Wow! It's been nearly a month since I last posted. I guess that means nothing much has happened around here.
I have the time to post right now because I'm waiting around for the Plumber to show up. It is time to clean out the main line. Earlier this week, I had evidence of the sewer line backing up. The floor around the drain in the laundry room was dirty with little bits of toilet paper. The pattern definitely indicated the drain had experienced a backup.
I haven't seen any other indication since but it has been a good three years since we had the line roto'd so I am sure it is due.
Two nights ago, I mowed the lawn for the first time of 2018. Having been serviced back in February, my trusty Honda started on the second pull and performed magnificently. I was able to mow up a lot of the leaves I left on the ground last fall. There is still a lot of work to do out there but I have gotten a start on it.
I guess I shall go and play around with the piano whilst I wait for the Plumber to arrive.
Friday, April 20, 2018
Sunday, March 25, 2018
$16,567.60
It is almost ten o'clock on a snowy Saturday morning and I am going to take you along on my activities of the day.
That sounds ambitious but it's not. I really only have a couple of little adventures to go out on. The rest is here at home and involves a lot of cleaning.
Susan is working down at the arena today for the second round of the NCAA Women's Basketball tournament.
I am happy to report that we heard from our cabinet connection and have received the first round of our kitchen layout. It is not exactly how we want it but it's a start. The good news as far as I'm concerned is the estimated cost of this first draft of cabinets, shown above in the title of this post. I was expecting a much higher number.
The price is going to go up because we are going to be adding a lot more cabinets than what the initial drawing proposes.
So here is one of the things I'm working on today that is related to the kitchen.
This is the big kitchen window on the south end of the room. It looks out on the garage and back walkway. We normally have a shade over this window because it is broken and won't stay rolled up. I'm hoping to fix that issue today.
I'm also going down to a door and window salvage store to look at possible bay window replacements.
If I'm going to do all this, I had better get going!
The door and window salvage place was a bust. I think they are out of business. I can see in to some of the windows in the warehouse and there is still stuff in there. But the entrance in the alley at the old loading dock looks pretty abandoned.
There was lots of graffiti on every wall. There was a banner hanging up the said the name of the business but nothing with hours. I'll have to keep trying.
That sounds ambitious but it's not. I really only have a couple of little adventures to go out on. The rest is here at home and involves a lot of cleaning.
Susan is working down at the arena today for the second round of the NCAA Women's Basketball tournament.
I am happy to report that we heard from our cabinet connection and have received the first round of our kitchen layout. It is not exactly how we want it but it's a start. The good news as far as I'm concerned is the estimated cost of this first draft of cabinets, shown above in the title of this post. I was expecting a much higher number.
The price is going to go up because we are going to be adding a lot more cabinets than what the initial drawing proposes.
So here is one of the things I'm working on today that is related to the kitchen.
I'm also going down to a door and window salvage store to look at possible bay window replacements.
If I'm going to do all this, I had better get going!
The door and window salvage place was a bust. I think they are out of business. I can see in to some of the windows in the warehouse and there is still stuff in there. But the entrance in the alley at the old loading dock looks pretty abandoned.
There was lots of graffiti on every wall. There was a banner hanging up the said the name of the business but nothing with hours. I'll have to keep trying.
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Diet Buster Weekend
I am writing from our spacious accommodations in Wallace, Idaho. We drove here on Friday evening and are heading back home today.
This years ski weekend will be remembered as the time we weren't sure we had a room when we arrived. We pulled up to the Hercules and Susan said we were in Apt 1. Apt 1 was unlocked but when we walked in, one of the TV's was on, the beds were unmade and there was a vacuum and cleaning stuff in the kitchen. It was if someone had been working but left very suddenly.
We tried calling and got no answer. We drove into town to the restaurant the people own and it was closed. We went back and unloaded, made the beds, and left a note.
Then we drove to the 1313 Club to watch basketball and have dinner.
Then Susan turned her phone off and I left mine in the car.
When we returned, the folks were back and very apologetic and said they wanted us in Apt 2. They said we did a great job making the beds.
We skied yesterday. Hence, we are sore today.
We have also completely abandoned our South Beach-ish kind of diet. We drank beer, ate carbs and I'm sure I'll be up five pounds.
Wow! That really is a horrible picture, but it's my only proof I was there.
The skiing was delightful although we only skied for about three hours. I skied six runs and Susan got in five. Since it was a gravity induced exercise, I'm not thinking it did much to offset the eating and drinking.
We had a great dinner last night (St. Patrick's Day) at the 1313 Club. Susan had French Onion Soup and I went traditional with Corned Beef and Cabbage.
While there, we watched the Gonzaga Bulldogs advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. They played Ohio State. They led for most of the game and went into half time up by 11 points. But Ohio State came back and took the lead about half way through the second half and led by four or five points for a while.
Fortunately the Zags got it under control and won by about 5 points.
As we prepare to head out, we are greeted with a gentle snowfall. We'll see how widespread the snow is as we head back to Spokane.
3:06PM: We are back at home and winding down after our drive home. We're relaxing with more basketball. We just watched Syracuse beat Michigan, another upset in a tournament full of upsets.
We decided to try and find a place to have breakfast on the drive home. There are a few choices in Kellogg but we haven't found anything we really liked. We pulled off in Pinehurst to search for a nice country breakfast spot but came up with nothing.
A bit further west on I-90 there is the possibility of the Snake Pit being open and we decide to try it. It's located a mile and a half off the freeway and right off the Coeur d'Alene river in the town of Enaville.
As we approached the bar, we were happy to see cars in the parking lot and lights in the windows. The gal that was waiting tables was running her ass off and did a really nice job of getting to everyone. I finished off my diet free weekend with biscuits and gravy. Susan had an omelette. The only thing we forgot was to order Blood Mary's.
Oh well, that gives us a reason to go back sometime.
Both Susan and I are participating in a bracket competition and we are both doing poorly. Hopefully, everyone else is doing as poorly and it all evens out.
So we are now back and ready to return to the routine humdrum of the week.
But first, we are going to go over to the Hub and watch the game between UMBC and Kansas State. Kansas State is seeded 9 and UMBC is the #16 Cinderella upstart that knocked out Number One seed, and my pick to win the whole thing, Virginia.
9:23PM: In order to put a nice cap on today's post, I shall say that UMCB lost by only a few points to Kansas State. We had a nice time watching the games at the Hub and now it is time for the weekend to end.
This years ski weekend will be remembered as the time we weren't sure we had a room when we arrived. We pulled up to the Hercules and Susan said we were in Apt 1. Apt 1 was unlocked but when we walked in, one of the TV's was on, the beds were unmade and there was a vacuum and cleaning stuff in the kitchen. It was if someone had been working but left very suddenly.
We tried calling and got no answer. We drove into town to the restaurant the people own and it was closed. We went back and unloaded, made the beds, and left a note.
Then we drove to the 1313 Club to watch basketball and have dinner.
Then Susan turned her phone off and I left mine in the car.
When we returned, the folks were back and very apologetic and said they wanted us in Apt 2. They said we did a great job making the beds.
We skied yesterday. Hence, we are sore today.
We have also completely abandoned our South Beach-ish kind of diet. We drank beer, ate carbs and I'm sure I'll be up five pounds.
The skiing was delightful although we only skied for about three hours. I skied six runs and Susan got in five. Since it was a gravity induced exercise, I'm not thinking it did much to offset the eating and drinking.
We had a great dinner last night (St. Patrick's Day) at the 1313 Club. Susan had French Onion Soup and I went traditional with Corned Beef and Cabbage.
While there, we watched the Gonzaga Bulldogs advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. They played Ohio State. They led for most of the game and went into half time up by 11 points. But Ohio State came back and took the lead about half way through the second half and led by four or five points for a while.
Fortunately the Zags got it under control and won by about 5 points.
As we prepare to head out, we are greeted with a gentle snowfall. We'll see how widespread the snow is as we head back to Spokane.
3:06PM: We are back at home and winding down after our drive home. We're relaxing with more basketball. We just watched Syracuse beat Michigan, another upset in a tournament full of upsets.
We decided to try and find a place to have breakfast on the drive home. There are a few choices in Kellogg but we haven't found anything we really liked. We pulled off in Pinehurst to search for a nice country breakfast spot but came up with nothing.
A bit further west on I-90 there is the possibility of the Snake Pit being open and we decide to try it. It's located a mile and a half off the freeway and right off the Coeur d'Alene river in the town of Enaville.
