I love it, and thanks for sharing how to get a quick patina! I made one last year for DH, and after I finished it I mixed salt and vinegar and sponged it on, and it quickly formed a beautiful green patina. It's only gotten more beautiful since then. That's a great idea to set it on a copper pipe in the ground, mine is on a stand on the deck, but I like the copper pipe better! I'm sure the Miracle Grow would be much better to try, and wouldn't stink so much, LOL!!!

Model 1830 and Built by MTD. Take a good look at the Trans-axle for the manufacturer name. If it is a Peerless for example. Check around for one or parts from different makes (JD, Craftsman, Cub Cadet etc) that used the same trans-axle. Pressure washing will not hurt the tractor unless you fill the carb and/or exhaust full of water. I pressure wash my lawn equipment two or three times a year and have never had a problem. Grandson and my project. Great Grand Pa to take the time to work with and teach the young ones about the part of American history that will never be taught in schools.. The little one and i spent 6 moths redoing a 1949 Ferguson TE20. She would spend hours putting around the field in 1st gear at a slow idle if I would let her.

That's Cherokee Bend, right? Somerby's nice. We thought about moving my g'ma there, but my g'dad needed to go somewhere else so she went to Fairhaven. He was suppose to go to, but never made it. They're both gone now. I know! You almost hate telling someone you live in Alabama because they think you are poor, stupid and uneducated! Traditional Home magazine featured several Birmingham/Mountain Brook homes a few months ago. Did you see? Very good articles on antique shopping too. Jim N Nicks has THE BEST bbq, IMO. Try their catfish next time you come to town. SO good. The Fish Market just opened new place downtown right behind where they use to be and another location on 280 between 119 and Hugh Daniels Dr. Both JnN's and FM have locations near new house, so we'll go there often. BBQ anywhere else just isn't the same....just like sweat tea! Homewood's Hollywood section should be featured in a magazine. I don't know how long ago you lived there, but from the looks of your children's ages you're a bit older than me. Families are re-doing the Spanish style houses on and off the main drag. Did you ever eat at The Buttery in Mtn Brook Village? We use to drive all the way from Bessemer to eat there when I was little. It was located on Canterbury Rd (behind Gilchrist). How long have you lived in Va? My uncle is a retired Navy Captain, last job was at the Pentagon. They lived in Fairfax while the kids finished school. Now he lives in Upper Marlbora, MD. (sp?)

I guess snookums2's post is directed at me, so I'll answer. First, as I said, I rarely use cash, but when I do, it's usually for something quick like half and half or a newspaper, and I don't carry a purse into a store cuz I hate carrying one, but I also don't want my pockets junked up with change, there is enough stuff in there already with keys, hanky, chapstick, debit card, etc., (why they don't make women's professional clothes with bigger pockets is a topic for another post). Also, I live in a rural area with fairly high unemployment and I figure if my few dimes and nickels a week will help someone to be able to buy something they want, I don't care if it's a pack of smokes, a lottery ticket or something virtuous, why not? Even if I added up all my change from the entire year I bet it would not be more than $100, and that's not going to make a difference in my lifestyle, but it might help someone to buy themselves or their kid a treat. sandyponder