2015, 01:08:43 PM
Quote from: Alan Riley;2565
Ralph, I checked in here last night for the first time in ages after reading all the ATIS discussions.  I got cold just from looking at all the snow pictures that you, Charlie V., and others have posted.  That stuff is beautiful to look at but I'm sure glad I don't have to deal with it down here where I live in central Louisiana.

Alan,

Never having been South of Virginia as an adult (once to Florida as a kid) I would like to know all you care to tell us about central Louisiana.  Weather, terrain, populace, Industry, farming and crops, etc.  As time permits any info you could share would be welcome.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Alan Riley on March 09, 2015, 01:30:18 AM
Gene, the landscape around here is rather boring with all the bare ground but that sure beats shoveling snow!  All of my tractor-related discussions take place online these days since I no longer have any neighbors with an interest in old tractors.

Charlie, I've called central Louisiana home for better than 40 years now.  It's not a bad place to live: taxes are low, the climate is mild, hunting and fishing are good, and the air is still clean enough to breath.  The area I live in was pretty rural when I moved out here but there have been lots of people move out this way in the past 40 years - too many to suit me.

I've never farmed, I'm a retired electronics technician, but I've had a love for old iron since I was a kid in a small farming community in Tennessee.  My older sister married a farmer back there.  My back has gotten so bad that I don't even try to have a garden any more.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 09, 2015, 07:37:14 PM
Quote from: Alan Riley;2569
Gene, the landscape around here is rather boring with all the bare ground but that sure beats shoveling snow!  All of my tractor-related discussions take place online these days since I no longer have any neighbors with an interest in old tractors.

Charlie, I've called central Louisiana home for better than 40 years now.  It's not a bad place to live: taxes are low, the climate is mild, hunting and fishing are good, and the air is still clean enough to breath.  The area I live in was pretty rural when I moved out here but there have been lots of people move out this way in the past 40 years - too many to suit me.

I've never farmed, I'm a retired electronics technician, but I've had a love for old iron since I was a kid in a small farming community in Tennessee.  My older sister married a farmer back there.  My back has gotten so bad that I don't even try to have a garden any more.

Alan,

After reading this I did a little touring around central Louisiana with Google maps street view.  I was in and South of of one of the national forests, but now I am not sure which one.  Looks like nice rural living with some very nice homes once out of the forest.    Also looks very flat with small towns.  No doubt nice living.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 09, 2015, 09:54:00 PM
Alan, good to see another ATIS guy posting here for a change. Maybe a few more will find their way in.
This photo from today is not mine but a good friend's restored 4020. With the sudden rise in temps the snow is starting to melt so it is time to get it out of the yard as much as possible so it will dry up sooner. Thats a 40 year old snow blower on a 43 year old tractor.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Ron Cook on March 10, 2015, 02:03:42 AM
Ralph,  That blower mounted on the front like that really makes a nice outfit.  I had very little snow except some pile remnants.  Monday temps at 69F for the high pretty well erased them.  Supposed to be about 3 more days like that in a row.  Sure is nice.  Robins are back, too.  Now that it is warm enough to work on things, I find I am way behind.  I will be okay, though.  I am too old to be late anymore.  I need to work on the transmission shifting on my Farmall 1566.  Warm enough to tackle that now.  It is a cab tractor, so there is a fair amount of monkey business to be done to even get the top of the transmission, so I did not work on it in the cold shed.

Ron
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Alan Riley on March 10, 2015, 01:50:30 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;2572
Alan,

After reading this I did a little touring around central Louisiana with Google maps street view.  I was in and South of of one of the national forests, but now I am not sure which one.  Looks like nice rural living with some very nice homes once out of the forest.    Also looks very flat with small towns.  No doubt nice living.

Charlie V.

Charlie, you were probably looking at the Kisatchie National Forest.  I'm close to it, being a few miles east of Alexandria/Pineville.  There are some hills here and it's mostly wooded area.  A few miles further to the east the elevation drops and the land flattens out as you get closer to the Mississippi River.  Lots of cotton continues to be grown there.  Other crops grown in central Louisiana are soybeans, corn, milo, a few sweet potatoes, and a little further south, sugar cane.  And let's not forget crawfish!

Alan
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 11, 2015, 01:03:55 PM
Quote from: RG8800;2573
Alan, good to see another ATIS guy posting here for a change. Maybe a few more will find their way in.
This photo from today is not mine but a good friend's restored 4020. With the sudden rise in temps the snow is starting to melt so it is time to get it out of the yard as much as possible so it will dry up sooner. Thats a 40 year old snow blower on a 43 year old tractor.

Ralph, I wonder if I could mount a front blower on my CaseIH DX24? would make a nice platform for it, maybe a 50 inch? Then I would want a cab on it, then hydraulic spout control and the list goes on.

warm weather has melted all but the biggest piles and drifts. Some ponding in the fields and about a 1 acre lake across my airstrip that will disappear as soon as the ground thaws enough for the water to get to the tile. Ground is wet and squishy everywhere I walk. Had 51 degrees yesterday with light rain all day and 39 degrees today. Heavy fog this morning. Spent all day yesterday doing my taxes and sent them today, so that chore is out of the way.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 11, 2015, 03:09:29 PM
Gene, I know Case used to offer a snow blower for the front of their garden tractors. I have a brochure showing one from 1967.Complete with cab!.
Melting here too with highs in the 30s. We still have our "perma frost" so it just gets greasy on the surface by day and then re-freezes after the sun goes down. I'm taking advantage of that to move some grain from one farm to another before the real thaw hits. Right now the old Loadstar rolls along the roads like they are concrete.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 11, 2015, 11:01:07 PM
After three days of thawing here not much bare ground to be found, except where most of the snow had already been plowed or removed or blown away.  I went out yesterday morning while snow was softened but not yet too soggy and cut a couple of swaths along the West side and across the front of the house with the blower.  Some places were a good 20 inches deep.  I have questionable grade from the foundation in a couple of spots along there so let the snow melt away further out.  The sump pump will run plenty later when the frost is out and spring rains come so getting rid of an inch or two of water now is not a bad thing.  Dang clay base.  Have the blower set to leave about two inches behind because it is used off pavement.  The two inches left are green grass now.  Air was only low 40s today but the sun was very effective.  33 degrees now at 11 pm.  Good to slow the thaw to allow runoff.  

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 12, 2015, 10:26:14 AM
We are starting to see some bare ground here too with temps in the 30s this week. Bare grass in the yard where I cleared the snow away earlier.
Back about 1969 I could not wait for the snow to leave and had to get my big toy truck out to play with . This photo shows it parked for a photo. Dad's "V" snow plow in the background. That is a barrel of used calcium chloride (tractor ballast) on the back of the truck and as I recall it tipped off the truck a few minutes after I took this photo. Sliding around corners with unsecured loads. :-(
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Indiana Robinson aka farmer on March 12, 2015, 06:36:03 PM
I got to work outside a little today. It's been decent a few days but the ground was thawed on top and frozen underneath. That resulted in about 4" of jelly... Today is the first that the water has been draining down decent. I had a list of about half dozen things that I wanted to accomplish today but I only got a couple done. I ran out of me long before I ran out of list.
One of my son-in-laws gave me about 50 partial sheets of plywood that he salvaged from a job they did and I had gotten it sorted out onto 3 pallets and covered it before the weather went in the dumper. Today I got the TO-20 out (which fired out very quickly thank you) and put the lift forks on the 3 point to move it all down the road to my west barn.
I don't recall that lift fork being that heavy to wrestle around and mount back when I built it years ago.
I backed into the heaviest pallet last and when I pulled the lever to lift it the hydraulics didn't hesitate at all. Trouble was that I was sitting there with the front of the tractor well off of the ground. :eek: I thought that I was going to do it all from the tractor seat but I had to get another pallet and split that load.
It felt pretty good to be out doing anything...
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 13, 2015, 02:13:11 PM
[ATTACH=CONFIG]827[/ATTACH],[ATTACH=CONFIG]828[/ATTACH]

Wednesday and Thursday were nice days at Mockingbird Hill. Thursday morning was spent doing much neglected house cleaning then afternoon outside raking stones from side of driveway since most of the snow has melted.
Had 2 days of nice warm sunshine and 50 degrees Nice weather to melt the snow. Today started raining a light sprinkle of rain. Grocery shopping this morning and rest and relaxation this afternoon.

Gene from Mockingbird Hill
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 13, 2015, 02:26:49 PM
Still waiting on the sun to break through the fog here in Sask. But at least there is a bit of melting happening.  Gene I am guessing the name of your place is based on the old song by Patti Page? I used one of her tunes in this video of the 39 Ford from last fall. It seemed appropriate for the time.
[video=youtube;FtoUHOS53wU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtoUHOS53wU&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 14, 2015, 01:34:41 AM
We have a little less snow now than when this photo was taken a week ago. Using the 2090 Case to clear snow away from a grain bin I wanted to move the grain from.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 14, 2015, 05:40:33 AM
Quote from: RG8800;2610
Still waiting on the sun to break through the fog here in Sask. But at least there is a bit of melting happening.  Gene I am guessing the name of your place is based on the old song by Patti Page? I used one of her tunes in this video of the 39 Ford from last fall. It seemed appropriate for the time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtoUHOS53wU&feature=youtu.be
https://youtu.be/FtoUHOS53wU

Yes, Ralph, Patti Page is my favorite singer and Mockingbird Hill is my favorite song of all time. Have a CD of her favorite hits, one of my few CD's. Patti died on Christmas day in 2013. She and her husband ran a maple syrup operation in I believe, New Hampshire. Just don't have performers like her today.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 14, 2015, 02:55:03 PM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;2612
Yes, Ralph, Patti Page is my favorite singer and Mockingbird Hill is my favorite song of all time. Have a CD of her favorite hits, one of my few CD's. Patti died on Christmas day in 2013. She and her husband ran a maple syrup operation in I believe, New Hampshire. Just don't have performers like her today.

Gene

Also a favourite of my parents Gene. I still have a cassette tape (remember those?) of some of her more popular songs. I thought it made a good soundtrack for the videos showing the old Ford that my parents had in their wedding picture. I fixed the link to the video in the above post so it shows up here now.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Alan Riley on March 15, 2015, 12:13:17 PM
When I was a kid, we had one of those wind-up record players, like a Victrola but a different brand.  We only had two records for it: "Mule Train" by Frankie Laine, and "Tennessee Waltz" by Patti Page.  I was one happy kid when they got me "Frosty the Snowman" to play on it one Christmas!  But Patti Page remains one of my favorite singers of all time and "Mockingbird Hill" is one of my all-time favorite songs as well.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 15, 2015, 03:56:05 PM
Quote from: Alan Riley;2618
When I was a kid, we had one of those wind-up record players, like a Victrola but a different brand.  We only had two records for it: "Mule Train" by Frankie Laine, and "Tennessee Waltz" by Patti Page.  I was one happy kid when they got me "Frosty the Snowman" to play on it one Christmas!  But Patti Page remains one of my favorite singers of all time and "Mockingbird Hill" is one of my all-time favorite songs as well.


All those tunes are quite familiar to me Alan. Not quite back to the windup victrola days but used to hear them on the radio frequently.
Here is a short bit of video I shot a couple of days ago showing how our spring is progressing. Took a scenic drive through the Qu'appelle valley along the shore of Echo Lake. Ice fishing huts were still out at the time but today is supposed to be the day they bring them in off the ice.
[video=youtube;OVydCZNm_9w]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVydCZNm_9w[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 15, 2015, 08:27:38 PM
Wind up Victrola?

We had one too, in an upstairs room.  The song I remember most on it from my early childhood was "Yes, We Have No Bananas", we have no bananas today.  Some of the other records we had won't come to mind right now.  Oh, can't forget Barney Google -- with the goo goo google ee eye. Actually, I must still be a kid because:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]831[/ATTACH]    [ATTACH=CONFIG]833[/ATTACH]

I still have one.

I ran across an interesting vidio on u tube by accident today.  the Grandpa brings to mind several kind older men I have known during my lifetime.  I have posted the link on another sight but will post it here too in case some might enjoy it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ci1QciYTKs

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Alan Riley on March 15, 2015, 09:33:58 PM
That Victrola looks to be in great shape, Charlie.  I still have the one that I referred to in my previous post but it's in poor shape.  It was made by the World Phonograph Company, in Chicago.  It had belonged to a granddaddy of mine who died in 1942, two years before I was born. My mother had it stored in her garage and when she passed away in 1991, my younger sister took it and stored it in her garage for several years.  Unfortunately, a leak developed in her garage roof and some of the phonograph's veneer was damaged.  Somewhere along the way, the pot metal tone arm got broken as well.  I've had an eBay search going on for years but I haven't been able to find another tone arm like I need.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 20, 2015, 12:35:54 AM
Sunny and mild weather continues here with a little more snow melting every day. Driveway is pretty near dry but my yard is mud and water with a fair bit of snow yet. Less snow as you go south. Temp was in the high 40s in Fort Qu'appelle today as I drove through. The Gopro camera ook this photo showing the Qu'appelle river and only a patch of snow left in the bushes off in the distance.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 20, 2015, 11:48:10 AM
Quote from: RG8800;2630
Sunny and mild weather continues here with a little more snow melting every day. Driveway is pretty near dry but my yard is mud and water with a fair bit of snow yet. Less snow as you go south. Temp was in the high 40s in Fort Qu'appelle today as I drove through. The Gopro camera ook this photo showing the Qu'appelle river and only a patch of snow left in the bushes off in the distance.


We are still running behind on the Spring weather.  Days in the low to mid 30's.  Night before last was down to 12F.  The streams are getting a good chance to handle the thaw water with this slow action.  

A week ago I had to go to Arbies for a fish sandwich fix as they did not sell them the last couple of months of last  year.  Below is what the Canandaigua Outlet looked like at that time.  Still frozen over with snow drifts.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]840[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]841[/ATTACH]

This morning however, well, almost noon, this is the view.  33 degrees, overcast, and some kind of white stuff dropping on everything out there.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]842[/ATTACH]

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 20, 2015, 08:35:49 PM
Sorry guys, don't have any new snow pictures. I did see the remnants of a snow drift on the bank of a creek on the way home from town this morning. I moved my trash burner this afternoon to relocate it and clean up the ashes. The ashes insulated the ground and was a mound of ice under it.

Right or wrong, I signed the contract for a new shop this morning. Decided to go with a Cleary energy series building. Will be 40' x 30' with 10 foot inside clearance with heavy trusses and metal siding and roof. May be sometime in May to get it put up, but will give me some time to get the site ready. Just can't wait to get the little dozer out and tear up some dirt. Will have to go into debt for this project. Hope the bank is friendly.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 22, 2015, 10:21:47 AM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;2634


Right or wrong, I signed the contract for a new shop this morning. Decided to go with a Cleary energy series building. Will be 40' x 30' with 10 foot inside clearance with heavy trusses and metal siding and roof. May be sometime in May to get it put up, but will give me some time to get the site ready. Just can't wait to get the little dozer out and tear up some dirt. Will have to go into debt for this project. Hope the bank is friendly.

Gene

Gene I know you will enjoy that new shed . And likely the only regret you will have is that you did not build it sooner or bigger. I had the 50x64 built back in 2002 and have pretty well filled it up as well as the old steel quonset. I went for the 18 foot walls just in case I got a newer (higher) combine. Seems to me the final figure on the big straight wall was around $22,000 but I know steel prices have changed a little since then. I did all the ground prep myself hauling for days with the Loadstar truck and little Massey front end loader to level. Had to bring it up about 4 feet at the NW corner.
We are back to winter here with wild winds blowing new snow around. I got busy yesterday morning before the snow hit and got the Merc backed into the work shop. Like shutting the barn door after the horse is out I guess but ...
[ATTACH=CONFIG]843[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 24, 2015, 02:37:47 PM
Back to winter here in Sask. Had a little snow over the weekend but today it is really dumping the snow on us. Temp is staying up in the high 20s but it is not a good day to be on the roads. I took this picture at noon today showing the conditions. Snow beating down on my grandfather's homestead shack and the McCormick Deering.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 26, 2015, 01:32:01 PM
Ohio had a brief winter on Monday evening with 3 inches of snow, but Tuesday's bright sunshine and warmer temps melted most of it and Wednesday with 55 degrees finished the melting.

Got my neighbor's 6 foot tiller on Sunday and on Monday adapted the 3 point hitch to fit my 700. Finished putting that together outside in heavy snow, but got it finished. Tuesday evening I gave the tiller a try and worked up the building site so I can level it off. Won't need any extra dirt to level it off. Have a slight rise on the south end that I will knock down to fill the lower north end. The hill would block drainage and by lowering that, the water will have good drainage as the ground slopes to the south across the lawn. Tractor and tiller worked well together, though the ground was a little wet and got good penetration.

Have a picture of the site.[ATTACH=CONFIG]845[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 26, 2015, 03:15:08 PM
The site looks pretty level Gene. I thought you might post a picture of the tiller too as I expect it is a little different than what we used to call a tiller.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Indiana Robinson aka farmer on March 26, 2015, 07:38:29 PM
I figured that was where you would put it Gene. :)
It's easier to visualize when you have been someplace before.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 27, 2015, 12:13:08 PM
Took some pictures of the 3 point tiller. Some call them roto-tiller and Howard company built a larger machine called a rotovator. Have to run them slow to do a good. 1st gear on the 700 was just barely slow enough to run it and had to do some clutching in heavy load.

Farmer knows the building site. When he saw it, it was covered with Cub tractors.[ATTACH=CONFIG]847[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]848[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]849[/ATTACH]

Ralph, the site has about 1 foot fall, high to south. Will pull the dirt to north and east from the high part. Need to have that lower for water drainoff. Will lower the west side out from the building so water runs away away from building
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 28, 2015, 01:40:30 AM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;2644
Took some pictures of the 3 point tiller. Some call them roto-tiller and Howard company built a larger machine called a rotovator. Have to run them slow to do a good. 1st gear on the 700 was just barely slow enough to run it and had to do some clutching in heavy load.

Ralph, the site has about 1 foot fall, high to south. Will pull the dirt to north and east from the high part. Need to have that lower for water drainoff. Will lower the west side out from the building so water runs away away from building


Gene, that makes sense. My brother has a smiliar roto tiller on the back of his Kubota 18 hp diesel. The hydrostatic drive is ideal for this as it can slow right down to a crawl if necessary.
Weather update: the sun came out and we hit 40 degrees today so the wet snow is melting some and making lots of mud and water everywhere. Had a calf born this afternoon in one of the few relatively dry spots left on the farm. Going to need lots of straw. More rain predicted tomorrow.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 28, 2015, 07:35:38 AM
Pretty new arrival you have there Ralph. Proud mama keeping her eye on you. Always liked the new arrivals, well maybe not the sheep.

Looks like you are finally getting some better temperatures. Maybe finally get some dry bare ground. You are at 30 degrees this morning, Charlie is 32 and snow and here in Ohio we have 13 degrees. Keeps the mud at bay. forecast for warmer by mid week.  March came in like a lion and the lion has not left us yet. Lamb needs to get here by Tuesday.

Worked in the barn yesterday trying to block some of the sparrow nesting spots. Hope I can discourage them from building their nests. Was a place to work out of the cold wind.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 28, 2015, 11:48:58 AM
No 32 here, Gene.  At 7:30 this AM we were at 18.  Now to 21 and that is all we are going to today.  Two to three inches of new white fluff with an uncomfortable wind.  Light snow still earlier but occasional sun now.  Even the kitties that like it outside and hiding in the cellar way now.  They ventured out twice, then turned around and came right back in. I have to go out later.  Today is the day milk is on sale for $1.19 per 1/2 gallon at the store.  As an older lady commented down at the store a few weeks ago on a Saturday, "Today is the day we milk the cow.  

I sure need some good weather.  Enoough of this forever winter.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 29, 2015, 02:00:50 AM
Quote from: Charlie V;2647
No 32 here, Gene.  At 7:30 this AM we were at 18.  Now to 21 and that is all we are going to today.  Two to three inches of new white fluff with an uncomfortable wind.  Light snow still earlier but occasional sun now.  Even the kitties that like it outside and hiding in the cellar way now.  They ventured out twice, then turned around and came right back in. I have to go out later.  Today is the day milk is on sale for $1.19 per 1/2 gallon at the store.  As an older lady commented down at the store a few weeks ago on a Saturday, "Today is the day we milk the cow.  

I sure need some good weather.  Enoough of this forever winter.

Charlie

I don't think it is often we are warmer here in Sask. than  either Gene or Charlie but today was. Did not even freeze last night I got out early this morning to put a bale of bedding straw in the cattle shelter thinking the ground might be frozen. It was not but a few inches down still was frozen solid so not problems getting stuck. I think I saw 50 degrees this afternoon but then a cold rain started up. We don't need it but at least its not snow.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 29, 2015, 08:57:01 AM
Charlie, I sure missed the temperature there. Need to reread my posts.

Ralph, glad you are getting some warmer temps. We never made it above freezing Saturday and 26 this morning with promise of warmer temperatures this week. Spent yesterday morning blocking some more of the starlings nesting areas. Couple areas on the house they were nesting, so closed them off. Probably have a lot of upset birds. Been seeing more robins the last couple days than I have ever seen. Probably 40 to 50 all around the yard and hay field. Was a sight to see for sure. Wonder if the night crawlers are coming up through the frozen ground?

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on March 29, 2015, 11:55:15 AM
Could be the crawlers, Gene.  On the other hand, it might be a migrating flock just on stop over for R and R.  One year during deer season in our woods a flock grouped fpr two or three days that had to be several hundred if not a thousand.  They filled about an acre area of woods, every tree, with small bunches moving around and more coming in all the time.  Never saw anything like it before or since with Robins. Did see it one time with starlings and when they left the woods was white with BS. The Robins finally must have got their ducks in order so to speak, and were gone.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 29, 2015, 08:46:43 PM
Charlie You are likely right about the migrating robins. Never seesomo many at one time. Only about 12 or 15 today. Maybe didn't' likey the cold weather and went back south.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on March 31, 2015, 10:48:47 PM
Nice afternoon for outside work, so I made a lot of progress cleaning up an old junk pile near the back of my place.   A weekend or two ago I'd had a fire on top of the pile to burn the old branches, which is what the pile mostly looked like at that time, branches plus a bunch of old bunched-up fence wire and steel fence posts.   After burning all the branches I could see there'd been a big mound of dirt beneath them.  Took the little Kubota out there today and started digging, and it turned out the dirt was really nice topsoil, although it was heavily sprinkled with old osage orange branches, fence posts, bits of fence wire, a couple of tires, and a tree that grew horizontally out of one side (like it had been pushed over horizontal when very young) and then turned vertical.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]851[/ATTACH]

After a couple of hours I had most of the pile separated, with the topsoil in a new pile waiting to be hauled off to my front yard where I needed it for some lawn repairs.  In the photo above you can see the biggest osage log leaning up against what remains of the pile--I just shoved it out of the way rather than hauling it to the separate wood pile since it was so heavy.

