Hey guys, plumbing issue diagnosed and fixed. Leaky vent pipe. Somehow filled with water and one joint not glued properly. When they figured it out they drilled a hole in the bottom and about 3 gallons of water came gushing out. It was an abandoned vent tube from an earlier reno, so the plumber just cut it out and eliminated it. What a PITA it caused.

Pretty day here in KC. Went for a couple walks. This evening is the opening of the play the GS is in, we're going for opening night.

Thanks Marc it was a pleasure to do those projects for you and Lynn.

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Was busy the last two days. Didn't even open the computer up. Monday we got up early and headed north to take GGD back to her mother. That's a two hour drive. I figured from there it is maybe 10 minutes closer to KC than it is from home. But we headed east on I70 to install cabinets for number 1. So, in total, we were on the road for 8 hours. Stopped in Hays to drop off a care package to Leo, then again in Lawrence to drop off another to Ben (Leo's older brother), then finally to #1s house. After eating supper I crawled around on the floor and pulled baseboard off in prep for the cabinets. In the meantime, Rosie is putting our bags in the basement bedroom and find water dripping from one of the 'can lights' near the room and informs SIL (who had shoulder surgery on Monday and is hurting and in a sling). He grabs youngest GS and is in the basement cutting holes in the sheetrock trying to figure out where it's coming from. Finds the drain pipe from the upstairs right there. So comes up and is removing the fart-fan in the bathroom directly above to access the drain pipes. So I take over from GS and find the drain pipes from the master bedroom (on the second floor), but there's nothing wet there. They had just spent around $30k on a bathroom remodel 6 months ago and it appeared that when they used the second shower-head (it's a big walk-in shower with multiple heads and they hadn't really used the second head much, until his surgery), the leak increased. When we put in there new kitchen, 10 years ago, we encountered the drain pipes in the kitchen soffet (which we were doing away with) and I had to clearance the pantry cabinet and then built a 'box' to hide it. So we removed the box to access those pipes and I had to cut some more of the cabinet out to get a better look, but found nothing there either. So we decided to cut a hole in the sheetrock on the other side and I found the drain, but it appeared dry. So I cut a hole in the ceiling and found water dripping, not from the drain pipe, but from the wood plate next to the drain... WTF? So I stuck my hand up there and found insulation...SOAKED. I pushed it back and found another drain pipe...supposedly abandoned form the toilet they moved in the remodel. Well SIL called the contractor yesterday morning. We'll see how it turns out. This is the exact reason why I hate F@*king plumbing. They now have 5 holes in the sheetrock that will have to be fixed, because you have to chase the leak. It never drips from where it shows.

Yesterday morning we got everything cleaned out my way and I started measuring. I decided to do the 'easy' side first. Two hours in I still wasn't even close to having the first cabinet in, and thought, "This is not going to go well for me today." That first cabinet had to be shoehorned under the existing top and to make everything fit I had it in and out of there at least 6 times, carrying it out to the front yard to do the trimming each time. Finally had it fitting correctly. Then tried to install the one next to it, actually between it and an existing cabinet, and found it wouldn't fit. So I had to remove the first one, one more time to scribe it to the wall, taking 1/8" more off. Finally I got the first side done. So much for the easy side... It was nearly noon by then and I needed to go to Home Depot to pick up a HVAC register as the first cabinet on the 'hard' side covered the existing one up completely, and it's the only register in the room. So we decided to make the run to HD and grab a bit to eat. By the time we got back it was 1:30 and my optimism of finishing in one day was diminishing. But lessons learned on the 'easy' side helped with the installing the hard side. I only had to remove the first one twice and the second one went in pretty easy. By the time I had them all in and all the accessories it was 5:30. I was beat to a pulp. I was up and down off the floor 100+ times, crawled in and out of the cabinets nearly that many times and had 6000 steps, just between the office and the. front yard.

