D-League

[OHIO COLONEL]

Always something else to add. I'm hardly exaggerating to say that by the end it was a low point in what has been an almost issue-free 25-year marriage.

Step-daughter and her hubby bought a house in Seattle about this time last year. Our house is larger and much nicer than what they bought (not to mention size of yard, etc) and theirs was well over $1M. Inside was basically trashed...someone started remodel but quit...so they've had to put, I think, about 300K in remodel/fixing up.
Then throw in 2 little kids...no school...him working at home....etc...and a perfect recipe for a divorce. They've had problems on and off for over 6 months, so we don't know if they'll make it or not.

As you know, it's stressful enough without the Covid lockdowns in these blue states.

 

[Bert Higginbotha]

If vaccines are so effective, why do we still hear about thousands of people suffering from polio each year?

In the U.S. the only polio cases are the ones brought in. 1979 was the last US case. Many Muslim refuse to take the polio shot because of its inventor.

 

[AustinTXCat]

Our kitchen is outdated but I could live with it. I suggested to my wife that we go the cheap route. She pointed out that I didn't go the cheap route when putting together our home theater. Game, set, match. No response from me. We might do this remodel in stages, i.e. cabinets, countertop, floor, wall tile. etc.. Might ease the stress a little. I'm concerned about our dog. Could be tough on the little guy for a while.

Good luck with the kitchen remodel, 82. My advice on that is, timing is everything. Our kitchen, dining area really needed an extensive remodel -- we actually took out the dining room and expanded the kitchen dramatically -- and I'll admit today that it was a smart move and added value to our property.

BUT -- At my wife's urging, we took it on when 1.) the kids were still young and I was worried about saving for their education 2.) my wife had been out of the workforce for a decade getting our kids through their early years, so living in the expensive DC area money had gotten tight 3.) I had turned down better paying jobs because I was committed to traveling overseas as much as I could, so I felt the pressure of our family economics pushing me out of what I wanted ;professionally.

Okay, maybe too much information, but, bottom line: I won't even scare you by telling how much it cost. Suffice to say I grew up in rural Kentucky in a house that cost about a third of what our kitchen remodel cost. I was traveling so I couldn't take on any of the work myself (not that I had the skills.) It was like the US in Afghanistan - Mission Creep. Always something else to add. I'm hardly exaggerating to say that by the end it was a low point in what has been an almost issue-free 25-year marriage.

I'm sure it'll be fine for you, as long as the timing is good.

We went through a bathroom remodel within 6 months after my return from Iraq in 2006. Never again. Two contractors, one of which is wife's cousin, ripped us off for over $5,000.

Totally agree. Timing is everything and the project strains the heck out of a marriage.

 

[Bert Higginbotha]

Morning folks from frosty Smiths Grove. It was 34°F when I got up and we had a light frost. I did not take the sensitive plants in last night because I am tired of it. So they may pay the price for my lazy habits. It is not up to 43.5° and is supposed to top out at 64°.

On kitchens: ours is now 21 years old. We have replaced the two ovens, dishwasher (twice and soon to be three times), cabinet top (not granite), range top and fridge (three times). The cabinets are cherry and at the moment cherry is not popular but I love cherry so I plan on keeping them. The floor is oak and it needs refinishing but I don't ever want to replace it.

I mowed the yard yesterday as it is growing like weeds. I suppose I will do it again Monday.

You all have a great Friday.

 

[bertfan31]

Morning Legionnaires!

For Austin: Benedict hell, I broke it! Old joke, I know. Safe travels, be careful out there.

Daughter has a 4 day weekend. School using inclement weather days they say that were set aside each year. Not sure how they did not use them all up during the almost 3 weeks she had off during the cold spell when the school had no water or elect. Teachers and administrators don't seem to want to work anymore. She complains that they only teach what is going to be on test and that every one is scoring high or very low (on occasion if not taught what is on the test). She wants to be home schooled next year and we will probably do just that. Just one example of home work they give her and I have posted this before. In Spanish, they don't teach her phrases, just a few words and for homework there has only been cryptograms for her to figure out and none of them so far has had Spanish words or phrases, they just cover Spanish speaking countries and their cultures, landscape, and history. This is her second year in Spanish and she hardly knows any phrases or understanding of the language itself. She should have taken French. My wife is half French, her father speaks it as did her grandparents who brought her father over here when he was about 8 years old.

