My wife thinks I have way too much time on my hands...
Anyhoooooo, I think it looks pretty damn cool!
Avocado art.
Monday, March 03, 2014
AVOC"ART"O
I came upon this piece of oak loading up the wheelbarrow for firewood. The hole had the shape of an avocado and I thought I might as well take a picture.
My wife thinks I have way too much time on my hands...
Anyhoooooo, I think it looks pretty damn cool!
Avocado art.
My wife thinks I have way too much time on my hands...
Anyhoooooo, I think it looks pretty damn cool!
Avocado art.
Friday, February 28, 2014
ANOTHER "PERFECT RAIN"
This morning, the wind and the rain...
By this evening, a warm fire, a cold drink, rain, and sitting on the porch.
Perfect.
By this evening, a warm fire, a cold drink, rain, and sitting on the porch.
Perfect.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
URYO
Uryo...Japanese for rainfall...
Since the snow fall on December 7, 2013, we finally got some rain (01-30-14).
1.46 inches of it thanks to the orographic lift.
Need more..
UPDATE 02-27-14: Another storm system moved through last night and dumped 0.72 inches and this was just for 02-26-14 and does not include this morning's deluge.
UPDATE 02-28-14: The "Pineapple Express" delivers another 0.86 inches for the 24-hour period for 02-27-14.
UPDATE 03-01-14: The "Pineapple Express" delivers a whopping 1.93 inches of rain for the 24-hour period for 02-28-14!
Since the snow fall on December 7, 2013, we finally got some rain (01-30-14).
1.46 inches of it thanks to the orographic lift.
Need more..
UPDATE 02-27-14: Another storm system moved through last night and dumped 0.72 inches and this was just for 02-26-14 and does not include this morning's deluge.
UPDATE 02-28-14: The "Pineapple Express" delivers another 0.86 inches for the 24-hour period for 02-27-14.
UPDATE 03-01-14: The "Pineapple Express" delivers a whopping 1.93 inches of rain for the 24-hour period for 02-28-14!
Sunday, February 23, 2014
"BEAM" US UP
Now what?
One of our friends, who owns his own lumber mill, cut these beams to our specifications for our next project.
My wife and I were just toying with the idea of adding pizzazz to our south porch. We talked it over with Raymond and that is how it all started.
This is just a rough sketch of what the project will look like when complete.
Now, things can and do change and we have left our options WIDE OPEN.
From the front, it will look like theRoman Pantheon or Greek Parthenon (I married into a Greek family). The two outside pillars will be made of shaved pine logs 16 to 20 inches in diameter.
The middle pillar of the same type of pine log will be from the ground to the top. The beams that are being cut will provide character and structure integrity. The beams will be secured with heavy metal brackets and bolts.
We were going to go with cedar but decided we didn't want any carpenter bees ("cedar bees") buzzing our porch. It's bad enough with yellow jackets ("meat bees"), and mud daubers ("mud bees").
There will be a series of five cross beams running from left to right in the diagram that will replace the original trusses. We plan to purchase indoor/outdoor ceiling fans. Our intent is to build screens to keep the insects out as we either eat or entertain on the porch.
We are contemplating installing low voltage Malibu lights for aesthetic effect. There is the solar option, too.
The underside of the porch roof will be covered with log offcuts and remnants that cover up the OSB plywood for that log cabin feel.
As for underneath the porch deck itself, it may be prudent for us to reinforce with cables, heavy brackets, and posts.
Not only are these beams huge, they are heavy...
The dry rot will be removed.
Our friend milled one side straight and the other side was hand hewn. He scorched the wood with a propane torch and sanded it smooth. The grain in the wood is something to behold.
The beams exposed...
After seeing these beams, we may have to redo the mantel in the house.
UPDATE 04-01-14:
Work began by removing the corner posts and reinforcing the porch with some of the scrap lumber. Didn't think we could pull it off, but all went will without a hitch.
The dry rot will be removed. Thankfully, this is the only area where there was damaged.
One of our friends, who owns his own lumber mill, cut these beams to our specifications for our next project.
My wife and I were just toying with the idea of adding pizzazz to our south porch. We talked it over with Raymond and that is how it all started.
Now, things can and do change and we have left our options WIDE OPEN.
From the front, it will look like the
The middle pillar of the same type of pine log will be from the ground to the top. The beams that are being cut will provide character and structure integrity. The beams will be secured with heavy metal brackets and bolts.
We were going to go with cedar but decided we didn't want any carpenter bees ("cedar bees") buzzing our porch. It's bad enough with yellow jackets ("meat bees"), and mud daubers ("mud bees").
There will be a series of five cross beams running from left to right in the diagram that will replace the original trusses. We plan to purchase indoor/outdoor ceiling fans. Our intent is to build screens to keep the insects out as we either eat or entertain on the porch.
We are contemplating installing low voltage Malibu lights for aesthetic effect. There is the solar option, too.
The underside of the porch roof will be covered with log offcuts and remnants that cover up the OSB plywood for that log cabin feel.
As for underneath the porch deck itself, it may be prudent for us to reinforce with cables, heavy brackets, and posts.
Not only are these beams huge, they are heavy...
The beams exposed...
After seeing these beams, we may have to redo the mantel in the house.
UPDATE 04-01-14:
Work began by removing the corner posts and reinforcing the porch with some of the scrap lumber. Didn't think we could pull it off, but all went will without a hitch.
Monday, February 17, 2014
"STEP"PING A"SIDE-ING"...
One of the "before" shots...
And since then, the "after"...
We will cover up the underside with pine offcuts and remnants.
The new 36-inch wide door...centered. It replaces the previous 32-inch door. We plan to build a screen door to allow air flow.
My wife did a fantastic job of painstakingly staining every rail and baluster on the porch. This picture does not show her work yet. We will rent a floor sander to sand all of the porch decks and then we will Thompson Water Seal it. Since the lumber is old, we want to keep that appearance without painting or staining.
For the right steps, we had to get two yards of gravel (54 cubic feet) for the landing transition. We are contemplating retaining wall blocks for gravel integrity to prevent spilling out into the driveway. If you step off the landing, you can "sink" and lose your balance. We don't want that.
The little pine tree at the bottom center was a tree JayMi received for Christmas and wanted us to have it to eventually replant it. She named it Spencer. Why? I don't know, but the name stuck.
The black trim on the far bay window and the dark green at the Welcome sign are the colors we have opted. With the porch deck and steps stained a ginger color, the colors will compliment each other.
Then there is that exposed granite underneath Spencer. There is more of it. I am going to take the power washer to remove the gravel. There is nothing like solid granite slab to enhance the landscape.
Before...
It was time to replace the laundry room window and the glass blocks just to the left and above the Welcome sign. The glass blocks along with the solar tube provided the only natural light for the bathroom.
After...
The new Pella Therma Star windows installed. Double pane on the left and double pane obscure on the right.
The T1-11 siding is only temporary. We replace all of it with the James Hardie fiber cement siding. We will only go as far as the garage door which is the white strip on the far left in the previous picture.
We also plan to cover the cinder blocks in cultured stone that we had left over from our previous home.
Our bathroom now...
Wish list
Wish list
Wish list
Wish list
The windows as seen from the laundry room. The area in between the windows will be the new bathroom wall.
The bathroom window will be above our brand new bathtub when we expand our master bathroom wall three feet to the left.
The center of the opaque window is over the current wall of the bathroom. The window is functional from the laundry room side. With this window, more light and some ventilation (if you know what I mean). No more reliance on the "fart fan."
We will have a tiled shower that will be approximately 48"x48" and the tub and the shower will be separated by a tempered glass partition.
