I ran into an old friend at the parent night. We chatted for an hour afterwards in the parking lot. Catching up on the news of our children. Tom called looking for dinner which finally sent me scurrying home with Taco Time for everyone.
Tom lectured Trevor and sent him to bed at 8:15 in preparation of the first day. It will be a long day for Trevor with football after school. By the time I went in to say goodnight to Trevor at 8:30 pm he was already asleep. I had wanted him to brush and floss before bed to get a really good job done for picture day, since we hadn't been to the dentist yet and are due for a cleaning, all of us. Trevor was asleep within minutes. Riley had his clothes picked out and his teeth sparkling clean before bed.
Trevor woke up his usual cranky morning self. Trevor is like his father in the morning. There are chores to do and things to get done in a short amount of time. He does not operate well at a fast pace. He had hoarded laundry again in his room so I told Trevor he needed to start a load of laundry. He told me he was eating breakfast first. I told him he needed to start the load before he eats breakfast so it will be going while he eats, efficiency of time management. He kicked the pile of laundry I had tossed down the stairs, lost his balance and put his hand through the big beautiful picture window in the living room shattering the inner pain. He didn't cut himself. He was stunned by what he had done. I just picked up the phone and called his father. I didn't want Tom coming home and freaking at the broken window. I also wanted Trevor's father to have words with the boy. I didn't want to yell at him the first day of school. He had already broken a window because I told him to do laundry before eating. We were already off to a bad start with a broken window and laundry arguments.
Trevor was very obliging and subdued as I told him to clean it up and start the laundry.
I put a leash on the dog and went for a walk. I was going to walk up to the bus stop with Riley, but Riley asked me not to go with him. He didn't want to hang with his mother, though he did give me a hug in the privacy of our driveway. We left Trevor to clean up the glass. I didn't want to watch. I had handed him gloves so he wouldn't cut himself, and located the dust pan and broom for him. He did an adequate job. I finished cleaning up the glass after my walk.
Trevor passed me on the street, I asked if he had remembered his shorts for football. He had not. He raced back to the house and got them. He arrived at the bus stop in time to catch his breath before the bus arrived. A dozen teenagers were waiting for the bus, middle and high school students. I wish he had been able to get out there earlier so he could have introduced Riley and himself to everyone. Riley will be too reserved and shy to introduce himself, even though he had gone out a good ten minutes earlier. Trevor would have chatted with who ever was willing to talk.
I had to see the humor of the broken window. Just last night my old friend had asked if Trevor was still clumsy. I had said he was growing into himself. Playing football was good for him and his balance. Well, Trevor is still growing and he is still the bull in the china shop. I am contemplating the cost of tempered glass for my beautiful big windows. Of course the one that broke is not the one with the broken seal that needs replacing, but maybe we can get a deal with now needing four windows replaced. Three with bad seals and one for broken glass.
I hope the first day goes well for the boys. Riley has a hard load with honors classes and Spanish
for the first time. I will see if I can borrow some of my Dad's fun reading books in Spanish from my sister. Dad had all the Harry Potter series in Spanish. Riley, once he gets some Spanish under his belt might like to hone his skills trying to read them in Spanish.
Trevor has swim conditioning in the afternoon. I remember his second grade teacher saying the students were more focused and alert after swim class. I can only hope it helps Trevor focus. Trevor has math, science, English, concert band, computers, and swimming, not in that order, but a lot of classes to keep up in so he can play football.
Riley will also need to join an extra curricular activity as part of the graduation requirements. The school expects you to be involved in a club of some sort. I was sad Kiwanis is not in the school. Trevor enjoyed the volunteer opportunities they offered. I wonder if Riley can work in the concessions for his required volunteer hours. Boosters runs the concessions stands. The money earned goes back into the programs that the volunteers request.
I worked the Varsity game concessions. Trevor sold programs and made the most money of all the boys selling football programs. I told him he should donate the tips also to the program and he did. Raising teenage boys is so difficult. It is such a balancing act. I don't naturally speak the testosterone language. I just hope this house can survive us. Have a good first day of school.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
Laminate
I got Trevor up and was on the road by 7:45 am. We had loaded the car the day before. I wanted to make sure I remembered everything; circular saw, miter box, hammer, nails, screw drivers, pliers. All the tools needed to rip out carpet and install laminate flooring.
We had to swing by home depot and buy another box of the pad as I didn't have enough. I also couldn't find my pry bar which is essential in removing tack strips and molding. The new pry bar was only $9. I wanted to shop in Oregon also to avoid the sales tax and to show that I had been down to the house for the record, a little trick a friend told me to prove I had been in the area is to charge something at home depot or in the area to show my location. I can then write off the gas for the trip and the expenses of the purchases and show active involvement in the rental which improves my write offs.
Trevor wanted breakfast before we started so I swung by McDonald's for take out. He ordered four Breakfast Burritos and a fruit smoothie. I ordered an Orange juice. Our tenant was on the porch having coffee and a smoke when we arrived. I was sorry to see she smokes, but not in the house. Its in the lease agreement, no smoking in the house. Even Tom never smoked in the house.
The tenant said she loved the house. Her furniture looks right at home. Her colors match. She did say that the cleaning was not up to her level. My property manager had me send in one of her people to clean after we moved out, after I had spent a week cleaning. We had both missed things. I said I wasn't going to discount the rent. I just didn't have it in my budget. We are already in the hole for the insurance and taxes, around five or six thousand dollars depending on anything else that might come up.
She asked if I would split the payment just for this month, $1000 now and $800 at mid month. I told her I was good with that arrangement just for this month. I understood how moves go and the expenses of a move. We traded phone numbers.
Trevor and I worked hard all day. Trevor carried up the tools and boxes and helped rip out the carpet and pad and carry the debris out of the house. I showed him how to carefully remove molding with out tearing the dry wall or break the molding. I removed the tack strips as he didn't want to get poked. The staples came out easily with the flat head screw driver and pliers. We also cleared the closet of carpet. The prep work took a few hours, and we were ready to start laying the laminate
Three boards for each layer, I even let Trev do some of the miter cuts. He was a wonderful helper. He probably hadn't worked that hard in his life. When 4:00 came and he realized I wasn't going to break for lunch, he did get a little whiny. The neighbors were home and he was able to take a break to say "Hi".
The problem is when laying laminate, you start at the easy end, the longest wall. It is not until you get to the end of the day that you hit the hard awkward cuts, when you are tired and want to be done.
Had I had more time I would have quit and finished up the next day, but I didn't want to do the drive again. The jeep gets 20 miles to the gallon and takes at least half a tank for each round trip. I plowed through until the end. It did come out beautifully. I did not caulk the molding, though I did get it nailed back in place. The tenant will appreciate not having to pay for it to be cleaned or make the effort in steam cleaning like I did.