Si, I mean, oui

Slept from 2030 until 0430 and then took a nap from 0700 to 0900. Feel great.

Speaking of the grass, I need to rent a thatcher and go over my yard. Guess I'll overseed after that.

I'm going to make handles for the wheel barrow out of 2x4's. I believe splitting one down the middle will be sufficient. Ace hardware wants nearly 40 dollars for a set. They sell new wheel barrows for $49. That's not helpful, hardware man.

I'm off to meet the day. See you fine folks later!

 

[_Rooster]

56°➫ 83° Increasing cloudiness

 

[OHIO COLONEL]

We went through a bathroom remodel within 6 months after my return from Iraq in 2006. Never again. Two contractors, one of which is wife's cousin, ripped us off for over $5,000.

Totally agree. Timing is everything and the project strains the heck out of a marriage.

One of the advantages of doing the work yourself. If you get ripped off...it's just right pocket to left.
Stress in all the remodeling we've done was basically none. I'm the type that when I start a project it HAS to be done. I'm kind of a perfectionist, so I hate messes and loose ends. So it gets done as soon as possible. When I was building our dining room there were nights I wouldn't go to bed till 2 or 3.
Plus no kids running around the house, so our remodels have went well.

 

[vhcat70]

If vaccines are so effective, why do we still hear about thousands of people suffering from polio each year?

Because even though they are so effective, they're not perfect. I suggest if perfection in everything is your requirement, don't do anything.

 

[MdWIldcat55]

Step-daughter and her hubby bought a house in Seattle about this time last year. Our house is larger and much nicer than what they bought (not to mention size of yard, etc) and theirs was well over $1M. Inside was basically trashed...someone started remodel but quit...so they've had to put, I think, about 300K in remodel/fixing up.
Then throw in 2 little kids...no school...him working at home....etc...and a perfect recipe for a divorce. They've had problems on and off for over 6 months, so we don't know if they'll make it or not.

As you know, it's stressful enough without the Covid lockdowns in these blue states.

Colonel, I'm sorry to hear that, and certainly hope they'll get through this and to better days on the other side.

I was traveling to Iraq and Afghanistan during the period of our remodel and, looking back, I remember being more stressed about what was going on in my house than going on patrols with troops in places like Tikrit and Jalalabad.

 

[berniecarbo]

We went through a bathroom remodel within 6 months after my return from Iraq in 2006. Never again. Two contractors, one of which is wife's cousin, ripped us off for over $5,000.

Totally agree. Timing is everything and the project strains the heck out of a marriage.

It's difficult to find anyone to do most anything these days. Driving through my small town, everyone has signs up "now hiring". It's to easy for people not to work and let the gov (us tax payers) take care of them.

 

[_Rooster]

Good morning D-League. Took my walk early and have been working already for about an hour. My second shot is at noon and I need to get stuff done in case I don't feel like doing stuff after that.

I hope everybody has an easy glide into the weekend.

We'll be getting our 2nd this afternon as well. Uncertainty sure comes easy when confused by deceivers with specific intent.

Listening to the radio and they are discussing the county fair. The ranchers have a nice program where a young boy or girl can purchase a new born steer and keep it on the ranch. The youths will track the growth of the steer and keep a record of all feed, weekly weight as if it was their ranch. When the steer gets to the desired weight for slaughter they have the option of the ranch butchering and packaging for their use or they can sell it.

You can do the same with pigs but chickens, ducks and rabbits are not allowed this year. So just cattle and pigs. I think it is a great idea and keeps the ranching business in the area front and center. With the influx of New Yorkers and New Englanders ranches are shrinking across the state.

Moooo

 

[tapemaster8]

I've been remodeling for about 25 years. When you live in a house that was built in 1857 and those before never spent the time or money...gives you a lot to do. They would upgrade over the years...and it's structurally sound...but 25 years ago it just looked old. So I take it project by project. Basically all done now. Doing all the work my self...saved a bunch of $$$$. People walk in who have never been here or haven't for many years are amazed (they say). Mayor came in last Nov (looking for votes) and he said it was one of the nicest properties around. Again... looking for votes.

