We got up about 8:30. After pet stuff and breakfast we went to the apartment. John and Melissa had a laundry list of things for me to buy. So I got in the truck and headed for Lowe's.
I managed to find all of the things that they wanted ate Lowe's except two pieces that they needed to finish the water filter faucet. I should have bought a washer to fabricate one, but like an idiot lI forgot to.
I took the rest of the stuff home. They couldn't do much without the washer, so I left for Dripping Springs shortly. When I got back, I modified the washer. Then I freed up a stuck nut that was keeping them from installing the faucet. After that they managed to get it installed. They also put all of the kitchen stuff back together.
Between my shopping and the work on installing the sink, faucets, and drains no flooring got done today. The good news is that the shower door works well. The kitchen counter is complete except for the filter faucet, which needs the parts I couldn't find. When it is done the kitchen remodel will be done and we can start on the floor. The kitchen looks really nice.
While they were working on finishing the sink, I put together the microwave cart that came today. It looks great, and fits the microwave and toaster oven perfectly.
We called it quits after that. Dinner was "finish off all of the leftover dishes that are in the refrigerator". We were pretty successful.
After dinner was talking, football, and some movies (Jurassic Park). They really like how things look on the new TV.
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Saturday, December 30, 2017
Day 808
We didn't get an early start. It was after 9 by the time we had done pet stuff and had breakfast. Then we went to the apartment. I finished installing the shower door. It came out nice if I say so myself.
When we got to the apartment John and Melissa were just finishing up positioning the kitchen cabinets. They attached the cabinets to the wall, and then John and I put the counter top on. It fit perfectly. Then they attached it to the cabinets.
I was still working on the shower door while this was going on. I finished as John started cutting the hole for the sink. He was hampered by not being able to use the jig saw on the back of the cut. It also had to be done with great precision. He ended up trying to use his multi-tool to do the back. It didn't work well because the blade was dull.
At that point it was after noon and sunny and warm. We called a halt and took the dogs with us to lunch. After lunch we went to Zilker. Most of the park is still blocked off for the light show. We walked through the part that was open and then went across the bridge. The dogs had a good time.
On the way back we stopped at Trader's Joe's. Then we parted ways. They went to Costco and we went to Home Depot. We bought a new blade for the multi-tool and a shelf for the bathroom (Melissa said she really needed one).
When we got home I installed the shelf. John used the new blade to finish cutting the sink hole. The sink fits perfectly.
After that we had dinner - sandwiches made from left overs. Then we watched football.
When we got to the apartment John and Melissa were just finishing up positioning the kitchen cabinets. They attached the cabinets to the wall, and then John and I put the counter top on. It fit perfectly. Then they attached it to the cabinets.
I was still working on the shower door while this was going on. I finished as John started cutting the hole for the sink. He was hampered by not being able to use the jig saw on the back of the cut. It also had to be done with great precision. He ended up trying to use his multi-tool to do the back. It didn't work well because the blade was dull.
At that point it was after noon and sunny and warm. We called a halt and took the dogs with us to lunch. After lunch we went to Zilker. Most of the park is still blocked off for the light show. We walked through the part that was open and then went across the bridge. The dogs had a good time.
On the way back we stopped at Trader's Joe's. Then we parted ways. They went to Costco and we went to Home Depot. We bought a new blade for the multi-tool and a shelf for the bathroom (Melissa said she really needed one).
When we got home I installed the shelf. John used the new blade to finish cutting the sink hole. The sink fits perfectly.
After that we had dinner - sandwiches made from left overs. Then we watched football.
Friday, December 29, 2017
Day 807
We woke up at 7:30 this morning, but we didn't get up until 8:30. After pet stuff and breakfast we went to the apartment. John and Melissa weren't there - they went to HEB. I marked the center line for putting up the other shower frame rail. Then I remembered that I needed to go buy some paneling for the kitchen. John and Melissa came home just as I was leaving.
When I got back John, Melissa, and Ellen started putting up the paneling. I got the frame rail ready. Then John helped me get it attached. When we were done it was obvious that we needed something to fill in the gap at the bottom. I retrieved the old frame bottom. I cleaned it all up and cut it so we could use it with the new frame.
While I was doing that the others finished up the paneling. Then it was time for lunch.
After lunch it was pretty much a one man show. We stood around while John measured for the new counter top and cut it. Then we placed the cabinets back. That's when we discovered that the new paneling meant they didn't fit. John had to cut some of it out. After that everything fit perfectly.
By then it was after 5. So we left it at that. Tomorrow John and Melissa have to make a mod to the cabinets and then it will be time to put the counter on. Then it will be time to put in the new sink. At the same time I'll probably work on completing the shower door.
The evening was a lot more talking and some TV. Melissa went home early and John and I fell asleep watching TV.
When I got back John, Melissa, and Ellen started putting up the paneling. I got the frame rail ready. Then John helped me get it attached. When we were done it was obvious that we needed something to fill in the gap at the bottom. I retrieved the old frame bottom. I cleaned it all up and cut it so we could use it with the new frame.
While I was doing that the others finished up the paneling. Then it was time for lunch.
After lunch it was pretty much a one man show. We stood around while John measured for the new counter top and cut it. Then we placed the cabinets back. That's when we discovered that the new paneling meant they didn't fit. John had to cut some of it out. After that everything fit perfectly.
By then it was after 5. So we left it at that. Tomorrow John and Melissa have to make a mod to the cabinets and then it will be time to put the counter on. Then it will be time to put in the new sink. At the same time I'll probably work on completing the shower door.
The evening was a lot more talking and some TV. Melissa went home early and John and I fell asleep watching TV.
Thursday, December 28, 2017
Day 806
We slept in a little today. We didn't here Daniel leave at 5. We got up a little after 8 and did the pet stuff and breakfast. After breakfast we went over to the apartment.
John and Melissa were hard at work pulling apart the kitchen cabinets. We did a little planning, and then Ellen, Melissa, and I went on a shopping trip.
We stopped at Lowe's and bought a kitchen faucet and a counter top. We also bought a few miscellaneous items. Then we went to Home Depot and bought a kitchen sink, some backing board, and a shower door. The next stop was Bed, Bath, and Beyond for a microwave cart. We didn't like it so we didn't buy it. The last stop was the post office.
When we got home we had a really late lunch and then went to work. Ellen and Melissa started attaching the backer board with John's help. I removed the old shower door frame and started installing the new one. John came in to help. It turned out to be somewhat of a pain to install the frame in a way that would cover the old installation's holes. The confusing instructions didn't help.
Everyone quit at 5:45. John and I have half the frame installed. Ellen and Melissa have the backer installed. We all decided that the toilet needs replacing - mission creep.
The evening was a good dinner (Mahi-Mahi burgers) and a couple of hours of conversation. Then John and I watched Michigan State destroy Washington State.
John and Melissa were hard at work pulling apart the kitchen cabinets. We did a little planning, and then Ellen, Melissa, and I went on a shopping trip.
We stopped at Lowe's and bought a kitchen faucet and a counter top. We also bought a few miscellaneous items. Then we went to Home Depot and bought a kitchen sink, some backing board, and a shower door. The next stop was Bed, Bath, and Beyond for a microwave cart. We didn't like it so we didn't buy it. The last stop was the post office.
When we got home we had a really late lunch and then went to work. Ellen and Melissa started attaching the backer board with John's help. I removed the old shower door frame and started installing the new one. John came in to help. It turned out to be somewhat of a pain to install the frame in a way that would cover the old installation's holes. The confusing instructions didn't help.
Everyone quit at 5:45. John and I have half the frame installed. Ellen and Melissa have the backer installed. We all decided that the toilet needs replacing - mission creep.
The evening was a good dinner (Mahi-Mahi burgers) and a couple of hours of conversation. Then John and I watched Michigan State destroy Washington State.
Day 805
We kind of slept in today. I'm not sure exactly how long. It was pet stuff and breakfast when we got up. After awhile John and Melissa showed up. We talked for awhile and then went to the apartment.
The consensus was that the floor in the small bedroom was settled. Ellen and Melissa did the final touch up of the floor moldings. Daniel surfed and so did I. They decided that they wanted to go shooting, so after lunch I got out guns and ammunition.