I had said we would be there between 9:00 am and 10:00 am and work until 8:00 pm. We were finished by 7:15 pm. I was on schedule the whole day. It did take the whole day. I could not have done it without Trevor's help. He was a great runner and carrier and cleaner and loader. He helped lay each line which made it so much easier to install. he cut the closet board length himself while I finished re installing the molding in the room. I appreciated every minute of his help. We were on schedule because he was with me.
As a thank you I told him he could pick the restaurant and if Barnes and Noble was open we would swing by to get a newly released book he wanted. He had definitely earned food and a book. Though I did remind him it was his mess we were cleaning up. He learned what hard work is all about and a few remodeling tricks, and using a miter box safely. He and I both patted ourselves on the back for a job well done. We pulled into the house at 10:00 pm, exhausted, well fed, with new books for Trevor.
We had to swing by home depot and buy another box of the pad as I didn't have enough. I also couldn't find my pry bar which is essential in removing tack strips and molding. The new pry bar was only $9. I wanted to shop in Oregon also to avoid the sales tax and to show that I had been down to the house for the record, a little trick a friend told me to prove I had been in the area is to charge something at home depot or in the area to show my location. I can then write off the gas for the trip and the expenses of the purchases and show active involvement in the rental which improves my write offs.
Trevor wanted breakfast before we started so I swung by McDonald's for take out. He ordered four Breakfast Burritos and a fruit smoothie. I ordered an Orange juice. Our tenant was on the porch having coffee and a smoke when we arrived. I was sorry to see she smokes, but not in the house. Its in the lease agreement, no smoking in the house. Even Tom never smoked in the house.
The tenant said she loved the house. Her furniture looks right at home. Her colors match. She did say that the cleaning was not up to her level. My property manager had me send in one of her people to clean after we moved out, after I had spent a week cleaning. We had both missed things. I said I wasn't going to discount the rent. I just didn't have it in my budget. We are already in the hole for the insurance and taxes, around five or six thousand dollars depending on anything else that might come up.
She asked if I would split the payment just for this month, $1000 now and $800 at mid month. I told her I was good with that arrangement just for this month. I understood how moves go and the expenses of a move. We traded phone numbers.
Trevor and I worked hard all day. Trevor carried up the tools and boxes and helped rip out the carpet and pad and carry the debris out of the house. I showed him how to carefully remove molding with out tearing the dry wall or break the molding. I removed the tack strips as he didn't want to get poked. The staples came out easily with the flat head screw driver and pliers. We also cleared the closet of carpet. The prep work took a few hours, and we were ready to start laying the laminate
Three boards for each layer, I even let Trev do some of the miter cuts. He was a wonderful helper. He probably hadn't worked that hard in his life. When 4:00 came and he realized I wasn't going to break for lunch, he did get a little whiny. The neighbors were home and he was able to take a break to say "Hi".
The problem is when laying laminate, you start at the easy end, the longest wall. It is not until you get to the end of the day that you hit the hard awkward cuts, when you are tired and want to be done.
Had I had more time I would have quit and finished up the next day, but I didn't want to do the drive again. The jeep gets 20 miles to the gallon and takes at least half a tank for each round trip. I plowed through until the end. It did come out beautifully. I did not caulk the molding, though I did get it nailed back in place. The tenant will appreciate not having to pay for it to be cleaned or make the effort in steam cleaning like I did.
I had said we would be there between 9:00 am and 10:00 am and work until 8:00 pm. We were finished by 7:15 pm. I was on schedule the whole day. It did take the whole day. I could not have done it without Trevor's help. He was a great runner and carrier and cleaner and loader. He helped lay each line which made it so much easier to install. he cut the closet board length himself while I finished re installing the molding in the room. I appreciated every minute of his help. We were on schedule because he was with me.
As a thank you I told him he could pick the restaurant and if Barnes and Noble was open we would swing by to get a newly released book he wanted. He had definitely earned food and a book. Though I did remind him it was his mess we were cleaning up. He learned what hard work is all about and a few remodeling tricks, and using a miter box safely. He and I both patted ourselves on the back for a job well done. We pulled into the house at 10:00 pm, exhausted, well fed, with new books for Trevor.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Gardening
It has been beautiful weather, finally. I have been getting up early and before even showering, I throw on my garden work clothes consisting of my painting pants and a thick sweatshirt. I figure I will sweat and stink while doing my good work in the garden and then come in when I get tired for my shower.
This morning I worked from 9:00 am until well after 1:00. I was lucky I came in because Trevor was supposed to be at football practice at 2:30. He always needs time to find shoes and socks and get a quick sandwich before we leave.
Turns out that despite being told there would be Saturday practices, no one was at the school. I sent Trevor hunting for the coaches but he came back saying the school was locked up. Tom was on the computer doing his football fantasy draft so I knew we couldn't check our e-mail from home. I suggested we swing by the library to use their computer. Trevor liked the idea as he could see about checking out the book he misplaced in the middle of reading it.
There was no e mail from the coach. He is not much of an e mail correspondent. I am a little bummed at the lack of communication. As a result I sent off an e mail to him saying we had gone to the school for Saturday practice only to find it closed. I asked coach to send an updated schedule. The one we have ended yesterday with first varsity game.
I also looked up a friend's number in the telephone book while we were at the library. She was listed and she has a child also playing football. She was home when I called. She had the same issue with the lack of communication. I told her I would see about getting us connected to some other parents not with freshmen who may be more in the loop. She said she would try at her end to get us in the loop. Maybe with the two of us we can get a correct and current schedule.
Our time was not wasted as Trevor and I both updated our library cards. Trevor got his book he wanted. We headed to the mall, ostensibly to buy first day of school clothes. I offered to buy lunch at the mall.
I was hungry so we ate first. Major mistake with Trevor. No motivation afterwards to go clothes shopping. He was done. He had his book and was fed. He wanted to go. It was just like that time in the spring. Boys don't go clothes shopping. I could have pulled my hair out in frustration. He is content to just go with what he has. Though in the car he said he wouldn't have minded getting jeans. Some guys on the team have said he ought to have some jeans in his wardrobe. He said he finds them uncomfortable but wouldn't mind having some. Well, if he would come shopping with me and try some on, we might be able to find a pair that is not uncomfortable. Not today, Trevor just wanted to go home. I wasn't going to battle over it. I have been fighting enough battles in the last two weeks.