I took a shower and we headed over to see #3, as we hadn't seen her yet. When we got there, she had a chair that wouldn't recline (electric recline), so I 'flipped' (I say that as if it was an easy thing, it wasn't) it over and started looking at the wiring and found the loose wire running to the motor. I couldn't see any way to put it back together, so started to pull off the base so I could get to the motor. I got the motor pulled off and still couldn't see how to get to the wiring. She had already contacted the dealer and they were giving her the run around telling her she had to contact the manufacturer, and they told her to contact the dealer. The manufacturer finally agreed to sell her the new parts she needed...if they had them. She's going to contact them today. If she can get them before we head home, I'll go back and put them in for her, if not, I guess I'll do it when we return next month.

Today Rosie wants to go to a few stores. I'm not real excited about that as my upper back and neck hurt and are stiff. I think I've done 2 weeks worth of work in the last two days.

Morning guys....

Morning guys... GGD been keeping grandpa busy. She's at her daddys' house this weekend. We take her back on Monday. Once we drop her off, then we'll head the KC.



We've got things to do at both girls houses while we are there and get to go to GS #4s play that he is in. Be back home next weekend.

Hey guys, went over to the 'city' this morning, Rosie had a skin cancer check, "nothing to worry about". Ok, sets our minds at ease.

I'll work in the shop on a headboard for GS and wife.

What is it with people, that they think that kind of behavior is acceptable? I'm with Marc, carry your protection.

3 hours? Shoot that's what we have for any/everything. :-)

Nice Indian, Tommy, and "How'.

Hey guys, took the Caddy in for an alignment today. It got to the point where it was shaking pretty badly. Before our trip to Canada, I noticed some wear on the front tires, so had them rotated front to back and aligned. Then about a month ago I noticed a rumble again and figured the existing tire wear was raising its' ugly head. I was right.

Back a couple years when the 14 Cadillac got hailed out, we had just put new tires on it, so when the insurance totaled it, I pulled those new tires off and stored them away. They were 245/45/17s, the 19 Caddy has 245/40/18s. Thinking I would sell the 17s, but never did. I also had two of the original wheels from that Cadillac, as, if you remember, we had hit that huge pothole in KC and bent two. I saved those bent wheels (why I'm not sure, maybe intuition) and put them back on when we changed the tires for the insurance settlement. So had two good wheels along with the 4 tires. So when I figured out the tires were getting bad I thought, I can put those tires on, I just have to buy two more wheels, about $400. Or I can buy 4 new 18" tires for around $1100. The two wheels won out.

Today they changed out the two sets. Both back tires were bad, one had cords showing, the other badly worn on one side, both results from before the alignment in August. Both front tires looked pretty good and will probably keep them. I put all four 18s in the shed. When the 17s wear out, I'll probably consider buying 2 new 18" tires and putting the original wheels back on. I kind of like the looks of the 17" wheels on the Caddy and it rides a little better with the wider sidewall.

OK, that was an epic explanation for a simple fix.

Got my haircut today always feels good to have that done.

Hey guys, new month. Unlike most of you, I was okay with January... not sorry it's over, but it was pretty good for me. February hopes to be even better.

Yesterday, the high was 30, today they are predicting low 60s, the joys of living in SW Kansas.

Knights of Columbus are hosting local and district freethrow contest today, so I'll be headed up to the school here in a bit to prepare.

I finished up the range hood extension yesterday. Just waiting for the painting to be done, then I can install doors, drawer fronts and the range hood and be done with that one... I hope.

Hey guys, left pretty early to go get GGD yesterday. KanDrive showed roads clear until we got about 20 miles south of where we pick her up. Well, that wasn't exactly accurate. snow packed and icy until we got 20 miles south, then those roads were clear. When we got there I checked again and then it showed correctly. By the time we headed back, the roads had cleared up.

Today Rosie has a dental appointment, so GGD and I are buddies. When Rosie gets back we're going to head up to work on the kitchen project. I have crown moldng to put up and need an extra hand to help hold. GGD will have some things to play with.

Supposed to warm up into the mid 40s today, so melting should occur. Have a great day Gurus.

