Dave & Teddy's Most Excellent Adventures 2012

[Spydeb]

Well wishes

Thinking of u and Teddy and sending well wishes your way. I like to describe life sometimes as running in a hamster wheel. We keep moving forward but because we are not changing our location it gets frustrating sometimes. Keep moving my friend sometimes progress is too slow to see or feel.

 

[currin20fan]

Dave & Teddy

All of us are thinking of you two and wishing you a speedy recovery with the arm. Hang in there, Dave. Good thoughts and prayers are heading your way.

 

[CyncySpyder]

Teddy's hating the garage

Everyday for the past week and a half, as soon as I've gotten home from work, I take Teddy out to do his 'business' then if its nice enough, we go to the park for about an hour and I try my best to throw a stick left handed (way worse than any girl I know-lol) for him to fetch and work out some of his pent up energy. Most days, its been nice & mid fifties to even almost 70 this past weekend, but its suppose to drop to 38 today. bbbbrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. So after the park, we'd usually run any errands or just head back home. If I put Teddy in the condo, you could just hear him howl and bark, mad and wanting out. So after a while of letting him howl (thankfully downstairs neighbor is still at work at this time) I would give in and get the lil guy & bring him out to the garage with me. Before, he loved the garage, as he knew that meant we're going for a ryde, but he's now learned thats not the case anymore & even tho he howls & hates being left alone in the condo, he hates being 'trapped' in the garage now even more I think. Ive done everything I could think of to make it more comfortable for him, bring out a doggie bed, some of his favorite toys, food & water & even an old area rug so he doesn't have to stand on the cold concrete floor, but he still hates it.

Taking the advice of a fellow member here, we went to a Habitat for Humanity ReStore and picked up a couple of ratchet straps to properly strap down whats left of Teds Red Sled to the jack stand its still perched upon, so I can still move it around without worrying if Teddy's going to try and kill me again. I have to admit here, I have alot of unresolved emotional baggage than I ever knew. I found myself not knowing how to work the ratchet strap we had just purchased. Granted, we got them for $4 but they were still brand new, but they had no directions in the package. Time after time of trying to figure it out and it not working, I got frustrated. So I went online to UTube & searched it and found a great video explaining the part I kept messing up. Then it hit me. I wonder how many kids are out there in the world, going thru something similar and instead of their parents teaching them all these little life lessons, their having to learn for themselves by total strangers on UTube!!! I'd bet its alot more common than most of us would like to believe.

This brought about an anger I hadn't realized I'd been harboring probably my entire adult life. I was pizzed at my dad. This was his job as a father, to teach his son all these little "how to's" in life that a kid picks up from his or her parents, just goin thru life. But no, not my father as he was too old and always too drunk. Being 61 when I was concieved, I always thought it a miracle that I was even here in the first place, and I always tried to be appreciative for any and everything. But not until this little incident of having to rely on a freaking UTube video to learn something so simple, did I really realize just how much i was cheated out of my childhood. I mean, dad was a horrible alcoholic and he beat every kid he had, but me. Since I was "the baby" & they knew I had to be the last, mom actually stood up to him and threatened to kill him if he ever laid a hand on me, and he never did, bringing along the jealousy of my siblings, in effect, making me grow up in a houseful of kids, pretty much alone.

Wow, sorry, way off topic here, this is a whole other book. But yeah, Teddy is hating the garage, unless I put his seat back on, and allow him to set back atop his perch, but even then, he gets ansy after about 30 minutes & wants down. Then once down, he just paces & whines & wants out. The good news is, all the shelves are done, and last nigt, we started actually putting some of the tools on the peg boards, so they will easily be seen and available when needed for the mods. I've got about 2 more containers full of tools to get gone thru, then dare I say it, we actually begin the task of taking on the mods.

 

[GuitarPlayer]

One Step at a time

I know it's a cliche, but just take one step at a time. Sounds like you're pretty close to having a decent area to work on the Spyder. Keep at it. You'll be working on those mods before you know it. You've got a lot of people rootin' for you!

Tony

 

[lookerjdc]

you know, posting here sounds and seems like its great therapy for you, and you have a lot more courage than I do to 'expose' my inner demons and self inflicted demons, and I salute you for that

Teddy will adjust - it just takes time

and it sounds like you are making progress, and again, it just takes time

you will get there, and we support you in your trevails

 

[Farmbanker]

Dave,

I have to tell you something because your last post struck something in me. I have always believed that you cannot have a bad day when you are helping someone. It is something I have always found to be true.