We will have to tear down a wall and rebuild it which should be an easy endeavor.
Remove the existing tile and spray for any mold that accumulated. This concerns me since the water heater was located in the mudroom adjacent the shower. The water heater leaked and caused some mold to accumulate in the mudroom when we removed the tile last year. I hope the mold abatement strategy works. I feel it is the cause of my runny nose everytime I go into the bathroom. We have plenty of bleach to take care of our problem. We may have to remove the plywood subfloor and replace it with OSB plywood.
We will have to rewire the electrical. We currently have one socket. My wife uses it for the blow dryer and curling iron. Doesn't leave me much so I have to charge my electric razor in the mudroom which is okay with me (I get to shave outside!)
Then comes the rerouting of the water pipes and insulate them to prevent any winter freeze.
We have to purchase new sinks and hardware to replace the IKEA sinks, which will eventually become as shop sinks.
Can't wait to take that first shower!
Dibs!
And since then, the "after"...
We will cover up the underside with pine offcuts and remnants.
The new 36-inch wide door...centered. It replaces the previous 32-inch door. We plan to build a screen door to allow air flow.
My wife did a fantastic job of painstakingly staining every rail and baluster on the porch. This picture does not show her work yet. We will rent a floor sander to sand all of the porch decks and then we will Thompson Water Seal it. Since the lumber is old, we want to keep that appearance without painting or staining.
For the right steps, we had to get two yards of gravel (54 cubic feet) for the landing transition. We are contemplating retaining wall blocks for gravel integrity to prevent spilling out into the driveway. If you step off the landing, you can "sink" and lose your balance. We don't want that.
The little pine tree at the bottom center was a tree JayMi received for Christmas and wanted us to have it to eventually replant it. She named it Spencer. Why? I don't know, but the name stuck.
The black trim on the far bay window and the dark green at the Welcome sign are the colors we have opted. With the porch deck and steps stained a ginger color, the colors will compliment each other.
Then there is that exposed granite underneath Spencer. There is more of it. I am going to take the power washer to remove the gravel. There is nothing like solid granite slab to enhance the landscape.
Before...
After...
The T1-11 siding is only temporary. We replace all of it with the James Hardie fiber cement siding. We will only go as far as the garage door which is the white strip on the far left in the previous picture.
We also plan to cover the cinder blocks in cultured stone that we had left over from our previous home.
Our bathroom now...
Wish list
Wish list
Wish list
Wish list
The windows as seen from the laundry room. The area in between the windows will be the new bathroom wall.
The bathroom window will be above our brand new bathtub when we expand our master bathroom wall three feet to the left.
The center of the opaque window is over the current wall of the bathroom. The window is functional from the laundry room side. With this window, more light and some ventilation (if you know what I mean). No more reliance on the "fart fan."
We will have a tiled shower that will be approximately 48"x48" and the tub and the shower will be separated by a tempered glass partition.
We will have to tear down a wall and rebuild it which should be an easy endeavor.
Remove the existing tile and spray for any mold that accumulated. This concerns me since the water heater was located in the mudroom adjacent the shower. The water heater leaked and caused some mold to accumulate in the mudroom when we removed the tile last year. I hope the mold abatement strategy works. I feel it is the cause of my runny nose everytime I go into the bathroom. We have plenty of bleach to take care of our problem. We may have to remove the plywood subfloor and replace it with OSB plywood.
We will have to rewire the electrical. We currently have one socket. My wife uses it for the blow dryer and curling iron. Doesn't leave me much so I have to charge my electric razor in the mudroom which is okay with me (I get to shave outside!)
Then comes the rerouting of the water pipes and insulate them to prevent any winter freeze.
We have to purchase new sinks and hardware to replace the IKEA sinks, which will eventually become as shop sinks.
Can't wait to take that first shower!
Dibs!
Friday, February 14, 2014
OUR FIRST VALENTINE'S
Today, we celebrate the first Valentine's Day in our home in the hills.
I prepared an Asian noodle shrimp dish for dinner.
And...
I prepared an Asian noodle shrimp dish for dinner.
And...
Saturday, February 08, 2014
A "PERFECT RAIN"...
The perfect day (or days) for a rain would have to be a steady rain on Friday night and to awaken to the sights and sound of rain on Saturday morning.
I have always looked forward to a day, a night, and a morning aforementioned.
Well, it finally happened.
It has been raining here (intermittently) forfive six days in a row for a total of 1.61 inches of the badly needed precip. It isn't a ding in the drought conditions.
This is good for the miner's lettuce! Love this time of year when they shoot up from the ground.
The foothills are slowly surrendering their tan for some green. Some of the local mountains are capped in white. The air quality has greatly improved in the valley. I can see those mountains from my office window.
Good news is that Badger Pass is officially open to skiing and snowshoeing! Time to dust off those cobwebs on the snowshoes and....
HAVE FUN!!!
I have always looked forward to a day, a night, and a morning aforementioned.
Well, it finally happened.
It has been raining here (intermittently) for
This is good for the miner's lettuce! Love this time of year when they shoot up from the ground.
The foothills are slowly surrendering their tan for some green. Some of the local mountains are capped in white. The air quality has greatly improved in the valley. I can see those mountains from my office window.
Good news is that Badger Pass is officially open to skiing and snowshoeing! Time to dust off those cobwebs on the snowshoes and....
HAVE FUN!!!
Friday, February 07, 2014
NO STARBUCKS
I wasn't much of a Starbucks coffee drinker. During the weekends before a hike and a long drive to get to the trailhead, I would load up on a tall.
Then, I met my wife who has to have her Blonde Roast Grande with Half & Half with a dash of cinnamon. Me? I drink it black with no additives, chemicals or preservatives.
During our commutes to work I made my Fridays "Starbucks Day." Then came Wednesdays and Fridays.
Then, from November 4-8, 2013 I had Starbucks coffee for the entire week due to some "boring" training.
Well, for the first time "since meeting my wife," I did not purchase my usual black grande.
But, then, there still is Saturday...
Sunday, February 02, 2014
SUPERB OWL XLVIII
Go Broncos!
But wait...other events happened this day...
This morning, we pieced together the last of the 550-piece jigsaw puzzle. Our first puzzle.
Meanwhile...
L to R: Uncle T, Gary and Janelle, Tre, my wife, Gail and Klaus.
There is nothing better than watching the Superb Owl with family and friends. It was our first Superb Owl party at P38549. The food and beverages were fantastic. We had homemade chili, sauerkraut and bratwurst, chips, cornbread, vegetables, and hot dogs.
During the game, snow fell...not enough to stick but enough to mimick the "conditions" in East Rutherford, NJ.
Sigh, oh well...
Congratulations to the Seattle Seahawks for their first NFL Championship.
But wait...other events happened this day...
Meanwhile...
There is nothing better than watching the Superb Owl with family and friends. It was our first Superb Owl party at P38549. The food and beverages were fantastic. We had homemade chili, sauerkraut and bratwurst, chips, cornbread, vegetables, and hot dogs.
During the game, snow fell...not enough to stick but enough to mimick the "conditions" in East Rutherford, NJ.
Sigh, oh well...
Congratulations to the Seattle Seahawks for their first NFL Championship.
Friday, January 31, 2014
IF IT'S YELLOW LET IT MELLOW...
The following is an excerpt from an article I read today...
"With dangerously low snow levels in the mountains and rain coming in just dribs and drabs a deepening California drought has prompted Gov. Jerry Brown to urge people to turn off the water while brushing teeth and not to "flush more than you have to."
And if it's brown, flush it down...Hmmmm, waste management revisited?
Allow your thoughts to ponder this post for awhile...
