Or.... do I really need a fancy countertop???
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The new arrival... (Island)
Finally.... almost done with this task. Now just need the countertop (coming this week).
Sunday, June 28, 2009
They just keep coming...
Is there no end to the supply of squirrels???
After having shot 18 of them, I would have thought that I should see less of them trying to get seed out of the bird feeder. But NO ..... there were 2 more today. Were!
Make that 20 hits.
After having shot 18 of them, I would have thought that I should see less of them trying to get seed out of the bird feeder. But NO ..... there were 2 more today. Were!
Make that 20 hits.
Wascally Wacoons!
Since the episode the other night (coon fight), I decided to put out the trap again.
This morning, when I checked it, the trap was triggered but the bait was gone.
Somehow a critter (or critters) are getting in, eating the bait (bread), then, on the way out, tripping the trap door. Go figure.
This is how I found the trap this morning...
At the right end, you can see a lot of bread crumbs under the cage, which makes me think that mice ate the bate.
This morning, when I checked it, the trap was triggered but the bait was gone.
Somehow a critter (or critters) are getting in, eating the bait (bread), then, on the way out, tripping the trap door. Go figure.
This is how I found the trap this morning...
At the right end, you can see a lot of bread crumbs under the cage, which makes me think that mice ate the bate.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Finis - The Deck is Done!
The cleaning and sealing part anyway!
Before washing, after washing, and after sealing...
Not sure I can tell the difference.
Before washing, after washing, and after sealing...
Friday, June 26, 2009
Island on the Horizon
I spoke with both the finisher and the countertop guy today - both parts are in the works.
Both the island cabinet and the countertop should be ready for delivery by Monday.
Assuming this all really happens, I need to get the cabinet delivered first, then the countertop - so that the countertop can be attached.
Still one remaining item - pulls! Crap - another decision to be made!
Actually , kind of know what I want, but need to decide on the color/tone of it.
Both the island cabinet and the countertop should be ready for delivery by Monday.
Assuming this all really happens, I need to get the cabinet delivered first, then the countertop - so that the countertop can be attached.
Still one remaining item - pulls! Crap - another decision to be made!
Actually , kind of know what I want, but need to decide on the color/tone of it.
Sealing the Deck - Part 4
Did another section this morning - took just under 2 hours total time (prep, apply, cleanup).
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Critter Count Update
Got another squirrel - a confirmed kill this time.
Current tally...
Squirrels : 18 hits, 8 confirmed kills, 8 maimed (never found, presumed dead)
Raccoons :2 captured and relocated
Possums :1 captured and relocated
Rats:0
Birds:1 caught (in squirrel trap) and released 1 blue jay caught in the rat trap (dead)
Current tally...
Squirrels : 18 hits, 8 confirmed kills, 8 maimed (never found, presumed dead)
Raccoons :2 captured and relocated
Possums :1 captured and relocated
Rats:0
Birds:1 caught (in squirrel trap) and released 1 blue jay caught in the rat trap (dead)
Coon fight tonight!
Lately, I have been hearing the familiar screeching sounds of raccoons at night. So they are back!
Tonight, there was a major altercation - on MY ROOF! The screeching started as it ususally does, but then it did not subside. It continued for a few minutes. Then I heard the sounds of critters running on the roof.
The sounds then moved to the front of the house. I went to the front door to look out and I see the tail of a raccoon hanging over the edge of the gutter. The screeching was really loud now. Then the racoon swung over the edge, hanging off the gutter right over the entry way. He recovered and got back on the roof. The screeching moved toward the back of the house and continued for another few minutes before finally subsiding.
Time to set out the raccoon traps again!
Tonight, there was a major altercation - on MY ROOF! The screeching started as it ususally does, but then it did not subside. It continued for a few minutes. Then I heard the sounds of critters running on the roof.
The sounds then moved to the front of the house. I went to the front door to look out and I see the tail of a raccoon hanging over the edge of the gutter. The screeching was really loud now. Then the racoon swung over the edge, hanging off the gutter right over the entry way. He recovered and got back on the roof. The screeching moved toward the back of the house and continued for another few minutes before finally subsiding.
Time to set out the raccoon traps again!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Damn Texas Weather - Rained on my newly treated deck
Damn.... it rained on my newly sealed deck. The weather forecast had no prediction for rain, but it rained. It does not appear to have rained a lot, but definitely enough to get things wet.
The Thompson's Water Seal instructions explicitly state "Do not apply if rain is expected within 48 hours." Great!
On a positive note - the treated part DOES bead water!
The Thompson's Water Seal instructions explicitly state "Do not apply if rain is expected within 48 hours." Great!
On a positive note - the treated part DOES bead water!
Sealing the Deck - Part 3
Did another section this morning. Working early in the morning and starting work (my job) late in order to beat the heat This morning, I worked on the deck from 6:30am until 9am.
The difference between finishes is amazing...
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Sealing the Deck - Part 2
Ok, moving on to the deck itself. Worked on the 2 sections nearest the kitchen.
It took about 2 hours to do this part, including setup and cleanup. Its going much faster than I had anticipated.
