Day 20...

So the concrete trucks arrived today!!

I guess the county inspector didn't bother to come out until yesterday, and of course they could not proceed until the inspection was complete... They started several hours ago, and looks to me like they are not going to take long!! They just use that machine behind the cement truck to spray out the gunite much like spraying water, then there are about 4 guys shaping it as it is sprayed out.

What A Chore...

So I've had SO many projects going on for I don't even know how long... Today, I finally got that other piece of the entertainment center upstairs, I busted the crown molding on the top getting it in the door. So I was looking for a tool, but couldn't find it. I went to Home Depot and bought another one and fixed it, but then was like, you know Matt, time to clean the garage!! So I said screw it and decided to clean the garage. I had tools scattered ALL over, and couldn't find half my tools when I needed them. I spent 20 minutes today looking for a freaking hammer, and I must have 8 of them! I didn't take before pics:


I did get the AFTER pics though!! :) Taylor LOVES sweeping, so she swept while I cleaned and put all my tools back where they go! So now I'm ready for the construction of the pool house, the deck, etc... Tomorrow I get to dig trenches for the electric and gas lines. Yay! NOT!! Of course I WON'T be doing it by hand, I'll rent a trencher... :)

Work, Work, Work...

WOW!! I knew I had a lot left to do, but it kind of hit me today. I just spent the last few hours removing the rest of the debris from those steps I tore down...

Whew! What a chore! I am now ready to dig the holes for the deck posts though!

That's how much debris was left, I just decided to start dumping everything right there. Once I am done, I will rent a roll off and then use the bobcat to load it all in. I'm NOT doing it manually again at the dump!!!

Of course I still have to get the foundation ready for the pool house. I have to run the plumbing and tap into the septic tank for the shower/toilet/sinks in the pool house. The pool fence is on its way. Which I'll have to put up obviously once it arrives. Of course the deck, but that can wait if need be... :) The most critical thing though is I have to run the electric and gas out to the pool equipment!! I have the wire and the conduit to run it in. I need the gas pipe yet, but should pick it up tomorrow at a supply house nearby. I guess I'll rent a tool to dig the trench for the electic/gas tomorrow or the next day. No, they can't be in the same trench. Plus, I have to bore underneath the driveway for the electric... Whew, I get tired thinking about it. Whatever, it will all soon be done. So who knows when there will be a meaningful post on here again... :)

Pigeon Forge II...

Yeah, not sure why, I see some people post TONS of pics, it will NEVER let me... Anyway, more pics for those who care to see them... :)

In front of the cabin we rented!

Ditto!

We ate breakfast at this cool diner called Mel's Diner. GREAT food, and fun and friendly atmosphere!

The guys INSISTED they wanted to go on the Sky Lift! So I let them... Getting strapped in...

They raised them up, then let them go... :) Not sure I would have done it, but I suppose I would have, but I had to watch Taylor as she was not tall enough.

Anyway, we had a great time. We went swimming as well, shopping, eating, etc... I HATE the traffic in Pigeon Forge, but hey, it's a tourist trap! I am SO GLAD to be back home though. I've been without an internet connection for nearly three days!! NOT GOOD! Of course, I did have the dialup thing, but 28.8 doesn't cut it with me!! I can't even do it. Amazing though, because I remember not long ago, that was all we had! Time flies though, and the technology gets better! Now back to work, I have a deck to build and a pool house to build!!! :)

Pigeon Forge...

So as anyone who reads my blog knows, we went to Pigeon Forge this weekend. We took Nate, one of the neighbors kids, and then picked up Betty in Knoxville, Carolyn's friend from when she worked at UT. Then we headed to the cabin we rented...

Of course the FIRST thing the kids wanted to do once we got to the cabin was get in the hot tub...

On Saturday, we dropped Carolyn and Betty off at the outlet mall to shop, and I took the kids on a helicopter ride. We were not able to all ride at once, so the guys went and then Taylor and I went... They LOVED it!!

My princess in the helicopter!! I may be prejudiced, but I don't think so, she is BEAUTIFUL!!

Of course this was one of the MOST popular things! I'm not sure how many times they rode them, I lost track...

We went to the 'supposedly' largest knife store in the world, and of course all the kids had to have swords, why, I'm, not sure. Taylor decided she just wanted a little pink Swiss Army knife... :)

Happy Birthday Taylor!!!

