Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Quicker baking turkey "Spatchcock" it!

I recently got a a pretty high quality and healthy frozen turkey at .99 a lb, but I only had two hours to cook an 18lb bird. I remembered once in my late twenties hearing a roommate of mine explain how to cook a turkey faster, without drying out the breast or under cooking the legs, one had to expose the legs more and the breast less. And this also makes for more crispy skin and easier carving. I did a quick search and it turns  out the technique has a name. It's called "Spatchcocking."

I tried it. I needed to use a tin snips since I didn't have a poultry knife, but I washed it very well first!

I added a quarter of an unsqueezed lemon and apple under each breast and leg. I always think this helps the drippings taste a little brighter. I sometimes use just lemon, or orange, etc. Then I rubbed with high heat canola oil, and shook on some salt, pepper and a little Old Bay seasoning.

It was great, and quick. Here's some recipes

Serious Eats.com: How to Cook a Spatchcocked Turkey: The Fastest, Easiest Thanksgiving Turkey

New York Times recipe: Fastest Roast Turkey

Real Simple.com, cut a Turkey in parts


Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Trump Wins: First Impressions.

These are my first impressions from in the dark winter pre-dawn refreshing of my phone's news. My wife and I held hands and we refreshed the Google Electoral map.

I think Trump won't be quite as bad as very progressive liberal Democrats think. He's a New York Times reader after all and not a career politician. And at least it was a clear victory. But it is likely to be bad for Democrats and if it's bad for the country and economy, that could be really good four years from now for Democrats.
 
Two morning articles encapsulate my thinking as of now
NYT front page story on Trumps win. Seems to explain it well:

And this CNN showing that women just didn't vote strongly for Hillary, which is good in a way because it means when a clear majority of women do in the future decide to vote for a woman, it will be powerful: What Clinton's loss says about women in politics

Friday, November 4, 2016

Reviewing things in my house

I've started an new project reviewing things in my house. I even bought a long domain. I love buying domains.

http://imreviewingeverythinginmyhouse.com

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

I'm reviewing everything in my house.

You heard it here first. I just started doing very short reviews of items in my house a couple of weeks ago. The family has joined in and it's good, useful fun!

Comment? Subscribe!

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Standing "Varidesk" desk and bobble balance boards

I'm moving on up!

I first tried the Varidesk Pro 36:

But realized quickly that the Varidesk Pro Plus 36 was the same price, but has a keyboard tray that rises with the desk, while this version without "Plus" in the name, has a larger desk surface, but the keyboard tray stays put when you raise the desk to stand.

I returned the Pro and got a Pro Plus 36.

Next up a standing foot pad, and a wobble balance board when I really want to move a little while standing.

Might try a DIY balance board. A budget balance board off Amazon by Yes4All. The Fluidstance looks nice buy beyond my budget.


Standing "Varidesk" desk and bobble balance boards

I'm moving on up!

I first tried the Varidesk Pro 36:

 But realized quickly that the Varidesk Pro Plus 36 was the same price, but has a keyboard tray that rises with the desk, while this version without "Plus" in the name, has a larger desk surface, but the keyboard tray stays put when you raise the desk to stand. I returned the Pro and a Pro Plus 36 is on the way.

Next up a standing foot pad, and a wobble balance board when I really want to move a little while standing.

Might try a DIY balance board. A budget balance board off Amazon by Yes4All. The Fluidstance looks nice buy beyond my budget.


Monday, July 4, 2016

Review of my new G9 X Canon Powershot Camera.

I Ebayed my Canon G7 X, it was fantastic, but a bit too big for carrying daily in a small EVA shell case on my hip daily.

The G9 X has the same 1" 20 MP chip, a slightly poorer lens, and no flip screen. But I love it more!

Saturday, July 2, 2016

Unboxing and review: Canon Powershot G9 X Point, Shoot and Manual Camera.


The only thing I don't like is that the stereo microphones are on the top of the camera. I prefer front mounted mics, because they are oriented towards subjects in the front, and dust and water are kept off. My microphone protector is purchasable on Shapeways here.

Friday, June 17, 2016

I love this camping light!

This little solar powered waterproof camping light falls squarly into the "Why didn't I think of that" category.

The trick is that it's inflatable, and the plastic that inflates covers the entire light, and solar panels, make it waterproof and durable. The inflated plastic acts as a lamp shade too. 