Another excerpt:
"On Thursday (January 30, 2014) he (the Governor) offered some practical advice, including avoiding long solo showers and cutting down on toilet flushing."
I will second that on the solo shower part...."Honey, please hand me the soap and shampoo. Oh, and will you wash my back?"
Also...
"Southern California has been stockpiling water to deal with potential shortages but some places in the state are struggling."
Stockpiling? Say goodbye to California's Mono Lake and Owens Lake, and Nevada's Lake Mead. Something tells me the California Aqueduct will be a prime target.
Give new meaning to doomsday prepping now doesn't it.
Get ready for it folks...
"With dangerously low snow levels in the mountains and rain coming in just dribs and drabs a deepening California drought has prompted Gov. Jerry Brown to urge people to turn off the water while brushing teeth and not to "flush more than you have to."
And if it's brown, flush it down...Hmmmm, waste management revisited?
Allow your thoughts to ponder this post for awhile...
Another excerpt:
"On Thursday (January 30, 2014) he (the Governor) offered some practical advice, including avoiding long solo showers and cutting down on toilet flushing."
I will second that on the solo shower part...."Honey, please hand me the soap and shampoo. Oh, and will you wash my back?"
Also...
"Southern California has been stockpiling water to deal with potential shortages but some places in the state are struggling."
Stockpiling? Say goodbye to California's Mono Lake and Owens Lake, and Nevada's Lake Mead. Something tells me the California Aqueduct will be a prime target.
Give new meaning to doomsday prepping now doesn't it.
Get ready for it folks...
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
PONDERING
My wife had to work late tonight, so instead of sitting in the parking lot for an hour, I decided to go to Lowe's to get resupplied.
I was looking at couplings for my greywater system when my eyes strayed upwards at these hoses.
We saw these PEX hoses m on HGTV's "Rehab Addict" just the night before. I commented to my wife saying, "I would like to do that if they had them here in California."
We have galvanized piping throughout the house. Last year, one of the galvanized pipes developed a pinhole and it had to be repaired. When I looked at the pipe, there was all kinds of deposits on the inside.
Well, they do. Now, the decision is ours...
It will be a difficult decision as we weigh the pros and cons
Sunday, January 26, 2014
SHUT THE FRONT DOOR...
More progress was made on our home...
This is the south porch. All the redwood 2x6 planks were either flipped, repositioned, cut, or remained in place. The hardest part was removing all of the 10d nails. Some nails had to be cut using the reciprocating saw. But a majority of the nails required some plain ole muscle with a little help of a claw and a crowbar.
Now, as for that front door...
It is still a work in progress. After these pictures were taken, a new LED porch light was installed just above the "Welcome" sign.
The balusters were made of 2x4s cut into a little over one-inch square thickness.
We will be replacing the front door with a 6-pane wood door. The frame will be moved over approximately 6 inches to the right to center the door.
Just above the Welcome sign, is the bathroom window. That will be replaced.
Just to the left, is the laundry room. That window will be replaced and moved to the left.
This is the south porch. All the redwood 2x6 planks were either flipped, repositioned, cut, or remained in place. The hardest part was removing all of the 10d nails. Some nails had to be cut using the reciprocating saw. But a majority of the nails required some plain ole muscle with a little help of a claw and a crowbar.
Now, as for that front door...
It is still a work in progress. After these pictures were taken, a new LED porch light was installed just above the "Welcome" sign.
The balusters were made of 2x4s cut into a little over one-inch square thickness.
We will be replacing the front door with a 6-pane wood door. The frame will be moved over approximately 6 inches to the right to center the door.
Just above the Welcome sign, is the bathroom window. That will be replaced.
Just to the left, is the laundry room. That window will be replaced and moved to the left.
Friday, January 24, 2014
UPDATE TO THOSE OLD PICTURES...
Before
After...
Before...
After...
Before...
After...
It's pretty easy to see the progress we have made to the "outside."
Slowly gettin' there...
After...
Before...
After...
Before...
After...
It's pretty easy to see the progress we have made to the "outside."
Slowly gettin' there...
Tuesday, January 07, 2014
GYM DANDY
We went to the gym we signed up for back in June 2013 for the very first time.
Due to our "work" schedules and locales and working on the house, we finally set this date we "exercise" one of our resolutions.
My first set of pullups, bardips, and vertical knee raises since May 8, 2013. I only did 10 of each, but 10 less I have to do this year.
Hope to reach 1,000 of each by the end of the year.
Going to have to make up for lost time and lost money on our membership.
Shouldn't be a problem...
Due to our "work" schedules and locales and working on the house, we finally set this date we "exercise" one of our resolutions.
My first set of pullups, bardips, and vertical knee raises since May 8, 2013. I only did 10 of each, but 10 less I have to do this year.
Hope to reach 1,000 of each by the end of the year.
Going to have to make up for lost time and lost money on our membership.
Shouldn't be a problem...
Saturday, January 04, 2014
SCRABBLED
We played our first SCRABBLE game of the year. Instead of playing with seven tiles the rules state, we played with nine. We couldn't locate our Scrabble dictionary, but if there was an objection, we could use our phones to Google.
I started out slow but managed to eek out a victory, 248-239.
My wife did really well, but you just cannot beat a crossword aficionado. Heh, heh...
I started out slow but managed to eek out a victory, 248-239.
My wife did really well, but you just cannot beat a crossword aficionado. Heh, heh...
Wednesday, January 01, 2014
2014 RESOLUTIONS
Have fun...
Wake up and go!
See the sun rise...
Start living...
Get out, get going, and gitr' done...
Lose 10 pounds...never mind...lose whatever.
Eat healthier in moderation...
Hike more...
Call my mother often...
See old friends here or there...
See the sun set...
Have fun...
Also, I will try to improve on the exercises. Doing 89,100 pushups, 110,700 crunches, 1,380 pullups, bardips and vertical knee raises, and the 38.31 miles for a total of 14:48:07 for all of 2013 is unacceptable.
Let's see....what is in OUR wallet?
Hope your 2014 is "more funner"...
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
2013: A YEAR IN REVIEW
JANUARY 2013
1: Happy Triskaidekaphobia Year.
1: Still sick with the cold.
1: Cleaned up the yard at P38549.
1: Christmas decorations on the tree and in the house go back into storage.
2: Gas $3.299 (Fresno Costco).
2: Water heater repaired--faulty element. All that is left is the dryer to fix or blast holes in it!
4: Finally over the cold.
7: Gas $3.359.
10: Gas $3.399.
10: Chiropractor #1.
12: Freeze warning in effect.
12: Pipes freeze again.
12: Burn day. So long, brush pile.
13: Saigon Pho and Sandwiches in Merced. Great place to get "pho" of it.
14: Chiropractor #2.
15: Gas $3.379.
15: Water heater moved to the garage.
16: Chiropractor #3.
16: Trader Joe's Charles Shaw "Two Buck Chuck" up from $1.99 to $2.49.
17: Chiropractor #4.
19: Demolition begins on the laundry area.
23: Gas $3.339.
26: MIL sells the Dodge pickup.
26: Dinner at Outback in Fresno.
27: MIL sells boat, motor, and trailer.
28: Gas $3.359.
30: Haircut.
31: Gas $3.429.
FEBRUARY 2013
1: MIL gets her Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun.
2: Back porch taken apart.
3: More work on the back porch.
4: MIL, my wife and I watch "that game."
5: Gas $3.639. WTF!
7: Dentist for me. All good!
8: Gas $3.739.
9: Erected a "brucke" across the stream for Klaus.
9: Removed some sheetrock to expose the vent in the garage.
10: Removed one of the bathroom doors and jambs.
12: Gas $3.759.
14: Gas $3.819.