Morning guys... Cold here, -1 when we got up, says we are going to hit a high of low 20s. We'll take that.

Not much going on. We head north tomorrow morning to go pick up GGD. Been missing her.

Hey guys, yesterday I got as much done hanging cabinets as I could... have to wait on electrician before I can install two cabinets on the back side of the island. But we got the vanities installed, so we made great strides. Got home before the snow started.

Up this morning and there's about 5 inches of snow on the ground and luckily, the wind isn't blowing, just a light breeze. -5 when we got up, as climbed up to -1 when we went out to shovel the drive. I told Rosie, we've got no business going out when it is that cold, but I couldn't stop her, so I put my boots on and went out to help her. Snow still coming down, so will need to do it again.

Stay warm out there Gurus.

Hey guys, was up and around early today and headed out north of town to hang those kitchen cabinets finally.

For two old folks (Myself and Rosie) I think we did a pretty good job today.





With the weather moving in tomorrow morning (for us), we are going to try and get the island installed before it gets too bad and we have to head back to town.

Hey guys, was a decent day here today. Went over to the 'city' and picked up some essentials for the upcoming winter storm. Those low temps and 15mph winds would be welcomed here, they are saying single digits and negative digits with 30-40mph winds for us over the weekend with 1"-3" snow. A couple weeks ago when they predicted 1"-3" we got 10", so I guess we'll see what comes.

Hey guys, yup, pretty nice day here as well. But they are predicting nasty crap coming this weekend. Brutal Cold and Snow. Highs in the single digits and wind chills in the -15 to -20 range. Thinking we'll stay close to the house.

Installed the vanity at the rectory today for Father, he's tickled pink. Looks like I might be installing the kitchen cabinets I built before Christmas starting Thursday. That will be a couple days work.

hey guys, we are under that same influence as Marc, just not quite as cold, we were 10 when we got up and the wind blowing 20-35mph, so the walk to the Post Office was "brisk".

Not much on the agenda, just watching grand dogs as #2 and hubby are in Wichita for a family thing until tomorrow afternoon. Then we have Church at 4.

Stay warm, Gurus. Hope you are doing OK Gris.

Morning guys... Tommy, is that an invite to come visit? Supposed to be really windy today. hasn't started yet, but thinking it will.

Yeah Marc, it has changed dramatically. Although the main things stay the same, Shutter speed, Aperture and Film speed (now called ISO in digital) I have to wrap my mind around how it relates digitally. The nice thing is the instant feedback so you can make modifications. And how you can modify the ISO on the fly even between individual exposures.

Hey guys, another pretty day here. 62* as I write this. with light breezes (10-15mph). Bottom drops out tonight and tomorrow and then the wind starts blowing, they are saying we could see gusts to 60-65mph tomorrow. Nice day to stay home and inside.

All the snow has melted, which suits me fine. It did put a lot of moisture into the ground, again fine with me, we really needed it.

I'm really getting into photography again. It was a big part of my life back in my high school, college and early work-life, but then with my emerging carpentry/cabinetmaking business it took a backseat, then was basically ejected entirely. I kind of was re-introduced when Leo started running Cross Country, by his coach, who, when in high school was a photography student of mine. at his first meet 'John' was trying to coach and take some pictures at the same time and asked me to take a few shots for the newspaper and yearbook. That started the itch and I have been scratching it now for 5 years. I'm old school, and it took a bit to accept Digital. I still think in terms of film. But the last year or so I've been really learning. I now have 6 Nikon Camera bodies and 14 lenses. My next big step is start learning more about editing them. I'm cheap and don't want to purchase a subscription for the popular editing programs, such as PhotoShop or LightRoom, which are the programs that the Pros use. I know Letty is an expert with PhotoShop (I think that's what she uses) and could be a bit of a help, but I can't justify the cost when I'm just doing these photos for myself. I've downloaded and installed on my MacBook, "Darkroom", which is an open-source clone of LightRoom. Trying to learn how to manipulate RAW files.

I got to get back out to the shop and spray some finish.

