If only I could explain to the critters that it's only 2 more weeks of chaos…

 

At least that is the projected timeline for the contractors to be here. They seem to be flying through the job. The roof is done and they are starting on the siding. After that it's the deck, indoor carpentry and shed. It's helped that the rain comes at night so it's not slowing them down much. The critters don't really care for all the work or the strangers presence.

The older cat hides all the time under my son's bed. The dog is jumpy and barks constantly. The younger cat is ready to run, but is okay as long as the contractors are outside. *lol* The animals are slowly adjusting to my nephew coming in and out. He works for the contractor, but since it's Gramma's house, he comes and goes as he pleases on breaks. I have to admit that the humans are ready to have the strangers gone as well. *lol*

On top of having people here, we have run the roads for the last 3 out of 4 days which hasn't been exactly fun either. We have one more day of running, then we are home until Sunday.

Two more weeks, two more weeks, two more weeks…

So the plumber returns my call at 10:30 a.m. this morning.

This is the call I made 2 weeks ago to him. *lol* I tell him a couple things on the list to which he replies, "I"ll be there in 15 minutes." Oh great. I quickly get dressed. I went to bed at 5:30 am so I was still asleep when the phone rang. His 15 was more like 45. Oh well, I was plenty wide awake by the time he showed up. *lol*

He looked over the things we had for him and said, "I can do this right now. Probably the water heater today too." He heads out to the truck to get some tools. At this point, we have no fixtures in our shower. We have a new hole in our kitchen wall above the former access to the tub fixtures. *lol*

He's at lunch and will be back later. I have most of the "homework" he gave me completed. Unfortunately, I can't find the tubing for the ice maker. I did find the valves. Oh well, if he puts in the valve in the water pipe, I can do the tubing later.

Two big things happened yesterday.

First, the contractor came by yesterday before the storm to discuss plans for:

~new siding
~new roof
~stairs (new in basement; more headroom going up to the 2nd floor)
~decks (new in back wrapping around and connecting to side)
~new front door
~last 3 new windows
~garage (decided to only put a new utility door on and rebuild it in a year)

We should have an estimate and some sketches in the next couple of weeks.  If the weather cooperates, we may have a crew working on the house in May or June.  Yay!  Mom is super excited.  This is why she retired :D

The second big thing is I finally called the plumber.  We have all the parts we want installed.  We didn't want to pay his prices for parts, and we wanted a specific design. The plumber will:

~fix a tub leak which means I don't have to shut the water off when not in use
~install new shower fixtures
~install line for ice maker
~install a new hot water heater
~hook the humidifier directly to the sink drain so I no longer have to put it on the sink to drain into the sink. 
~investigate possible gas leak (I think it's coming from an outside source--old gas station--and if I'm right I need to call the guy who checks in yearly on this)

Oh, and last week mom finally ordered new curtains for the living room and found rods a few days later.  It's only been 3 years since the new windows were installed.  I guess it's time.  *lol*

So after scrubbing the shower curtain rod.....

the dang thing won't hold up anymore. I managed to make it work for a couple days. Luckily, we all were able to shower before it fell. Today, picked up a new one. Boy! The prices on those have gone up. We did buy the more expensive one at Wal~Mart, but it looks to be a better quality and it's definitely prettier.

I was a tad shocked when mom mentioned she was thinking about putting shower doors back. We had them, but she took them out immediately because she hates them. The room is so small that they really made it feel smaller. I was glancing at some today and they look better than what I remember. It appears that we can get some unfrosted ones that will let in as much light as possible. Currently, we use a clear shower curtain to open it up look wise and let light in the shower. It looks like a $60-80 purchase if we go with that. If we go this route I'm hoping we could just add the doors and not have to remove the old rails. I know it won't be the same look, but maybe we could get something that would work. I'll be doing it so I want as simple as possible :)

I think I'm in love with my electrician

Half of the house lost power this afternoon. This wasn't flickering on and off like it's been, but outright dead. Weird. No breakers flipped. I called and rambled on to the poor assistant. That's what happens when I'm awakened rudely by someone yelling and knocking on my bedroom door. He said he'd call the boss and get back to me.

I handed mom my cell and jumped into the shower leaving the door cracked for some light. PTL for a gas water heater Told mom to shut the door if anyone came and warn my boy. About 2 minutes after I was out and dressed (hair not combed out yet), they showed up. Within 20 minutes or so, the power was completely working again.

It's the stupid, ancient city lines that are goofing up. We have 4 lines coming to the house and 1 is frayed. (No fire danger) When they bounce in the wind, power flickers. He's going to really get on the city's case about replacing their lines to our house. The city will hem and haw because they are putting them underground in the near future. Yeah, near future as in sometime in the next 10-20 years. BAH!