Oh well, that gives us a reason to go back sometime.
Both Susan and I are participating in a bracket competition and we are both doing poorly. Hopefully, everyone else is doing as poorly and it all evens out.
So we are now back and ready to return to the routine humdrum of the week.
But first, we are going to go over to the Hub and watch the game between UMBC and Kansas State. Kansas State is seeded 9 and UMBC is the #16 Cinderella upstart that knocked out Number One seed, and my pick to win the whole thing, Virginia.
9:23PM: In order to put a nice cap on today's post, I shall say that UMCB lost by only a few points to Kansas State. We had a nice time watching the games at the Hub and now it is time for the weekend to end.
Thursday, March 15, 2018
Step One and Two
We have taken the first step towards a remodeled kitchen.
Last week, we met with our Financial Advisor. Let's call him Lee.
We have been building an account dedicated to our kitchen remodel. We are doing okay. We have about $30,000 in that account. I would like it to be $45,000.
So we made some adjustments to stocks we own and are setting our sights on being able to remodel the kitchen in one year.
We are taking step two today. We are meeting with a cabinet guy to try and get an idea of the layout and more importantly, the cost of cabinetry.
Here is my self drawn blue print of the kitchen. That thing in the middle represents our current island and the sink. We want the island to be bigger and are open to the idea of the sink being moved to the south wall in front of the window.
I'm also bringing along pictures of the oven, cook top, fridge and dish washer. We are ahead of the game because we already own these items.
I hope to have some information to impart after the meeting.
Last week, we met with our Financial Advisor. Let's call him Lee.
We have been building an account dedicated to our kitchen remodel. We are doing okay. We have about $30,000 in that account. I would like it to be $45,000.
So we made some adjustments to stocks we own and are setting our sights on being able to remodel the kitchen in one year.
We are taking step two today. We are meeting with a cabinet guy to try and get an idea of the layout and more importantly, the cost of cabinetry.
I hope to have some information to impart after the meeting.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
End of Phase One
We have just completed Phase One of the South Beach Diet. We take advantage of Lent to try and loose some of the weight that nature and cookies have put on us.
The most significant part of Phase One for us is "NO ALCOHOL!"
Phase Two allows a glass of wine per day and so we are trying to stick to that.
The most significant part of Phase One for us is "NO ALCOHOL!"
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Oscar's Appt & Mo Sno
It's Saturday with nothing really planned. So it's fortunate that it snowed over the night and I had the time to do some significant snow blowing.
It's 1:00PM now and it looks like the snow may be over for the day. There was about two inches of snow on the ground and that's about what was forecast. I'm still going to go out later and get the alley cleared.
One of the Shear Bolts broke on the right side tine on the main rotor. So I wasn't picking up snow very efficiently.
I went out on some errands that included getting a new shear bolt. Luckily, I got the last package.
While the streets around the house are snowy white and a little chunky, the main drags are clear and wet.
Susan had an appointment with the Vet this morning. No, she doesn't go to the Vet to save money on Doctor bills.
It was time for Oscar's annual check up. We assume he is somewhere around 18 now. He has lost a pound from last year but other than that, he's doing well.
It's 1:00PM now and it looks like the snow may be over for the day. There was about two inches of snow on the ground and that's about what was forecast. I'm still going to go out later and get the alley cleared.
One of the Shear Bolts broke on the right side tine on the main rotor. So I wasn't picking up snow very efficiently.
I went out on some errands that included getting a new shear bolt. Luckily, I got the last package.
While the streets around the house are snowy white and a little chunky, the main drags are clear and wet.
Susan had an appointment with the Vet this morning. No, she doesn't go to the Vet to save money on Doctor bills.
It was time for Oscar's annual check up. We assume he is somewhere around 18 now. He has lost a pound from last year but other than that, he's doing well.
Sunday, February 18, 2018
Trying to Snow
It's been trying to snow all day but it has amounted to only a skiff of snow. I wish it would dump and get it over with. Especially since I have the time on a Sunday to snow blow.
Saturday, February 17, 2018
CenturyLink and the Snow Blow Man
It snowed through the night and well into the morning. I needed to get out and get to my snow blowing but first I had to deal with CenturyLink and the hopes of getting my internet running consistently.
The funny thing is that the internet has run pretty steady for the last couple of days.
I got a text message at 8AM that said the Technician was on the way. That prompted me to get out of bed.
The guy showed up at about 8:45. His name was Jason. He was very competent.
I led him to the basement where the phone lines come into the building and the phone blocks (circa 1952) are located. You will note that I did say "Lines".
When this house was a group home for mentally challenged adults, there were three phone lines coming into the house. One was for the fire alarm. We are only using one line so we really have no reason for the other two.
Jason had already confirmed that the internet had been stable for the last couple of days but that it had produced several error codes. He looked over the jumble of wires and immediately began running tests to find out which wires were active. He suspected that the nightmare of wires connected to three different terminal blocks was causing interference.
It took him about an hour but he got us up and running.
The bonus from his visit was that he thought our connection should be updated. He told me he would call me on Monday or Tuesday and set up an afternoon appointment to run a new line and update the terminals in the house.
This service order with CenturyLink went pretty much the same as other contacts I've had with them. Arranging an appointment over the phone was a nightmare. Dealing with the Technician went smoothly and restored my confidence in the company.
I told him about the issues I had getting him to the house. He said he has worked for three communications companies and they all suck as far as talking to each other.
It continued snowing until noon. As it was easing up, I got out there and began my routine. I got through all the main stuff, the driveway, the sidewalks, and some paths through the yard. But I wanted to get to the stuff I missed the other day when it snowed. Specifically, the alley.
I like to snow blow the alley because I throw the snow from the driveway into the alley. Also, it makes it easier on Garbage Day... easier to get the bins out and easier for the Garbage Guys.
As I was coming down to my last couple of passes in the alley, the snow blower started acting up. The motor started to sputter like it was running out of gas. I checked the tank and it had plenty of gas. I messed with the throttle and choke switch and it kind of cleared the problem. For a while. It did it a couple more times. I managed to get through my rounds without it completely dying on me.
I think there is more snow in the forecast so I'm worried about it. I don't mind taking it to the repair guy but it is a bitch to load in the car.
I was probably out there for an hour and a half. Doing the alley was slow and hard because the snow was thick and heavy from the previous snowfall.
When I finished, I was spent. I enjoyed a nice long bath with Epson Salts.
It's great to be in shape. At least, that's what I hear!
The funny thing is that the internet has run pretty steady for the last couple of days.
I got a text message at 8AM that said the Technician was on the way. That prompted me to get out of bed.
The guy showed up at about 8:45. His name was Jason. He was very competent.
I led him to the basement where the phone lines come into the building and the phone blocks (circa 1952) are located. You will note that I did say "Lines".
When this house was a group home for mentally challenged adults, there were three phone lines coming into the house. One was for the fire alarm. We are only using one line so we really have no reason for the other two.
Jason had already confirmed that the internet had been stable for the last couple of days but that it had produced several error codes. He looked over the jumble of wires and immediately began running tests to find out which wires were active. He suspected that the nightmare of wires connected to three different terminal blocks was causing interference.
It took him about an hour but he got us up and running.
The bonus from his visit was that he thought our connection should be updated. He told me he would call me on Monday or Tuesday and set up an afternoon appointment to run a new line and update the terminals in the house.
This service order with CenturyLink went pretty much the same as other contacts I've had with them. Arranging an appointment over the phone was a nightmare. Dealing with the Technician went smoothly and restored my confidence in the company.
I told him about the issues I had getting him to the house. He said he has worked for three communications companies and they all suck as far as talking to each other.
It continued snowing until noon. As it was easing up, I got out there and began my routine. I got through all the main stuff, the driveway, the sidewalks, and some paths through the yard. But I wanted to get to the stuff I missed the other day when it snowed. Specifically, the alley.
I like to snow blow the alley because I throw the snow from the driveway into the alley. Also, it makes it easier on Garbage Day... easier to get the bins out and easier for the Garbage Guys.
As I was coming down to my last couple of passes in the alley, the snow blower started acting up. The motor started to sputter like it was running out of gas. I checked the tank and it had plenty of gas. I messed with the throttle and choke switch and it kind of cleared the problem. For a while. It did it a couple more times. I managed to get through my rounds without it completely dying on me.
I think there is more snow in the forecast so I'm worried about it. I don't mind taking it to the repair guy but it is a bitch to load in the car.