Tom made the comment he thought I must be half goat from all the berries I have been cutting. The yard is beginning to appear from under all the overgrowth. He and Trevor had removed the slate from the old pool table. They got it to the top of the outside stairs before they put it down, about ten feet. I had asked them to bring it down the stairs to the back yard where I could use it as patio slabs. Tom gave me a dirty look and told me to go clip more berries. He wasn't going to lift the heavy slabs any further. Now I have to figure out how to get them into the back yard from the top of the stairs. I am tempted to rope them and lower them over the rail rather than carry them down the stairs, which I am not capable of doing as they weigh probably 200 pounds a piece. There are three panels. Tom is all for taking them to the dump, but the dump is by weight and these are really beautiful blue stone slabs. I probably couldn't afford to buy them from a landscaper. They would make great steps or a patio. I see many uses and the blackberries wouldn't be able to grow through them.
Tom's remark about my just going and cutting more berries though made me cranky, because I am getting the job done to the point where he commented on the impressive progress I have made. I figure I am saving between $700 for the goats and $1800 for the landscaper by doing it all myself. I am worth it. I can do just as good a job if not better than the hired help. I also am getting a feel for the land.
The more I clear the more I realize I have a huge yard. I had not realized the scope of the lot until I started clearing. There is much to do, but the pleasure of knowing it is all mine thrills me to the bone. I just need to tame it and get it all under control.
I have borrowed a chain saw from a friend. Tom is going to tackle the few trees we still need to cut that were too big for my hand saw. He is also going to cut the stumps down to the ground that I left. The trunks on the ground need to be cut up. If he doesn't get to the trunks on the ground I will have the boys help me and just run them through my miter box one foot at a time. They are light cotton woods which is why I found them so easy to fell.
After I do Trevor's old room, this weekend, replacing the carpet with laminate, my next project is to build a fire pit in the back yard of the new house. Once the rains start coming I can burn small fires and enjoy, while cleaning up the debris a little at a time.
I took note of the bonfire pit at the football party. The owners just used one foot retaining wall stacking bricks, eleven bricks to a level, three levels high. All I need is 33 blocks. I can easily dismantle it and move it once we have a more clear idea of where all the retaining walls and steps will be placed. The debris needs to be cleaned up. I love a pretty little fire. It is all a win. I just need to be patient and get everything cut and drying. I don't want to burn now while everything is too much tinder on the ground.
So I will cut more berries. Today they were ripe. I ate blackberries as I went along. The rains will come soon enough. I told Tom I was going to work on the yard because there will be plenty of rainy days to work in the house later. The house is looking pretty good anyway. I am feeling comfortable with all the progress. Each week I fill those garbage cans to the brim. I was able to fold up two more large boxes that had been filled with wrapping paper that I recycled on Friday. I have taken the boxes that we don't need down to the basement. Those I will tackle on one of those rainy days to come. Today I will enjoy my future beautiful big yard that gives me pleasant surprises at every turn.
This morning I worked from 9:00 am until well after 1:00. I was lucky I came in because Trevor was supposed to be at football practice at 2:30. He always needs time to find shoes and socks and get a quick sandwich before we leave.
Turns out that despite being told there would be Saturday practices, no one was at the school. I sent Trevor hunting for the coaches but he came back saying the school was locked up. Tom was on the computer doing his football fantasy draft so I knew we couldn't check our e-mail from home. I suggested we swing by the library to use their computer. Trevor liked the idea as he could see about checking out the book he misplaced in the middle of reading it.
There was no e mail from the coach. He is not much of an e mail correspondent. I am a little bummed at the lack of communication. As a result I sent off an e mail to him saying we had gone to the school for Saturday practice only to find it closed. I asked coach to send an updated schedule. The one we have ended yesterday with first varsity game.
I also looked up a friend's number in the telephone book while we were at the library. She was listed and she has a child also playing football. She was home when I called. She had the same issue with the lack of communication. I told her I would see about getting us connected to some other parents not with freshmen who may be more in the loop. She said she would try at her end to get us in the loop. Maybe with the two of us we can get a correct and current schedule.
Our time was not wasted as Trevor and I both updated our library cards. Trevor got his book he wanted. We headed to the mall, ostensibly to buy first day of school clothes. I offered to buy lunch at the mall.
I was hungry so we ate first. Major mistake with Trevor. No motivation afterwards to go clothes shopping. He was done. He had his book and was fed. He wanted to go. It was just like that time in the spring. Boys don't go clothes shopping. I could have pulled my hair out in frustration. He is content to just go with what he has. Though in the car he said he wouldn't have minded getting jeans. Some guys on the team have said he ought to have some jeans in his wardrobe. He said he finds them uncomfortable but wouldn't mind having some. Well, if he would come shopping with me and try some on, we might be able to find a pair that is not uncomfortable. Not today, Trevor just wanted to go home. I wasn't going to battle over it. I have been fighting enough battles in the last two weeks.
Tom made the comment he thought I must be half goat from all the berries I have been cutting. The yard is beginning to appear from under all the overgrowth. He and Trevor had removed the slate from the old pool table. They got it to the top of the outside stairs before they put it down, about ten feet. I had asked them to bring it down the stairs to the back yard where I could use it as patio slabs. Tom gave me a dirty look and told me to go clip more berries. He wasn't going to lift the heavy slabs any further. Now I have to figure out how to get them into the back yard from the top of the stairs. I am tempted to rope them and lower them over the rail rather than carry them down the stairs, which I am not capable of doing as they weigh probably 200 pounds a piece. There are three panels. Tom is all for taking them to the dump, but the dump is by weight and these are really beautiful blue stone slabs. I probably couldn't afford to buy them from a landscaper. They would make great steps or a patio. I see many uses and the blackberries wouldn't be able to grow through them.
Tom's remark about my just going and cutting more berries though made me cranky, because I am getting the job done to the point where he commented on the impressive progress I have made. I figure I am saving between $700 for the goats and $1800 for the landscaper by doing it all myself. I am worth it. I can do just as good a job if not better than the hired help. I also am getting a feel for the land.
The more I clear the more I realize I have a huge yard. I had not realized the scope of the lot until I started clearing. There is much to do, but the pleasure of knowing it is all mine thrills me to the bone. I just need to tame it and get it all under control.
I have borrowed a chain saw from a friend. Tom is going to tackle the few trees we still need to cut that were too big for my hand saw. He is also going to cut the stumps down to the ground that I left. The trunks on the ground need to be cut up. If he doesn't get to the trunks on the ground I will have the boys help me and just run them through my miter box one foot at a time. They are light cotton woods which is why I found them so easy to fell.
After I do Trevor's old room, this weekend, replacing the carpet with laminate, my next project is to build a fire pit in the back yard of the new house. Once the rains start coming I can burn small fires and enjoy, while cleaning up the debris a little at a time.
