SWAMP COOLER = SUMMER COOLER

After some lengthy debate, we decided to go with the evaporative cooler to keep us comfortable during the summer months.

What a difference...




Wiring for the switch.

The big unit...Sorry, Randy Johnson...

Ducting into the future recreation room.

Up in the attic.

Had a little help...

From the front...

From the back...

THE SECOND BATHROOM BECOMING AND BECOMES A SECOND BATHROOM...

In the beginning...

Then, the first stage of the flooring...

The bathroom foundation forms in place...

The forms were made from the old siding. What we like about this renovation project for the entire house is that a majority of the old stuff is being used for something new. The siding will again be used to make a raised garden for herbs and vegetables. This means less travel to the North Fork Transfer Station to discard the trash.

Update for 03-22-14: The ugly eyesore comes down. And to think we climbed up and down these stairs. No more worries.

UPDATE 03-26-14:

With the help of my MIL, my wife and I go to Lowes to order and purchase the following: 40 gallon water heater ($192), white 30-inch undercabinet range hood ($71), bathroom fan, bathroom heater ($101), one-piece tub/shower ($546), faucets, garbage disposer, three 72x48 Pella windows ($521), 36-inch 6-panel prehung interior door, two 36-inch 6-panel hollow composite interior doors ($61), 24x36 Pella window ($90), pet door, kitchen faucet, bathroom faucet, door knobs, mirrored closet sliding door, 30-inch 5-cubic foot gas range ($525)...

UPDATE 04-01-14:

The trench for the sewer line was dug by hand with a pick axe and a shovel. Due to the soggy conditions, the digging was easy.

The shed will be dismantled, but that falls under the classifcation of "Projects Other."

UPDATE 04-09-14:

UPDATE 05-08-14:

The outhouse....actually this is where the second water heater will be installed.

The above used to be our front door. Before it was clear glass, now it is opaque due to some light sandblasting. It also used to swing open the other way, so we had to re-rout the hinges (oh well). The only slight problem is that we had to reverse the glass and the screen, but could not take out the frame since the door is built around the window frame. Due to a loose fit for the inside, we will add a larger spring to secure the sliding window. A minor cosmetic thing. If it works, great, if not, we won't tell anyone.

UPDATE 06-02-14

The wood, which were once the old balusters on our decking on the upper level, appears glossy but there is nothing on them. We just sanded them with 120 grit sandpaper using the belt sander.

The wood is secured using small headed screws. Behind the boards, I place 1/4 inch plywood to allow the screws to take a bite and hold the wood in place. The next set of boards will run horizontal to the window side of the bathroom next to the toilet.

SCORPION KILL #1

Found this little fella in between the glass mixing bowls in the cabinet. The first sighting up here in our new home.

He became scorpion soup after hot water was added. Forgot to add the garlic and noodles.

Where it came from is anyone's guess.

Will have to be on the lookout for more.

Life up here in the foothills.

END OF FIRE SEASON...

The wood stove's services are no longer required until October. One less daily chore I have to do for another six months, but there will be grass to mow, weeds to whack, and plants and trees to water. The cycle of life up here.





We now brace for the "other" fire season...



We hope there is not another Rim Fire like last year.

10...

No, not the Dudley Moore/Bo Derek flick...

213.8 minus 203.8 equals 10...

I finally made good on many a New Year's resolution.

Nothing fancy...no long walks or hikes or bike rides. On the weekdays, simple old-fashioned oatmeal and half a banana for breakfast, quinoa with chicken sausage and cooked vegetables like bell peppers, bok choy, zucchinis, yams and the like for lunch, and tuna, salmon burgers, or turkey breast sandwiches for dinner. Maybe an occasional burrito from Baja Fresh or Chipotle.

The renovations on our house have also contributed to the weight loss. Climbing ladders, carrying boards, moving furniture, sanding wood, digging dirt, chopping wood.

Of course, losing this weight during this time of year is very good. That means with summer soon approaching that means more outdoor activities camping, hiking and fishing.

My concern?

Metabolic syndrome.


It is time I start taking control of things I have control over.

I hope to shed more tonnage.

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL

My MIL, wife and me went to see the 3:45 p.m. showing of "Heaven Is for Real."

Someone had purchased the first 90 tickets to the showing and we just happened to be one of the 90 lucky ones!

I am not a religious person. Spiritual, yes.

After the movie was over, I realized I am in heaven. I have a wonderful wife and family and I have a wonderful home.

I cannot not ask for anymore than that.

Yes, on earth as it is in heaven.

APRIL SHOWERS BRING OUT MOWERS...

Ah, that time of year....





Again...