15: Gas $3.859.
17: Tile flooring and subfloor removed exposing black mold.
18: Mudroom sprayed with 50-50 solution of household bleach and water.
19: Snow dumped in Oakhurst.
20: Gas $3.919.
23: I shovel snow off the front patio. First time since 1981.
23: Plugged up the cracks and crevasses in the roof and soffit.
24: The first Daytona 500 I never saw from start to finish. Oh well.
24: Gas $3.959.
25: Urgent care.
28: Gas $4.019.
MARCH 2013
2: One of the new pantry shelves are put up. Knotty pine casing on all door frames.
3: The pantry is taken down.
4: Gas $3.999.
7: Gas $3.959.
7: Pantry shelves installed.
8: Apartment carpet cleaned.
10: Dad -- 6 years.
11: Gas $3.919.
13: Gas $3.899.
14: Gas BBQ loaded up for P38549.
16: Celebrated Aunt C's 50th at Me-N-Eds Pizza in Fresno.
17: Mom's birthday...the curse of "76" is over.
18: Layoffs at my employ. Three are gone.
19: Gas $3.859.
23: Mowed grass for the first time at P38549. New back porch constructed.
25: Gas $3.799.
27: More layoffs...two more are gone.
28: One year since FIL passing.
28: Gas $3.839.
30: Pre-Easter dinner: Me, my wife, MIL, JayMi, KC, Uncle T, Aunt C, Tre, TheOs, Gail, Klaus.
31: FIL's ashes scattered on this Easter Sunday.
APRIL 2013
1: We get DirecTV at P38549!!
3: Gas $3.839.
5: Our first BBQ using propane gas. Steaks!
9: Gas $3.699.
10: Doctor appointment.
11: Haircut.
13: Living room subfloor removed.
18: Gas $3.679.
19: It's official. My wife to be transferred back to Fresno!
20: Tore up the subfloor in the bedroom.
26: Gas $3.679.
26: JayMi moved from East Bay to Oakhurst.
29: Gas $3.699 Fresno Costco.
29: Custom order windows and doors ordered for P38549.
MAY 2013
1: JayMi moves into her new apartment in Clovis.
2: Gas $3.669 Fresno Costco.
7: Gas $3.659 Merced Costco.
8: Doctor appointment for me.
9: Gas $3.759 Merced Costco.
10: Turned in Comcast Cable equipment. No more cable at the apartment.
11: Took MIL to FYIA for her trip to see my BIL and SIL in Portland, OR.
11: Oil change for the Subie.
11: The doors and jambs to the bedroom, linen closet, and laundry room are taken down.
12: Mother's Day with JayMi and my wife. We dine at Mitsui Buffet in Clovis.
14: Gas $3.879. Final purchase at Merced Costco.
14: MIL returns from Portland, OR.
14: I have an In-N-Out b"urge"r and 2 fries. There goes the streak.
15: My final commute day from Merced.
15: Bedroom is painted yellow.
16: The movers come and the move back to Oakhurst commences.
16: The apartment keys are turned over to property management.
17: PGE shut off at the apartment.
17: Basecamp Dragonfly: We are home for good.
20: Sick with salmonella from the eggs we purchased from one of our neighbors. No fault of theirs.
20: Windows and doors from Lowes arrive.
20: Smart Meter installed. Thanks, PGE!
21: Ceiling fan and closet light installed in master bedroom.
22: Doors and casings stained and sanded.
23: MIL buys us a brand new washer and dryer from Sears. What a surprise.
24: Gas $3.819 at Costco in Fresno.
24: Washer and dryer installed.
24: Closet doors installed.
25: Doors stained/lacquered.
26: Doors stained/lacqured.
27: Doors stained/lacqured.
27: Truck washed.
28: Wife's first "half" day on the new job.
29: Wife's first "full" day on the new job.
29: Ordered another door. Forgot one.
30: Gas $3.799.
30: Bedroom door and pantry doors go up.
31: We carpool for the first time.
JUNE 2013
1: We attend the wedding of Tyler and Kelsey. Hot. Reception at the Ft. Washington Country Club.
6: Gas $3.779.
6: Cousins Rhonda and Tim from Cypress up for a visit for a couple of days.
8: Hot up here.
8: Potluck dinner BBQ with Tim, Rhonda, Uncle T, Eric, Jen, Jeff, and his mother, and Klaus and Gail.
9: My aunt's 88th birthday.
9: Tim and Rhonda leave.
10: We pick up the final 10-lite door from Lowes and got an additional 5% off for waiting!
14: We attend Debbie Alcaraz's surprise retirement party at The Standard. Her husband and my mentor, William, set it all up. She had no clue!
15: Doors stained and lacquered.
16: Doors lacquered. Ceiling removed from front porch. A "canvas" exposed!
16: Carstens Fire off Carstens Road near Midpines.
18: First trash pickup at Basecamp.
19: We become "gym rats" again by enrolling in a local gym.
19: Bedroom door knob, pantry knobs and closet cups installed on the doors.
22: Two dump runs. The yard looks much better.
22: MIL, wife and I see "Chimpanzee" at the Met in Oakhurst.
22: Installed a doorknob to the mudroom door. The old one "broke off."
23: Finished lacquering the remaining french doors to the front and back porch. All that is left is the jambs.
23: Mowed the grass for the last time for the summer.
25: Saw an estate planning attorney.
27: Last day of commuting and my wife's last day at the Fresno District office.
28: Gas $3.759.
29: Our friend, wagga, leaves the States for home in Down Under.
29: We stay in Salinas for the weekend in preparation for my wife's new job.
JULY 2013
1: My wife begins her "temporary assignment" in Salinas as District Manager while filling in for another.
1: I drive 135.1 miles to work for the first time in my life.
2: Gas $3.699.
4: We spend the Fourth of July apart for the first time.
6: We play basketball for the first time. Just shooting around.
7: We go to the REI in Marina.
9: Gas $3.679.
14: Our 6th anniversary.
14: My wife, MIL and I see the movie "White House Down."
14: We have dinner at the South Gate Brewing Company. I have fish and chips. Very good.
15: We stay at the Homewood Suites in Fresno while my wife is in a management meeting.
19: Gas $3.699.
22: Nothing like a July sprinkle.
22: Aspen Fire. Stump Springs Road north of Aspen Springs.
23: Gas $3.739.
26: Gas $3.699.
27: We drive along the "17-Mile Drive" in Pebble Beach.
28: We dine at Phil's Fish Market in Moss Landing.
30: Gas $3.679.
AUGUST 2013
1: Door jambs for linen closet installed.
2: Gas $3.659.
2: Linen closet door installed.
3: Half Moon Bay to eat at Ground Up and to walk the streets of HMB.
13: Gas $3.599.
15: We purchase our National Park Pass.
17: Rim Fire at Groveland near Yosemite.
17: Pella bedroom window is installed.
17: Haircut.
18: All the doors are done: pre-stained, stained, lacquered, wet-sanded.
19: Gas $3.579.
23: Knotty pine trim around bedroom window is installed.
24: Hiked Soberanes Canyon and Rocky Ridge at Garrapata State Park: 4.87 miles; 3:06:00.
24: We get our fishin' licenses at Dick's in Salinas.
27: Gas $3.559.
29: A crack in my windshield from a UFO...unidentified flying object...No, really! Don't know what the hell it was, but my windshield is cracked just below the passenger side wiper blade.
31: BBQ with Gary B., Klaus and Gail, and MIL at our place.
SEPTEMBER 2013
1: Bay window installed in dining room.
5: Gas $3.579.
5: BroIL and SIL visit.