I took note of the bonfire pit at the football party. The owners just used one foot retaining wall stacking bricks, eleven bricks to a level, three levels high. All I need is 33 blocks. I can easily dismantle it and move it once we have a more clear idea of where all the retaining walls and steps will be placed. The debris needs to be cleaned up. I love a pretty little fire. It is all a win. I just need to be patient and get everything cut and drying. I don't want to burn now while everything is too much tinder on the ground.
So I will cut more berries. Today they were ripe. I ate blackberries as I went along. The rains will come soon enough. I told Tom I was going to work on the yard because there will be plenty of rainy days to work in the house later. The house is looking pretty good anyway. I am feeling comfortable with all the progress. Each week I fill those garbage cans to the brim. I was able to fold up two more large boxes that had been filled with wrapping paper that I recycled on Friday. I have taken the boxes that we don't need down to the basement. Those I will tackle on one of those rainy days to come. Today I will enjoy my future beautiful big yard that gives me pleasant surprises at every turn.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Tenants
Trevor's carpet in his old room did not pass inspection. The tenant said it stank. She is right. Even after steaming it still was in the pad. One of my more stupid parenting moments was to allow Trevor to keep a rabbit in his room. He did not keep it in the cage the whole time as would have been a good option. Behind the cage on the floor was a nasty mess when we finally moved out the furniture. The carpet did stink.
I told the property manager we would go down and rip out and replace the carpet with the laminate that I had already purchased for Trevor's room. It matches the rest of the upstairs. I have been wanting to do it. Of course now that it is a rental I am not so motivated. I told Trevor he is coming with me since it is his room and his mess we are cleaning up. We should be able to get it done in a day.
We did Riley's room in a day and that was with painting it also. I am not going to paint Trevor's room. The tenant will just have to live with it. Next year I might tackle the paint job, but I have too much going on at my own home to take the time now.
The tenant also wanted us to remove the carpet in the bathroom. I would love to but not now and there really isn't a reason to rip it out now. Again, that is a project for next year. I will go vinyl in the bathroom when the time comes.
She ought to be happy with the house as is. Zillow has us $400 below market. We are going to lose $400 a month anyway for insurance and taxes which are not included in the rent price this year. I will probably bump up the price next year.
Sunday Trevor and I are going down to replace the carpet and then I hope we are done for a while. I did ask the property manager for a furnace man to come and change the filters and vacuum the vents. I had it done on our house when we moved in. It is a nice safety feature to have done. I figure now that we are paying the property manager, these are the chores I will have her do, sit and wait for the utility guy to come. She said they had to buy a pack of light bulbs for a few bulbs that were out. I can see that property managers do have their usefulness.
I can't wait until the carpet project is done. I just remind myself what a good write off on the taxes the rental property will be. Tom just needs to get to the CPA and soon so we can figure it all out.
I told the property manager we would go down and rip out and replace the carpet with the laminate that I had already purchased for Trevor's room. It matches the rest of the upstairs. I have been wanting to do it. Of course now that it is a rental I am not so motivated. I told Trevor he is coming with me since it is his room and his mess we are cleaning up. We should be able to get it done in a day.
We did Riley's room in a day and that was with painting it also. I am not going to paint Trevor's room. The tenant will just have to live with it. Next year I might tackle the paint job, but I have too much going on at my own home to take the time now.
The tenant also wanted us to remove the carpet in the bathroom. I would love to but not now and there really isn't a reason to rip it out now. Again, that is a project for next year. I will go vinyl in the bathroom when the time comes.
She ought to be happy with the house as is. Zillow has us $400 below market. We are going to lose $400 a month anyway for insurance and taxes which are not included in the rent price this year. I will probably bump up the price next year.
Sunday Trevor and I are going down to replace the carpet and then I hope we are done for a while. I did ask the property manager for a furnace man to come and change the filters and vacuum the vents. I had it done on our house when we moved in. It is a nice safety feature to have done. I figure now that we are paying the property manager, these are the chores I will have her do, sit and wait for the utility guy to come. She said they had to buy a pack of light bulbs for a few bulbs that were out. I can see that property managers do have their usefulness.
I can't wait until the carpet project is done. I just remind myself what a good write off on the taxes the rental property will be. Tom just needs to get to the CPA and soon so we can figure it all out.
Numbers
We decided to move up Riley's appointment with the Doctor so he wouldn't have to miss school. The appointment was for September 15. School starts on the sixth. I called and the Doctor had an opening on the first.
AWSOME numbers. Everything was low normal. Hemoglobin was 14.1. You can donate blood with this number. Riley laughed when I told him so. Platelets were 164,000. 150,000 was our goal. White cells were 6.7. Neutrophils were 4.8. Hematocrit was 41.1. No more low indicator arrows on the printout.
The Doctor was surprised and pleased at the positive bump. As a result, when I asked Tom's question if Riley could accelerate the dosage decline, he said "Yes". He normally wouldn't but these numbers show that Riley's body responds well to the dosage decline. The new dose starting today is just 50 milligrams in the morning and that is it. Still continue with the weekend antibiotics until we see the doctor again. He said giving up the antibiotics is a little like playing with fire while on cyclosporan. You can quickly go to pneumonia without the antibiotics, so continue with the weekend dosage.
Riley had been skipping so that was a good reminder of its importance. The missed magnesium was not so worrisome as symptoms present in aching joints and pain if you get low in magnesium. Since Riley has not had those symptoms the doctor was not worried about missed doses. Riley take multi vitamins which also have some magnesium, the gummy chews, which the doctor laughed at, saying Riley was 15 and still taking the chewables.
He said if Riley liked the chewable he ought to try Nutella, the chocolate hazelnut spread. We have had it at my Mom's and it is good. I guess on doctors recommendation I will buy it for our house now.
For one month Riley will continue on this 50 dose, then quit. No more cyclosporin in a month. We will do a local blood test, then in two months from now the doctor wants to see Riley. We will do a blood test then. So we have a blood test once a month for two more months then if all is going well and looking good we go three months between for a year then six months for two years. NO more drugs though in one month.
We were ecstatic. The doctor said long term there should be no reason to think the kidneys or liver were damaged. Riley had classic Aplastic Anemia and responded like a poster child to the treatment. Our friend who had everything possible go wrong is still struggling. His case was much more complicated as another condition in his liver caused the reaction. Having a bad liver to start put him at a disadvantage. I pray every day that he will eventually have as good results as Riley.
We got out of the doctor's office right during rush hour. The freeway was backed up from where we got on so I opted for the next exit and took the long way home. It was a lovely drive and beautiful evening. You can imagine what a positive mood we were in. The music played on the radio and nothing could dampen our mood.
Riley's face even looks pretty good considering he hasn't been putting his meds on it. He has been with his best friend on and off for the last few weeks, either at their house or ours. His friend's mom said they were having a grand time. She didn't want to give Riley up at first. She said they played like only old friends who have grown up together can play. They played Nerf wars and ran around in the woods. Romping around like a six year old.