We went to Red's, but it was packed. There were 5 to 8 people and the firing line was standing room only. So we went to the range. We rented two adjacent lanes. We shot three 9mm pistols and a .22. We shot the .22 with a suppressor. We also shot Ellen's AR. Daniel is a really good pistol shot, and that's the first time he's ever shot a pistol.
It wasn't really late when we got home. The paint was dry in the small bedroom, so we moved everything back in there. We also moved the stuff out of the kitchen. Somehow we decided to redo the kitchen counter top. So we started making a list of things to buy. John started doing the demo.
We had a left over specials dinner - everything left over from the last few days. It was really good.
After dinner we watched TV. Daniel leaves at 5:00 tomorrow.
The consensus was that the floor in the small bedroom was settled. Ellen and Melissa did the final touch up of the floor moldings. Daniel surfed and so did I. They decided that they wanted to go shooting, so after lunch I got out guns and ammunition.
We went to Red's, but it was packed. There were 5 to 8 people and the firing line was standing room only. So we went to the range. We rented two adjacent lanes. We shot three 9mm pistols and a .22. We shot the .22 with a suppressor. We also shot Ellen's AR. Daniel is a really good pistol shot, and that's the first time he's ever shot a pistol.
It wasn't really late when we got home. The paint was dry in the small bedroom, so we moved everything back in there. We also moved the stuff out of the kitchen. Somehow we decided to redo the kitchen counter top. So we started making a list of things to buy. John started doing the demo.
We had a left over specials dinner - everything left over from the last few days. It was really good.
After dinner we watched TV. Daniel leaves at 5:00 tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Day 804
I was planning on sleeping in today, but ended up getting up a little after 8. There wasn't much reason to, because after pet stuff and breakfast all we did was surf. John and Melissa showed up and we talked and surfed until after lunch.
We decided then to split up and do errands. John and Melissa went to Costco for water and various other foodstuffs. We went to Walgreen's for drugs, the vet for water, the yuppie grocery for shrimp (they didn't have any - but we got Melissa a birthday cake), the doggie bakery for a Lucy treat, and the post office.
The post office pissed me off. There were three package slips in the box. The lady at the window (she was a temp) could only find two and told me "that's all there is". Of course that was bullshit. I couldn't remember my email password, so I had to go all the way home to find the tracking number for the other package. I found it and drove back to the post office. The regular lady was back and she found the package.
Two of the packages contained the gun parts for John. We're ready to assemble them, but he and Melissa are big into installing flooring. So they just sat here for the rest of the day.
John and Melissa went out for dinner. We ate at home with Daniel. The evening was watching sports and poker.
We decided then to split up and do errands. John and Melissa went to Costco for water and various other foodstuffs. We went to Walgreen's for drugs, the vet for water, the yuppie grocery for shrimp (they didn't have any - but we got Melissa a birthday cake), the doggie bakery for a Lucy treat, and the post office.
The post office pissed me off. There were three package slips in the box. The lady at the window (she was a temp) could only find two and told me "that's all there is". Of course that was bullshit. I couldn't remember my email password, so I had to go all the way home to find the tracking number for the other package. I found it and drove back to the post office. The regular lady was back and she found the package.
Two of the packages contained the gun parts for John. We're ready to assemble them, but he and Melissa are big into installing flooring. So they just sat here for the rest of the day.
John and Melissa went out for dinner. We ate at home with Daniel. The evening was watching sports and poker.
Monday, December 25, 2017
Day 803
We slept in a little today and got up at 8. We did the pet stuff. John and Melissa showed up just as we finished. Ellen fixed everyone breakfast - pancakes and bacon. After breakfast we talked for quite awhile. Eventually the conversation evolved into everyone surfing on various devices.
That's how most of the time from 11 to 3 passed. Then we had Christmas dinner - crab legs and prime rib. After dinner it was more conversation. Finally we remembered to open our presents. I think everyone was pleased with what they got. I was - lots of Minions stuff, a pocket knife, and some really cool Civil ward bullets picked up from a battlefield.
After presents it was time to watch football. John and Melissa went back to the apartment.
All in all it was a nice relaxing day.
That's how most of the time from 11 to 3 passed. Then we had Christmas dinner - crab legs and prime rib. After dinner it was more conversation. Finally we remembered to open our presents. I think everyone was pleased with what they got. I was - lots of Minions stuff, a pocket knife, and some really cool Civil ward bullets picked up from a battlefield.
After presents it was time to watch football. John and Melissa went back to the apartment.
All in all it was a nice relaxing day.
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Day 802
We got up at 7:15 today. After pet stuff and breakfast I went over to the apartment at about 8. I got John and we went to Home Depot in Dripping Springs. We picked up 16 more boxes of flooring and a pack of floor molding. We also got a couple of miscellaneous items.
When we got home Ellen and Melissa painted the molding out in the yard. John worked on cutting flooring and I surfed. When the painting was finished we went to Lucy's for fried chicken. The chicken gained John's seal of approval, so I guess it's good.
After the chicken we drove over to Trader Joe's. John and Melissa bought a bunch of wine. We bought a couple of things. The final stop was Circle C to walk the dogs.
John had said they were going to relax when we got home. So Ellen, Daniel, and I went to the house and surfed and watched football. John and Melissa went to the apartment. Apparently they did some more work. After an hour or two they showed up and watched football, too.
After dinner we watched TV and talked.
When we got home Ellen and Melissa painted the molding out in the yard. John worked on cutting flooring and I surfed. When the painting was finished we went to Lucy's for fried chicken. The chicken gained John's seal of approval, so I guess it's good.
After the chicken we drove over to Trader Joe's. John and Melissa bought a bunch of wine. We bought a couple of things. The final stop was Circle C to walk the dogs.
John had said they were going to relax when we got home. So Ellen, Daniel, and I went to the house and surfed and watched football. John and Melissa went to the apartment. Apparently they did some more work. After an hour or two they showed up and watched football, too.
After dinner we watched TV and talked.
Saturday, December 23, 2017
Day 801
We got up about 8 today, then pet stuff and breakfast. After a little bit of surfing I went out to the garage to fix the furniture cart. The job went as planned except for me having to cut off the ends of the bolts holding the new wheels on. I had to do that because they were interfering with the wheels turning.
While I was dong that John and Melissa were measuring out how to start the flooring in the small bedroom. I didn't want to get involved in that. So I went back to the house and inventoried all of the stuff that's come in from the Black Friday sales. I finished that up just as everyone came in for lunch.
After lunch we took Daniel to Capitol City. This is about the only day available. The weather was great - sunny and mid 50's. Daniel shot really well. We shot the 6 station executive course and then 5 stations of the championship course. He was really tired by the time we were done. After we were done Lucy did 32 retrieves. She was loving it.
On a side note, the traffic on 183 was the lightest I've ever seen.
When we got home John and Melissa were just finishing up the flooring in the small bedroom. The next step is to replace the molding. We'll have to buy some tomorrow.
I took the dog to the mailbox and then we had dinner. We were going to go to Home Depot afterwards, but we ended up talking instead.
In the evening John and I watched Lethal Weapon movies. Ellen and Daniel talked shotgun shooting. Issac called from New Zealand and we all talked to him.
John went home about 10. We spent some time showing Daniel shooting videos and then went to bed.
While I was dong that John and Melissa were measuring out how to start the flooring in the small bedroom. I didn't want to get involved in that. So I went back to the house and inventoried all of the stuff that's come in from the Black Friday sales. I finished that up just as everyone came in for lunch.
After lunch we took Daniel to Capitol City. This is about the only day available. The weather was great - sunny and mid 50's. Daniel shot really well. We shot the 6 station executive course and then 5 stations of the championship course. He was really tired by the time we were done. After we were done Lucy did 32 retrieves. She was loving it.
On a side note, the traffic on 183 was the lightest I've ever seen.
When we got home John and Melissa were just finishing up the flooring in the small bedroom. The next step is to replace the molding. We'll have to buy some tomorrow.
I took the dog to the mailbox and then we had dinner. We were going to go to Home Depot afterwards, but we ended up talking instead.
In the evening John and I watched Lethal Weapon movies. Ellen and Daniel talked shotgun shooting. Issac called from New Zealand and we all talked to him.
