Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

So when Matt @pegasus got there we started with the traditional exchange of gifts.

Matt got very little, I got some used number plates to trade or add to my collection, and also an item I was recently contemplating buying off Marketplace.......

Clarke Parts washer.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(834).HEIC

Then we unpacked the mini bikes

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(288).jpg

Followed by a “BIT OF A PHOTO SHOOT.”

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(287).jpg


https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(285).jpg


After this, they went into the car, and we went indoors at the museum, used their facilities followed by a 90 minute chat, walking around the gift shop, drinking very good, and certainly affordable coffees.

These were my first shop bought coffees since March last year, and the price was good at under £3.00 for a large Latte

Looking at key rings, cups, gifts etc, the pricing surprised me, really sensibly priced.

I do love robots, and found this one.... no, did not buy it.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(837).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(833).HEIC

And then a few random pics.

Some beauties here.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(835).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(842).HEIC


Incredible detail and beauty.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(836).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(838).HEIC

On leaving I saw this plate that made me grin, bike ridden by a pretty gnarly old guy.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(286).jpg


Saying our good byes, we headed North and South.

The road back was a touch slower than coming, but loads of interesting things popped up.

I also stopped in Brentwood to pick up a bunch of stuff


More in a bit for those who are still here.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

So, the return trip.

Uneventful, but a few nice things caught on cameras.

1947/48 Healey.

This car has a significant heritage. Look it up.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(859).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(858).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(854).HEIC

Husband and wife team.

Spoke to David for a while.

What a nice guy.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(855).HEIC

Look at how small it is though, in a regular UK service station carpark.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(856).HEIC

Based on the fact that I have the Rezin Rockit on standby, Matt @pegasus sent me this one.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(292).jpg

Then off the M25 and into Essex lanes, pulling over for this view, so nice.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(860).HEIC

Another view while parked up when picking up the stuff Paul “Oblertone” had left with his daughter, she loaded the car as the drive left me bent over and stiff as a spring.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(852).HEIC

More stuff, including some heavy duty ratchet straps, large trolley wheels and some ramps in the back.

And to top it all off..... a a dentists lamp, heavy as a heavy thing, still not unloaded at this point, it may be a job for today though.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(293).jpg

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(850).HEIC

Unpacking.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(861).HEIC

Very pleased with this ornament.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(853).HEIC

And then later I delivered to Sally, in exchange for cajun chicken wraps for dinner.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(857).HEIC

My back was not happy at all, miles, carrying random stuff, hedges, bags of sand etc.

But a good week.

Today..... who knows.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

The mini bikes of my youth were no where near as cool looking as those ones Rian. Love the old Healey's. I do not think I have ever seen that exact model though. I think the oldest one I have seen was from the mid 50s. Very Nice!

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

They are way out of my league too Bill.

I grew up on dualsport, and off road bikes.

In this case, $70.00 for a new, unused bike made sense.

Old cars any day.





Few random pics.

Mate Dave loves a big one, over in Essex.

So he shared this on Thursday

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(291).jpg

Also checked on the DVLA website and at last, after many weeks, my personal plate had been processed onto the truck.

I had ordered the American style pressed steel plates with the numbers to the right, leaving space for a small Stars n Stripes badge to the side.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(851).HEIC

Mate Gary in Florida had sent me a plate surround, after I had drilled the holes to replicate the holes in the trucks original plates, and also some small screw embellishers.

So the rear plate has a hole, partially visible.... plan to be made.

The surround also tucks below the level of the step

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(849).HEIC

Having had the dayoff on Thursday to fetch the mini moto bikes, I decided to have a drink with my good friend Vladimir in Russia.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(290).jpg

We have previously gotten quite drunk together via WhatsApp and Google Translate.....

Never try keep up with a Russian, or for that matter a Siberian.

Today, Mickey also went over to Sally’s place and cleaned her gutters.

The man is certainly fearless, and while prancing around on her roof, Sally was having kittens on the ground.


https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(303).jpg


More about today in a while for those still awake.

Awake ?

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

So, how do you get this tired ?


Ask Sally.

She has two sons, 21 and 28 years old. Both were very busy growing up.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(300).jpg

Meet Harry.

He does have a sleep as part of his mothers control programme.

And if you have spent a few hours kicking ball, driving diggers and who knows what else.....

You sleep.