Meanwhile on the home front, things did not run as smoothly as I would have wished. We found out that Trevor will be benched the first four games of football for academic probation. Those bad grades finally caught up with him. So Tom and I and Trevor went round again on the decision to push forward into high school. Don't tell me the arguments. I heard them all in the last week. As usual I lost. I am a little pissed off that my testosterone house hold can't seem to see the positives of getting a do over before high school. All they see the test of fortitude, the learning lesson.
The state and the district have rules. Pass five of six classes in the previous semester or you are benched on probation. Trevor is on double secret probation, which isn't really a secret as he stands on the side line of every game in shorts with no gear. He also went to a high school football bonfire kickoff at a cheer leader's house in the country. The camaraderie was strong and the company was good. He didn't want to give all that up for a repeat of eighth grade. He did announce his probation at the fire. He wouldn't be able to hide it while standing on the side lines. They all took it well. One young man even said he had been there himself.
Trevor made it to band practice also. He called his councilor to ask about band and was told the first practice had started 10 minutes earlier. We are five minutes from the school. He made the practice, which was being run by a senior. Introductions were still being made. Trevor will definitely be involved in high school.
Tom came home wondering where the boys were. I filled him in on Trevor's busy schedule. Trevor will need a tutor, which with budget cuts is not available at school. Football practice will also interfere with right after school tutoring. I need to find some student linked with school and similar classes so they can remind Trevor of what is due and when, mindful that if he does not have good grades in three weeks he misses the whole football season.
This is just the beginning. School hasn't even started yet and already there are issues. My thought is giving Trevor time to mature. He would be that much bigger and more experienced for football. Tom's attitude is this is a life lesson best learned now. I just don't think you can put a toddler in kindergarten and have him succeed. It has been my argument all along. Trevor is too young for his class.
At the bonfire. I found out that two other freshmen just turned 15 or will be turning 15 in the next month. Trevor just turned 14 two weeks ago. Riley's best friend is moving and they are going to have him repeat freshman year at his new school. He didn't even fail a class, they just want to give him an edge for success.
High school is hard enough, why make it more difficult. But I am only a female. I don't understand the male world, I am told. Tom and I are polarized on this issue. Trevor wants to be in high school so bad, with his father's support I can't win. The movie fantasy is alive and well in Trevor.
I am still doing all the driving. I thought about rebelling and letting Trevor and his father figure it out for himself and get to school himself. I just couldn't do it, punish Trevor any more than he already is being punished. The one thing he does well and is built to do well is be a line man in football. He is strong and big. He is only just 14 and you can't tell him apart from any of the other football players. He will not be a tiny boy to be hassled in the halls.
His bike has a broken break. The bonfire party was way out in the country. I don't want Trevor to have a high school experience like mine, overwhelmed by a giant school that I hid in my room for four years. If I can get him to an event, Trevor has no problem showing up and participating if I get him there. The key is I need to know about it. Trevor doesn't pass on information well. Organization skills are definitely on the list to be addressed for school success.
Tom lived in a community where he could bike everywhere and was self motivated. His high school experience was very different from mine. He is still in contact with his high school friends. I have no friends from high school. He doesn't know how miserable it can be. I just want my boys to have four wonderful years. You get one shot at life. To enjoy and live every day is a blessing. I want my boys to live every day. Why make life any more difficult than it already is. Testosterone wins and the boys are going to climb the hill the hard way.
So that is the reason there was a gap for a few days. I was fuming. I still am, but Riley's good news put me in a better mood. I will just do what I can, and enjoy every day. Off to cut more blackberries.
AWSOME numbers. Everything was low normal. Hemoglobin was 14.1. You can donate blood with this number. Riley laughed when I told him so. Platelets were 164,000. 150,000 was our goal. White cells were 6.7. Neutrophils were 4.8. Hematocrit was 41.1. No more low indicator arrows on the printout.
The Doctor was surprised and pleased at the positive bump. As a result, when I asked Tom's question if Riley could accelerate the dosage decline, he said "Yes". He normally wouldn't but these numbers show that Riley's body responds well to the dosage decline. The new dose starting today is just 50 milligrams in the morning and that is it. Still continue with the weekend antibiotics until we see the doctor again. He said giving up the antibiotics is a little like playing with fire while on cyclosporan. You can quickly go to pneumonia without the antibiotics, so continue with the weekend dosage.
Riley had been skipping so that was a good reminder of its importance. The missed magnesium was not so worrisome as symptoms present in aching joints and pain if you get low in magnesium. Since Riley has not had those symptoms the doctor was not worried about missed doses. Riley take multi vitamins which also have some magnesium, the gummy chews, which the doctor laughed at, saying Riley was 15 and still taking the chewables.
He said if Riley liked the chewable he ought to try Nutella, the chocolate hazelnut spread. We have had it at my Mom's and it is good. I guess on doctors recommendation I will buy it for our house now.
For one month Riley will continue on this 50 dose, then quit. No more cyclosporin in a month. We will do a local blood test, then in two months from now the doctor wants to see Riley. We will do a blood test then. So we have a blood test once a month for two more months then if all is going well and looking good we go three months between for a year then six months for two years. NO more drugs though in one month.
We were ecstatic. The doctor said long term there should be no reason to think the kidneys or liver were damaged. Riley had classic Aplastic Anemia and responded like a poster child to the treatment. Our friend who had everything possible go wrong is still struggling. His case was much more complicated as another condition in his liver caused the reaction. Having a bad liver to start put him at a disadvantage. I pray every day that he will eventually have as good results as Riley.
We got out of the doctor's office right during rush hour. The freeway was backed up from where we got on so I opted for the next exit and took the long way home. It was a lovely drive and beautiful evening. You can imagine what a positive mood we were in. The music played on the radio and nothing could dampen our mood.
Riley's face even looks pretty good considering he hasn't been putting his meds on it. He has been with his best friend on and off for the last few weeks, either at their house or ours. His friend's mom said they were having a grand time. She didn't want to give Riley up at first. She said they played like only old friends who have grown up together can play. They played Nerf wars and ran around in the woods. Romping around like a six year old.
Meanwhile on the home front, things did not run as smoothly as I would have wished. We found out that Trevor will be benched the first four games of football for academic probation. Those bad grades finally caught up with him. So Tom and I and Trevor went round again on the decision to push forward into high school. Don't tell me the arguments. I heard them all in the last week. As usual I lost. I am a little pissed off that my testosterone house hold can't seem to see the positives of getting a do over before high school. All they see the test of fortitude, the learning lesson.