Hey guys, been busy. Had about 10" of snow Friday. Thankfully it has warmed up enough to melt it all off by the end of today. Work in the shop keeps me busy.

Sweet news Tommy, not everyone has a Z06.

Hey guys, woke up to light snow starting to come down. By 8 it covered the deck and elevated surfaces. The forecast was for 1-3". By 10am we were out shoveling the drive...4" and snowing hard. By noon we were shoveling again another 4 to 5" but snow slowing down. 4:15 now and another 2" out on the drive and still snowing.

A birthday present, to myself, is supposed to be out for delivery (FedEx), but with the snow I'm not sure if it will make it today...doesn't matter birthday isn't until Monday.

Better get out there and scoop some snow. It's is warming a bit and starting to melt a little.

Only sold one more dozen before going to bed. So still have 7 to sell.

I'll work in the shop today on a bathroom vanity. Still waiting on the sheetrock to be done on the big kitchen job so I can finish that job.

Supposed to be in the mid to upper 60s today and tomorrow. Then over the weekend, winter returns, just it time for my birthday.

I trust everyone will have a great day.

Morning guys...

Hey guys, been a looooong day. Don't have the final count, but looks like we made around 230 dozen again. I'm trying to peddle the last 15 dozen we had unsold, I'm down to 8 left as I write this at 8:45pm.

Glad to hear you check in Mike. So sorry about your dog, but he's no longer in pain, it's hard to watch anything suffer.

Hoping to get those last 8 sold before I go to bed. Later Gurus.

Hey guys, this is beirocks (Runzas for my northern friends) weekend. Spent all day at the school preparing the mix for about 250 dozen that we will make tomorrow. I'm tired but glad that stage is over...tomorrow the big push.

It was chilly to start the day but warmed up into the low 60s by afternoon. Similar day forecasted for tomorrow.

Hey guys, Cold here too. Been working on my story for the week. Too cold to go out and spray, and that is something I need to do before anything else.

Supposed to warm up as the week continues. About 'average' temp tomorrow, then +10 the rest of the week. I'll take it.

Rosie has been taking Christmas down, I'll wait until it warms a bit before I go outside to take the lights down and bring the decorations in.

GGD is here and full of vim and vigor playing with all the new toys she received for Christmas.

Yesterday was beautiful. Today, not so much. woke up to snow, blowing wind and very cold. Just about to make the trip north to pick up GGD. We'll have her Christmas this evening when we get back...her daddy has to work all week, so this is the best time.

Later guys.

Hey guys, A good Christmas here, Christmas Eve. Yesterday helped Leo clean up his car and then he left to go see his GF. After he left I spent 5 hours cleaning the pickup. Today we washed Ben's CTS and #2s car and I worked in the shop for a while. Weather has been outstanding, in the 70s and 80s, but the tide is going to turn on Sunday.

I'm so glad everyone had a good Christmas.

Hey guys, another busy day. Helping Leo finish up Christmas presents for his GF and her siblings...nothing really fancy, just some things we cut on the CNC table.

GS#2 made it home. All the rest will be here tomorrow for church, then we'll do our Christmas. GGD will do hers for us sometime next week. We go back and pick her up on Sunday.

Made it to KC Friday night about 10pm. Didn't leave home until after 2:30 due to my scheduled massage. Stopped in Lawrence to drop off some things to GS#2 and took he and his GF out for supper. So late arrival in KC.

Yesterday met with #1 and family to do their Christmas and then back to #3s house.

I also dropped off my bicycle at the dealer to have its' one year free tuneup. I expressed my concerns about the brakes and was told that the brakes on it were not that great and they would replace the calipers under warranty. Dropped it off at 10am, by 2pm it was done and I picked it up. Was expecting to have to leave it until our next trip up here in January, but they busted butt to get it done so I could take it home with me. Highly recommend Trek bike shops, if they are all like the one here.

Go back this afternoon to #1s house for a short visit and back here for another visit with GDs. #3 has to work tomorrow so we'll head home and prep for Christmas with #2s family.