Seems he loved the new sand pit, needs a lot more sand though.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(301).jpg

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(298).jpg

Then after his sleep, Sally who was baby sitting, fed him and sprung the surprise on him.

She had Cream Puff covered under a sheet, with a cardboard box to change the shape, all day.

So when Harry had had his lunch, she showed him the bike in the dining room.

He was super excited and helped her, carrying the paddock stand out for her.

This gave the two of them some time to have Granny and Harry time, something thats really precious to her.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(302).jpg

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(297).jpg

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(299).jpg

At some point, his Mum and Dad came back and were shocked that he and Sally were playing in the back yard, with him using it like his balance bike.

She took great pleasure in telling them the whole story of how it had made its way from beyond Leeds to down South via Birmingham through the kindness of strangers like @pegasus and Oblertone’s part in the Essex detour. As she said to me later, she just wants this next generation to be less self obsessed and more kind and generous, so sharing stories may just help.

They took Cream Puff home with them, and Luke, Sally’s eldest had it fuelled up and running 10 minutes after getting home.

Video for your pleasure.

https://youtu.be/C25p0TqYdFg


I had been out in the truck today and came home after a nice drive, parked on the drive as Sally had taken her Corsa through for a wash and polish.

Looking at the truck, I just smiled.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(862).HEIC

While polishing her car, she suddenly went mad.......

An injured pigeon had come into the yard.......

So I had to rescue it.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(296).jpg


That concluded our day, a long, busy one.

Life is good I seem to recall mentioning before.

Bootfair in the morning.

Fingers crossed.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Nice going on the bike there Rian. I think Sally son had bigger smile than Grandson. :D ;)

Glad to see the S10 getting love and use.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Love the truck.



From a friend.....


More examples

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(295).jpg

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(294).jpg

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Bloody cold, but dry bootfair today.

Being bank holiday, we have two this weekend, so another tomorrow morning.

Spray on glue. £1.00 per can. Bought all 11 he had. To be shared.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(864).HEIC

Looking for a set of training/stabiliser wheels for Cream Puff the bike I got Harry, we found a decent MX helmet, advertised at £2.00 but paid £1.00

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(865).HEIC

And shortly after that, another £1.00 vintage cork helmet, for only £1.00 to go with my Easy Rider display

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(866).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(863).HEIC

Other items included £8.00 in fruit and vegetables.

4 greeting cards for £1.00

A teapot to me made into a bird nest for £1.00

Some nice Plants for £4.00 for both our gardens.

Some hinges at 50p each.

Total.

[/URL] https://app.photobucket.com/u/niknak...-94db1f4c423c]https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(867).HEIC[/URL]


So not stabiliser wheels, but hey, to,orrow could deliver.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Made a slow start on shifting and straightening the drive strips.

Marked out

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(304).jpg

My pace is possibly 20% of my previous pace, not how I like to work, but my back just says no.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(306).jpg

So after a failed trip to the coast yesterday, due to spending too much time at the bootfair in the morning, I decided to get back onto clearing and moving some of the soil.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(875).HEIC

I must say, there still needs to be some more digging there and getting lower, followed by some form of retaining of the garden bed.

Then break up the concrete, remove it and redefine the strips to be cast.

After our aborted trip to the coast, we also stopped at the local Ford dealership to to look at used Fiestas.

Indoors, I saw this interesting new car.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(308).jpg


https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(307).jpg


And when I got home,,chatting to Mickey next door, I told him I wanted to get some stabiliser wheels for Harry’s little bike, he is good on a balance bike, and once his dad restricts the mini moto, it should be a good way to start him off.

So Mickey handed me a pair over the hedge.

They will work, and one can replace the plastic wheels with something more robust if they self destruct

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(871).HEIC


I will report on Mondays Bootfair later.

Today is a bit of a hectic work day.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Part 2

Monday.

Up early, off to the bootfair on my own.

Allowed me to stop and speak to sellers for 10 minutes at a time.

Loads of allsorts.

Mostly old fashioned bootfair prices.