That spot is a good walk from the house and barns, and I made the walk several times.  I was by myself today so had to walk back to get the Super M and wagon when I was ready to start hauling the dirt away, and then after hauling two wagon loads I had to walk back out there to retrieve the Kubota.

On the way back in with the Kubota I thought I'd use the bucket to back-blade some deep muddy ruts I'd made with the 620 a few weeks ago.  Promptly got the thing stuck, and the Super M was still hitched to the loaded wagon and parked out by the house, so I walked back to the barn and got the 620 to pull the Kubota out.   Then put the 620 away and walked back to get the Kubota, and by then I'd learned my lesson and left the muddy ruts for some future and drier day.

Unloading that wagon with my trusty scoop shovel took longer than loading it with the Kubota, but as my fiancee likes to tell me it "keeps me off of Hell Road."  All in all a nice day.

Dean Vinson
Saint Paris, Ohio
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 31, 2015, 11:08:00 PM
Quote from: vinsond;2652
Nice afternoon for outside work, so I made a lot of progress cleaning up an old junk pile near the back of my place.  


On the way back in with the Kubota I thought I'd use the bucket to back-blade some deep muddy ruts I'd made with the 620 a few weeks ago.  Promptly got the thing stuck, and the Super M was still hitched to the loaded wagon and parked out by the house, so I walked back to the barn and got the 620 to pull the Kubota out.   Then put the 620 away and walked back to get the Kubota, and by then I'd learned my lesson and left the muddy ruts for some future and drier day.

Unloading that wagon with my trusty scoop shovel took longer than loading it with the Kubota, but as my fiancee likes to tell me it "keeps me off of Hell Road."  All in all a nice day.

Dean Vinson
Saint Paris, Ohio

Dean, sounds like a good working day you had. I've been stuck a time or two with the old Massey Super 90 but as long as it has the bucket on the front end loader I can usually use that to push or pull myself out. This pic from a few year ago was an exception as the ground was so wet I sunk to the front axle and only had the bale fork on so could not use it to push back. Lucky it was just a short walk back for the bigger tractor.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 02, 2015, 11:24:41 AM
Dean, sounds like you have taken advantage of the nice weather. Wednesday was another great day here. Sometimes interesting what you find in old trash piles. Cleaning my woods, I found many old wringer washing machine wringers, I think 27 in all, along with metal tubs and old fence wire. Old rusty wire is hard to handle, but with the intense heat of a brush fire the wire was annealed so it was easy to push it into balls with the dozer and load on the trailer with the loader. Woods had been used as a dump for generations and hauled out 3 16 foot trailer loads to scrap yard. When I bought the place, it was impossible to walk through the woods. Now I can go anywhere with tractor and even mow it with lawnmower.

I imagine that with the warm weather and thawing that Ralph has an ample number of places to get stuck if not careful.

Had big plans for today. Started out replacing burned out bulb in truck turn signal. Didn't have the right bulb so went to town to get one and a roll of plastic sheet. Building site was getting dry enough to finally get on it with tractor. I tilled it up again yesterday and planned to level if down some and cover it with the plastic sheet to try to keep it dry. Just as I came out of Lowe's it started sprinkling. Had heavy rain on the way home, so ended the plans for leveling the ground. Did get the truck lights replaced though. When I left for town, had bright sunshine and clear skies. That all changed before I got home. Had a pretty red sunrise though.

Amish neighbors started working ground yesterday to plant oats. Don't know if and got planted. Surely too wet to plant today. Time is getting short to plant them here now. Later planting runs the risk of being overtaken by weeds.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 02, 2015, 02:25:33 PM
Gene I guess you are doing a real clean up on your place. Too wet to do much here . Even with the trike I have to stick to the grassland as the fields are pure mud and still melting snow. Culverts running pretty good yesterday but today it is all over. Down to 20 degrees with snow and high wind this morning so it is not very inspiring to do anything outside. We are probably a month away from planting anything. Maybe a row of early potatos in the garden if I'm feeling ambitious.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on April 02, 2015, 08:19:43 PM
Hi Gene, yes, it was mighty nice out earlier this week, and looks good for the weekend also.  I have a long list of inside-the-house projects also but on a nice spring day it's sure more fun to go work on the outside jobs.

Ralph, good photo of your Massey stuck in the mud.  I'd tried to use the Kubota's bucket to get myself unstuck but didn't have enough hydraulic power, and even with four-wheel drive and differential lock and the loader bucket lifting and pushing I couldn't back out.  That little tractor is right handy but I guess it does have its limits.

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 06, 2015, 12:49:30 PM
Had a pretty nice early spring week end. A little windy, but ample sunshine to make a good day for some outside work.

Friday, I moved some tractors and machinery around to their permanent homes. Pushed the airplane outside to be able to park the baler. Airplane needed washed and as the rain started, I put on my rain coat and got my long handled window brush and with a bucket of water, I was able to get it pretty well cleaned and the heavier rain rinsed it off really nice. Just had to spot clean a few areas. Looks nice now. Planning to offer it for sale soon.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]854[/ATTACH]

Sunday's weather was really nice after a cool morning, Got to low 60's with sunshine all day. Cleaned up some limbs and tree trimmings and hauled them back to the woods. Then got the 430 out and have the tiller on it now. Hydraulic oil was low and transmission was over full, sure sign it has a leaking 3-point cylinder seal. Drained 3.5 gallons out of the transmission and added 2 gallons of that to the hydraulic. All set to go again. Got the little motorcycle out this morning and after draining and replacing the gas, it started right up.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]855[/ATTACH]

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on April 06, 2015, 11:28:14 PM
Wow, Gene, you sure know your way around a variety of machines!

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 07, 2015, 10:44:01 AM
Gene, had no idea you had a "two wheeler" as well. We actually had some biking weather here the past couple of days but this morning it is snowing again. Easter Sunday was sunny and quiet although barely up to the thawing point. So I went out and too a few pictures including this one of my great uncle's barn built in 1924. Wish it was in my yard.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 07, 2015, 06:20:32 PM
Ralph, that is a nice classic barn. Does it have the pigeon tail on the other end? So many of those barns around here Have been neglected and roofing has blown away and rafters rotted away. Not many farmers here have a use for this type of barn now. Amish I hauled metal for, did a lot of work on these old barns to give them some some more life.

Yes, I have had the 2 wheeler for 7 years. Has a total of 241 miles. Haven't ridden it much. The seat was uncomfortable and back end of it sat too low and felt like I could slip off the back. I pulled the seat off yesterday and made a wedge to tip it up some. Think it will be better now.

Rain started here yesterday evening with thunder showers early am. Just sporadic light showers all day. Probably had less than 1/2 inch of rain. Did a few small jobs between showers, finally just did some shop jobs. Just when it was starting to dry up some.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 07, 2015, 09:12:30 PM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;2660
Ralph, that is a nice classic barn. Does it have the pigeon tail on the other end? So many of those barns around here Have been neglected and roofing has blown away and rafters rotted away. Not many farmers here have a use for this type of barn now. Amish I hauled metal for, did a lot of work on these old barns to give them some some more life.
Just when it was starting to dry up some.

Gene

Gene, I need the Amish here to fix up the old barn. Unfortunately I don't own the land it sits on as it was sold in the 1940s while my dad was in the army. It has not been used in years and has had pieces salvaged off it weakening the structure. At this point I don't know which one of us will last the longest. It is getting a bit of a lean and bulge in places.
Here is a photo of when it was new in the 1920s with great Uncle Jack standing in front. Before the lean was built on the side.
I do have the original blue prints if I want to build a new one like it in my yard though. :D
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 10, 2015, 02:25:31 AM
A really nice spring day in Sask. for a change. Only in the high 40s but sunshine and blue sky were great. Got the old Merc out of the shed for it's first run in about 35 years.
[video=youtube;cWL05ElMeWM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWL05ElMeWM[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 11, 2015, 10:25:21 AM
Took a few pictures this morning in case you guys have forgotten what GREEN looks like. Looks like I will have to be mowing grass soon.

Been windy here last couple of days. Was really howling when I went to bed at 10:00pm last night. Have more tree limbs to pick up in the yard again.

Gene[ATTACH=CONFIG]858[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]859[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]860[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 12, 2015, 11:34:37 AM
I ventured out on 4-6 and did all of the clean up / raking that I will have to do. 57degrees when I started and 44 degrees two or three hours later when I finished.  Cool, windy, and rainy most o last week.  Finally a break today though.  34 degrees at daylight but up up 57 a while ago.  Finally!  No growing grass yet but two days ago my last patch of snow behind the deck finally vanished.  The last day or so I have noticed a faint green hue across the lawn so today's warm sun will probably flip the switch for growth.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 12, 2015, 08:55:19 PM
Turning green here too as of today as I noticed some grass in the yard showing new growth. Amazing warm weather yesterday. We were out for a trail ride/field inspection and it was warm riding. Must have been up around 70 and that is warm for this time of April. Fields are still mud but I can get around on the trike if I'm careful and take a good run at the worst spots. There was still ice on the suface behind this beaver dam we walked across. Too many beavers and too much water again. I've spent a lot of time and energy opening up a dam near my yard but every day they have it rebuilt.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Ron Cook on April 14, 2015, 01:44:07 AM
My nephews planted 90 acres of corn today.  That was all the ground that was dry enough to go.  My place is 8 miles south of them and we got a rain Sunday night of maybe a half inch.  No planting going on around me.  I have not even had a chance to plant my potatoes.  I would have done that Sunday had I had the spuds ready, but I did not.  It seems like it is always close to May before I get that done anyway, and the potatoes don't seem to mind.

Ron
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 14, 2015, 10:22:18 AM
Ron , it is still way early for planting anything here. I usually try to get a few early potatoes in the ground by the last week of April but I will plant right up to the end of May depending on conditions. Warming up but we still have a lot of drying to do in the fields. Yards improving and the driveway is good on the surface although with the frost coming out it won't handle heavy loads well.
Did a 35 year oil change on the 52 Merc's engine yesterday and took a photo to compare with another shot from 1962.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 14, 2015, 10:19:33 PM
Ralph,

If you keep wasting oil that way you might cause an energy crisis.  Should stay to a fifty year oil change interval.  :rolleyes:

83 degrees here yesterday pm with light wind and very low humidity.  What a perfect day.  Got some batteries back in and things rolling again. Thought one multi use battery might have gone west.  It sat in the Farmall M unattended since last summer and it is a year 2004 battery of the Walmart brand.  Guess I got lucky.  It tested 12.6 V before charge and seemed to accept a charge fine.  Next time out I will put it back in the old JD 316 to be ready for lawn rolling when the ground dries a little more.  Grass is surely growing now and the few areas that were yellowed off from being under the deepest snow piles have greened right over.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 16, 2015, 11:46:02 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;2668
Ralph,

If you keep wasting oil that way you might cause an energy crisis.  Should stay to a fifty year oil change interval.  :rolleyes:

83 degrees here yesterday pm with light wind and very low humidity.

Charlie V.

I did even worse today Charlie. Changed the transmission oil in the 39 Ford and I don't think I had hardly driven it since I changed the oil last fall. I read over winter that GL5 oil is harmful for older transmissions that have bronze or "yellow metal" in them as something in GL5 will corrode bronze. So I got some "MP gear oil, 80w90, which is rated as ok for older transmissions. Ready for the first spring drive now.
I even worked a little ground today. Got the roto tiller out and worked the higher ground in the garden. The lower side was still a bit muddy but this is early for garden work here.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 18, 2015, 06:11:35 AM
Looks like clear skies and warmer temps seem to common for all of us. Temps here in Ohio yesterday was mid 70's. Been doing some lawn rolling to try to smooth out some of the damage done by the moles and skunks. Really getting behind on maintaining. Started mowing grass yesterday. Always dread starting that first time.

Was able to get the tiller through my sweet corn ground. It is drying out nicely. Getting about time to start planting that for the family reunion.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 18, 2015, 08:04:33 PM
No grass cutting here yet Gene but I did roto till the high end of my garden to warm up and dry out the soil in case I want to get a row of early potatoes in the last week of April. Still kind of cool standing out in the wind today in the 50s at a consignment auction sale. Watched this little McCormick W4 sell at $700 which was probably a fair deal as it started and ran well.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 21, 2015, 03:31:21 PM
The W-4 is a cute little tractor. Not many W series in this part of the country. Probably more w-9"s and WD-9's. See an occasional 4 or 6 at tractor shows. Mostly trucked in from out west.

Winds here have been pretty brutal since Sunday. Only light rain but constant strong winds. Steady winds today of 30 MPH with gusts to 45 to 50 MPH. Really have to hold on to your hat and be especially careful when opening any doors.

Made a trip to south of Washington Court House, Ohio on Saturday morning. About 85 miles each way. Picked up a lawn roller. Some field work was being done with applications of NH3 and dry spreaders. Saw a few corn planters working around the Urbana/West Liberty area. Dark sandy soil there dries quicker and warms quicker and this area is always the first ground to be planted in this area. Lots of big tractors working the fields. Seems a 24 row planter is the norm here now. Rained on Sunday and Monday, so field work is on hold.

Got the lawn spread with insecticide to try to rid the lawn of grubs and ants. Got that spread then got the pull behind sprayer to spray the lawn weeds. Filled it with water and it would not prime. Worked with that a while and finally started pumping, so added the herbicide  and thought I was ready to spray. Started across the lawn and noticed the right tire on the sprayer was flat. Wouldn't take air so pulled the wheel off and took it into the shop. After cleaning out all the stop leak leak goop and wire brushing the wheel, I was finally able to remount the wheel. While I was fixing these problems, The wind started blowing too strong to spray, so had to call it a day.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 22, 2015, 12:00:46 PM
Weather here in WNY is nothing to write home about either, Gene.  I rolled all of the lawn that was dry enough several days ago.  With scattered rain and cold winds holding temp. down, all is on hold for the time being.  So, what to do for fun??????  Not much.  A lady in Attica NY (South of Batavia) is accused of murdering her husband the other day.  Then she loaded him onto a forklift and dumped his body in a compost pit some 300 yards from the house.  His hands were tied behind his back.  He was over six feet tall and said to be a gentle giant.  The pit also contained fresh manure.  After a son reported Dad missing. The lady saddled up her horse and spent seven hours searching the farm while police looked elsewhere.  Two neighbors eventually probed the compost pit and found the poor guy.  Sure makes me wonder what goes on in peoples heads.

That is about all I know.  Guess I will just continue cooking meals and making cookies for now.

Charlie V
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 29, 2015, 01:08:47 AM
Even though I have lived here all my life sometimes the sudden changes in weather are amazing. The weekend was so cold and miserable that i was having a hard time keeping warm in the workshop wearing a parka. Today it was up to 73 and I was riding the open Cockshutt 40 baling some flax straw. Still plenty of dangerous muddy parts of the field and the baler left some ruts. The old 40 managed to get the job done without getting stuck.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 29, 2015, 01:25:32 PM
Has been typical March weather in Ohio. Cold mornings with freeze and frost and warming to 50's and 60's like it should have been last month. Pretty strong winds last week, but finally settled down last Friday. Had rain at Portland for work day on Saturday. Got a few trees down and cleaned up , but was cold and wet. Will have to schedule more time this fall to finish them.

P[ATTACH=CONFIG]867[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]868[/ATTACH]lanted some sweet corn on Monday. Ground was still a little wet and cold, so covered some of it with black plastic to help warm the soil and get a good start so it is ready for the family reunion at end of July.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 30, 2015, 03:06:39 PM
Gene, you are getting an early start on the garden. Or at least it would be here. I put in a short row of blue potatoes a few days ago just so I have a few early ones. The rest might go up to a month later. We have had some decent drying weather and the parts of the garden I have worked are dry on the surface.
Had the last calf of 2015 born just the other day. Here is a photo.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on May 03, 2015, 12:44:58 PM
Ralph, great photo of your 40 in the field--what an iconic scene.

Gene, Tracy has been working in the garden here and that scene with the black plastic looks mighty familiar to me.  She'll work on it some more this afternoon--even has some blue potatoes to plant.

I've been cleaning up the orchard--there were several good-sized apple trees that hadn't been tended in many years and were all overgrown with weed trees and briars and honeysuckle, and a few of the apple trees had split down low and halfway fallen over.   At the far end of the orchard there was a long-buried junkpile with a young walnut tree growing out of one end of it.  A few long days with the chainsaw, the little Kubota with loader, and a bonfire, and the place is looking much better.   The apple trees are mostly cleaned up although I still need to finish up the two trees that had split.  The junkpile is gone and I think I managed to save the walnut tree.  This morning, after I'd hauled the last of the assorted non-burnable junk out of the pile and set the last soggy wooden scraps on the remains of the bonfire, I needed the 620 and rear blade to smooth out the dirt where the junkpile had been.   I suppose back-blading with the Kubota bucket would have gotten the job done also, although more slowly and not as much fun.  :)

[ATTACH=CONFIG]870[/ATTACH]  [ATTACH=CONFIG]871[/ATTACH]

By way of comparison, this video from July of last year shows my first passes with the brushhog counter-clockwise around the same row of apple trees shown in the first photo above.

[video]https://youtu.be/uV3JIfSzSPk[/video]

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 04, 2015, 06:24:53 AM
Dean, you are sure making a big difference in the place. I need to get there and see first hand what you have accomplished. Sure is a nice property. Seems what few flowers on my place are giving up due to neglect.

Been taking advantage of the nice weather. Neighbor has about 140 acre farm he has enrolled in the wetlands and conservation easement program. Have needed to work some of the ground to prepare for shrubbery planting and grass planting. Started Wednesday with the Case 700 and disc and got the ground opened up. Area that was in cropland worked good with the disc, but the established grass, the disc only sliced through the sod and not turn it under. Still had his tiller on the Case 430, so took that over and did a great job working that all down and now ready to plant. Next I took the 970 and 18 foot harrogator and worked around the wetland ponds and worked areas. Finished all that up Friday afternoon.

Brought all the equipment home on Friday and started my soybean ground. Worked Saturday and Sunday and have that well under way to likely get planted by week's end.

Took a peek last evening under the black plastic sheet at the sweet corn. Dug a couple grains that were sprouting very nicely. Will remove the plastic today as temperatures are forecast to be in high 70's to low 80's for rest of the week.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 04, 2015, 10:53:37 PM
You men in Ohio have it going on, without a doubt.  Here I have seen some ground being fitted just in the last four or five days.  Have my green ground all rolled and did most of the first mowing yesterday.  Finished this afternoon as we were getting a sprinkle periodically.  Did not really want to start that bad habit but in some areas was cutting a steady four inches or so.  Some just wanting to clump as it came from under the deck.  Slightly unusual to not have any wet spots to work around this early in the year.  hope it continues that way.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on May 10, 2015, 01:32:07 AM
Been quite a busy week here as I have gone from harvesting flax to anhydrousing ground. It probably took more time and effort to harvest that bit of flax than it is worth but at least the field is cleaned up and ready to plant. Nice weather at times and then one day almost snow. Had the heater going sometimes and sometimes the AC depending on the day. There are a few air drills running here and the ground is improving. Roads are taking a beating from the frost boils and heavy truck loads of fertilizer. Frost overnight so its just as well those early potatoes have not come up yet.
Here is a trail cam shot of me hauling an old hay rake with the Massey. Might make a historic lawn ornament out of it.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 10, 2015, 11:09:37 AM
Sad to say, the bottom part of the wheels rusted off the old dump rake I used to ride as a kid, Ralph.  They keep your feet and one arm busy when pulled with a tractor instead of a horse even if no lines are involved.  This is the side delivery rake Dad bought to replace the old dump rake.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]873[/ATTACH]

Here is a peek at my lawn rollong.

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Weather has been a little warm here for a few days.

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Pushes the blossoms out overnight.

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Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 12, 2015, 10:27:45 AM
Guess I better get caught up here. Weather last week was warm and dry with temps in the 80's through this past Sunday when rain moved in overnight Sunday with about 3/4 inch for a good soaking. I was able to get my ground all worked last week and planted the soybeans on Thursday and Friday. Conditions were good and the ground worked up nice and mellow. Had good moisture in the seed Zone so with this week's rain, should have good germination. Sweet corn is growing and can still a little difference in the corn that was covered.

Weather has turned cold today after yesterday's storms and rain showers. Weather service was reporting severe storms both north and south of us, but they missed us with only a couple light showers. Highs for this week forecast in the 60's and lows in the 40's, so a big drop in the temps. I will be going to Portland, Indiana for the spring swap meet the rest of the week. Can always expect a change in weather for that. I have to go a day early as a director to help people get into the grounds and try to keep things organized.

Apple trees here are full of blooms, so likely be a good crop again this year. Very few apples last year. Cherry tree bloomed a couple weeks ago, but suffered 2 nights of frost, so may have been damaged.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on May 17, 2015, 02:39:24 PM
Any blooms on the trees here are going to take a beating tonight. It was bad enough this morning at 32F and a cold North wind blowing but they say tonight will be well below freezing. We have had some nice days but today is just off the scale for miserable. My hands were hurting from the cold working outside on the tractor this morning so I finally went out rock picking with the heater turned on in the 2090. Pretty ridiculous for May 17 but that is Sask. weather for you. The trail cam took a whole series of pictures of me filling up the seed tank the other day when I started seeding. Here is one.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 18, 2015, 10:56:21 AM
Well Ralph, how did you make out with the freeze last night.  Hope you did not loose too much.  We were down to 34 a few nights ago.  In spite of frost warnings I only saw frost out in open areas of lawn away from the house.  I had some concern for some Hostas that I set out late last summer because they are coming so good.  No problem.  However, last night at 60 degrees the lousy deer ate all of the leaves from some of them.  If it aint one thing it is another.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 20, 2015, 09:46:20 AM
Wow, looks like Ralph is the warm spot this morning. Charlie and I are in the low 40's and Ralph in the 50's.

attended the Tri-State swap meet last week. First 2 days were chilly with night temps in the 40's and electric heater was welcome in the motor home was welcome with day temps in low 60's. Thursday started warming up a little then light rain on Friday morning then to 70's in the afternoon. Saturday was mostly rain, so was pretty much a washout. Got some good buys with a $10.00 Pioneer chain saw and $600.00 Atlas lathe and a few miscellaneous tools.

