Heirloom Tools

I'd love to be able to hand tools like these down to my children. I have a tool box from my great-grandfather that he used to work on cars, but to have some wooodworking tools like this...

From This Old House
These are masterpieces of the toolmaker's art, patiently crafted from rare woods, gleaming bronze, and thick steel. Sure, they're meant to be used, but we think they're equally satisfying just to look at.

Tools of this caliber don't come cheap—you won't find a handmade level in the next aisel over from the putty knifes at the hardware store—but we're talking about legacy here. They have heirloom quality. - Tool Photos w/ discriptions

Housing Bust Posterboy?

Came across this very intersting blog about a could be/would be housing investor....

"I started investing in October 2005 and went full-time in January of this year (2006). This is after going to numerous real estate investing seminars, reading books and learning from other investors for the past 2 years. I did my first successful deal in October while still at my full time job. In January I quit my website programming job and went all out!

From October 2005 to May 2006 I bought 8 houses in 4 different states, mostly with the help of 100% stated income loans (liar loans). Most are fixers - I was going to rehab and flip each one within a month or so. Buying was easy, but man was I in for a surprise (or a lesson?)...."

He began to write a tell all blog about his adventures. Here is the reason why.

Cedar Fence

Cedar Fence

I recently helped a neighbor up the road construct a 180' long - 6' tall cedar fence at the edge of his property. All in all it was an good time and I always enjoy helping out at other peoples houses.

I think the hardest part was digging the fence posts. Along his property line, we encountered a lot of tree roots and concrete. Living in an established area means anything can be underground. The biggest item we pulled out was at the end of the fence line. It was a concrete section that was approx. 2' x 3' x 3' deep section. It must of been from an old firepit or garage at one time. Each picket has 6 screws attached to the 2 x 4 horizonal cross members. 6 * 160 = 960 My drill had a workout.

It was approx a three day job. One to dig and set the posts, one for the 2 x 4 cross members and the last day to set the pickets. It was his job to stain the fence with a clear stain.

More pictures can be seen on my Flickr Set