A little rain ...
Call it Murphy's Law or 'a little rain must fall on my parade' ... so it finally happened here.
Our remodel project was going so well with only a day or so of work to be done and our township building inspector stopped by and paid a visit. What or who prompted him to come over will surely remain a mystery but one wonders. He arrogantly told the plumber, who was finishing up the work on replacing the kitchen sink, to stop work as there wasn't proper building permit and all work must cease. I was upstairs at the time and by the time I got downstairs the inspector was walking out. He introduced himself, handed me his card and headed out the door. I told him we did have an electrical permit and that was all I was told I needed before starting the project. Apparently not according to him. Sure glad we hadn't planned Thanksgiving dinner here.
Without any appliances or operable sinks it would have been a little awkward.
So our parade was rained on a little and we'll have to stay in the motel a little longer. No big deal I guess ... just damn inconvenient.
On a better and more cheerful note...
We sincerely wish all of those who read this blog a safe and restful Thanksgiving Holiday and, as our saga continues, stop back in on occasion and get caught up on our journey through retirement.
Still livin' the dream
Phil & Sharon
Monday, November 24, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Another wonderful day ...
The alarm clock goes off at 6:15 and I prepare myself for another day of "Extreme Makeover" ... Phil & Sharon Edition. Shuffling around in the dark at the motel (don't want to disturb Sharon), I find all the stuff I need for the days work. I've convinced myself that I'm the head dude at the job site (my house) even though all the sub-contractors know better. My main mission in the morning is to get the right mix of donuts and coffee for the crew. Taking one of Sharon's traits to heart, I try to grease the work effort skids with donuts and coffee (you know . . . man stuff) to get the best from the hired help; not with the sissy hand lotion and moisturizer she gives out. Unfortunately the workers see it as another opportunity to take a break ... and I wonder why the job isn't on schedule.
Anyway, I'm at the house before 8:00 making sure that I set the example to the crew that is supposed to also be here at that same time. So religiously they show up an hour or so later, yawning and wondering why the coffee is cold and the donuts dried out. Gee if I only had another project to work on maybe I'd get this right.
So the inside crew with a donut in one hand and a coffee in the other stand at the window looking at the outside crew who are enjoying the 17 degree temperature this morning. Luckily I remembered to lock the door.
Today was interior paint again, outside soffits, and tub surround. The guy doing the bath brought his two little girls maybe knowing that Sharon would be here as a ready kid schmoozer. But as luck would have it I was minding the ship today and would somehow assume the role as sitter in chief. The five year old is as bubbly, talkative, and outgoing girl much like a young Shirley Temple. Mannerisms and singing ability that most kids would only dream of having and quite able to wrap me around anyone of her tiny fingers. Her older sister is such a beauty as well. Maybe a little less outgoing but when the two tag-teamed me I was putty in their little hands. Changing TV channels, coloring supplies, and games... what ever they wanted. I was the typical old fool and enjoyed it all. So while their dad complete the tile work in the bath I played with his kids. Everyone won today.
So another work day has passed and it looks like were coming to the end. Maybe a couple more days and it will finally be done. Tomorrow thankfully, we all have the day off but come Monday look out. Plumbers, painters, electricians, aluminum hangers, floor finishers and carpet layers will all return for the last push. I don't think they'll make it but their really trying anyway.
Still livin' the dream
Phil
The alarm clock goes off at 6:15 and I prepare myself for another day of "Extreme Makeover" ... Phil & Sharon Edition. Shuffling around in the dark at the motel (don't want to disturb Sharon), I find all the stuff I need for the days work. I've convinced myself that I'm the head dude at the job site (my house) even though all the sub-contractors know better. My main mission in the morning is to get the right mix of donuts and coffee for the crew. Taking one of Sharon's traits to heart, I try to grease the work effort skids with donuts and coffee (you know . . . man stuff) to get the best from the hired help; not with the sissy hand lotion and moisturizer she gives out. Unfortunately the workers see it as another opportunity to take a break ... and I wonder why the job isn't on schedule.
Anyway, I'm at the house before 8:00 making sure that I set the example to the crew that is supposed to also be here at that same time. So religiously they show up an hour or so later, yawning and wondering why the coffee is cold and the donuts dried out. Gee if I only had another project to work on maybe I'd get this right.
So the inside crew with a donut in one hand and a coffee in the other stand at the window looking at the outside crew who are enjoying the 17 degree temperature this morning. Luckily I remembered to lock the door.