While I truly appreciate this forum and all it's members, it is really unfortunate that with this medium you cannot get or feel the true benefit of your work or of the people your various posts have helped. I lurked around for quite a while reading up on so many things and all your adventures, insights, and yes, missteps and successes. It helped me a ton. Your posts educated me in a variety of ways.

I guess what I am saying in a long-winded way is thank you. You have helped me and I am sure others just like those Youtube videos have helped you. We cannot choose our family and many times our circumstances but we can choose how we react and adapt. Keep up the good work and know that indeed many people are rooting for you. :yes:ray:

 

[oldgoat]

Your account of how the Spyder came to fall on you has set off alarm bells in my head. I have a Yamaha Road Star tucked away in my furnace room (no gas in it) & it is on a lift on wheels & does not have straps on it yet. I'm about to move it a bit so I can change the fork seals but I think I will have to rethink how it is supported before I start work.

As to your limited arm mobility, my lower back is always pinching a nerve & I find myself imobile & when performing on the toilet, cleaning my nether regions is excruciatingly painful pps:

Hang in there :thumbup:

 

[cjackg]

...As to your limited arm mobility, my lower back is always pinching a nerve & I find myself imobile & when performing on the toilet, cleaning my nether regions is excruciatingly painful pps:
Hang in there :thumbup:

Yes, life is tough all over but not sure we needed to know just how tough!

 

[GloryRyders]

Welcome back to the web..............look on the bright side of Ted's Red Sled being our of commision:lecturef_smilie:...............think of the money you're saving on gas!:roflblack:

 

[coz]

no doubt

:roflblack:

Yes, life is tough all over but not sure we needed to know just how tough!

i'm with you ,jack:roflblack: T M I. i never considered that activity to be a performance:roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::roflblack: ( wheres that smilie for hysterical, pee your pants type laughter ? )

 

[CyncySpyder]

Uneasy trepidation slowly being replaced by glimmering shards of hope

Structurally speaking, the garage is as done as I can do it, at this point. Finding so many things salvaged from the fire, and I discovered a still brand new in the box 42inch ceiling fan that I had just purchased a week prior to the fire and hadn't seen it since, thinking it was lost in the fire. Its just the right size to fit in the garage, to take the place of the center light, with still allowing room for the hide-away attic ladder to still be unobstructed & fully usable. Being that the garage is detatched, its not heated or cooled, except for a small oil-filled electric heater that was also salvaged, but alas, heat rises, so installing the ceiling fan makes practical sense, distributing and circulating the heat in the winter & providing some much needed airflow in the hot summer months. Is this going overboard? I mean, we've never really had a garage to work in and I know how difficult it was to even do an oil change last winter, all bundled up & it was still in the 30s in the garage, so I didn't want to be out there at all, less alone having to get on a freezing concrete floor. I'm thinking if I'm going to actually be using the garage now, I need to make it as comfortable as practically & financially possible, otherwise I'm thinking I'll dread going out there, and when your doing something you dread, you usually don't enjoy it, defeating this entire process, no? I can't find where to pull the breaker tho for the garage, as its not listed on my panel in the condo, so I'm thinking its gotta be located somewhere outside of the garage. I'll be looking into that tonight.

Last night, I removed ALL of the tools that have been littered all around our living room and took them to their new home in the garage. How, over the years, I've amassed at least a dozen different screw drivers, I'll likely never know-lol. Once I get ALL the tools gone thru & organized, next comes ALL of Teds Red Sled that has taken up residence in our living room. I posted a couple pics a few weeks back, of most all the red body panels, rear tire & frunk, all over our living room. It will be nice to have the space back and be able to move around again.

Any suggestions of what to do with a portable, large size window unit air conditioner that runs on 220 electric. The firemen took it out of the window & set it aside, right before they threw my leather desk chair thru it to allow for ventilation of the fire. It was only used for about 2 months before that winter hit & is still great condition, but being in a condo, I can't use it here & don't have 220 in the garage. I'm thinking of dontating it to get it out of the way, its BIG-lol.