The hardest part is having to wear protective glasses and a SARS mask to protect from the vapors. Its too damned hot out to be waering that crap, but necessary.
The finished "West Side".
Notice the difference between old (foreground) and new.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sealing the Deck - Part 1
Began the process of applying a sealant to the deck. Decided to include the fence as well.
Railing- before and after
I had bought all the roller stuff, but my neighbor recommended that I use his 2 gallon pump sprayer, so I did and I was very impressed. It went amazingly fast. The sealer went on very quickly and only occasional brushing was required.
Today I just did the fence and the west railings since it was late in the day.
Fence - before and after
Fence - before and after
Railing- before and after
Tomorrow - hit the deck!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Swabbing the deck - Redux
This weekend is the weekend for preparing the deck for weatherproofing. I rented a pressure washer and will wash the entire deck... AGAIN!
I washed the deck a few weeks ago using a pressure washer that my neighbor rented, but I was short on time and rushed the job. Later, I noticed lots of missed spots and some spots that were not cleaned well enough. So here we go again...
Before Pics.... (after pics are coming)
I washed the deck a few weeks ago using a pressure washer that my neighbor rented, but I was short on time and rushed the job. Later, I noticed lots of missed spots and some spots that were not cleaned well enough. So here we go again...
Before Pics.... (after pics are coming)
Friday, June 19, 2009
Critter Count Update
Current tally...
Squirrels : 17 hits, 7 confirmed kills, 8 maimed (never found, presumed dead)
Raccoons :2 captured and relocated
Possums :1 captured and relocated
Rats:0
Birds:1 caught (in squirrel trap) and released 1 blue jay caught in the rat trap (dead)
Oops... I did it again...
As usual, when I look out at my neighbor's yard, there is a squirrel sitting on then fence. However, this time, its sitting on the corner post. Thinking that I could shoot it and knock it off the fence to the ouside of her yard, I take the shot.
I hit the mark, but, to my dismay, the squirrel lunged forward into the yard, dropping right next to the bowl of water she leaves out for the squirrels
You can just see the body through the fence.
So now I know its in her yard and in a clearly visible location. I am just waiting to hear from her, but I never do. I even see her walking around in her yard, but I get no feedback.
Later, I look into the yard and the squirrel is gone! Did she find it and discard it? Or did it crawl away.
I hit the mark, but, to my dismay, the squirrel lunged forward into the yard, dropping right next to the bowl of water she leaves out for the squirrels
You can just see the body through the fence.
So now I know its in her yard and in a clearly visible location. I am just waiting to hear from her, but I never do. I even see her walking around in her yard, but I get no feedback.
Later, I look into the yard and the squirrel is gone! Did she find it and discard it? Or did it crawl away.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Why I hunt critters...
For the record, I do not like killing small animals. Nor do I like trapping them.
However, as I have said many times, there are just too many of them in this small creek area and they have no predators. So they are multiplying unchecked.
As for squirrels, they must chew on things to keep their teeth trim and sharp (their teeth constantly grow). Unfortunately, they are chewing on these old trees and killing branches which are vital to the survival of these old trees. Not to mention the fact that a squirrel is a rodent, just like a rat.
Why is acceptable to kill rats and not squirrels?
However, as I have said many times, there are just too many of them in this small creek area and they have no predators. So they are multiplying unchecked.
As for squirrels, they must chew on things to keep their teeth trim and sharp (their teeth constantly grow). Unfortunately, they are chewing on these old trees and killing branches which are vital to the survival of these old trees. Not to mention the fact that a squirrel is a rodent, just like a rat.
Why is acceptable to kill rats and not squirrels?
Report from the frontline - 3 hits
Today the squirrels were lounging about all over the deck, without a care in the world.
That is, until I showed up.
I was able to hit 3 of them, but as usual, they managed to limp away before I could make the kill.
That's 5 in the last week, none of which have been confirmed/recovered. I cannot imagine them living very long in a crippled state. I don't like leaving them that way, but I don't want to start tracking them with my neighbors watching.
The bodies are piling up somewhere out there. As long as its not under my deck!
That is, until I showed up.
I was able to hit 3 of them, but as usual, they managed to limp away before I could make the kill.
That's 5 in the last week, none of which have been confirmed/recovered. I cannot imagine them living very long in a crippled state. I don't like leaving them that way, but I don't want to start tracking them with my neighbors watching.
The bodies are piling up somewhere out there. As long as its not under my deck!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Finally.... moving on the island...
Today, a local furniture finisher picked up the island to be finished at their shop. After sitting in my garage since late February, its finally going to get finished. I had been waiting for someone else (who came highly recommended) to do the work, but this guy kept putting me off for various reasons and never called back.
So I went back to the internet to search for "furniture finishers" instead of "cabinet finishers". These guys seemed to know what they were talking about, much more so than the painters who were claiming to do cabinets.
But who knows.... I will just have to wait and see.
Regardless... the wheels are in motion and, barring any problems, I should have the cabinet back within 2 weeks.