Three glasses and three shot glasses £1.00 per set
80’s pin frame 50p
Skull 50p
Toy cars, 50p each, except for auburn £1.00 and tiny fire engine and old yellow truck 20p each
Old fashioned brace auger £1.00 kinked spanner 50p and vice grip £1.00 for Craig.
Dragon 20p
Tiny piggy bank Free


https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(873).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(870).HEIC

Love these.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(869).HEIC

50p skull.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(868).HEIC

And then this lot

Cushion for my chair £1.00
Superhero mug 20p
Jack Daniels mug 50p
Bracelet 50p
Small box for sally 50p
Fedora hat new £1.00
Lambswool Dunns cap £1.00
Two limited edition plates for 50p
Depression era Strawberry glass gravy boat £3.00 for Dennis’s Debbie who collects it.
New knee and elbow protectors for Harry 20p
Mammut mat 50p

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(872).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(305).jpg

So that was Mondays public holiday bootfair.

Bringing to an end a great weekend.

Sally cooked dinner.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Nice collection of stuff you found there Rian. Those 2 plates are really nice!

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Thanks Bill,

They were destined to be found.

Limited edition, and rare enough, that the price meant they had to come home.



A bit like this silly dream.

To be honest, not really.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(180).JPG

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Farm sale this week

Such diversity.

New

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(876).HEIC

Old

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(877).HEIC

Also stole my own lunch hour and then some, to cut the front hedge while the weather held out and between meetings.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(880).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(310).jpg

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(311).jpg

Another flashback that popped up in my life this week was this pic, taken in Arkansas while out being a tourist.

Lovely build.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(309).jpg

After a couple of warm and sunny days, today closed in and it started to rain, all day, and it is still raining now.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(879).HEIC

Tonight the rain beading on the paintwork that @mercdan68 had polished, made me smile again.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(878).HEIC

Weather permitting, Dan will be here tomorrow in his Ford Escort Panelvan to deliver @pauly ‘s gas can.

.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Just recently got back from Eureka Springs, AR where that chapel is located. Beautiful architecture in it. Did you get to see this while you were there? Its on the opposite end of the town.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Hi Bill,

We saw it from a distance iirc, but these days on road trips are so full on and busy, one cannot enjoy it all.



Day started overcast and “fresh”

By 10.45 @@forddan68 and Daughter Amy were here, bringing along @pauly ‘s vintage 20 liter “Jerry Can”

So coffee, chatting, catch up, spleen venting all done, we decided to drive a mile up the road into some farm lanes for a few Ford v Chev pics.

Random photodump.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(886).HEIC

And then we headed out.

At this point we took a couple of random pics.

As we were headed out again, it appears poor Dan had sat down on a wasp that had entered his car.

Not sure who felt it more, Dan or the Wasp.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(882).HEIC

Note the name of the lane, it is bad enough Kent is known as the capital of dogging or is that dog walking?

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(184).JPG

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(884).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(883).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(885).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(881).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(887).HEIC

Lastly, Dan and son George were breaking a Mk6 Fiesta, and just happened to have a spare door rubbing strip that “went missing” when Sally’s son had his car repaired, and to this day, 6 months later the strip is missing.
Not really impressive, but thanks to Dan, there is a new one on standby.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(312).jpg

Back home it was time to unpack the box of GMC spares that Steve had sent with Craig a few weeks ago.

Then some light woodwork.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Very slow day at the bootfair.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(890).HEIC

Best part may have been unused, enamel lamp shade for £1.00
Another star for a newly hatched plan, 50p
Little stuffed heart, unused, £1.00
Two wind up Coke items for @craigrk for £1.50
Florida vanity plate off a 50p per item table



Also seen at the bootfair was this VW on Bentley wheels.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(889).HEIC

And a meat deterrent at a guy with a load of cammo and military stuff for sale.

I did not ask the price, as it would be expensive and of course in England every jobsworth and his aunty would poop themselves if I had it on display somewhere.

Just in case I held up a kid for his sandwiches.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(888).HEIC



And in Missouri Dennis sold the 1963 GMC Grain truck he bought as yard art 5 years ago for $800.00

He reckons he could have sold it 20 times over with the response he got, and had people offering over his asking price, just to be able to get to it.

He drove the truck there 5 years ago and only moved it when mowing the grass around the pond.

With the wet season last year, and living under a tree, it did start to grow some green algae/moss.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(188).JPG

Loaded

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(185).JPG

Headed out of the bottom pasture.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(186).JPG

And headed to its new home, passing the gas station and some more trucks........

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(187).JPG

Today should be a resting day for me.....

What can I go out and do?

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

I trust some or most of you remember Chris “GrumpyNorthener”

He knows I am a bit of a random hoarder and collector of ****te.

