Getting It Together, Just Deal With It and Comfortable Temperature.

 Our Location today is at Windsor, Ontario.

Click on the pictures to enlarge.

I’m certain that most who read this Blog must be getting tired of the repetition of the daily duties it takes to keep such a simple operation going at work. Lots of the challenges would disappear if the problem once it’s realized would be dealt with allowing for you to focus on other matters.

Before the Paint-Line started this morning I was wiping up the Splattered Grease off the Framework before adding more to the Motor. When I past by Paul the Owner I explained that it was getting worse but I would repeatedly service it throughout the shift. He said it was hard to believe that a Motor that had been working perfectly since 1992 would suddenly be failing.

My Morning Walk Around only had One New Issue that I was able to fix with a Screwdriver. Somehow the Face Plate of a Fuse Box was standing next to the panel it belonged to. On the return to the Compound I picked up a few Carriers that needed some TLC.

With the arrival of the Cast Steel Pipe Fittings I finally completed the welding on the Manifolds by 10:30. While it cooled I checked the Drive-Motor and was disappointed that I had to repeat what I had done less then Four Hours before. If anyone wants to lubricate their car I have a rag full of Grease that you can use.

Once the End-Plates were secured the Manifolds were moved to the Rack outside the Compound so other things could be done. There was a concern about the Piping I asked Paul about and his answer was “Deal With It”. That means he better not say a word if it doesn’t look the way he planned.

Shortly after 2:30 as I was returning from servicing the Drive-Motor again Paul asked me to change the Small Wheels on a couple of Carrier Racks. The problem was we didn’t have any Wheels to do that with and the Two Racks had over Fifty Carriers on each. When the Wheels were delivered at 3:00 there were only Two Wheels out of Eight. Maybe tomorrow.

I cut the Brackets for mounting the Manifolds before the end of the shift. Even though The Weather Network showed we had a Humidex of only 88 F (31 C) today it felt comfortable for me. They also showed more comfortable temperatures heading our way.

When I walked in the Apartment Kathy had just gotten off the phone with our dear friend Vera. She wanted Kathy to go over for a visit and was surprised that I have the Car while the Truck needs repair.

For supper we had something we haven’t had in a long time Perogies along with Fresh Sliced Local Peaches for dessert.

Our 6 o’clock Local News today reported 62 New Coronavirus Cases bring the Active Cases to 527 in the Windsor/Essex Region.

I’m wondering what tomorrow will be like.

Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment unless it personally attacks someone for their opinion or is Spam.

Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

My dog used to chase people on a bike a lot.

It got so bad I had to take his bike away.

Verbal Aside Promotion and Cooling Down.

 Our Location today is at Windsor, Ontario.

Click on the pictures to enlarge.

Even though I’ve been carrying what Tools I had left in and out of the Plant every day since the Break-In today was the first day some were in a Toolbox. Once inside the Maintenance Compound I had time to move the rest of them from my Gym Bag to the Box with the rest of them.

Before the Line started the first thing I did was grease the Drive-Motor and clean up the grease that it was spitting out. As I mentioned before they don’t need that dripping on Parts that are about to be painted. Before heading back with the Grease-Gun I relocated a couple of Ladders that would have interfered with the Line. (Who put them there is the Question.)

The rest of the Walk Around was non-eventful only finding the usual concerns until I got to the Powder Coating Booth Room. (You don’t go in there without a Respirator when that is running.) The Operator was getting things set up but noticed the Doors were not sealing properly causing Powder to spray out.

The Pliers I had in my pocket weren’t enough to fix it so a quick walk back to the Compound for more Tools such as Hammer and Pry-Bar. When you carry Tools in a Plant it seems people notice including the Owner. Ten Minutes later when the Operator gave me a Thumbs Up for straightening the problem I wasn’t surprised to see Paul watching through the Window. I got a pat on the shoulder for fixing it that fast.

Other then a couple of Carriers needing to be straightened I created the Flanges and Caps needed on the Manifolds. I think Paul was coming to see me but when he saw me using the Big Metal Shear just went the other way.

One thing that was noticeable by everyone was the absence of Kharen the Supervisor who was supposed to have returned to work today. Everyone was smiling and passing along little jokes. The Electrical Contractor who won’t enter the Plant when Kharen is present was in adding some much needed lighting. Another day of Peace and Quiet.