We've had the electrician out 3 times in the last 2 months. I am sick of losing power. What if next time it's the furnace that goes out in the middle of the night or on the weekend. No electricity means no blower which means no heat even though we have gas. No thank you bud!

Yep, I am in love with my electrician. He and his crew are WONDERFUL for coming out and dealing with things straight away. We even made to the big city early for a quick dinner before Wed. evening class.

I inventoried the freezers (yesterday).

I can't recall how long ago it was done. I finally threw out some old frozen veggies from Sam's that we simply never would eat. I also tossed out some frozen biscuits from Schwan's. I now have room for the 4 turkeys I've bought this week. I am picking up 2 more on Wed. and probably Sat. Wal~Mart's limit is 2 per visit. I figure that I can get 2 more in the basement freezer and then 2 in the fridge freezers up here. I might buy 2 more on Sunday if I can rearrange the fridge freezers.

Turkey is a winter food here. It's so easy to get several meals out of it.

Busy day

I've been digging through the basement working on rearranging things. I have the cold storage room re-organized (as much as it gets anyway). I tossed some pantry items that were stored in the basement and put away a few items. I moved the old basement stairs door out of the way so I could begin work on the steps. I need to get rid of the dumb door. We have screws coming loose on the steps so I need to get a clear workspace and rip off carpet. They stairs are safe as the screws are 1 or 2 ways the steps are held on. Hopefully, next spring/summer, we will get a carpenter in to build new ones. For now, I play maintenance man. :D

I did 3 loads of laundry and cleaned off most of the washer and detergent shelf.

I fixed my computer desk which involved sorting bits and pieces of tools which lead to rearranging some of that stuff.

My kitchen is clean as well, including the stove top and counters which get forgotten since we bought the dishwasher.

I did the checkbook and even viewed a spending report from the bank. I didn't even know that was there until today. It was slightly depressing and encouraging at the same time. *lol*

I posted a couple of books on PBS and ordered two so that was a wash. I actually do have a few more books to list so maybe that will be better. On average, I send out 2 books a week so I'm pretty happy.

I sorted papers on my desk which is actually what made me finally fix it.

I cleaned my purse out and will probably switch to a brand new one later. When I bought the one I am using now, I bought a second one that I liked. It usually takes me months to find a new purse so when I found 2 inexpensive ones, I snagged them both. Mom understood, but my son thought I was nuts. Men! What do they know about IMPORTANT stuff. *roflol*

I've made about 30 round trips on the stairs so who knows what I will be able to do tomorrow. I am hoping to mulch & bag some leaves for my sister. She's not getting all of them, but I will do a couple/three bags.

I still need to get the recycling uptown and get some boxes burned.

Hodge Podge about Windows

We installed Marvin Infinity Windows. Out of 11 windows, we had 4 double hung and the rest are all awning. We now have 3 windows upstairs which can be easily exited in an emergency. We easy if you don't mind a bit of drop :)

The front door, Mastercraft, was purchased from Menards and the back door from a Geroy's Building Center in Roseau. No clue on that brand.

I am not linking Geroy's, because I don't recommend them unless you have no choice. They were extremely rude to Mom when she went to pick out the door. He barely spoke to her and tried to get the installer to pick out the door. I told Mom she should have waved her checkbook in front of him to remind him exactly whose money was being spent! I hate it when people assume a woman is too dumb to make a purchase like this. GAH!!!!

I should say that the gentleman at Menards was WONDERFUL when he helped us find the front door and storm. He listened and didn't treat us like dumb broads. He was courteous and quick. He gave helpful recommendations after we told him our needs and thoughts. Overall, I have been very happy with the staff at our local Menards in Grand Forks. I have never been treated poorly or left wondering why I bothered spending money there.

Last weekend we warmed up to over 40°. Snow was melting every where we looked. It was so nice and pleasant to be out and about. The start of the week was pretty warm, but we've been slowly dropping. I believe we've been in the mid-teens the last few days. No sub zero temps which is nice :)

Even though we've had some warmer weather this past week, I can tell a BIG difference in the house temps. I am no longer wearing 2 or 3 layers of clothing just to sit at the computer. I've done this since late October. No longer do I have 2 quilts on my bed. I have been able to sleep in short sleeves instead of 2 layers of clothing. YAY!!!! We have not turned the heat up. It is still set at 65°. There are times when I think about turning it down further.

I am definitely happy with the new windows.

Tues work on the house: lots of pictures

All these pictures were taken Tuesday evening.

Cutting away the wall for the new back door. They ended up going through 7 layers before they hit the outside.


