Home Improvements Update

There was a little Weekend Warrior action in my kitchen over the past couple of weekends. A couple weeks ago my Uncle Steve cut and installed the molding on the tops of my cabinets. I was suppose to help, but he certainly didn't need it. In fact, I had bought extra because I was sure that if I did it there would be mistakes. Not my Uncle Steve... he calculated each cut and it all installed perfectly. Thank you Uncle Steve! Also a big thank you to my Aunt Jill for coming along and bringing lunch!

This past weekend I spiced up the back splash with some tile. It's amazing how a little texture, pattern and color spiff up the place. My trusty tiling coworker and neighbor, Tom, helped me out with this one. It's the first time both of us tiled "on the point" so we had to do quite a bit more thinking and lots of cuts. I'm glad we went that route though--because it definitely adds more interest. Tom had to endure quite a bit of "nit picking" but he was a trooper and let me be boss "e". Thank you Tom! I'm sure I would STILL be doing this project if it weren't for your help.

We had a rough start with some mechanical problems and I had to do some drywall repair after taking off the previous Silestone partial back splash. I can attest to the durability and strength of Silestone. It took quite a few hammer wacks to get it to break. So my good intentions of starting to tile on Saturday morning turned into late Saturday afternoon. Tom and I had to stick a tile on the wall just to feel like we accomplished something. Sunday we cruised and got the whole back wall and some of the side wall done. We finished it up on Monday and this morning I grouted it and put most of the outlet cover back on.

Not including our time, both the cabinet moldings and the tile were about $700 for materials. After I take all the molding back my Uncle Steve didn't use it will be about $650. So for not alot of money, I'm really happy with the result.

Next up... cork flooring in my spare bedroom to hide the disappointing contracted out cement acid stain. NO Thank You's are going out to Syntec Concrete Coatings for that. The only thing they did was reaffirm that I can usually complete my own home improvements and do a better job. Cork was my plan B and learning more about it--I think it should have been my plan A (By the way eD--I bought the material from Floorshop.com which I learned about from your blog).

AND after cork flooring... I suppose I better start on the spare bathroom that has been gutted. I've been using it as a closet for all my tools.

Masters Sculling Camp

Last weekend I spent some time on Pacific Beach in my scull attending Patti Pinkerton's Master's rowing camp. Wish I had some photos but the camera got left at home as all the worry about what to pack-made me forget "what to PACK". Besides the camera, I think at least 4 or 5 more pairs of socks would have been helpful. Regardless, sculling alongside seals, sunny skis and along with the best coaching tips I've received thus far... I would say it's a "MUST" for any sculler that wants to improve one's skills.

I rode out with Julie Busskohl who car-topped my boat and rode home with the spouse who came out on Saturday to work by the beach. We had a nice time meeting up after my day of sculling instruction. Going out for a light dinner and walk along the beach. Matt & I had spent a month or so in a condo along Pacific Beach 3 years ago. It was kind of cool to scull by it and to just hang out in the area again.

As for Patti Pinkerton, I can say that I felt honored and lucky to get some coaching from her. She has a long list of accomplishments behind her and truly KNOWS how to relay her thoughts to get you to make changes for the better. Great coach and a lively personality. I'm going back next year for sure!

They ARE way smarter than dogs....

My way-to-many cats never stop amusing me. So bossy, yet SENSITIVE and most of all... they have "no fear". Here's a few pictures that may relay my thoughts...


Chili & Pepper go together.... well, like Chili Pepper!


Sparky is our "no fear" kitty. If there's a high spot he MUST go to the top. If there's something to be explored then he'll be there. To this day... I have to DOUBLE check the washer machine to make sure he's not in it before starting the wash cycle.

Ok, maybe that's not so smart--but I certainly would call it brave!

I Resolve...

About my New Year's resolution...

Last year it was to walk to the grocery store and to places in general that were within walking distance. Last night, I finally figured out what this year's resolution would be while WALKING to the grocery store. You see I was walking to the store to get some needed ingredients for a new soup recipe I had. Then I thought "I should try more new recipes" and then I thought "Violé!". So I decided I need to try one new vegetarian recipe a week. In turn it will help me to be a better vegetarian and not rely on the usual trap I fall into when needing a quick meal--pasta or fish. Because I don't plan meals like I shoud I've been a pesco vegetarian. I'm not sure that's such a good thing as it becomes convenient to use fish as my primary protein source. This year-- I'm going to be a better planner and fix totally vegan meals and figure out which ones are keepers or that I can take to dinners where there's not much of a chance for a real vegetarian choice.

By the way, it was a fabulous soup from Vegetarian Times which was wicked easy and delicious. Loved that so much--I'm testing out another recipe tonight opposite the soup recipe page.

If you're up for a vege meal every now and then--let me know--I'm sure I'll be able to let you in on the ones I've tried that are "keepers".

Bon Apetite!

p.s. I get harassed by people almost on a daily basis because I am vegetarian and I still get stupid questions like "Do you eat Chicken?" That one still amazes me. I suppose I might deserve it as I break down and eat fish just to avoid the questions during dinner outings. Diet for a Small Plant is always a good read and it might surprise you how much our eating choices impact our planet. A bit dated now--but prophetic considering how much our planet has changed since the book was written in the 70's.
Certainly, I don't inflict my eating choices on others, but if I could get others to consider just going vegetarian for one night a week-- well... a little goes a long way.

Christmas Last Year...

Oh my... I'm just now putting some Christmas Day pictures up and it's already a New Year. Happy New Year everyone!
I'm still thinking about whether I'll make a resolution for this year. Walking to the grocery store was last year. I think I did a pretty good job with that--although I think I could do better.

Here's a few pictures of Christmas Day dinner at Dan & Karen's brand spanking new house with brand new everything. Quite posh I must say. I know many of you want to see the house, however, I didn't do a good job as the lighting was a bit low both outside and inside. Part of the appeal of a new house is being able to dim lights for mood lighting. Not so great for my still amateur photography skills... sorry! To see the other photos CLICK HERE


This view is from the back patio looking into the main room. You can see through to the door in the front.


Matt Sr. and neighbor Tom testing out the backyard grill.


Dan and Karen's house has a really nice view of Camelback mountain from the patio.


Neighbor, Jan and Aunt Jonni in the kitchen.


Dan giving out instructions on how to correctly roll crescent rolls out of the can. He's the pro at that.