5: PGE moves the electrical line off the dead pine tree, which is on the verge of tipping over due to root rot.
7: We go fishing for the first time at Bass Lake.
8: Siding is removed on the front porch to reveal beautiful beams of wood.
11: West porch reinforced. Landing constructed.
12: Gas $3.639.
13: The first Friday the 13th.
13: Gas $3.679.
14: Truck oil changed.
14: We go to Lowes in Gilroy. A first!
15: We upgrade our cellpones...We get Droid Ultras...a hisn and a hern.
17: Gas $3.779.
20: Gas $3.879.
20: To Salinas for the last time.
21: We have breakfast at the Toro Cafe south of Salinas.
21: We dine at Phil's Fish Market in Moss Landing, then walk along the beach.
21: A whopping 0.66 inches of rain fell.
22: We order from Chipotle what would be my last meal in Salinas.
23: I leave Salinas for the last time.
23: Picked up two side windows for the bay window in the dining room from Lowe's.
24: Gas $3.759.
24: The side windows to the dining room bay window have been installed.
25: The front staircase is now touching the ground.
26: Cement is poured for the posts at the end of the staircase.
26: Wife is home for good. She came home around 8:37 p.m.
26: Put wood into the stove to warm up the house. Nice and toasty!
27: Gas $3.719.
28: Removed siding from side porch side.
28: To Fresno: Costco, Sprouts, Trader Joe's, Broilers (my first time and the gyros we had were delicious).
29: To Fresno to get 12 siding at Lowe's.
29: New heavy duty gate installed for the front porch.
29: Portion of the side porch decking removed.
30: MIL's 83rd birthday.
30: The last of the side windows for the kitchen picked up.
OCTOBER 2013
1: Government shutdown for the first time since 1996, and my wife has to work.
1: My wife and I carpool again for good until we retire...soon.
1: Some of the side porch runners reinforced...no more "springboard" effect.
1: Frame erected for new kitchen bay and side windows.
2: All of the side porch reinforced.
3: Gas $3.659.
3: Subie oil changed at Jiffy Lube and they "accidently" drain the transmission fluid. Now, how do you eff-it-up at Jiffy Lube.
4: Haircut.
5: Portion of the side porch removed.
5: One half of the kitchen soffit removed. Messy!
6: Assist our neighbors, Klaus and Gail, in taking down their lattice covers above their porch.
6: Help MIL drain and cover up her swamp cooler.
7: Gas $3.599.
7: The electric blanket is called into service.
8: Vapor barrier in place in anticipation of storm. Plastic covers what was once the soffit to keep the cold air out.
9: Snow shuts down Sonora and Tioga Pass.
10: Gas $3.559.
10: Bay windows installed temporarily for the visual effect. Gonna look good!
11: Payday...actually, no pay due.
12: MIL garage sale.
12: West side porch "renovation."
13: MIL garage sale day 2.
13: West side porch renovation, stairway posts "removed." Kitchen bay window prepped.
14: Federal holiday, but no pay for my wife.
15: Gas $3.499.
16: Government shutdown over for now...at least until January 15, 2014.
17: Rewired the kitchen.
17: Dining room bay window lifted to be level with the kitchen bay window.
17: A temporary light is installed in the dining room bay window...nice!
18: Kitchen bay window installed.
19: The headers for the bay windows are removed.
20: The west porch is close to being completed.
21: Gas $3.499.
21: Night light installed in the southwest corner of the house in the dining room area. Three-way switch installed by the kitchen sink.
22: Subie driver side front brake repaired.
23: Gas $3.499.
23: Siding installed under the bay window for a visual inspection...looks great.
23: West porch deck "renovation" is complete. Up next are the spindles to make.
24: Purchase 20 8-foot 2x4s to rip into 1x1 balusters for the west porch.
24: More siding is put up...how "ex-siding" is that?!
25: Outdoor plumbing rearranged and new spigots installed and more siding goes up.
26: JayMi's 29th birthday.
26: Old balusters removed from west porch.
26: Movie: Carrie. Seen at the Met Too in Oakhurst. JayMi, MIL, my wife and I.
27: The first of the new balusters goes up on the south side of the west porch.
28: Rain. Snow advisory for 5,000 feet. Put new wipers on the Subie.
28: We purchase insulation tubing for the water pipes and pot lights for the kitchen
29: Gas $3.479.
31: Our first Halloween here at P38549.
NOVEMBER 2013
2: Two cords of firewood delivered.
2: Second set of balusters in place.
2: Wife's office burlarized: Flat-screen television taken.
3: Porch 99.9% complete.
3: Removed underside of soffit above the front door.
5: Gas $3.419.
5: New 4x4 posts installed on the west porch and a third set of balusters in place.
5: Brush was cleared on the "other side." We can see our neighbors across the creek.
6: The third and fourth set of balusters are put in place on the west porch. The 4x4 posts are capped.
7: Gas $3.339.
8: Front door on the west side installed along with the hardware.
10: Porches powerwashed.
11: Reno bound via Highway 49, Highway 50, Highway 89, then Interstate 80 to see Lake Tahoe. MIL's first visit to Big Blue. We stay at Harrah's.
12: We visit Cabela's west of Reno. We take in the sights of Lake Tahoe. We stop in South Lake Tahoe. MIL gambles while we shop.
13: Return trip home from Reno.
13: We visit Restoration Hardware store at the Galleria at Roseville in Roseville, CA
13: Four LED pot lights installed in the kitchen. One light above the kitchen sink will need to be replaced with a larger light. The three-inch light doesn't cut it.
14: West porch deck 100% complete. Siding on the south side is removed.
14: The rest of the kitchen soffit is removed. The kitchen looks larger.
15: Gas $3.319.
16: South porch is powerwashed again. Exposed granite by water blasting the gravel at the front door.
17: Removed the balusters on the front porch.
18: Trees are trimmed.
19: French doors are installed on the south side. Rewiring done to accommodate the widening.
19: Propane delivered.
19: Trees trimmed and the "eyesore" dead pine also used as a utility pole is gone.
20: Hardware installed on the south side french doors and 10-lites, and a new 6-inch light installed over the kitchen sink. The jambs are caulked.
20: Gas $3.299.
23: To Lowes for 22 planks of siding.
23: French doors installed on the east side. Bathroom door cut to allow for bathroom rug and the jambs sanded down for a smooth closure.
24: Window plastic protection removed from the panes on the 10-lites. Gutters cleaned out. Pipes wrapped in insulation.
25: Another "day" in the life...
25: Gas $3.319. Guess we switched to winter blend here in California.
25: Finishing touches to the east side french doors. Door knobs in place. Jambs caulked.
25: Uncle Wally passes away. See you in "Wonder Valley," Uncle Wally.
26: Kitchen drywall in place in the kitchen. Dining room bay window lights installed.
27: Stopped by Miller's Mountain to get a birthday gift card for Uncle T.
27: Scraped and cleaned the french doors with denatured alcohol.
28: Stacked wood that was cut down on November 19, 2013.
28: Thanksgiving: My wife, JayMi, MIL, Uncle T, Aunt C, Erik, and Tre, Aunt P, ChrisTina, JaDen, and NikKi. Gary and Janelle came over later for dessert. It was a great Thanksgiving.
29: Received package from Japan and India. Did more scraping and cleaning of the french doors. All done! Stopped by Miller's Mountain for their going-out-of-business sale.
29: My wife and I go fishing at the dam at Bass Lake. Nothing. We later stop by Miller's Mountain.
30: We go fishing with ChrisTina, JaDen and NikKi at the dam at Bass Lake. Nothing, but we had fun..."Boat on the water, the sunshine in my eyes, boat on the water..."
30: Christmas lights go up for the first time at P38549.