Bought it, love it, using it.  Luci Lux light


Monday, May 2, 2016

I bought our family's first pop up camper.

After hunting rentals and purchases of a small used pop up camper for the family, I bought one..! (Here's my post full of research and links to help you hunt for a pop up camper.)


We were going to pay a few hundred dollars to rent a pop up camper for 3 weekends this summer. And I was having trouble finding places to rent where we need to go. 

So I found an $800.00 listing for a light pop up camper from my Craigslist alerts and pounced. It's a 1997 Coleman Taos for $800 from a graduate student couple up in Burlington, VT. They checked out on a quick Web surf and LinkedIn. They sounded good on phone, so I risked it and PayPaled the money before the other lookers were arriving that night. It was close. This trailer was mint, the canvas needed work from mice. But no mildew, and no rot.

It worked out so far! Kids love it in the backyard. 

Going camping Memorial day on Lake Champlain. 

Here's the original listing.



Monday, April 4, 2016

Research on small Pop-Up Campers and RVs

Update

October 2018. Our old used Coleman Toas is set up at a friends house in the woods for the last two years and doing great. We don't tow it much, but we do go for overnights there with the kids. We only take it down for the winters so it stays dry and aired out.

May 2016. Got a camper  on Craigslist for $800. It's a 1997 Coleman Toas. Canvas is almost gone, but it's waterproof. Put on new tires. Family loves it. Of course, we're using it more in the back yard then camping. Here's the post.

Summary of My Research int Pop-Ups and ultralight RVs.

  • Rent first and try out the idea of Pop-ups and small RVs first. Pop-ups are rentable, but hard to find. For big RVs, Cruise America, the main RV rental in the US. The sometimes have really good one way rentals for delivering new RVs from Chicago to all over the US. Really cheap. See: http://www.cruiseamerica.com/factory-deliveries/
  • Danger. Why?: RVs are like sailboats and real estate for me - dangerous avenues of potential "grass is greener' fantasy play. But they are for a reason, because they do rock! But you will use them less than you think and they will cost more than you think. I have to be careful to monitor why I become so suddenly passionate about them. What am I avoiding?
  • My favorite Pop-up: Livin Light QuickSilver 8.1 or 10 site. We've seen these new in RV stores. They are awesome for us, but pricey. But they use aluminum, no wood and little plastic. Durable, light, simple, seems worth it if used a lot, need to store outside, and can take care of it). 
  • I dream of and could actually afford used someday: A Scamp 13', fiberglass hard top. I love their bunk beds and simple layout. 5 to 10K. Photos here on Google Images. Fiberglass RV 4 Sale.com here
  • I dream of and can't ever probably affordHappy Camper from California makes a great tiny RV that you can get with nothing or just beds, etc. Expensive, but this is what I wish other's would do more of! and the strange and expensive adventure Cricket camper.  

Our Wishlist

  • Simple, no need for air conditioning, heating, toilets, shower, refrigerators, or lots of plastic. We're campers who just want to get off the ground.
  • Small enough for our 2009 Subaru Forester to pull, so about 1500 lbs.
  • Sleeps four. But two are small kids and we can fit in a large full.
  • Low budget.

My Craigslist Alerts for Small Pop Up Campers

I got a free account on Craigslist and set up alerts. I get an email right when a new listing is up. This will keep me from getting fired from too much surfing during work!

Pop up campers around 1500lbs dry weight or less.

  • Heard great things from a friend who got a Prolite Plus S from this Canadian company Roulotte.
  • Livin Light QuickSilver 8.1 or 10 site.
  • Opus Camper also has the right idea, but expensive!
  • Somerset Columbia Northwest Pop-up campers from Aliner. Lots of Aluminum like Livin' Lite, but a cranked hard top, not canvas.
  • Forest River seems to have changed ownership
  • Palomino, Rockwood, Flagstaff now is owned by Berkshire Hathatway. The Palomino Pony 280 is an old small model with good reviews. The new RLT-8 is small. The old Rockwood 1640LTD is small.  Flagstaff Model 176LTD 8' box. Seen at rental places.
  • Coleman Toas #3075 or Larado 3070 (More affordable, small standard wood and plastic popup). Company folded in 2011 but the earlier years seem ok in the small models.  
  • Starcraft Starflyer 8 and 10 and 2106.
  • Jayco Jay Series Sport 8SD. 
  • Viking 1906. Seen at rental places. 
  • Fleetwood Sedona 8' box. Seen at rental places.
  • ALiner Newport and Chesapeake
  • Opus Camper. Pricey, hauls things too. 
  • Sylvan Sport. Hip, but small and expensive. 
  • iKamper roof top small tent. Not really for families, but perhaps for parents when the kids are bigger and take the entire pop up?
  • Microlite P'Up site. Only a tent with two beds.  Microlite P'up video

