Assiniboia

by

Building a Workbench

Since expanding my home outside of the RV, I’ve been a bit scattered as far as tools and other renovations bits and bobs go. I’ve had my shed ‘done’ for months now, but just haven’t been able to prioritize the tool organization project. I have kept it in mind, looking for storage solutions, like a tool chest or even a dresser, but haven’t found anything.

One of the things I did decide on very early in my thought process was to build a workbench. I found a plan for a workbench that looked very easy to make and which would afford me not just a work surface, but also some storage. After I bought my table and circular saws, I just needed a nice free day to do the project. Well, it took almost two months, but today was the day!

I bought my materials in town on Friday. The workbench plans claim that it can be built for 50USD, but this being Canada, the project cost me 101CAD all in, including two carpenter pencils and some wood glue. I didn’t have to buy any screws, so that saved me some money. Lumber was 15 2x4s and one sheet of plywood. The workbench plan is really clever as it uses almost the entire materials and has very little waste.

Buying the lumber was very disheartening since it was all crap. Even the ‘best’ 2x4s were warped and chipped and the edges of the plywood were delaminated. I understand now why Charles gets all his lumber in Glasgow, MT. He says it’s not just in Assiniboia at the different home stores that he sees bad lumber, but that he had the same problem in Manitoba. Just another case of Canadians getting shafted, with our good lumber going to the States, we having to pay a premium on the garbage the Americans won’t take, and then having to pay taxes and duty to reimport our own wood.

I had the lumber yard do all but one of the cuts on my plywood so that it would be easier to bring home and so I wouldn’t have to wrangle a huge sheet on my own and try to make straight cuts. They weren’t too keen on doing that for me, even at $2 a cut ($4 total since the first cut was free), but they eventually agreed to.

Saturday was way too damp and drizzly to work on this project, but it was bright and sunny, albeit cold (8C/46F) at 8:00 this morning. The forecast called for the day to get increasingly cold, overcast, and windy, so I headed right out to cut all my lumber… and make some space in the workshop. This is what I was starting with:

IMGP2330

IMGP2331

I used both my circular and table saw, depending on the length of the piece I was cutting, and found the process much more laborious than I would have with a miter saw. I’ll definitely get one again once I start building in earnest. Both my table saw and circular saw worked great and I felt safe using them.

IMGP2333

Now, here are some examples of the crap I had to buy.

I only agreed to buy this sheet of plywood knowing that I could plan the cuts for the worst of that water damage to be the waste bit.

IMGP2332

This 2×4 was one of the best they had:

IMGP2335

I labeled all my pieces as I cut them. It was rather like DIY IKEA!

IMGP2334

I stacked all my pieces neatly so that I could find them all:

IMGP2338

I later discovered that I had an F too many and was short a G because I forget to double check my cut sheet. I could have turn an F into a G, but it wasn’t worth pulling out the saws again and I just used an extra F and did without a G since they were supports and there were plenty of those to start with.

Then, it was time to start assembling! This is the frame for the worktop:

IMGP2339

And here is the bottom shelf:

IMGP2341

Notice that it is recessed so that you can sit at the workbench and have room for your legs. For such a simple design that makes such efficient use of materials, this workbench is really well thought out!

Legs on, height is perfect!

IMGP2342

At this point, it was frighteningly wobbly, but the reinforcement was about the begin.

As suggested in the instructions, I used paint cans to hold the bottom shelf in place so I could screw it to the worktop. But I decided to screw the plywood to the bottom shelf before installing it, rather than after. Not sure why the instructions say to do it after as it was much easier to do it before.

I then built the frame for the top shelf and added the plywood to it. The easy bit was done and my project was starting to look like a workbench:

IMGP2343

The next bit was tricky and where I ended up breaking for lunch near 1:00 p.m. I had to screw the top support legs and then get the thing up in the air and screwed to the workbench. I had to rearrange more stuff in the shed to get me room to manoeuver and the whole thing was very heavy, awkward, and fragile, but I got it done.

If you look at the plan, the legs for the top shelf don’t touch the floor, but mine do. The reason was going to be that I was working alone and didn’t have anyone to help me hold it up, but then I realised that the slope of the roof meant that this was as far up as I should be putting the shelf anyway.

Once the top shelf was secure, I added the backer boards. They are for added support, but also to keep things from falling off the back of the workbench and bottom shelf.

So here it is, and moved into its final position!

IMGP2344

I didn’t hesitate to start using it for storage!

IMGP2345

I was going to get pegboard, but I don’t think I need any. I’ll figure out an alternative way to store the tools that I have left to deal with (wrenches, pliers, hammers, and a few other odds and ends).