After I spoke to Kathy during my lunch I saw Paul moving Racks around the Paint-Line. On Saturday he had promised to deal with the Missing Parts from the Supplier this morning. Waving him over when I asked about it was told he forgot.

He then waved me to follow him to the Office where he immediately called his Contact. The Contact said the List had been filled but Paul said the person that made it disagreed with him. When asked who I was Paul responded I was his “Maintenance Man”. (I must have been promoted from a “Welder/Fabricator” without knowing it.) I finished assembling what I could on the Manifolds until the end of the shift.

Needing to run another errand I was surprised at the Construction Zones that had suddenly appeared just today. Stopping at Motor City Community Credit Union it took nearly Fifteen Minutes before they were able to Unfreeze our account. Bills are paid, we make our Purchases plus I deposit my Cheque weekly but they put a Freeze on it. Seriously!

Another quick stop at Canadian Tire and I was soon heading home.

Even though The Weather Network showed we had a much cooler day with a Humidex of only 91 F (33 C) the only time I remembered sweating today was during my Morning Walk Around up on the Mezzanine where all the heat from the Ovens seems to go. Even so it felt good to be in the Air Conditioned Apartment.

Kathy grilled some Chicken before chopping it onto a Garden Salad. We also had the Leftover Lemon Meringue Pie for dessert.

Our 6 o’clock Local News today reported 68 New Coronavirus Cases bring the Active Cases to 518 to the Windsor/Essex Region. The Local Health Unit stated that all the New Cases we’ve had over the last week were from people not Vaccinated and many are passing it to their children who are too young to get their shots. They stressed that if we ever want to get back to the Normal we enjoyed before this started get Vaccinated.

Tomorrow is another day and even though we are presently not travelling every day is an adventure.

Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment unless it personally attacks someone for their opinion or is Spam.

Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

You Might Be a Redneck If

Your favourite fruit is chicken.

Clean Coveralls, Getting Out and Severe Thunderstorm.

 Our Location today is at Windsor, Ontario.

Click on the pictures to enlarge.

Even though I woke at the time that I normally do during the week it was easy enough to roll over for some additional sleep on my only day off this week.

When I did get up it looked like I’d have plenty of time to give my Coveralls a last rinse before they would go downstairs. After Three Washes and One Rinse in the Bathtub Pail it didn’t surprise me how Black the water was still coming out.

Apparently I wasn’t as quiet as planned because when I opened the Bathroom Door Kathy was in the process of changing the linens on our Bed. She thought she had slept in and was just working away. As a reward I made us French Toast for breakfast.

Over the last few weeks I’ve discovered that by soaking my feet in an Epson Salts Bath helps relieve Aches and Pains that grow through the Work-Week. When Kathy was experiencing Foot Pain this week I knew how to fix that. I set up the Foot-Bath for Kathy before heading down to the Laundry Room.

I again added a Double Cap of Laundry Soap in hopes of getting more Dirt and Oil out of the Coverall Material.

Back at the Apartment Kathy had just dried her feet and said the Epson Salts did the trick. I used the same Bath to soak my feet and they felt wonderful. I had everything cleaned up before it was time to retrieve my Coveralls. They looked much cleaner and even though the Washer looked clean when wiped out with the Cloth I had to give it an extra cleaning. (Nobody can say I dirtied their clothes.)

It’s hard getting caught up on Blog Reading when I have Two Days in which to do it in. With only a Single Day off I leave even less comments on the Blogs we follow but am still reading them.

For lunch we kept it simple by having Chicken Noodle Soup and a Yogurt Cup for dessert.

What's that in the distance?

With the threat of Severe Thunderstorms this afternoon we were heading out the door before 1:00 with a number of errands to run. It’s bad when you consider running Errands and Shopping as getting out especially since we are temporarily down to One Vehicle.

As we drove along Riverside Drive we were surprised to see a Cruise Boat called Princess made up to resemble the old Steamboats that plied the waters of the Southern Rivers such as the Mississippi.

Our first stop was Guardian Storage first to get our Mail then for going to our Climate Controlled Storage Unit. I had some rearranging to do for myself today. As I slowly replace the Stolen Tools that I need at work a Toolbox to store them in is necessary. By moving Tools that stayed in our Trailer around to other Toolboxes I was able to have a one to use without having to buy another.

We stopped at Dollarama where we started gathering Food Stocks that were written on our Shopping List.

From there we went to Zehr’s grocery store in order to get Produce, Dairy Products and Frozen Foods that the other store didn’t carry.