We had Taylor's party at the cabin we rented in Pigeon Forge. Taylor putting the canldes on her cake!

Taylor opening her presents. She was dying to have one of those portable DVD players, so that was one of her gifts. She must have watched Benji about 10 times! :)

Wow!!

How do people stand it?!?! I tried to find a wireless network to tap into, didn't happen! So here I am on dialup! I HATE dialup! I was going to upload some pics, we'll see how that works. Just trying to bring up a freaking web page takes like ten minutes! So anyway, if you don't see any posts from me until Sunday evening, you know why! Happy Birthday though to my princess Taylor!!! We had a party here in the cabin for her. She told me, "This is my best birthday yet Dad!" I love kids! I hope I can get some pics uploaded, we'll see! :)

Bobcat, etc...

So I have about a million things going on... Yet we are headed to Pigeon Forge tomorrow around lunch time. That damn bobcat still wasn't working, even after I replaced half the parts. I called Joe. Joe came over, and it wasn't long afterwards and he had the thing running!!! Yay!!

Joe fixed it!!!!

Not only did Joe fix the Bobcat, my tail lights were not working on the Suburban, and Joe figured that out as well and had it fixed in no time! I gave him the keys to my house and he is going to finish the trim inside while we are gone! :) I think my neighbors are wanting to use his services as well! So hopefully Joe will get LOTS of referral business as well! All I know is that the bobcat is WORKING now, so I can finish my projects when I get back. I think my neighbor is glad I'm going away for the weekend because he wants to use it... :)

Day 24...

No, they didn't come out on Day 25 either...

They are ready to spray the gunite!!

They started laying all that straw, I was like, "What are you doing? I don't want that there, I'm going to landscape after you are done." To which he replied, "We have to. If we don't have the 'erosion control' down, we will fail the inspection tomorrow."

Government! So the first inspection is tomorrow, and then they will spray the gunite Monday or Tuesday. After that, they will apply the plaster and then two days later we fill the sucker up!! :) They claim we will be swimming in TWO weeks now! We'll see if that happens! I better get busy running the gas line and electric out!! The gas company is replacing my meter next week. I have to run 2 inch gas pipe out there!!! Huh!!! I guess I better get to Craigslist!! That stuff is fairly pricey at the Depot!

You Know...

Hmm... I wonder how many times I've started out with that...

Well, Petra wants a post, so I'm posting... :)

What can I say, I'm busy!! I have learned a LOT about electrical work I must say. I LOVE Craigslist... I needed to run wire up to the pool pump/heater/spa/etc and the cost at Home Depot was $1,800... I found that out and put up a wanted notice on Craigslist, I got it for $300! Not only that, the guy I got it from pretty much explained to me exactly how to hook it up, he gave me the breaker I needed and told me to call him if I had any other questions!! Have I mentioned that I LOVE Craigslist?!?!?

I spent the day, once I got home from work, working on that d#mn Bobcat! It wants to work, but doesn't! I was covered in grease from changing out the starter and solenoid. It started, but wouldn't stay started. That's the way my luck runs though, I guess I'll try once more tomorrow and then have it hauled in! :(

I have to run the electrical and gas line out to where the pool things are. I went and got the conduit today as well. Turns out I have to go underneath my driveway with the electrical. Ummm... I need my Bobcat to do that!! Well, we'll see! It needs to be done SOON!!

Then I decided, you know what? Screw it! I rented a cabin in Pigeon Forge for the family this weekend. We are going to pick up Betty in Knoxville, then head to Pigeon Forge and do nothing at all this weekend but relax in the hotub, swim in the pool and do whatever...

Sometimes you just have to say screw it and take a break...

Day 26...

Yeah, no post for Day 27 because all they did was come out and deliver a bunch of stuff... :)

Moving right along though!! I guess they are going to start spraying the gunite tomorrow!

June 12, 1987

Best Man...

So as many of you know, I am the best man for Titus at the wedding that is RIGHT around the corner. So I Googled "best mans responsibilities" and this is what came up:

1. Make absolutely sure that the groom has the marriage license with him.

2. Receive the minister's fee from the groom and give it to the minister privately following the ceremony.

3. Help the groom pack for his honeymoon.

4. Help the groom dress for the ceremony.

5. If a ring bearer is to be in the wedding, the Best Man is responsible to oversee the child and be sure he understands his duties.