My favourite bit is my tape holder. I thought, “Hmm, a dowel would be useful for this and, oh, look, I have one handy. What are the odds?!” I just drilled a hole into the worktop and fit the dowel in it. It could also be a paper towel holder. Time will tell… 🙂

IMGP2347

I was done for the day, but not done by far. Here’s what my makeshift table (plywood on sawhorses) still looks like. 🙂

IMGP2348

And here’s a view of the whole workbench from the door:

IMGP2349

The top shelf so far has my ‘sharp implements’ and ‘drilling’ containers I’ve had for years in office overhead cabinets, then my (empty) tool box that I’ll be able to fill and take to Mexico this winter, then my dad’s chisels with my socket wrench set over top, then my giant bucket of screws. Underneath, you can see my gas cans, tub of painting/drywall implements, oil for the truck, and then you’ll have to trust me that in the corner are my two drills and my circular saw.

So now the workbench part of the shed is done to a point. I still have to organize more containers for screws, nails, and odd bits, as well as sort out the last of the tools, but it’s a very good start.

If the weather is still good tomorrow, I will sort out the yard/garden corner of the shed to make it easy to take out my wheelbarrow, lawnmower, and ladder.

If you want to take on a project like this, check out Zac’s considerations for building a work bench.

I’m beat and wish I could get pizza or Chinese delivered! But since I can’t, I’m off to scrounge something yummy for dinner!

by

Flying Versus Driving to Mexico

Chris made a comment yesterday that I should consider flying to Mexico this winter. I already have! So I thought I’d share my thought process to better explain why I feel that driving is the better option for me to get to Mazatlán.

Driving Pros:

-I can bring pretty much everything I want to take down with me for the winter, including my entire office setup, like my chair and printer, as well as what I need in the kitchen since I know that as much as I joke about wanting to eat out all winter, I am going to want to cook at some point.

-I don’t need to commit to the entire round trip amount at one time, ie. I can save for the gas money to come north over the course of the winter.

-I can stretch the winter season by spending time in the U.S. if needed (especially useful in the spring, as this past trip north demonstrated).

-I have control over what days I arrive and depart.

-I enjoy driving/the trip down is part of the fun.

Driving Cons:

-My truck is a gas guzzler — when the exchange rate was better, the savings in the States made the couple of Mexican tanks I’ll have to buy insignificant, but now, I’m looking at expensive fuel all the way down.

-I have to pay for hotels along the way.

-I have to go through the temporary vehicle import process at the Mexican border.

Flying Pros:

-All-in, it’s cheaper than driving.

-I don’t have to go through U.S. Customs.

-My truck won’t continue rusting in the sea air down there (I really don’t need my truck in Maz).

Flying Cons:

-No control over the dates I get there and have to leave.

-Getting to and from the airport in Regina will be a huge hassle. I’ll either have to leave my truck here all winter and bum rides to and from Assiniboia to catch the bus or pay for storing my truck in Regina all winter.

-There are no direct flights from Regina to Maz; flights go through Calgary or Vancouver and are poorly timed so I’d very likely lose a full night of sleep. I don’t handle losing sleep well and the recovery will cut into my enjoyment at arriving in Maz.

-I can’t bring everything I need for the winter and would be limited to the computer equipment I can fit in a carry on.

-I’m limited to my 180 days in Mexico and traveling directly between it and Canada, so I’d have to go straight home in late April/early May (brr).

-I’d have to commit to the round-trip ticket now. I know some people just buy a one-way and look for deals for the trip home there, but knowing my luck at the border, I’ll have to show a proof that I’m planning to go home, ie. a return ticket.

When you add it all up, it boils down to the fact that I love the drive. It’s a decompression period for me, even if I am planning to do a cannonball run this time around. If I was dreading the drive, flying would be more appealing. But I’m just thinking of getting all my luggage from Haven to Maz and feeling rather faint at the thought. Driving actually feels like less trouble!

Of course, if I get a bad inspection report, I could change my mind…

by

Propane Sticker Shock

I went to town today since I was out of propane and drinking water. My first stop was the Co-Op home store to return two of the poles I’d bought for my internet setup since I didn’t need them. I thought it was going to be a big hassle where I’d have to explain my project and why I didn’t need the poles, etc., but nope. The clerk said a return wouldn’t be a problem and offered to divest me of the poles. I replied I could go put them back while she started on the transaction. When I came back, I just had to sign a return form, run my card through the POS machine, sign the receipt, and done! I’m only using one pole now, but am keeping a second one just in case anything changes and I decide to mount higher up again.

Then, I went for propane. It was just under $40 to fill my 30lber! I remember days when it was $20 to $25 to fill it! Wow! Even on my current income level, wintering here would be a hardship at those prices for propane, plus electricity has also gone up. Gas, though, has gone back down to an almost reasonable $1.10 a litre.