Even with plenty of Clouds starting to fill the sky we made it back to the Apartment dry. The big problem was that every time Kathy stepped outside she felt like she was in a Furnace and could barely breath. Checking The Weather Network it showed we were slightly cooler today with a Humidex of only 109 F (43 C) but it was still too much for Kathy.

For supper we had a Store Bought Medium Thin Crust Vegetarian Pizza. It actually has a little Bite to it but nothing that Kathy couldn’t handle.

Our 6 o’clock Local News was pre-empted by a Golf Tournament that ran into a Play-Off Round to break a tie.

We watched the US News about Hurricane Ida before watching A.F.V. for some laughs. Around 8:00 far off Thunder could be heard. Five Minutes later the Lightning started lighting up our Livingroom and was soon followed by heavy Rain pounding against our Balcony Door.

We’ll see how things go tomorrow with the supposed return of Kharen. I don’t think they want to lose their Welder right now since he’s the only one that knows how Three Projects go together at this time.

Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment unless it personally attacks someone for their opinion or is Spam.

Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

An amnesiac walks into a bar. He goes up to a beautiful woman and says, “So, do I come here often?”

Change Of Plans and Extreme Heat.

 Our Location today is at Windsor, Ontario.

Click on the pictures to enlarge.

I hated to do it but after the Truck breaking down yesterday I needed to use the Car for work today. This will cause a problem until it is fixed because Kathy really wanted to make more progress at our Storage Unit.

On Saturdays it’s nice that the shift doesn’t start until 8:00 which helps me to catch up on my sleep. Surprisingly Paul had the door open Twenty Minutes before the start of the shift unlike last weekend.

He made a “Change of Plans” where he figured we can get a few more days out of the Drive Motor and had me concentrating on the Pump Project even bringing Ivan in specifically to work with me. Unfortunately when we opened the Box that was supposed to contain all the Fittings there was a One Plastic Elbow along with the Two Dozen Metal Fittings that would be welded that were missing. Since the beginning of the Coronavirus Shut Downs they are no longer open on Saturdays so that shortage will be dealt with on Monday.

This morning involved measuring the locations of where not only the Piping will be on the outside of the Washer but where the Manifolds will be located on the inside. Ivan and I are the Two Senior Employees so we think alike and work well together. We were making good progress when Paul like last weekend wanted to change things.

Anyone that has ever worked on Household or RV Plumbing knows how that can be a problem well imagine working with Three and Four Inch Diameter Piping. Moving that a Half Inch can be a challenge especially when there is something on the other side of a metal panel you are about to cut through.

With a lot more measuring we worked out the changes and whenever Paul walked by we explained what was happening and that seemed to put a smile on his face. By the end of the shift he was all smiles looking at the Two Manifolds with all the Holes cut in it. Once the Fittings arrive on Monday the welding will begin.

I was dragging by the time I left at 3:30 and really didn’t think much about it until I sat to relax in the Apartment. The Weather Network showed today as having a Humidex of 111 F (44 C) that actually lasted for Four Hours this afternoon. Even though I wasn’t in the direct sunlight for long periods of time it seemed that there was less Oxygen in the air making it so you didn’t over exert yourself.

Supper was Spaghetti with Sauce and chopped Mozzarella Cheese sprinkled on top.

Our 6 o’clock Local News was broadcasted from London there was no report of Coronavirus Cases in the Windsor/Essex Region. They reported on our Canadian Federal Campaigns that are taking place ahead of the Election next month. They also reported on World Events and that the Temperatures will slowly return to more seasonal starting next week.

After we both enjoyed early showers it was time for me to wash my Coveralls in the Pail in the Bathtub. Looks like I’ll do a Third Washing of them before taking them to the Laundry Room.

Looking forward to Sleeping-In and running Errands.

Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment unless it personally attacks someone for their opinion or is Spam.

Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

Words of Inspiration

Life isn’t about finding yourself.

Life is about creating yourself.

George Bernard Shaw, Irish Playwright and Critic.

Extra Duties, Black Sky and Unknown Problem.

 Our Location today is at Windsor, Ontario.

Click on the pictures to enlarge.

Starting the day by simply greasing the Drive Motor to make it last until the weekend has become a necessary part of the plant’s operation. As I stored the Ladder I could see Paul giving me a Thumbs-Up acknowledging my repeated effort. As I passed by to say “Good Morning” he flagged me over.