Hard Top Ultra Light RV Trailers


    Recommended Campgrounds

      Search Links

      http://www.vermontcountrycampers.com

      http://www.camperfinds.com/popup-campers
      http://livinlite-owners.com/board/22/sale

      RV Trader search for Palomino Pony 50 mi from Brat: http://www.rvtrader.com/New-and-Used-Palomino-Pop-Up-Camper-For-Sale-On-RV-Trader/search-results?type=Pop%20Up%20Camper|198071&sort=geo_distance%3Aasc&zip=05301&radius=50&page=1&make=Palomino|2289282&model=PONY|764846886&
      Fleetwood search
      http://www.rvtrader.com/New-and-Used-Fleetwood-Yuma-Pop-Up-Camper-For-Sale-On-RV-Trader/search-results?make=Fleetwood%7C305435&model=Yuma%7C764835560&type=Pop%20Up%20Camper%7C198071&sort=geo_distance%3Aasc&Original

      http://www.campingworld.com/rvsales/pop-up/

      Search Camping World for 50 miles from zip

      Search RV Trader 50 miles.
      http://www.rvtrader.com/New-and-Used-Palomino-Pony-Pop-Up-Camper-For-Sale-On-RV-Trader/search-results?adType=AD&make=palomino|2289282&model=Pony|764846886&sort=geo_distance%3Aasc&

      Major Sites, Specs and Media

      Articles

      Discussions

      Towing with an Subaru:
      http://www.popupportal.com/index.php?topic=92322.msg927848#msg927848

      http://www.popupportal.com/index.php?topic=64017.0

      http://www.popupportal.com/index.php?topic=100230.msg1015721#msg1015721

      Subie manual: http://www.subaru.ca/content/7907/Media/General/download/Manuals/English/MSA5M1003A_Forester_OM.pdf

      Forum posts: http://www.popupportal.com/index.php?topic=22166.0

      Livin' Light debate
      http://popupexplorer.com/forum/index.php?topic=89398.0

      http://www.livinlite.com/qs10owners.php

      https://youtu.be/F5nPiLOk98w

      http://www.popupportal.com/index.php?topic=67877.0

      8.1: http://www.rvtrader.com/New-and-Used-Livin''-Lite-Pop-Up-Camper-For-Sale-On-RV-Trader/search-results?make=Livin%27%27%20Lite|183324084&type=Pop%20Up%20Camper|198071

      Rent/Buy

      RV Share site: https://rvshare.com/ 

      Ruby's RV in S. Maine. 207-671-2236. 55.00 per night - $330.00 per week https://www.outdoorsy.com

      Seacoast RV; 729 Portland Rd. US Route 1, Saco, ME 04072 ,(800) 718-5884

      Rent: Bow, NH 03304
      http://www.northeastrv.com/rv-rental/camper-rental/

      http://www.coldspringsrv.com
      530 S. Stark Hwy, Weare, New Hampshire 03281 (888) 277-8948

      426 Middlesex Rd, Tyngsboro, MA 01879
      cruiseamerica.com

      27 Lawnacre Rd, Windsor Locks, CT 06096
      longviewrv-hub.com

      1629 NY-7, Troy, NY 12180
      imperialtrailersales.com

      Mekkelsen RV2419 US Route 2 E. Montpelier, VT 05651 http://www.mekkelsenrv.com/
      Rents for $320 per weekend/ 3 nights.
      Sells: http://www.mekkelsenrv.com/Popup-Trailers

      Parts

        • Repair: http://www.hannarv.com/P/PopUpCamperCottonCanvasRepairKitBeige/22778
        • Bear Creek had forum discussions and canvas replacements
        • http://www.canvasreplacements.com

        Slush Links

        Vermont RV

        169 Marlboro Rd.

        Brattleboro, VT 05301

        Phone: 802-254-4881

        Fax: 802-254-3838

        E-mail: vtrvsales@gmail.com

        We're ready to try pop-up tent camping.