So I went back to the internet to search for "furniture finishers" instead of "cabinet finishers". These guys seemed to know what they were talking about, much more so than the painters who were claiming to do cabinets.
But who knows.... I will just have to wait and see.
Regardless... the wheels are in motion and, barring any problems, I should have the cabinet back within 2 weeks.
2 more hits. Really scared the crap out of one...
Now that I am back at war with the critters, I took a couple of shots at some squirrels that were on the deck at lunchtime.
I hit 2 of them, but they both disappeared before I could take a second shot.
However, I did manage to scare the crap out of one of them - literally!
I hit 2 of them, but they both disappeared before I could take a second shot.
However, I did manage to scare the crap out of one of them - literally!
The battle continues anew...
Today I discovered a dead branch on the tree. This was a branch that grew right in fron of my bedroom window and provided some nice greenery as well as some privacy. I have been wathcing this branch for some time because I had noticed that a lot of the bark was missing at the point the branch cam out from the main trunk.
The missing bark
Its obvious that some critter has been chewing the bark. But what kind of critter could that be? Hmmm..... Could it be... SQUIRRELS!?!?!?!?!?!
The dead branch
The missing bark
Its obvious that some critter has been chewing the bark. But what kind of critter could that be? Hmmm..... Could it be... SQUIRRELS!?!?!?!?!?!
This means WAR!
I had taken a break from the "hunting" and was hoping to not be concerned with it for a while.
But not any more.
I had taken a break from the "hunting" and was hoping to not be concerned with it for a while.
But not any more.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Vacation: Road Trip To Colorado
Took a week off to go to Boulder, Co. Stayed with my good friend Michelle, a fellow climbing and adventure fanatic.
The weather was unusually rainy, but we managed to get in a little climbing and even some mountain biking.
And, of course, eating!
Michelle cooking up Tocino (my favorite) and Chicken Adobo!
Um... do you have enough soy sauce for the recipe?
What are they selling? Wine or dental products?
The weather was unusually rainy, but we managed to get in a little climbing and even some mountain biking.
And, of course, eating!
Michelle cooking up Tocino (my favorite) and Chicken Adobo!
Um... do you have enough soy sauce for the recipe?
What are they selling? Wine or dental products?
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Playtime: Rock Stick Challenge Adventure Race
This is one of the few Dallas area races. Decided to do this race at the last minute with racing friends from Houston (Nikki Adams and Gabe Haarsma), and we picked up Greg Gibbs as a fourth.
This was the first official race designed by a racing friend of ours, Dwight Spencer, so we really wanted to do it, despite everything else going on.
The race course was great and well orchestrated. It was an enjoyable race all around.
Plus... as a bonus... FIRST PLACE!!!!! Woo hoo.
I must say, we really rocked. We got ahead at the start and continually built up our lead to about an hour at the end. We finished in about 7.5 hours.
This was the first official race designed by a racing friend of ours, Dwight Spencer, so we really wanted to do it, despite everything else going on.
The race course was great and well orchestrated. It was an enjoyable race all around.
Plus... as a bonus... FIRST PLACE!!!!! Woo hoo.
I must say, we really rocked. We got ahead at the start and continually built up our lead to about an hour at the end. We finished in about 7.5 hours.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Wearing a new Cap - Electrician (Deck Lights)
Hoping I don't kill myself....
Hey, it worked! Christmas in June!
Uh oh... good shot, bad location
During lunch today, I went out onto the deck for a moment and saw another squirrel taunting me from a tree. So I pulled out the BB gun and PING... hit him.
Unfortunately, he fell into the yard of my neighbor (the murderer). He is in jail, but the wife is still there.
Great... just great!
Now I got to figure out how to get the evidence (corpse) out of the yard without being spotted and before she finds it. This may prove especially difficult, because she seems to hang out in the kitchen (with windows overlopking the yard) ALL the time!
CRAP!
Unfortunately, he fell into the yard of my neighbor (the murderer). He is in jail, but the wife is still there.
Great... just great!
Now I got to figure out how to get the evidence (corpse) out of the yard without being spotted and before she finds it. This may prove especially difficult, because she seems to hang out in the kitchen (with windows overlopking the yard) ALL the time!
CRAP!
DeckLift Finished
Trimmed the new posts, attached them to the piers with the new hardware, and lowered the deck on top of them. So far, so good, but its only been a few hours.
Time will tell. Rains coming tomorrow, so that should help pack the ground around them (or wash them away).
The new piers/posts... (left to right)
1) kept existing post, poured concrete under and around
2) new post to left of the existing post
3) new post, to left of existing post (now removed)
4) new post in corner, in same spot as previous (cut off)
The whole section
Time will tell. Rains coming tomorrow, so that should help pack the ground around them (or wash them away).
The new piers/posts... (left to right)
1) kept existing post, poured concrete under and around
2) new post to left of the existing post
3) new post, to left of existing post (now removed)
4) new post in corner, in same spot as previous (cut off)
The whole section
(crooked post with no concrete is the previous post - too much work to remove)
Rough estimate of cost = $250 (pending return of unused parts)
Lowest contractor bid = $500
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