Socks

January 8, 2014

In my search for American made socks, I happened across Schmidt’s “Workwear” crew socks sold at Tractor Supply.  They are a primarily cotton blend (82% cotton, 13% nylon, 4% polyester, 1% spandex) and are super comfortable and warm and of course, made in the USA.  Honestly my only complaint is that they only had them in white (not sure if they come in other colors).  I paid $7.99 for 3 pair and they are my new favorite socks.  I can’t find them on their website so I’m not sure if it is a new product or if they are discontinued.  I’m hoping the former rather than the latter.

Of note, I paid a similar price for a single pair of USA made Carhart socks at Reny’s (also nice socks, albeit more expensive).

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John Deere “Dain” AWD tractor – 1918

January 7, 2014

I’ve been reading up on John Deere recently (one of my many books, can’t remember which one it was now) and found out that in 1918 John Deere made an AWD tractor!  This was well before anyone had 4wd tractors…or trucks for that matter.

More info on the matter:

http://www.greencollectors.com/library/tractors/all-wheel-drive/

http://www.threshingbee.org/dain.html

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Shubb C1b capo

January 2, 2014

After dealing with cheap poor quality capos for the last 10 years, I decided I needed a quality peice.  I did many hours of research and came to the conclusion I really wanted a metal capo.  I am a dedicated “buy American” type.  With these two priorities lined up, the Shubb line of capos made the most sense.  I settled on the C1b because of it’s inexpensive price but quality build.  I have not been disappointed.  This capo is made of brass and is extremely solid even though it is lightweight and small.  It doesn’t get in the way of your hand while you are playing either (some cheap capos do).  I have no regrets and would buy another if it was stolen.  That said, this is probably the only reason I would need to buy another as I expect this to last most of the rest of my life.

The only negative is there is no easy way to attach it to your headstock when not in use etc.  I just put it in my pocket.  It hasn’t come out of adjustment and it’s quick to put on and take off – no wiggling or messing around to make sure you’re in tune.

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Guitar etc

December 23, 2013
Joe's Fender Esquire - Vector Style

Joe’s Fender Esquire – Vector Style

We got the shed structure done (I’ll probably take pics some day), built a vector guitar at work while learning Adobe Illustrator (see above), had a great early Christmas on Saturday at the inlaw’s and I’m super excited to see my brother this weekend.

FYI – here is the AI file for the Telecaster/Esquire if anyone wants it: Vector Fender Esquire Telecaster

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Stressed out, crazy busy

December 16, 2013

It has been absolutely nuts.  Firewood is mostly processed and at a standstill until (if) we get a January thaw.  I need to build an internal structure for our new metal shed so the roof doesn’t cave in with our heavy snowpack we get every winter.  Christmas shopping isn’t done yet.  The Forester has (another) coolant leak.  Lots of visiting to do, traveling, relatives coming…wow.

I know it will all work out, but it’s awfully trying in the midst of the process.

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