 

[shelbydave]

Dave, I can certainly agree on being comfortable while out there working on Teds sled. When it's so cold in the garage that you have to wear layers of jackets, gloves, etc.. It's hard to get motivated, and even then, it's hard to work! I would also suggest laying down a blanket if you have to be on the floor. That little bit of insulation will be greatly welcomed!

As for the parts in the living room, I had the entire interior of my Charger in our Master Bedroom for about 4 years..:shocked: It's sure nice to have an understanding wife!! Anyhow, may I suggest that you not move the parts to the garage, unless you have space to keep them up and out of the way. For me, that is another problem that just destroys my motivation. When I spend half my time moving stuff around just to make room to do something! Can you fit any of your body parts in your Moto-Mate for the time being? That would free up space in that condo, and not occupy the garage if those parts aren't needed yet.

 

[revjvegas]

Only one ceiling fan in the garage?
I have two! lol
And if you have any moving blankets, those are excellent for putting down on the garage floor and much more comfortable to sit on rather than the cold concrete.

Glad to hear things are moving along. Slow and steady wins the race...or at least will get you to the finish line :thumbup:

 

[coz]

ceiling fan

that's a great idea, since the garage interior is finished that would be really cool.nojoke i use a big bingo hall type fan, it cranks.
keep the a c unit till spring and sell it. it could not have been cheap. donating is great, but charity begins at home. you need to take care of yourself first. I M H O :thumbup: p.s. just turn off the main breaker in the condo , it should kill the garage, unless there is a small panel out there somewhere.

 

[IGETAROUND]

​Dave, glad to hear that the preparatory work is almost complete. Now you will be able to turn your energies to reassembly of the Tedster's ridehyea::clap::yes: Keep slogging away and before you know it you will both be back spyder ryding:yes::bowdown::clap::clap:hyea:hyea:hyea:

 

[ThreeFeet]

Structurally speaking, the garage is as done as I can do it, at this point. Finding so many things salvaged from the fire, and I discovered a still brand new in the box 42inch ceiling fan that I had just purchased a week prior to the fire and hadn't seen it since, thinking it was lost in the fire. Its just the right size to fit in the garage, to take the place of the center light, with still allowing room for the hide-away attic ladder to still be unobstructed & fully usable. Being that the garage is detatched, its not heated or cooled, except for a small oil-filled electric heater that was also salvaged, but alas, heat rises, so installing the ceiling fan makes practical sense, distributing and circulating the heat in the winter & providing some much needed airflow in the hot summer months. Is this going overboard? I mean, we've never really had a garage to work in and I know how difficult it was to even do an oil change last winter, all bundled up & it was still in the 30s in the garage, so I didn't want to be out there at all, less alone having to get on a freezing concrete floor. I'm thinking if I'm going to actually be using the garage now, I need to make it as comfortable as practically & financially possible, otherwise I'm thinking I'll dread going out there, and when your doing something you dread, you usually don't enjoy it, defeating this entire process, no? I can't find where to pull the breaker tho for the garage, as its not listed on my panel in the condo, so I'm thinking its gotta be located somewhere outside of the garage. I'll be looking into that tonight.

Last night, I removed ALL of the tools that have been littered all around our living room and took them to their new home in the garage. How, over the years, I've amassed at least a dozen different screw drivers, I'll likely never know-lol. Once I get ALL the tools gone thru & organized, next comes ALL of Teds Red Sled that has taken up residence in our living room. I posted a couple pics a few weeks back, of most all the red body panels, rear tire & frunk, all over our living room. It will be nice to have the space back and be able to move around again.

Any suggestions of what to do with a portable, large size window unit air conditioner that runs on 220 electric. The firemen took it out of the window & set it aside, right before they threw my leather desk chair thru it to allow for ventilation of the fire. It was only used for about 2 months before that winter hit & is still great condition, but being in a condo, I can't use it here & don't have 220 in the garage. I'm thinking of dontating it to get it out of the way, its BIG-lol.

