When it's too hot or cold to go into the shop I like to...

[dbhost]

The thread about amplifiers got me thinking about this... What is it that you guys and gals like to do when you aren't in the shop?

First and foremost. I like spending time with LOML, but everyone that has been married more than a year knows, every now and again we need to be alone with our thoughts. In those times, I like to...

Study for more IT certifications / professional development.
Play Bass Guitar.
Hunt / Fish / Camp / Hike etc...
Barbecue...

There's tons more, but that should get the conversation started... What else do you folks do?

[pelligrini]

Two of those entail going outside where it's too hot or cold...

I spend a lot of time in my home office doing non-work related stuff. Reading BT3central, or the latest magazines, maybe doing some designs in CAD. I've got a cable box hooked up to one of my computers so the tube is usually on. I've been doing a lot of stuff inside the house this summer, general to-do stuff like; fixing the toilet valves, faucets, general fix-it tasks, and organizing all my stuff.

If I do go play/sweat out in the shop a nap from 3-6ish is a nice break from the heat.

[jeepman71]

Complain that it is too hot or cold to go in the shop.

[BobSch]

Reading and try some writing.

[cabinetman]

If it's too hot or too cold I still have the 8-5 to earn a living, so I gotta go. Some things can't be done if it's too cold in the shop. But then there's always something else to do or sharpen, or fix.

If I take time off, I'll spend it with the LOML. We have two German Shepherds that let me know when they need attention. They always want to chase a ball, each other, or me.

We both have mountain bikes, and we used to go riding in the local areas. We also do rollerblading, but the bikes and skates are more for when the weather cools off.

If I can get away clean, I'll pack up some guns and go to the range. That always blows off some steam.

.

[cork58]

Well in Alaska its never to hot and in the winter I just throw another log on the fire! That said I have a mill and do some milling for people. I stopped milling for myself because it is just to much work. We have a garden and as you know that takes allot of time. When I get bored I do firewood, harvest the tree, haul the wood, split and then stack. If I'm smart (which I'm not) I set up the mill and make beams, the off side is the fire starter and the beam is the firewood. I really don't have a reason to not be in the shop because of temps!

[Sweet Willy]

When it's too hot or too cold I take this out and play with it... get your mind out of the gutter, this is a family show!
http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/...2/The%20Truck/

[charliex]

My shop / garage has HVAC. I rarely use the AC because I prefer to have the 7 x 16 door open. Sunshine, fresh air, neighbors and strangers stop by to visit. This is MN and it's not possible to do that for quite a bit of the year so I take advantage whenever I can. In the winter heating the shop to 55 - 60 degrees helps control the humidity level in the house as there's no return air. Life is good....

[dbhost]

Even though I have AC, I don't have enough insulation (yet) or electric power to supply the AC AND the machines. When the temps are under 100 its no big issue, but all month of August it has been over 100 deg F, and the AC struggles to keep up with the heat gain when running constantly. I really need to finish with adding the sub panel and insulation in there... Budget has been prohibitive as of late...

[LCHIEN]

when its really cold, I like to snuggle up to a class A audio power amplifier and play some nice warm music...

Better yet a Vacuum tube class A amplifier, and get a nice warm glow as well.

[dbhost]

Nice...

Unfortunately the SVT I have played through isn't mine. A former coworker, and bass instructor of mine had it... Love the tube pre-amps... Such nice warm tone...

Funny thing about my cheapo Crate BX100, I have played through several competing Solid State amps at Guitar Center before I bought it, and I liked the tone of the Crate best.... Closely followed by the Ampeg. The ones I didn't like were the Fender and the Peavey. Just couldn't get them to sound right... Must have been a heck of a sight for other shoppers though. computer geeks at the Guitar Center playing AC/DC's "Squealer", The Police / Sting "So Lonely" and ZZ top's "Sharp Dressed Man" testing out gear.

I actually took the time last night, pulled the 480 out of its case, tuned it, and played for about a half hour... Man I stink at this, but I have a LOT of fun...

I am thinking about selling or trading the SR500 (old model, 4 string) to raise funds for a 5 stringer... I am getting the itch for a low B string...

[Shep]

If I get any extra time and I'm not in the shop, my wife makes sure that all my extra time is devoted to the family. Don't get me started. Sometimes I'm allowed to play my guitar.

[pelligrini]

my wife makes sure that all my extra time is devoted to the family.

is that 'to the family', or working on a bigger family?