Today was interior paint again, outside soffits, and tub surround. The guy doing the bath brought his two little girls maybe knowing that Sharon would be here as a ready kid schmoozer. But as luck would have it I was minding the ship today and would somehow assume the role as sitter in chief. The five year old is as bubbly, talkative, and outgoing girl much like a young Shirley Temple. Mannerisms and singing ability that most kids would only dream of having and quite able to wrap me around anyone of her tiny fingers. Her older sister is such a beauty as well. Maybe a little less outgoing but when the two tag-teamed me I was putty in their little hands. Changing TV channels, coloring supplies, and games... what ever they wanted. I was the typical old fool and enjoyed it all. So while their dad complete the tile work in the bath I played with his kids. Everyone won today.
So another work day has passed and it looks like were coming to the end. Maybe a couple more days and it will finally be done. Tomorrow thankfully, we all have the day off but come Monday look out. Plumbers, painters, electricians, aluminum hangers, floor finishers and carpet layers will all return for the last push. I don't think they'll make it but their really trying anyway.
Still livin' the dream
Phil
Friday, November 21, 2008
Moving along ...
As our remodeling progresses the days seem to get longer and longer. The project is nearing its end, and the pressure to get everything completed is escalating. The old saying 'The Devil is in the Details' couldn't be more accurate as it's the little things that seem to cause the most problems. I'm sequestered in my office on the second floor trying to stay out of every ones way but the urge to poke my nose into project overwhelms me at times. A questionable tactic at best and I wondered to myself will I ultimately suffer some consequence. Sort of like complaining to the waitress that your steak wasn't cooked enough and wondering if the cook later spits on your plate when no one is watching. Oops... way too cynical ..maybe I better put my rose colored glasses on and continue napping.
Anyway ... our new floors are in with only a final coat of finish remaining, the cabinets are almost complete, the master bath should be complete today as will be the final touches to the electrical systems. The plumbers are also supposed to be here today joining the painters who are hard at work as I write this. The new counter tops are here but need a little tweaking for fit and the new kitchen sink should be installed today. Plus 5 guys just appeared to put on the new aluminum eaves and soffits. And did I mention the three guys cleaning the lawn? Why today? Since Since my tractor went on the fritz about three weeks ago, the oak and maple leaves have piled up to about 10 inches and then topped with a fresh 2 inch coat of snow, there was no way I could personally rake it all up before spring. So ... I hired a crew (didn't check for 'green cards') to do the job. Whew... tires me out just thinking if I had to do all of this.
As our remodeling progresses the days seem to get longer and longer. The project is nearing its end, and the pressure to get everything completed is escalating. The old saying 'The Devil is in the Details' couldn't be more accurate as it's the little things that seem to cause the most problems. I'm sequestered in my office on the second floor trying to stay out of every ones way but the urge to poke my nose into project overwhelms me at times. A questionable tactic at best and I wondered to myself will I ultimately suffer some consequence. Sort of like complaining to the waitress that your steak wasn't cooked enough and wondering if the cook later spits on your plate when no one is watching. Oops... way too cynical ..maybe I better put my rose colored glasses on and continue napping.
Anyway ... our new floors are in with only a final coat of finish remaining, the cabinets are almost complete, the master bath should be complete today as will be the final touches to the electrical systems. The plumbers are also supposed to be here today joining the painters who are hard at work as I write this. The new counter tops are here but need a little tweaking for fit and the new kitchen sink should be installed today. Plus 5 guys just appeared to put on the new aluminum eaves and soffits. And did I mention the three guys cleaning the lawn? Why today? Since Since my tractor went on the fritz about three weeks ago, the oak and maple leaves have piled up to about 10 inches and then topped with a fresh 2 inch coat of snow, there was no way I could personally rake it all up before spring. So ... I hired a crew (didn't check for 'green cards') to do the job. Whew... tires me out just thinking if I had to do all of this. 
Sharon and the Sherwin Williams paint lady did a great job picking out our new colors for the remodel. Quite a change from the mostly white decor of the past. Hope I don't come home some evening after a few drinks and think I've entered the wrong house. Regardless it's a welcome change and she finally will have a new kitchen with enough counter space and cabinets storage.
So before Thanksgiving they should be about 99% done with only a little odds and ends to complete. The light is beginning to brighten at the end of the tunnel.
Still livin' the dream ...
Phil & Sharon
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Catching up ...
It's been a long few months with many speed-bumps along the way so I thought I'd bring everyone up to speed.
As we left you in September, we pulled the rig out of camp in South Haven Michigan. The party was over and we finally had to face the music and return home to repair all the water damage we had incurred last July. Leaving our new friends and comfortable surroundings was difficult but the park was soon closing for the season; but it was still a little sad. The bright note is that we have reserved the same spot for next summer so it's something to look forward to.