John went home about 10. We spent some time showing Daniel shooting videos and then went to bed.
Friday, December 22, 2017
Day 800
We got up at 8:15 today and did pet stuff and breakfast. After a little surfing I went out to the garage and started cleaning it up so we could stack furniture there. John came out and when I was finished we started moving everything out of the small bedroom.
We had to move all of the ammo out by hand because the small cart broke. We also had to take the bunk beds all the way apart. It took until about noon to get it all done.
After lunch John and Melissa sat in the house and watched youtube video on how to install the flooring. When they were finished John and I went to Lowe's and Home Depot to buy supplies and tools. We also stopped at the post office and HEB (for beer).
I was tired when we got back. My back hurt, too. So I went to the house, took pills, and made myself a drink. John and Melissa started tearing the molding off of the small bedroom. I watched TV and surfed. I also took the dog to the mailbox.
John and Melissa came back about six and we had dinner. After dinner we watched the premier Christmas movie of all time - Die Hard.
When the movie was over we watered the cats (we didn't yesterday) and then watched TV until bed time.
We had to move all of the ammo out by hand because the small cart broke. We also had to take the bunk beds all the way apart. It took until about noon to get it all done.
After lunch John and Melissa sat in the house and watched youtube video on how to install the flooring. When they were finished John and I went to Lowe's and Home Depot to buy supplies and tools. We also stopped at the post office and HEB (for beer).
I was tired when we got back. My back hurt, too. So I went to the house, took pills, and made myself a drink. John and Melissa started tearing the molding off of the small bedroom. I watched TV and surfed. I also took the dog to the mailbox.
John and Melissa came back about six and we had dinner. After dinner we watched the premier Christmas movie of all time - Die Hard.
When the movie was over we watered the cats (we didn't yesterday) and then watched TV until bed time.
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Day 799
We were up at 7:30 this morning. After pet stuff and breakfast we surfed. No one else was up. After about an hour John and Melissa came over and Ellen fixed then and Daniel breakfast.
After breakfast we took the dogs to Circle C. We took both cars. After waling around the park John, Melissa, and Daniel went off to do some banking. We went to HEB and the pet store to buy cat food. We decided to go to Doc's backyard and called Melissa to invite them. It turned out they had to go downtown to do the banking. So we ate alone.
After we were done we called them again. They were finished downtown and came to Doc's for a late lunch. We sat and drank beer for quite awhile.
We got home after three. Everyone surfed until 5 when it was time to go to the light show. I let the GPS take us on a slightly round about way to get there. It was a mistake. We went on slow surface streets, some of which had rush hour traffic. We also had to wait for a jam caused by an accident. We were lucky. We were the last people they let through before closing the road. I bet the person behind us was pissed.
We managed to get to the front gate 2 minutes before opening. They had roach coaches there and we ate Thai food. There were an amazing number of light displays. Some of them had clever designs, others had clever animation. The high point for me was getting to walk about a quarter of a mile on the actual racetrack. It's made of this really rough surface which must give really great traction.
We stayed there for about 2.5 hours. Then we went over and watched the kart track they have. I think we'll be going back to race there.
We went home a much quicker way. When we got home everyone went to bed.
After breakfast we took the dogs to Circle C. We took both cars. After waling around the park John, Melissa, and Daniel went off to do some banking. We went to HEB and the pet store to buy cat food. We decided to go to Doc's backyard and called Melissa to invite them. It turned out they had to go downtown to do the banking. So we ate alone.
After we were done we called them again. They were finished downtown and came to Doc's for a late lunch. We sat and drank beer for quite awhile.
We got home after three. Everyone surfed until 5 when it was time to go to the light show. I let the GPS take us on a slightly round about way to get there. It was a mistake. We went on slow surface streets, some of which had rush hour traffic. We also had to wait for a jam caused by an accident. We were lucky. We were the last people they let through before closing the road. I bet the person behind us was pissed.
We managed to get to the front gate 2 minutes before opening. They had roach coaches there and we ate Thai food. There were an amazing number of light displays. Some of them had clever designs, others had clever animation. The high point for me was getting to walk about a quarter of a mile on the actual racetrack. It's made of this really rough surface which must give really great traction.
We stayed there for about 2.5 hours. Then we went over and watched the kart track they have. I think we'll be going back to race there.
We went home a much quicker way. When we got home everyone went to bed.
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Day 798
We didn't get up until 8:15 today. Then it was pet stuff and breakfast. After a little surfing I went out to the garage to finish the antenna install. I connected the antenna to the mast and aimed it in the approximate direction that the house antenna points in. Then I put sealant on all of the holes.
I went inside with John and connected the TV. He ran a program operation and it picked up 50 channels. He was happy.
After that he and Melissa came over to the house. We had lunch and talked a little. Then they went to the airport to pick up Daniel. We went to Sam's club to get some corn bread and a packaged dinner. Traffic was murder.
The next stop was the post office. The last stop was HEB. We bought $100 worth of groceries for future reference.
They got home before we did. Ellen went over to the apartment while I put everything away. She came back and announced that we needed to go get the flooring. I'd told her to get it delivered, but apparently that's not an option. She grabbed the keys to the truck and said she'd go pick it up. I had to chase her to the apartment and demand them back. Then Daniel and I went to pick it up.
When we got back Daniel, John, and I stacked it in the apartment. I'm not sure when they are planning on installing it.
After unloading the truck we went to the house for dinner. It was a collection of the last few nights' dinners. It was good though. Ellen made everyone mojitos. They watched King Kong before and after dinner.
After dinner and King Kong we talked until about 8. Then Daniel and I watched a basketball game. When the game was over we put on the fifth element. The new setup is amazing. We got about halfway through before it was time to go to bed.
I went inside with John and connected the TV. He ran a program operation and it picked up 50 channels. He was happy.
After that he and Melissa came over to the house. We had lunch and talked a little. Then they went to the airport to pick up Daniel. We went to Sam's club to get some corn bread and a packaged dinner. Traffic was murder.
The next stop was the post office. The last stop was HEB. We bought $100 worth of groceries for future reference.
They got home before we did. Ellen went over to the apartment while I put everything away. She came back and announced that we needed to go get the flooring. I'd told her to get it delivered, but apparently that's not an option. She grabbed the keys to the truck and said she'd go pick it up. I had to chase her to the apartment and demand them back. Then Daniel and I went to pick it up.
When we got back Daniel, John, and I stacked it in the apartment. I'm not sure when they are planning on installing it.
After unloading the truck we went to the house for dinner. It was a collection of the last few nights' dinners. It was good though. Ellen made everyone mojitos. They watched King Kong before and after dinner.
After dinner and King Kong we talked until about 8. Then Daniel and I watched a basketball game. When the game was over we put on the fifth element. The new setup is amazing. We got about halfway through before it was time to go to bed.
Day 797
We got up at 7:30 again, did the pet stuff, and had breakfast. John and Melissa showed up about 9 after they had breakfast in the apartment. After talking for awhile we decided to split up. I went to Walgreen's to get my drugs and then to Wally World to get an antenna. Everyone else went to Home Depot and Lowe's to look at flooring. It rained .75 inch in the morning, so we didn't have anything else to do.
I stopped at the post office on the way back. The last two Black Friday packages were there. Then I went home and had lunch. I also started putting the antennas together, getting the ladder, etc. Everyone came home a little later.
They had several samples with them. They took them to the apartment and made a decision. I said I didn't care as long as it was durable and easy to clean. Then they all went back to Home Depot to make the order. I laid down. My back was killing me. It has been getting worse since Monday after I hauled those 22 loads of gravel.
When they got back John helped me attach the antenna mast to the side of the building. I had to walk across the joists above the apartment. It was no fun. Even though the temp outside was only a little more than 70 it was hot up there. We called a halt when the mast was attached and the wire was strung to the living room. It was getting dark anyway.
In the evening we had dinner and talked until 9. Then they went back to the apartment, we watered the cats, and did a little surfing before going to bed.
I stopped at the post office on the way back. The last two Black Friday packages were there. Then I went home and had lunch. I also started putting the antennas together, getting the ladder, etc. Everyone came home a little later.