6. Assist with luggage arrangements for both the bride and the groom so that everything will be ready for their departure.

7. Make sure car or travel arrangements are set and that the groom is carrying any necessary reservations, tickets, money and travelers checks.

8. The Best Man will want to ride to the church with the groom.

9. It is the Best Man's responsibility to make sure the ushers are together and ready before the ceremony begins. Many weddings have been delayed by dilly dallying ushers who are either cutting up to relieve the tension they feel or are out having the last quick puff on a cigarette.

10. Alert ushers as to the ladies who will be wearing flowers and make sure they are not seated before receiving them.

11. Check all the men's boutonnieres. These should always be worn on the left lapel, stem down.

12. Perform any task or errand the groom or the bride's mother may request at the church.

13. If applicable, remind the groom to remove his gloves as the bride comes down the aisle.

14. Be first at the reception in order to welcome the bride and groom.

15. The Best Man is responsible to make the first toast to the bride and groom at the wedding.

16. The Best Man is also responsible to make the first toast at the rehearsal dinner.

17. The Best Man should act as a host, making introductions when necessary and helping to make the guests feel welcome.

18. The Best Man should dance at the reception with the bride, both mothers and as many of the bridal attendants and guest as possible.

19. Help the groom change into his travel clothes after the reception. Find out when the bride is ready to leave and with the maid/matron of honors, help the bride and groom depart.

20. Return the groom's tuxedo to the tux shop or if it belongs to the groom, be responsible for taking it to the cleaners.

21. Order flowers for the bride and groom's room at the first stop of the honeymoon trip.

22. Another responsibility of the Best Man may include the signing of the marriage certificate. This is not only a legal document but also a beautiful keepsake for the couple. Many times, the Best Man is not aware that his signature may be required and he may be off with the guests.

Note about ring bearer: The Best Man has the responsibility of carrying the bride's wedding ring. However, many times the couple will also want to have a ring bearer. We recommend that the "real" ring be kept safe in the pocket of the Best Man. Why? Just remember the boy with stage fright who never made it down the aisle…or even better, the ring bearer who argued with the Best Man when he tried to remove the ring and then cried his eyes out when the Best Man took it away.

Hmmm... I guess I have more preparation to do! I was aware of the whole toast thing, and am trying to come up with something clever (don't worry too much Titus!). Dancing?!? I suppose I know how to dance, but maybe I should go take a lesson? We'll see, I'm sure it will all work out fine! I'm not sure Titus needs help dressing though, Titus? We'll see! I'm sure it will be a lovely affair, I just didn't realize how much I needed to do. Not that I mind in the slightest!!! Let's see, hauling 3+ tons of concrete to the dump, or hanging out in Monterey at a Country Club tending to the ring bearer... Hmmm... That's kind of a no brainer if you ask me... :)

Okay, I THOUGHT I Was Done!!!

So there I was merrily hooking up all the components, thinking I'd be watching a movie soon.... That was NOT the case...

For some reason, EVERY time I put that back in the wall, all the outlets don't work?!? So I'm going to have to run a new wire to the box.

It's ALWAYS something!! I'm done though for the night, and am about to watch a movie with Carolyn. So who knows when that will get done! :)

Betting...

So I bet Carolyn that I would have the TV working by tonight. I LOST! I didn't take into account the moron who built this house, and the issues I would have to address...

I'm nearly done though, but wow!

I'm going to try and weasle out of the bet though! We'll see how that works out. Everything I do around this house, it's always something. I ran into so many issues with getting that entertainment center up you can't even make it up. It's nearly done though...

Day 28...

Yes, you will be subjected to daily shots of the progress...

The funny thing is, it's an entirely different group of Mexicans each day.

They are all nice though, the kids always ask them if they want water, etc. It's only day 3 and it looks like they are nearly ready to spray the gunite.

Why Matt, Why???

So it was time to take the debris from the stairs I knocked down to the dump. I was wondering why the truck was struggling...

Come to find out, it was 7,220 pounds of debris, I guess that is why!

Of course in hindsight, I could have rented a roll-off to be brought out and saved myself the hassle of loading and unloading the thing! Live and learn they say! Chance was a trooper though, he helped me unload it and never stopped! Tanner took MANY breaks! LOL! I don't blame him! I have more debris, I'm going for the roll-off this time...

Happy Birthday Cory!!

