Just Coolin' Down

Just came in from doing some yard work and thought I'd jot some "news" while cooling down.

The picture you see is of "Ms. North Carolina". At least that is what I call her. That's our rose bush I transplanted; thought was dead; showed some life; we had a conversation; and now she is full of beautiful teacup roses! Go figure!!!

We got some much needed rain yesterday - about an inch. So that was wonderful! I thought for sure the beetles were gone, but no such luck. With the sunshine they're back! Guess I'll spray again this evening and see what happens. The trap is working, there are just too many.

For you "car/truck" guys here's a tale for ya....
When working for West Texas Gas, my truck (black in color) go white over spray literally all over it! While in TX, I managed to get about 75% of it off using a clay bar. But that was about it. So I just left it at that. Not my style, but with the daily dust in Lubbock, it was a futile attempt to keep the truck up to snuff anyway.
Well, now that we have better conditions in NC, I decided now is the time to get that stuff off and clean that sucker up.
I purchased a mild rubbing compound and set about my task. Once I determined the compound was "safe" to use, I started on the hood, because it was most noticeable and had the most scratches. I have a machine, but decided to do the first half by hand just to be safe. I rubbed it all out a section at a time, then applied Mequiar's Step 2 Polish, then Mequiar's Step 3 Carnuba Wax. It was amazing. Then I used the machine on the other side. Then did both front fenders. Only difference, I skipped the Step 2. Not Good! There was a NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCE! Plus, in the right light, there was a film under everything!!! It was most noticeable on the hood. This would NEVER DO. So, I had to do the whole thing over again. I'm not sure I'll re-do the fenders, they don't show the difference as much. But we'll see.

TIP - When you use a rubbing compound or claybar, to get rid of the "film" or residue left behind, use a 50/50 solution of Isopropyl Alcohol and water. Just spray it on and white it off. If the surface is clean and smooth, your done, if not, start over! :)

It's about an hour and a half process for hood, and 45 minutes for each fender. So it's gonna take a while for the whole truck. But we'll get-r-done!!!

Ain't life grand!!