30: 615 cookes are baked.
DECEMBER 2013
1: Greywater foundation in place.
2: Garbage disposer moved from the right side and installed on the left side, plumbing redone underneath, hot water faucet switched to its correct position, wiring for the disposer redone, greywater pipe out to the cistern.
2: My wife stains some of the balusters a ginger color. Looks great. Matches the distressed wood on the porch deck.
3: Siding is up on the south side. We use the new saw I got for my birthday. Works wonders.
6: Sanded balusters.
6: Haircut.
7: Snow dump...6 1/2 inches.
8: Deep freeze. Kitchen pipes frozen. Thawed by propane torch.
8: Sick with a chest cold.
8: We take a "walkabout" Bass Lake.
9: Deep freeze. Kitchen pipes frozen again. Thawed by propane torch and insulated.
9: Sick with a chest cold.
10: Deep freeze.
10: Sick with a chest cold.
11: Sick with a chest cold.
12: Sick with chest cold, sniffles, cough.
13: The last Friday the 13th of 2013.
13: Sick with chest cold, sniffles, cough.
13: Trim up on the south french doors and the front door.
14: Sick with chest cold, sniffles, cough.
14: We purchase a 6-foot Christmas tree at the nursery.
15: Feeling better...cough and a sniffle now and then.
15: Christmas tree decorated.
15: Remnants of the particle board in the living room removed.
15: Living room furniture rearranged.
16: Feeling much better.
16: Sent Japan package and mailed Christmas cards to family and friends.
16: Window trim up around the dining room bay window. The south trim and the dining room bay window trim painted kettle black.
17: Over the cold.
17: All of the snow that fell on December 7 is now gone.
17: Kitchen bay window trim in place. Ready for painting.
18: Gas $3.319.
21: In Cypress, CA for the annual family Christmas party. 300 miles one way.
24: First "real" Christmas Eve.
25: First "real" Christmas. Had to pick up KC at the Amtrak station in Fresno. MIL, JayMI, KC, my wife and I have biscuits and gravy for breakfast and turkey and all the trimmings for dinner. Gifts: Biker boots, gear storage line, blue jeans, shirt, tools, pajamas, work light (hey, been gettin' some kind of light for 6 years now), HP Officejet printer/scanner, and other wonderful gifts. For the first time, I didn't get one gift card from REI or Lowe's.
26: My wife comes down with the cold I had.
27: Gas $3.359.
29: I hook up the scanner/printer.
30: Gas $3.399.
31: Doctor appointment.
31: South siding painted.
31: I prepared shrimp fried rice for supper. It was deeeeee-licious.
31: We retire at 9:00 p.m. Pacific. So much for staying up.
Pushups: 89,100 (bad)
Crunches: 100,700
Pullups: 1,380
Bardips: 1,380
Vertical knee raises: 1,380.00
Miles hiked/walked/ran: 38.31 (bad)
Time: 14:48:07 (bad)
Highs: Moving back to our home in the hills for good!
Lows: Losing a family member, Uncle Wally.
What happened in 2013.
1: Happy Triskaidekaphobia Year.
1: Still sick with the cold.
1: Cleaned up the yard at P38549.
1: Christmas decorations on the tree and in the house go back into storage.
2: Gas $3.299 (Fresno Costco).
2: Water heater repaired--faulty element. All that is left is the dryer to fix or blast holes in it!
4: Finally over the cold.
7: Gas $3.359.
10: Gas $3.399.
10: Chiropractor #1.
12: Freeze warning in effect.
12: Pipes freeze again.
12: Burn day. So long, brush pile.
13: Saigon Pho and Sandwiches in Merced. Great place to get "pho" of it.
14: Chiropractor #2.
15: Gas $3.379.
15: Water heater moved to the garage.
16: Chiropractor #3.
16: Trader Joe's Charles Shaw "Two Buck Chuck" up from $1.99 to $2.49.
17: Chiropractor #4.
19: Demolition begins on the laundry area.
23: Gas $3.339.
26: MIL sells the Dodge pickup.
26: Dinner at Outback in Fresno.
27: MIL sells boat, motor, and trailer.
28: Gas $3.359.
30: Haircut.
31: Gas $3.429.
FEBRUARY 2013
1: MIL gets her Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun.
2: Back porch taken apart.
3: More work on the back porch.
4: MIL, my wife and I watch "that game."
5: Gas $3.639. WTF!
7: Dentist for me. All good!
8: Gas $3.739.
9: Erected a "brucke" across the stream for Klaus.
9: Removed some sheetrock to expose the vent in the garage.
10: Removed one of the bathroom doors and jambs.
12: Gas $3.759.
14: Gas $3.819.
15: Gas $3.859.
17: Tile flooring and subfloor removed exposing black mold.
18: Mudroom sprayed with 50-50 solution of household bleach and water.
19: Snow dumped in Oakhurst.
20: Gas $3.919.
23: I shovel snow off the front patio. First time since 1981.
23: Plugged up the cracks and crevasses in the roof and soffit.
24: The first Daytona 500 I never saw from start to finish. Oh well.
24: Gas $3.959.
25: Urgent care.
28: Gas $4.019.
MARCH 2013
2: One of the new pantry shelves are put up. Knotty pine casing on all door frames.
3: The pantry is taken down.
4: Gas $3.999.
7: Gas $3.959.
7: Pantry shelves installed.
8: Apartment carpet cleaned.
10: Dad -- 6 years.
11: Gas $3.919.
13: Gas $3.899.
14: Gas BBQ loaded up for P38549.
16: Celebrated Aunt C's 50th at Me-N-Eds Pizza in Fresno.
17: Mom's birthday...the curse of "76" is over.
18: Layoffs at my employ. Three are gone.
19: Gas $3.859.
23: Mowed grass for the first time at P38549. New back porch constructed.
25: Gas $3.799.
27: More layoffs...two more are gone.
28: One year since FIL passing.
28: Gas $3.839.
30: Pre-Easter dinner: Me, my wife, MIL, JayMi, KC, Uncle T, Aunt C, Tre, TheOs, Gail, Klaus.
31: FIL's ashes scattered on this Easter Sunday.
APRIL 2013
1: We get DirecTV at P38549!!
3: Gas $3.839.
5: Our first BBQ using propane gas. Steaks!
9: Gas $3.699.
10: Doctor appointment.
11: Haircut.
13: Living room subfloor removed.
18: Gas $3.679.
19: It's official. My wife to be transferred back to Fresno!
20: Tore up the subfloor in the bedroom.
26: Gas $3.679.
26: JayMi moved from East Bay to Oakhurst.
29: Gas $3.699 Fresno Costco.
29: Custom order windows and doors ordered for P38549.
MAY 2013
1: JayMi moves into her new apartment in Clovis.
2: Gas $3.669 Fresno Costco.
7: Gas $3.659 Merced Costco.
8: Doctor appointment for me.
9: Gas $3.759 Merced Costco.
10: Turned in Comcast Cable equipment. No more cable at the apartment.
11: Took MIL to FYIA for her trip to see my BIL and SIL in Portland, OR.
11: Oil change for the Subie.
11: The doors and jambs to the bedroom, linen closet, and laundry room are taken down.
12: Mother's Day with JayMi and my wife. We dine at Mitsui Buffet in Clovis.
14: Gas $3.879. Final purchase at Merced Costco.
14: MIL returns from Portland, OR.
14: I have an In-N-Out b"urge"r and 2 fries. There goes the streak.
15: My final commute day from Merced.
15: Bedroom is painted yellow.
16: The movers come and the move back to Oakhurst commences.
16: The apartment keys are turned over to property management.