When I was working on the kitchen for the second time about 12-15 years ago we replaced the countertop. The Mrs had her heart set on granite. Me...I didn't want to spend that much. Guess who won? Cost a ton, but I'm glad now we went with granite. Went all the way to Columbus to pick out the slab of which one we wanted.
Only thing she wanted that we didn't do, that I now wish we had, was a 'country sink'. Takes up a lot of space under the cabinet and I didn't want to re-plumb everything and you lose a lot of under cabinet storage. Now I wish I would have done it. Redid the floor two years ago just in time for the g'daughter's graduation party.

Took two years of French in H.S. Can't speak/understand a word of it. Only thing I remember is the phrase....ferme la bouche. Literal translation...close your mouth....loose translation....SHUT UP.

You must have been in my class. I was told that often! Seems like “grand cochon” was “ large pig”! Lol!

 

[vhcat70]

Okay, maybe too much information, but, bottom line: I won't even scare you by telling how much it cost. Suffice to say I grew up in rural Kentucky in a house that cost about a third of what our kitchen remodel cost. I was traveling so I couldn't take on any of the work myself (not that I had the skills.) It was like the US in Afghanistan - Mission Creep. Always something else to add. I'm hardly exaggerating to say that by the end it was a low point in what has been an almost issue-free 25-year marriage.

I'm sure it'll be fine for you, as long as the timing is good.

We had kitchen/guest bathroom/laundry room/entry hall redone 5 years ago. Everything, including replacing tile floor with wood & moving a doorway & granite counters. Doesn't count new main fridge, beverage fridge, & dishwasher. (Correction: Low $70's. Looked at wrong figures.) (Correction #2: DW says it was 10 weeks.) Had microwave & old fridge in garage.

 

[Girthang]

Morning Legionnaires!

For Austin: Benedict hell, I broke it! Old joke, I know. Safe travels, be careful out there.

Daughter has a 4 day weekend. School using inclement weather days they say that were set aside each year. Not sure how they did not use them all up during the almost 3 weeks she had off during the cold spell when the school had no water or elect. Teachers and administrators don't seem to want to work anymore. She complains that they only teach what is going to be on test and that every one is scoring high or very low (on occasion if not taught what is on the test). She wants to be home schooled next year and we will probably do just that. Just one example of home work they give her and I have posted this before. In Spanish, they don't teach her phrases, just a few words and for homework there has only been cryptograms for her to figure out and none of them so far has had Spanish words or phrases, they just cover Spanish speaking countries and their cultures, landscape, and history. This is her second year in Spanish and she hardly knows any phrases or understanding of the language itself. She should have taken French. My wife is half French, her father speaks it as did her grandparents who brought her father over here when he was about 8 years old.

I'm amazed at how little teaching actually occurs these days. When I was a kid dittos were reserved for days when they couldn't find a good sub to teach a class. Now they just have books full of them and call it teaching. We're considering homeschooling a granddaughter, after seeing her zoom school and "books" periodically over the last 12 months.

I have nieces and nephews that got schooled at home and flew through their college work. Every one of them except the last one (who went to school his last few years) graduated from college early without doing summer classes.

Ultimately it's up to her parents, of course. They're concerned about socialization skills and interaction. With what the teachers I know have been saying about the social interactions taking place at younger and younger ages, I'm not seeing as much value in that aspect anymore.

 

[Girthang]

For a mid-April morning in the south it was "colder here than a witches teet in a brass bra" as my elders used to say (yet never around their wives) when I was a youngin. Plenty of work to keep me warm though, so I'm thankful for it.

 

[UK82]

Hey thanks for all the tips (and horror stories) for remodeling. I'm tempted to rent out a cabin on Lake Cumberland during the work but that would only add to the cost plus I couldn't supervise. This is going to take a lot of serious planning.

