[AT] test Now cold and tractor cabs

[Steve W.]

Greg Hass wrote:
> Here in Michigan we have had the worst winter in over 40 years. In fact, 
> I HATE WINTER.  We have averaged at least 15 degrees below normal since 
> mid November. When I planted my last field of wheat they said I could 
> plant for 2 more weeks yet. However, after I planted we had only one 60 
> degree day and all the rest were 40 or below.  I think most of it came 
> up but what did got no fall growth so we will see in the spring if it 
> makes it.
> As for weather, I think we have had only one day above freezing in the 
> last two months. For three weeks now, night temps have been at or below 
> 0 and day time has been between 5 and 20 degrees. The same is forecast 
> for the next week or so. I am also getting sick of moving snow at least 
> 3 times a week. In fact, I have to go clean again tomorrow. For some 
> reason, almost all of our winds have been from the southwest which has 
> never happened in my memory. The way my place sits, my yard is protected 
> every direction but south so the yard gets blown shut every other night 
> as well as I have had to clean the mailbox at least 15 times already 
> compared to once or twice in a normal year. My method of cleaning is a 
> small skid steer (23 hp twin cylinder Honda engine) with only a back 
> window for weather protection. The front is open and the sides are 
> expanded metal. I suppose I could cover the sides with pieces of carpet 
> but then its hard to see. It's amazing what that little machine can do 
> but with all the blowing snow it takes a lot of time. The past two years 
> I only have had to clean twice a year and then I could have gotten by 
> with once but the machine was out so I tidied up.
> As for heat, I have a corn furnace. The past 5 years have have used 
> under 5 ton of corn a year. This year I got 4  1/2 ton and it will be 
> gone in 2 more days. I haven't decided whether to get more corn (which 
> at this time of year is a huge undertaking or just go with oil heat the 
> rest of the winter. I have heard that LP is as high as $5.00 a gallon, 
> and a couple of people with guaranteed pricing got a fillup and were 
> charged $2.50 a gallon over their contract.
> And finally; winter projects. Every fall we will say; well that's a 
> winter project. I'd like to know how, with most nights around 0  or 
> below and daytime of around 10 degrees. Plus, for the first time in 
> years all my buildings a surrounded by 4 feet of snow. Even in my shop I 
> have things in the way that belong in other buildings but I can't get to 
> them to get them out of the shop. Yes, as some would say , it could be 
> done but I am old enough that I have fought a lot of bad weather and am 
> just not willing do do it unless I have to. The only up side to this is 
> that I got rid of all livestock about 15 years ago so at least I don't 
> have that battle to fight.
>        Greg Hass
> _______________________________________________

Greg,
   Hit a fabric store or the fabric section at wal~mart (if a store near 
you carries fabric) You can buy clear plastic similar to the stuff used 
on convertible tops by the yard. It isn't the crystal clear stuff but 
you can see through it OK, and it's cheap. Make a couple frames out of 
furring strips or similar and staple the plastic to them. Use a couple 
more strips and screws to attach them to the mesh. In the front another 
frame but use a chunk of plexi-glass for better vision. Total cost of 
less than 50 bucks.

-- 
Steve W.