17: PGE shut off at the apartment.
17: Basecamp Dragonfly: We are home for good.
20: Sick with salmonella from the eggs we purchased from one of our neighbors. No fault of theirs.
20: Windows and doors from Lowes arrive.
20: Smart Meter installed. Thanks, PGE!
21: Ceiling fan and closet light installed in master bedroom.
22: Doors and casings stained and sanded.
23: MIL buys us a brand new washer and dryer from Sears. What a surprise.
24: Gas $3.819 at Costco in Fresno.
24: Washer and dryer installed.
24: Closet doors installed.
25: Doors stained/lacquered.
26: Doors stained/lacqured.
27: Doors stained/lacqured.
27: Truck washed.
28: Wife's first "half" day on the new job.
29: Wife's first "full" day on the new job.
29: Ordered another door. Forgot one.
30: Gas $3.799.
30: Bedroom door and pantry doors go up.
31: We carpool for the first time.
JUNE 2013
1: We attend the wedding of Tyler and Kelsey. Hot. Reception at the Ft. Washington Country Club.
6: Gas $3.779.
6: Cousins Rhonda and Tim from Cypress up for a visit for a couple of days.
8: Hot up here.
8: Potluck dinner BBQ with Tim, Rhonda, Uncle T, Eric, Jen, Jeff, and his mother, and Klaus and Gail.
9: My aunt's 88th birthday.
9: Tim and Rhonda leave.
10: We pick up the final 10-lite door from Lowes and got an additional 5% off for waiting!
14: We attend Debbie Alcaraz's surprise retirement party at The Standard. Her husband and my mentor, William, set it all up. She had no clue!
15: Doors stained and lacquered.
16: Doors lacquered. Ceiling removed from front porch. A "canvas" exposed!
16: Carstens Fire off Carstens Road near Midpines.
18: First trash pickup at Basecamp.
19: We become "gym rats" again by enrolling in a local gym.
19: Bedroom door knob, pantry knobs and closet cups installed on the doors.
22: Two dump runs. The yard looks much better.
22: MIL, wife and I see "Chimpanzee" at the Met in Oakhurst.
22: Installed a doorknob to the mudroom door. The old one "broke off."
23: Finished lacquering the remaining french doors to the front and back porch. All that is left is the jambs.
23: Mowed the grass for the last time for the summer.
25: Saw an estate planning attorney.
27: Last day of commuting and my wife's last day at the Fresno District office.
28: Gas $3.759.
29: Our friend, wagga, leaves the States for home in Down Under.
29: We stay in Salinas for the weekend in preparation for my wife's new job.
JULY 2013
1: My wife begins her "temporary assignment" in Salinas as District Manager while filling in for another.
1: I drive 135.1 miles to work for the first time in my life.
2: Gas $3.699.
4: We spend the Fourth of July apart for the first time.
6: We play basketball for the first time. Just shooting around.
7: We go to the REI in Marina.
9: Gas $3.679.
14: Our 6th anniversary.
14: My wife, MIL and I see the movie "White House Down."
14: We have dinner at the South Gate Brewing Company. I have fish and chips. Very good.
15: We stay at the Homewood Suites in Fresno while my wife is in a management meeting.
19: Gas $3.699.
22: Nothing like a July sprinkle.
22: Aspen Fire. Stump Springs Road north of Aspen Springs.
23: Gas $3.739.
26: Gas $3.699.
27: We drive along the "17-Mile Drive" in Pebble Beach.
28: We dine at Phil's Fish Market in Moss Landing.
30: Gas $3.679.
AUGUST 2013
1: Door jambs for linen closet installed.
2: Gas $3.659.
2: Linen closet door installed.
3: Half Moon Bay to eat at Ground Up and to walk the streets of HMB.
13: Gas $3.599.
15: We purchase our National Park Pass.
17: Rim Fire at Groveland near Yosemite.
17: Pella bedroom window is installed.
17: Haircut.
18: All the doors are done: pre-stained, stained, lacquered, wet-sanded.
19: Gas $3.579.
23: Knotty pine trim around bedroom window is installed.
24: Hiked Soberanes Canyon and Rocky Ridge at Garrapata State Park: 4.87 miles; 3:06:00.
24: We get our fishin' licenses at Dick's in Salinas.
27: Gas $3.559.
29: A crack in my windshield from a UFO...unidentified flying object...No, really! Don't know what the hell it was, but my windshield is cracked just below the passenger side wiper blade.
31: BBQ with Gary B., Klaus and Gail, and MIL at our place.
SEPTEMBER 2013
1: Bay window installed in dining room.
5: Gas $3.579.
5: BroIL and SIL visit.
5: PGE moves the electrical line off the dead pine tree, which is on the verge of tipping over due to root rot.
7: We go fishing for the first time at Bass Lake.
8: Siding is removed on the front porch to reveal beautiful beams of wood.
11: West porch reinforced. Landing constructed.
12: Gas $3.639.
13: The first Friday the 13th.
13: Gas $3.679.
14: Truck oil changed.
14: We go to Lowes in Gilroy. A first!
15: We upgrade our cellpones...We get Droid Ultras...a hisn and a hern.
17: Gas $3.779.
20: Gas $3.879.
20: To Salinas for the last time.
21: We have breakfast at the Toro Cafe south of Salinas.
21: We dine at Phil's Fish Market in Moss Landing, then walk along the beach.
21: A whopping 0.66 inches of rain fell.
22: We order from Chipotle what would be my last meal in Salinas.
23: I leave Salinas for the last time.
23: Picked up two side windows for the bay window in the dining room from Lowe's.
24: Gas $3.759.
24: The side windows to the dining room bay window have been installed.
25: The front staircase is now touching the ground.
26: Cement is poured for the posts at the end of the staircase.
26: Wife is home for good. She came home around 8:37 p.m.
26: Put wood into the stove to warm up the house. Nice and toasty!
27: Gas $3.719.
28: Removed siding from side porch side.
28: To Fresno: Costco, Sprouts, Trader Joe's, Broilers (my first time and the gyros we had were delicious).
29: To Fresno to get 12 siding at Lowe's.
29: New heavy duty gate installed for the front porch.
29: Portion of the side porch decking removed.
30: MIL's 83rd birthday.
30: The last of the side windows for the kitchen picked up.
OCTOBER 2013
1: Government shutdown for the first time since 1996, and my wife has to work.
1: My wife and I carpool again for good until we retire...soon.
1: Some of the side porch runners reinforced...no more "springboard" effect.
1: Frame erected for new kitchen bay and side windows.
2: All of the side porch reinforced.
3: Gas $3.659.
3: Subie oil changed at Jiffy Lube and they "accidently" drain the transmission fluid. Now, how do you eff-it-up at Jiffy Lube.
4: Haircut.
5: Portion of the side porch removed.
5: One half of the kitchen soffit removed. Messy!
6: Assist our neighbors, Klaus and Gail, in taking down their lattice covers above their porch.
6: Help MIL drain and cover up her swamp cooler.
7: Gas $3.599.
7: The electric blanket is called into service.
8: Vapor barrier in place in anticipation of storm. Plastic covers what was once the soffit to keep the cold air out.
9: Snow shuts down Sonora and Tioga Pass.
10: Gas $3.559.
10: Bay windows installed temporarily for the visual effect. Gonna look good!
11: Payday...actually, no pay due.
12: MIL garage sale.
12: West side porch "renovation."
13: MIL garage sale day 2.
13: West side porch renovation, stairway posts "removed." Kitchen bay window prepped.
14: Federal holiday, but no pay for my wife.
15: Gas $3.499.
16: Government shutdown over for now...at least until January 15, 2014.
17: Rewired the kitchen.