 

[UK82]

Listening to the radio and now they are discussing the DEMAND by the Tampa Bay Rays for a new baseball stadium. But things are not going smooth for the poverty stricken Rays (they can't afford a Billion dollar stadium)

When MLB pulled that idiotic stunt the other day, pulling the All Star game out of Georgia, it left a bitter taste in the mouth of the movers and shakers who could make a new stadium happen. They want guarantees the team will stay in the area and also get out of politics. Should be interesting.

I vote no to building them a stadium.

A second issue is the new legislation addressing RIOTS. The governor and legislature are going to clamp down hard on rioters. Of course Democrats oppose this because they say it will be detrimental to the Black Lives Matter movement. I don't think this GOP controlled state is going to worry about the feelings of Black Lives Matter. If you riot you probably will get your head busted or shot and it will be legal.

Before the All-Star disaster MBL was the highest rated sport amongst Republicans at something like 52% approval. It's dropped to 12%. Just a bone headed mistake.

 

[UK82]

Just 2 more weeks and it'll be time to plant tomatoes. Surprisingly there's not as much variety this year in the plant nurseries. Especially with heirlooms. Probably another victim of covid.

 

[Girthang]

Our kitchen is outdated but I could live with it. I suggested to my wife that we go the cheap route. She pointed out that I didn't go the cheap route when putting together our home theater. Game, set, match. No response from me. We might do this remodel in stages, i.e. cabinets, countertop, floor, wall tile. etc.. Might ease the stress a little. I'm concerned about our dog. Could be tough on the little guy for a while.

Dang. I got me one of those wives, too.

You got to tell them you got everything used or on sale real cheap, even scratch a couple things to make it plausible.... and mention everyb30 days or so how you wished you'd bought new like you wanted to.

Learned that great advice from a fella by the last name Combs before I got married. All of that man's marriage advice has proved true over the decades, when it sounded like it would end a marriage.

 

[Girthang]

Just 2 more weeks and it'll be time to plant tomatoes. Surprisingly there's not as much variety this year in the plant nurseries. Especially with heirlooms. Probably another victim of covid.

I noticed that too. May have more to do with the big seed/plant companies being sold, but I was very surprised. They did a TON of business last year on plants. Would've thought they'd be throwing everything at us this year

 

[Girthang]

After remodeling several homes or parts of them, I don't do as much in certain areas. After losing a contractor and having difficulty replacing them at a similar price point because the job was too custom and cramped. We found out we were redoing a full bath with a custom sized tub. we just had bath fitter come in and do their thing. Done in a day and worth not losing the use of it for any length of time.

They gave us a quote that was higher than others apples to apples, but would have been cheaper or the same when the final work was done.

There were problems with the shower plumbing and the drain pipes that would have cost us extra after being found, if the other companies had done the work. Bathfitter didn't charge more than the original quote. Probably saved 500$ at minimum.

Don't know if I'd use them on an easier job in a newer home.

 

[Sawnee Cat]

Just 2 more weeks and it'll be time to plant tomatoes. Surprisingly there's not as much variety this year in the plant nurseries. Especially with heirlooms. Probably another victim of covid.

My banana peppers are blooming and some have tiny peppers on them. I should have plenty for one of my favorite snacks, fried banana peppers. Love em

 

[Bert Higginbotha]

You must have been in my class. I was told that often! Seems like “grand cochon” was “ large pig”! Lol!

Happy Birthday tapemaster!

 

[_Rooster]

The eaglets are flying about.

 

[OHIO COLONEL]

After remodeling several homes or parts of them, I don't do as much in certain areas. After losing a contractor and having difficulty replacing them at a similar price point because the job was too custom and cramped. We found out we were redoing a full bath with a custom sized tub. we just had bath fitter come in and do their thing. Done in a day and worth not losing the use of it for any length of time.

They gave us a quote that was higher than others apples to apples, but would have been cheaper or the same when the final work was done.

There were problems with the shower plumbing and the drain pipes that would have cost us extra after being found, if the other companies had done the work. Bathfitter didn't charge more than the original quote. Probably saved 500$ at minimum.

Don't know if I'd use them on an easier job in a newer home.

