Jon Kennedy

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since Nov 29, 2012
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Recent posts by Jon Kennedy

Hi Jen
This may sound a bit odd, but I have a 2007 Toyota prius, which I have 182000+ miles on. I have used it for everything and it has been the most reliable and least expensive car I have ever owned. My friends call it my little truck. I replaced the front brakes at 165k when I tuned it up , because of the regenerative braking system it's very easy on the brakes. I can haul 10' boards/etc in my little (truck) car. It's not that pretty but it's amazing on the mpg. I would recommend getting snow tires like Bridgestone blizzaks/etc. and rotating the tires every 6k miles.
I've spent the last 6 months looking at cars/trucks/SUV And decided on a new 2015 subaru outback, which was a hard decision because it was between a new prius or outback. 50mpg average vs 25 mpg average. But I need( really want) a trailer hitch and the ability to carry on the roof.
There both great cars , although it's going to cost me another 1500-2000 $ a year for the outback(insurrance is much lower for outback,
My current prius is starting with me and the new outback will be in the garage , so I can save some $ on mpg.
Shop around and do the numbers. It's amazing what you learn. ( I figure I have saved 19000$ in fuel over 7 years since I traded in my 2005 tundra for the prius)
And gas is going to get higher every year
Good luck
Jon
10 years ago
Baxter thats a extremely nice job!
Im a little jealous, I can see the thought and work you put into this, congratulations!
I have a question, where does your fresh air come from?
This isnt a critique, just a question.
Congratulations again, im sure your shop/space will be a masterpiece of detail and organization!
And warm all winter long!
Jon
11 years ago
Lol. Unfortunately that is why there are so many laws and inspectors in the country.
Im sure the chickens will like it!
As for your barn I would look for other (carpenters) or build it yourself!
Good luck
Jon
Hi Oliver
Well I would love to answer your question easily, I have to agree with all that has been written earlier and would like to add, that its all up to you.
No matter where you go, unless its a place surrounded by relatives and friends, its going to be an adjustment.
I have little knowledge of your background and experiences but as a carpenter you may understand that its kind of like picking clients. Some are alot better than others, some are more knowledgable, and some are just plain pains. And some days are just better than others!
Its going to take awhile to adjust and to learn who is who and who is related to whomever. Where things are and if you have to have permits or get inspections, (yes there are still places in the USA where you can build without being inspected). I think you will find that it could be good for your children , because they will have to learn how to work. Something that i believe is really missing in this country! And they hopefully will learn how to be more reliant upon themselves.
( although farm life is a bit more dangerous if you dont learn from your life lessons and use some common sense!)
I personally have lived all over the country from large cities to small 100 person towns where the closest home depot was 95 miles away)
It will take some time, for everyone. I personally would rather live in the country, a place where you can slowly learn about yourself, your neighbors, and just how little you really need to have a happy family life.
Plan well, find good water and build the dream you want, and Don't believe everything you hear, gossip is a lot louder in the rural areas! Throw that tv away, communicate with your family, alot, and laugh as much as you can, and Do Not assume anything, laws are different in every state, county and town.
Best wishes
Jon
11 years ago
Hi Lukepa
Well my feelings are with Jay C. The home you showed is is NOT a earth friendly or economical home especially in Ohio. Heat, Humidity, and Snow.
One of the big problems with altering anothers design is with each change you make it changes everything in the design!
I'd like to suggest something like sirewall.com if you want something a little more earth friendly and economical to live in. Im a fan of there structures and the environment it provides the home owner. The atomosphere would equal your southern californian dream home you posted, in a earthy economical way, and you could incorporate any type of alternative energy sytems in there rammed earth homes, and have a home for a lifetime, thats less toxic and efficient.
Let your imagination fly !
Jon

FYI, I don't work for sirewall! Just love there homes
11 years ago
Hi
Well after looking at this I personally agree with Jay C. I would not work on this, there are to many structural and drainage problems, like the new valley that is going to have to be made. This combined with the low pitch of the original roof ! Water is going to be a problem when and if it ever rains.
Personally I have learned that it is far better to have it designed and on paper before you start building and with remodeling you always have to look at the finished project!
But thats my .02$
Good Luck
Jon
Thats looks wonderful. Hopefully you can enjoy it often, great job!
Jon
11 years ago
Hi
I read your question and went to webmd to make sure I was giving you the correct info. And I do not want to alarm you but.
Cats , especially outdoor/wild cats have a high rate of contracting rabies.
Therefore I would consult your md again and possibly your vet, I do not believe there are signs to watch for on the cat. But this virus/disease is nothing to mess around with!
Best wishes
Jon
11 years ago
Hi.
I agree with the other comments, its all about training your husband/ Training the trainer! Puppy proof your house and train your husband. Dogs are social animals and want to please and be loved. They also want to be trained and stay occupied.

Dogs dont speak english ( or german) lol. But they do know body language and tone. (better than you or I)
Volhard and Fisher used to have a great book about training the trainer. And they both have books that have been out for a long time.
Best of luck in training them both
Jon
11 years ago
Hello,
Ill add my .02$'
Since i dont have any idea about how you have oriented it or use it for and since it sounds as if if will be permanent. I suggest that you,
Place square footings across the width of the container in five locations, the first being one end and then every ten foot. (this will help keep your container level)
The footings dont need to be that deep , but would need to come out from the container enough so you can attach either eye bolts or steel strapping that you can bolt to the bottom of the container. ( there is no need to throw a strap or chain over your container , since it a solid piece, therefore if you attach at the bottom you are also connecting the entire container)!
Or
Something you may consider is to berm both long sides, you could step berm adding a flower/vegetable garden to both side ( depending on your southerly orientation) This would protect your container from any and all cross winds of any type, not allowing anything to push /move it! It would also allow you to use the roof if you wanted, ( you wouldnt have to berm it all the way to the top of the container, say 3/4 height max.)
If you did berm it you may want to repaint the sides of the container to add in the waterproffing of the metal!
A ground silo/pit would work quite nicely! Heck it could be your tornado shelter! If you can secure the doors from the inside somehow!
Good luck
Jon
11 years ago