Inside trim for one of the living room windows.


This is where my dogs spent the ENTIRE day. Hiding from the big bad saw that was cutting through the wall.


New back door, taken from the middle of the basement stairs. The door opens outward. We will have a deck built this summer. Now I can go downstairs during the day without turning a light switch on. It also lets light in at night so we can see and not stub out toes on the table.


Another view; this time from the kitchen


Callie was a tad bit scared to approach the new doorway. She has not appreciated having people in the house. She doesn't like strangers and likes the noise levels even less :)



Trim installed on the new front door.


Trim installed in teens room. Yes, we let him paint it black. He has camo sheets. I am hoping to finish painting his room this summer. We have trim to finish. He's still deciding on colors.


Overview of the messy living room after the trim is installed.

Overview of the messy kitchen after the trim is installed.


Mom's vanity area after trim was installed. They couldn't measure this window properly so they underestimated it's size. They had to enlarge the opening. Same thing with another window on the opposite side. The vanity area was cut down rather than hide the new window trim.


They finished the work on Wednesday, but I haven't taken any new pictures. I have been dealing with a nasty allergy attack. I don't handle dust very well and by Tuesday night, I was completely miserable. I've gone through 3 Kleenex boxes by myself and I look liked like Rudolph. I am taking Claritin-D and Benadryl to knock this junk out. Mom kicked me out of the house on Thursday so I could get some fresh air...non-dust filled air.

Latest update on windows/doors

All the windows are installed. One door is installed. The guys are going to work at their shop on Monday cutting all the trim boards. On Tuesday, they will be back to install that and the new back door.

Here are a couple of pictures of the new front door.

Inside:



Outside:


Here is a picture of the back of the house and the last big project to be done. Click on the picture to read all my scribblings :)



I can say without a shadow of a doubt that the cats and dogs are happy to have had a day of peace and quiet. Having strangers in the house is not something they enjoy. *lol*

Update on Garage Door

WOO HOO!!!!

We had to leave while the guys were working so we have no idea if it's able to open. Their prediction was that it would. They won't be back until Tuesday so I'll find out then unless I call on Monday.

Does this look like a good morning?

This happen when I was leaving for the Post Office and grocery store this morning. They guys doing the windows think they can fix it and possibly make it operable again. At this point, I just want it to close. The other door doesn't open and we have a ton of stuff stored there. I just want to keep it dry at this point.

New windows

I'll start with a few pictures of the house and yard that I took in November 2004.


Front of the house which faces East.


South side of house. This is the door we use all the time.


North and East (back) sides of house


Mom ordered the new windows and doors last Sept. We picked up the new front door and storm around the same time. The guys just started the installation today. We are having 11 windows replaced, one door replaced and one new door installed to the back yard.

Guy #1 called New Year's night to say they would be here around 10am. Okay, I'm a night owl and I spend most nights studying all night or reading and watching TV. I don't do mornings! I went to bed reasonably early (2:30) so I would be awake and functioning when they arrived. I made it up around 9:30, hopped into the shower and waited and waited and waited.

Guess what time they arrived? It was 12:10pm when they drove up and said they were in town. They said they got a late start (DUH!) and were going for a quick lunch before started working. They were back by 1pm. They did 3 windows of the 11 today and were wrapped up by 4:45. They said they would be back around 9am tomorrow. We shall see.

I wouldn't have minded them being late, if they had called. I could have slept an extra hour :)

Here are some pics of the windows so far.


These are the two living room windows. They are the biggest ones we are replacing this go around. This next picture is new window #1 to the front of the house. Lots of hot sun so a nice new energy efficient window will be a blessing.


New window #2 is on the north side.


New window #3 is on the north side of my bedroom.


The next new window will be on the East side of my bedroom. I put it on here to give an idea of why we HAVE to replace these nasty things. Dumb things let in every ounce of cold. With -20° temps in January (not yet), we need good windows.


This next picture shows where a totally new back door will be installed. I ain't cleaning it out until they start working on it. I have a place for everything, but the cat box.

This will be on the east side of the house which has lots of trees and will be nice for sitting on the deck and grilling. We can't use our current deck much as it's on the south side and receives full sun in the summer.


This is our side door (south facing) which will be our front door once it's replaced. We actually have a front door, but it's going bye-bye when we get new siding this summer. We don't use it and would rather have a window there for an a/c.


I am looking forward to this project being finished. They estimate it will be done on Friday. I'll believe it when it happens. I'm glad that I am not the one going up the ladder tomorrow. Brrrr!!!!!!


P.S.
Linda, I am still looking for some good pics of the kid. He hates to be photographed so I may have to take a couple just to have something to post :)