They had several samples with them. They took them to the apartment and made a decision. I said I didn't care as long as it was durable and easy to clean. Then they all went back to Home Depot to make the order. I laid down. My back was killing me. It has been getting worse since Monday after I hauled those 22 loads of gravel.
When they got back John helped me attach the antenna mast to the side of the building. I had to walk across the joists above the apartment. It was no fun. Even though the temp outside was only a little more than 70 it was hot up there. We called a halt when the mast was attached and the wire was strung to the living room. It was getting dark anyway.
In the evening we had dinner and talked until 9. Then they went back to the apartment, we watered the cats, and did a little surfing before going to bed.
Monday, December 18, 2017
Day 796
We got up at 7:30, did the pet stuff and had breakfast. John and Melissa didn't show up until about 9. We talked for awhile and I ordered the scope for John's rifle. About 11 we went to Brotheres in Arms.
They wouldn't sell John a lower because they didn't know if the BATF would approve. They also wouldn't transfer one of my rifles to him. Although they didn't say so, they probably didn't want to run afoul of Michigan laws that they didn't know about. Either that or they just didn't want to do paperwork with little profit. So we are left with building it on one of my lowers and shipping it to a FFL in Michigan when he gets back.
After that we stopped at SPEC's and they bought some wine. We were going to have lunch at Chick-fil-a, but they were packed. There was no room in the parking lot. So we went to Wally World to buy a new toaster oven to replace the one in the apartment, which blew up this morning. We also got a rice cooker to replace the broken one in the house.
By the time we were done there, Chick-fil-a was only about half full. So we ate lunch there. Then we went to Whole paycheck to get the stuff to make baklava. We also stopped at the toy store near there to buy Melissa a metal art sculpture and to get cookies next door. he last stop was the post office where I waited in line to get a package and they waited in line to get a post office box.
When we got home John and I moved the old bedroom TV to the apartment. The hardest part was getting the tube TV out. We hooked the new TV up and it received a signal for awhile. We changed cables and the signal went away. We tried everything for over an hour, but never got the signal back. We gave up and went to dinner.
After dinner we talked until about 9, and then they went back to the apartment. The rest of the evening was surfing.
They wouldn't sell John a lower because they didn't know if the BATF would approve. They also wouldn't transfer one of my rifles to him. Although they didn't say so, they probably didn't want to run afoul of Michigan laws that they didn't know about. Either that or they just didn't want to do paperwork with little profit. So we are left with building it on one of my lowers and shipping it to a FFL in Michigan when he gets back.
After that we stopped at SPEC's and they bought some wine. We were going to have lunch at Chick-fil-a, but they were packed. There was no room in the parking lot. So we went to Wally World to buy a new toaster oven to replace the one in the apartment, which blew up this morning. We also got a rice cooker to replace the broken one in the house.
By the time we were done there, Chick-fil-a was only about half full. So we ate lunch there. Then we went to Whole paycheck to get the stuff to make baklava. We also stopped at the toy store near there to buy Melissa a metal art sculpture and to get cookies next door. he last stop was the post office where I waited in line to get a package and they waited in line to get a post office box.
When we got home John and I moved the old bedroom TV to the apartment. The hardest part was getting the tube TV out. We hooked the new TV up and it received a signal for awhile. We changed cables and the signal went away. We tried everything for over an hour, but never got the signal back. We gave up and went to dinner.
After dinner we talked until about 9, and then they went back to the apartment. The rest of the evening was surfing.
Day 795
We got up at 7:30 today. John and Melissa were up and here by 8. We had breakfast and talked for awhile. I convinced John to order a AR-15 build kit. About 10 I prevailed on them to help put up the new TV. I thought it would take a couple of hours at most. It took 5 hours.
I think it took a long time because we were doing it by committee. Figuring out where and how to mount the new TV took quite awhile. When we were finished everything looked really good.
We were really hungry by the time we finished. We took them to Waterloo for lunch. Then we stopped at HEB so everyone could do some shopping.
When we got back we talked for awhile and then they watched Wonder Woman on the new TV. I shopped for a scope for John's rifle.
When the movie was over they went back to the apartment. Ellen worked on reprogramming the remote controls and I watched football. The new TV is amazing.
I think it took a long time because we were doing it by committee. Figuring out where and how to mount the new TV took quite awhile. When we were finished everything looked really good.
We were really hungry by the time we finished. We took them to Waterloo for lunch. Then we stopped at HEB so everyone could do some shopping.
When we got back we talked for awhile and then they watched Wonder Woman on the new TV. I shopped for a scope for John's rifle.
When the movie was over they went back to the apartment. Ellen worked on reprogramming the remote controls and I watched football. The new TV is amazing.
Saturday, December 16, 2017
Day 794
We woke up at 8 today, but didn't get up until 9. Then it was pet stuff and breakfast. After that I started doing the final prep for Melissa and John coming. I cleaned off my part of the kitchen tabel and piled Ellen's part for her to clean up. Then I put away the stuff we had piled up on the guest bed. Finally I went out to the apartment. I turned on the heat and the water heater. I also moved around out some stuff in the living room. I took several things to the truck to take to Goodwill.
After that we went to the vet. We needed more water for the cats. After that we stopped for a donut and then dropped off the stuff at Goodwill.
We got home about 11:30. I went out to haul gravel. I moved 22 loads. That was enough to cover half of the area under the trailer as well as filing in the area in front of the trailer. It's beginning to look like the end is in sight. That took an hour and a half, so I did some rock raking. I cleared off the area beside the trailer and in front of the apartment steps. By then it was raining.
I went inside and had lunch and a shower. I was just finishing the shower when Melissa and John showed up. We talked for a few minutes and then Ellen, Lucy, and I left for the dog party.
It was raining heavily and traffic was a little screwed up. We got to the party about 3:30. The place is a bar converted from a small residential house. There ware areas outside, but they weren't covered. So everyone and their dogs were inside. Lucy and I were disappointed. There was supposed to be a doggy buffet, but there wasn't one. Instead they had a few small cups of treats. I had a couple of drinks and we stood around for an hour and a half (there was mo place to sit). We basically stayed until they had the secret Santa drawing. Lucy got a cool chew toy.
We stopped at the post office on the way home. There were a couple of packages with things I ordered on Black Friday. I still have two more things to come.
When we got back I fed the animals and then we had dinner (Rudy's) with John and Melissa. We talked until about 9 and then they went to bed.
The rest of the evening was surfing.
After that we went to the vet. We needed more water for the cats. After that we stopped for a donut and then dropped off the stuff at Goodwill.
We got home about 11:30. I went out to haul gravel. I moved 22 loads. That was enough to cover half of the area under the trailer as well as filing in the area in front of the trailer. It's beginning to look like the end is in sight. That took an hour and a half, so I did some rock raking. I cleared off the area beside the trailer and in front of the apartment steps. By then it was raining.
I went inside and had lunch and a shower. I was just finishing the shower when Melissa and John showed up. We talked for a few minutes and then Ellen, Lucy, and I left for the dog party.
It was raining heavily and traffic was a little screwed up. We got to the party about 3:30. The place is a bar converted from a small residential house. There ware areas outside, but they weren't covered. So everyone and their dogs were inside. Lucy and I were disappointed. There was supposed to be a doggy buffet, but there wasn't one. Instead they had a few small cups of treats. I had a couple of drinks and we stood around for an hour and a half (there was mo place to sit). We basically stayed until they had the secret Santa drawing. Lucy got a cool chew toy.
We stopped at the post office on the way home. There were a couple of packages with things I ordered on Black Friday. I still have two more things to come.
When we got back I fed the animals and then we had dinner (Rudy's) with John and Melissa. We talked until about 9 and then they went to bed.
The rest of the evening was surfing.
Friday, December 15, 2017
Day 793
We woke up about 8, but stayed in bed surfing for quite awhile. Lucy decided to be a barf dog. She got up and barfed three times. The first was a clump of grass (from the club yesterday), the second was liquid, and the third was one of the gelatinous masses that dogs develop in their stomachs when they've eaten something bad. I got to clean up all three. Then I went back to bed. Lucy jumped up with me.