Got home Saturday evening with 1.3 inches of rain in the gauge. Soybeans had gotten off to a nice start and sweet corn looking good. Grass growing out of control in the lawn. Finally got caught up with the mowing yesterday evening.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on May 21, 2015, 01:12:26 AM
Yes, the weather has turned around being warmer up North than in the South. Not sure what the high was today but it felt plenty warm when I was outside the cab working. We have had a good dry spell with non stop field work. I don't know if it actually froze overnight here but they forecast frost warnings. It did not seem to hurt these pin cherry blossoms in the field where I was working yesterday.
Gene, I have not even done the first cutting on my "lawn" yet. Field work takes priority and I have no time to spare. The dandelions look nice.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on May 22, 2015, 09:40:39 PM
Hello, gents, glad to take a few minutes and read through the recent posts and catch up.  Time sure zips past.  

I spent pretty much the whole day today working on the lawn in front of the house, smoothing and grading and re-seeding a big bare dirt area that had been excavated last fall when I had a new heating and cooling system put in.  I'd done the rough leveling a couple of times already over the past few months, but today was a good opportunity to really finish it off.  Used the 620 and rear blade for a little while, then the Kubota, and then the garden rake.  That last one is hard to beat for the finish work, but right now my back is telling me I'm not 25 anymore.  But it's done except for some watering, hopefully just this weekend since the forecast shows a good chance of rain every day for a week or so after that.

A while ago I'd mentioned cleaning up the row of apple trees in the orchard.  Two of those trees had split and halfway fallen over but were still living, and I'd mostly cleaned them up but had left the main trunks and a few branches for later.   Yesterday was "later," so those stumps are now just about flush with the ground and the burn pile has grown back up a little bit.  Gene, I'd be happy to welcome you (and any other list folks who might be in the area) sometime--I'm really having fun cleaning the place up and would be honored to show it off a little.  

[ATTACH=CONFIG]880[/ATTACH]

I seem to go through chainsaw chains pretty quickly, or at least "sharpenings."  Darn little easy cutting; most of it is either osage orange wood that's hard as a brick or assorted stumps and weed trees that I'm trying to cut down low enough to not be an obstacle even for the finish mower (hard to keep the chain out of the dirt sometimes).   There's a really nice hardware store in Saint Paris, five miles from my house, and they do a good job sharpening the chains.  I bet I've been by there at least once or twice a week for the past couple of months, dropping off one chain and picking up the newly-sharpened other one.  Their chainsaw guy thinks I might have better luck with a carbide chain on the osage orange trees, but I haven't tried one yet.  Am thinking I might get one just for use on cutting the osage logs into firewood length, rather than the general clearing work.

In other news I'm happy to announce that I got married last Saturday.  Tracy has come to tractor shows with me several times so she's met Gene and a few others from the list.  We'd been together for five years and had long known this day would come but were happy to let the planets gradually align.  Very nice indeed to finally get there.  We kept the wedding pretty simple and low-key, which suited both of us fine and made it easy to focus our time on working on this place--which is pretty much what we'd have been doing anyway.  Although it was nice to be able to say "But sweetheart, I have to get the 620 out--we need that back lane to look good in case we take folks on a hayride."  :)

Dean
Saint Paris, Ohio
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on May 23, 2015, 12:01:37 AM
Quote from: vinsond;2689
Hello, gents, glad to take a few minutes and read through the recent posts and catch up.  Time sure zips past.  


In other news I'm happy to announce that I got married last Saturday.  Tracy has come to tractor shows with me several times so she's met Gene and a few others from the list.  We'd been together for five years and had long known this day would come but were happy to let the planets gradually align.  Very nice indeed to finally get there.  We kept the wedding pretty simple and low-key, which suited both of us fine and made it easy to focus our time on working on this place--which is pretty much what we'd have been doing anyway.  Although it was nice to be able to say "But sweetheart, I have to get the 620 out--we need that back lane to look good in case we take folks on a hayride."  :)

Dean
Saint Paris, Ohio

Dean, seems like you have a really nice place there,, and even better, someone to share it with. Congratulations.
I'm still out playing in the mud trying to plant a crop. Nice drying weather and ground conditions are improving although I did get stuck once yesterday with the air seeder.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 23, 2015, 05:02:26 AM
Dean, so glad to hear about the wedding. You are both such great people and deserve the life together. Congratulations to both of you.

I know about the chainsaw chain sharpening. I have always done my own filing and was surprised when I sold a bucket of small scrap with about 10 completely worn out chains. Sure was a lot of filing.

I spent the last 2 days trenching from my old shop to the new shop location to run electric wire and pipe for compressed air for when the new shop is erected. While at it I also ran a telephone wire and coaxial cable from the old shop to eventually have phone and eventually computer access. LP gas line will come later after the building is built. Like Dean the years are telling on my back.

At the Portland swap meet I was able to buy a Pioneer P28 chainsaw for $10.00. Seller had no idea of condition since he had bought it at a yard sale. Took it home and cleaned the spark plug and replaced the old gas. With a few pulls the saw started and ran perfectly. Now have 4 running chainsaws with 3 being Pioneer.

Wapakoneta tractor show is this weekend. I attended on Friday but didn't take a tractor this year. Too much going on this week. Mechanic coming this morning to do annual inspection on the airplane and tonight will attend our high school alumni banquet.

Ralph, hope you can get the crops planted and sprayed. Farmers around here finally got back into the fields on Thursday after last week's rains. Still plenty time to get planted as most are planting soybeans now. Early planted corn is coming along fine even with cooler temps this week. One night with frost scare when temp was down to 37 degrees, but brisk wind prevented any frost.

Hope all have a great weekend.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 25, 2015, 12:17:15 PM
MEMORIAL DAY, 2015.  Wishing a pleasant day to all.  Dean, congratulations on your marriage.  May you and Tracy enjoy this day and many Memorial days to come.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on May 30, 2015, 01:43:22 PM
Thanks very much, everyone!

Beautiful outside today although rain is forecast for later on, so I've been out trimming some more trees.  Pretty much a never-ending task.  Thought the view from the ladder was pretty nice and happened to have my cell phone with me, so took this photo.

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Dean
Saint Paris, Ohio
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on June 02, 2015, 10:20:02 AM
Dean, you called it right on the rain. Got about 1 1/2 inches from the Saturday afternoon and Sunday rains. Got rained out mowing grass Saturday when I ran out of gas on the airstrip. Had to go to station to get more gas and was caught in heavy rain before I got home. Drove straight out to the mower and put enough gas in it to get back to the barn in the rain. Waited for a lull in the rain and walked out and got the Jeep, all the while soaking wet.

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Got the material today for my new shop. Looks like it will be erected next week looking forward to that.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on June 03, 2015, 07:05:09 AM
Gene, I bet that'll be a very nice shop indeed.

The rains weren't quite as heavy down here but there were some powerful (but brief) storms Saturday night.  Sunday morning we noticed a couple of big trees by the side of the road just a little ways away from here that had been hit by lightning and split.  Pretty sobering to contemplate the sheer force it would take to tear a tree in half like that.

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 04, 2015, 03:26:32 PM
Only a half inch of rain here on Monday but it was a welcome rain. Maybe too late for a good hay crop as it was the first significant rain of the season.
Gene, that new shed is going to be a lot of fun to fill up. Now you just need one of these $24,000 Case eagles to set out front. I didn't know the original cast iron ones were worth that much but that is what one sold for at a farm auction here in Sask. yesterday.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on June 05, 2015, 09:30:51 AM
Ralph, I had heard of some of those selling for prices, around $14,000 to $15,000, but $24,000 must be a new record. Had to be at least 2 bidders who wanted badly to take it home.

Rainy spell finally ended on Monday and warming spell made for good hay curing. I had mowed about 2/3 of my field last Tuesday and finally baled it yesterday, Thursday. Got 198 bales of mostly alfalfa that was still in fairly good shape. Mowed the rest of the field on Wednesday and favorably weather may be able to bale it Saturday.

Looking forward to getting the new shop. Will try to not fill it too full to not have room to work. Will still use the old shop for welding and some machine work. Try to keep most of the dirty jobs there.

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Pictures of my Case 700 tractor, Case 200 baler and Case wagon.

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And the sweet corn patch.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 08, 2015, 11:12:14 PM
You are right on top of things Gene with the haying and gardening. It is a bit early yet here for haying and with the lack of rain we don't expect it to be a big crop of hay. Temp hit 85 today, hottest day yet this year. I took the 52 Merc out for a short spin as it had been sitting in the shed for quite a while and I thought it needed a little exercise. :-)
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on June 12, 2015, 11:44:48 PM
My small hayfield just produced its first cutting, thanks to the efforts of a hardworking young kid who lives a mile or so down the road.  Only about 20 years old, studying agriculture, working full time when school's not in session, and has a hay business on the side to bale for people in return for half of the hay (which I have to say doesn't seem like a very big payoff for everything he puts into it).  Shifting weather forecasts and balky equipment didn't make it easy this past week but he pulled it off, and the hay looks, feels, and smells good and it was all in the barn prior to today's thunderstorms.

Wednesday evening he'd raked the main field and started to bale by the time I got home from work, but that left the little meadow by the orchard and the little triangle of land out by the waterway from the neighbor's field still to be raked--which made a nice task for the Super M.   I took the camera along and got some bouncy hand-held video.  

[video=youtube;4ooxR2kZZdw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ooxR2kZZdw[/video]

Dean
Saint Paris, Ohio
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on June 19, 2015, 07:32:39 PM
Rain, rain and more rain. North western Ohio is totally under water. Have many roads closed due to high water. Has rained almost every day since last Friday. Wednesday had 6 inches from 5:00am to noon. Roads flooded in city of Lima with no highway open into or out of the city. Indian Lake area north of me is totally flooded. Went to Lakeview hardware this afternoon and parking lot for hardware and grocery store was completely under water. Parked in back of store and entered through service door. Had to drive through standing water to get to the back door.

Have some pictures of my front field and water over the road. Lost some more of my new gravel, but still passable.

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Building crew was here on Tuesday to start erecting my new shop, but was too wet to work. Only getting worse each day with more rain. Soybeans need spraying, but no chance of that till water dries up. warm weather has left with a high today of 67 degrees and more morning rain. Wish I could send some to Ralph to help his hay crop. My second cutting is growing very fast and lots of alfalfa. I have a neighbor about 2 miles east of me that i usually make hay off of 5 acres. I cut it last Friday and has rained almost every day since. Our total for this week is near 10 inches, so not likely the hay will be baled.

Haven't heard from Charlie lately. Hope he is doing well in New York.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 20, 2015, 08:49:01 AM
Dean, the old M sounds pretty good on the hay rake. I won't see a good hay crop like that here this year. No significant rain lately. I guess Gene is getting our rain and more than he wants right now. The irony is that they are setting up pumps here to pump out the areas where the roads are still flooded from the last few years of high rainfall. Yet the fields beside the floods are beginning to need rain. Just lucky we have not had the high heat like in 1988.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 21, 2015, 10:12:25 PM
Well we did get a couple of tenths out of yesterday and today's showers so that is better than nothing. Still under a severe thunderstorm watch here so there could be more to come. I took this shot of the 39 Ford this afternoon when I had it out for exercise during a sunny break.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on June 22, 2015, 10:58:20 PM
Wonderful photo of the Ford, Ralph!

Gene, as you know I don't live all that far south of you but there's been less rainfall here--a lot compared to normal, with rain almost every day, but not like what you've been facing.  Most fields in the area look fine except for a few low spots, most roads have been unaffected, etc.  And this past Sunday turned out surprisingly nice, contrary to the forecast, with no rain all day and good dry air most of it.  I took advantage of the break to mow the yard around the house and then get out the 620 and brush hog the pastures that I could get to without crossing a creek.  Ground was mighty wet in a few places but manageable and the goats seem to like the freshly-cut pasture.

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on June 23, 2015, 11:05:51 AM
Wet, wet, and wetter here in WNY.  Thank you for thinking of me, Gene.  I am just sort of struggling along here.  Keeping the house going but not much out of doors.  You are by far the high water champion here on the forum, but at least half of my ground has standing water on the surface most of the time.  Just have to wait for a small window to mow a bit of grass here or there.  Managed to do a good part of it last evening without messing up too much mud.  Had to leave half of what I call my back lot due to standing water there.  Knew more storms were expected during last night so did what I could.  A storm came through around 5 AM and dropped another 4/10 of an inch.  Some of the storms earlier on last week dropped 2 inches in 45 minutes.  Clay soil does not take that well.  The corn I see varies from just sprouted to knee high.  Wheat and oats are looking great with some yellowing on the wheat.  Hope it dries enough to get combines in the fields by about third week in July.  The fact that much acreage has underground drainage these days has to be a super benefit at times like this.  Those installations were money well spent.  Some towns in the area that are not set up to handle rains this heavy have had serious flood damage.  Luckily, not ours, but the falls downtown spend a lot of time raging like spring flood time.

I saw Ralph's new video blowing flax seed into some pretty wet soil.  Hope the weather cooperates to make it grow well.  Good luck to Gene for getting weather to finish the shop.  The worm has to turn at some point.  Dean must be in the chosen spot and enjoying himself.  That is good and a sign that he lives right.  

As for me, I went back to using my two canes wow or three days during the last two weeks.  Took a while to remember where they wee stored away but I found them.  This wet weather and inactivity doesn't do my body and favors.  If anyone ever tells you that hip replacement takes away all the pain, as I was told many times, tell them I said they are full of mud or something like that.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 24, 2015, 01:05:53 AM
Charlie, thats no fun living and working with pain. I seem to deal with back pain most days, some more than others like today. Hope you get a break from it. Your rain is like we had last year. That was actually oats I was seeding in the mud in the video although the flax went into pretty wet ground too. Last I saw it was looking very good. With a little luck I will have some blue fields in July.
Got blooms on the first potatoes already so there should be some new ones soon. I cut a little hay today which might just make it rain. The hay crop will not be great as we got no good spring rains.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 29, 2015, 03:22:52 PM
They say a change is as good as a rest so we have a change from the sun, heat and wind of yesterday. Today it is so smokey that visibility is down near a half mile and the smoke burns the throat. Temp in the 70s is a nice change and will give the crops a break. I took this photo this morning showing the smoke in the air at my yard.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on July 05, 2015, 06:24:53 PM
Ralph, those wildfires are amazing, and not in a good way.   I know you've been mentioning the lack of rain this year--is that the main reason the fires are so big?   Hope the smoke is the worst you have to contend with.

Doesn't seem like there'd be much risk of big wildfires in this part of Ohio this year, since the days with rain seem to have way outnumbered the dry days over the past few months.  Sure different from a few summers ago, 2012 maybe, when relentless hot and dry weather just baked the lawns and farm fields practically to a crisp.

I've spent most of the last few days clearing out more osage orange trees from various parts of my place.  This afternoon I ran into a big grapevine that was in some surrounding trees also, so I used the little Kubota and a chain to pull the vine down.   It just kept coming.  

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The Kubota seems to have taken over from the Super M and trailer as my default go-out-to-cut-trees equipment, at least when I'm working relatively close to the house.  It'll fit right up next to the door of the little building where I store firewood, where the Super M is too big to go, so I've been hauling cut wood with the loader bucket rather than the tractor and trailer.   I still like the tractor and trailer if I'm going way back away from the house, since it's nice to have the trailer for chainsaw gas, bar oil, extra chain, work platform when I need one, etc.

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 06, 2015, 02:26:51 PM
Dean, I can just imagine that little Kubota and front end loader is handy. My old Massey Super 90 with front end loader is my first choice for chores as that bucket is so handy for so many jobs.
Forest fires situation not improving up North and over 13,000 people evacuated from the area so far. Just a little smokey down here in East Central Sask.
Canola blooming nicely and we had a good 6 tenths rain on Saturday which was welcome. Although I wish I had not cut my hay the day before.
I took this picture yesterday evening while taking a drive in the 52 Merc.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on July 06, 2015, 09:31:13 PM
Weather has finally changed here for the better. Been without rain since last Tuesday. That was a very heavy rain and flooded low areas some more. Ground is saturated, so nowhere for it to go as tiles are running full. Farmers were finally able to get into the fields on Sunday. Some wheat combining started on Saturday. I flew over the area to my northeast and north of me. Some areas completely drowned out and poor crops in all areas. We officially had the wettest month ever in June with over 16 inches of rain. I believe my soybeans look better than any others I saw. I was able to finally get the rest of my soybeans sprayed. Some places were as high as the sprayer booms.

Here is a couple pictures of my new shop building. Builders finished on Wednesday and door company put up the overhead door on Thursday. The heavy rain Tuesday flooded the interior of the building and with the piles of dirt from setting the poles acted as dams so the water could not run off, so all finish work was done tramping in the mud. Been running 2 fans since Thursday trying to dry up the water. Finally making some headway on that.


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Will be attending the Greenville, Ohio show this weekend. Will be taking the LA over tomorrow and the motor home on Wednesday morning. Always enjoy this show and running the sawmill with the big Case.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 09, 2015, 10:17:33 AM
I know you will enjoy that new shed Gene. No doubt you have the LA hooked up to the saw by now. Hope the rain stays away for the show.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on July 09, 2015, 11:59:11 AM
Been raining since I got here. Supposed to clear this afternoon.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 10, 2015, 02:24:51 AM
Gene, we need to trade weather. It was sunny and so hot today I could hardly stand it. Up near 90 degrees. Not good for flowering canola. I took a few pictures of it this morning just in case the flowers all fall off in the heat .
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on July 16, 2015, 06:56:24 AM
Ralph, I hope the offer is still open to trade weather.Still lots of rain here. We had rain for 3 of the 4 days at the Greenville show. Had a good day on Saturday but more rain Sunday morning. Temps cooler than normal. Have only had 1 day so far in the 80's.

Heavy rain Monday morning caused more flooding with water over running the road tile and flowing across the road. Neighbor was out Tuesday in a kayak in his field by the road. This field never got planted. Other fields in the area were not planted and more with large drowned out spots. No where for the water to go. Wheat harvest was about half done when the rains started again. Combines and straw windrows just sitting in the fields. Finally got started mowing grass yesterday. Maybe could sell it for hay? Plan to finish that today before more rain comes in tonight.

Plain City show is this weekend. I took a tractor over yesterday and will go back on Friday for the day. Tractor parade is in the evening and I always like driving in this parade. Will take my umbrella as they have predicted rain for parade time.

The canola fields are pretty in full bloom. Not any raised here now. A few years ago some tried to get a market developed here but just never went past about 2 years. Was pretty flying over the yellow fields.

Sweet corn looks like it will be ready for the reunion next week. Yesterday I ran electric wire to the patch and set up a couple lights and played a radio there to keep the coons away. Seemed to work last year so doing it again this year. The patch is about 400 feet from the barn so takes a bit of wire to get there.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 16, 2015, 10:13:35 AM
Gene, I think we are ok for rain for a while now since having well over 2 inches in the past week. Actually got 6 inches in one event at my brother's farm. It has revived the grass and crops nicely. Canola still looking yellow but fading a little. My flax is just getting nice and blue this week as bloom comes full on. Took this photo yesterday morning.
Hope you don't get rain on your parade but it sure sounds like you are in a trend of rainy weather there. We were there last year for a while an it gets old.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on July 22, 2015, 07:02:02 AM
Ralph, glad to hear you are finally getting some rain. Maybe get some hay after all.

Looks like we may finally getting a reprieve from the rain storms. Ground has been totally saturated for last 6 weeks eliminating any chance for field work. No hay being made and unable to get on the fields to do any spraying. All low spots in all fields are drowned out, and some of these ponds are impressive in size. Humidity has been running about 90 to 95 percent, so little drying. Wheat harvest is at a standstill. My second cutting alfalfa came along nicely and should have been cut 2 weeks ago but soggy field is impossible to get unto. My soybeans are doing well in spite of the excess water.

New shop has been built for a couple weeks, but the floor was saturated and could not even walk on it and every rain shower just added to the problem. Finally took the tractor with rear blade and skimmed off the top of the mud and now can finally get started grading the floor and preparing to install the concrete floor.

Family reunion is this weekend and will be heading to Kenton for 3 days with the motor home. Will harvest the sweet corn Thursday and have it at the reunion by mid afternoon. Always look forward to this family gathering.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 30, 2015, 12:49:28 AM
It is almost to the point of too much rain now Gene. Five inches this week has brought the sloughs back up, creeks running and a little crop leaning over. Crazy winds gusting over 100 k yesterday but it turned nice and sunny day with temps in 70s, Took a little drive in the Merc for some pictures beside the canola.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on July 30, 2015, 05:45:45 PM
July and summer has finally come to Ohio. Last major rain was on Sunday, July 12. A little shower on Monday morning. Weather was ideal for the family reunion last weekend. Temp in mid 80's and lots of sunshine. Good family get together. I took my sweet corn and was a big hit with everyone. Managed to keep the raccoons out of the patch till I had picked enough to feed the family. Disconnected the light and radio when I left on Thursday and by the time I got back Sunday the rascals had found the patch and helped themselves to the later planted rows

Looks like the canola is starting to turn and lose its color. Guess the flax will be right behind it? Crops here are a wide range from good corn and soybeans on higher to non-existent on the lower ground where water is still standing. Many fields never got planted. Been good weather for hay making. I mowed the second cutting last Thursday and raked and baled on Monday after I came home. No problem drying it last week. Had our first 90 degree temps of the year on Tuesday and Thursday.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on August 08, 2015, 10:51:24 PM
I bet Gene is busy with working for that Portland show I saw mention of earlier.
Lots of rain here lately. Around six inches in the past two weeks I think. Managed to get what hay I had cut, baled. Garden is really producing and those new potatoes are sure good. Bean picking will be a frequent task for the next while.
I got the old Chevy out of the shed yesterday to get ready for today's antique car show at the local museum. The sun finally came out this morning and dried up the roads enough that I got to the show without getting the car muddy. Nice turn out of cars and some good music.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on August 09, 2015, 05:47:54 AM
Nice picture from the car show. Looks like a bright sunny day.

