Were there some very memorable moments? Did a special event take place that helped make your year that much better?

Ken Hall

Progressive Forage Grower visited with Ken Hall, a local diesel mechanic, to learn what he is grateful for this year. Ken lives with his family in Jerome, Idaho.

He also works for the Idaho Transportation Department. Continue reading to see if the items that he is thankful for are also on your list.

Family
I am thankful for having each and every one of my family members. This year we welcomed two new grandchildren to the family. My wife and I now have three grandsons and three granddaughters.

Good health
The work that we do every day requires us to be healthy. I’m thankful that my family and I are enjoying good health and able to fulfill our goals one day at a time.

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Basic necessities
I am very thankful that I enjoy the basic necessities of life. A main one that comes to mind is shelter. I’m thankful for having a house that provides shelter and has become a home for my family.

I think about the people on the East Coast that have been impacted by the superstorm Sandy. Many no longer have a place to call home. There are others who don’t have any plumbing or electricity available in their homes due to the storm.

As I watched the news today, I saw that that region of the country is expecting yet another storm. I hope those affected by Sandy receive some relief throughout the next few days.

Living in the U.S.
No other country enjoys the freedoms that we have here in the U.S. I’m thankful for living in this country where I am able to pursue my goals and provide for my family.

Employment
One thing I can say here is that I’m looking forward to a smoother 2013. Although this year was a little rocky at the workplace, I am still thankful for my job every day.

Unemployment rates are still high across the country. I feel fortunate to have the job that I do, as that is the means of me being able to provide for my family.

Goodness in fellow man
I’m thankful for the friendships I’ve built and maintained through the years. Our friends help us through the tough times in our lives and we help them in return.

I believe that having a great set of friends enriches our lives. We also have the opportunity to make the lives of others happier. I’m thankful to be able to share this life with those around me.

God, our great creator
I am most thankful to God and all of the blessings He continues to give me every day. Everything that we are able to enjoy in life is truly because of Him.  FG


Cornwell tools
Mechanics Wish List
I work for the Idaho Transportation Department. We work on all types of gas and diesel-engine equipment.

Some of that equipment has been under harsh conditions, so we have got to have top-of-the-line tools that won’t break.

Even then, these tools are placed under a lot of stress.

The following is a list of items that come in handy in my day-to-day work, some of which are on my own wish list.

 

  • Five-piece vise-grip plier set

  • Four-piece o-ring pick set
    A pick set will help when you need to remove or replace o-rings.

  • LED worklight
    I have one of these lights that has a rotating magnetic base. I’m lost without it. It has taken two rides on two different trucks this year, but I’ve always managed to get it back.

 

  • Five-piece all-purpose plier set

  • Five-piece slotted screwdriver set

  • Five-piece Phillips screwdriver set

  • 1/2-inch drive, 15-inch long ratchet
    This is used in situations where you need more leverage than normal.

  • 24-inch ratchet chain wrench
    This ratchet chain wrench is good for when you are working on filters.

  • Standard box and open-end wrench sets (3/8-inch to 1 1/4-inch)

  • Standard metric wrench set (10 mm to 19 mm)