We finally got up after 9. We did pet stuff and had breakfast. Then I decided that we should got to 360 to see the Christmas decorations. We could also stop at Rudy's for BBQ and the mall. Rudy's was the first stop. We bought 2 lbs of brisket ad a sausage. Then we drove 360 to the bridge and back. Parts of 360 didn't have decorations. Apparently someone or organization decided they didn't want them. Luckily that only lasted for awhile. Then there were a whole bunch of nice ones. Ellen took a movie of them on her phone.
The last stop was the mall. We walked most of both levels. Along the way we bought new sheets for the bed that will fit the new mattress topper. We also bought some earrings for both Ellen and Alicia at Swarovski. I bought a really cool Cheshire cat. We had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, but we were too full to have dessert. I had a mojito that cost $11.25. I would never have ordered it if I'd known it cost that much. We also bought a lighthouse puzzle for Patty and a couple of Metal Art things for Ellen. We didn't see quite all of the mall because Ellen's asshole started acting up. We didn't leave until after 4.
We made a stop at the post office, and another at HEB. By the time we got home the dog had been in her crate for 7 hours. I put everything away and then took her to the mailbox.
After dinner we surfed some and watched TV. About 9 we went over to the apartment and got the new mattress topper. We put it on the bed with a new cover and the new sheets.
We are staying up late so Fletcher can lay in the warm sheets before we go to bed.
We finally got up after 9. We did pet stuff and had breakfast. Then I decided that we should got to 360 to see the Christmas decorations. We could also stop at Rudy's for BBQ and the mall. Rudy's was the first stop. We bought 2 lbs of brisket ad a sausage. Then we drove 360 to the bridge and back. Parts of 360 didn't have decorations. Apparently someone or organization decided they didn't want them. Luckily that only lasted for awhile. Then there were a whole bunch of nice ones. Ellen took a movie of them on her phone.
The last stop was the mall. We walked most of both levels. Along the way we bought new sheets for the bed that will fit the new mattress topper. We also bought some earrings for both Ellen and Alicia at Swarovski. I bought a really cool Cheshire cat. We had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, but we were too full to have dessert. I had a mojito that cost $11.25. I would never have ordered it if I'd known it cost that much. We also bought a lighthouse puzzle for Patty and a couple of Metal Art things for Ellen. We didn't see quite all of the mall because Ellen's asshole started acting up. We didn't leave until after 4.
We made a stop at the post office, and another at HEB. By the time we got home the dog had been in her crate for 7 hours. I put everything away and then took her to the mailbox.
After dinner we surfed some and watched TV. About 9 we went over to the apartment and got the new mattress topper. We put it on the bed with a new cover and the new sheets.
We are staying up late so Fletcher can lay in the warm sheets before we go to bed.
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Day 792
I'm not sure what time we woke up, but it wasn't really late. We stayed in bed surfing for quite awhile. After pet stuff and breakfast I went out to drill holes. My $15 drill drilled through the plate, but it was a struggle. The two "hardened" bits I had were worthless. However, the masonry drill worked with help form the pilot hole. It was slow, and about halfway through the first bit gave up the ghost. The second finished the job well. In all it took almost 2 hours to drill the hole.
Unfortunately the $15 drill was toast. I'll have to buy another, or something different, to do the second hole. It was 12, so I gave up and went inside. We decided to go shooting. So I loaded up the car and had lunch. The A5 doesn't have as much room as the Mazda. I have to take out the junk holder in order to fit in all of the shooting stuff.
It was a little cold, 60 today. The club was almost deserted. There wasn't more than 5 people there. We had the sporting clays to ourselves. Lucy went around exploring while we shot. We had a good time and both of us shot fairly well.
We drove back a little after 4. Traffic was bad. The jams started on 183 and continued on 290. We did finally make it to the post office. Dan had sent us a medium sized package. When we opened it up it was chuck full of presents. There wasn't a cubic inch of wasted space.
When we got home I unpacked the car. Then it was time to take the dog to the mailbox and have dinner. After dinner it was football.
Unfortunately the $15 drill was toast. I'll have to buy another, or something different, to do the second hole. It was 12, so I gave up and went inside. We decided to go shooting. So I loaded up the car and had lunch. The A5 doesn't have as much room as the Mazda. I have to take out the junk holder in order to fit in all of the shooting stuff.
It was a little cold, 60 today. The club was almost deserted. There wasn't more than 5 people there. We had the sporting clays to ourselves. Lucy went around exploring while we shot. We had a good time and both of us shot fairly well.
We drove back a little after 4. Traffic was bad. The jams started on 183 and continued on 290. We did finally make it to the post office. Dan had sent us a medium sized package. When we opened it up it was chuck full of presents. There wasn't a cubic inch of wasted space.
When we got home I unpacked the car. Then it was time to take the dog to the mailbox and have dinner. After dinner it was football.
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Day 791
We woke up at 7:30, but the temperature was 41 degrees. So we stayed in bed and surfed until after 9. Then it was pet stuff and breakfast. Then it was more surfing because it was just too cold to go out.
Ellen did walk over to a neighbor's to get some fresh eggs. I got the knife sharpener out of the garage and sharpend all of the kitchen knives. I also sharpened my two pocket knives.
By 12:30 it had warmed up enough to work outside. So I went out and started hauling gravel. I hauled 14 loads. That covered all of the area that I'd prepped. That only took a little over an hour, so I started prepping some more space. I finished everything in front of the trailer. I also cleaned out the area under the front of the trailer. After that I was tired.
I went back inside and ate lunch. I decided that it wasn't worth going to the post office. Instead I just did more surfing and a little reading. Before dinner I took the dog to the mailbox and then took a shower.
After dinner we watched the first episode of year 2 of the Grand Tour. It was hilarious. After that we watched a movie, and then some RV shows.
Ellen did walk over to a neighbor's to get some fresh eggs. I got the knife sharpener out of the garage and sharpend all of the kitchen knives. I also sharpened my two pocket knives.
By 12:30 it had warmed up enough to work outside. So I went out and started hauling gravel. I hauled 14 loads. That covered all of the area that I'd prepped. That only took a little over an hour, so I started prepping some more space. I finished everything in front of the trailer. I also cleaned out the area under the front of the trailer. After that I was tired.
I went back inside and ate lunch. I decided that it wasn't worth going to the post office. Instead I just did more surfing and a little reading. Before dinner I took the dog to the mailbox and then took a shower.
After dinner we watched the first episode of year 2 of the Grand Tour. It was hilarious. After that we watched a movie, and then some RV shows.
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Day 790
We got up at 8 today. After pet stuff and breakfast I went out to move gravel. Ellen went to the apartment to clean it (after I made it clear that I wasn't going to).
I started by raking a big area of the approach to the garage along side the trailer. I didn't clear off everything that needed to be cleared, but I did the majority of it. Then I started hauling and spreading gravel. I did 22 loads. It took until noon and I was just too tired to do even one more. The result was covering maybe 200 sq feet of area. I've still got a long way to go. I'm probably about halfway through the gravel pile.
I went back to the house, did a little surfing, and then had lunch. I was going to leave after that, but Ellen's asshole was acting up. We waited until about 2 for it to calm down.
The first stop was Tomlinson's for some more canned dog food. Then we went to a trinket shop by HEB. It had some cool stuff and we bought a ceramic refrigerator magnet with a cool Texas image on it. From there we went to the toy store on William Cannon. We ad a 20% off coupon. We bought this educational toy for the nieces. We also stopped and got cookies at the cookie shop next door.
The last stop was the post office.
When we got home I took a shower. Then I did a little surfing before taking the dog to the mailbox.
After dinner I decided to look at the stuff the Medicare insurance broker had sent. It was good that I did, because I had to call to confirm the phone call appointment. I was supposed to be able to do that using their automated system, but it had the wrong date for the call. I ended up having to call again and get a real person.
The final step was to get an account on their website. That didn't work either, so I called again. This time I got a hold of one of the salesman/support people. We had a great conversation where he explained my options. There turns out to be a pretty painless way to get the US wide coverage I need. It looks like the tota1 cost (medicare B, drug, and supplement) will cost about $325 - $350 a month. That's a lot less than I'm paying now and it sounds like it might be better coverage. He also solved my login problem.
On his advice I changed the date for the telephone appointment to mid January.
After that I had to go back and fight with their website some more. It wouldn't let me enter a separate mailing address, even though it had the option to do so.
