New (Replacement) Elevator Hoist

 It's going on three years since our attic freight elevator/lift was installed in our garage by Nephew David and Brother-in-Law Allen.  All I did was design it and arrange for the parts.

Elevator Story

It has not only served us well, but it has also inspired many others to include an elevator in their home or shop.

One thing is certain: elevator parts wear out.  And the most important part, the hoist motor, has needed replacing four times as of today.  No, it was not a safety issue as much as it was a real annoyance issue.  The hoist cable has no guide to keep it rolled onto the spool in an orderly manner.  And the cable eventually gets compressed into itself, causing a gentile bump at first that eventually turns into a sort of snap.  If not fixed then it puts a serious jerk in the line that could break the cable.  

It's not fixable because the hoist is not designed to accommodate a replacement cable.  The only choice is to take it back for a replacement under the terms of the extended warranty at Harbor Freight.  And they are very good about swapping it out.  Apparently, it's a common problem among those who use the hoist motor for freight elevators and lifts.

Of course, I have to remove the heavy hoist motor from the steel beam, then hand-carry it down the dangerous pull-down attic ladder, and take it to Harbor Freight.  Then retrace my steps to install the new one.  With the previous practice I've had, it only took a little over half an hour to reinstall it.  It works perfectly and the only thing left to do is rig the block to change it to a looped cable.  That not only slows the speed of the elevator but also doubles the payload capacity.  (1,300 lbs)  I also have to splice in the extension electrical cable for the hand-held controller. (the one that comes on the hoist is only 5' long).  Then we are good for at least another year: hopefully longer.

Even with the hoist cable issue, it's still one of the best things we did here at La Maison del Poulets.

COVID-19 Vaccination - Got Our First One

 Getting vaccinated against the deadly COVID virus seems to be the most popular game in town now.  You really have to keep up with it in order to get an appointment to get the first of two shots.

My Sweetie kept up with it and was able to get an appointment because she happened to be a 'patient' at one time of the medical facility authorized to start administering vaccinations.  And she was in the 'over 75' group that they were scheduling first.  I was not a patient of the medical facility so it took more effort to register before they could schedule me, which I did online saving a great deal of time at the facility.  

But once we actually had an appointment, we felt a lot better.

I went with Judy to Ochsner Health Center in Covington and was surprised at how well organized they were.  It was quite an accomplishment considering the number of people arriving to get their shots.  

Plus, everyone, staff, and patients alike had to understand what to do.  The staff greatly simplified the process and we thank them for that. 

One of the staff asked me if I was there for the shot.  I told her I was with my wife and that my appointment wasn't for two more days.  She said, "Come on" and quickly escorted me to the appointment desk where my appointment was changed, and I was suddenly being moved along to one of many nurses administering the shots.  Within minutes we were both waiting the suggested 15 minutes before leaving.

And just like that we were done and were automatically scheduled for the second shot on January 31st.

I love it when a crisis is handled right.  At least it was at our facility.  I understand that others around the world are not so fortunate as us.  

We also appreciate the people who make it work in spite of their own exposure to an out-of-control pandemic.  

Meanwhile, we will continue to keep wearing our masks, avoiding crowds, and keeping our distance until told otherwise.

We're slowly accepting the fact that "Normal" is no longer what it used to be.

CRISIS IN MY AMERICA

Tomorrow will be a week since our Capitol was attacked, desecrated, sacked, damaged, and forever tarnished by the deliberate acts of treasonous people acting at the direction and encouragement of our president.

Five people lost their lives, leaving the stain of blood on the floor and tears in the good hearts of citizens around the world who believed in our democracy.

By now, we all know who is responsible and that our sacred Constitution provides a remedy for the president's removal from office and those who aided and abetted his attempted coup d’état to be held accountable.  

The steps of removing him from office are already underway.

But as this threat to our democracy continues to be a growing challenge, I find myself struggling with the thought that what I grew up believing in, swearing an oath to honor, protect, and defend as a Boy Scout, as a Soldier, and as a Sailor is being attacked by its own people.  I'm almost 80 but I will still fight for it to the death.  And so will others.   I know America will survive.  It has to.

Although it brings heartache and tears to many, it also serves to remind us all that America’s beautiful dream is as fragile as the sands of time, making it an easy target for those who would take it away.  We simply cannot allow that to happen.