The state and the district have rules. Pass five of six classes in the previous semester or you are benched on probation. Trevor is on double secret probation, which isn't really a secret as he stands on the side line of every game in shorts with no gear. He also went to a high school football bonfire kickoff at a cheer leader's house in the country. The camaraderie was strong and the company was good. He didn't want to give all that up for a repeat of eighth grade. He did announce his probation at the fire. He wouldn't be able to hide it while standing on the side lines. They all took it well. One young man even said he had been there himself.
Trevor made it to band practice also. He called his councilor to ask about band and was told the first practice had started 10 minutes earlier. We are five minutes from the school. He made the practice, which was being run by a senior. Introductions were still being made. Trevor will definitely be involved in high school.
Tom came home wondering where the boys were. I filled him in on Trevor's busy schedule. Trevor will need a tutor, which with budget cuts is not available at school. Football practice will also interfere with right after school tutoring. I need to find some student linked with school and similar classes so they can remind Trevor of what is due and when, mindful that if he does not have good grades in three weeks he misses the whole football season.
This is just the beginning. School hasn't even started yet and already there are issues. My thought is giving Trevor time to mature. He would be that much bigger and more experienced for football. Tom's attitude is this is a life lesson best learned now. I just don't think you can put a toddler in kindergarten and have him succeed. It has been my argument all along. Trevor is too young for his class.
At the bonfire. I found out that two other freshmen just turned 15 or will be turning 15 in the next month. Trevor just turned 14 two weeks ago. Riley's best friend is moving and they are going to have him repeat freshman year at his new school. He didn't even fail a class, they just want to give him an edge for success.
High school is hard enough, why make it more difficult. But I am only a female. I don't understand the male world, I am told. Tom and I are polarized on this issue. Trevor wants to be in high school so bad, with his father's support I can't win. The movie fantasy is alive and well in Trevor.
I am still doing all the driving. I thought about rebelling and letting Trevor and his father figure it out for himself and get to school himself. I just couldn't do it, punish Trevor any more than he already is being punished. The one thing he does well and is built to do well is be a line man in football. He is strong and big. He is only just 14 and you can't tell him apart from any of the other football players. He will not be a tiny boy to be hassled in the halls.
His bike has a broken break. The bonfire party was way out in the country. I don't want Trevor to have a high school experience like mine, overwhelmed by a giant school that I hid in my room for four years. If I can get him to an event, Trevor has no problem showing up and participating if I get him there. The key is I need to know about it. Trevor doesn't pass on information well. Organization skills are definitely on the list to be addressed for school success.
Tom lived in a community where he could bike everywhere and was self motivated. His high school experience was very different from mine. He is still in contact with his high school friends. I have no friends from high school. He doesn't know how miserable it can be. I just want my boys to have four wonderful years. You get one shot at life. To enjoy and live every day is a blessing. I want my boys to live every day. Why make life any more difficult than it already is. Testosterone wins and the boys are going to climb the hill the hard way.
So that is the reason there was a gap for a few days. I was fuming. I still am, but Riley's good news put me in a better mood. I will just do what I can, and enjoy every day. Off to cut more blackberries.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Comparisons
Today there was an open house in our neighborhood of a $500,000 house. My girlfriend wanted to go see the house. After we had done our due diligence of unpacking more boxes and sorting and tossing, I changed out of my stinky clothes into a clean outfit, just in case I met some neighbors also doing the lookie loo.
The listing was held by the same agent that had our listing. He greeted us at the door. The walk up to the house was a glamorous wide swath of concrete and pillars. He told us it had been put in in 2004 and cost $250,000 just for the front remodel. The whole remodel in 2004 had cost over $1,000,000. The house had subsequently been sold and the new owners were elderly and moving to down size and not have to deal with stairs any more. The house has been listed for a while.
It was full of white carpet and had a step down sunken living room. The kitchen was lovely with a huge swath of granite counter and a view of the river. But the view looked out over the ugly roof top of the house next door, before you noticed the river in the distance. My girlfriend and I talked about how we would want to hang a basket off the deck rail to hide the neighbor's roof from the view. The whole lot was taken up with house and driveway, no yard maintenance needed.
The house had lots of sparkle and glamour with a big bathroom off the master with soaking tub and extra large glass shower. His and hers closets were as big as the boys' bedrooms. A work out room with a wall of mirrors had its own entrance for the masseuse. The hot tub was nicely secluded on a side deck.
Downstairs was another complete master suite. A huge slate floored wine seller could hold 2500 bottles. Behind the two car garage under the house was a work room for projects.
The house was lovely. But what I loved best was walking away from it and being able to say that I liked my house better. I had a better, more private view. My neighbors were unobtrusively located. I love the fact there are no step downs on the first floor, one of the reasons the owners are selling. I love that there is minimal carpet and what carpet there is will slowly be replaced with solid surface. It was a glamorous home, but mine is much more welcoming and warm. I love being able to say that I love my house better than the $500,000 house down the street.
I got up early this weekend and worked in the yard. I couldn't figure out the steel bladed weed eater that Tom had got working for 15 minutes in the heat of the day, earlier this week, so I pulled out my trusty clippers and went to work. I cut back the berries even further until I could reach the grove of cotton wood saplings that had sprung up and begun to interfere with my view off the deck. Some of the saplings were still thin enough that I could just cut them down with the clippers. Twenty feet of tree would fall over with a soft crunch. I would then walk the length of the trunk to clip the berries being crushed below. the trunk would pin and expose the fat thorny branches for me to reach easily. The bigger trunks I attacked with my hand saw. The curved blade and jagged teeth ate right through the trunks within minutes.
After cutting down half a dozen trees and a small field of berries surrounding them, sweat poured off me. The sun was beginning to break through and warm up the day. I went up on the deck to admire my work and drink some water. The yard looks twice as wide with the trees gone and I am not done yet. Another half a dozen trees still wait to be removed.
I tried to convince the boys to collect the trunks and clip off all the branches. A friend suggested they would make great Tippi poles. If I can't get them to do it I may just do it myself, gather the sticks into giant clusters and tie off one end, spread the other end. I have sheets I can drape to create the effect.
The land slopes and levels in different areas. As I clear it I can feel under my feet the terrain even if I can't quite see it yet. Ideas are flowing. Tom talks about retaining walls to create garden areas. I am thinking different terraces. Oh, it is going to be fun.
Friends keep offering me names of landscapers, but what it really came down to is I like doing this work. If I pay someone that is money I can't use else where. There are so many projects on the inside that I would like to see accomplished. The gardening is therapy, very fung shu and relaxing.
