About this blog title

I cannot tell you how many times I have shown up at events with a couple of cameras around my neck, a gadget bag full of odds & ends and a lighting kit and have been asked that question. If it happened once every few years, that would be one thing. But it happens a LOT. It's like getting pulled over by the police and he's standing there with uniform, gun, flashing lights and asking him "Are you a cop?" I would love to come back with a witty reply, such as "No, I am Jesus. Don't you recognize my beard?" However, I cannot be that rude.


Showing posts with label sausage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sausage. Show all posts

Friday, October 10, 2025

Kia Sedona Brake Rotor Replacement

 

Nut and bolt that broke as I tried to free siezed brake rotor with it. 

My 2011 Kia Sedona van needs front brake rotors. They have gotten bad, pulsing and thud-thud-thudding while braking. I've replaced rotors on every car I have owned, including this one. Some are difficult to remove as they get rusted on. Yesterday, Friday, October 9, I bought new rotors and brake pads at Auto Zone. Price came to $226.00 and change. Got home about 2:00 and thought I could get the job done then. I jacked the front of the van up and started in on the driver side. I could not get the rotor loose. I sprayed it plenty with WD40, hammered on it- a lot. Heated it with a torch. Stubborn. Will not budge. So I sprayed it with more WD40 3 or 4 more times before I went to bed. 

Earlier in the day I cut up some Brussell sprouts, sweet potatoes and italian sausage, tossing them around in a casserole with with some oil, honey, salt and pepper. Roasted the combo in 350 degree oven until done. 

Awoke this morning at 5:30. It was 31 degrees. I tried again to break the rotor free. Frustrated I searched youtube and found a way to use a bolt and nut to break a rotor free. YES! I have used that technique in the past. It worked then beautifully. I had forgotten about it. You pass the bolt through the bolt holes in the caliper mounting braket. The bolt is threaded through a nut between the knuckle caliper bolt hole. Tightening the bolt applies pressure on the stuck rotor. However, I still had no success. Bolts were short on threaded section. One I managed to fit and used 1/2 inch ratchet drive and torqued the bolt down until it broke. Then I had to get a saw and cut it aprt to free it from the rotor. Today I bought some better, hopefully stronger bolts at the NAPA Auto store here in Chaumont. Two bolts, and package of nuts cost $14.00! WOW! I set it up and applied pressure to the rotor, used more WD40 ad am leaving it alone overnight. Will see how I fare tomorrow.

After that I cleaned the upper boards and eves on the wall I am painting. Hopefully tomorrow I can give the wall a 2nd coat of paint. 

Brussel sprouts, Italian sausage, sweet potatoes mixed and ready to go into oven.

Brussel sprouts, Italian sausage, sweet potatoes fresh out of the oven.



Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Total Solar Eclipse Photos in Chaumont, NY.

 

Total solar eclipse in Chaumont, NY. photo by Gary Walts.
Sony a6000 camera and Minolta 500mm f8 mirror lens.

Yesterday, April 8, 2024 we experienced a total solar eclipse here in Northern NY. Personally I and a few family members witnessed it from our backyard in the village of Chaumont.

We grilled some smoked sausages, had some salt potatoes and Cole slaw. We had a nice wood fire going in the fire cauldron and lit some tiki torches to add a little ambience to the transition from light to darkness. 

One f the most notable things that happened was a large number of mosquitos swarming about  when the darkness came on. There was also a distinct rapid drop in the temperature. It dropped from almost 60 degrees down to 52 degrees. 

For the most part the sky remained clear throughout. A small amount of clouds were about, but the view remained good. We had a wonderful and memorable day. We were all quite amazed by the experience. 

View looking toward my neighbors place during the eclipse, Chaumont, NY 2024

Smoked sausages on the grill. Cheddar bacon and cheddar jalapeƱo flavored. 

This is a composite of two photos. I'm not sure I really like it it or
did it quite well enough.



Eclipse day food. Smoked sausage sandwiches, oil and vinegar based Cole slaw, and salt potatoes.


We got a fire going well before it got dark. (This is a fire cauldron created by artists Will Salisbury and Greg Lago, two good friends who are no longer with us. I miss them.)

Family members view the eclipse in Chaumont, NY

Family members view the eclipse in Chaumont, NY

Family members view the eclipse in Chaumont, NY

Family members view the eclipse in Chaumont, NY

Family members view the eclipse in Chaumont, NY



Family members view the eclipse in Chaumont, NY