         




        Friday, April 1, 2016

        I reserved a Tesla Model 3 car last night, sight unseen. Here's why.

        UPDATE: 

        There's a Tesla Model 3 tracker up linked off this article

        UPDATES
        - Source: Clean Technica How The EV Tax Credit Work for the Tesla Model 3..."

        "If we also assume that Tesla hits the 200,000 milestone in the US on July 1, 2018, then we’d be looking at around 75,000 Model 3 buyers in the US being eligible for the full credit and over 150,000 Model 3 buyers being eligible for a partial credit."

        snip

        "If your federal tax liability in the year you buy the car is greater than $7,500, then you can deduct the full $7,500 from your taxes. If your tax liability is less than $7,500, then your tax burden will be decreased to zero for that year. In other words, if you only owe $5,000 in federal taxes (before the tax credit), you will pay $0 that year, but you won’t get an additional bonus of $2,500."

        snip

        "Your order in the production queue is determined by when you configure your car and confirm your order."

        ---------

        Model 3 Tracker Now Available For Reservation Holders – Loads Of Early Data
        goes to the tracker here
        Tesla Model 3 Tracker

        I did it

        I reserved a model 3 a hour before the unveiling show started! So exciting! Shaw happened to be up since he went to sleep extra early, then a passing "I.C.E." Harley woke him up...ironic...or fitting?! Here's the video of him watching.

        Here's the Video Of The Event

        Click here to Jump right to the part of the Video where the Tesla Model 3 arrives on stage.

        There are video pans of the actual "drivable prototypes" that were on stage.

        Here's an interesting snipit from a post by over at AutoBlog who got a test ride.
        "The driver also said that the 3 will be available as AWD, but when it's not operating in AWD mode, the 3 is RWD"...snip..."Luckily, the 3's all-glass top is an option, and not one I'd choose."

        That makes me think, "Subaru Forester Replacement" and "Roof Rack!"

        Here's some screenshots from the Tesla Motors website photo slide show. 

        Unique front. No grill needed for air cooling of hot, stinky, poopy ICE (Internal Combustion Engine)
        Lots of glass, looks like the trunk might open nicely where the glass ends.

        Yumm.

         The Verge has some good photos here too.

        My Tesla Model 3 Interesting Little Observations.

        We all know now: 5-star safety rating in each category, not an average. < 6-second 0-60mph. $35,000. Seats five comfortably. 215 or better range. "Frunk" and Trunk that means it can fit a 7 foot surf board inside. Autopilot and supercharger ready.

        What I found interesting looking very closely at the opening videos again was:

        • Sealed front grill, clearly an EV and different than the Model S and X.
        • Glass roof, all the way back looked amazing but was only mentioned in passing.
        • Screen on dash looked very replaceable and not permanently built in.

        Questions I have About the Tesla Model 3 Are:

        • Does the trunk open wide like a hatch, or after the roof glass ends?
        • Does the screen move on the dash?
        • Are the Superchargers really free still?
        • What kind of home electric capability do I need? Can it work on 110 Volt to trickle charge?
        • Does it have more room than my Subaru Forester?
        • Will they have a lease?

        Following the news leading up the the event

        Here's Why I Might Actually Buy a Tesla Model 3

        I've been following Tesla Motors since their first car. The mission back then was to build some expensive electric cars that funded the R&D to learn how to make an affordable electric car. That car will be announced March 31st, and available to reserve for $1000.00 on during the event carried live at Tesla.com.

        Here's a blog post today about how to reserve a Tesla Model 3.


        I've made a little money on TSLA stock, so I'll use that for the $1000 down.

        We have two cars, a 2009 and 2002 Subaru Foresters. The 2009 has 70,000 miles. We bought it used with a loan we paid off in less then a year.

        The 2002 has 220,000 miles and is on its last legs for safe and long family trips at least. It's a beater for a long time if we need one. We use it as a town car mostly. So, by the end of 2017, when the Model 3 is slated to appear, it will be time for a new car. And we certainly don't need TWO all wheel drive cars! One low gas mileage SUV is enough. The Forester averages about 22 MPG and lower in winter around town. Ridiculous. It's very stable and safe though, so it's good for towing a tent trailer for a family vacation full of crap, including the roof rack. And for snow, bumpy, muddy dirt roads, 300 miles trips between fillups, etc.