17: Dining room bay window lifted to be level with the kitchen bay window.
17: A temporary light is installed in the dining room bay window...nice!
18: Kitchen bay window installed.
19: The headers for the bay windows are removed.
20: The west porch is close to being completed.
21: Gas $3.499.
21: Night light installed in the southwest corner of the house in the dining room area. Three-way switch installed by the kitchen sink.
22: Subie driver side front brake repaired.
23: Gas $3.499.
23: Siding installed under the bay window for a visual inspection...looks great.
23: West porch deck "renovation" is complete. Up next are the spindles to make.
24: Purchase 20 8-foot 2x4s to rip into 1x1 balusters for the west porch.
24: More siding is put up...how "ex-siding" is that?!
25: Outdoor plumbing rearranged and new spigots installed and more siding goes up.
26: JayMi's 29th birthday.
26: Old balusters removed from west porch.
26: Movie: Carrie. Seen at the Met Too in Oakhurst. JayMi, MIL, my wife and I.
27: The first of the new balusters goes up on the south side of the west porch.
28: Rain. Snow advisory for 5,000 feet. Put new wipers on the Subie.
28: We purchase insulation tubing for the water pipes and pot lights for the kitchen
29: Gas $3.479.
31: Our first Halloween here at P38549.
NOVEMBER 2013
2: Two cords of firewood delivered.
2: Second set of balusters in place.
2: Wife's office burlarized: Flat-screen television taken.
3: Porch 99.9% complete.
3: Removed underside of soffit above the front door.
5: Gas $3.419.
5: New 4x4 posts installed on the west porch and a third set of balusters in place.
5: Brush was cleared on the "other side." We can see our neighbors across the creek.
6: The third and fourth set of balusters are put in place on the west porch. The 4x4 posts are capped.
7: Gas $3.339.
8: Front door on the west side installed along with the hardware.
10: Porches powerwashed.
11: Reno bound via Highway 49, Highway 50, Highway 89, then Interstate 80 to see Lake Tahoe. MIL's first visit to Big Blue. We stay at Harrah's.
12: We visit Cabela's west of Reno. We take in the sights of Lake Tahoe. We stop in South Lake Tahoe. MIL gambles while we shop.
13: Return trip home from Reno.
13: We visit Restoration Hardware store at the Galleria at Roseville in Roseville, CA
13: Four LED pot lights installed in the kitchen. One light above the kitchen sink will need to be replaced with a larger light. The three-inch light doesn't cut it.
14: West porch deck 100% complete. Siding on the south side is removed.
14: The rest of the kitchen soffit is removed. The kitchen looks larger.
15: Gas $3.319.
16: South porch is powerwashed again. Exposed granite by water blasting the gravel at the front door.
17: Removed the balusters on the front porch.
18: Trees are trimmed.
19: French doors are installed on the south side. Rewiring done to accommodate the widening.
19: Propane delivered.
19: Trees trimmed and the "eyesore" dead pine also used as a utility pole is gone.
20: Hardware installed on the south side french doors and 10-lites, and a new 6-inch light installed over the kitchen sink. The jambs are caulked.
20: Gas $3.299.
23: To Lowes for 22 planks of siding.
23: French doors installed on the east side. Bathroom door cut to allow for bathroom rug and the jambs sanded down for a smooth closure.
24: Window plastic protection removed from the panes on the 10-lites. Gutters cleaned out. Pipes wrapped in insulation.
25: Another "day" in the life...
25: Gas $3.319. Guess we switched to winter blend here in California.
25: Finishing touches to the east side french doors. Door knobs in place. Jambs caulked.
25: Uncle Wally passes away. See you in "Wonder Valley," Uncle Wally.
26: Kitchen drywall in place in the kitchen. Dining room bay window lights installed.
27: Stopped by Miller's Mountain to get a birthday gift card for Uncle T.
27: Scraped and cleaned the french doors with denatured alcohol.
28: Stacked wood that was cut down on November 19, 2013.
28: Thanksgiving: My wife, JayMi, MIL, Uncle T, Aunt C, Erik, and Tre, Aunt P, ChrisTina, JaDen, and NikKi. Gary and Janelle came over later for dessert. It was a great Thanksgiving.
29: Received package from Japan and India. Did more scraping and cleaning of the french doors. All done! Stopped by Miller's Mountain for their going-out-of-business sale.
29: My wife and I go fishing at the dam at Bass Lake. Nothing. We later stop by Miller's Mountain.
30: We go fishing with ChrisTina, JaDen and NikKi at the dam at Bass Lake. Nothing, but we had fun..."Boat on the water, the sunshine in my eyes, boat on the water..."
30: Christmas lights go up for the first time at P38549.
30: 615 cookes are baked.
DECEMBER 2013
1: Greywater foundation in place.
2: Garbage disposer moved from the right side and installed on the left side, plumbing redone underneath, hot water faucet switched to its correct position, wiring for the disposer redone, greywater pipe out to the cistern.
2: My wife stains some of the balusters a ginger color. Looks great. Matches the distressed wood on the porch deck.
3: Siding is up on the south side. We use the new saw I got for my birthday. Works wonders.
6: Sanded balusters.
6: Haircut.
7: Snow dump...6 1/2 inches.
8: Deep freeze. Kitchen pipes frozen. Thawed by propane torch.
8: Sick with a chest cold.
8: We take a "walkabout" Bass Lake.
9: Deep freeze. Kitchen pipes frozen again. Thawed by propane torch and insulated.
9: Sick with a chest cold.
10: Deep freeze.
10: Sick with a chest cold.
11: Sick with a chest cold.
12: Sick with chest cold, sniffles, cough.
13: The last Friday the 13th of 2013.
13: Sick with chest cold, sniffles, cough.
13: Trim up on the south french doors and the front door.
14: Sick with chest cold, sniffles, cough.
14: We purchase a 6-foot Christmas tree at the nursery.
15: Feeling better...cough and a sniffle now and then.
15: Christmas tree decorated.
15: Remnants of the particle board in the living room removed.
15: Living room furniture rearranged.
16: Feeling much better.
16: Sent Japan package and mailed Christmas cards to family and friends.
16: Window trim up around the dining room bay window. The south trim and the dining room bay window trim painted kettle black.
17: Over the cold.
17: All of the snow that fell on December 7 is now gone.
17: Kitchen bay window trim in place. Ready for painting.
18: Gas $3.319.
21: In Cypress, CA for the annual family Christmas party. 300 miles one way.
24: First "real" Christmas Eve.
25: First "real" Christmas. Had to pick up KC at the Amtrak station in Fresno. MIL, JayMI, KC, my wife and I have biscuits and gravy for breakfast and turkey and all the trimmings for dinner. Gifts: Biker boots, gear storage line, blue jeans, shirt, tools, pajamas, work light (hey, been gettin' some kind of light for 6 years now), HP Officejet printer/scanner, and other wonderful gifts. For the first time, I didn't get one gift card from REI or Lowe's.
26: My wife comes down with the cold I had.
27: Gas $3.359.
29: I hook up the scanner/printer.
30: Gas $3.399.
31: Doctor appointment.
31: South siding painted.
31: I prepared shrimp fried rice for supper. It was deeeeee-licious.
31: We retire at 9:00 p.m. Pacific. So much for staying up.
Pushups: 89,100 (bad)
Crunches: 100,700
Pullups: 1,380
Bardips: 1,380
Vertical knee raises: 1,380.00
Miles hiked/walked/ran: 38.31 (bad)
Time: 14:48:07 (bad)
Highs: Moving back to our home in the hills for good!
Lows: Losing a family member, Uncle Wally.
What happened in 2013.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
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