And sent me a V8 hubcap he found in a hedge, years ago.

It hung inside my house on the wall for some time, then I moved it out into the garden, and hung it in a tree, just under one of my nesting boxes, with the birds often sitting there interacting with their reflection.

A week ago, the wind, or growing ivy pushed it out and I found it on the floor.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(895).HEIC

So I decided not to put it back in the tree, but rather to evolve it further.

Scavenged some old ply that had gone well past it’s “best by date”

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(893).HEIC

Drew a design, then cut it out without breaking a jigsaw blade, followed by sanding the rough edges back.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(315).jpg

Then a coat of PVA glue on all sides to help seal it and also keep the delaminating at bay.

Followed by some white paint as a background.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(189).JPG

Next up.....

Flames

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(892).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(891).HEIC

Add some gold.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(314).jpg

And once dried, a bit of sharpie detail, which I may increase a bit more.

Keep in mind this is a rough wall hanging for the carport.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(314).jpg

One of the recurrent flowers in the garden is this Peoni a d it only looks great for a few days, but I do love it.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(894).HEIC

One more pic sent by Dan which I actually liked too.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(313).jpg

And just like that, back to work.......

Busy week ahead.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Nice job on the hubcap mount. The Azaleas are the same way. They look good only for a VERY short while. Other than that, they are a pain in my backside. Wife likes them though, so oh well. We've gotten over 12-13 inches of rain in last 4-5 days. I don't feel my yard and flower beds will ever dry out to work on it again.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Dennis in Missouri is having a real rain problem too.

The hubcap came out just as I wanted, a bit of folk art a bit of silliness.


Bootfairs are not everyones thing, but I love saving money. And they allow that.

I personally love the fact that there is very little space to the front, enough for three European size cars, mine is a Ford Focus Estate (not available in USA ) but VW Golf etc.
Then a narrow side entrance and all the space, private, and to the rear.

Dennis could have more a lot more from that GMC but he is a fair guy.


You would park a GMC Dually on the right side of my car, with its rear, just off the street.

A weird thing in this country, I own the sidewalk up to the kerb as well, as I have maintained it over 7 years, and the local council/municipality do zero around here.

A lot of neighbours, including Mickey next door, concrete, or block pave their sidewalk to increase hard standing parking.

I prefer green and grass.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(318).jpg

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(317).jpg

Sally caught me extending my extension cord on Sunday.

I did try to explain that all the joins were stripped, twisted, soldered, heat shrunk, insulation taped, then folded back gently in an S and then ducktape over it all.

It was as safe and secure as I need it to be.


https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(316).jpg

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Last two weeks have been a bit hectic.

Nice stuff out there.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(199).JPG

But in between stuff has happened.

New farmer is really pulling every penny out of the farm, bigger tractors etc.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(321).jpg

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(899).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(900).HEIC


I also managed to finish and mount the V8 Hubcap that Chris “GrumpyNorthener” had sent me a few years ago.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(897).HEIC

And hung up, it may move some time.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(898).HEIC


Bootfair in the morning.


.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

So, what’s £2.00 buy at a bootfair?

Unopened, like new.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(901).HEIC

Or one of these.

Dirty, used.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(323).jpg

Cleaned up a bit.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(904).HEIC

And for £5.00 this vintage piece was not cheap, but at £4.00 I bought it.

1965 vintage. Great to add to my collection.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(903).HEIC

Makers mark.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(902).HEIC


Like New, unused Aluminium rear wing…..

Anyone got any idea what they would cost to buy ?

I thought a good addition for the Rezin Rockit, keeping in mind it is all tongue in cheek, and I have yet to figure just where to mount it.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(905).HEIC

And the last was a few real thick, super sized American T-shirts, two for @pauly and one for me.

Again, at £5.00 each, too good to walk away from.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(322).jpg

My favourite piece today?

Certainly the ally rear wing for the Rezin Rockit.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

So, what do we have to show for the weekend?

A tiny bit of sunburn

A small, but cool boorfair win or two.

And then after a slow start, I did some small jobs as my back kicked off on Friday after the osteopath.

Blockpaving and weeds, best of friends.

Roundup.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(324).jpg

Later I looked at the dentists lamp friend Paul “Oblertone” had sent up to be collected when I collected the mini motos.