        Now, I've always bought cars for cash, except for '09 we paid off quick, as my grandmother taught me. She said that if you don't have the cash, you can't afford the car, and car loans are some of the worst in the world due to the declining value of new cars once you buy them. I believe this. So I'm in a bind.

        We'll see what the details are in a couple of weeks on the Tesla Model 3 though! I want to be part of the revolution in mass market EVs that I think the Tesla Model 3 will be a big part of kicking off, similar to the Ford Model T. 


        Wednesday, March 23, 2016

        Split family vacation day 1: Flying with Shaw, and "Third wave" of coffee places


        I'm in Santa Fe, NM, visiting my mom (Bubbe) with Shaw. Bubbe is so happy to have company. She's sprucing up her house, (re-stuccoed, new driveway) which is so smart to protect value. And she had a cleaner come, and detailed her care. I can't tell how nice it is to be in a house that doesn't have the feeling of being covered in pee and poo residue, with food seeming splattered wherever we look really closely.

        Laura is with Ivy in on a road trip to friends in New York City and then the Northeast Kingdom in Northern VT. She took the 2009 Subaru Forester ca for break and fluid checks today, which made me so happy and safe feeling with them on the road.

        Shaw was a star flying out for five hours! I'm working on helping my uncle find home nurses, catching up with work, and blogging in a cafe this morning for a precious hour. It's luscious.

        I'm now at the communal table of Iconik Cafe. It's a "third wave" coffee joint, which I guess means the coffee is very wine like. Meaning, high quality, lots of back-story, solid origins, and expensive. $3.50 for a "Pour Over" cup. But I have to say, it's three times as good as a $1.25 cup of coffee! http://iconikcoffee.com/


        Should I sell my never-used Canon Powershot G7 X for a Canon G9-X?

        I've fallen for a new camera. I think. It happens every 10 minutes or so. This time it's the Canon Powershot G9 X (Review).

        Coincidentally, I have in my possession, a never used, factory reconditioned,  Canon Powershot G7-X (review). See, Canon doesn't repair G7 X cameras, they replace the entire camera with a reconditioned one. My G7 X was under warranty when the lens cover slightly jammed and I sent it into the wonderful Canon factory repair folks. Now I've got a reconditioned one and I'm wondering what to do in that magic time before I use it for the first time.
        I love the G7 X. It has a 1" sensor and the fast lens. But it's a tiny bit big for my crazy needs of carrying a camera, "as-long-as-I'm awake", usually on my belt in a hard shell case, or in my front pants pocket. The G9 X is the size of my beloved Canon S120, my current backup camera, but with the 1" sensor! The only thing I don't like is that the G9 X  has the microphones on the top of the camera, where dust can get in, and they don't face the subject talking. The S120 has the mics on the front.

        Here is my G7 X on Ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/201549498797

        Here's an unboxing it. 

        Monday, March 21, 2016

        Should I Reserve a Tesla Model 3?

        I've been following Tesla Motors since their first car. The mission back then was to build some expensive electric cars that funded the R&D to learn how to make an affordable electric car. That car will be announced March 31st, and available to reserve for $1000.00 on during the event carried live at Tesla.com.

        Here's a blog post today about how to reserve a Tesla Model 3

        We have two cars, a 2009 and 2002 Subaru Foresters. The 2009 has 70,000, is paid off. We bought it used with a loan we paid off in less then a year.

        The 2002 has 220,000 miles and is on its last legs. We use it as a town car mostly. So, by the end of 2017, when the Model 3 is slated to appear, it will be time for a new car. And we certainly don't need TWO all wheel drive cars! Once little low gas mileage SUV is enough.

        Now, I've always bought cars for cash, except for '09 we paid off quick, as my grandmother taught me that if you don't have the cash, you can't afford the car, and car loans are some of the worst in the world due to the declining value of new cars once you buy them.

        We'll see what the details are in a couple of weeks on the Tesla Model 3 though! I want to be part of the revolution in mass market EVs that I think it will be a big part of kicking off. And I've made a little money on TSLA stock, so I'll use that for the $1000 down...I think...We'll see at the event.

        Monday, March 7, 2016

        Building a Kid's Loft Bed and First Room For Unde $100. AKA, DIY Hack Carpentry

        I'm dreaming of my own room.
        We only have one room for two kids to share for toys, a playspace and any private bedrooms. Our house is 1300 Sq Ft, with only three rooms upstairs, and a single bathroom.

