Make a 3-Legged Stool

     Another good article from Mother Earth News, this time instructions about making a 3-legged stool with concrete and scrap wood.  Enjoy!

DIY Fence and Wall Repair

     A good article from Mother Earth News containing an excerpt from Landscaping (Skills Institute Press, 2011) with a link to buy the book.  The article gives good insight on many common rence and wall repairs.  A good read.  The book (not an affiliate) looks like it might be worth it too.  Enjoy!

Make a Skull and Crossbones Candy Dispenser

     From Woodworking for Mere mortals comes another good halloween project.  Spend the time with your kids and let them help put this toghether.  Enjoy!

Brian’s Alternative Hand Tool Storage

     Excellent use of space for storing tools.  My hats off to the carpenter.  Jump on over to The Wood Whisperer to see all the great shop storage Brian built.  Enjoy!

Make a toe-pincher coffin candy dish for Halloween

     I really enjoy this blog and the accompanying videos.  Here is the latest with plans for a casket candy dish.  You rock Steve!!!  Keep up the excellent work!

Making Handles for New Tools

     This is an older post of his but I really like the handles he made.  Makes me want to go out to my shop and finally make handles for my files.  I think I'll go to Lee Valley to get the ferrules though.  I think I'd prefer the brass over using copper pipe fittings.  Enjoy!

Preppers To Freeze Without A Crosscut Saw

     A short article about the advantages of having a crosscut saw to assist you in cutting firewood.  Also has a link to buying a crosscut saw as well as sharpening guide.  Enjoy!

How to Plant Garlic

     Good article on planting garlic.  Unfortunately the weeks in my garden are not deterred by straw, they grow right through it!  I think I'll plant a small crop this weekend and see how it goes over winter.

6 Trees Every Survivalist Should Know & Why

     A short article but very informative.  I didn't know there were so many uses for the trees native to my area.  Well work the read.  I think I'll try the maple seeds in spring as well as sone pine needle tea.

Kitchen Cabinet Door Organizer Paper Towel Holder

I found this great project on Ana White's website today. Check it out, it's a Kitchen Cabinet Door Organizer Paper Towel Holder!

After reading the plans, it looks like a great project do take up some weekend time with the kids!

Enjoy,
TroutAngler

Generic Randomness

I really have nothing in mind to write about today so I'll just follow the name of my blog and type in the random things that flow through my mind today.  Sorry if you aren't interested, but no one is making you read this.

1. Why is it that we are willing to furlough all of the civilian federal employees who, for the most part, do a good job but we are allowing the elected officials to continue to get paid when they have failed to pass a budget for this year before the budget deadline?  Wouldn't we be better off not paying them if they have not passed the budget for the next year at least three months before it would take effect?  We should also stop paying them once they leave office.  Once their terms are up and they no are no longer serving the country, they should go and get another job, just like the rest of us need to if we leave our current employment.  Politicians make me sick.
2. I received the ten trees and two crape myrtles from the Arbor Day Foundation today.  Now I just need to find a place to plant them.  I also have to wait until the weather warms up a bit more.  I don't think the saplings would like to be transplanted in this cold weather.
3. I really like Pop Secret popcorn.  Act II used to be my favorite, but lately the taste has changed.  I also really like Pepsi Throwback.  It tastes much better that the version that uses the corn syrup.  I understand that the corn syrup provides a consistent sweetness, but there is a difference in taste that can not be denied.
4. I really dislike McDonalds, Burger King, Wendys, and Taco Bell.  All of their food makes me sick, usually after only an hour or so.  It did not do that when I was a kid.  It makes me wonder what they have changed.  Thankfully KFC and Subway don't make me sick yet.
5. I have recently gotten back into woodworking.  I have a lot of things I would like to make.  Unfortunately, I have no place to put them once they are built.  I guess I'll be giving away a lot of homemade gifts this year.  I guess that will take care of Christmas!
6. Maybe I can sell some of the things I make.  That would be nice.  I think I'll start small and make a couple of cutting boards or a jewelry box until I can re-hone my skills.  Of course, that will be after I make the workbenches I'll need so I can have a decent workspace.
7. Just saw the first picture of Mercury that was taken by the Mercury Messenger spacecraft.  It is very detailed.  I also found it interesting that they have discover that the poles of the planet are frozen and that there is liquid water on Mercury.  I would have thought that a planet that close to the sun would be unable to maintain water of any kind.  It was also in the article that Mars has a large liquid iron core that, similar to the Earth's, that generates a magnetic field like we have on Earth.  Fascinating stuff.
8. Opening day for baseball is tomorrow!  Go O's!  Go Cubs!  Go Keys!  I can't wait to go to the Keys game on the 12th.  They will be playing the Pelicans.  Then on the 30th I'll be able to see the Keys play them again in South Carolina.  I will enjoy it, I hope the kids do as well.  They are at least excited to go to the first game.

Well, as you can see, not much goes on here.  I'm going to close this out now because I've been typing off an on for over six hours.  Time for me to get ready for bed so I can be at work bright and early tomorrow morning.

Until next time, keep safe and warm and enjoy life to the extent you are able.


TroutAngler