Travel safe if you are traveling over the Holidays.

Morning guys...

Morning guys.... I have some volunteer work to do at church this morning, then my massage and then headed to KC a stop in Lawrence to see GS #2, have supper and on to #3s house. Going to be a busy day.

Hey guys, got GGD returned to her mother. Wind was pretty horrible. Back home, I've been in the shop helping Leo on his table.

Clear and cool today, supposed to be warm, mid 60s, but breezy. Got my traveling lumber salesman coming this morning and church Christmas party tonight. Other than that, playing it by ear.

Hope you all have a great Wednesday.

Morning guys...

Hey guys, up and around and out the door by 8:30 this morning. Trying to reinforce some shelving with some really heavy files on them. Leo's home and he's helping me....thank God, this job would take at least twice as long without him.

had a Christmas party for a group Rosie is a board member for, last night. Prime rib... nuff said. Church party tomorrow evening. Take GGD back to her mom on Thursday. Headed to KC on Friday.....busy week.

Morning guys... Clear and cold this morning. GGD is not feeling well. Hacking and low grade fever. We have a Christmas party tonight, GGD will stay with Grandma Molly.

I have some work to do, may try to get that done today.

Hey guys, we were up pretty early, but headed to the 'city' to help GS#1 move some things...needed the pickup. Just got back.

Pretty chilly start, the sun came out, but not too warm, 33 and south wind blowing, so feels even colder. Low 50s tomorrow.

Hey guys, not sure where the week went, but it is Friday. HCF?



Got some stuff done in the shop this week. Got my ears lowered this morning too, should last into the new year.
I hope your test results turn out OK Gris, praying for you. Tommy with your money, just trade it in on a new Suburban. Matt, I think we all could go for some 'not summer' weather too. So, Marc, Cuz gets to reside in the trailer? He doesn't remind me of trailer-trash at all. hehehe. Letty, why won't they let you stay where you are?

Several Christmas parties next week.

Hey guys, left the house early to go out and finish assebling cabinets...got that done and came in to eat. headed back out there to install the drawers this afternoon. Doors not delivered yet.

All right got to go.

No snow here, but the GGD wants some so she can go make a snowman. Grandma and I not so much.

Morning guys...I'll not mention it either. Foggy, chilly but calm, 27 now headed to the upper 40s.

Finished painting the cabinet pieces yesterday, so will take them out today and start assembling them this week.

Hey guys, been a busy day. Brunch at the Sr. Center, then on the way home got the call from the Sherwin-Williams store, my special order catalyst came in, so I dropped Rosie and GGD off at home and headed over to the 'city' to pick that up so I could start spraying the rest of the cabinet parts. I hope to finish all that tomorrow. Next week I hope to start assembling those cabinets.

Blow those suckers out of the water. Tommy, both were plenty to look at, and both enhanced, one way or another.

Yea, thanks Marc

Hey guys, had visit with holistic doc today. Making some changes to my supplements. Says I need to lose about 15-20 lbs....yea, I knew that.

"Moonlight Madness" downtown tonight. Our bank is having a soup supper and most all businesses will be open. We'll visit most and make sure GGD gets to see Santa.

Morning guys... Cold and dreary today.. They say we might see some snow. I've got meeting today, church council and Knights of Columbus. Rosie has GGD at story hour and we go eat with the 'old folks' at noon.

Busy day.

Hey guys, GGD is keeping us busy. A little later we''ll take her up to one of the local banks to visit with 'Santa'. She's excited.

Hey guys, left here about 7:45 good thing as when we got about 50 miles north the road was snow packed and not fun to drive on. Still got there 15 minutes late. Got there and the back of the car was packed with snow. Came home by way of the major highways, they were pretty much clear. By the time we got home all the snow was melted off the car. Now it's just filthy dirty...Think maybe I'll run it through the automatic car wash.

Good to have GGD back.

Hey guys, everyone has gone back home. It's still a bit chilly, but the wind has been gone down.

Heading north in the morning to pick up GGD. Supposed to be cold and breezy.