Seems the weather has turned around again. We traded you our rain for your sunshine. Only a couple light showers the past month. Neighbors finally getting caught up on haymaking. Some late planted crops being sprayed and cultivated. Third cutting alfalfa starting to get a good regrowth. Would actually welcome some rain. My soybeans are looking good with pods setting nicely.

Been working on the new shop getting the floor ready for concrete and planning for the walls. Getting ready for the Portland tractor show campground. Have to go a day earlier as the grounds will be opening for camping next Friday instead of Saturday. Seems a Trace Atkins concert was flooded out earlier this summer and been rescheduled for Friday night. All the early campers que up on the fairground and would take up a lot of parking for the concert, so will be bringing them all in early. Just vision 200 campers waiting to cross the street to get a good camping spot as soon as we open the gate. We can actually accommodate about 1400 camping units.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on August 11, 2015, 11:08:24 PM
Guess I have been hiding out lately.  Just tired and working to keep up with daily needs and not much more.  A few odd jobs done like change the oil in the zero turn and sharpen the blades.  Now I need to buy a new front tire as one goes flat about every 20 minutes.  Not so good for the level cut when one side of the deck drops an inch.  Kept bust today selling water puddles.  Yesterday pm and last night gave us 4.75 inches of new rain.  We did have nearly a week of good weather prior to that.  Not much wheat left standing now.  Combines worked hard the last two weeks.  See some great corn and some fields with up and down spots from the record wet June.  Most bean fields around here looking pretty nice.  

Worked hard a week ago Sunday with a couple of young fellas who decided they wanted to buy a 1966 Impala that I had hidden out back.  We cut some trees and a pile of grape vines out of the way to get access to the car.  They wanted to hear it turn over so hooked my jumper pack on and it turned fine.  Just a 283 cid.  Then they wanted to hear it fire.  Gas tank straps were rusted away and dropped the tank so we primed it and nothing.  No spark.  They wanted to go buy a new coil but I suggested the points were probably corroded.  These young guys had never seen ignition points and did not know where they were.  I gave them a free lesson on what a distributor is and how to file points and put them back in.  Gave the carb another prime and it fired right up for a few seconds.  

The car was totally blocked in front and rear so I loaned a 4x8 sheet of 3/4 inch plywood, two floor jacks and two air tanks so the tires could be pumped up, (three actually held air) then the back end jacked up and rolled sideways.  Then we hooked a chain from the 340 and tried to pull it out of there.  I dug a whole lot of holes in my gravel and crushed stone with the back tires.  Car would not move very much at all.  Turned out the brakes are rusted solid so the wheels will not turn.

Buy then darkness was not far off.  One of the guys had been on the phone much of the day trying to find a ride 35 or 40 miles for the car to their location.  He had no success with that.  In the end, between no ride for the car and the wheels being locked they asked to undo the deal but would leave me some $$$ for the work they caused.  I learned their plan was to enter that car in a demo derby this week so they could not wait until this last weekend and come back to work more on the move.  

They seemed like decent young men so I went along with their new deal.  I did gain a few $$$ and their free labor in digging the old Chev. out of the wilderness, not that that was on my bucket list right now.  Actually my plan for that beautiful day was to take the Mrs. and go for a long ride to who knows where.  This is the second time over the years I have sold that car but it still lives here.  I guess it just wants to stay.  Then too, I am glad it did not meet a sad end in a demo derby.  Not a good way for a 49 year old car to go out.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on August 12, 2015, 05:40:54 AM
Wow Charlie, quite an adventure with the Impala. Seems it has found a permanent home. Neighbor had an old camping trailer parked on a hunting property he had sold and the new owner wanted it moved. Dale wanted to put it in his woods and wanted me to pull it. The brakes were frozen in it too and had to actually break the brake drums to be able to move it, but we got it moved.

Not much rain here. Had about 3/4 inch on Monday so helped dampen things some. It was a welcome shower and the crops and grass enjoyed it.

Wheat and oats are all combined and Amish have shocks of oats in the fields ready to thresh. Most are done that too.

Had a doctors appointment on Tuesday and blood tests showed a problem with my liver function. He seems concerned and scheduled appointments for an ultrasound for today and meet with specialist next Tuesday. Will have to see how this turns out.

Today is the day to move the motor home to Portland to prepare for this summer's show. Feature tractor is John Deere and this is our 50th anniversary show, so expect a good turnout. Have had some interest from prospective campers.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on August 13, 2015, 11:32:49 PM
Charlie have you tried "tire slime" to fix that mower tire? Sounds like you had some exercise with the old Impala for nothing I guess. Although it is good for the car too. That Impala is too good to go in a derby and get wrecked. I bet you could get some good money for it from a serious car restorer . Even just as a parts car. Newer cars than that showed up at the antique car show this past weekend. I had my Chevy II out to show for the first time in a couple of years.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on August 14, 2015, 11:09:02 PM
Ralph, your Chevy 2 looks real happy sitting in line by that rat rod pickup.  Nice line  up.

No, did not try slime.  I have not tested this tire in water but the sidewall is pretty seriously age cracked.  I suspect that is where it leaks.  From what I read on the Slime label it is not effective for sidewall leaks.  The sealant has to come in contact with the leak as the tire rotates so that pretty much limits it's use to the tread area. Have you used slime??  I will most likely buy a new tire on the net for twenty some dollars.  Those small tires can be a bear to change buy hand, but I have done it on others. I am tempted by a solid rubber tire all mounted on wheel but that is 80 some dollars. Will I ever get that much use on a now 12 year old machine??????  But then, just install the new wheel.  No tire changing.  Decisions, decisions.  I spend the money like it was my own.  Well,actually it is.  Bah Humbug.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on August 16, 2015, 10:14:34 AM
Quote from: Charlie V;2729
Ralph, your Chevy 2 looks real happy sitting in line by that rat rod pickup.  Nice line  up.

No, did not try slime.  I have not tested this tire in water but the sidewall is pretty seriously age cracked.  I suspect that is where it leaks.  From what I read on the Slime label it is not effective for sidewall leaks.  The sealant has to come in contact with the leak as the tire rotates so that pretty much limits it's use to the tread area. Have you used slime??  I will most likely buy a new tire on the net for twenty some dollars.  Those small tires can be a bear to change buy hand, but I have done it on others. I am tempted by a solid rubber tire all mounted on wheel but that is 80 some dollars. Will I ever get that much use on a now 12 year old machine??????  But then, just install the new wheel.  No tire changing.  Decisions, decisions.  I spend the money like it was my own.  Well,actually it is.  Bah Humbug.

Charlie

I've never tried it but have heard good things about "Slime" for sealing tires. The container I looked at cost about the same as a new inner tube though. Solid rubber tires would likely be a good option for mowers.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on August 16, 2015, 05:12:18 PM
A year or so ago I was considering using Slime, since I kept getting thorns in the tires on my little utility trailer and on the front wheels of the tractors.   Also thought about having the tires filled with foam rubber.  Never really followed through on either idea, just had the tires fixed and put them back on.   Only had one more thorn since then, just a week or two ago on the trailer, and likewise had it fixed and put it back on.  Probably continue doing that unless the flats really start being a problem again.

I spent a good while today doing chores with the Super M.   Cut two trailer-loads of branches from trees along the driveway and hauled them to a burn pile (one of many I'm accumulating in various locations).   And also hauled a load of rocks to a curvy place in the little creek that cuts through my pasture, since it's eroding pretty badly in one spot near the fence.  There was a big rockpile at the other end of my property, next to the neighbor's soybean field, obviously accumulated over many years of picking them from the field and tossing them to the side, and it made a handy quarry for my erosion-control efforts.  We'll see how it works.  Felt good to get those chores done but by mid-afternoon I was ready to come in.

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Dean Vinson
Saint Paris, Ohio
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on August 19, 2015, 11:07:20 AM
Dean. that SM just seems to improve with age.  You must be feeding it the right stuff.  I think I see all new red on the outbuilding roofs.  Your work is really starting to show on your property.

I can't tell from here if Gene is out working on the new shop, but maybe???

I have pretty well been hiding from the 91 degree heat.  

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on August 19, 2015, 11:41:06 AM
Hi Charlie, Dean has always had a good eye for the great pictures.

Actually, no I am not working on the shop right now. Supposed to be attending to the campground at Portland to prepare for the show next week. I had to play hooky on Monday for a hospital visit yesterday morning and let the doctor poke a large needle into my liver to take a biopsy of a spot I have growing there. Won't know the results for at least a week. Just have to rest a couple days then can go back to Portland tomorrow. Left my motor home there and will drive the car over with the tow dolly to bring it home after the show.

Went back to the woods and took a couple pictures of one of my rock piles. It is about 5 feet high and 12 feet across. Have been been picking them up from the fields and many from cleaning up the woods. Other piles are too grown up to get a good picture.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]914[/ATTACH],,[ATTACH=CONFIG]915[/ATTACH]

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on August 19, 2015, 10:51:52 PM
Very sorry about the liver spot, Gene.  Hope all turns out well with that.  I hope your liver invasion was not like the direct liver injection I had one time.  I  had a golf ball size cholesterol stone in my common duct for two years but no one could find it. I sure was a sick puppy. Ate a lot of jam sandwiches because I could not eat much else.  Being cholesterol it was no show to x ray.  Finally with a direct liver injection to get the effervescent or whatever it is called (dye) to the stone a half moon image was seen on x ray.  That proved I did not have the ulcer that some said was there but it could not be found either.  One Dr. even said I had nothing wrong but nerves.  I wished I could have fed that guy that stone with a 12 gauge.  Back to the subject, the liver injection was not a good time at all.

Get recovered quick and get back to the show.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on August 20, 2015, 07:49:51 AM
Gene, I'll join Charlie in wishing you a peaceful rest and a quick recovery from whatever's up with your liver.

That's a big rock pile in your woods, long time accumulating it (I hope).  The one I used as a quarry last week wasn't that big, and I didn't move 100% of it, only the stuff that was loose and accessible, left the lower dirt-covered stuff for some other time.  I'm not sure I have enough to really shore up the eroding curve in the little creek through my pasture--the part I'm worried about is where it goes under my fence and out to the road, since the big old fenceposts on both sides of the creek have been eroded around to the point where the posts are leaning and no longer really stable.  I'm off work today so might go over to the local soil/water conservation district office and see if they can recommend anything.

I need to run into town anyway, come to think of it, since I got reminded last night about the Slime issue.  Went out to brush hog a little and noticed the right rear tire on the 620 was a little low, and then while filling it up I noticed a thorn sticking out of one of the front tires.   Pulled the thorn out and immediately heard a hiss of air.  The rear tire is just a slow leak but now the front one is unusable, goes flat in just a few minutes, so I took it off the tractor and will drop it off at the Heritage co-op to get fixed.   Maybe stop by Tractor Supply and look at some Slime.  #*&! osage orange thorns anyway.

Charlie, thanks for the kind comments about my place.  I didn't replace the actual roofs on all the barns--the previous owners did that about a dozen years ago--but they only did the main roofing and left the old wood fascia boards around all the edges.  Many of them had rotted and started to fall off by now, so a few months ago I had them all replaced with new lumber covered with red aluminum to match the roofs.   The barns all need some repairs here and there to the wood siding and the big sliding doors, and they all need paint, but I ought to be done worrying about the roofs for a long time.

I have great memories of the summer, 1977 or 78, when I worked for a dairy farmer and in addition to normal barn chores had to paint his big old classic bank barn and two or three smaller outbuildings.  Me and a brush and a long extension ladder, classic barn red for the siding, white for the trim (and there was a lot of trim, lot of old-craftsman pride evident in the construction).  Took some creativity (and risk) to get up to the peak on each end of the main barn, and took the whole summer to finish everything, but finish it I did and the place looked terrific.  Had a lot of different jobs and responsibilities since then but few have involved the same sense of tangible accomplishment.   I think about that sometimes when I look at my barns now, but I figure my high-ladder days are behind me.

Tracy and I hope to make it over to Portland at least briefly on Friday the 28th.  Got some family activities going on also so will need to see how things work out.

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on September 02, 2015, 11:31:35 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;2729
Ralph, your Chevy 2 looks real happy sitting in line by that rat rod pickup.  Nice line  up.

No, did not try slime.  I have not tested this tire in water but the sidewall is pretty seriously age cracked.  I suspect that is where it leaks.  From what I read on the Slime label it is not effective for sidewall leaks.  The sealant has to come in contact with the leak as the tire rotates so that pretty much limits it's use to the tread area. Have you used slime??  I will most likely buy a new tire on the net for twenty some dollars.  Those small tires can be a bear to change buy hand, but I have done it on others. I am tempted by a solid rubber tire all mounted on wheel but that is 80 some dollars. Will I ever get that much use on a now 12 year old machine??????  But then, just install the new wheel.  No tire changing.  Decisions, decisions.  I spend the money like it was my own.  Well,actually it is.  Bah Humbug.

Charlie

Hi Guys.

Bringing this conversation back up for an update.  Had been doing some reading on the net and watched a u tube or two on filling tires with foam.  Ordered some cans of silicone foam on the net in case I decided to go that way.  Silicone is a closed cell foam that will not absorb water.  Great Stuff is open cell.  Long story shorter, took the nasty tire off the mower yesterday and ran water on it .  Could not fine the leak so got a pan and dunked the tire.  Still no leak.  Something wrong here because it goes flat fast enough.  Then I found the tire had already lost it's air, so no leak.  Pumped it up again.  Still no leak showing.  Well dang. Out of air again.  Leaking fast enough to go flat between the garage (air hose) and side of the house (water pan).  Pumped it up again  a little extra hard and hustled to the water.  As I expected, air was blowing right out an age crack in the sidewall.  

Now that I know this tire is a dead duck, nothing to loose by trying the foam so that I did.  Nothing hard about that except knowing how much foam to put in.  The brand I have expands 200 to 300% from what is applied.  I took the approach of putting in some, then waiting a couple minutes before squirting in more.  Put in a whole can that way and waited a little.  Nothing expanding out the valve stem so put in some of a second can.  The stuff started expanding out the valve stem (core removed) pretty fluently so I put the valve cap on.  When I pulled the tube from the fill hole I had drilled, foam started gushing from there.  I put my thumb over the hole and pondered what next.  There laid a stick of wood (small branch) about 15 inches long that looked about the correct diameter. Broke the end of the stick off clean (one handed) and stick it in the hole in the tire.  Perfect.  Just enough interference to hold it in.  Nothing like being prepared for a job........................and a little lucky.  What now???  Will that stuff expand enough to blow the tire????  Well, I let out a little more foam then re-plugged the hole with my lucky stick.  From there on I just moved the tire out of the hot sun and waited it out.

The whole deal was a bit of an adventure but the foam seemed to set ok and I have a nice hard tire as it should be.  Is it set to the core? or will it set to the core of the contents?  I do not know.  Not sure if contact with air is needed to trigger setting or if the expansion is the trigger.  Anyhow, I put the wheel back on the mower last night but left it on the jack.  I will give it a few days extra setting time before letting weight on the tire.  Do not want it to develop a flat spot.  Mower rides bad enough now.  

It has been an interesting project and a learning experience.  If it works out, I will have a reclaimed tire for not much over five bucks.  A little less if I hadn't overfilled the thing.  Will keep the forum posted.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on September 19, 2015, 10:08:40 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;2736
Hi Guys.

Bringing this conversation back up for an update.  Had been doing some reading on the net and watched a u tube or two on filling tires with foam.  Ordered some cans of silicone foam on the net in case I decided to go that way.  Silicone is a closed cell foam that will not absorb water.  Great Stuff is open cell.  Long story shorter, took the nasty tire off the mower yesterday and ran water on it .  Could not fine the leak so got a pan and dunked the tire.  Still no leak.  Something wrong here because it goes flat fast enough.  Then I found the tire had already lost it's air, so no leak.  Pumped it up again.  Still no leak showing.  Well dang. Out of air again.  Leaking fast enough to go flat between the garage (air hose) and side of the house (water pan).  Pumped it up again  a little extra hard and hustled to the water.  As I expected, air was blowing right out an age crack in the sidewall.  

Now that I know this tire is a dead duck, nothing to loose by trying the foam so that I did.  Nothing hard about that except knowing how much foam to put in.  The brand I have expands 200 to 300% from what is applied.  I took the approach of putting in some, then waiting a couple minutes before squirting in more.  Put in a whole can that way and waited a little.  Nothing expanding out the valve stem so put in some of a second can.  The stuff started expanding out the valve stem (core removed) pretty fluently so I put the valve cap on.  When I pulled the tube from the fill hole I had drilled, foam started gushing from there.  I put my thumb over the hole and pondered what next.  There laid a stick of wood (small branch) about 15 inches long that looked about the correct diameter. Broke the end of the stick off clean (one handed) and stick it in the hole in the tire.  Perfect.  Just enough interference to hold it in.  Nothing like being prepared for a job........................and a little lucky.  What now???  Will that stuff expand enough to blow the tire????  Well, I let out a little more foam then re-plugged the hole with my lucky stick.  From there on I just moved the tire out of the hot sun and waited it out.

The whole deal was a bit of an adventure but the foam seemed to set ok and I have a nice hard tire as it should be.  Is it set to the core? or will it set to the core of the contents?  I do not know.  Not sure if contact with air is needed to trigger setting or if the expansion is the trigger.  Anyhow, I put the wheel back on the mower last night but left it on the jack.  I will give it a few days extra setting time before letting weight on the tire.  Do not want it to develop a flat spot.  Mower rides bad enough now.  

It has been an interesting project and a learning experience.  If it works out, I will have a reclaimed tire for not much over five bucks.  A little less if I hadn't overfilled the thing.  Will keep the forum posted.

Charlie V.


Not sure if anyone is out there or not, but just in case, more follow up.

The tire fix worked, sort of.  After letting it cure for a time, I mowed the lawn.  The tire stayed hard and all was well.  Then a few days later, after sitting in HOT sun,  it was soft.  Not flat, but soft.  Checked it out to find quite a bit of empty space inside the tire.  Opened up the valve stem with a small drill bit and refilled it with the remainder of the partially used can of foam that was left over.  That was enough to again expand out the stem and my drilled fill hole in the sidewall.  Let the thing cure again for a day or three before mowing.  Have now mowed once or twice and the tire is still like a rock.  Is this the end of the story or will there be more episodes??  Only time will tell.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on September 25, 2015, 11:40:01 PM
Sounds like the tire slime is working for you Charlie. I have not tried mine yet as the swather tire seems to be holding it's pressure lately. I've been giving it a good workout getting stuck in the mud the past couple of days. Ridiculous mud conditions for harvest again. I miss the days when you could drive anywhere in the field  and leave a cloud of dust. Now I leave a trail of ruts.
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Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on October 02, 2015, 06:53:38 AM
Wow, guess I am way behind on the list. Been over a month since I posted.

Dry weather has been favorable for local harvest of corn and soybeans. I started some of my soybeans last Friday and Saturday, but still have a lot of green stalks and pods so decided I better wait. Hope to do some more this weekend. Broke the stabilizer bar under the cutter bar of the combine. Broke both rod end bearings on the stabilizer. Nobody local has them, so ordered the parts on ebay. Got one yesterday and should get the other today.

Been hauling corn and soybeans for the Amish neighbors. Will finish the soybeans and ear corn today. Guess I will be starting hauling shelled corn next week. Have to take the last half of the week off for the Portland swap meet from Thursday to Saturday.

Another doctors appointment yesterday in Columbus. Have appointment in 2 weeks to do the procedure on my bile duct issue. Liver is healthy and no cancer indications, so that is good news.

Weather has turned to fall with cooler temperatures and strong winds. About 46 this morning and 30 MPH winds.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on October 02, 2015, 10:59:31 AM
Gene, glad to hear you are doing ok and keeping busy. I'm on the way to being the last guy combining in this part of Sask I think. I left the wheat stand to ripen and finally gave up and swathed it about a week ago. Now I need a few more days for the last field to lay in the swath before it is dry enough. Still 120 acres of flax to swath but there is rain forecast for the next few days and I think I will leave it stand. Maybe I will harvest more potatoes today as I wait for the wheat.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on October 10, 2015, 02:31:17 PM
Seems everybody must be working hard and keeping quiet.  I hope by now Ralph has all of his wheat in the bins and the flax too for that matter.  But then again if the rain hasn't let up, well....maybe not.  Between hauling produce for the neighbors and finishing the new shop, no telling where Gene is at.  

We had 2 1/2 inches of rain about a week ago. The ground seemed to take that pretty well.  Most of the ponding went away fairly soon.  Then yesterday, starting in the early morning hours rain moved in and dropped nearly 1 1/2 inches more.  We are still not flooded but it seems to me the soil has about all of the water it wants to hold.

In years of normal rainfall I expect to see cattails growing out back in my water hole / marsh area.  With all the rain this year the darn things have even showed up in my flower bed.

Picture below!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]917[/ATTACH]

There you have it.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on October 11, 2015, 09:53:45 AM
Quote from: Charlie V;2741
Seems everybody must be working hard and keeping quiet.  I hope by now Ralph has all of his wheat in the bins and the flax too for that matter.  But then again if the rain hasn't let up, well....maybe not.  Between hauling produce for the neighbors and finishing the new shop, no telling where Gene is at.  


In years of normal rainfall I expect to see cattails growing out back in my water hole / marsh area.  With all the rain this year the darn things have even showed up in my flower bed.

Charlie


I've got far too many of the other cat tails around here Charlie. The slow torture and frustration of this harvest drags on. A few drying days gets the crop nearly ready to harvest and then rain or damp weather hits and we sit again. In some ways winter setting in will be a relief as we will know its all over no matter if the crop is in the bin or in the field. Still, Thanksgiving day coming up tomorrow so I will try to be thankful that things are not worse.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on October 14, 2015, 09:14:33 PM
Charlie, those cattails seem to crop up where least expected.

Ralph, wish I could send you some of our harvest weather. Been dry and moderate temperatures and combines are running everywhere in the corn and soybeans. Some even have black beans that are being harvested. I finished my soybeans on Oct. 5. yield was decent at 52 bu/ac, considering the water damage. Price was low but the money is mine now. I put new twisted shovels on the chisel plow this evening and started working the bean stubble. The twisted shovels worked real good and never plugged with straw all evening.