I was probably out there for an hour and a half. Doing the alley was slow and hard because the snow was thick and heavy from the previous snowfall.
When I finished, I was spent. I enjoyed a nice long bath with Epson Salts.
It's great to be in shape. At least, that's what I hear!
Friday, February 16, 2018
CenturyLink and How NOT to Communicate
We have been having issues with our inter-web at the house. It's been at least two weeks where it drops in and out. The other day I was watching the modem and the DSL light would blink out and then reboot and come back, only to be followed by blinking out again within a minute.
I was going to call in and report the problem to CenturyLink, my inter-web provider, but we were gone over the weekend and I thought I would wait until we got back.
So, I called up the service line on Tuesday evening. I spoke to Ava who was from another land. It was difficult to understand her.
I explained the problem and she set up an appointment for the next day. I told her I wanted it late in the day and I wanted a call from the Technician prior to his arrival. We arranged for an appointment between 3 & 5.
I left work early at 2:30 and noticed a message on my phone. The Technician had called at 8:30AM and announced he was on his way.
When I got home, I had a nice tag on the door from Tony Technician saying he was unable to complete the job because no one was home to let him in.
So, I called up the service line on Wednesday evening. I spoke to Pete who was from another land. It was difficult to understand him.
I explained that I had called in and had an appointment for that afternoon and the guy showed up in the morning. Pete said that was not the information he had on his computer. I told him I'm not making it up and their communication within the "Communications Company" was horrible.
We set up another appointment for the next day. The window was from 1 to 5. I again requested a call from the tech prior to his arrival.
Fortunately, Susan had the day off so there was going to be someone there for the whole appointment window. I told her I would call her if and when the tech called to let her know he was coming.
I never called her cuz I never got the call.
I got home and nobody from CenturyLink had shown up.
So, I called up the service line on Thursday evening. I spoke to Kossi who was from another land. It was difficult to understand him.
During the five minutes on the CenturyLink phone tree attempting to get to a human, I was informed by the pleasant recorded voice that my service ticket had been closed.
In speaking with Kossi, I learned that Tony Technician had closed the service ticket on Tuesday because my phone line could not accommodate the high speed upgrade I had requested.
As my blood pressure began to spike, I told Kossi I had not ordered an upgrade to high speed internet. I was having trouble with my internet staying on-line. I then asked why that little nugget of information had not been explained on the previous day when I called to ask why the tech showed up se7en hours before my appointment window.
I also pulled an arrow from my quiver that I didn't necessarily have. I told him I had already left work early one day and missed a half a day today. All for nothing! What are you going to do to compensate me for that. The answer is nothing. They don't care!
Kossi doesn't have to know that Susan was there all day.
Okay, I lied to them and, Gloriosky I feel bad. No...wait! That's not it at all. I am not concerned that I have laid out the truth here and it's possible they might find out. They were already going to do nothing about it. The only leverage I have is this and Xfinity.
Once again, this is a company whose soul mission in life is to provide communication. They must have farmed out the communication portion of their mission because they CANNOT talk to each other.
The incompetence level on this out sourced phone service is off the charts!
At this point, I have an appointment for tomorrow, Saturday, between 8:30 and 1:00. Stay tuned for the conclusion.
I was going to call in and report the problem to CenturyLink, my inter-web provider, but we were gone over the weekend and I thought I would wait until we got back.
So, I called up the service line on Tuesday evening. I spoke to Ava who was from another land. It was difficult to understand her.
I explained the problem and she set up an appointment for the next day. I told her I wanted it late in the day and I wanted a call from the Technician prior to his arrival. We arranged for an appointment between 3 & 5.
I left work early at 2:30 and noticed a message on my phone. The Technician had called at 8:30AM and announced he was on his way.
When I got home, I had a nice tag on the door from Tony Technician saying he was unable to complete the job because no one was home to let him in.
So, I called up the service line on Wednesday evening. I spoke to Pete who was from another land. It was difficult to understand him.
I explained that I had called in and had an appointment for that afternoon and the guy showed up in the morning. Pete said that was not the information he had on his computer. I told him I'm not making it up and their communication within the "Communications Company" was horrible.
We set up another appointment for the next day. The window was from 1 to 5. I again requested a call from the tech prior to his arrival.
Fortunately, Susan had the day off so there was going to be someone there for the whole appointment window. I told her I would call her if and when the tech called to let her know he was coming.
I never called her cuz I never got the call.
I got home and nobody from CenturyLink had shown up.
So, I called up the service line on Thursday evening. I spoke to Kossi who was from another land. It was difficult to understand him.
During the five minutes on the CenturyLink phone tree attempting to get to a human, I was informed by the pleasant recorded voice that my service ticket had been closed.
In speaking with Kossi, I learned that Tony Technician had closed the service ticket on Tuesday because my phone line could not accommodate the high speed upgrade I had requested.
As my blood pressure began to spike, I told Kossi I had not ordered an upgrade to high speed internet. I was having trouble with my internet staying on-line. I then asked why that little nugget of information had not been explained on the previous day when I called to ask why the tech showed up se7en hours before my appointment window.
I also pulled an arrow from my quiver that I didn't necessarily have. I told him I had already left work early one day and missed a half a day today. All for nothing! What are you going to do to compensate me for that. The answer is nothing. They don't care!
Kossi doesn't have to know that Susan was there all day.
Okay, I lied to them and, Gloriosky I feel bad. No...wait! That's not it at all. I am not concerned that I have laid out the truth here and it's possible they might find out. They were already going to do nothing about it. The only leverage I have is this and Xfinity.
Once again, this is a company whose soul mission in life is to provide communication. They must have farmed out the communication portion of their mission because they CANNOT talk to each other.
The incompetence level on this out sourced phone service is off the charts!
At this point, I have an appointment for tomorrow, Saturday, between 8:30 and 1:00. Stay tuned for the conclusion.
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Happy Valentimes
We were greeted this morning with a snowy blanket of love...five inches of love all over everything. It was pretty wet snow so I decided I had better get out there and get my area cleared. That made me late for work. Not by much though.
Now I am home and battling the phone company. My Internet has become very spotty and drops out all the time. I'm fully expecting to have a problem while writing this post.
I called CenturyLink last night and made arrangements for a technician to show up here after 4PM. I arrived home at 3:45 to find a note from the CenturyLink Tech who showed up at 8:45AM.
I just got off the phone with them with a new appointment for tomorrow between 1 and 5.
We shall see how that goes.
I called CenturyLink last night and made arrangements for a technician to show up here after 4PM. I arrived home at 3:45 to find a note from the CenturyLink Tech who showed up at 8:45AM.
I just got off the phone with them with a new appointment for tomorrow between 1 and 5.
We shall see how that goes.
Sunday, February 04, 2018
SuperBowl LII
It's not because we dislike football. Quite the contrary. Whom doesn't enjoy a good football game?!
But we are not excited about the teams playing. This year it is Philadelphia Eagles against the perennial forever-there team, the New England Patriots.
We are going to go over to the Hub and watch at least the first half. Hell, it's an official American Holiday, without the paid time off from work.
We feel guiltless to take the time to watch the game because we have had a good weekend of productive productivity full of productiveness.
I have been cleaning the basement. I started the other night with the vacuum on the stairs and the landing at the bottom of the afore mentioned stairs.
It's been a while since that area has seen a vacuum.
Yesterday, I moved my cleaning operation to the wine room. I failed to take a before picture which is too bad because the change is astonishing. Wow I'm a slob! This is sooooooomuch better than it was.
Susan has decided to revive her dormant Stained Glass skills and get to work on a piece that will complete our stained glass window hangings in the kitchen.
Here is what she has already done.
Now we need to fill that space.
She spent yesterday cutting the glass for her design. Today she broke out her grinder and cleaned up the glass pieces and got them to their proper size.
Sunday, January 28, 2018
TV and Other Stuff Update
A couple of weeks ago I discussed the travails we were going through with our Dish TV Satellite and switching our local channels over to an Over the Air (O.T.A.) antennae.
Earlier this week, I called and canceled the O.T.A. service. We were unable to reliably receive channel 4, our ABC affiliate. We were not willing to save $10 a month but not have one of the major networks.
We I called they told me I did not have to return the antennae and so we continue to get the extra channels the O.T.A. antennae provides. And we continue to not get the ABC network via O.T.A.
We do get it from the Dish. So, we're cool!