Before we decided to go with granite countertops, we checked out one of those companies, much like Bath Fitter, only in countertops. They put a thin granite (composite I think) that goes over your existing countertops.
Funny, we were just talking about them the other night when we were watching the YouTube videos on the scammers. Good talkers...hi pressure salesmen...mad if you don't buy, etc.
They sent a sales guy out to show us what they could do...take a few measurements...do a quote. Kind of in home sales that is high pressure. Guy was super, super nice. Hour later when I told him we would think about it...you could see his personality change and the pressure salesman come out...10-15 minutes later I told him I wasn't interested and invited him to leave. Then he turned into a real class 'A' jerk.

 

[BBUK]

...

I've been remodeling for about 25 years. When you live in a house that was built in 1857 and those before never spent the time or money...gives you a lot to do. They would upgrade over the years...and it's structurally sound...but 25 years ago it just looked old. So I take it project by project. Basically all done now. Doing all the work my self...saved a bunch of $$$$. People walk in who have never been here or haven't for many years are amazed (they say). Mayor came in last Nov (looking for votes) and he said it was one of the nicest properties around. Again... looking for votes.

When I was working on the kitchen for the second time about 12-15 years ago we replaced the countertop. The Mrs had her heart set on granite. Me...I didn't want to spend that much. Guess who won? Cost a ton, but I'm glad now we went with granite. Went all the way to Columbus to pick out the slab of which one we wanted.
Only thing she wanted that we didn't do, that I now wish we had, was a 'country sink'. Takes up a lot of space under the cabinet and I didn't want to re-plumb everything and you lose a lot of under cabinet storage. Now I wish I would have done it. Redid the floor two years ago just in time for the g'daughter's graduation party.

Took two years of French in H.S. Can't speak/understand a word of it. Only thing I remember is the phrase....ferme la bouche. Literal translation...close your mouth....loose translation....SHUT UP.

HA HA, thanks for the memory OC,

I think it was my sixth grade teacher. Her favorite saying was: ferme la grand bouche; close your big mouth...

Mrs. Sahulka..... A stern but wonderful lady. A good teacher.

I took my darling for her first vaccine today. She received the Pfizer vaccine. She is out like a light. Never one to sleep during the day. We had lunch and made our normal Saturday grocery rounds today.

Oh,
May your time today be filled with joyful activities. Look forward to interacting with others and may your actions brighten someone's day and outlook. God Bless you all...

 

[_Rooster]

 

[Bert Higginbotha]

Only Rooster can appreciate how the D-League keeps rolling along!

I love every page of it.

Thanks Don.

 

[Girthang]

Before we decided to go with granite countertops, we checked out one of those companies, much like Bath Fitter, only in countertops. They put a thin granite (composite I think) that goes over your existing countertops.
Funny, we were just talking about them the other night when we were watching the YouTube videos on the scammers. Good talkers...hi pressure salesmen...mad if you don't buy, etc.
They sent a sales guy out to show us what they could do...take a few measurements...do a quote. Kind of in home sales that is high pressure. Guy was super, super nice. Hour later when I told him we would think about it...you could see his personality change and the pressure salesman come out...10-15 minutes later I told him I wasn't interested and invited him to leave. Then he turned into a real class 'A' jerk.

Lmao... Yeah!

It's like the exorcist if you don't commit. We never do but always enjoy the show for what it is. We call em back or they call us back. Never commit while they're sitting there if you want the exorcist or sybil movie trailer!

We've had several wi dows folks in.... siding, bath, and garage door people over the years. It's much more intense than the time share people

 

[vhcat70]

Just 2 more weeks and it'll be time to plant tomatoes. Surprisingly there's not as much variety this year in the plant nurseries. Especially with heirlooms. Probably another victim of covid.

Wasting your time planting here in NKy b4 about 10 May. Ground too cold & they just sit there. Sorta like cicadas.

 

[UK82]

I noticed that too. May have more to do with the big seed/plant companies being sold, but I was very surprised. They did a TON of business last year on plants. Would've thought they'd be throwing everything at us this year

Good point. It's still too early but from my conversations with my normal sources they're cutting back this year. Maybe next year I'll start from seed.

 

[UK82]

Wasting your time planting here in NKy b4 about 10 May. Ground too cold & they just sit there. Sorta like cicadas.

