So far today I ordered an aftermarket fireplace blower for our gas fireplace for $118. Tomorrow I will call the local fireplace store and tell them I don’t want them to order the $330 one they quoted me. Nor do I want them to spend 2 to 3 hours pulling the old one and replacing. In the meantime, I decided to pull the existing noisy one. (Even if I break it I have a new one coming). Took about 3 minutes to pull it out. Sat on the hearth messing with the old one and made a temporary fix, literally with bailing wire (actually tie-wire) but the same thing. Put the old on back in (this took all of 10 minutes to line everything up) and it’s much quieter. I will still replace the old one as my fix is only temporary. I might keep the old one around and try to make a more permanent fix. Good to have a spare.
Also finally got around to reworking my truck “get home bag” so all the stuff fits. Replaced a nice Kelti Tarp with two heavy duty, but disposable ponchos. Still packed pretty full, but I think it’s got most of what I might need for two or three days. Put two heavy sandbags in the back of the pickup for extra winter traction, as well. Next project is to pull my amateur radio (2 meter) antenna off the old shop roof and move it to the roof over my present day shop. I’ll need to order more coax once I figure it all out. Need to get off my rear and do the roof work today or tomorrow since the window of a non-icy roof is rapidly closing for the winter!! Days here are getting pretty short. Most light is gone by 4 pm.