I was very cool yesterday because I was skiing. I drove up to Lookout Pass and met my friend Geoff Fanning up there, who has season passes that are transferable. So except for the cost of gas ($26.00) and beer ($11.00), I skied for free.
But it was not free. When I got home it was time to pay the price in the form of body aches. I was soooooo sore last night. I dragged around the house for a while and then took a long bath, followed by passing out upstairs.
However, I am pleased with how I feel today. Don't get me wrong, I'm not ache free, but I can move around pretty well and I think I'm recovering nicely.
A good first day on the hill!
Earlier this week, I called and canceled the O.T.A. service. We were unable to reliably receive channel 4, our ABC affiliate. We were not willing to save $10 a month but not have one of the major networks.
We I called they told me I did not have to return the antennae and so we continue to get the extra channels the O.T.A. antennae provides. And we continue to not get the ABC network via O.T.A.
We do get it from the Dish. So, we're cool!
I was very cool yesterday because I was skiing. I drove up to Lookout Pass and met my friend Geoff Fanning up there, who has season passes that are transferable. So except for the cost of gas ($26.00) and beer ($11.00), I skied for free.
But it was not free. When I got home it was time to pay the price in the form of body aches. I was soooooo sore last night. I dragged around the house for a while and then took a long bath, followed by passing out upstairs.
However, I am pleased with how I feel today. Don't get me wrong, I'm not ache free, but I can move around pretty well and I think I'm recovering nicely.
A good first day on the hill!
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
Handy Man Failure Update
I am happy to report that all seems to be well with the hot tub.
I went out tonight and it was up to temperature. I ran the pump and they spewed a little water and then stopped. They ran smoothly the whole time I was adding fresh chemicals and did not appear to have any small leaks.
I seem to have dodged a bullet but I think the bullet might still be out there looking for me.
I went out tonight and it was up to temperature. I ran the pump and they spewed a little water and then stopped. They ran smoothly the whole time I was adding fresh chemicals and did not appear to have any small leaks.
I seem to have dodged a bullet but I think the bullet might still be out there looking for me.
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Handy Man Failure Story of the Day
I went out today to add chemicals to the hot tub. We haven't been using it at all and it had been some time since I treated it. Like a couple of weeks.
I opened the lid and the water was cold.
Uh Oh!
I messed with all the breakers and couldn't restore power. Finally, I found a tiny little reset button hidden out of the way inside the access panel and got the heat turned back on. I have no idea how long it had been off and we have had some cold nights. I turned on the jets and water spewed out of the both pumps.
Uh Oh!
I decided to leave the chemistry issue alone and see if the thing will heat up again.
I'll get back to you.
I opened the lid and the water was cold.
Uh Oh!
I messed with all the breakers and couldn't restore power. Finally, I found a tiny little reset button hidden out of the way inside the access panel and got the heat turned back on. I have no idea how long it had been off and we have had some cold nights. I turned on the jets and water spewed out of the both pumps.
Uh Oh!
I decided to leave the chemistry issue alone and see if the thing will heat up again.
I'll get back to you.
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Handy Man Success Story of the Day
Last weekend I noticed that the agitator in the washing machine was not agitating too much. Upon further investigation, I discovered that the agitator was not agitating because it might be broken.
Susan and I went out today to see what a new (to us) washer might cost. We were hoping to keep it in the region of $200.00.
We drove up to Fred's Ding and Dent Center and found we could acquire an okay washer for around $350.00.
Then we drove to our old reliable "Go To" appliance warehouse, the Appliance Warehouse. While looking at their selection (lowest price $239.00) I got to talking with the guy there and in the course of our conversation, discovered that the agitator could be repaired.
After a detour to pick up the lawn mower from a servicing, we returned home and I set to work to figure out how to remove the agitator. Prior to doing it, I thought I had better run a load of laundry since I did not know how long the washer would be down.
Once my load of laundry was done, I pretty quickly figured out the agitator. I jumped in the car and returned to the Warehouse. The guy was prepared for me and had checked to make sure he had the right part.
They took the agitator to the back and returned in five minutes. For that, I happily paid them $50.00 and went home victorious.
To make sure, I grabbed the sheets off the bed and threw them in for a wash.
Suffice it to say that I am pretty pleased with me today!
Susan and I went out today to see what a new (to us) washer might cost. We were hoping to keep it in the region of $200.00.
We drove up to Fred's Ding and Dent Center and found we could acquire an okay washer for around $350.00.
Then we drove to our old reliable "Go To" appliance warehouse, the Appliance Warehouse. While looking at their selection (lowest price $239.00) I got to talking with the guy there and in the course of our conversation, discovered that the agitator could be repaired.
After a detour to pick up the lawn mower from a servicing, we returned home and I set to work to figure out how to remove the agitator. Prior to doing it, I thought I had better run a load of laundry since I did not know how long the washer would be down.
Once my load of laundry was done, I pretty quickly figured out the agitator. I jumped in the car and returned to the Warehouse. The guy was prepared for me and had checked to make sure he had the right part.
They took the agitator to the back and returned in five minutes. For that, I happily paid them $50.00 and went home victorious.
To make sure, I grabbed the sheets off the bed and threw them in for a wash.
Suffice it to say that I am pretty pleased with me today!
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Good Bye Snowbird
It was time to sell Susan's old car. She has owned it since 1990. She was the second owner. She named it Snowbird,
Last week we put it on Craigslist and listed it for $1,800.00.
Today, we met a guy named Ryan at the STCU Credit Union by Northtown and signed ol' Snowbird over to him. We got the full price.
We had a number of people call about it, a couple came to see it, but Ryan was the guy that finally said yes.
Susan is a little sad to see her companion of nearly thirty years go away. I told her never to love something that can't love you back, but I understand the sentimentality of it all.
Now I have to get on Craigslist and cancel the ad.
Monday, January 15, 2018
Dish Success
It did not happen immediately and it was not a smooth transition but I am happy to say that the Dish guy showed up and we have Over The Air (OTA) channels.
The Technician got it all plugged in and it seemed to be receiving channels but it wasn't showing any of those channels to us. He said it probably needed to upgrade the internal software, which it would do overnight.
He gave me his cell phone number in case things did not go smoothly and he said he would return the next day if the update didn't work.
A couple of hours after he left, I was suddenly getting the over the air channels, but no programming information. A while after that revelation, the programming info started working.
It seems like everything is hunky dory and I've had no reason to call Connor, the Dish tech guy.
I must say that I am pleased with the clarity of the picture. I didn't know what to expect but I am happy with things so far.
The Technician got it all plugged in and it seemed to be receiving channels but it wasn't showing any of those channels to us. He said it probably needed to upgrade the internal software, which it would do overnight.
He gave me his cell phone number in case things did not go smoothly and he said he would return the next day if the update didn't work.
A couple of hours after he left, I was suddenly getting the over the air channels, but no programming information. A while after that revelation, the programming info started working.
It seems like everything is hunky dory and I've had no reason to call Connor, the Dish tech guy.
I must say that I am pleased with the clarity of the picture. I didn't know what to expect but I am happy with things so far.
Sunday, January 14, 2018
Still Waiting for Dish
Dish TV rescheduled our appointment for today but I just got a call that they are not coming. Even though I received e-mails today confirming the appointment, they say they did not schedule it. I think they forgot to tell the technician.
Anyway, we are on for tomorrow after I get home. Shall we hold our breath?
My big accomplishment of the day was making this wall
look like this.
I'm very pleased with the result.
I gave Susan the curtain rod for Christmas. This is something we've been trying to get done for a year. I finally found a rod design that I liked. Thank you Martha Stewart for personally designing and carving our rod.
The squares of the quilt were made by Susan's mom and they were put together by my mom. So I am calling it the Moms-In-Law Wall Hanging Quilt.
We got a call today on Susan's car. Did I mention here that we put her old Honda on Craigslist? We've had three people interested but so far, no takers. If this guy shows up, we are much more open to negotiation. I probably shouldn't say that until we sell it.
Anyway, we are on for tomorrow after I get home. Shall we hold our breath?
My big accomplishment of the day was making this wall
I gave Susan the curtain rod for Christmas. This is something we've been trying to get done for a year. I finally found a rod design that I liked. Thank you Martha Stewart for personally designing and carving our rod.
The squares of the quilt were made by Susan's mom and they were put together by my mom. So I am calling it the Moms-In-Law Wall Hanging Quilt.
We got a call today on Susan's car. Did I mention here that we put her old Honda on Craigslist? We've had three people interested but so far, no takers. If this guy shows up, we are much more open to negotiation. I probably shouldn't say that until we sell it.