Best bet is to SELL the AC unit( money for farkles) take some old cardboard boxes cut em up to fit the garage floor or use em doubled makes for good insulation. Add an old blanket as has been suggested. Teddy would have a ball with the blanket I am sure:yes:. Go to yard sale and find a bigger heater for in the garage. Yes the fan will help,, as you know MY garage is rather large and I have 2 fans and now a pellet stove and the place is warm. I leave the fans going 24/7 so heat gets moved around. For those of you who haven't seen or know about my garage it's a 50X60ft. 30 ft front to rear inside and 60 ft wide with 4 garage doors ea 12 ft wide( I didn't want to miss that hole) Has 9 ft ceiling. Insulated and drywalled. Pellet stoves are really GREAT !!! it keeps that garage at over 50 even when it got down to 22 deg. outside. Sooo Dave Bring Teddy and bike and set it up here I got room!!! And if you think YOU have too many screwdrivers you gotta see the mess I have!!!:roflblack:

 

[NancysToy]

Best bet is to SELL the AC unit( money for farkles) take some old cardboard boxes cut em up to fit the garage floor or use em doubled makes for good insulation. Add an old blanket as has been suggested. Teddy would have a ball with the blanket I am sure:yes:. Go to yard sale and find a bigger heater for in the garage. Yes the fan will help,, as you know MY garage is rather large and I have 2 fans and now a pellet stove and the place is warm. I leave the fans going 24/7 so heat gets moved around. For those of you who haven't seen or know about my garage it's a 50X60ft. 30 ft front to rear inside and 60 ft wide with 4 garage doors ea 12 ft wide( I didn't want to miss that hole) Has 9 ft ceiling. Insulated and drywalled. Pellet stoves are really GREAT !!! it keeps that garage at over 50 even when it got down to 22 deg. outside. Sooo Dave Bring Teddy and bike and set it up here I got room!!! And if you think YOU have too many screwdrivers you gotta see the mess I have!!!:roflblack:

I'll second the motion for working on the corrugated cardboard. It insulates you from the floor, is soft enough to help prevent bruises (or broken parts that you accidentally drop), and if it gets dirty, or oil or coolant soaked you just toss it and get another box. I also agree about selling the A/C unit. I'd buy it if I was closer. Mine for the garage died about ten years back. If you decide to install the ceiling fan, remember that they cannot be hung from a standard ceiling box. They need one that has a reinforcement running between joists, and is marked as acceptable for ceiling fan use.

 

[CyncySpyder]

Teddy TOOK me on a walk yesterday, wouldn't have anything to do with the garage

​

It was funny, cause I thought we'd just go down to the little river park area in front of our condo like usual and play fetch, but he chose not to:lecturef_smilie: He had decided he wanted to take his stick, and me, for a walk around the business district of our neighborhood, and it was only 42 degrees:shocked:

When he gets in his stubborn moods:doorag: theres not much I can do unless I want to fight with him:banghead: Seeing as its been so long since we've both been able to ryde, and granted, we've both been a little down in the dumps without our 'therapy' I let the little guy have this one:bowdown:

:lecturef_smilie:Reminds me of that saying about knowing when to choose your battles-:roflblack:

Well, he took me (& his BIG Stick) on a 3 mile jaunt, at rush hour, with hundreds of cars on their way home from work, passing us by on the sidewalk. The peoples reaction :clap:was almost as good as seeing him on the back of his Red Sled. I'd look up at a passing car, and you'd see a :2thumbs:BIG OLE GRIN:2thumbs: on the face of almost every driver, as they passed by in disbelief :shocked: that this lil black dog with a red mowhawk and tail was just walking down the street carrying a stick twice his size, just like he owned it. If there were more than one person in a car, you'd usually see one of them pointing out Teddy to the other one, all with HUGE :2thumbs: GRINS upon their faces.

It had been a while since we actually just went for a walk, and it was a good reminder of all the joy that this lil guy brings to the masses, just by being himself :clap::yes::bowdown:

 

[arntufun]

I'll second the motion for working on the corrugated cardboard. It insulates you from the floor, is soft enough to help prevent bruises (or broken parts that you accidentally drop), and if it gets dirty, or oil or coolant soaked you just toss it and get another box. I also agree about selling the A/C unit. I'd buy it if I was closer. Mine for the garage died about ten years back. If you decide to install the ceiling fan, remember that they cannot be hung from a standard ceiling box. They need one that has a reinforcement running between joists, and is marked as acceptable for ceiling fan use.

I'm with you on using cardboard, I couldn't work without it !!!!!!! :thumbup:

 

[currin20fan]

Teddy

I'm sure it brought a huge smile to your face also knowing that Teddy was making doing his thing...........making people smile!