Plan is to mount it up in the rafters of the carport to be adjustable and useable for all sorts of jobs out on the drive.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(907).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(325).jpg

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(326).jpg

Business end.

This thing has some serious power.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(906).HEIC


Late afternoon I also cut the last few bits of wood mate Kevin had dropped off, and the 400mm offcuts from the carport build down to create a part step, part pot plant stand.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(327).jpg

Painted, I still want to do some darker tone on the top of the step and potplant rest.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(908).HEIC

Weekend over.

Busy week ahead.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

One more little touch on the trucks customisation.

I knew I wanted to do something silly to the number plates.

Put this to a maker and he came back with various design options.

Now the thing is, I know what my first choice was, I ordered it, then 20 minutes later ordered another design too.

So my question to the regular readers and contributors (thank you for taking the time to post replies) is…….


Straight or diagonal. Think carefully.

Space and placement planned when ordering plates.


https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(910).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(909).HEIC


Thank you for your contributions.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Photoshopped.

And there you go….

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(202).JPG

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(203).JPG

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

The diagonal one shows up better. Normally my background would always say "full flag", but the partial tends to show up better.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Thank you buddy


Done.

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https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(911).HEIC

Happy

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Three parcels in the post today.

A nice Union Jack snoody thing for shopping.

A parcel from Michigan containing traded license plates and some cool stickers.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(915).HEIC

And a fascinating and ultimately mind blowing parcel addressed tus:

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(328).jpg

Contents to be revealed later.

Now to figure out who sent it.


.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

So back to the random acts of kindness that crosses our paths daily.

Once I opened the parcel, it turned out that the contents put a big grin on my face.

Made in Japan, it does need a head.

I tried fitting some new batteries, and tried the power and siren buttons, none worked.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(914).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(913).HEIC


So, who was the benefactor?

Fil who did all the hard work, driving to fetch the Rezin Rockit for me was the man.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ca360b885f.JPG

Once again, I can say that life is good.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Well, sweltering heat this week, followed by a lot of rain.

Woken at 2.30am on Friday with some water dripping furiously outside my bedroom……. Rain was hammering down outside.

Found this…….

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(916).HEIC

Put out some plastic buckets and towels and kinda went back to sleep.


Up by 5.30 when the first lodger got up and started opening and closing doors, he is not good at just leaving his bedroom door open when he goes to pee and when in the bathroom, the door has to be shut noisily and locked every time. Seriously.

Greeted by a load of plaster on the floor and bucket half full of water.


https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(917).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(919).HEIC

So I cleaned up the mess as much as I could and did some day job work.

Later I called One Call Insurance (underwritten by Legal and General) and was told that there were no storms reported in the area, somI could not get any “emergency response “ to secure the roof or inspect what had caused the leak.
I was put on to hold on for a different department, eventually the phone was answered by some random person, who took my details, to be called back later.
24 hours later I am still waiting for a call back.

Later I went to ask Mickey if I could use his extending ladders, and he said no……
He would come and go up instead of me, as he did not want to call the ambulance if I landed on my head.

Typically, he came at about 1.00pm just about the time I get ready to go to my weekly osteopath appointment.

Up he went and the reply was that there were broken tiles and a load of moss in the gulley of the roof.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(920).HEIC

So he came down, we got 4 spare tiles stolen from Stuarts pile two houses down’s stock for his extension build.

Tiles went up, then a bucket, grinder extension cord and Mickey.

I had to leave, filled with fear that he was working alone up there.


https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(921).HEIC


When I got back the ladder and tools were gone, and Mickey was sitting inside my place, waiting for his cuppa tea.

He said he had removed a half bucket of moss from the gulley, and replaced 4 tiles.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(922).HEIC

Wet and dirty Mickey. Also happy with some pocket money he gets to earn.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(918).HEIC


So after that it rained hard a few more times and overnight, not a drop of rain inside.


In the mean time I wonder if the insurance company will actually make contact with me……..


Or do I just get on with having the repairs done and get on with my life.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

So when I go walk, ostensibly for my back, but also to get out the house, I take loads of pics, sharing some with a good ceramicist friend in Tulsa Oklahoma

She draws, paints and sculpts too.

This time of year the Poppies are doing really well.

Up at the farm, this is especially true.

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So Linda prints out a load of the pics and takes themalong to paint when she and her husband go travelling and camping.

This one took her an hour to do from start to finish,

I do admire talented people.