Saturday, January 13, 2018
Waiting for Dish
We had our traditional Saturday morning sleep in. I got up at 8 and Susan slept until after 9. Once she got up and completed her morning exercise on the rebounder, it was time for cheese eggs.
Yum!
One forecast calls for snow, another for early showers and then clouds while outside in the actual weather, the sun is shining and everything continues to be sloppy.
I'm going to go out and see how much of the sewer drain I can uncover.
In the meantime, we are waiting for the Dish TV guy to call and nail down a 70 minute window for his arrival. I was initially told it would be between noon and 5 today. They said he would call day of to make a more specific time of arrival.
We are making a couple of programming changes to our account which requires a tech.
And so, here at 11:19AM, we wait.
12:14PM: Still waiting.
12:28PM: I just got an e-mail that said the tech would arrive between 4:30 and 5:15.
So I now have time to run some errands.
It is now the end of the day. The satellite guy was here but nothing was resolved.
He arrived about 5 and tried to install an "Over The Air" digital antennae so we could receive local channels.
I am learning that Dish TV is kind of running a scam. They are offering this digital antennae with free installation and $10 off our bill. What they are not saying is that the local Satellite operators that provide the local programming are trying to raise the price Dish TV pays them. Dish appears to be unmovable in the position to not pay more. Therefore, the local providers are set to pull the plug this coming Friday.
So had I not decided to take them up on their offer, we would be losing local channels this Friday. I think there will be a lot of upset Dish TV customers next Saturday.
Yum!
One forecast calls for snow, another for early showers and then clouds while outside in the actual weather, the sun is shining and everything continues to be sloppy.
I'm going to go out and see how much of the sewer drain I can uncover.
In the meantime, we are waiting for the Dish TV guy to call and nail down a 70 minute window for his arrival. I was initially told it would be between noon and 5 today. They said he would call day of to make a more specific time of arrival.
We are making a couple of programming changes to our account which requires a tech.
And so, here at 11:19AM, we wait.
12:14PM: Still waiting.
12:28PM: I just got an e-mail that said the tech would arrive between 4:30 and 5:15.
So I now have time to run some errands.
It is now the end of the day. The satellite guy was here but nothing was resolved.
He arrived about 5 and tried to install an "Over The Air" digital antennae so we could receive local channels.
I am learning that Dish TV is kind of running a scam. They are offering this digital antennae with free installation and $10 off our bill. What they are not saying is that the local Satellite operators that provide the local programming are trying to raise the price Dish TV pays them. Dish appears to be unmovable in the position to not pay more. Therefore, the local providers are set to pull the plug this coming Friday.
So had I not decided to take them up on their offer, we would be losing local channels this Friday. I think there will be a lot of upset Dish TV customers next Saturday.
Friday, January 12, 2018
Twenty-Four Hours Later
I have the night to myself and I am trying to make the most of it. That means there has to be some work and some play. I have some drawing to do that actually pays me and I want to get everything together to hang Susan's Quilt. (More on that when it happens)
Yesterday at this time, it was thick with winter outside. Just 24 hours later and it has turned to slop. It is one of the unusual times when I timed things just right. It snowed. I blowed. It turned to rain.
Everywhere I removed snow is bare this evening. That means I am ready for the snowfall, which I'm hoping is tomorrow.
The neighborhood is looking pretty peaceful tonight. It's a night like this that makes me happy I live here. It's a perfect night to drink a beer, make a fire, putter around the house and then fall asleep in front of the TV.
Before I do that, I have a couple jobs to do.
Later: I got everything together to hang Susan's Quilt tomorrow. I got her the hardware for Christmas and tomorrow is the day to get it up.
I also did a little work on a series of architectural renderings I'm doing for a local guy who is writing a book on construction techniques.
I spent the rest of the night sitting next to the fire with a glass of wine in a darkened living room listening to random music from my i-pod. It was delightful.
I was sitting there with only the fire lighting the room and thinking about how lucky we are to be living here.
Yesterday at this time, it was thick with winter outside. Just 24 hours later and it has turned to slop. It is one of the unusual times when I timed things just right. It snowed. I blowed. It turned to rain.
Before I do that, I have a couple jobs to do.
Later: I got everything together to hang Susan's Quilt tomorrow. I got her the hardware for Christmas and tomorrow is the day to get it up.
I also did a little work on a series of architectural renderings I'm doing for a local guy who is writing a book on construction techniques.
I spent the rest of the night sitting next to the fire with a glass of wine in a darkened living room listening to random music from my i-pod. It was delightful.
I was sitting there with only the fire lighting the room and thinking about how lucky we are to be living here.
Thursday, January 11, 2018
Winter Returns
After days of copious amounts of rain, the snow has returned. It was falling when I got up at 5:30 and was still snowing when I left for work.
Out at Liberty Lake, the snow was more rain this morning and it's warming up. Still, it snow/rained all day.
When I got home, it was snowing and had been all day. I had a good solid four inches on the ground, which needed to be dealt with before the forecasted rain commenced.
So I broke out the old reliable snow blower and went to work clearing my S.R.A. (Snow Removal Area) It took me about an hour and it was a tough slog. I was really worn out when I finished. Heavy snow is not the friend of the snow blower. Or the snow blower operator for that matter.
Friday is supposed to be calm and then, more snain on Saturday.
Out at Liberty Lake, the snow was more rain this morning and it's warming up. Still, it snow/rained all day.
When I got home, it was snowing and had been all day. I had a good solid four inches on the ground, which needed to be dealt with before the forecasted rain commenced.
So I broke out the old reliable snow blower and went to work clearing my S.R.A. (Snow Removal Area) It took me about an hour and it was a tough slog. I was really worn out when I finished. Heavy snow is not the friend of the snow blower. Or the snow blower operator for that matter.
Friday is supposed to be calm and then, more snain on Saturday.
Sunday, January 07, 2018
MantleVille is Closed
It is official now. MantleVille has closed!
That was Susan's big accomplishment of the day.
I finished stacking wood and did some work on the sloppy sidewalks and driveway.
Here's a shot of how things look today.
This picture makes it look pretty and peaceful. It doesn't really show all the standing water and sloppy streets. Take a look at the next picture for an inkling of that.
I'm fairly pleased that I made a little headway with the sewer drain on my corner. Since it is on my corner, I am personally responsible for it. It was iced over and needed to be cleared.
I managed to be mostly somewhat successful with that. I'll have to pick at it over the next several days to expand it.
I also did some poor mans plowing by driving my car down the curb line in front of the house to knock down the berm that has built up. I was expecting to possibly get stuck in the deep snow but it is so wet that the car blew right through the snow.
Hopefully I'll get all cleaned up in time for the next snowfall.
That was Susan's big accomplishment of the day.
I finished stacking wood and did some work on the sloppy sidewalks and driveway.
Here's a shot of how things look today.
I'm fairly pleased that I made a little headway with the sewer drain on my corner. Since it is on my corner, I am personally responsible for it. It was iced over and needed to be cleared.
I also did some poor mans plowing by driving my car down the curb line in front of the house to knock down the berm that has built up. I was expecting to possibly get stuck in the deep snow but it is so wet that the car blew right through the snow.
Hopefully I'll get all cleaned up in time for the next snowfall.
Saturday, January 06, 2018
Winter Mower Maintenance and Stuff
It has turned quite sloppy out in the world. The temperature is above 32 and all the snow is slowly melting away, leaving puddles everywhere. It's quite a mess. However, the driveway is clearing and that's a good thing.
I ran a bunch of errands today including taking my mower in for a service. When I bought it two years ago, I got coupons for free service, providing I bring it for service in January or February. When selling me the mower, the guy sold this as a great extra benefit.
When I dropped it off today, the guy behind the counter wasn't quite selling it with the same zeal. He said it's a "production line maintenance" procedure where they sharpen the blade and check the oil.
I explained that the mower was difficult to start. It took several pulls on the cord to get it going. Having that problem resolved was not included in the coupon deal. To be fair, I did not expect it to be.
In the end, it looks like it's going to cost me $30.00.
My other big accomplishment of the day was getting some firewood re-stacked. I have already gone through most of the wood I split back in October and stacked by the back door.
I had more wood that I ended up piling at the back of the house and throwing a tarp over it. That's the wood I added to my orderly stack at the back door. I got almost the whole pile. I will finish it tomorrow.