The short 3 hour trip was uneventful and arriving home to the mess we left was a little bittersweet. We unloaded the coach and began planning our next steps. I would be taking the coach back into the shop for some paint touch up and some new shocks. I thought it wasn't handling quite as it should with a little too much road feedback into the steering wheel. As it turned out they put all new Bilsteins gas shocks on and what a difference it made. It felt, I suppose, like a new coach now. The unfortunate part was that I was test driving the new shocks on a rig headed for winter storage. The remodeling will take us into December so our November departure date was out the window. If there is any money left after the new kitchen and two new bathrooms, we might be able to drive it around the storage barn a couple of times. We did strike a deal with the storage people to put the rig right next to the exit door so if we can stay under budget or the 'ship' (A.K.A. lottery) comes in, we can head to warmer climes. It stills hurts to see all the rigs heading south these past few weeks but the good thing is we will have made some much needed repairs and we'll get to be home with our families for the holidays.
We're about 40% through our remodel with the completion of the new hardwood floors tomorrow. We've had them in previous homes and missed them so this was great time to do it.
The master bath will be gutted tomorrow leaving us with no bathroom facilities in the house. The main floor half bath was gutted last week. Slowly they have pushed us into the only two rooms left in the house that will not have anything done to them, but losing the master bath was the last straw. So ... we're headed to a motel for several days so at least we can take a shower and sit in a real chair rather than a camp chair. However all the inconvenience will soon pass and we'll return to a new house, forgetting all the mess and the constant stream of plumbers, carpenters, electricians and painters that flow in and out of our house these days.
On another subject....
I'd like to get some dialog started with those of you who might read this blog on some of the travels you've made (or are planning to make). Looking at the world map on the right of your screen, many of your are scattered around the globe and are seeing and doing things that many of us have only dreamed of. Our readers are from as far away as Australia, India, Chile, Finland, and even Chicago. I know some of you have visited such exotic places as Fiji and China and have even worked on Russian icebreakers in the Arctic Ocean. So lets hear your stories and see your pictures. You can remain anonymous if you wish and I can only imagine what great stories many of you have to share. So add a comment below or drop me a line and I we will figure out a way to pass your stories and pictures along to others.
Still livin' the dream and hoping to hear about yours.
Phil & Sharon
It's been a long few months with many speed-bumps along the way so I thought I'd bring everyone up to speed.
As we left you in September, we pulled the rig out of camp in South Haven Michigan. The party was over and we finally had to face the music and return home to repair all the water damage we had incurred last July. Leaving our new friends and comfortable surroundings was difficult but the park was soon closing for the season; but it was still a little sad. The bright note is that we have reserved the same spot for next summer so it's something to look forward to.
The short 3 hour trip was uneventful and arriving home to the mess we left was a little bittersweet. We unloaded the coach and began planning our next steps. I would be taking the coach back into the shop for some paint touch up and some new shocks. I thought it wasn't handling quite as it should with a little too much road feedback into the steering wheel. As it turned out they put all new Bilsteins gas shocks on and what a difference it made. It felt, I suppose, like a new coach now. The unfortunate part was that I was test driving the new shocks on a rig headed for winter storage. The remodeling will take us into December so our November departure date was out the window. If there is any money left after the new kitchen and two new bathrooms, we might be able to drive it around the storage barn a couple of times. We did strike a deal with the storage people to put the rig right next to the exit door so if we can stay under budget or the 'ship' (A.K.A. lottery) comes in, we can head to warmer climes. It stills hurts to see all the rigs heading south these past few weeks but the good thing is we will have made some much needed repairs and we'll get to be home with our families for the holidays.
We're about 40% through our remodel with the completion of the new hardwood floors tomorrow. We've had them in previous homes and missed them so this was great time to do it.
The master bath will be gutted tomorrow leaving us with no bathroom facilities in the house. The main floor half bath was gutted last week. Slowly they have pushed us into the only two rooms left in the house that will not have anything done to them, but losing the master bath was the last straw. So ... we're headed to a motel for several days so at least we can take a shower and sit in a real chair rather than a camp chair. However all the inconvenience will soon pass and we'll return to a new house, forgetting all the mess and the constant stream of plumbers, carpenters, electricians and painters that flow in and out of our house these days.
On another subject....
I'd like to get some dialog started with those of you who might read this blog on some of the travels you've made (or are planning to make). Looking at the world map on the right of your screen, many of your are scattered around the globe and are seeing and doing things that many of us have only dreamed of. Our readers are from as far away as Australia, India, Chile, Finland, and even Chicago. I know some of you have visited such exotic places as Fiji and China and have even worked on Russian icebreakers in the Arctic Ocean. So lets hear your stories and see your pictures. You can remain anonymous if you wish and I can only imagine what great stories many of you have to share. So add a comment below or drop me a line and I we will figure out a way to pass your stories and pictures along to others.
Still livin' the dream and hoping to hear about yours.
Phil & Sharon
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