Attended the Tri-State Portland swap meet. Found a few things I need for the new shop and and tools and hardware I needed. Weather was nice on Thursday, then turned windy and cold for Friday and Saturday, but at least no rain.  

Planning to put the concrete in the new shop this week. Looking forward to getting that done. Have the plastic and reinforcing wire down so ready to pour.

Will be going to Ohio State hospital tomorrow morning for my bile duct procedure. Plans call for a 2 to 3 hour procedure including recovery. My Daughter Lori works in Columbus so she will take me to the hospital and take off work to bring me back home. All sounds pretty encouraging.

Been hauling shelled corn for the Amish this week. Finished with one farm today and expect to finish with the other one on Friday. Corn is not yielding very good but test weight is high and moisture is low. Seems to be pretty much the same for all our area. So much for that record corn crop report.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on October 14, 2015, 09:50:45 PM
Ralph, I'm sorry to hear of that awful harvesting weather.  Wish I could ship you some of what we've been having around here--aside from a couple of unseasonably cold and rainy days in a row in early October, it's been warm and dry, and seems like every bit of soybeans and darn near all the corn is in, everywhere I go.

Not being a farmer I don't have any harvesting stories of my own, but I've been busy.  Still working on figuring out what to do with some increasingly bad erosion in the little creek that flows through my north pasture.  It's doing the typical meandering thing that streams do, leaving bigger and bigger under-cut "cliffs" three or four feet high that I don't dare get near with the tractor (but which are hard to tell exactly where they are, from the tractor seat).   It's also undercutting my fence that parallels the road, where the creek goes under the fence and into a culvert.   The county soil/water conservation guy came and gave me some advice and I've talked with one contractor about some work, but haven't really hit on the right plan yet.

The other big project has been tearing down what's left of the little shed that once connected the old silo with the bank barn.   The walls are long gone but the roof remains, attached pretty securely on one end to the barn, attached by a few sheet metal screws to the silo unloader chute on one corner, and completely unsupported and hanging down on the fourth corner.   Been that way for years, near as I can tell.  A few months ago I started removing it but decided to leave a little bit of it as an overhang for the barn door below it.  Easy to imagine, hard to figure out exactly how to do.  And of course the project expanded to include rebuilding the door and door frame below the little roof, since the old stuff wasn't solid enough to use as part of the new roof supports.   Here's a "before" photo and some progress photos.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]918[/ATTACH]  [ATTACH=CONFIG]919[/ATTACH]  [ATTACH=CONFIG]922[/ATTACH]  [ATTACH=CONFIG]920[/ATTACH]  [ATTACH=CONFIG]921[/ATTACH]  [ATTACH=CONFIG]923[/ATTACH]  [ATTACH=CONFIG]927[/ATTACH]

Still lots to do but I'm hoping the rest goes more quickly, now that all the behind-the-scenes infrastructure is in place.  I'm doing my best to make this repair worthy of the barn and those who came before me.

Dean

October 15th update:
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on October 14, 2015, 10:04:54 PM
Tonight after work I only had a little bit of daylight left, not enough time to work on that little roof project, but I used the Super M and my little utility trailer to haul the trash can out to the street for tomorrow morning's pickup.  Not much of a workout for the tractor but it was a heck of a nice evening (good weather, as I'd mentioned above), so I unhooked the trailer, grabbed the camera, and posed the Super M for a few photos just as the sun was setting.  

[ATTACH=CONFIG]924[/ATTACH]  [ATTACH=CONFIG]925[/ATTACH]  [ATTACH=CONFIG]926[/ATTACH]

Dean
Saint Paris, Ohio
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on October 14, 2015, 10:15:14 PM
Gene, just got done posting and saw you'd also posted tonight.  Hope all goes smoothly with your procedure tomorrow.  And I bet your shop is shaping up to be first-rate.   Cleaning up, reconfiguring, and properly equipping my shop is on my list as well...seems to be a long list, though.

Dean
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on October 16, 2015, 06:43:16 AM
Had the hospital procedure done yesterday. Results were not what we were expecting. The test did not reveal any blockage. There was some rough roughness apparent in the duct. Thoughts by both the doctor and me were possibly a small stone that had actually worked its way through to allow the duct to open up. This is consistent with my lessening of symptoms the few days. Next doctor appointment is Oct 29, so will see what the prospects are.

Weather has turned colder here. Actually had frost on Thursday morning and colder for this weekend. Worked the Case 970 and chisel plow the last 2 evenings. Ground is dry and hard, but the chisel is fracturing the soil well. Worked till dark last night when I broke a mount bracket for one of the shanks. Will likely have a hard time finding parts for this old Graham Hoeme machine. May have to make a mount for it.

Should be able to haul the last 2 loads of Amish corn today and have that job done. Plan to pour the concrete in the new shop on Wednesday or Thursday. Weather promises to be a little warmer by then.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on October 16, 2015, 06:38:36 PM
Good for you for passing your duct exam, Gene.  So glad to hear that all was clear.  I think I mentioned previously that I had a golf ball size stone removed from my common duct back in '78.  I was in the hospital two weeks for that surgery and do not want to do it again.

Good luck to you on the concrete pour.  Any heating and such in the floor, or just floor.??

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on October 20, 2015, 10:03:10 PM
The way these critters keep multiplying makes me wish they were beef cattle.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]928[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on October 20, 2015, 10:23:51 PM
Charlie, roger that.  I've got five new arrivals myself.  The mother is a mostly-wild barn cat that escaped my grasp last time I tried to catch her to take her to the vet to get spayed.  Got another appointment in a week or so and will try again.   Her kittens look about the same size as those in your photo, and by now I can't catch them either.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on October 22, 2015, 02:24:36 AM
Quote from: Charlie V;2749
The way these critters keep multiplying makes me wish they were beef cattle.



Just the opposite here. All I have are 3 tom cats and they could use some company.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on October 22, 2015, 07:32:19 AM
No cat population at Mockingbird hill. Guess there is nothing here to attract them. Neighbor's cats do a lot of hunting in the hay field, so probably helps to keep the mouse population down. Other neighbor's dogs are frequent hunters too.

Concrete contractor coming this morning to survey the new shop for the concrete. Hope to pour that tomorrow. Good weather for concrete work with high today of 70 degrees and 65 for tomorrow.

Got the chisel plowing done last week and turned out well. Glad to have that done.

Truck has had a few problems this week that required attention. Monday was parked in the driveway when I noticed a puddle of anti-freeze under the engine. Water pump had started leaking so put a new one on it that afternoon and Tuesday while working under it I noticed a lot of free play in the left front u-joint. Got new u-joints for it and started taking it apart. Never had such a hard time getting it apart with everything rusted together. Once I got it apart with a lot of heating with the rosebud torch, I was able to clean and grease everything so reassembly was much easier.

Still have more corn to haul. Amish have not done any husking since last week, so have to wait on them for the last few loads.

Health wise I am doing pretty good. Still Have some of the same symptoms, but they seem to be getting better.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on October 31, 2015, 11:23:33 AM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;2752


Health wise I am doing pretty good. Still Have some of the same symptoms, but they seem to be getting better.

Gene

Thats the main thing Gene. I try to think of that when I'm complaining about the constant lousy weather and the 130 acres of flax still in the field. It could be worse. Glad you are getting along ok.
We got one nice day this week and it was yesterday. I was able to finish cleaning out the cattle shelter and haul five loads of sand/gravel. Field trail to the gravel pit was a little soft but the old IH only made a few ruts and never got stuck. Slow, soaking rain hit again last night . We actually had a little wet snow early in the week. I don't have much hope anymore of getting that flax this fall but never say never.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 01, 2015, 09:04:45 AM
Ralph, I hope you get a window to get the rest of the flax harvested. Weather here has been very favorable for harvesting corn and soybeans. Ground has been dry and hard and able to support the combines and trucks without any problems. Semi-trucks can go anywhere in the fields. Finally got some rain by mid week that was much needed. Some fall tillage was waiting for some moisture to improve the conditions and the 2 inches of slow steady rain was perfect  for that.

My doctor's appointment on Thursday  turned a new possibility for my condition. He thinks it may be sclerosis of the liver, so now I have to have another biopsy done in December. He believes it will be treated medically and no surgery. Just have to keep hanging on.

Sadly, I lost an older brother yesterday. Edsel was 79 years old. He had rheumatic fever at 8 years old and had been fighting an ailing heart all his life. This finally caused a shut down of his kidneys that claimed him. Edsel was the best natural mechanic I have ever known and ran a repair garage for 45 years, that is now operated by his son.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 06, 2015, 08:25:32 PM
Gene, sorry to hear about the loss of your brother.
We had wet snow here a couple of days ago but most of it has melted by now.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 08, 2015, 01:20:42 PM
Gene,

My condolences on the passing of your brother Edsel.  Does not sound like he let psychical difficulties hold him back.  

On another subject, I frequently look for some pictures of the new shop floor but have not found them.  Hope it turned out well.

Ralph,

 The truck looks as stately in a little snow as it does in bright sunshine.  A lot of resemblance to the '51 Ford  3/4 ton I used to use to haul corn ensilage  to the barn when I worked on the dairy farm. My Father had a '47 Ford for a number of years during my kidhood.  That one ended up belonging to my older brother and moved to Arizona with him in about 1962.  Carried all of his belongings.


This past week was a weather bonus for us.  Broke high temp. records three days in a row and tied the record on the fourth day.  Tons of sunshine with mid 70's F.  Just perfect weather to take a trip or get outdoor chores done before winter. The bad news my leg and hip have been too mean to use a lot and my wife  has been sick so I mostly needed to stay in with her.  It sure can be a frustration to see the last  few summer like days passing me by but great to spend the little time I could out there.  

Dean,

It has not been a good week for my cat population. Lost two to traffic in the road, one being the Momma on the three little yellow kittens and just of very loving kitty.  Never saw her go in the road and did not find her there but she was only about 20 feet away and I am assuming.  The other was a big longhair grey tiger with four white boots and a white chest, born last May 15.  He two was a nice friendly cat.  The ones that eat my food but won't come near me survive.  Humph!

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 09, 2015, 08:12:27 PM
Thanks for the thoughts on my brother Edsel. The turnout for his viewing was beyond belief. Edsel was involved in so many interests in his life. He was a collector of Packards and was a prominent member of the Packard club. He showed a 1955 Packard 400 and was a consistent first place winner with this club. Edsel was also the service agent for all the club members. Many of the Packard club members were at his services. Could go on all day with his accomplishments.

My oldest grandson was married on Sunday. Had a nice ceremony at a large public farm near Canton, Ohio. Was nice weather all day.

Charlie wants some pictures of my concrete floor so took a few more pictures of it today. Was kinda dark, but May be be able to make out the images.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]932[/ATTACH],[][ATTACH=CONFIG]933[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]936[/ATTACH],[ATTACH=CONFIG]937[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]938[/ATTACH]

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 12, 2015, 11:43:39 PM
Thank you for the pictures, Gene.  That concrete sure looks very nice.  Do you ever open the building up and just stand and admire it?  I would.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on November 13, 2015, 07:05:49 AM
Yes, Charlie, I do look and admire the concrete. Will be the nicest floor I have ever had. Been spending a lot of time on it putting in studs for the insulation and paneling. Have a long way to go to finish. I initiated the concrete last week when I changed the oil in my Jeep. Got a few drips on the floor, but with the sealer and a little soap and water it cleaned up nice.

Had a very windy day yesterday with wind gusts of 60 mph. Not a good day to be outside, but nice working inside the new shop. Weather is turning colder, so I guess fall is here.

Wapakoneta tractor club has their fall swap meet today and tomorrow. Will go over to see what is there and do a little visiting. Forecast is for cold temps and 30 mph winds, so may not stay very long. Have to stay for dinner as they always have a good meal.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 16, 2015, 10:28:41 AM
That will be a nice floor to work on Gene. My partial concrete floor in the workshop is rough, cracked and damaged by road salt in places but still a lot better than dirt . I don't worry about spilling oil or anything on it now.
Snow melted here. Then we got a little more. That melted. Now it is pretty muddy and a mess in the fields. Creeks are running. Most unusual. Here is a harvest video of this year's combining. Back when it was sunny and relatively dry.
[video=youtube;nlx2dVAzKgw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlx2dVAzKgw[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on November 23, 2015, 10:27:46 PM
Ralph, good video as always.  You've got some big sky, as the saying goes.  And always interesting to me to see swathed crops...have never seen it done around here (1700 miles southeast of you).

Gene, ditto on the nice shop floor!  And on spending a lot of time finishing projects.  But sure is nice to have a good facility, and to have it done right.

Charlie, let me know when you'd like me to drop off a couple of cats.  :)

Dean Vinson
Saint Paris, Ohio
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 24, 2015, 09:56:45 AM
YIKES!!!!!!!!!!MORE CATS!!!.  Nice offer. Dean. but I have to decline. The ones I have go through a 22 lb. bag of Purina in a week or less.  I might be accused of running a not for profit farm here.  The bad part is that I like the little critters.  Here is a shot of the three little orphans who lost their Mama three or four weeks ago.  I believe the big fella with them is their Daddy or at least one of them.  You know how that goes.

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WNY is beginning to look a bit like winter.  There was a trace of snow on the ground the last two mornings.  High yesterday of 35 F and low the last two nights of 23.  We are looking for 50 again on Thanksgiving so there is still hope.

Getting a few outside jobs done.  Went and bought two new batteries last week.  One was for my 95 Chev ck 20 that I plow with.  I have been stretching the old one by keeping a maintainer on it the last two winters.  Otherwise it would be dead in a week or so without running.  Now it started going dead in a couple of weeks even in warm weather without the trickle.  Seemed smart to replace it now rather than on a January day a 0 +- degrees. The other was for my ,66 International Cub.  That one has not taken a charge in a year or more so I have used a jumper pack whenever I needed to move it.  I kept saying that whenever I go to the battery place where I buy Blems for about 1/2 price I would buy the Cub one, but not making a special trip.  Last week was the week and so far both start up fine.  The next day (also 70 degrees) I moved things around so I could get the truck to the plow and put it on.  I hope that is ready to go now except it needs to be topped up with Dex Cool anti freeze. I will have to buy some as I cannot locate the gallon I think I already have.  Also cannot remember using the stuff up.  When I don't need it , there it will be.

Lots more to say but have to go wake the Mrs. and construct some pancakes for breakfast.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on November 24, 2015, 10:05:45 PM
Quote from: vinsond;2761
Ralph, good video as always.  You've got some big sky, as the saying goes.  And always interesting to me to see swathed crops...have never seen it done around here (1700 miles southeast of you).

Gene, ditto on the nice shop floor!  And on spending a lot of time finishing projects.  But sure is nice to have a good facility, and to have it done right.

Charlie, let me know when you'd like me to drop off a couple of cats.  :)

Dean Vinson
Saint Paris, Ohio


Hi Dean. The ground is frozen now and gradually turning white. My three tom cats could use some company even though they are well fed and living in the barn.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on November 26, 2015, 11:51:25 AM
This from the two of us...............................................



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Best Wishes for a great Thanksgiving day.



Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 08, 2015, 09:22:30 PM
Thanksgiving over and Christmas on the way. It will be a brown Christmas, not white, unless the weather changes. Most of the snow we got has melted although my farm seems to be holding on to it's snow. Checked on my flax swaths this afternoon and the photo shows they are far from harvestable having snow still on them. I am thinking maybe late April they will be ready.
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Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 08, 2015, 10:56:41 PM
I won't be shocked if the price of natural gas is raised because the suppliers are not selling enough, Ralph.  You know how that goes.  Sell a lot in a cold winter, shortage makes the price go up.  Sold out our contracted quantity and had to buy more on the open market the suppliers say.  Warm winter price is raised because suppliers are not selling enough to make the expected profit.  Now how do I know we are in the wrong business.

Strangely enough, I still have a happy and green Geranium living by my back deck on December 8.  Been meaning to take a dated picture of that plant.  I have seen our temp. at 22 deg. F three or four different nights and plenty of thick frost.  No measurable snow here yet.  Just a trace twice that I have seen.  With Dec. being this mild it might be wise to go far south for the next two or three months.  May not see Spring weather until July of 2016.

I am seeing something this year that is new to me.  A farmer on the other side of town combined  probably a couple hundred acres or more of corn a week and 1/2 ago then baled all of the cornstalks in large wrapped round bales.  Every time I go by I want to take a picture of them but do not have my camera along.  A lot of bales out there as the fields are dotted with them.  Do they have some value as cattle feed in winter?

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 09, 2015, 12:00:36 AM
Quote from: Charlie V;2766


I am seeing something this year that is new to me.  A farmer on the other side of town combined  probably a couple hundred acres or more of corn a week and 1/2 ago then baled all of the cornstalks in large wrapped round bales.  Every time I go by I want to take a picture of them but do not have my camera along.  A lot of bales out there as the fields are dotted with them.  Do they have some value as cattle feed in winter?

Charlie


Can't say Charlie. There are only a couple of guys grow a field of corn here and they leave it stand for the winter. Gradually turn the cattle into the field and they eat most of the corn. The standing crop provides some shelter from the wind. I wouldn't think the harvested stalks have much food value but I could be wrong.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on December 09, 2015, 07:26:03 PM
Charlie, I likewise have seen some round-baled cornstalks this fall, and don't recall seeing them before either.  I was wondering if they'd be used for bedding in some winter pasture or pen or something, but there sure are a bunch of them.

Okay, Google just pointed me to this site:  http://ocj.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/DLivestock275.pdf.

Dean
Saint Paris, Ohio
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on December 09, 2015, 09:51:46 PM
That is a good bit of research, Dean.  Thank you.  Now we are all a little better informed.  As with any fairly new program I hope it is not learned in the future that harmful effects happen as a result of the diet change.  Only time will tell.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 19, 2015, 05:30:42 PM
Yes raking and baling corn stalks has become pretty common. There is a lot of residual value left in the fodder. What cattle and sheep don't eat becomes bedding. A win-win product.


Took a few pictures of the big red oak trees I am cutting up. Really big trees about 28 inches diameter and 27 feet long Lots of big blocks many over 200 pounds. spent about 5 hours with the chain saw on Wednesday and think I may overdone it. Been under the weather since Wednesday afternoon.

last pictures are from my east lawn.



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Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 19, 2015, 09:54:37 PM
Wow, green grass. I have not seen that in a while Gene. I bet those blocks of oak have a lot more btus of heat in them than the poplar we cut here.
Ground frozen good and solid here and a few inches of snow cover everywhere. We just turned cold here a couple of days ago with lows near 0F. Not bad as long as the wind stays down and the sun shines. I uploaded a new hammer mill video to youtube. Some recent work with the Cockshutt 50 running some oats through the hammer mill on a cool November day.
[video=youtube;KOP73XmuA_A]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOP73XmuA_A[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on December 25, 2015, 08:07:29 AM
Charlie, just kidding about the cats, although I do need to get the population under control.  Still haven't managed to hold onto the mother cat long enough to get her into a carrier and off to the vet to be spayed, and one of her five kittens from last summer thus far remains un-caught and un-spayed, plus there's one other semi-wild barn cat that showed up a while ago.  Just yesterday my wife found a cute little calico kitten lost back in the woods, friendly as can be but hungry and eager to be rescued, which raises the cat population to an even dozen.  We named her Twelve.  :)

[ATTACH=CONFIG]950[/ATTACH]

Ralph, very interesting video, as always.  (Although those scenes of crossing over the running belt gave me the willies...)   The 50 sounds great.  Is that a Buda engine, like in the 40?

Gene, that's some beautiful oak...wish my woods had a lot more good trees instead of all the osage orange.  That stuff is good firewood but troublesome in about all respects and doesn't make for a pretty or healthy woods.  I wish I could be taking advantage of this warm weather to be out clearing some more of it, but my chainsaw is at the repair shop... last weekend I beat it up by forgetting that I had it in the bucket of the Kubota when I started to use the bucket to shove the ends in on a big bonfire.  Only took me a minute to remember, but it was already banged up and a little scorched by then.  Fortunately didn't suffer any permanent damage, I don't think.

Happy Christmas to you gentlemen,

Dean

[ATTACH=CONFIG]951[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 25, 2015, 11:14:03 AM
Nice to see you have a little snow there Dean. I hear snow is in short supply in most of the states. We have less than normal here but its enough. A little cool at -20F here this morning.
No worries about stepping over that running belt in the video, although I know to those that are not familiar with the operation it looks dangerous. That is an endless rubber belt with no lacing or other sharp objects on it to catch clothing.
The 50 and 40 had pretty much the same Buda engine. Just a 230 in the smaller tractor and a 273 in the 50 . More power than the job needed but the 50 doesn't get much exercise these days except for this job.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on December 25, 2015, 01:44:45 PM
Thanks, Ralph--that photo of mine with the snow is from last winter, though, just seemed like a good one to post today.  Current weather here is way warm for the season, continuing the pattern we've had most of December.  No freezing temps in the forecast until New Year's Day, and even then it looks dry so who knows when we'll see much snow.  I'm always glad to see winter (for a while), but my wife's family is on their way up for the afternoon so it's sure convenient to not have to deal with ice and snow on the roads right now.

Dean
Saint Paris, Ohio
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 28, 2015, 11:14:55 AM
Ohio weather has had a big turnaround. Went from mid 60's last week and clear weather to heavy rain and flooding Saturday night and all day Sunday. Temperature just a little above freezing. Still raining at noon on Monday. Not a nice change. Wet ground and windy conditions make doing anything outdoors unpleasant..

Water on Sunday morning had mostly covered the front hay field with torrents of water through the tiles at the end of the driveway. The extra gravel and concrete has held the gravel in place.

Been a little under the weather the last few days. Had another hospital appointment last Tuesday at Ohio State hospital. Still no cause for my problems, but actually seem to be getting a little better. My pre Christmas cold has mostly cleared up, and able to get around better.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 01, 2016, 10:26:50 AM
Hi Gene
Wishing you and all the others that follow this forum a happy and healthy 2016. We are nine hours into it now and looking good so far.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 04, 2016, 09:37:20 AM
Glad the weather has been good for you Ralph. A little cool, but mostly sunshine. Same for here with sun and 26 degrees. Had just a wisp of snow overnight.