I also got most of the Christmas Decorations moved up to the upstairs of the Carriage House.
I ran a bunch of errands today including taking my mower in for a service. When I bought it two years ago, I got coupons for free service, providing I bring it for service in January or February. When selling me the mower, the guy sold this as a great extra benefit.
When I dropped it off today, the guy behind the counter wasn't quite selling it with the same zeal. He said it's a "production line maintenance" procedure where they sharpen the blade and check the oil.
I explained that the mower was difficult to start. It took several pulls on the cord to get it going. Having that problem resolved was not included in the coupon deal. To be fair, I did not expect it to be.
In the end, it looks like it's going to cost me $30.00.
My other big accomplishment of the day was getting some firewood re-stacked. I have already gone through most of the wood I split back in October and stacked by the back door.
I had more wood that I ended up piling at the back of the house and throwing a tarp over it. That's the wood I added to my orderly stack at the back door. I got almost the whole pile. I will finish it tomorrow.
I also got most of the Christmas Decorations moved up to the upstairs of the Carriage House.
Tuesday, January 02, 2018
Post Number Two
As one would undoubtedly recall from the last post, My New Years Resolution is to break my record of 154 posts in one year. I shall do this by posting repeatedly with banal useless information.
Perhaps I should edit my resolution to break the record but do it with information of substance.
Consider it edited!
I just had a cup of coffee and then I walked around the house.
More substance than that? This is going to be difficult.
It seems that coffee makes me dizzy so I have given it up. I'll have to try decafe and see if that that is better.
We are in the process of closing down the Christmas Season and packing all the finery away for the year. While it is a slightly melancholy endeavor, it leads to the coming Season of January Rebirthal. It's my own made up season where one goes around in a fog and tries to return back to normal life.
I'm taking down lights on the outside while Susan is packing up everything in the house. Here's one last picture of Mantleville before it goes into storage.
Whilst I was taking of the photograph, I was informed that the Mantleville will remain for another week. I am told it is the first thing up and the last thing to come down.
Perhaps I should edit my resolution to break the record but do it with information of substance.
Consider it edited!
I just had a cup of coffee and then I walked around the house.
More substance than that? This is going to be difficult.
It seems that coffee makes me dizzy so I have given it up. I'll have to try decafe and see if that that is better.
We are in the process of closing down the Christmas Season and packing all the finery away for the year. While it is a slightly melancholy endeavor, it leads to the coming Season of January Rebirthal. It's my own made up season where one goes around in a fog and tries to return back to normal life.
I'm taking down lights on the outside while Susan is packing up everything in the house. Here's one last picture of Mantleville before it goes into storage.
Monday, January 01, 2018
Here Comes Twenty-Eighteen
I only had 84 posts to this blog last year. So my New Years Resolution is to beat that number. In fact, I want to beat my all time posting record of 154 set in 2010. Only 153 to go.
We slept in until almost 9 this morning. We had a nice night out where we watched the Seahawks in the afternoon (The Seahawks LOST!), went to a nice heart warming movie called "Wonder" at 6:45, hung out with the Karaoke kids at Das Steinhaus until 11 and then made it safely and undrunkunly home in time to see and hear all the fireworks go off around the city.
Today is the day we begin the process of putting Christmas away. As I was lighting the fire this morning and turning on the tree, it occurred to me that I haven't posted any pictures of the tree. After spending 60 bucks on it, I better have something to remember it by.
Also, I made this short video for all to enjoy.
Okay, now let's pack it all up and get on with the year.
We slept in until almost 9 this morning. We had a nice night out where we watched the Seahawks in the afternoon (The Seahawks LOST!), went to a nice heart warming movie called "Wonder" at 6:45, hung out with the Karaoke kids at Das Steinhaus until 11 and then made it safely and undrunkunly home in time to see and hear all the fireworks go off around the city.
Today is the day we begin the process of putting Christmas away. As I was lighting the fire this morning and turning on the tree, it occurred to me that I haven't posted any pictures of the tree. After spending 60 bucks on it, I better have something to remember it by.
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Last Day of the Year
It is 34 degrees outside but it feels much colder. I have undoubtedly said this before in this blog but it bears repeating. As I get older, winter gets colder.
We have nothing major planned for the day. The Seahawks play in an hour or so and we will probably go over to the Hub to watch the game. (The Seahawks LOST!!!)
I have an ongoing battle with the new garage door. Not the door so much as the motor that opens and closes the door. It started on Friday when I got home from work about noon.
It had been snowing all morning so the driveway and walks needed attention.At the end of my work I had an issue with the door closing properly. It was open and when I hit the button to close it, it went down about a foot and then stopped and went back up. I pressed the button a couple of more times with the same results. On the third try, it went down properly.
Later in the day, Susan and I were returning from the Hub. She pressed the button. The door went up about two feet and then down a foot and stopped. I kept trying the button and again, continued getting the same result.
The problem was that I could not get under the small gap. Finally after several tries, it went up another two feet and down one. That provided enough of a space to slide under and get inside the garage. Once there, I was able to disconnect the door from the carriage and open and close it by hand.
Last night Susan had to work a Hockey game, Before she left, I showed her what to do to open and close the door by hand. It goes up and down quite easily but it did require some sort of rope to grab in order to close it.
After Susan left for work, I cut a short strand of rope and went about the task of attaching it to the door. Once that was accomplished, I decided to try the opener one more time. I don't really know what possessed me to try it. However, when I pressed the button, the carriage traveled the whole length of the span and stopped in the door up position. Again I pressed the button and the clasp covered the span to the door closed position and stopped. I kept this up a few more times until I was satisfied it was working and then reattached the door.
For now, it seems to be working.
One thing that may be causing the malfunction is that there is a small hole in the garage roof directly above the motor unit. I noticed that it get rained on. That may be causing the problem. So I need to get up there and patch it. I'm going to try and do a temporary patch from the inside.
As for now, it is time for the Seahawks. (The Seahawks LOST!!!)
I forgot to mention anything about the fun I had yesterday with the sidewalks and driveway.
After I finished snow blowing on Friday, it continued to snow for a couple of inches and then the snow turned to rain. I was hoping it would rain enough to wash away the excess snow. It didn't. It only made for a thick crust of snow and ice on all the walks.
So I spent a good hour with my shovel scraping up the ice. I had great success on the sidewalks and not such good luck with the driveway. Nonetheless, I'm happy with the results because my sidewalks are passable.
We have nothing major planned for the day. The Seahawks play in an hour or so and we will probably go over to the Hub to watch the game. (The Seahawks LOST!!!)
I have an ongoing battle with the new garage door. Not the door so much as the motor that opens and closes the door. It started on Friday when I got home from work about noon.
It had been snowing all morning so the driveway and walks needed attention.At the end of my work I had an issue with the door closing properly. It was open and when I hit the button to close it, it went down about a foot and then stopped and went back up. I pressed the button a couple of more times with the same results. On the third try, it went down properly.
Later in the day, Susan and I were returning from the Hub. She pressed the button. The door went up about two feet and then down a foot and stopped. I kept trying the button and again, continued getting the same result.
The problem was that I could not get under the small gap. Finally after several tries, it went up another two feet and down one. That provided enough of a space to slide under and get inside the garage. Once there, I was able to disconnect the door from the carriage and open and close it by hand.
Last night Susan had to work a Hockey game, Before she left, I showed her what to do to open and close the door by hand. It goes up and down quite easily but it did require some sort of rope to grab in order to close it.
After Susan left for work, I cut a short strand of rope and went about the task of attaching it to the door. Once that was accomplished, I decided to try the opener one more time. I don't really know what possessed me to try it. However, when I pressed the button, the carriage traveled the whole length of the span and stopped in the door up position. Again I pressed the button and the clasp covered the span to the door closed position and stopped. I kept this up a few more times until I was satisfied it was working and then reattached the door.
For now, it seems to be working.
One thing that may be causing the malfunction is that there is a small hole in the garage roof directly above the motor unit. I noticed that it get rained on. That may be causing the problem. So I need to get up there and patch it. I'm going to try and do a temporary patch from the inside.
As for now, it is time for the Seahawks. (The Seahawks LOST!!!)
I forgot to mention anything about the fun I had yesterday with the sidewalks and driveway.
After I finished snow blowing on Friday, it continued to snow for a couple of inches and then the snow turned to rain. I was hoping it would rain enough to wash away the excess snow. It didn't. It only made for a thick crust of snow and ice on all the walks.