The other day I had been told we’d simply rebuild the Motor. I expressed concern about unforeseen problems hampering the process. I had also suggested getting a Rebuilt Motor to replace the existing one then rebuilding it during a calmer time period. Considering there are Three Other Drive Motors on the same Paint-Line by servicing them on a gradual time period would make the investment worthwhile. This morning Paul informed me he was looking for a replacement like I had suggested.

After doing my Morning Walk Around I returned to the Maintenance Compound where I completed a project I assigned myself. Paul had suggested last weekend making Taller Sawhorses for when we work on Pumps. Then they would end up in the Compound for storage which I didn’t need. Using Remnant Material I created Riser Extensions that could be simply bolted to the existing Sawhorses thus making them taller.

After repairing nearly Thirty Carriers as they were about to be used near the Paint-Line I returned to the Compound with a couple that needed welding. Paul had been watching and was just taking a peek when I pointed out the Sawhorse Extensions. Looking at me dripping with sweat I was told he had another job for me and gestured I follow him.

We sat inside the Air Conditioned Office for a Half Hour as we reviewed the layout of the Pump Project. Knowing that I had been straightening things up as well as salvaging from the Piping he needed me to make certain we had all the Fittings to complete the Project. I suggested waiting for Kharen’s arrival on Monday but was told we couldn’t wait for him. His plans listed all the Fittings we needed but I had to find out what we had in stock.

It was over an Hour when I returned with a List. Paul was surprised that we had more stock then he anticipated as well that some Fittings were not the size he thought we needed. He then asked for information about getting the Plasma Cutter working. Ten Minutes later I handed him another List.

Taken at 1:50 in the afternoon.

Due to the amount of Bees hanging around the Picnic Table outside I’ve had to eat my lunch in the Compound then dawn my Mask to go outside as a way of not getting Stung while I talk to Kathy. As I approached the door all I could see was a Huge Black Cloud going across the sky to the North as the Sun started disappearing. I related that to Kathy who was just having her lunch. When she looked out the Balcony Door those same Black Clouds were starting to fill the sky to the South. I reminded her of a couple of Errands that needed tending on my way home then had to get inside as some Raindrops started falling. The storm that followed proved that the Roofing Repair Company missed one major leak.

I managed to get the Piping that would be used in a Container marked for the project. The rest of the Piping was returned to the Compressor Room. Paul handed me the parts for the Plasma Cutter and said the rest of the Fittings would be there in the morning.

Rain Coming Down.

With the Overtime I worked last week my Pay-Cheque was much nicer but I don’t want to get in the habit of this. Once this project is completed I’m certain there will be others but I’ll find a way to have a Two Day Weekend more often.

After stopping at the Motor City Community Credit Union where I brought home some Laundry Money (Coins) I also stopped at Canadian Tire. They had a Three Pack of Ratchet Wrenches on for an unbelievably low price. That just shows they were Overpriced to begin with. It doesn’t matter where I work I need to start replacing the Tools that were stolen and that was a good start.

Thinking of a small celebration I called Kathy suggesting I would pick up a single Fish And Chip Dinner at the Michigan Diner closest to our location. As I pulled into their lot there was a loud Banging Noise under the Truck. There was nothing visible and I didn’t run over anything but it seemed to require more power to move. After getting our food everything was okay until I was parking the Truck at our building where it smelled of Burnt Rubber. That sounds like Seized Calipers.

In the Apartment I explained the problem. As she served supper I tried calling our favourite mechanic Jim at Windsor Gas and Diesel only to get a recording that they are on Vacation until after Labour Day.

We each had the same amount from a single dinner.

Supper was delicious but solemn. We’ll have to wait for Jim because we don’t trust anyone else but that means that Kathy will be without a vehicle until then.

On the 6 o’clock Local News they reported 70 New Coronavirus Cases in the Windsor/Essex Region along with 472 Active Cases.

Once I had gotten home The Weather Network showed a Humidex of 104 F (40 C) but looking up the history of the day it showed a high of 108 F (42 C) just before the Rain Storm hit this afternoon.

Starting at 8:00 in the morning is not my favourite thing to do but there are some advantages like catching up on sleep. With a forecasted Humidex of 111 F (44 C) hopefully without production working it will be more bearable and we’ll get something accomplished.

Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment unless it personally attacks someone for their opinion or is Spam.

Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

What do you call a bull that likes to nap?

A bulldozer.