The rest of the evening was surfing. I didn't feel like doing any reading.
I started by raking a big area of the approach to the garage along side the trailer. I didn't clear off everything that needed to be cleared, but I did the majority of it. Then I started hauling and spreading gravel. I did 22 loads. It took until noon and I was just too tired to do even one more. The result was covering maybe 200 sq feet of area. I've still got a long way to go. I'm probably about halfway through the gravel pile.
I went back to the house, did a little surfing, and then had lunch. I was going to leave after that, but Ellen's asshole was acting up. We waited until about 2 for it to calm down.
The first stop was Tomlinson's for some more canned dog food. Then we went to a trinket shop by HEB. It had some cool stuff and we bought a ceramic refrigerator magnet with a cool Texas image on it. From there we went to the toy store on William Cannon. We ad a 20% off coupon. We bought this educational toy for the nieces. We also stopped and got cookies at the cookie shop next door.
The last stop was the post office.
When we got home I took a shower. Then I did a little surfing before taking the dog to the mailbox.
After dinner I decided to look at the stuff the Medicare insurance broker had sent. It was good that I did, because I had to call to confirm the phone call appointment. I was supposed to be able to do that using their automated system, but it had the wrong date for the call. I ended up having to call again and get a real person.
The final step was to get an account on their website. That didn't work either, so I called again. This time I got a hold of one of the salesman/support people. We had a great conversation where he explained my options. There turns out to be a pretty painless way to get the US wide coverage I need. It looks like the tota1 cost (medicare B, drug, and supplement) will cost about $325 - $350 a month. That's a lot less than I'm paying now and it sounds like it might be better coverage. He also solved my login problem.
On his advice I changed the date for the telephone appointment to mid January.
After that I had to go back and fight with their website some more. It wouldn't let me enter a separate mailing address, even though it had the option to do so.
The rest of the evening was surfing. I didn't feel like doing any reading.
Monday, December 11, 2017
Day 789
We woe up at 8, but didn't get out of bed until 9. After pet stuff and breakfast I went out to try to drill the hole again. I read of a technique on the net that I wanted to try. It didn't work. Oh well, time to order other bits.
I really wanted to accomplish something today, so I decided to move rock. I spread out all of the remaining rock that I had. Some of it went to cover almost bare spots in the existing covered areas. 4 loads went to cover new areas by the trailer. That's when I ran out of rock.
I went inside and called the rock company to order more rock. They called back about 5 minutes later saying they'd deliver it immediately. So I went outside, opened the gate, and waited for them. After they delivered it I went inside to eat lunch. After lunch I did a little surfing, but all that new gravel ate at me. So a little after 1 I went out and moved some of the new stuff. In a little less than two hours I moved another 11 loads of rock. I also raked all of the garage ramp. That involved two loads of waste rock that I put by the apartment sewer tank.
I finished about 3, covered with sweat. It was 77 degrees. I really wanted to go to the post office, so we got in the car and went. There were three packages waiting for us. One was the 4K version of Blade Runner Ellen ordered. The other two were Christmas presents. After that we came right back home.
One of the letters we got was from the DMV. Apparently the guy who did the trailer safety inspection didn't put it in the computer system, so they rejected our license renewal. We searched for the paper until I found it in the trailer. Then we made a copy and put it back.
After that I took a shower and then took the dog to the mailbox. Ellen fixed another dinner in the box for dinner. It was great, especially since she added extra rice.
The evening was reading and football. The cheating New England Patriots lost. It was great.
I really wanted to accomplish something today, so I decided to move rock. I spread out all of the remaining rock that I had. Some of it went to cover almost bare spots in the existing covered areas. 4 loads went to cover new areas by the trailer. That's when I ran out of rock.
I went inside and called the rock company to order more rock. They called back about 5 minutes later saying they'd deliver it immediately. So I went outside, opened the gate, and waited for them. After they delivered it I went inside to eat lunch. After lunch I did a little surfing, but all that new gravel ate at me. So a little after 1 I went out and moved some of the new stuff. In a little less than two hours I moved another 11 loads of rock. I also raked all of the garage ramp. That involved two loads of waste rock that I put by the apartment sewer tank.
I finished about 3, covered with sweat. It was 77 degrees. I really wanted to go to the post office, so we got in the car and went. There were three packages waiting for us. One was the 4K version of Blade Runner Ellen ordered. The other two were Christmas presents. After that we came right back home.
One of the letters we got was from the DMV. Apparently the guy who did the trailer safety inspection didn't put it in the computer system, so they rejected our license renewal. We searched for the paper until I found it in the trailer. Then we made a copy and put it back.
After that I took a shower and then took the dog to the mailbox. Ellen fixed another dinner in the box for dinner. It was great, especially since she added extra rice.
The evening was reading and football. The cheating New England Patriots lost. It was great.
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Day 788
I'm not sure when we woke up, but we stayed in bed for quite awhile today. It was after 9 before we got out of bed. After pet stuff and breakfast I went out to the apartment to try out the new drill bit and oil I got yesterday.
I spent an hour trying different ways to of drilling the hole. The plate didn't damage the new drill, but the drill didn't seem to make much of an impression o the plate. I tried different speeds and pressures, but nothing much happened. As a last resort I put the masonry bit back in and really bore down. That didn't seem to do anything either. So I decided that maybe a pilot hole would help, which meant another Amazon order.
Next I went to work on the trigger. I used the polish I got yesterday to polish the trigger and hammer surfaces. I also polished the pins. Then I put it together to test it. All that work might have reduced the pull about 1/4 of a pound. It did seem to make it smoother.
I took the trigger apart again and installed the reduced springs I ordered awhile back. They were supposed to reduce the pull to between 5 and 6 pounds. When I put it back together the pull was 5.5 pounds. I think that's about all you can do to upgrade a stock trigger. It's hardly worth the work given that the reduction comes from the springs, which cost money.
My last effort was to repack all of my gun parts. I had a plastic container left over from something. So I packed all of the stuff from the largest cardboard box in it. That makes getting to the parts much easier. I also repacked all of the stuff in the cabinet so that it took up less room. The result is going to be a whole lot easier to deal with.
It was after lunch when I finished, so it was back inside for lunch. After lunch we took the dog to Circle C. She can't do retrieves because of her mouth. So we walked around the park instead. Lucy had a good time exploring the woods and smelling the smells. When we were done we made a short stop at HEB to buy more of the package dinners we had the other night. They are on sale and really good.
When we got home it was surfing until dinner. Dinner wasn't until 7 because I'd bought potatoes to bake. For some reason they took way longer to cook than they should of.
After dinner was reading and football.
I spent an hour trying different ways to of drilling the hole. The plate didn't damage the new drill, but the drill didn't seem to make much of an impression o the plate. I tried different speeds and pressures, but nothing much happened. As a last resort I put the masonry bit back in and really bore down. That didn't seem to do anything either. So I decided that maybe a pilot hole would help, which meant another Amazon order.
Next I went to work on the trigger. I used the polish I got yesterday to polish the trigger and hammer surfaces. I also polished the pins. Then I put it together to test it. All that work might have reduced the pull about 1/4 of a pound. It did seem to make it smoother.
I took the trigger apart again and installed the reduced springs I ordered awhile back. They were supposed to reduce the pull to between 5 and 6 pounds. When I put it back together the pull was 5.5 pounds. I think that's about all you can do to upgrade a stock trigger. It's hardly worth the work given that the reduction comes from the springs, which cost money.
My last effort was to repack all of my gun parts. I had a plastic container left over from something. So I packed all of the stuff from the largest cardboard box in it. That makes getting to the parts much easier. I also repacked all of the stuff in the cabinet so that it took up less room. The result is going to be a whole lot easier to deal with.
It was after lunch when I finished, so it was back inside for lunch. After lunch we took the dog to Circle C. She can't do retrieves because of her mouth. So we walked around the park instead. Lucy had a good time exploring the woods and smelling the smells. When we were done we made a short stop at HEB to buy more of the package dinners we had the other night. They are on sale and really good.
When we got home it was surfing until dinner. Dinner wasn't until 7 because I'd bought potatoes to bake. For some reason they took way longer to cook than they should of.
After dinner was reading and football.