So I spent a good hour with my shovel scraping up the ice. I had great success on the sidewalks and not such good luck with the driveway. Nonetheless, I'm happy with the results because my sidewalks are passable.
Saturday, December 30, 2017
New Years Weekend
We are enjoying the final weekend of the year. Susan is just getting up from some powerful sleeping in and I've been up for a little longer.
One of my projects for today is to figure out how much trouble I'm in with regard to my Snow Removal Area (S.R.A.). It snowed a goodly amount yesterday, at least four inches and then it all turned to rain. I was able to get out there and blow the S.R.A. but then a couple of inches fell before the rain came.
Now it's really sloppy out there. I can't tell how sloppy because I haven't actually gone out and examined it. It's still early so get off me.
I haven't had the opportunity to report on Christmas. We had a good one. What more do you need to know?!
Christmas Eve: We were up early for church and then to get ready for the next day. Our church partnered with Southside Christian Church to prepare and deliver "Meals on Wheels" on Christmas Day.
Saturday was a prep day with the cooking of ham, the peeling of potatoes and carrots, the cutting of cakes and the mixing of fruit salad.
We were out of there about 4:00 and immediately headed home for more prep for the evening. After a brief stop at the Hub. We were hosting the family for the Christmas Eve dinner.
We had Mom and my sister Stacey. Stacey's sons, Ferris and Torin joined us from California. Then all my DuPree nieces and nephews showed up as well...along with a couple of boy and girl friends. Finally, we invited Kelvin and Crystal Jones, our new Interim Pastor and his wife.
The food was a sort of buffet affair and there was plenty of it. I was a particular fan of the beef brisket. Then we sat around the piano and sang Christmas Carols and a few other popular songs.
Christmas Morning: Again we were up early, this time 6:00AM. Today was for final prep and then packaging the meals to be delivered. And then of course, the delivery.
Susan and I had a route with 5 deliveries on it. It went really well and fast but there was one meal we could not deliver. We could not get in to the apartment building and the intercom system was beyond our comprehension to figure out.
When we returned to the church building, most of the clean up was complete and we just had to wait around for everything to be buttoned up and then lock the building.
Again, we were home at by 2:00 and we opened some presents.
We had to be at Mom's at 5 for Christmas Dinner featuring Prime Rib. I wasn't going to be missing that meal. And it was wonderful.
We didn't get to our final round of present opening until Tuesday night. Susan and I agreed to spend our money on a Grape crusher so we did not spend a lot on each other. But we did have a couple of gifts plus stocking stuffers.
All in all, a great Holiday! And then back to reality.
One of my projects for today is to figure out how much trouble I'm in with regard to my Snow Removal Area (S.R.A.). It snowed a goodly amount yesterday, at least four inches and then it all turned to rain. I was able to get out there and blow the S.R.A. but then a couple of inches fell before the rain came.
Now it's really sloppy out there. I can't tell how sloppy because I haven't actually gone out and examined it. It's still early so get off me.
I haven't had the opportunity to report on Christmas. We had a good one. What more do you need to know?!
Christmas Eve: We were up early for church and then to get ready for the next day. Our church partnered with Southside Christian Church to prepare and deliver "Meals on Wheels" on Christmas Day.
Saturday was a prep day with the cooking of ham, the peeling of potatoes and carrots, the cutting of cakes and the mixing of fruit salad.
We were out of there about 4:00 and immediately headed home for more prep for the evening. After a brief stop at the Hub. We were hosting the family for the Christmas Eve dinner.
We had Mom and my sister Stacey. Stacey's sons, Ferris and Torin joined us from California. Then all my DuPree nieces and nephews showed up as well...along with a couple of boy and girl friends. Finally, we invited Kelvin and Crystal Jones, our new Interim Pastor and his wife.
The food was a sort of buffet affair and there was plenty of it. I was a particular fan of the beef brisket. Then we sat around the piano and sang Christmas Carols and a few other popular songs.
Christmas Morning: Again we were up early, this time 6:00AM. Today was for final prep and then packaging the meals to be delivered. And then of course, the delivery.
Susan and I had a route with 5 deliveries on it. It went really well and fast but there was one meal we could not deliver. We could not get in to the apartment building and the intercom system was beyond our comprehension to figure out.
When we returned to the church building, most of the clean up was complete and we just had to wait around for everything to be buttoned up and then lock the building.
Again, we were home at by 2:00 and we opened some presents.
We had to be at Mom's at 5 for Christmas Dinner featuring Prime Rib. I wasn't going to be missing that meal. And it was wonderful.
We didn't get to our final round of present opening until Tuesday night. Susan and I agreed to spend our money on a Grape crusher so we did not spend a lot on each other. But we did have a couple of gifts plus stocking stuffers.
All in all, a great Holiday! And then back to reality.
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Mo' Sno
Some time during the night, we got a light snow fall, maybe half an inch. It's enough to cover my car and perhaps enough to make me break out the snowblower. I never need much of a reason to break out the snowblower.
But first...Church!
11:37 AM: My Christmas Tree hunt yesterday took longer than I thought. I started out at the General Store but did not care for their selection.
I decided to drive north on Division street and surely I would come upon a humble Christmas Tree lot that held the perfect tree. I had to go all the way to Nevada...and Francis to find my first lot.
It's a place I have gone to before so I thought I would give them a shot. They had a very nice tall busy douglas fir for $59.99. I took it!
I put it in the Carriage House so the snow would melt off of it. I'm just about to go pull it out and bring it inside.
But first, I have to attach an extension cord to my roof. I have an area of snow melt cord to prevent a giant icicle from forming up there. It an easy thing to do but the set up is time consuming. Especially since I have to go upstairs and get the ladder.
Later: I never got the wire attached. It is something I will need to do but as of today...no go.
Editors Note: This is being written a good month after this post. I was just reviewing a few posts and noticed the paragraph four up from here where, for some reason, I described the tree as tall and busy. I bet I meant bushy. I could have edited it and you would never know but I like the idea of a busy tree.
But first...Church!
11:37 AM: My Christmas Tree hunt yesterday took longer than I thought. I started out at the General Store but did not care for their selection.
I decided to drive north on Division street and surely I would come upon a humble Christmas Tree lot that held the perfect tree. I had to go all the way to Nevada...and Francis to find my first lot.
It's a place I have gone to before so I thought I would give them a shot. They had a very nice tall busy douglas fir for $59.99. I took it!
I put it in the Carriage House so the snow would melt off of it. I'm just about to go pull it out and bring it inside.
But first, I have to attach an extension cord to my roof. I have an area of snow melt cord to prevent a giant icicle from forming up there. It an easy thing to do but the set up is time consuming. Especially since I have to go upstairs and get the ladder.
Later: I never got the wire attached. It is something I will need to do but as of today...no go.
Editors Note: This is being written a good month after this post. I was just reviewing a few posts and noticed the paragraph four up from here where, for some reason, I described the tree as tall and busy. I bet I meant bushy. I could have edited it and you would never know but I like the idea of a busy tree.
Saturday, December 16, 2017
It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like...
I got home last night and broke out the snow shovel since my snowblower was still at the shop getting tuned. There was a good solid four inches of snow and the main thing I learned is that I really miss my snowblower.
Had I bothered to check the messages on my phone, I would have heard the message from Wednesday that my snowblower was ready. Once I heard the message, I piled into the car and went to retrieve it.
It cost $92.00. That's a tune up, new shoes and a new cutting bar. I brought it home and immediately went to work on everything I didn't get to with the shovel.
Man, it is great to have the snowblower back and ready for action.
And here is how we look today. Quite Festive!
My next job is to go out and hunt down a Christmas Tree. I know, Christmas is a week away and we don't have a tree yet. Well, we've been busy.
There have been lots of reports about a tree shortage this year. I'm thinking that going to be more of an issue in a big city, not here in the Evergreen State. I just don't want to spend more than 50 bucks. That may be a pipe dream.
In any event, I won't know that until I get out there and get on the hunt.
Had I bothered to check the messages on my phone, I would have heard the message from Wednesday that my snowblower was ready. Once I heard the message, I piled into the car and went to retrieve it.
It cost $92.00. That's a tune up, new shoes and a new cutting bar. I brought it home and immediately went to work on everything I didn't get to with the shovel.
Man, it is great to have the snowblower back and ready for action.
My next job is to go out and hunt down a Christmas Tree. I know, Christmas is a week away and we don't have a tree yet. Well, we've been busy.