I also painted the repaired hole in the wall at the bottom of the stairs. When we first moved in there was a hole at the bottom of the main stairs on the wall where either someone had put his fist in it in anger or a piece of furniture had hit while being moved out. I had patched the hole but the ugly white patch had needed to be painted to match the rest of the wall. I found the wall paint in the garage and did a quick fix. I can hang a painting on the wall now which will mask any flaws to the repair.
My list of chores goes on. Unpacking a box of linens, I found some lovely curtains for the sun room windows, but need to pick up brackets to hang them. I found Tom's missing books in the third book box I completely unpacked in the basement. That was a good feeling. He spent all day reading.
We went up to the club last night and had a lovely time with old friends. I tried a sipping tequila, Patron. I can tell you that even sipping tequila will give you a hangover. I woke this morning in an alcoholic sweat almost as heavy as when I was chopping down the trees in the hot sun the day before. Tom brought me Ibuprofen and I had to sleep another couple hours before I felt capable of getting up and making everyone cheese omelette's and bacon for a very late breakfast.
I am still on the hunt for the cars' titles. They were not in the box they were supposed to be in. Find one lost item, lose another. but progress is being made. The ceiling high wall of boxes in the basement is now just two boxes high. They have all been opened or at least I know what is in the ones that are not opened. I found I have a lot of holiday stuff that I don't use. It is amazing how much there is of something when the boxes are all collected in one place with one theme.
Friday was garbage pick up day. By Sunday we filled the can again. I also sent my girlfriend off with another goodwill load in her minivan. So much junk that I paid to move and now have to deal with. I guess though I just had to get mad enough over it and irritated by it that I don't love it enough anymore to keep it. Now it is easy to let it all go.
I do need to squeeze in a clothes shopping trip for Riley. He has sprouted this summer and his pants need to be replaced. His friend didn't like Riley's Hawaiian shirts, but I had to disagree. I love the Hawaiian theme that Riley has found for himself. I hope to cultivate it further. I am pleased that he is comfortable with his style. His friend has a Justin Beiber hair cut and has to wear only the "In" name brands, self conscious and insecure that he might not look right. I love that Riley can be himself. Sometimes I do have to hide the ugly sport pants, but Riley knows how to dress up when needed, yet still have his own style. I just need to stay ahead of the growth spurts.
Tom went looking for his Hawaiian shirt for the Laue. The Hawaiian shirts were all in Riley's closet or on the floor of Riley's room. Tom used to complain about not having any pants because Trevor had been wearing them. Now Trevor is in a larger size and Tom is losing his shirts to Riley. Good thing everyone has a lot of clothes to share around. This is after several trips to Goodwill having sorted and tossed and got rid of much old, worn, or commercial advertisement clothing.
I just keep patting myself on the back and plodding on to the next box. I still have to start tackling the book boxes.
The half dismantled pool tables still need to be dealt with in the game room. I need the slate on the one that came with the house moved outside. I need to rip out the carpet and replace the flooring in the game room. This needs to be done before I go get a couch or sectional for that room so we can watch TV in comfort. Right now the only good chair is Tom's recliner. Everyone else has to sit on the floor or a regular chair. I have yet to sit down and watch a single TV show of my choosing since we moved in. I just haven't had the time. To be honest I am enjoying every minute of every busy day, stress included.
The listing was held by the same agent that had our listing. He greeted us at the door. The walk up to the house was a glamorous wide swath of concrete and pillars. He told us it had been put in in 2004 and cost $250,000 just for the front remodel. The whole remodel in 2004 had cost over $1,000,000. The house had subsequently been sold and the new owners were elderly and moving to down size and not have to deal with stairs any more. The house has been listed for a while.
It was full of white carpet and had a step down sunken living room. The kitchen was lovely with a huge swath of granite counter and a view of the river. But the view looked out over the ugly roof top of the house next door, before you noticed the river in the distance. My girlfriend and I talked about how we would want to hang a basket off the deck rail to hide the neighbor's roof from the view. The whole lot was taken up with house and driveway, no yard maintenance needed.
The house had lots of sparkle and glamour with a big bathroom off the master with soaking tub and extra large glass shower. His and hers closets were as big as the boys' bedrooms. A work out room with a wall of mirrors had its own entrance for the masseuse. The hot tub was nicely secluded on a side deck.
Downstairs was another complete master suite. A huge slate floored wine seller could hold 2500 bottles. Behind the two car garage under the house was a work room for projects.
The house was lovely. But what I loved best was walking away from it and being able to say that I liked my house better. I had a better, more private view. My neighbors were unobtrusively located. I love the fact there are no step downs on the first floor, one of the reasons the owners are selling. I love that there is minimal carpet and what carpet there is will slowly be replaced with solid surface. It was a glamorous home, but mine is much more welcoming and warm. I love being able to say that I love my house better than the $500,000 house down the street.
I got up early this weekend and worked in the yard. I couldn't figure out the steel bladed weed eater that Tom had got working for 15 minutes in the heat of the day, earlier this week, so I pulled out my trusty clippers and went to work. I cut back the berries even further until I could reach the grove of cotton wood saplings that had sprung up and begun to interfere with my view off the deck. Some of the saplings were still thin enough that I could just cut them down with the clippers. Twenty feet of tree would fall over with a soft crunch. I would then walk the length of the trunk to clip the berries being crushed below. the trunk would pin and expose the fat thorny branches for me to reach easily. The bigger trunks I attacked with my hand saw. The curved blade and jagged teeth ate right through the trunks within minutes.
After cutting down half a dozen trees and a small field of berries surrounding them, sweat poured off me. The sun was beginning to break through and warm up the day. I went up on the deck to admire my work and drink some water. The yard looks twice as wide with the trees gone and I am not done yet. Another half a dozen trees still wait to be removed.
I tried to convince the boys to collect the trunks and clip off all the branches. A friend suggested they would make great Tippi poles. If I can't get them to do it I may just do it myself, gather the sticks into giant clusters and tie off one end, spread the other end. I have sheets I can drape to create the effect.
The land slopes and levels in different areas. As I clear it I can feel under my feet the terrain even if I can't quite see it yet. Ideas are flowing. Tom talks about retaining walls to create garden areas. I am thinking different terraces. Oh, it is going to be fun.
Friends keep offering me names of landscapers, but what it really came down to is I like doing this work. If I pay someone that is money I can't use else where. There are so many projects on the inside that I would like to see accomplished. The gardening is therapy, very fung shu and relaxing.
I also painted the repaired hole in the wall at the bottom of the stairs. When we first moved in there was a hole at the bottom of the main stairs on the wall where either someone had put his fist in it in anger or a piece of furniture had hit while being moved out. I had patched the hole but the ugly white patch had needed to be painted to match the rest of the wall. I found the wall paint in the garage and did a quick fix. I can hang a painting on the wall now which will mask any flaws to the repair.