I usually plant sometime during the first week of May. Last year was closer to the 15th. For the past few years I've only put a few in the ground and 4 in Earthbox containers. Believe it or not the Earthbox system gives me a better yield. Idiot proof too.

 

[awf]

Good luck with the kitchen remodel, 82. My advice on that is, timing is everything. Our kitchen, dining area really needed an extensive remodel -- we actually took out the dining room and expanded the kitchen dramatically -- and I'll admit today that it was a smart move and added value to our property.

BUT -- At my wife's urging, we took it on when 1.) the kids were still young and I was worried about saving for their education 2.) my wife had been out of the workforce for a decade getting our kids through their early years, so living in the expensive DC area money had gotten tight 3.) I had turned down better paying jobs because I was committed to traveling overseas as much as I could, so I felt the pressure of our family economics pushing me out of what I wanted ;professionally.

Okay, maybe too much information, but, bottom line: I won't even scare you by telling how much it cost. Suffice to say I grew up in rural Kentucky in a house that cost about a third of what our kitchen remodel cost. I was traveling so I couldn't take on any of the work myself (not that I had the skills.) It was like the US in Afghanistan - Mission Creep. Always something else to add. I'm hardly exaggerating to say that by the end it was a low point in what has been an almost issue-free 25-year marriage.

I'm sure it'll be fine for you, as long as the timing is good.

I turned our small first floor bedroom and turned it into our bathroom for the master bedroom..........We bought the place in 1977......the bathroom cost more than twice what we originally paid for the house......and my many, many hours of work was not included in the bill.....I wish it had been......I could have paid for it.....

 

[Girthang]

Good point. It's still too early but from my conversations with my normal sources they're cutting back this year. Maybe next year I'll start from seed.

I do a mix of seed and seedlings. Even the seed packets of some companies seem to be reduced this year. I've stocked up. Still have seeds that are germinating from 2014, though

 

[_Rooster]

D-League keeps rolling along!

 

[Girthang]

I turned our small first floor bedroom and turned it into our bathroom for the master bedroom..........We bought the place in 1977......the bathroom cost more than twice what we originally paid for the house......and my many, many hours of work was not included in the bill.....I wish it had been......I could have paid for it.....

I stayed at that hotel once. Think I still have some of their soap! It was so expensive I had to sell the rest of the complimentaries to pay the visa bill. NICE!

 

[Girthang]

I usually plant sometime during the first week of May. Last year was closer to the 15th. For the past few years I've only put a few in the ground and 4 in Earthbox containers. Believe it or not the Earthbox system gives me a better yield. Idiot proof too.

Don't know that system. How's it work and whered you find it?

 

[OHIO COLONEL]

View embedded media

Really liked the movie of the same name.....

 

[UK82]

Don't know that system. How's it work and whered you find it?

I kept reading good reviews and decided to give it a try. Our luck with "in ground" tomatoes were hit and miss and containers limited us to smaller tomatoes with lower yields. Earthbox is a reservoir type system so it's not possible to overwater. As long as you don't let the reservoir go dry it's foolproof. Probably get around 60-70 tomatoes per plant on average. Large heirlooms were obviously less but still impressive. Our first year Romas were more like 150. Blossom end rot has been the only problem but with a pickling lime solution it knocks it out.

https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-o2r.../2614148/z_4963_1_0__20742.1588079764.jpg?c=2

 

[Girthang]

I kept reading good reviews and decided to give it a try. Our luck with "in ground" tomatoes were hit and miss and containers limited us to smaller tomatoes with lower yields. Earthbox is a reservoir type system so it's not possible to overwater. As long as you don't let the reservoir go dry it's foolproof. Probably get around 60-70 tomatoes per plant on average. Large heirlooms were obviously less but still impressive. Our first year Romas were more like 150. Blossom end rot has been the only problem but with a pickling lime solution it knocks it out.

https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-o2r.../2614148/z_4963_1_0__20742.1588079764.jpg?c=2

That looks too easy!! Much rather tackle tilling, weeds, critters, fungus, etc....

IT CAN'T BE THAT SIMPLE!! Jk

Thanks for sending that. I'm gonna check it out. Do you keep these on a deck or in the yard/ garden?