There have been lots of reports about a tree shortage this year. I'm thinking that going to be more of an issue in a big city, not here in the Evergreen State. I just don't want to spend more than 50 bucks. That may be a pipe dream.
In any event, I won't know that until I get out there and get on the hunt.
Friday, December 15, 2017
Snow Fall
We got our second snowfall of the season today.
I measured four inches on the deck.
It was a typical nightmare out there on the roads today since people who live here have totally forgotten any driving skills from last winter. My motto; leave plenty of space between me and the maniac in front of me.
Our previous snowfall was back in the start of November. It stayed on the ground only a few days.
The bad news for me is that I took the snowblower in for a tune up last week and it's not ready yet. I have to go out and shovel. Just as soon as I finish my beer. I'm really savoring it!
It was a typical nightmare out there on the roads today since people who live here have totally forgotten any driving skills from last winter. My motto; leave plenty of space between me and the maniac in front of me.
Our previous snowfall was back in the start of November. It stayed on the ground only a few days.
The bad news for me is that I took the snowblower in for a tune up last week and it's not ready yet. I have to go out and shovel. Just as soon as I finish my beer. I'm really savoring it!
Monday, December 11, 2017
2017 Carriage Ride
We have been busy decorating sky walks downtown. I am happy to say we are done being busy. We have completed painting ten sky walks, one office front, one coffee shop and the Hub Tavern.
It is good to be done!
Last night was the annual Corbin Park Carriage Ride. We had a much smaller turnout than we have had in past years. That was kind of nice because we didn't have to wait out there in the cold for 40 minutes. On the other hand, we paid $450 for this guy to come up and drive his horses around the park for two hours.
So we got through that with no problems. We are ambling along life's highway proceeding to the next hurdle, which may be Christmas itself.
We still have to get a tree, put together a Christmas Card, and organize a Meals on Wheels event for Christmas Day. I should say that Susan is doing the organizing, in conjunction with another gal from another church who we partnered with.
Sunday, November 12, 2017
No Pictures to Show You
I am sitting at my desk writing these very words on my computer. A computer that has just had a glitch and erased all the pictures on my camera.
I was downloading pictures of the days activities when everything kind of locked up. I couldn't access any of the drives. I turned the camera off and tried access the drives through "My Documents". That brought everything back but when I turned the camera back on and looked for my pictures, the memory card was clean.
So you will not get to see any of the pictures I took today, which is really a shame because I took some good ones. Perhaps the best of my picture taking career. I feel bad for you!
Garth Brookes is in town and is performing se7en shows in five days. Susan is working them all. Since Thursday, she has worked her day job and then trundled off to the arena to work there until midnight. Yesterday and today he did two shows so Susan went in at 11:30 and will be home tonight at 12.
I feel quite a bit of guilt because she is working so hard and so much. The guilt has spurred me on to work just as hard here at the house. I doubt I have even come close.
But here is what I did get done.
*I showed up at church yesterday morning and participated in the annual Fall Yard Cleaning Day. We raked a lot of leaves.
*I visited Mom. She wasn't home!
*I raked the front yard and bagged the leaves. This was particularly difficult due to the wetness of the leaves. Also, this activity took the majority of my time since I am old and move slowly.
*I took pictures of Susan's car in preparation for selling it on Craig's List. Yup, the very pictures my camera just deleted.
*I separated out the grape skins from our wine and racked the juice into a clean carboy.
*I drank some beer.
*I got the hoses put away.
*I got a great series of pictures of this raccoon that comes up on the deck and eats the remaining grapes. You won't be seeing those.
*I finally completed putting all the Halloween stuff away.
*I drank some more beer.
*I carved up a bunch of the pumpkins remaining on the front porch into small pieces that fit more compactly into the garbage can.
*I drank some wine.
*I wrote this post.
So you can see I've been busy and productive. I only wish I had some pictures to prove it.
I was downloading pictures of the days activities when everything kind of locked up. I couldn't access any of the drives. I turned the camera off and tried access the drives through "My Documents". That brought everything back but when I turned the camera back on and looked for my pictures, the memory card was clean.
So you will not get to see any of the pictures I took today, which is really a shame because I took some good ones. Perhaps the best of my picture taking career. I feel bad for you!
Garth Brookes is in town and is performing se7en shows in five days. Susan is working them all. Since Thursday, she has worked her day job and then trundled off to the arena to work there until midnight. Yesterday and today he did two shows so Susan went in at 11:30 and will be home tonight at 12.
I feel quite a bit of guilt because she is working so hard and so much. The guilt has spurred me on to work just as hard here at the house. I doubt I have even come close.
But here is what I did get done.
*I showed up at church yesterday morning and participated in the annual Fall Yard Cleaning Day. We raked a lot of leaves.
*I visited Mom. She wasn't home!
*I raked the front yard and bagged the leaves. This was particularly difficult due to the wetness of the leaves. Also, this activity took the majority of my time since I am old and move slowly.
*I took pictures of Susan's car in preparation for selling it on Craig's List. Yup, the very pictures my camera just deleted.
*I separated out the grape skins from our wine and racked the juice into a clean carboy.
*I drank some beer.
*I got the hoses put away.
*I got a great series of pictures of this raccoon that comes up on the deck and eats the remaining grapes. You won't be seeing those.
*I finally completed putting all the Halloween stuff away.
*I drank some more beer.
*I carved up a bunch of the pumpkins remaining on the front porch into small pieces that fit more compactly into the garbage can.
*I drank some wine.
*I wrote this post.
So you can see I've been busy and productive. I only wish I had some pictures to prove it.
Sunday, November 05, 2017
Back to Standard Time
It snowed the other day and it's still on the ground. Usually, a snow fall this early in the season doesn't hang around.
The winter conditions persist as the weekend rolls along.
I spent part of last night going through the house to set as many of our clocks back to Standard time as I could. We have a lot of clocks!
We spent our extra hour exactly where one should spend it. In bed. Snoozing away. Loving it!
The winter conditions persist as the weekend rolls along.
I spent part of last night going through the house to set as many of our clocks back to Standard time as I could. We have a lot of clocks!
We spent our extra hour exactly where one should spend it. In bed. Snoozing away. Loving it!
Saturday, November 04, 2017
Winter Weekend
We received our first official measurable snowfall yesterday and as I write, a soft gentle snow fall is occurring out my window. That makes it a perfect day for a fire in the fireplace and Cougar football. It is almost to the end of the third quarter and WSU is behind Stanford 21-17.
I'm not worried yet because there is a whole quarter left. But as with all Cougar games, they have the potential to "Coug it" at any time.
From the TV, it looks like a very wet snow is coming down pretty hard.
I did some final Halloween clean up in the yard and now the only thing left is to stow everything properly upstairs in the Carriage House. Our friend Mark is coming over at four to help with that effort.
Update: The Cougars won in the last few minutes by three points. Mark came over and helped with the stowing. Now, I am going to get a good head start on that extra hour I gain tonight.
I'm not worried yet because there is a whole quarter left. But as with all Cougar games, they have the potential to "Coug it" at any time.
From the TV, it looks like a very wet snow is coming down pretty hard.
I did some final Halloween clean up in the yard and now the only thing left is to stow everything properly upstairs in the Carriage House. Our friend Mark is coming over at four to help with that effort.
Update: The Cougars won in the last few minutes by three points. Mark came over and helped with the stowing. Now, I am going to get a good head start on that extra hour I gain tonight.
Wednesday, November 01, 2017
Halloween Pictures
Here is a small assortment of photographs I took throughout the evening last night.
As stated in the previous post, the reported total of Night Urchins from my neighbors with the clicker is 1,799. It was a very busy night! And they weren't all urchins.
What are you doing if you're an adult and out Trick or Treating? Where did things go wrong for you?
Once it got to 8:00, we were throwing hands full of candy at the kids. Susan brought a shit load of Twizzlers.
I am now happily able to report that my Flying Ghost display performed flawlessly. It never jumped the tracks and ran all night. I had been reluctant to comment to anyone to keep the bad juju away...and it worked!
I am very happy to move on now.
There is our pile of candy for the evening.
What are you doing if you're an adult and out Trick or Treating? Where did things go wrong for you?
Once it got to 8:00, we were throwing hands full of candy at the kids. Susan brought a shit load of Twizzlers.
I am now happily able to report that my Flying Ghost display performed flawlessly. It never jumped the tracks and ran all night. I had been reluctant to comment to anyone to keep the bad juju away...and it worked!
I am very happy to move on now.
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