A bit more progress on the shop setup. Right now, I don’t have many storage options, just shelves, hooks, and open spaces. I think I like it, though. Everything has easy access with very few things needing to be moved. It’s not quite Adam Savage’s First Order of Retrieval, where tools should be immediately accessible from the place where you work without any additional steps to retrieve them. But I’m beginning to like the idea of minimal drawers and doors. Keep everything out and visible at all times? We’ll see… I was able to get all three of the shop tools storage bins unpacked. Just a few more odd boxes and bins to go! Then, there is dust collection and electrical.
Cats. So many cats. Cats are crazy, and kinda fun to observe. I’m not a cat person, but my wife and daughter are. And that’s OK with me. Do you remember Sarah’s crazy 12-day adventure in the wild? Well, her adventure has another chapter. We aren’t quite sure how, but she has a fractured pelvis in 3 locations. The vet said it’s pretty common in cats and usually happens when they fall from up high and, surprisingly, don’t land on their feet. Luckily, he said it should heal just fine with a few weeks of cage rest. Poor girl. Again, I’m not a cat person, and I’d never get one for myself, but I just hate seeing her stuck in a cage. Time will pass, and she will heal.
After a rain cycle letting the sand behind the shop pack down, I spread more sand around, getting this layer a bit smoother. I’m at the final height needed near the shop, but I’m unsure how far out from the shop I want to take it. I want to observe the next rainfall before I finalize that decision.
🔽🔽🔽 Affiliates & Coupons 🔽🔽🔽
JK Boots: Hands down, without question, the best outdoor working boot that I have ever tried. They aren’t cheap, and they aren’t inexpensive. USE THE CODE jaybates TO GET 10% OFF! Affiliate link to the O.T. Bison – Canyon that I have:
https://www.jkboots.com/products/o-t-bison-rust-roughout-smooth?bg_ref=BwlWA71DVt
JK Boots Update 4/5/25:
My O.T.s are still great. Heavily worn and holding up great. Still my go-to work boot. I recently got a pair of the square-toe western boots (The Buck – Indigo | Chocolate) for days where I prefer the speed of getting in and out of the boots, or days where I’m mostly on hard surfaces all day, or running errands. Very comfortable right out of the box with zero break-in for me. THUMBS UP AGAIN.
https://www.jkboots.com/products/the-buck-navy-chocolate?bg_ref=BwlWA71DVt
Homestead stuff:
Yard Glider (SO handy!) Use code jbates for 5% off https://yardglider.com/
Tractor/Off Road Lights: https://amzn.to/4bmBfHr
Bad Boy 4035H tractor
Kioti KG4066 grapple
W.R. Long 3rd Function
W.R. Long 3rd Function Continuous Flow
Piranha Bar
Universal Workmaster with D Rings https://www.jufabworks.com/products
Chainsaw earmuff helmet https://amzn.to/3XmPsif
PROYAMA chainsaws, 26cc top handle, 66cc big saw: https://amzn.to/4h0c7b0
Stihl MS250
Husqvarna Rancher 460 https://amzn.to/3AUq9v6
UTV mirror https://amzn.to/4dYHeCz
Measuring wheel https://amzn.to/3Z6cATw
Time-lapse cameras https://amzn.to/4cMR6hQ
LockNLube grease gun https://amzn.to/4g48UHR
7/32 chainsaw files https://amzn.to/3XoFFIs
folgers coffee cans. you tossed them on the top shelf, use one or two fender washers. screw to wall eye level near compressor or were ever you store your air hose,the can faces you so you can see whats inside. i have several small adapters. they fit inside. you put the lid back on. no dust and there right in front of you when you need them.