Yeah, I know, it's not his birthday yet, but he is going to Wyoming for two weeks for one of his science classes at the college he goes to. So we had his party tonight!

20! Hard to believe. Cory was 9 when Carolyn and I got married.

Yeah, I know his shirt is dirty, but he just got through cutting our lawn and a few others. The kids INSISTED on having the party before he could shower... :)

All the kids made him cards, I think Taylor was being a little shy when Cory read her card.

Time flies!! Cory is looking forward to his trip to Wyoming though. Once he gets back, it will nearly be time to fly out to California! We are all looking forward to that! We are going to go to Pigeon Forge next weekend I guess as well. We promised Betty (family friend) that we would go, and next weekend is really the only time we'll be able to go... So the kids are looking forward to that. Won't be long and the summer will be over...

Day 29 - Batteries...

My neighbor was using the Bobcat and came over to say it wouldn't start. So I went over, sure enough, it wouldn't. Then I saw smoke and opened the back up and the battery was on fire!! Luckily he had an extinguisher! So anyway, I wouldn't buy any batteries at Walmart...

I was skeptical about the whole "you'll be swimming in 30 days" promise, they could actually prove me wrong! Hopefully they do! :)

They are done for the day, although they said they'd be back tomorrow. Correction, the project manager said someone would be back tomorrow, I guess it might all depend on who is hanging out on the corner...

Yeah, you will have to suffer through the next 28 days with constant updates! :)

I have to run the gas line and the electrical wire out to where the pool pump and heater are. I went to Lowe's today to find some wire capable of handling 60 Amps, they didn't have any?!? I haven't checked at the Depot yet, but will tomorrow. I also will have to cut into the gas line that feeds the house and run it out there, hmmm... Should be fun! Oh yeah, this all has to be done within the next week... We'll see... :)

Let The 30 Day Countdown Begin...

Or at least that's how long they said it would take once they started digging... We'll see how that works out!

They got right to work, and never even stopped for lunch. Although Chance kept bringing them chips and bottled water...

The kids LOVED it!

I was actually amazed at how quickly they did it, and with only a Bobcat...

Funny thing is, they got their Bobcat stuck and were wondering what to do, so I dragged their Bobcat out with my Bobcat... I doubt they encounter that with many homeowners! Hopefully they will do an EXTRA good job for us because of that and the kids supplying them with food and drinks! :)

Proposed pool house, much of the material to build it I might add I have already purchased on Craigslist for a fraction of the price it would have cost new...

Old Photos...

Okay Daniel, I've been trying to find my 'old photos', but haven't been able to find them yet... I guess they are in the boxes in the attic, and I HATE going up there! So these will have to do... :)

Brothers...

Timberly, Andrea and Titus...

Titus...

That one of Titus was for you Jackie! I know Titus doesn't save anything, so he can't retaliate... :) I'm not sure though what I was thinking with the whole hairdo in the first pic... I obviously was on drugs! :)

Worked Out Nicely...

Just strapped it to the bobcat...

It took a minute to get it inside, but it sure beat trying to drag it up the stairs...

So the whole "shove it through the door" concept didn't work out exactly as planned, but almost... :)

Deck, Craigslist, Etc...

So I got my Bobcat back today, and I couldn't get it close enough to the door to even think about using it to get the rest of the entertainment center in. So I had to finish clearing out the debris from tearing down the steps, which is good actually, because I can't start the deck until it's gone...



I'm also sure I've mentioned how much I LOVE Craigslist! Well, when I pulled in the driveway today, there was a truck also pulling in. Carolyn saw this tub on Craigslist:



She LOVES Craigslist as well... She did tell me she was getting it, but I wasn't really aware of the dimensions, nor did I ask. It turns out though that I'll have to COMPLETELY gut and redo the bath to fit it in... Just as well I guess, as that is practically the last room that I haven't redone in this house... I wonder when that will happen?? :)

I'm Done...

I've been trying to finish the entertainment center this weekend, and I keep thinking it's not done because I'm anal when it comes to stuff like that... Carolyn finally said, "It's beautiful, take it upstairs, stop working on it!" So upstairs it goes tomorrow... :) I guess no one will see the flaws but me... :)



It's funny, but when you make something, or at least when I do, I see every little flaw, yet no one else does... I agreed with Carolyn though, and even though I still think it needs work, I've got way too many other projects going on to argue... :)

I Think I'm Going To Write A Book...