Friday, December 8, 2017
Day 787
I got up at 5 today to let the dog out. Then I went back to sleep until 8. After that it was surf in bed. The temp was 29. About 9 we got up and did the pet stuff and had breakfast. We both went out and took pictures of the snow before it disappeared.
I didn't have anything to do today, and it was too cold to go outside. So I put the mounting bracket parts on the new TV. It wasn't much, but it was all I had to do.
After that it was surfing until after lunch. About 1:30 we went back to the vet. It turns out that they didn't put the Heartguard in the bag they gave me yesterday. So we had to go back to it. The next stop was Tominson's to buy more canned dog food. Lucy was disappointed that there weren't any soft treats for her. The last stop was the post office.
When we got home there was a big package leaning against the outside keypad post. It turned out to be a mateess topper that Ellen had Hooch buy her for Christmas. I made her deal with it.
We had bought a meal in a box at HEB the other day - stir fry chicken. Ellen fixed it tonight and it was really good. It's expensive though.
The evening was reading and TV.
I didn't have anything to do today, and it was too cold to go outside. So I put the mounting bracket parts on the new TV. It wasn't much, but it was all I had to do.
After that it was surfing until after lunch. About 1:30 we went back to the vet. It turns out that they didn't put the Heartguard in the bag they gave me yesterday. So we had to go back to it. The next stop was Tominson's to buy more canned dog food. Lucy was disappointed that there weren't any soft treats for her. The last stop was the post office.
When we got home there was a big package leaning against the outside keypad post. It turned out to be a mateess topper that Ellen had Hooch buy her for Christmas. I made her deal with it.
We had bought a meal in a box at HEB the other day - stir fry chicken. Ellen fixed it tonight and it was really good. It's expensive though.
The evening was reading and TV.
Thursday, December 7, 2017
Day 786
We were up at 6:30 and out the door by 7 to take the dog to the vet. We dropped her off and then went to the donut shop next door for breakfast. We had breakfast sandwiches and donuts. Then it was over to Home Depot. I bought hardware for hanging the new target steel. I also bought three drill bits - "hard metal" and two carbide masonry bits.
When we got home I went out to the apartment. I started by trying to drill a hole in the steel. The "hard metal" drill made a divot before it was toast. The masonry drill made it about 1/3 of the way through before it was done. I spent some time trying to get it to do more, but it was no good.
I gave up and decided to work on the trigger. I used the stone I bought to smooth out the trigger surfaces. I wanted to polish them, but all of my polish is too old and hardened. I did manage to get the hammer surfaces cleaned up well.
After that I gave up and went inside. I ordered a cobalt drill from Amazon along with some cutting oil and polish. I'll continue the efforts when these things come.
After that it was surfing while we waited for the vet to say Lucy was ready to pick up. A little before 4 it started to snow. That's right, snow. Ellen left to teach at the same time. The vet called just after 4 and I left to get Lucy. Traffic really sucked. I waited for several cycles of at least three lights on the way back. I stopped at Tomlinson's on the way back to get canned food for Lucy. She needs it for 10 days.
When I got home I fed the cats and Lucy. Ellen got home about 5 minutes later. The class had been cancelled, but she stayed to bullshit with the course manager.
After dinner it was football and reading.
When we got home I went out to the apartment. I started by trying to drill a hole in the steel. The "hard metal" drill made a divot before it was toast. The masonry drill made it about 1/3 of the way through before it was done. I spent some time trying to get it to do more, but it was no good.
I gave up and decided to work on the trigger. I used the stone I bought to smooth out the trigger surfaces. I wanted to polish them, but all of my polish is too old and hardened. I did manage to get the hammer surfaces cleaned up well.
After that I gave up and went inside. I ordered a cobalt drill from Amazon along with some cutting oil and polish. I'll continue the efforts when these things come.
After that it was surfing while we waited for the vet to say Lucy was ready to pick up. A little before 4 it started to snow. That's right, snow. Ellen left to teach at the same time. The vet called just after 4 and I left to get Lucy. Traffic really sucked. I waited for several cycles of at least three lights on the way back. I stopped at Tomlinson's on the way back to get canned food for Lucy. She needs it for 10 days.
When I got home I fed the cats and Lucy. Ellen got home about 5 minutes later. The class had been cancelled, but she stayed to bullshit with the course manager.
After dinner it was football and reading.
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Day 785
We woke up about 8 today, but didn't get up until after 9. It was 40 degrees and raining outside. It rained all day, .9 of an inch. After pet stuff and breakfast there wasn't anything to do except surf. I kept waiting for the rain to stop so I could take out the recycling, but it never did.
I did transfer my keys from the old Keysmart to the new one. The new one is bigger, but I don't have to have a light hanging from it. For some reason I just couldn't seem to get the keys organized correctly. It must have taken me most of an hour to get it right.
We did get a package from LaRue. It came with a whole bunch of extra stuff. There was meat rub, a Christmas ornament, bumper stickers, and a trigger test device. I was really surprised and happy.
I finally put on a sweatshirt and took out the recycling in the rain. It was raining, but not hard enough that I have been really put out if it was Oregon. I guess living in Texas has softened me up.
The dog had a vet appointment today at 2:30. We went to that and made an appointment tomorrow for her to have her teeth fixed. We have to be there between 7 and 7:30. The we stopped at Harbor Freight. I wanted to get some drill bits to drill the steel plate I got yesterday. They didn't have the right type. The last stop was the post office.
When we got back I did my exercises. Then it was surfing until dinner time. I didn't walk the dog to the mailbox, it was raining too hard.
After dinner was reading and movies.
I did transfer my keys from the old Keysmart to the new one. The new one is bigger, but I don't have to have a light hanging from it. For some reason I just couldn't seem to get the keys organized correctly. It must have taken me most of an hour to get it right.
We did get a package from LaRue. It came with a whole bunch of extra stuff. There was meat rub, a Christmas ornament, bumper stickers, and a trigger test device. I was really surprised and happy.
I finally put on a sweatshirt and took out the recycling in the rain. It was raining, but not hard enough that I have been really put out if it was Oregon. I guess living in Texas has softened me up.
The dog had a vet appointment today at 2:30. We went to that and made an appointment tomorrow for her to have her teeth fixed. We have to be there between 7 and 7:30. The we stopped at Harbor Freight. I wanted to get some drill bits to drill the steel plate I got yesterday. They didn't have the right type. The last stop was the post office.
When we got back I did my exercises. Then it was surfing until dinner time. I didn't walk the dog to the mailbox, it was raining too hard.
After dinner was reading and movies.
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Day 784
We woke up earlier today, a little before 8. We did surf for awhile before getting up for pet stuff and breakfast. After breakfast I decided to measure one of the scopes for a lens cover. It turned out I didn't need to - they all have them. While I was doing that I also replaced the charging handle on Ellen's gun with a latchless one and put in an accuwedge. Now it locks up tight.
I brought out the wrapping paper and made Ellen wrap John's presents. She should have done that long ago.
After that we went out for errands.We stopped at Costco for water and bought some frozen food. Then we put a check in the bank. The next stop was the Cajun place for lunch. It was just as good as the first time. The last stop was the post office - no packages.
There was a package when we got home. It was the target steel, 74 lbs of it. I could barely lift the package. I had to get the cart out to move it from the gate to the well house. I unpacked it and left it there. It's a project for another day.
After that I surfed until Ellen went to do her lessons. Then I went out and did my exercises. Then it was more surfing until dinner. I had one of the Costco rice bowls we bought. It was good.
The evening was watching movies on Amazon. I watched 1 and a half movies.
I brought out the wrapping paper and made Ellen wrap John's presents. She should have done that long ago.
After that we went out for errands.We stopped at Costco for water and bought some frozen food. Then we put a check in the bank. The next stop was the Cajun place for lunch. It was just as good as the first time. The last stop was the post office - no packages.
There was a package when we got home. It was the target steel, 74 lbs of it. I could barely lift the package. I had to get the cart out to move it from the gate to the well house. I unpacked it and left it there. It's a project for another day.
After that I surfed until Ellen went to do her lessons. Then I went out and did my exercises. Then it was more surfing until dinner. I had one of the Costco rice bowls we bought. It was good.