Making preparations for some more medical tests. Scheduled a MRI for Friday and then an endoscopy for the for Jan 20. Had a blood test battery done last Wednesday and donated 19 vials of blood for the tests. Had to take from both arms as I ran dry on the first arm. I am making good progress on my treatment and am pretty normal on my functions.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 06, 2016, 11:51:44 PM
The new year brought us a taste of winter.  We made a low here of +7 F last night and the night before.  Coldest temp/ prior to that this season was +22 F four or five times.  Literally no snow at all prior to New Years Day.  I am pretty thankful for the mild winter we have had so far.  We had about 3 1/2 inches on Jan. 1.  A couple if 1 inch doses since then. but it will be back to green grass by the weekend.  My Geraniums out in the open, both potted and in the ground all froze off by early December.  Pretty unusual for them to hang on that long.  I had one in a large pot on the east side of the deck that somehow was spared from frosts and 22 degree freezes. I looked at it on Christmas day and felt sorry for it.  It was looking a little wilted but still green so I dug it up and brought it inside.  When that is done, the outdoor foilage normally dies off and new indoor growth sprouts.  Today the outdoor green is mostly gone, but one little cluster of leaves are flourishing.  A few more bright, sunny days like today would do that plant a lot of good.  Not too bright around here this time of year even near a window.  Lots of cloudy days thanks to the big lakes.  It will be interesting to see how the orphan plant makes out, anyway.

Sorry to hear of your ongoing problem, Gene.  Hope all comes out well with your tests this month.  Lets hope they are just problems you will have to outgrow.  

I wanted to use the Santa Fe yesterday after it sat unused for four days and the battery had not a spark.  I put a jumper pack on and started it up.  Let it run about 15 minutes to charge then shut it off to see if it would restart.  It did so I felt safe to go to Canandaigua with it.  Turned out to be a wasted trip anyhow but I will not go into that story. I had a feeling that battery was on the way out as it has seemed just a little lazy on cold days.  I guess 7 degrees was the killer but I scratch the date in them when new and that one lasted six and one half years.  Not bad for a cheap blem.  I decided to borrow the new battery I put in the International Cub about a month ago and did the switch after we got home.  Luckily the posts were in proper orientation but I have  nearly two inches of case left over on  each end.  No matter.  It has lots of energy to crank the engine and should do fine until I get into my supplier for another new one.

Being 11:47 PM I guess I will click SEND, then  park this machine.  I have a cat looking at me as if to ask if I am ever going to bed.  She is waiting to beat my belly up with her paws.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 19, 2016, 05:44:24 PM
Charlie, hope you got the cat into a warm bed. They can be pretty persistent at times.

The cold weather has been killing batteries here too. Had to replace the one in the Acura and then in the Case V that is my wood hauling tractor. Debated on changing the tractor battery as the tractor starts so easy with the hand crank. Usually 2 pulls to start it, but the starter is so much nicer.

Cold weather has settled in here with lows at 1 to 2 degrees above zero. Very little snow on the ground.Went to the woods on Sunday morning to cut some hickory wood. Started snowing a very light snow and I like being in the woods like that. Just so quiet and peaceful. Wood stove keeping the house nice and cozy but using a lot of wood. Been able to get to the woods and cut and haul some of the down trees. A little wet in spots but ground is freezing now so easier to get around.

Have another appointment tomorrow with OSU clinic for more tests. Need to get a colonoscopy and endoscopy to see if my digestive system is healthy. Not looking forward to this at all. Have scheduled another for Feb. 10 for a Check of my pancreas. It all reminds me of mechanics changing parts till something makes the car run.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 20, 2016, 12:45:43 PM
Good luck with the two today, Gene. Getting all clean and shiny for that type of test messes me up for days.   I do not envy you.  I tried your Feb 10 test thirty some years ago. I could not do it.  Maybe better methods are used now.  Best of luck in any case.  If you end up saying "UNCLE", know you are not the only one.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 25, 2016, 08:39:10 AM
Charlie the tests went fairly well. The endoscopy turned up with no issues. The colonoscopy showed nothing abnormal but as you say I was not all clean and shiny so doctor was not satisfied with the results and wants me to retake the test with a 2 day clean and flush.

Weather has improved the last couple of days. Temperatures finally in low 30's yesterday and today. Skies have been crystal clear and really showed the full bright moon. The cold windy weather of the past couple weeks made it hard for me to breathe so didn't get much done outside. Yesterday's warm weather allowed me to get to the woods and cut and split some more firewood. Had a big 20 inch hickory snag that I cut down last week and got it blocked up yesterday morning and went back with the tractor, trailer and splitter and split a trailer load before evening. Still have about half a load in the pile. Felt good to get out and get some exercise. A trailer load of wood will last about 10 days of heating.

Backed the truck out of the barn to get the tractor out and was running rough and only running on 5 cylinders, so will have to do some injector work on it. Has 60 horsepower injectors in it now and I plan to go back to stock injectors. I don't need all that power and smoke.

Only random patches of snow on the ground. Weekend storm all went south of us. Don't miss it at all.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 28, 2016, 11:03:33 PM
Good that the tests looked O.K., Gene.  Too bad about having to repeat the one.  Once is more than enough.  On another subject, I know you and Ralph are both the proud owners of this style Case tractor.  If either of your tractors have turned up missing I can help out with that.  The one below turned up in my kitchen around the first of this year and has been hanging around ever since.  A pretty machine with plenty of muscle.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]952[/ATTACH]

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 30, 2016, 10:18:10 AM
Quote from: Charlie V;2782
Good that the tests looked O.K., Gene.  Too bad about having to repeat the one.  Once is more than enough.  On another subject, I know you and Ralph are both the proud owners of this style Case tractor.  If either of your tractors have turned up missing I can help out with that.  The one below turned up in my kitchen around the first of this year and has been hanging around ever since.  A pretty machine with plenty of muscle.

Charlie V.

That is a beautiful 1030. Not quite the Western special style we would see out here but still nice. Just got my free Dupont classic tractor calendar yesterday. Almost missed January. Allis Chalmers with a road grader attachment is their January tractor.
We are way above normal temps here all week. Hit 38 yesterday. Yet we still have the nice layer of snow. Not enough to install the snowblower or use the blade yet but definitely looking like winter.
I'm attaching a picture from way back in 1979 showing the 930 Case we had, and wish I still had. My dad at the Carter disk seed cleaner putting some wheat through preparing for spring planting 1979.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 31, 2016, 07:28:31 PM
Charlie that is sure a great looking tractor. I have 3 with that styling. Have my 1959 700 diesel, a 1959 900 diesel and a 530 gas, don't know the year. I like Ralph's 730 Western tractor. I think it would be a dandy haying tractor.

Celebrating my 74th birthday today. Still going. Got my own early birthday present last Monday. Traded my 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee for a 2011 Jeep Compass. went from V-8 and 4 wheel to a 4 cylinder front wheel drive. Both are Limited Edition, so has all the nice features. Trading 16 miles per gallon to 23 M[ATTACH=CONFIG]954[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]954[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]955[/ATTACH]PG[ATTACH=CONFIG]956[/ATTACH]

Still very mild winter weather here. Highs in the mid 50's and 40 at night. Last week was cold enough to freeze the ground so cut and split quite a bit of firewood. Went back with tractor and trailer yesterday to haul some to the barn. but ground started thawing on the surface and too slippery to haul up the hills.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 02, 2016, 09:02:12 PM
That is a nice looking jeep, Gene.  Hope you enjoy it.  Betting it  will do better than 23 MPG with a four banger and a sensible driver.  We are still enjoying spring weather here too.  Looking for 60 degrees tomorrow.  Will break the record if it happens.  Lots of wind though to bring the warmth in here.  Any trace of snow is pretty much a thing of the past. I am thinking if last winters temps were added to this years then averaged the average would be right close to a normal winter for here.  Winter is sure not over yet but the calendar is narrowing in on it now.  

OMG!!  My third child (second daughter) will be 52 tomorrow.  I remember her birth date like it was yesterday.  I stopped at the post office to mail the county taxes on the way to the hospital with her mother.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 21, 2016, 11:28:38 PM
We exercised the old Wisconsin and saw yesterday cutting up some firewood. Still not a lot of snow here but it started coming down pretty heavy while we were cutting. No great accumulation though. Sure been an odd winter here.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 23, 2016, 11:22:57 PM
Your post looks a little lonely here, Ralph.  Guess I should help out.  It looks like you are getting a little snow to go along with the wood cutting.  The snow is good stuff to keep the buzz saw blade cool.  Our snow less winter changed it's tune a week ago today.  Here we got 18 inches all in one day.  With a temperature if 31 F. that 18 inches was not by any means fluff.  Darn stuff was gummy enough  to get my truck stuck mucking in it just trying to turn around to plow my way out.  At the time the plow was not in snow either.  Just stuck tires with wet packed snow around them.  After I pondered the situation a while I tried clearing around the truck with the walk behind blower.  No success.  the blower was working OK in undisturbed snow but where I had driven through it, it was well enough packed that the blower wound not go through.   Decided a little shoveling behind the tires was in order.  That gave just enough movement to rock it two or three times, then back up a foot and one half or so.  Then I was able to drop the plow, get moving out the driveway and break a path clear to the street. Home free from then on being able to always clear ahead of the truck.  Just a new inch here and there since then.  That is OK though.  One day of that was enough to last me until this time next winter.

Not a whole lot else to gab about here.  I have been wondering how things are going for Gene.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 27, 2016, 01:51:39 PM
Been thinking I need to catch up. Been cutting some firewood  before the 3 inch rain earlier this week. Ground has been just wet enough to be greasy on top after the sun warmed up the surface, making ground too wet to haul with the tractor and trailer. Been cutting mostly hickory for this winter's wood. Cut up the 2 big oak trees for wood for next winter after it seasons. Got 3 inches of rain on Tuesday, so put a stop to any work in the woods.

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Pictures came out a lot bigger than I expected. My camera somehow changed resolution and took photos at 930 MB instead of 093 so took a long time to load, but think they will open alright.

Had another test at OSU hospital 2 weeks ago yesterday. Did an endoscopy of throat and down and took 7 biopsies on my pancreas. Haven't gotten any results of that, so guess nothing serious..

Had our biggest snow of the winter on Wednesday with 3 inches of wet snow. No need to remove any except on the sidewalk. Warming up for the weekend with highs in the upper 40's and 50's for tomorrow. Been a very mild winter.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on February 27, 2016, 05:41:45 PM
Ralph, what powers that Wisconsin saw?   I have some old photos of my dad using a buzz saw mounted to his dad's Farmall F-20.  Yours has its own platform with a belt pulley on the other end of the saw shaft, I'm guessing?  Or does the Wisconsin name mean it has its own little Wisconsin engine?

Charlie, wow, 18 inches of snow in a day would pretty much dominate your activities for a while.   I'm enough west of you to have missed all the heavy stuff, and even this past week I missed the 3" of snow that Gene got; only a little ways south of him but it was evidently enough to make the difference.  After the previous two winters I guess I'm happy to see how mild this one has been, but it'd be okay with me if we had at least one really nice snow day.

Gene very kindly arranged for one of his neighbors to haul my new tractor home to me today, and I tried it out for a while with the little trailer to haul some brush to a burnpile.  Very nice little tractor and will probably spend most of its time hooked to the brushhog.  

[ATTACH=CONFIG]961[/ATTACH]

Thanks very much, Gene, setting up the tractor-hauling for me sure made my weekend easy!

Dean
Saint Paris, Ohio
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 27, 2016, 10:02:01 PM
Dean, so glad you got the little Ford home. Sure is a nice looking tractor. Worked on the truck yesterday and some today and still haven't found what ails it. With the 3 inches of rain and 3 inches of snow melting it is very wet here. Decided I needed a nature walk this morning and spent about 2 hours walking in the woods. Very wet and soggy and had to try to stay on the higher ground to keep out of the standing water. Only a few small drifts left and easy to walk around.

Walked to the west end of Dale's woods and saw some more trees to cut up when things dry up. Still some dead ash standing and some have some pretty good size to them.

Our family required a lot of firewood with a drafty 10 room house and 2 wood stoves to keep it warm. Our buzz saw was a saw made by C.A. McDade. It was top of the line with a large table that ran horizontally on tracks with ball bearing rollers on each end. We always knew we were in for a busy weekend when we came home from school on Friday afternoon to see the saw set up and belted to one of the tractors. We didn't have chain saws so the trees were cut into manageable lengths with 1 and 2 man crosscut saws.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 28, 2016, 01:45:27 PM
Gene, good to see you are hard at work getting firewood. I did a little of that again yesterday helping branch the logs after the guys chain sawed them down. Later helped take away blocks from the splitter. Some of the bigger blocks needed splitting but it is easy with this hydraulic powered one my brother built. Hoped to get some video but just got this still shot.
Dean, the Wisconsin I referred to is the 65 year old V4 engine off my Dad's first Case combine. It sits inside the "engine room", an old granary. Belt runs through the wall to run the saw. There is no name on the saw that I know of.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 04, 2016, 09:43:12 AM
Western Logan County turned white over night. Had a light snow all day Thursday, but most melted as soon as it came down. About dark last night the snow started accomulating and light snow most of the night. Only about 2 inches of wet snow this morning. Forecast is for much warmer weather the next few and then almost daily rain next week. Spring is not far off. Just going to let nature take care of the snow removal.

Rain earlier in the week has left a lot of standing water. Ground froze enough that I was able to get to the woods and hauled a small load of the oak i have split. Wet mixture of sleet and snow made it uncomfortable, so settled for about 3/4 trailer load to be sure I could get up the hills. No problem.

Finally got the truck running on Wednesday. I kick myself for what I found. I thought I had checked all the electric circuits and ohmed out alright. I neglected to check the injector solenoid for short to ground. Repair would have been a 30 minute job and a $50.00 part. I have learned a lot about Cummins common rail injection system.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on March 06, 2016, 07:41:44 PM
Gene, glad to hear you got the truck problem solved!  You know your way around diesels mighty well, I'd say--I'd need a week-long Modern Diesels 101 course to even begin to know where to look.

We had similar blanket of wet snow Friday morning, not quite as much as you had.  Pretty much all gone now, maybe a few little patches left here or there where it had drifted up.  I always like to see all the seasons come, but it doesn't take much of a winter (and this one wasn't much of a winter) to make me think "Okay, it'll be nice when spring comes."

I tinkered with the 3600 for a while this evening after spending most of the day on projects in the house.  Changed the antifreeze mostly on general principle since I didn't like the look of the stuff that was in it although it tested fine.  Right brake doesn't seem very strong so I played with the adjustment a little with the tractor sitting in the barn, but by then it was getting close to dinner time so I didn't take it back out to see if there's any improvement; probably be next weekend before I have time.   At this point I'm mostly just enjoying the process of getting familiar with it.

Dean Vinson
Saint Paris, Ohio
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 07, 2016, 01:56:25 PM
Quote from: vinsond;2793


I tinkered with the 3600 for a while this evening after spending most of the day on projects in the house.  Changed the antifreeze mostly on general principle since I didn't like the look of the stuff that was in it although it tested fine.  Right brake doesn't seem very strong so I played with the adjustment a little with the tractor sitting in the barn, but by then it was getting close to dinner time so I didn't take it back out to see if there's any improvement; probably be next weekend before I have time.   At this point I'm mostly just enjoying the process of getting familiar with it.

Dean Vinson
Saint Paris, Ohio

Dean, I forgot to comment on what a nice looking tractor your Ford is. Should be real handy for you.
We are enjoying spring like weather here with record breaking high on the weekend. I'm still in the snow belt here but 20 miles South there is hardly any left at all. We hit up into the 50s on Saturday so that was nice but not normal. Still near a foot and a half of ice on the sloughs yesterday when I checked.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on March 11, 2016, 11:02:37 AM
Thanks, Ralph.  Back in the late 70s I worked for a farmer who had a then-new Ford 4600 and I always thought it was a really good tractor, and then a couple of years ago I looked briefly at a 3600 when I was first settling into the farm here.  Didn't buy that one but didn't forget it either, and have been casually paying attention to ads for them ever since.  Saw this one and just decided the time was right.

It's in the 50s F here today and the rain from the past few days has stopped.  I'm going to work on some erosion control on my dinky little stream through the pasture, where it passes under my fence by the road.  Had 20 tons of riprap delivered yesterday and can load it into my little trailer with the Kubota, but unloading and placing it looks like it'll be entirely a manual process.  We'll see how much I get done.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]964[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]965[/ATTACH]

[Update as of about 6 pm... moved maybe a fourth of that pile, maybe less.  Figure I'll sleep pretty well tonight.]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]966[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]967[/ATTACH]

Dean
Saint Paris, Ohio
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 27, 2016, 06:41:41 PM
Dean, looks like the Ford is doing a fine job with its new job. Hope Ralph is finally losing the snow and frost in the ground. Drying up nicely here. Amish neighbors all have their oats planted and starting to spread manure. little too wet for the tractors on the ground. Next door neighbor cultivated some ground earlier this week but was too tough to work it down and plant it. Getting about time to get the lawn mowers out,

Took advantage up last week'e warm, dry weather and hauled the rest of the oak firewood hauled up to the barn. should be a nice warm winter.


[ATTACH=CONFIG]968[/ATTACH],[ATTACH=CONFIG]970[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]969[/ATTACH],

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 30, 2016, 10:51:56 AM
Early spring here in Sask. although we did see a replay of winter a week ago. Hardly a sign of snow left now though as temps get up in the 40s most days. Nice to be able to work in the shop with bare hands and not freeze.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 03, 2016, 10:46:47 AM
Ralph, sure glad you are getting some spring weather. We have had almost constant raw winds here. Wind speeds at 50 mph or more. Been almost every day. I have cleaned up the tree limbs from the lawn 3 times this week and yesterday's winds have blown more down to be picked up. My maple trees will be bald before the winds abate. more 35 MPH winds forecast for today. TV station showed scenes from Union county where the electric poles were blown over about 45 degrees for quite a distance. Union county is the next county east of me. West of us in Mercer county U.S. rt127 is closed with downed poles and trees. actually had snow showers yesterday afternoon with the 50 MPH winds. I did take advantage of the one good day on Wednesday and got the lawn mowed for the first time. Forecast for more cold weather all this week. Hope spring comes back.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 03, 2016, 11:14:01 AM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;2798
Union county is the next county east of me. West of us in Mercer county U.S. rt127 is closed with downed poles and trees. actually had snow showers yesterday afternoon with the 50 MPH winds. I did take advantage of the one good day on Wednesday and got the lawn mowed for the first time. Forecast for more cold weather all this week. Hope spring comes back.

Gene


Looks like we have had a better week in Sask. than you Gene. We hit over 60degrees yesterday. I was a little over dressed and found it hot working around the yard. Day before was so nice I took the Merc out for a spin to test out the new brake parts I've put on. I could have driven with open windows, if the windows would open. :D
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 10, 2016, 06:11:21 AM
Hard to believe I have burned more firewood from mid march to now than in December. More freezing weather and very strong winds. More wind than I remember. Gave up on picking up limbs from the trees till the grass needs mowing again. Had snow showers Saturday morning and later in the afternoon. Just a light coating on the ground. Dean had a little more.

Closed out the deal on the airplane yesterday, so no longer an airplane owner. It will be going to a good home and not too far away.

I have wanted to replace my Gravely Pro master 300  lawnmower. Have wanted a Pro Master 350 and located one on Craigslist in southern Ohio, so will take the truck and trailer this afternoon and likely bring it home. Will be an easier mower to drive with better wheel arrangement and power steering. Has a 23 horsepower Kawasaki engine and 60 inch deck.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 11, 2016, 10:23:50 PM
Gene you will have to get yourself a "drone" now so you can still fly and take pictures. I'd like to get one some day for shooting pictures and videos.
Been some real extremes here lately with a couple of warm days and then cold, wind and snow flurries. Ground frozen hard this morning and barely thawed out in the shade today. Better things tomorrow they say. Still a long way from gardening or grass cutting here.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 25, 2016, 03:27:14 PM
Just checkingto see if the forum is still alive. No replies since my last comment on April 11 and here it is July 25. Hot summer day here. Almost too hot to work when its over 80 unless I'm in an air conditioned cab.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on July 26, 2016, 12:15:52 PM
Hi Ralph. Glad to finally see a post on this forum. I have sure let down my end. The older I get the more difficult it is to keep up with things. This summer is going down the tubes for me As my wife fell and broke her second hip a month ago. (broke the first one five years ago). Her care has been all consuming for me.  I do not believe in nursing homes.  Care should be given by loved ones as much as possible.  Being out of the home and loaded with drugs is even more disturbing for folks who already have memory issues.  With her discharge after five days in the hospital I brought he home.  Even her care there was not all that good.  Things in the health care area have taken a decline from what they were even three years ago.

 As she recovers the burden eases a little for me.  I have to get out soon and install a new pair of front tires on the zero turn mower.  Finally got some rain yesterday. The grass might soon come back to llife. There was more but l lost it to send from this dumb phone.

Charlie

On the computer now!  The rest of my post went something like:
It has been very hot and dry here too.  Even weeds are not growing much.  Numerous days in the 90's and a lot of drying breeze.  

I have missed talking with you men and keeping up with what is happening in your worlds.  Hope Gene and Dean are well.

  Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 27, 2016, 01:43:48 AM
Charlie, sorry to hear about your wife's health issues. I can see how that would keep you busy. I think I've seen a comment or two from Gene on the old ATIS list but it could be longer ago than I realize. It usually is.
We have had ample rain here to grow good grass but not so much as to be a problem like it has in the past few years. Crops are off to a good start and if we miss the hail it should be a good one.
No doubt some are tired of seeing the many pictures I take of my dad's old 52 Mercury but I never get tired of it. This shot from a week or two ago is my favourite.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on July 28, 2016, 12:20:02 PM
Ralph,

Your picture is an awesome nature shot even without the Mercury, but better with it.  Good to see that you are getting a lot of enjoyment from the old girl.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on August 19, 2016, 12:38:00 AM
Quote from: Charlie V;2806
Ralph,

Your picture is an awesome nature shot even without the Mercury, but better with it.  Good to see that you are getting a lot of enjoyment from the old girl.