I grabbed a quick lunch with too much coffee (if such a thing is possible), then decided to check out the Salvation Army. They’ve moved to a smaller location while the store is being renovated and so they don’t have as much stock. Well, I struck gold again in the form of a dark purple scarf, one of the colours I was missing for my collection (just need dark green and a royal blue ones after finding a dark teal recently!) as well as a brand new Jessica brand tee-shirt in my size (also dark purple, coincidentally enough). I was even lucky enough to get the cashier who knows about my scarf collection. She gave me a deep discount on my purchase!

And then, I got water and a very small amount of groceries. I’m already at the “I really need to start bringing down my stores!” part of the summer, so I’m not buying much. I’d like to get the big freezer emptied within two weeks. I have a lot of dried goods that I can bring to Mexico with me if I don’t finish them up, but I really need to get through all the meat and shrimp soon. The Patak’s sauces I discovered recently have been on sale for two weeks straight now ($2 off a jar), so it’s been a good time to try different ones. So far, I love their tikka masala and mango chicken sauces, but dislike their bland pineapple sauce. This week, I got butter chicken. My tastebuds are very happy with these new flavours!

I’d run into about five of my neighbours while out in town today and I ran into another one at the store. We should have all carpooled!

Speaking of carpooling, my truck is making a ‘that doesn’t sound good’ noise. I’m going to take it in for a full checkup in the next couple of weeks to see if it just needs a bit of lubrication or if there is something bad going on. C&C told me which shop to go to, so I’ll call them up next week to see if they can fit me in. I may end up having to go to Mexico in a ‘new’ vehicle, but it definitely won’t be my Transit Connect as I wouldn’t feel comfortable plunking down that kind of money right now. There’s a good used car lot in town where I know I could get something decent for under $3,000 just to get me through the winter. Anyway, I might be worried about nothing since the noise just started after I did all that gravel road driving last week and might just need a good cleaning. We’ll se what the shop says. A checkup won’t hurt!

Back to typing I go. I have lots of transcription to do this weekend!

by

SaskTel President Ron Styles Doesn’t Understand the Needs of the 21st Century Internet User

SaskTel president Ron Styles finally got back to me today and claimed that he was also writing on behalf of Minster Jim Reiter, responsible for overseeing SaskTel. With men like them at the helm of this telecom company, it’s no wonder money is being wasted.

Mr. Styles addressed a number of my claims in his letter, which I am reproducing in full here in italics, with my thoughts interspersed throughout:

Thank you for writing to discuss your concerns regarding wireless coverage for St. Victor. I understand that you also contacted The Honourable Jim Reiter, Minister Responsible for SaskTel. The Minister has asked that I respond on his behalf.

We understand the importance of providing communications services in rural areas. SaskTel faces a unique challenge as Saskatchewan has the fewest customers per square kilometre of any province and therefore SaskTel incurs significant costs to deliver service to rural locations.

Notice here that he said provinces. What about the three territories?

My response to this:

I have a friend who lives deep in the Yukon bush south of Dawson City. She has full LTE service at her cabin after asking Bell Mobility if there were any plans to increase the gain on an antenna built fairly close to her (10-20KM away), but which she couldn’t connect to because of terrain. I don’t know what they did, but it only took a few weeks for her to go from half a bar of service on the top floor of her house to full service all over her property! So I don’t buy your arguments that we’re too remote or too small a population to give service to because I know communities that are much more remote than us that have good service. I lived in Yukon for two years and traveled through the Territories. Any community St. Victor’s size with road access was online with DSL and often cellular, too.

While SaskTel’s wireless network does extend to 98 per cent of Saskatchewan’s population, there are locations where coverage is either poor or not available.

SaskTel does provide high speed Internet to 100 per cent of Saskatchewan’s population through different technologies. SaskTel Satellite Internet powered by Xplornet may be a solution for customers, such as yourself, where Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) service is not an effective option. SaskTel High Throughput Satellite (HTS) Internet Service powered by Xplornet, which offers faster download speeds, will be available in the St. Victor area by the end of 2015. We would be pleased to discuss this option with you further to help address your needs for High Speed service.

This is proof that he is the wrong man for the job. My response:

The fact that you think that satellite internet is a reasonable alternative to cellular broadband for anyone in southern Canada shows that you have never used it and have no understanding of the internet needs of the average 21st century user, much less a business owner. Satellite has huge latency issues, which make VOIP services, like Skype, unusable and streaming difficult. It is disturbing that SaskTel is expanding that inferior service to rural areas and passing it off as being something we should be excited about instead of adding repeaters to extend tower ranges, or even extending DSL lines. Has SaskTel even considered giving us DSL service instead? We’re less than 18KM from the nearest house that has DSL.