The evening was watching movies on Amazon. I watched 1 and a half movies.
Monday, December 4, 2017
Day 783
It was another morning where we didn't get up until 10. We were awake earlier, we just didn't get out of bed. Then it was pet stuff and breakfast.
Today they were to deliver the TV between 1 and 4. That meant that we wouldn't be doing anything but waiting today. So we basically surfed the whole day away. I did do a little shooting practice with the Sig air pistol. I didn't do very good. I quit when the mosquitoes chased me inside. About 2:30 someone from the delivery company called to say "the truck broke down". What they meant was that they wouldn't be delivering the TV until after 4.
Ellen had to get a CAT scan at 4:30, so she left about 3:30. The truck showed up about 4:30. They unpacked and set it up. It's a really nice TV. I didn't do anything with it except check it out before signing for it. When the delivery guys left I took the dog to the mailbox and then did my exercises. Afterwards I took a bag of birdseed to the deck and filled up the containers.
Ellen came home a little after I was done. She brought 4 packages from the post office. Three were packages I ordered during Black Friday. The last one was Christmas presents from John and Patty. After dinner I went took the garbage out. There were two more packages at the gate - one from Black Friday and the other some 4K blu-rays.
The evening was football and some reading. Ellen has been glued to the new TV since after dinner.
Today they were to deliver the TV between 1 and 4. That meant that we wouldn't be doing anything but waiting today. So we basically surfed the whole day away. I did do a little shooting practice with the Sig air pistol. I didn't do very good. I quit when the mosquitoes chased me inside. About 2:30 someone from the delivery company called to say "the truck broke down". What they meant was that they wouldn't be delivering the TV until after 4.
Ellen had to get a CAT scan at 4:30, so she left about 3:30. The truck showed up about 4:30. They unpacked and set it up. It's a really nice TV. I didn't do anything with it except check it out before signing for it. When the delivery guys left I took the dog to the mailbox and then did my exercises. Afterwards I took a bag of birdseed to the deck and filled up the containers.
Ellen came home a little after I was done. She brought 4 packages from the post office. Three were packages I ordered during Black Friday. The last one was Christmas presents from John and Patty. After dinner I went took the garbage out. There were two more packages at the gate - one from Black Friday and the other some 4K blu-rays.
The evening was football and some reading. Ellen has been glued to the new TV since after dinner.
Sunday, December 3, 2017
Day 782
We woke up after 9 and didn't get out of bed until 10 There's something about staying in bed on Sunday. Besides that it rained overnight and looked like it was going to rain more in the morning. We did the pet stuff and had breakfast.
After a little surfing I decided to hang things. I hung the road runner we bought yesterday above the outside thermometer. Another one went in the cat room. A third one went above the outside door of the apartment. I think we have enough road runners. The last hanging was the metal heron that we bought in Newport last summer. That completes all of the things that need to be hung.
By the it was time for lunch and a little more surfing. Then we left to get some cat food. We stopped at Lowe's on the way and I bought some chain to hang targets with. I also ran Lucy there. She did 31 retrieves. Then we went to get the cat food and back home.
There was some more surfing and reading and I did my exercises a little after 5.
The evening was reading and football.
After a little surfing I decided to hang things. I hung the road runner we bought yesterday above the outside thermometer. Another one went in the cat room. A third one went above the outside door of the apartment. I think we have enough road runners. The last hanging was the metal heron that we bought in Newport last summer. That completes all of the things that need to be hung.
By the it was time for lunch and a little more surfing. Then we left to get some cat food. We stopped at Lowe's on the way and I bought some chain to hang targets with. I also ran Lucy there. She did 31 retrieves. Then we went to get the cat food and back home.
There was some more surfing and reading and I did my exercises a little after 5.
The evening was reading and football.
Saturday, December 2, 2017
Day 781
We didn't wake up until 8:45 and didn't get up until some surfing. The pet stuff and breakfast came next. After that we surfed until 10:30 and then left for Dripping Springs. The dog didn't come along.
Dripping Springs was having a street fair. We had fun. The fireman were there and gave us a personalized tour of a firetruck. It has a lot of neat technology. For example, the air packs are built into the back of the seats so they can buckle them on while they are riding to the fire.
There were a whole lot of craft booths. We went through them all. We also went through a couple of antique shops. We bought a couple of small things - socks for Sophia and a mini purse for Ellen.It was a fine time. We stopped at a coffee shop there. It had a poster for a Christmas show at the Ranch Park. So we went up there.
The Christmas show was the typical array of crafts booths. A lot of jewelry and painting vendors. We bought a painted road runner and a neat wood remote control holder.
By then it was 2 and we were hungry. We ate at a restaurant in Dripping Springs that doesn't take dogs. It was pretty good. Then it was a stop at HEB for TP and then home.
We didn't get home until after 3. I went out and strung the Christmas lights on the gate. Then I surfed until it was time to take the dog to the mailbox and do my exercises.
The evening was reading, TV and football (college).
Dripping Springs was having a street fair. We had fun. The fireman were there and gave us a personalized tour of a firetruck. It has a lot of neat technology. For example, the air packs are built into the back of the seats so they can buckle them on while they are riding to the fire.
There were a whole lot of craft booths. We went through them all. We also went through a couple of antique shops. We bought a couple of small things - socks for Sophia and a mini purse for Ellen.It was a fine time. We stopped at a coffee shop there. It had a poster for a Christmas show at the Ranch Park. So we went up there.
The Christmas show was the typical array of crafts booths. A lot of jewelry and painting vendors. We bought a painted road runner and a neat wood remote control holder.
By then it was 2 and we were hungry. We ate at a restaurant in Dripping Springs that doesn't take dogs. It was pretty good. Then it was a stop at HEB for TP and then home.
We didn't get home until after 3. I went out and strung the Christmas lights on the gate. Then I surfed until it was time to take the dog to the mailbox and do my exercises.
The evening was reading, TV and football (college).
Friday, December 1, 2017
Day 780
We woke up at 8:30 again today - another late getting to sleep. We surfed in bed for awhile and then got up. After pet stuff and breakfast it was surfing until about 10. Then we left for a doogy day. Lucy deserved it. Yesterday was boring and tomorrow will be, too.
We stopped at Walgreen's for Ellen's drugs and then HEB to get some bananas. The we stopped at Tomlinson's for dog treats, cat food, and one of their free pies. We finally made it to Circle C. We walked around the park. Lucy immediately wanted to do retrieves. I didn't count how many, but it was probably about 15 before she decided that unstructured time was better.
When we finished with the walk it was 12:30 and time for lunch. We went to a Cajon place on William Cannon that I'd seen an ad for. It was really good. We'll be back, especially since they allow dogs.
The next stop was the post office. The stuff I ordered on Black Friday is starting to come in. I was going to stop at Seton Hospital for their Christmas sale. Unfortunately I didn't realize that it started at 4. I wasn't going to wait until then and so we just went home.
When we got home I had a marathon surfing session. I wish I'd done something else, surfing just isn't productive. At 5 I took the dog to the mailbox and then did my exercises. They are getting a little easier.
Ellen started watching a 3 hour boring movie before dinner. It's still going on. I've been doing more surfing. I'm tired of it. I hope the movie is over soon.
We stopped at Walgreen's for Ellen's drugs and then HEB to get some bananas. The we stopped at Tomlinson's for dog treats, cat food, and one of their free pies. We finally made it to Circle C. We walked around the park. Lucy immediately wanted to do retrieves. I didn't count how many, but it was probably about 15 before she decided that unstructured time was better.
When we finished with the walk it was 12:30 and time for lunch. We went to a Cajon place on William Cannon that I'd seen an ad for. It was really good. We'll be back, especially since they allow dogs.
The next stop was the post office. The stuff I ordered on Black Friday is starting to come in. I was going to stop at Seton Hospital for their Christmas sale. Unfortunately I didn't realize that it started at 4. I wasn't going to wait until then and so we just went home.
When we got home I had a marathon surfing session. I wish I'd done something else, surfing just isn't productive. At 5 I took the dog to the mailbox and then did my exercises. They are getting a little easier.
Ellen started watching a 3 hour boring movie before dinner. It's still going on. I've been doing more surfing. I'm tired of it. I hope the movie is over soon.
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