Charlie

Thanks Charlie. It got even better last weekend when I drove the Merc to a local museum antique car show. My SIL drove the Chevy II along behind as a support vehicle in case anything should go wrong in the Mercury's first long trip since 1969. It all went well and I got some video of the trip uploaded to youtube last night.
[video=youtube;-n0ZsAilj7w]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-n0ZsAilj7w[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: vinsond on August 26, 2016, 10:50:48 AM
Ralph, wonderful video as always.  The Merc looks great inside and out, and I bet it was fun to take it on a bit of a roadtrip.

Charlie, I'm sure your wife is much the better for being under your care as she recovers.  I hope things continue to go well and you have more time for other pursuits.

I haven't hardly posted anything here or on the main list in quite a while.  The Portland, Indiana engine and tractor show is under way right now, keeping Gene plenty busy no doubt, but I'm sorry to say I likely won't even make it over there for an afternoon.   Three different contractors coming to the house today... electrician, insulation company, and a door salesman.

Big project at home lately has been renovation of our "sunroom," originally a porch that was enclosed decades ago and has been modified at various points since then.   All I'd intended to do was build a little "hall tree," as my wife calls it, a place to sit and put on your boots or hang up some coats with some shelves above for hats and gloves.  Then we thought it'd be nice to add a light on top of it to illuminate the knicknacks and such that my wife plans to put up there.   While investigating how to run a wire up there, I discovered there wasn't a bit of insulation in the wall... so we figured we might as well fix that before we built anything new up against the wall.   Pulled off all the old paneling, all the old drywall, cleaned everything up, and then of course realized this would be the ideal time to add some new outlets, make the room lighting a little nicer, etc.   And shoot, that old entrance door is just drafty as can be, and with the wall stripped down I could see it wasn't even framed in very well... so this is the project that never ends.   Anyway, I just got the wiring all finished last night, and just in time because an insulation contractor is on his way to spray on new cellulose insulation.   The door salesman will take measurements for a new exterior door and then come back and install it in several weeks.    

All the rest of the house is solid brick, 13" thick, but the sunroom is just brick veneer over wood sheathing (actually 3/4" tongue-and-groove planks...pretty nice stuff!) over 2x4 wood studs.   But the stud spacing was crazy, nothing consistent at all.  I added a few new ones on 4' centers to make it easier to put the new drywall up, but that just made the overall spacing even crazier, so no way to use fiberglass batt insulation without having to custom-cut every single piece.   So I'm happy to contract out the spray-on cellulose.   Never seen it done so I'll be interested in the process.  I guess it takes a couple days to dry, so I'll plan to hang the new drywall next weekend.   After that I'll be looking around for a drywall finisher to do the mud and tape... that's another task I don't mind hiring out.

Here's a photo as it looks now, just before the insulation goes on.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]974[/ATTACH]

The electrician is coming to add a sub-panel next to the main breaker panel in the basement.   Main panel is fine but full, and although I'm happy to run new circuits I don't feel up to adding a subpanel myself.  While he's here he's also going to wire in a new quick-disconnect cable for my old Winco 20KW PTO-powered generator... some prior owner had put a nice transfer switch out by the electric meter and that generator came with my JD 620 when I bought it from a neighbor a couple years ago, but I didn't have the nerve to try to wire it in myself.

Then this afternoon Lowe's will deliver the drywall along with a bunch of other 4x8 stuff I need for other projects:  pegboard for a new workbench in the shop and another one in the basement, MDF for benchtop worksurfaces and shelves, plywood for a future little roof extension over the entrance door to the sunroom ("project that never ends"...)

Hope this finds you gentlemen well.

Dean
Saint Paris, Ohio
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Merton on September 01, 2016, 02:23:25 PM
I have not stopped by this forum in a long time. Glad to see it is still going! I wonder how Gene faired at Portland this year. I was at Portland for 2 days this year. Wednesday and Thursday I wish I could stayed more . Merton
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on September 11, 2016, 03:26:47 PM
Not as busy as I'd like to be here. Only got a couple of days harvesting and its been damp or rainy now for over a week. So we wait. And hope for three weeks of warm weather without a drop of rain. It does give me time to do a few other jobs. And of course keep the old Mercury exercised. Took this photo out on the driveway a few days ago when the sun was out for a while.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on September 12, 2016, 04:07:45 PM
Got another tractor driving video on youtube from the past weekend. Pulling the early fifties vintage one way disker working a patch of summerfallow.
[video]https://youtu.be/xWpjGbDKZRU[/video]
[video=youtube;xWpjGbDKZRU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWpjGbDKZRU[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on September 25, 2016, 09:17:18 AM
Gosh, hard to believe it has been 5 months since my last post. Been a lot happening with my life and things at the farm.

Have still been having some health issues and several visits to Ohio State hospital and clinics for testing and consultations with several different doctors. Seems I Have issues with my liver and pancreas that hinders digestion of my food and seems to pass without properly digesting it.

Have had a very dry summer with many crops suffering from the drought. My soybeans have managed to hold on and looks like they will make a decent yield considering the dry weather. We are still very dry, warm and lots of sunshine. Only harvesting being done is corn silage. Corn and soybeans are still a few days from any heavy harvesting. Hay crop was almost non existent for 2nd and 3rd cutting. Managed to get a decent 4th cutting after some nice rains in August. Ground is still very dry, so shouldn't be a factor for early harvest.

I bought another combine this summer. It is a White 7300, like my other one. This one has set in a barn since the owner died in 1992. It is in very good shape and came from a farm that had no rocks. Has had some exterior damage from the elderly owner not being fully aware of outside obstacles, like driving into the barn with the radiator screen still up. Been using the old 7300 for a parts machine for parts.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]979[/ATTACH]

Bought a motorcycle in June. Is a 1100 CC Honda Shadow. Just now getting confident in riding it. Plan to ride it to Portland for this afternoon's directors meeting. Will be the longest trip I have made on it.

Beginning of my stay at Portland tractor show was very hot with 95 degree temps. Finally cooled down by start of the show. Had some rain showers during the show, but was very welcome to finally get some moisture. Had a little over 3.5 inches in rain gauge when I got home from the show and soybeans were finally responding as pods were developing. Spent a total of 3 weeks camping at the campground.

Looks like everyone has been keeping up to date but me. Good to hear from everyone on here. Have missed keeping track of all.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on September 25, 2016, 11:57:24 AM
Gene, its good to see you back on here again and still doing what you do . Now if we can just get an update from Charlie.
I'm sitting and waiting for the weather to dry up and resume harvest. I'm about two thirds done until this inch and a half rain hit.
Here is some video of before the rain while I was combining.
[video=youtube;lK2N1H7kUQw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK2N1H7kUQw&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on September 25, 2016, 08:55:21 PM
Had a nice ride to Portland, Indiana on the Honda Shadow. i am getting more used to it. Weather was mostly clear and temperature in the high 70's

Harvest conditions in the western part of Ohio and Eastern Indiana. Lots of corn and soybeans being taken off. Saw several combines running in that area today. Very little being done closer to home. Everything seems to be later here. I still have a lot of soybeans with green leaves on them but will be changing fast.

Sounds like Dean is making preparations for winter with all the remodeling, Looks like a nice place  to watch the winter snows and winds in comfort.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on September 25, 2016, 10:14:07 PM
Here I am!!  Just like the proverbial bad penny I keep turning up.  Not a whole lot of outside stuff for me.  Replaced left hip and same leg have been acting up pretty bad and keeping my flying low.  It was a difficult chore just to grocery shop a couple of days ago.  I have been walking with the aid of two canes for a few days. Only good news is that I increased one medication today and my walking is a little better.

I see by my phone today that Ralph is swathing a pretty good crop of oats, even though some is laying flat. Keep it going, Ralph.  We were down to 38 F last night.  Winter may not be as far away as we think.

I have been watching an Allis Chalmers 7040 about 10 miles from here on Craigs list for a month or so. The seller has dropped it to $ 2600 now which is not even good lawn mower money.  Darn, I wish I had any kind of use for that one. If it had a FE loader, it would be mine provided it checked out OK. I would expect a loader to jump the cost a bit.  Considering where it is, I think I may have known the original owner of that tractor.


Good to hear  from Gene.  I think I am ready to sell my Honda Shadow as well as the Elite 250.  I have not renewed the plates this year and let the insurance drop last month.  Time to let someone else enjoy them. They do not take huge garage space but when it is full, every bit helps.


I just now found Gene's morning post.  Great looking combine.  Looks new.

For Dean:  Watch those cats.  Not exactly sure but I think I am feeding 20 now.  They sure are good at math.  Multiply like HE double toothpicks.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on October 03, 2016, 12:35:54 AM
Quote from: Charlie V;2815


I see by my phone today that Ralph is swathing a pretty good crop of oats, even though some is laying flat. Keep it going, Ralph.  We were down to 38 F last night.  Winter may not be as far away as we think.



I just now found Gene's morning post.  Great looking combine.  Looks new.

For Dean:  Watch those cats.  Not exactly sure but I think I am feeding 20 now.  They sure are good at math.  Multiply like HE double toothpicks.

Charlie

Hi Charlie
I could use a few female cats here. All I have are three tomcats.
Harvesting going in stops and starts due to rain. Worked til 3:00 am one morning and would have kept on but rain stopped me. I'm down to the last field of flax with a rainy week forecast.
Here is another chapter in the yet to be concluded harvest 2016 series. I hope it ends before winter starts.
[video=youtube;tVrepCilKiM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVrepCilKiM&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 26, 2016, 11:52:44 PM
Hope everyone had a good Christmas and Boxer Day in Ralph's part of the world.

Had a nice Christmas at daughter Lori's new residence in West Liberty. Lots of room for the family get-together. Got some nice clothes and a LED work light.

Hospital clinic visits have shown some promising improvements. Endoscopy and colonoscopy results are looking good and don't have to go back till March.

Harvest this fall was disappointing. Soybeans only yielded about 27 bushels per acre. The new combine was problematic with cutter bar issues due to poorly installed aftermarket floating cutter bar. Finally got it working after a couple delays and major redesigning of the installation. High point was that I had contracted for delivery and managed to hit the high market price. Came up short on delivery, but the contract price paid $.66 cents a bushel, so was not a financial loss. Harvest weather was favorable with dry conditions' but the dry summer delayed the ripening of the straw so had to wait for the stalks to dry, even though the pods were ripe and dry. Fall chisel plowing went well so that is done for spring.

Had so much trouble with my old John Deere grain drill that I upgraded to a 5100 IH drill and expect it to do a more consistent job of seeding.

Only had about a week of winter weather with a low of 3 degrees  and only 1 inch of snow and a spell of freezing rain that took a week to melt off. This weekend has been warm and is 48 degrees tonight.

New wood stove has been doing a good job of heating the house, but seems to use more wood than the old one.

Hope everyone has a happy New Year.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 29, 2016, 10:20:29 AM
Hi Gene
Good to see someone else here for a change. I was beginning to wonder what happened to the  list. You did better than me if you finished harvest. I still have about 100 acres of flax that will stand through the winter. It just got to the point  I was getting nowhere  and nearly burning the combine  down with straw wrapping on the beater. Hoping for better in the spring.
Winter has been easy so far with only a little snow. That week of below normal temps was  not  so nice but we are back above normal this week.
I have been doing  a little flying without actually getting my feet off the ground lately. I put some video together  from a few flights showing my yard and my brother's.
[video=youtube;oWOkK0Wv53Q]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWOkK0Wv53Q[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on December 30, 2016, 09:08:12 AM
Nice video from the drone. Would be limited flying a drone. Am only 4 miles from the Bellefontaine airport and FAA prohibits flying drones less than 5 mile from any airport.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 01, 2017, 09:33:11 PM
Hi Gene and Ralph.  Great to see that you men are still cranking along. With  Jan. 1, 2017  being nearly worn away it must be time to wish a Happy new year.  May the key ingredients for this year be Health, Wealth, and Happiness, old tractors and good crops.  

Nice job with the drone video, Ralph.  I will look forward to more.  Not a lot to talk about going on here si I guess it is time to park this, do a few chores and get some sleep.

Again, New  Years Wishes.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 02, 2017, 03:26:50 PM
Happy New Year guys and hoping to put up a few more drone videos. Gets a little cold on the fingers this time of year plus battery life is shorter than normal. Its pretty much the wild West out here as I can fly where I like. Nearest airport is over an hour away and the nearest neighbour a mile. I haven't dared go beyond beginner mode yet so altitude is limited to 90 feet. But one of these days I'll risk it.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 03, 2017, 09:37:14 AM
Ralph, can you operate the drone from the cab of the 2090? likely the metal will block the signal?

Have had a few warm days for January. Right now is 48 degrees, but will be turning colder for tomorrow. Been raining most of the night, so kinda wet this morning. Snow forecast starting tomorrow till weekend. Temp down to near zero by the weekend. Water in the lanes will turn to ice again, Think I will stock up on groceries today.

Been having a bout with bronchitis for the past week and makes for hard breathing outside. Getting better and was able to spend some time out yesterday at the wood pine and in the new shop. My furnace quit working over a week ago. Finally found the problem on Sunday and got it working again. Was just a bad wire connection from the thermostat. A 5 minute fix if I had know at first what to check.

Wood pile going down faster than I had expected, so will be using the furnace more. New stove seems to use more wood than the old one.Hope all are having a good start to 2017.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 04, 2017, 01:44:24 PM
Quote from: Gene Dotson;2822
Ralph, can you operate the drone from the cab of the 2090? likely the metal will block the signal?




I think so Gene but won't know for sure til I try. The drone has a "follow me" mode in which it is supposed to follow along when I'm driving a vehicle so I'm hoping to try it out. Should make some interesting videos. I took a short flight yesterday in -12F temps. Nice views but my fingers were starting to freeze up by the time I quit.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 11, 2017, 10:29:29 AM
-34F in Sask. this morning. Clear and sunny. Hope the wind stays down. I'll need to plug in the block heater on the Massey to put a couple of hay bales out later this afternoon.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 11, 2017, 06:21:09 PM
That is to cold, Ralph. I hope it stays north of the Great lakes.  We started the day in the plus mid 30's then warmed to plus 50.  Not at all bad for Jan.11, even if it will not last.  Cold front scheduled to move in tomorrow afternoon.  Enjoying your drone videos.  Looking for some nice ones in the summer as your crops grow and mature.  

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 11, 2017, 07:15:56 PM
Warmed up to 0 here this afternoon but snowing and blowing from the Southwest. Not nice but not bone chilling cold either. Did you see my latest drone video trying to drive and fly at the same time? I need a little practice.
[video]https://youtu.be/Fo40W7p0CrA[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on January 18, 2017, 10:04:49 PM
Sure enough, Ralph.  I did see the video with the pickup backing off the edge.  I have also seen the new one with the bird following a little tiny man on the ground.  Reminds me of a high level puppy dog.  That should be an interesting feature when you are doing tractor and other work in the fields.  Is a zoom in feature available in the "follow me" mode?

We are quite wet here.  Rain all day yesterday with around 3/4 inch falling.  Temp. is hanging around + 40 F.  Glad it is not freezing rain as was seen in the mid West. We are supposed to be on the south side of the jet stream through most of next week, then back to winter for a good stretch. Not a problem.  Every day past is a day nearer to Spring.  Along with the mild weather ice storms are a real possibility so I bought an extra 10 gallons of gas the other day in case it is necessary to run a generator for a day.  Not a lot, but better than being empty at a bad time.  I realized that my Cadillac which I do not use during the road salt season was under 1/4 of a tank of gas.  Took advantage of the dry roads to take that to the station and fill it with non ethanol gas.  With these up and down temps. a low tank makes a good terrarium.  Really do not need a lot of water mix in there.  Car runs quite nice without that.  Got out last week and started some other motors to keep fresh gas in the carbs and let the batteries charge.  We were near 50 last week for two days so had to take advantage.

Have fun with the drone and keep warm.

Charlie V.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on January 21, 2017, 11:58:11 PM
Its been a week of good flying weather with above normal temperatures. Had some great sunrise, sunset photo ops and I took it up to the maximum altitude of 400 feet several times. Didn't get any driving video yet but its on my list. I got in a day of tractor time with the Cockshutt 50 putting oats through the mill for cattle feed. It was warm enough to work on removing the tractor's pto for maintenance and I recorded some of it to put on youtube. Not exactly a "how to" video but might come in handy for my own future reference.
[video=youtube;1Wpe-DkhAe8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Wpe-DkhAe8[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on January 30, 2017, 09:33:42 AM
Wow, is it really 36 degrees in Saskatchewan? Must feel like summer to Ralph. Bet we get to see some new videos from the drone.

Charlie and I are both at 19 degrees this morning with snow for charlie. Had a few snow squalls here in Ohio yesterday evening with a mild but uncomfortable west wind. Only a dusting of snow on the ground. Last week was much warmer with temps in the 50's. Was a nice weekto work outside. Been working on the new shop and finally ready to start insulating then paneling.

Have not been able to get out and cut any firewood this winter. Having too much trouble with my breathing. Started on an antibiotic and changed my inhaler last week and seems I am doing better. Have an appointment tomorrow with my doctor to check on my progress. Cold weather makes it hard to breath with any exertion.

Hope everyone is doing well.       Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 01, 2017, 11:08:50 PM
Gene we have sure had our ups and downs in temp. Currently having some cold nights a bit below zero. Blowing and snowing some today so it was no day to be out doing much. Not that I would anyway as my back has been bad for a couple of days. Probably over did it lifting that Cockshutt pto last week. I have not even done any flying for almost a week. I did get the follow mode working on the drone a couple of weeks ago and got the drone to follow along shooting video while I drove the trail through the hundred acre woods.
[video=youtube;zcqJXzKQUBA]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcqJXzKQUBA[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 02, 2017, 10:13:55 PM
Still no snow in Ohio. Highs daily about 30 and nights in low 20's. Have decent soil moisture but not excessive. Cloud likely drive a tractor anywhere and not get stuck. Have very little frost in the ground.

I did kinda chuckle when you got the truck stuck.

Been getting along better the last few days. Had a couple doctor visits and a prescription for antibiotics and change of inhaler, I am breathing a lot better now. Got insulation for the new shop on Tuesday and have worked last 2 afternoons getting a good start on that. Getting along pretty well with that. Ran out of kerosene in the torpedo heater this afternoon, so quit early when it cooled off in there.

Got the Jeep back from the body shop this morning. Looks like they did a good job on the repairs.

Ground hog saw his shadow this morning so will have 6 more weeks of winter.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 12, 2017, 07:26:57 PM
More variable weather in Ohio. Had 4 inches of snow the first of the week, then turned cold with 10 degree temps, then warmed up into the low 50's and almost all of the snow has melted. Very windy today with gusts near  40 MPH. Clear skies this evening so will be a good view of almost full moon. Had cloudy sky Friday night so was not able to see the lunar eclipse or full snow moon.

Looks like Charlie is getting a pretty heavy snow. Looks like lake affect coming off the lake. Maybe getting 8 to 12 inches. Good luck with that.

Been working on insulating the walls in my new shop. Only have a few panels around one window and the electric panel. I can get my paneling now and start covering the walls. After that I will get the steel to install on the ceiling.

Got a call from the dentist that my new lower dentures are ready to pick up tomorrow. Been almost 3 months sinse I had the lower teeth pulled. Maybe I can finally get off this soft food diet.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 13, 2017, 02:15:26 PM
Sounds like you are working harder than me Gene. My back has bothered me since lifting that Cockshutt pto so I'm not pushing it too hard. You might want to post some pictures of the new shed one of these days.
It has warmed up here to the thawing point today. Hope we don't lose our snow. We don't have a lot and it is too early to see bare ground. I shot this video yesterday while driving the Merc and you can see we are well covered in snow. Yet I have not needed to install the snowblower.
[video=youtube;tpNPxwNlOt8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpNPxwNlOt8[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 17, 2017, 11:21:11 AM
Best of luck to you with the new choppers, Gene.  I sure hope they serve you better than mine did.  I put up with them for quite a few years.  Never did fit right and always had to be glued in to be any use at all.  After I retired in 2008, I put them in the cup and mostly left them there.  I would sometimes use them when going out, but eventually stopped that too.  Life is too short to put up with constant misery.   I just try not to smile too much.  

You do pretty good reporting our weather, except for the snow part.  As I look out I see a mix of snow and green grass.  We pretty much do not have any.  In spite of the threats the weather people make, the most I have seen at one time since November is one time between 3 and 4 inches.  I did do a light clean up one time lasy month, but was barely picking anything up.  I only did that in hopes that what was left would melt clean later in the day when temp. went above freezing.  Don't like partial melts that refreeze into glare ice.  As you know, temperature has been a roller coaster ride.  Get an inch or two of snow, then it melts to green grass again.  Really easy winter here so far.  Just fine with me and I feel no sympathy for the skiers and snow mobilers.  I suspect there may be some plow guys a little short on cash too.  On the other hand , it is not over until it is over!!

Ralph is getting some very nice footage from his drone. I keep up with them as you put them up to you tube, Ralph.  Just waiting for you to catch up with a deer herd or a pack of youes.  Is your boneyard PTO working as it should on whichever Cockshutt.

One more thought on the weather. The reports constantly tell us here of the heavy snows in the Wyoming / Genesee  County snow belt off Lake Ontario.  I was well into Genesee County This Tuesday.  To my surprise   -----Not only no snow banks,  but no snow at all.  Grass in peoples lawns looked like springtime.  We had a little more than that here.  Strange.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 17, 2017, 01:28:26 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;2834
 Life is too short to put up with constant misery.   I just try not to smile too much.  

Ralph is getting some very nice footage from his drone. I keep up with them as you put them up to you tube, Ralph.  Just waiting for you to catch up with a deer herd or a pack of youes.  Is your boneyard PTO working as it should on whichever Cockshutt.

Charlie


Charlie I 've had family members too that wore  their teeth in their  pocket a lot of  the time. One uncle  had  none at all and we never knew  him when he did  have  teeth. Seemed to get along just fine. I'm hanging on to almost all of mine but not sure  for  how much longer. Bone loss  is an irreversible process and it is taking  it's toll.
No progress  on the pto  as I don't want to over stress my back. It is only just starting to  feel better after lifting that pto weeks ago. I'll get some help to do the install. I'm a slow learner.
We broke some century old high temps in Sask.this week. Think it hit over 40 at  my yard. Its  nice but not normal.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 18, 2017, 01:52:44 PM
Charlie, you are right about the dentures. Cannot eat anything with them. Back to soft foods. Only good part is that they are good looking teeth, but worthless for eating Bad part is I got the bill yesterday for almost $400.00. Have ordered some denture pads to see if they help.