        I need my space man

        Shaw was sleeping on the floor on a mattress while he was in the "learning how to use a real bed" stage, but with Ivy crawling around messing with his toys, something had to be done to get him his own space!

        Bed's are too expensive

        We started shopping for bunkbeds, but they are CRAZY EXPENSIVE! I grew up building things and my father and lots of folks in my community were carpenters and DIY "back-to-the-landers" so I figured I could hack together for much cheaper, and Shaw and Ivy would also benefit from seeing how to build things and save money. 

        Goals, Parts, Plans, and Links. 

        Are below.




        Loft Bed Goals

        1. Safe
        2. Under $100.00 with very low waste wood.
        3. All lumber fit on or in a normal car (under 8 feet long)
        4. Simple tools only, a hand saw, drill gun, square, level, pencil, sandpaper.
        5. No fancy carpentry. 
        6. Both a bed, but not scary high up, and under the bed, a "room" with an anti-sibling door and wall. 
        7. Natural safe wood, with no stain or painting needed. 
        Light activated night light down below. 
        I got my own room. With a control center even!
        I'm a big proponent of using old stuff as enrichment for kids. This metal wheel, computer keyboard, hing, keys, etc. was all "garbage" but he loves his "control center." Since birth Shaw's been crazy for any type of wheel's to turn.

         He loves his first door, with an inside anti-sibling latch. 
         
        At last a reading and play space safe from the sister! 


        Parts and Plans



        Space

        • Space 78” by 54” maximum outside
        • Mattress 74” x 38” x 09”  roughly. 

        Lumber

        NOTE: I'm confirming this this week by measuring again, do your own confirming and sketchin on paper to make sure!

        • 100, 2.5” to 2.5” deck screws, self tapping, tightening with square drive.
        • 25, 1/4" screws for decking and rails.
        • 3, 2” x 6” x 8’. Supports for box frame with scrap for door.
        • 10, 2” x 4” x 8’ legs and rafters. (Try and get at least four pieces that are very straight and knottless with one pretty, non labeled, side for at least 59”)
        • ½" CDX rough plywood, PRECUT BY LUMBER YARD 40” by 78”.
        • 6, 1” x 3” x 8’. Railings. Thes can be 2 x 4"s

        Cut List

        At Lumber Yard. Having it cut at lumber yard saves hassle and makes a nice fit on top of car), keep scraps

        • ½” CDX rough plywood @ 40” x 78”

        At home with a simple hand saw, or at the lumber yard.

        • 2” x 6” --- 2 @ 43” Side of main frame
        • 2” x 6” --- 2 @ 75” Ends of main frame
        • 2” x 4” --- 4 @ 59”. Remainder for bottom part of legs.
        • 2” x 4” --- 3 @ 37” Rafters for frame
        • 1” x 3” --- 4 @ ?
        • 1” x 3” --- 2 @ ?

        Construction Photos



        We started at the lumber yard. A fun activity any day!


        $82.00.  Of course there was a second trip for some more screws and then an online order of handles.


        Amazing screws they may nowadays! No drill needed, but they don't split wood, and they counter sink amazingly well, and even have a bit in each box.

        Make sure to get 2 1/2" ones so you can sink them into the wood for a smooth surface, but also not have the point come out the other side of of the 3" thick 2x4s. 




        It all fit on a normal car.

        TIP: Get the plywood cut at the lumber yard, to size. It's only two quick cuts, with most yards will do for very cheap, or free. 



        Bonding activity for sure.



        Instead of 4"x4"s for the bed posts, I used 2x4s, with a short piece that the cross piece 2"x6"s can rest on to take the weight.


        And the "slave" together the two 2 x4's.


        And put the 2x6" accross.



        Make sure everything is square and level at each step.



        Simple 3/4" rough plywood on top.



        Railing ended up being too low. But the extension I put on ended up being good because I can take it off in a few year if I want and still have a normal railing.




        A first I used that white bed rail.

        Then I build a rail extension.


        With the 2x6" scrap I made a door simply by using slanted screws. They don't split the wood as easily like the old screws did, so this is possible to do.





        Low waste.

        I put on some handles at the end. He's wearing safety Goggles since were were using the drill gun. Starting good habits young.

        Some Other Bunk and Loft Bed Plans

        Plans

        Pre-Made Bunks