| Sys Admin Extraordinaire |

2014-08-23 Updated

2011-11-12 Initial post

I posted some pics which should help others who want to install the factory OEM 2011 Acura TSX window visors (part number 08R04-TL2-200). You can get the install instructions from here. Since the TSX didn't change much from 2009 - 2014 (final model year for TSX), the install should be the same for those model years. (more…)

2014-06-04 Initial Post

Back on 2012-11-12, my washer beeped and displayed the F9 E1 error about midway through a cycle. I looked up that error code in the Use & Care Guide and here’s what it stated:

“F9E1” on display (Drain Problem)

Press POWER to cancel the cycle. Unplug washer or disconnect power.

Plug in washer or reconnect power. Re-select cycle and press

START/PAUSE. If the problem remains, call for service.

I did all that several times to no avail. I was pretty much set on calling an appliance repair place and then I found the answer here: http://www.justanswer.com/appliance/4et22-front-load-washer-model-wfw9150ww00-bought-14-months-ago.html. It stated to “remove the lower front panel and unscrew the filter from the pump and clean it out.” I figured out how to do that and here’s my summary:

1. Unplug power from the washer.
2. Prop the two front legs of the washer on a piece of 2 x 4 or something similar.
3. Unscrew the three screws on the bottom of the front panel (I used my Metrinch ¼ inch/6mm socket). These screws are hard to grip, so you’ll need to put some pressure on them.
4. The drain components are on the right side. Put something under the big white drain plug to catch water as you turn it slowly counter clockwise. There might be a lot of water in there, so take your time and close the plug when you need to, to dump the water; Do this as many times as necessary to remove all the water.
5. Inside the white drain tube, on the right side is the filter area. I found a piece of my wife’s bra in there, so after removing that and checking with a mirror to verify that nothing else was caught in there, I put everything back and put the washer on the RINSE/DRAIN & SPIN cycle and it has worked fine since.

It wasn’t my idea of how to spend a Monday evening, but I saved $50 some dollars and most importantly, time. I was dreading the idea of having to take a day off from work to meet with the appliance repairman.

2013-02-17 Initial Post

2014-02-16 Updated

Back in December I had a patio installed with patio pavers and the person who installed it did not do a good job. The spiral spikes used were 10 inches long and were not long enough in some areas to securely hold down the Paver Rail edge restraints. I searched high and low for spiral spikes longer than 10 inches and it was very difficult to find. (more…)

2013-05-11 Updated
2010-06-04 Initial Post

Here’s a list of the main tools that I use for gardening (besides the typical shovels and rakes). I don’t use any machines primarily because I need the exercise—I have an office job where I sit most of the day, so I welcome any chance to perform some manual labor. Also, it makes one feel closer to the earth and the plants.

Before I begin, I'd like to offer one bit of advice: Don't ever leave your tools outside--the sun and rain will wear them down quicker, especially the wooden handles. Treat your tools with respect by cleaning them periodically and storing them indoors or in a well ventilated, covered area.
(more…)

2020-09-12 Updated

2010-04-15 Initial Post

Wow! It's been over ten years since I posted this. How time has flew by. I had my first child close to two years after I originally posted this (born 2012-03-15) and then had another one in 2017. I was looking over this post because I will be planting a Japanese maple (I've moved to another house since this post).

I wasn't able to find any instructions on how to plant a tree and build a retaining wall tree ring at the same time. So here are my notes on how to do that. I did a lot of planning and research and got all the tools necessary, so everything pretty much went as expected. I rented a truck from Home Depot to transport everything. I did all the design and work on my own. If you plan to do this, don't be cheap--get all the necessary tools and supplies to do the job the right way. There are way too many people who just throw some blocks directly on dirt and call it a day. (more…)