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https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(330).jpg


While out walking I invariably collect some hedgerow asparagus

Pan fried with a bit of garlic and a dash of olive oil……..

Magic.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(334).jpg

All kinds of sizes, and even the longest ones are super tender.

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Yesterday Sally and I went out in the truck for some shopping and our first “meal out” since lockdown.

Parking the truck up and walking over to pay for the parking for GRZ733 ( foundmyself looking back at it, grin ing and then taking a pic.

It has to be the right car if you get that feeling.


https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(924).HEIC

Lunch was predictable, but brilliant.

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When the bill came, I noticed the coffees had doubled in price since March 2020 and the Lamachun had gone up by 40p each.

At the new prices, it is still a bargain imho and considering the hardship the hospitality industry has had to face recently, not something that would stop me supporting them

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(923).HEIC

Rain again today, but a few things to do.

No bootfair sadly.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Had my midyear review on Tuesday.

Seems the bosses are happy with what I am doing at the moment, going by the feedback email.

Yesterday was one of those days where I had been working in the morning and by 13.00 it just felt like nothing was happening, so I called the boss and asked to sign a half day leave or just have the afternoon off, he thought about it for a moment, and said to just take the rest of the day off. I actually carried on working till 13.45 and then headed out to mate Darrens engineering shop Unit Engineering for some mental health recharging.

So I took the truck out and headed over to Sheppey.

Always good to see him, catch up with the stuff he is always doing, both cars and engineering and making a living.

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Slow but constant progress on his V8 Beetle build.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(927).HEIC

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(926).HEIC

After two hours of coffee and chat, both of us felt a lot better, as even the therapist sometimes needs therapy.

I scavenged some round and flat bar from the scrap bin, to be used in my driveway changes.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(925).HEIC

Headed home by 4.30 for dinner that was being made for me by Sally.

Truck making me grin all afternoon.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Looking out the kitchen window last night as I do, often, at the truck, I noticed something was wrong.


Poop.


https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(929).HEIC

Mounting spot.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(928).HEIC


So the job will be to either find someone to repair it, as an autoglass company, if I can find that, or buy some specialised glue and fixing system.

Dennis uses this in the USA in his bodyshop.

May be available on Amazon though.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(212).JPG

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(213).JPG


At least I have the day off a a vacation day, so able to do my own stuff.

Rain forecast for the weekend too.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Bootfair today was small.

Sally panicked when we stopped and only 1/4 of the field was taken up and likewise parking are nearer 20%

I told her, often when these quiet days have happened, with less people milling around, I have had great days.

Less people also meant less pushing and shoving, and rude non English speakers, thus a chance to look and find stuff in the typical piles made up by spring cleaning or house clearances.

Mate Craig and us got lucky today, with a few great pieces from one guy, everything was £1.00 or less..

Medium sized Crowbar £1.00

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(338).jpg

Grubby, rusty hatchet, £1.00

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(337).jpg

Maybe a bargain of the day for him, glass and chrome bodied courtesy/roof/map light for his 1950 Chevy truck or the 1948 Fleetline. Coat £1.00

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(932).HEIC

Sally bought 3 blue glazed garden pots, and I got a green one, you guessed it…….. £1.00 each. Go price check those.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(938).HEIC

Other items from the same seller included a weird pair of spring loaded, flat beaked pliers, a plumb line and a new padlock with 3 keys and a spring loaded metal punch, all for £1.00

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(931).HEIC

Also at the same seller a small unused spirit level for £1.00 for mate Kevin who loves tape measures and instruments of accuracy.

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We bought a few plants ranging between £2.00 for a nice Rosemary and £1.00 for mint and some shrubs for Sallys new pots.

Other items included a £2.00 dinner lap tray for one lodger, a hand rail £2.00 to be used as towel rail in the lodgers bathroom, a woollen floor rug to replace one I binned recently £2.00
Three Coffee mugs, 20p each, VW one for Craig, Batman for a colleague and large bunny item for my kitchen, size large for Mickey who likes a large mug of tea.
Really nice, but dirty paper towel holder to replace the hateful one I have in the kitchen.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(934).HEIC

So all in all, a decent outing today.

