Updates

I’ve been off this week, so far. I had plans.

Big plans.

That all got shot, mostly.

I had two things at this dump of a house that I wanted to fix – re-grout some of the shower, because it was done poorly and it was nasty and replace a valve under the sink in the kitchen so my fridge’s icemaker works better. I forgot what working on a dump house built in the 70s in Plano was like. You will find that whoever was there last, or did the original work cut corners, creating a timebomb for you. In my case, clearing out grout with a dremel is fast and easy. Should’ve only taken an hour.

Wrong.

That one tile that looked sunk it? The only thing holding in place was grout. So that had to be fixed first. I bailed on the sink. Don’t need that nightmare.

I was over at the Daughter’s house yesterday fixing sprinklers. I forgot how hot, wet, and dirty that job is. The mud here is like modeling clay, which isn’t a huge deal if all your are doing is replacing a head. But trying to figure out leaks is another story. There was one vexing one that we couldn’t fix. At least without digging a few huge holes. I think a pro needs to deal with that.

The garden is putting out:

I have four planters with peppers and cherry tomatoes. Every day there’s a haul. There is nothing in this world like home grown tomatoes and peppers. I give most of the jalapenos away, though. They are a little hot for me. They are better pickled, which I’ve been doing as well.

Started on the bass:

Once I start sanding, it’ll lighten up. I may keep the beveled edges (bottom left) dark so it’ll be a shadow under the lacquer. I have to see. Haven’t decided on a color. Red or Blue I think. The guitar will be clearcoat. But I may do Tung Oil again. That’s a smoother finish that is less grabby on the skin. I need to see if I have any. I think I do.

To help in those projects, I finally got around to cleaning out the garage. I’ve pretty much gotten rid of all the hoarder crapola I inherited from Herself. I started with nearly two truckloads of stuff that was on neither of our lists, but had to be dealt with. Most of it was donated, a ton thrown out. I now have 2/3 of a garage to work on projects and store the hot rod cycle. I’m sure I could give away more. We’ll see. I have a stack of garden tools I’m unlikely to use.

This week, so far, has me with the realization that buying a fixer-upper is stupid. I’ll be renting when I move at the end of the year. I don’t enjoy this stuff any more.

Today is an LTC class. You don’t really need one in Texas, but I think it’s worthwhile to learn the rules of engagement, as well as be relieved of background checks when I buy a shootin’ iron.

Besides, it’s nearly free.