Came in for dinner a few minutes ago Temp is 61 degrees and warm sunshine. Guess I can leave the jacket in the house this afternoon. Working on the paneling for the new shop. Got all the panels up that don't require cutting. Got a panel saw and guide system that I just got assembled. Typical Chinese material. Have to make a few changes to make it work. Jury still out on that.

Guess I better get out and take advantage of the weather.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 21, 2017, 11:08:35 PM
Hopefully, Gene, your gums will harden in time so you can get along with your teeth.  Mine never fit correctly from day one and that was the problem.  Sadly, I made a deal with the dentist where I paid him in advance to get a discount on the teeth.  Bad move as then after the fact I had no leverage to get the teeth corrected.  I think he did not like it much when I asked him if he was sure my teeth did not get mixed up with someone else s.  My brother once said I had it backward because I wore them but took them out to eat.  He thought some people did it the other way around.  I hear the implants work pretty well but I know a guy who paid 35 grand to get those about three years ago.  I will say that I managed to gum my way through a delicious Porterhouse Steak the other night.  At the price I do not do it often, but once in a while.  The secret is in the cutting.  I sort of let the knife do the chewing by cutting very thin slices.  If I cut larger (normal) bites I will think I am an Indian gal tanning leather.

It sounds like you are making great progress on the new shop.  That will be nice enough to live in when finished.  Presume you have a dry wall T square for marking out your panel cuts, or maybe with your new saw set up that is not necessary????

Sure is some good February weather.  Calling for temps. in the high 60's to 70 the rest of the week.  O;K with me but some bulb plants might sprout prematurely, then freeze off.  I am guessing the fruit growers have to worry on that too.

Hope Ralph's back has recovered.  That kind of pain can really slow a man down.  I think your Mercury will have the hard to find four inch stroke crankshaft, Ralph.

charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 24, 2017, 08:28:34 AM
Nice day to work in the new shop yesterday. Took a few pictures of the track saw and some of the paneling. Charlie, I don't have a drywall square, but the track saw is doing a good job with some careful measurement.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]982[/ATTACH],[ATTACH=CONFIG]983[/ATTACH],[ATTACH=CONFIG]984[/ATTACH],[ATTACH=CONFIG]985[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 24, 2017, 09:30:02 PM
That looks like a nice tool, Gene.  Nice straight cuts w/o trying to follow a line.  Never have seen one before.  They tell me our February spring is about over.  Sure was nice while it lasted.  It was great to get out yesterday and start the two Hondas.  they have not been run for months and I didn't want the gas to gum in the Carburetors. been there, done that. Not much room to get the little buggers out and back in.  



Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on February 25, 2017, 08:33:29 PM
Gene it looks like that new shop is going to be nice enough to live in. Charlie, winter has returned here as we heading down to zero tonight. Still hanging on to some of our snow but we lost some this past week. My nephew shot some drone video at their farm this past weekend and it looks pretty white from above.
[video=youtube;nYIXnT2O0GM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYIXnT2O0GM[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on February 26, 2017, 07:19:28 AM
Charlie the Shop Fox sure makes straight cuts easy but only as accurate is the measurements

Weather turned cold again yesterday. Had 28 degrees all day yesterday with snow flurries and 35 MPH winds. Not a good day to be outside. Mostly stayed in the house and enjoyed the warm fire.

Have our first 2017 directors meeting at Portland today. Got lots of items to discuss for the upcoming year.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on March 05, 2017, 08:39:36 PM
Not an antique yet but it is nearly 40 years old now. Some video here from last week as I cleared snow in  the yard with the 2090 Case. Mild days , cold nights and our snow is hanging on. More predicted to fall tomorrow.
[video=youtube;k4mo3XD5Ouo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4mo3XD5Ouo&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 17, 2017, 10:06:00 AM
My goodness, over a month passes and nobody has said a word here? I've been busy, only a little, but did find time to shoot some video while starting up the old 730 Case on the weekend. Used it to push some dead carraganna trees into a pile where I'd been hedge trimming. Started and ran as good as ever. Like it was still 1963.
[video=youtube;qGgTyrLVEKY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGgTyrLVEKY[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on April 19, 2017, 05:05:30 PM
Hey Ralph,

Your 730 sounds good on a cold start.  The manifold heater must work good as it did not fill the shed with blue smoke on a cold start after standing for months.  I like diesels for the way they start when properly done.  

Won't be long now before you and Gene are rolling some soil and blowing in some seed.  Maybe Gene drills his.?? As tall as the grass is now, I will be sitting on the mower.  Looks like expected rain will hold that work off a few days.  Hope yoou folks have a good spring.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 21, 2017, 07:34:57 PM
Charlie, I have been turning a little dirt last 3 days. Started out by working the sweet corn patch on Wednesday. Worked some extra ground and invited the daughter and son in law to plant some garden. Hope they take me up on that.Had the Case 970 out on Wednesday afternoon to work down some sod I plowed up from plowing up some of the airstrip so that will give me another acre to plant.

Will be raising corn this year. I don't have a planter so neighbor will plant my corn when he plants his field next to me.I worked about 12 acres on Thursday with the Case 700 and field cultivator. Was about 77 degrees yesterday so was a nice day to be[ out on the tractors. Turned out cold at 52 degrees today, so did some inside work and a little laundry. Neighbor has a 12 row planter, so won't take long to plant my 21 acres.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]986[/ATTACH],[ATTACH=CONFIG]987[/ATTACH],[ATTACH=CONFIG]988[/ATTACH],[ATTACH=CONFIG]989[/ATTACH],[ATTACH=CONFIG]989[/ATTACH],[ATTACH=CONFIG]990[/ATTACH]

Some pictures of the fruit tree blooms. Lots of white.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on April 24, 2017, 03:08:29 PM
We have had a setback here in Sask. with a few inches of new wet snow overnight. No good weather  forecast for the rest of the week either. So what we thought was going to be an early spring is now starting to look like a normal or possibly late start in the field.
This was the view out my window this morning. Air seeder sitting in the snow. At least it covered up the water that had accumulated from the last rain.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on April 26, 2017, 07:45:27 AM
Warm and dry here in Ohio. Tractors and horses working everywhere. Ground very dry and would welcome some rain, which is predicted for Thursday and Friday.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on May 03, 2017, 05:43:07 AM
Careful what you wish for. After my last post about being dry was answered by more than 3.5 inches of rain starting last Thursday. The dry ground is doing a good drinking in the water, but will still be a few days, even if we get some sunshine. Cloudy and cooler weather will slow the process. This coming week is the prime time for planting corn and soybeans in Ohio. Thankfully we are missing the severe storms that seem to be plaguing southern U.S.

Gene
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 06, 2017, 11:59:17 AM
You have that right, Gene.  Water, water everywhere. I have not put my rain gauge upright yet because we are not yet finished with below freezing nights.   Not sure how much rainfall in the past two weeks, but a lot of it.  Have mowed lawn 2 and 1/2 times.  The last time was last Thursday.  Could not do it all as some was a pond but got a good part of it.  Had to do it then because of all the rain starting Thursday afternoon, through Friday and today.  Doubt it will be dry enough for at least another week.  Yesterday I did notice some high ground worked over on Rt. 20 but most is too saturated.  Looks like crops will be starting a little late this year.  Winter wheat is sure looking green and happy though.  I sent a text to my daughter who lives here in NY yesterday, Gene.  Ser replied that she had just arrived in her older sisters driveway.  That would be in Delaware O.  Guess that means that all three of my girls are in Ohio at the moment.  


I see that Ralph is keeping busy loking above the clouds to find sunshine.  You get your flying machine up pretty high, Ralph.  Not only he put a new oil line on the Mercury and fired it up with a 15 year old battery.  Nice job with your videos, Ralph.  Keep them coming.  

Not sure what Dean has been up to.  Most likely cleaning and waxing those classic tractors and feeding cats..

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on May 25, 2017, 10:16:42 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;2849


I see that Ralph is keeping busy loking above the clouds to find sunshine.  You get your flying machine up pretty high, Ralph.  Not only he put a new oil line on the Mercury and fired it up with a 15 year old battery.  Nice job with your videos, Ralph.  Keep them coming.  

Not sure what Dean has been up to.  Most likely cleaning and waxing those classic tractors and feeding cats..

Charlie


I've been working steady and overtime most days for the past 3 weeks. Getting rid of last year's flax crop and straw took time and put me behind for applying anhydrous. They full speed ahead on seeding with the usual little breakdowns and holdups. I still managed to get about 99% finished as of last night thanks to a long stretch of dry weather. Kind  of nice to have a break today as it rained a little and gave me a chance to plant some garden stuff. Early potatoes are up.
I've had no time to drive the Merc or fly the drone but my nephew did get some great drone  video of me running the magnum and air seeder recently. I'm just uploading a video to youtube now. Here is  a "still".
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on May 29, 2017, 11:03:10 PM
Great job with the video, Ralph.  Guess I have watched it about three times now.  Pretty tiny on my phone but good on the laptop.  Great that you got good weather to get the Canola in the ground.  Hope conditions hold good for the growing season.  

I see a fair amount of ground here that looks like it might be seeded.  Probably mostly corn ground but cannot say for sure as nothing is sprouted.  I suspect planting is behind schedule here due to all of the rain.  One report a few days ago claimed seven plus inches for the month of May so anyone not on high, well drained ground is not working yet.  It will take some warm sun to germinate seed already in the ground. Last Thursday for example we had two inches of rain in 12 hours, and so it goes. A few all time weather records being broken.

 I am sure you have heard that Lake Ontario is trying to devour all of NY state and half of Canada.  The commission that regulates Lake level  claims the 2014  plan implemented last fall is not the cause, but just coincidentally, the Lake is at it's highest level ever recorded, currently.  Many opposed the 2014 plan saying this is exactly what would happen if there was a wetter than average spring.  The US and Canada in their infinite wisdom,passed the plan .  Bottom line is the tree huggers who wanted more water in wetlands around the Lake sure got it. Others are suffering millions of dollars in losses,

With my retired, old man life style my planting mostly consists of putting a couple dozen plants in flower pots and that endeavor is progressing well.  I gave up on a garden some years ago when my wife talked me into planting my garden plot to lawn.  Probably a good move.  Every time the garden was rained on, then dried out, the clay pretty much turned to stone so I was to the tiller.

Charlie
Title: Finally Got Our Rain
Post by: RG8800 on June 14, 2017, 10:19:49 PM
Crops, gardens and grass were starting to need a drink. No significant rain fell for a month until last night. I hear we have had over an inch in an all day rain which is just what we needed. Things were growing surprisingly well considering. Although the lawns were getting a bit dead looking on the high spots.
Early potatoes are up and hilled just in time for the rain. We have had a bit cooler than normal weather most of the time which helps keep things growing.
I spent a little time out on the "big water" on the weekend by my brother's farm yard. Uploading a video to youtube of it at the moment. See we have plenty of moisture here. Just not well distributed. :D
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Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on June 16, 2017, 09:02:21 PM
that inch of new water should give your crops a little boost, Ralph.  We wee not all that dry here, but yesterday gave us just over three inches of rain.  Probably good for seedings on high ground.  Most likely some ponding on low ground.  All of my flower plants look like they enjoyed the rain but I keep them pretty well watered anyway.  Today would have been my normal day to mow grass (as  but in a morning check I found standing water on the ground (as expected) in several places.  With the hot sun and breeze it will be dry enough by later tomorrow.  


Beautiful evening here on the back deck tonight.  A few pesky insects but not many.  Light is getting dim now as the sun sets.  I went yesterday and had a full eye exam and got measured for new lenses.  Drs. are not sure how mush getting rid of the cataracts will help  as the MD is also part of my vision loss. The cataract removal will help some and I sure hope it helps a lot.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 26, 2017, 09:59:53 PM
Charlie, my dad had cataracts removed in his 80s and I think it helped him. He also had MD. Hope it is not hereditary but with my luck probably is.
Busy as usual here just getting caught up with crop spraying. Unhithed from the sprayer and need to hook up with the haybine any day soon. Crops all looking pretty good and there is going to be a lot of yellow around here in a couple of weeks as canola blooms. No blue here this year as I've kicked the flax habit after the last disastrous crop. Life is too short to spend time fighting flax straw.
Got a new drone battery on warranty so looking forward to some flight time soon.
Saw the first potato bloom last week.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on June 27, 2017, 12:04:13 AM
Looks like the hood of the Case in your photo, Ralph.  Lucky for you to have decent weather for spraying crops.  Rain and more rain here.  Three inches a week ago Thursday and I have had at least three inches more since then, including an inch today.  Mowed Saturday and had to abort about 1/3 of the lawn due to standing water on the ground.  Guess it will continue to grow until the weather decides to change.  Calling for a high only in the 60's tomorrow and more rain.  I did see some corn this evening that looked about a foot tall on high, well drained ground.  That is about the best I have seen so far this year.  Glad not to be a crop farmer right now.  My BP is already high enough.  

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on June 29, 2017, 10:49:21 AM
Quote from: Charlie V;2855
Looks like the hood of the Case in your photo, Ralph.  Lucky for you to have decent weather for spraying crops.  Rain and more rain here.  Three inches a week ago Thursday
Charlie

Yes, the old 2090 and pull type sprayer got me through another season of spraying but I'm sure envious of those self propelleds that fold without the driver having to get out of the cab.
I don't think we have had 3 inches of rain yet this whole season. Crops are hanging on by stored subsoil moisture but they are going to need some real rain. Lucky we are not getting the heat. Most days in the 70s.
Here is a drone video I shot back in march when it was obviously still winter here. My brother driving the fuel truck out of my yard.
[video=youtube;M2H2f0Pk15s]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2H2f0Pk15s&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on July 14, 2017, 08:37:28 PM
Oh good.  This web sight is back up.  Thank you Spencer.  I was worried it might have been hit by an astroid or???
Six and one eighth inches of rain.  Wednesday AM till Friday AM.  PRETTY WET
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 18, 2017, 03:36:23 PM
Quote from: Charlie V;2857
Oh good.  This web sight is back up.  Thank you Spencer.  I was worried it might have been hit by an astroid or???
Six and one eighth inches of rain.  Wednesday AM till Friday AM.  PRETTY WET


I never knew the site was down Charlie. Sure am envious of at least some of your rain. I don't think there has been an inch of rain on my yard since the snow left. Crops are surviving  on the subsoil moisture stored up from the past 7 years of floods I guess. Looking not too bad. Mainly due to  the fact we have  not had  the extreme heat like we did in 1988. That year we had a little more rain but a lot  hotter too. Short short crops that year.
Drone pic here of me and the Merc by the back road beside my wheat field on the weekend.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on July 21, 2017, 08:45:52 PM
Really nice picture f the Mercury. Ralph.  Hope you have gotten a few drops of rain for your crops.  Had some here yesterday that you probably would not want.  1 3/4 inches in about 1/2 hour with high wind.  I looked out the back door and water was coming down in gobs.  Never saw anything like that before.  Rather than drops or sheets it looked like someone was out there throwing five gallon buckets of water past my window.  Gobs of water is the only description that comes to mind.  Back of my house sure got a pressure washings.  If I could send you some rain, I would, but not storms that would flatten your crops.  So that brings us to 7 3/4 inches from Wednesday to Wednesday.  Keeping my sump pump down cellar working overtime. trees are growing like mad.

charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on July 23, 2017, 10:04:51 PM
No luck at all with the rain here Charlie. We are still working on that first inch yet to fall since spring. Subsoil moisture is all that keeps us going. Not too terrible hot although today was 85 and we had a day or so of 90 which had a visible negative effect on the light hilltops in my crop and others. No hope in sight for rain either. I've tentatively agreed to use one of my Cockhutts for next weekend's threshing demo in town. Not sure how that will work but I guess I'll find out.
Here is another start up video where we got my brother's Massey 444 and Ford 6000 Commander tractor fired up after a long rest. Maybe you have already seen it but for those who haven't  
[video=youtube;_jI0LN03tsg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jI0LN03tsg&t=2s[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on September 29, 2017, 09:58:31 AM
Been a long time since I've seen any activity here but I'll post a link to my latest Gopro + drone video anyway. Harvest done and awesome scenery in beautiful weather. Took a little drive in the Merc down the highway and through the woods to get some great scenery of the autumn leaves. Have to enjoy them while they last because it won't last for long.
[video]https://youtu.be/mE5QzXoXkbo[/video]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on September 30, 2017, 09:40:54 PM
Hey Ralph!  Good to see your post.  Long time.  I still check in most every day to see if there is activity here.  I guess I do not post much as I don't have much to post about. We need a conversation starter.  Guess that is you at the moment.  Nice video of the Mercury taking a tour of your woods. The type of trees you have yield a lot of yellow in the fall.Nice.  Different from here .  We get some yellow but also some brilliant (some years) red, orange, and brown as well.  At this point we have some color change but a ways to go to peak color change.  Makes me wish I had a drone to film the tree tops, as that is where the first change occurs, with some of the most brilliant color.  Wish I could share that with you.  

Aside from that, we finally broke out from the rainy weather cycle that lasted all summer.  Ran a 20 day dry streak   Broke it with about 1/4 inch of rain last night.  Also broke the 10 day period of real summer weather we had going on.  Several days above 90 degrees but nice nights in the 60's. Nice while it lasted.  





finally got through my eye surgeries and the 30 days of three drops three times a day.  Got new glasses a week or so ago, but not too very happy with the vision ta=hat I have now.  Maybe better than it was to begin with but not that much.  Still unable to read normal print.  Distance vision is still somewhat spotty.  I am pushing for a new examination to see if they can come up with anything better.

 Good that your crops did well for the dry conditions you had this season.  Watched your film of swathing Canola.  You get to do a lot of tuning with the shape of your fields.  Makes a great roan video.  Enjoyed watching.

Charlie
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on October 08, 2017, 04:34:36 PM
Hi CHarlie
Glad you got that surgery over with and on the mend. Hope it is satisfactory and improved.
Harvest done here although I  have  potatoes to dig. Got myself a new old tractor this week. A 1981 John Deere 2140. Great little Mannheim built 70 hp tractor with a 146 front end loader. It  will be an improvement on the old Massey as  it  has working brakes, pto and steering.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on October 11, 2017, 12:48:34 PM
good looking chore tractor, Ralph.  Appears to be well kept.  I could make use of it here.  Hopefully one day I will get my 560 back on it's feet and workiing.  I miss having it to use.

Charlie
Title: Winter is Here
Post by: RG8800 on November 04, 2017, 08:45:39 PM
November 4 and it looks like winter is here in Sask. Maybe 5 inches of snow overnight. Temp just over 20 degrees and the sun came out so I went for a short drive in the Merc. Good thing harvest is long finished here.
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: RG8800 on December 14, 2017, 10:21:22 AM
Sure is quiet here for the past month. That snow from early November has partly melted. Lots of ice patches to slip on. I got some more rusty iron to work on this week. A 53 Merc sedan to match the 52 I've been driving. Its a non runner but if nothing else I've at least saved it from the crushers. The body is better than my 52. Tractor reference: I used the "new to me" John Deere 2140 to unload the car from the trailer.
[video]https://youtu.be/Pk1flwQM4QY[/video]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]998[/ATTACH]
Title: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Charlie V on February 17, 2018, 11:48:14 AM
Just a hello to all of my friends on the Forum.

Charlie
Title: Re: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Ron Cook on March 18, 2018, 01:53:58 PM
HELLO FROM WESTERN SIDE OF IOWA.

Ron
Title: Re: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Bigdog on March 18, 2018, 02:13:02 PM
It's been forever since I was on here.  Central Ohio enjoying sunshine and 50° today!
Title: Re: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 22, 2018, 01:29:35 PM
Guess I will try my first post on the new forum. Had made a post on the old forum at about the time of the
 changeover, but seems to have been lost in cyberspace. All the other posts are.
Been doing pretty well. My health is improving and am gaining back most of the weight ans strength I had lost.
Been able to get out and cut some firewood while the ground was frozen and dry. Getting along alright with that.
Winter was kinda hard with the cold weather and breathing problems, so wasn't able to work outside much, but
that is better.
Spring came in 4 days ago and met with 5 inches of snow on Wednesday night with 45 MPH winds, so had some
drifting.
Warmer weather will melt that in short order. Haven't had much this winter.

Best of spring to all.    Gene
Title: Re: Western Ohio Update
Post by: SpencerYost on March 22, 2018, 02:15:52 PM
Guess I will try my first post on the new forum. Had made a post on the old forum at about the time of the
 changeover, but seems to have been lost in cyberspace. All the other posts are.
Been doing pretty well. My health is improving and am gaining back most of the weight ans strength I had lost.
Been able to get out and cut some firewood while the ground was frozen and dry. Getting along alright with that.
Winter was kinda hard with the cold weather and breathing problems, so wasn't able to work outside much, but
that is better.
Spring came in 4 days ago and met with 5 inches of snow on Wednesday night with 45 MPH winds, so had some
drifting.
Warmer weather will melt that in short order. Haven't had much this winter.

Best of spring to all.    Gene

Great to hear from you - I plan on being at the Portland spring swap meet so I'll see you soon!
Title: Re: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 23, 2018, 03:03:44 AM
Good deal Spencer. Look forward to seeing you. Want me to save a spot for you?

Gene
Title: Re: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 23, 2018, 03:14:01 AM
Spencer

I see a big error on the posting time. Is this your clock or mine?

Gene
Title: Re: Western Ohio Update
Post by: SpencerYost on March 23, 2018, 12:03:34 PM
Spencer

I see a big error on the posting time. Is this your clock or mine?

Gene

Just checked - I failed to set the time zone when I set up the board.   We were living in Africa/Abidjan time instead of America/New_York  (-:

And please do save me a spot at the swap meet!   
Title: Re: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 23, 2018, 12:52:05 PM
Spencer

I see a big error on the posting time. Is this your clock or mine?

Gene
Spencer

I see a big error on the posting time. Is this your clock or mine?

Gene
Title: Re: Western Ohio Update
Post by: Gene Dotson on March 23, 2018, 01:02:17 PM
Spencer

I see a big error on the posting time. Is this your clock or mine?

Gene

Okay will save a spot for you. Steve will probably be there too.

Looks like changing the time has scrambled the posts here

Gene