Clean up Craigs hatchet, put away the bits, then carry on digging the second set of holes for the archway on the drive and make up the structure, before the rain really starts to fall.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Took Friday off as mentioned, also went out in the truck to fetch a long passage carpet runner for Craigs wife, new, unused (the carpet)

Started chatting to the sellers husband as you do, turns put he has a 1963 registered VW Beach Buggy (for sale like all things in life)

He used to be a Land Rover guy for many years, short story long, he sold me a screen for £10.00 which I gave to @glenanderson who was popping down on Sunday to drop off a windscreen for me to use on the Rezin Rockit, as well as some signs from @forkliftfred whom he bought an engine from.

Into the truck it went, along with the passage runner.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(930).HEIC

Saturday afternoon I started on another distraction that has been years in the want/planning.

An arch over the bottom of the driveway that once overgrown will help create a visual line and block the line of sight down to the garage, looking from the street.

Basic idea, just to get the feel for what it will look like.

Ot should be 8’2” tall on the underside, with a pair of 15” trellises front and rear that will be removable, either by unhooking from clips, or unscrewing if it seems to need extra stability.

Not at all like this by the way.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(935).HEIC

Measured out.

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Hedge carefully cut back to create a recess, so that actual drive is not compromised for when cars or trucks come to the bottom. Also allowing the caravan to be removed.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(933).HEIC

18” deep holes dug both sides for the small holding foundations on the uprights.

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After that, my back asked me to slow down, so I started a fire instead…….

You know what happened next of course.

Both current lodgers were in, So Sally and I decided a BBQ was a perfect way to spend the late afternoon.

Drinks, Pretzels, chat…….

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Fire, food.

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Served.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(946).HEIC

Happy, all of us, it was a good meal, music and alcohol.

David the Electrical engineering managers wife and kids are in Vietnam, last saw them February last year, that must suck.
Interestingly, he mostly works in Saudi Arabia, Emirates and other places where alcohol is less used, and as a habit does not use alcohol.

Anthony is a retired Royal Engineers RSM who runs his own training company. t2p.co.uk

David may stay a year for his full contract, or if Saudi Arabia and the rest opens up, he may go back there sooner, Anthony is sorting his life and could be here for an indeterminate time.

In the mean time, the are good company.

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Sunday was Bootfair and a bit of together time with Sally, making stuff.

More later.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

So a few little things along the way.

Cleaned up Craigs hatchet a bit.

From this.

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To this.

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Via some of this.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...pix/001(1).MOV

Also added a 50p bootfair handle to the cast aluminium head mate Andy cast two years ago.

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https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(342).jpg

Done.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(943).HEIC

In other news, my local village has a secret person who is crocheting toppers for post boxes and bollards.

It is proving really popular, and people are leaving them in place, which is great to see.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(220).JPG

Anthony my one current lodger has a business to print stuff, like emergency bags, T-shirts etc.

He offered to print me a pic of the S10 on canvas.

Brought these samples back Monday night.

I need to frame the canvas next.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(944).HEIC

Last night he brought home an even bigger print.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(947).HEIC

Pretty chuffed with these.

Just need to frame and stretch them now.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Those will look great framed up Rian!

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Yea those are cool.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Thanks guys.

It will be good once done.




Sunday was a good day to spend tome with wanted to make gifts for her three best friends.

Blue Tit nesting “boxes”

I have two nesting boxes that have breeding pairs returning every year.

These are obviously not boxes in the traditional sense, but they should attract birds.

I made her do some of the helping, which really did pi$$ her off a bit, especially when my camera comes out, she hates cameras.

Also she does not have the technique or force to drive those screws into the oak that I used, despite pilot holes being drilled.

So I calculated, measured and cut for three boxes and then assembled them one at a time.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../001(939).HEIC


The tea pots were getting glued down with some special magical glue.


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Different sizes, as thats how you buy from the bootfair, they come at around £2.00 each.

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Progress.

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Lids glues down on the front porches.

The front doors need to be painted pastel colours after gluing into place

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(340).jpg



Sunday evening @glenanderson popped in to drop off some signs from @forkliftfred and the front screen from his Land Rover.

Glen took the screen I got last week and went home as it was raining and his day had been a long one.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(344).jpg

Screen for the Rezin Rockit

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/001(343).jpg

Weekend suddenly over again.

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Never saw a teapot used as a bird house before. Kinda neat!

Re: GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck
 

Thanks

Birds don’t care.




Remember that spoiler I bought a few weeks ago?

A random pic sent to my by a friend.


Tongue in cheek.


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