You mention that SaskTel operates as a monopoly; however, I can assure you that SaskTel operates in the most competitive telecommunications market in Canada. The decision of any company to enter, or to not enter, the Saskatchewan market is not something that SaskTel or the Government of Saskatchewan controls.

I am waiting on Rogers before replying to this claim. Rogers is the only other telecom in the country to have towers in Saskatchewan.

We appreciate your suggestion to adjust the angle of the equipment on the tower. However, after analysis of the St. Victor area, our computer projections indicate that if we pointed the nearest antenna directly at St. Victor, there may be marginal improvement in coverage in the community at best, while compromising service to surrounding areas.

Other areas that are served by the Rockglen and Assiniboia towers. I doubt that any analysis was actually done because I have my own data from an expert in this field that confirms anecdotal reports that the Scout Lake tower is actually servicing no one that isn’t already serviced by the Rockglen and Assiniboia towers.

SaskTel is very thorough and deliberate while selecting wireless sites, and decisions are made based on several factors, including: the local geography (including hills, trees and manmade structures), the number of permanent residents covered by the site, in-season population growth and tourism at resort communities, distance from major highways and the opportunity for
revenue and cost recovery.

Another line of bullshit. I’m calling it what it is. St. Victor gets a lot of traffic daily from visitors traveling between Assiniboia and St. Victor. We are a tourist destination because of our petroglyphs and get visitors from all over the world. We host a huge biker rally every year. We even have two museums right here in the hamlet! Everyone in the area is just waiting for the day that a big emergency breaks out at the St. Victor Boogie with lives lost because of the inability to call out since we know that’s what it’s going to take to get service here.

I have no proof of this, but SaskTel selected the location of the Scout Lake tower because they got a better lease rate than they would have from someone down here in the valley. I have not brought this up with anyone, including the CBC, because it is conjecture, but at this point, it is the only conclusion left and a very likely one at that.

I empathize with your desire for improved wireless coverage, and I can state that SaskTel is always reviewing our network and coverage to ensure that we provide all residents of Saskatchewan with access to the most expansive mobile service network in the province.

Don’t patronize me, Mr. Styles. You’re dealing with someone who has an unusual amount of knowledge about telecom coverage in this country and what it actually means to be a remote community.

As previously indicated, there is not a good business case for SaskTel to expand wireless service in the St. Victor area.

And there was to Scout Lake???!!! I want a rational line by line financial report of your justification.

However, we would like to discuss possible participation in the Shared Model Program if your community is interested in this option. Bill Beckman, Director of Strategic Business Development, would be pleased to discuss this with you or other residents, if you so desire. Bill can be reached at 306-777-4208.

Bill is going to do like that private company in Calgary and quote my municipality an amount that it can’t and shouldn’t have to pay for a service that you should be providing to us.

Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns.

There he is patronizing me again.

Sincerely,
Ron Styles
President and CEO

by

Soggy Saturday

BRR. I want a refund on my summer! 🙂

I woke up very late this morning, thankfully, since I’ve been desperate for a good night’s sleep. I had a slow morning responding to a few comments and emails from ignorant people. I finally got dressed (jeans and a heavy sweater, in August!!!) and went to town.

My first stop was Western Financial to deal with my truck registration and insurance renewal. I have to make an in-person declaration about my being a snowbird while maintaining SK residency so that I can take the truck out of the province for as long as I want. SK is the only province that allows a vehicle (and driver) out of the province as long as they want and still maintain insurance coverage, one of the many reasons why I chose to move here. The computer system didn’t have Mexico as a destination and the clerk and I figured that it was likely because I’m covered by Mexican insurance there rather than SGI (SK government insurance). So she put down that I would be in various U.S. states to make sure I’m covered while transiting. Add a signature and done. So easy and efficient!

Then, I went to Trifon’s for lunch since I was seriously craving pizza. They do a 6″ pizza with two toppings and Greek salad combo for a very good price. Their pizza is rather like Pizza Hut’s and the salad is very hearty since they don’t skimp on the feta and olives. My server was attentive, making sure I never saw the bottom of my coffee cup. I took my time with lunch so that I could catch up on some online stuff.

After, I went to the Co-Op home store to pick up two more sections of pole for my booster antenna. I don’t think I’ll be able to get them both up without finding a way to guy-wire the top section, but I’m going to try anyway and see how stable (or unstable…) the setup feels. I will, of course, reinforce the bracing on the bottom sections.

I didn’t need groceries, but cheese was $4 off for the 800g packs, so I went to the food store after to pick some up. Then, it was time to make a very cold and noisy trip home since I had to open up the windows between the cab and the back of the truck so the poles would fit inside and they rattled!

The rain is clearing up, but it is much too cold and windy to go work on the antenna and booster setup today. Guess I’ll put on a movie and get started on the project first thing tomorrow.