A New Year and a New Challenge

    Last week we took possession of a new house. Rather a new house for us, in reality an older bungalow in a small town an hour away, very near Eva's extended family. The house is ripe for some up dates and renovations.  So that house is why I haven't posted yet in 2023.  There were many trips to see the house, see the real estate person, see the lawyer etc.  Once we closed, last week the have been a couple more trips to explore and imagine.

  We will be holidaying, as usual shortly so there has been a rush to arrange a short term house sitter and there remains several trips to move somethings into the house as well as do something to make it more livable.

  Today's project is a make it livable project.

   In the garage there is a lighting problem.  The light switch is in the back away from the door and the light fixture is really improvised.  While there is no car in the way I am going to make a change.

  I bought a basic motion sensor light fixture. 

  This is the cheapest fixture I could find. Normally it wires into a box in the wall or ceiling. 

 This is a two wire connection.  I have wired a cord and plug to the fixture and now it can be mounted where I want it.  I put a ten foot cord on the light  so I will be able to put it anywhere I want in the garage and move it later if I change my mind.

 

  I don't mess with electrical wiring on a regular basis but I am comfortable and confident in a minor modification like this. It was a cheap trick because I had a length of 'two wire' available. I got my wire from someone's dead vacuum clearer that had been kicked to the curb, I clipped and saved  cord.

  I have made a door stop to go in the patio door slide already for the house and pulled out about one hundred nails and screws that have been spread around the garage and basement walls.  I don't know what the previous owners did with them selves but I know they hung lots of stuff on random nails.

  Since we are moving to a small place, I have promised my local grand kids a full tool chest of basic tools.  I have a variety of duplicate tools and they will now have a new home.  Where my really good tools will go one day....I have no idea.  I do hope one of the Grand kids will have use for them.

The other shop thing is another reason to have a shop.

  Modern glues are great. I am gluing and clamping a piece of leather onto the  back of a wrist watch strap that is falling apart.  Clamps of all sizes and shapes are a must.  A house needs a toaster and a bunch of clamps for sure. 

cheers ianw