A Busy Summer Day

The top step is even more fun!

Things are hopping here at Winterpast. The girl is BACK!!!!! No longer do I look at the ladder, Sigh, and put painting off for another day. My painting schedule says that I will be finished with the hallway and laundry room by June 30th and I’m right on schedule.

If you haven’t painted a room in awhile, be ready for a rude awakening at checkout. I remember painting The Dun Movin’ House in Virginia City. At 3,300 sq. feet, it only took me six years to finish the entire interior and most of the exterior. Only 8 years ago, paint was $17 a gallon. Yesterday, I paid $48. It IS a wonderful product that contains both primer AND paint, but one gallon doesn’t go very far. I remember when painting was a cheap decorating option. Not any more.

Roaming around the hardware store while they were mixing my paint, I remember the hours and hours I spent with VST doing that very thing. We were always the couple people smiled at. Two Senior Citizens holding hands as they walked through the aisles deciding on the next big project. How may times I helped select clear redwood boards for the deck or MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) to trim 33 windows. VST taught me so much about home repairs, the only thing keeping me from most of them is that I’m not as strong as he was. That man could single handedly lift a cabin to replace a beam. I know. I witnessed it.

After my purchase of supplies, I returned home to begin painting the doors which I had moved to the garage. After setting up my painting station, I unwrapped some small rollers. Whizz rollers. If you are in the middle of a project yourself, I can recommend them. They come in a variety of sizes and are made of a material similar to low pile fleece. In a matter of minutes, two doors were covered and drying. Excellent coverage, with little wasted paint.

While painting, I was startled by THE NOISE. My heart sank. Sort of like a belch. More like internal, gassy rumblings it sounded like a “pre-explosion” noise. Gosh I wish I was a city girl that didn’t know about this stuff. Those glamorous types must lead such a protected life. Anyway. Back to the noise.

The noise persisted every time the hot water heater came on because, it was coming from the hot water heater. My hot water heater needs a good flushing. Flushing ISN’T just for toilets.

VST taught me something very important. Many household problems are related to water. Think of it. Leaky roofs. Broken pipes. Clogged drains. Mold. Rumbling hot water heaters. If I hadn’t been painting outside, it would’ve been easier to ignore. But, spending time in the garage listening to the rhythmic rumblings, I realized one thing.

My list of “Must Do’s” for today has changed a little.

  1. Purchase Home Warranty.

Hot water heaters have also increased in price.

After a day on and off the ladder, the hot tub was a great way to end the evening. Unsettled weather continues, with the winds whipping evening-cooled air across the desert. I’m hoping for one rip-roaring thunderstorm, but will be grateful for beautiful desert evenings that make me so glad “Nevada is Home” to me.

Whatever summer project you find yourself accomplishing, take time for some lemonade and rest in the shade. Be respectful of the ladder. Carry On and Get Things Done.

More tomorrow.