My list of chores goes on. Unpacking a box of linens, I found some lovely curtains for the sun room windows, but need to pick up brackets to hang them. I found Tom's missing books in the third book box I completely unpacked in the basement. That was a good feeling. He spent all day reading.
We went up to the club last night and had a lovely time with old friends. I tried a sipping tequila, Patron. I can tell you that even sipping tequila will give you a hangover. I woke this morning in an alcoholic sweat almost as heavy as when I was chopping down the trees in the hot sun the day before. Tom brought me Ibuprofen and I had to sleep another couple hours before I felt capable of getting up and making everyone cheese omelette's and bacon for a very late breakfast.
I am still on the hunt for the cars' titles. They were not in the box they were supposed to be in. Find one lost item, lose another. but progress is being made. The ceiling high wall of boxes in the basement is now just two boxes high. They have all been opened or at least I know what is in the ones that are not opened. I found I have a lot of holiday stuff that I don't use. It is amazing how much there is of something when the boxes are all collected in one place with one theme.
Friday was garbage pick up day. By Sunday we filled the can again. I also sent my girlfriend off with another goodwill load in her minivan. So much junk that I paid to move and now have to deal with. I guess though I just had to get mad enough over it and irritated by it that I don't love it enough anymore to keep it. Now it is easy to let it all go.
I do need to squeeze in a clothes shopping trip for Riley. He has sprouted this summer and his pants need to be replaced. His friend didn't like Riley's Hawaiian shirts, but I had to disagree. I love the Hawaiian theme that Riley has found for himself. I hope to cultivate it further. I am pleased that he is comfortable with his style. His friend has a Justin Beiber hair cut and has to wear only the "In" name brands, self conscious and insecure that he might not look right. I love that Riley can be himself. Sometimes I do have to hide the ugly sport pants, but Riley knows how to dress up when needed, yet still have his own style. I just need to stay ahead of the growth spurts.
Tom went looking for his Hawaiian shirt for the Laue. The Hawaiian shirts were all in Riley's closet or on the floor of Riley's room. Tom used to complain about not having any pants because Trevor had been wearing them. Now Trevor is in a larger size and Tom is losing his shirts to Riley. Good thing everyone has a lot of clothes to share around. This is after several trips to Goodwill having sorted and tossed and got rid of much old, worn, or commercial advertisement clothing.
I just keep patting myself on the back and plodding on to the next box. I still have to start tackling the book boxes.
The half dismantled pool tables still need to be dealt with in the game room. I need the slate on the one that came with the house moved outside. I need to rip out the carpet and replace the flooring in the game room. This needs to be done before I go get a couch or sectional for that room so we can watch TV in comfort. Right now the only good chair is Tom's recliner. Everyone else has to sit on the floor or a regular chair. I have yet to sit down and watch a single TV show of my choosing since we moved in. I just haven't had the time. To be honest I am enjoying every minute of every busy day, stress included.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Carpenter ants
80% of the deck is a composite like trex. A friend recognized it as one of the original Weyerhouser products. She said she had never seen this old version installed after this long. She was interested in how it was holding up. I can tell her it held up well with all the neglect this house has had over the years.
I have been dismantling the nasty broken hot tub. I thought if I removed the surround It might be light enough to lift off the deck. Using a crow bar and a hammer, removing one panel at a time, slowly the Styrofoam insulation is being exposed. It is even uglier without the rotting siding. I had fun using the crow bar to snap pipes and rip off trim.
As the interior guts were exposed so were thousands of carpenter ants. A thriving monster colony had been living in the Styrofoam. Tunnels with hurrying black ants were exposed over and over again as the siding melted off the hot tub. On the far side, away from the heat of the sun was the most extensive invasion. I could smell the formaldehyde odor that the nest released into the air upon exposure. The nest had been there a long time.
I had waited until the cool of the evening to tackle the hot tub. It got dark before I completely finished. Tomorrow, I will smash away some more, even more motivated to get the monster off my deck. At the party the men said to just saw it up. After the siding is removed, I may just do that if it is still too heavy to move. It is a nasty piece of work.
I am now thinking exterminator for the house just to be safe. Under the deck, there are some insulated walls where the siding has been removed and foam siding is installed with no top finish material. This is often done on concrete foundation to help insulate. This particular area is pretty high up on the house . I am thinking that the carpenter ants had been at work and that was the repair job. I am happy to find the source of the ants we would see on the deck. Now we can make some progress.
Tom bought some insecticide. I think after the hot tub is gone, a good dose of spray will be in order. When we lived in the country in new construction, I did go around the foundation spraying for bugs. The construction materials would sit outside while the house was being built. The bugs that crawled into the wood piles would come out of the walls into the lovely new warm environment once everything was finished. I would spray the foundation every summer to discourage small crawly visitors.
This house will need that same kind of love for a while. The damage is limited to the damp area under the deck where the sun doesn't reach well. As Tom likes to say "Chemicals are our friends.", lets kill the bugs.
I have been dismantling the nasty broken hot tub. I thought if I removed the surround It might be light enough to lift off the deck. Using a crow bar and a hammer, removing one panel at a time, slowly the Styrofoam insulation is being exposed. It is even uglier without the rotting siding. I had fun using the crow bar to snap pipes and rip off trim.
As the interior guts were exposed so were thousands of carpenter ants. A thriving monster colony had been living in the Styrofoam. Tunnels with hurrying black ants were exposed over and over again as the siding melted off the hot tub. On the far side, away from the heat of the sun was the most extensive invasion. I could smell the formaldehyde odor that the nest released into the air upon exposure. The nest had been there a long time.
I had waited until the cool of the evening to tackle the hot tub. It got dark before I completely finished. Tomorrow, I will smash away some more, even more motivated to get the monster off my deck. At the party the men said to just saw it up. After the siding is removed, I may just do that if it is still too heavy to move. It is a nasty piece of work.
I am now thinking exterminator for the house just to be safe. Under the deck, there are some insulated walls where the siding has been removed and foam siding is installed with no top finish material. This is often done on concrete foundation to help insulate. This particular area is pretty high up on the house . I am thinking that the carpenter ants had been at work and that was the repair job. I am happy to find the source of the ants we would see on the deck. Now we can make some progress.
Tom bought some insecticide. I think after the hot tub is gone, a good dose of spray will be in order. When we lived in the country in new construction, I did go around the foundation spraying for bugs. The construction materials would sit outside while the house was being built. The bugs that crawled into the wood piles would come out of the walls into the lovely new warm environment once everything was finished. I would spray the foundation every summer to discourage small crawly visitors.
This house will need that same kind of love for a while. The damage is limited to the damp area under the deck where the sun doesn't reach well. As Tom likes to say "Chemicals are our friends.", lets kill the bugs.
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