Saturday, March 16, 2013

Wow, I took a look at the blog and it dawn on me that I took the winter off.  Not really, I have about 3 posts in the draft box but never got to the point of hitting the publish button. But of course it doesn't count unless it's posted.

It's been a little crazy. Work is more than a little wild with some personalities acting up big time. We've also been doing a lot of work on the house. When life is crazy and work is crazy, the idea of sitting in front of a computer at home just doesn't do it.

The main bathroom is now completely finished having painted it all a couple of times, stain blocked and painted the ceiling and all the dark molding and replaced the lights. We also have repainted most of the dark trim white and it lighten things up amazingly. Add to that some major clean-outs, trips to Goodwill and a big trip to the waste facility [the indoor version of a dump]. The family room has new carpet delivered home stuffed in my Corolla. That has certainly kept us busy.  And the pellet stove has been a stressor for almost a month and just got resolved. I like to figure out why things aren't working and if I can fix it, get it done of get someone in to fix it..I was trying all sorts of things, cleaning it twice a week and still it would stay on for about an hour then die, wait a few minutes then I could restart it. Finally ready to call in the reserves I find out the place we bought from and that has done all the servicing has closed as has the other local outlet. Freaking out I finally tracked down a repair tech who was an absolute gem.  Replacing one part, then subing it back when after a couple hours the thing shut off again then trying something new. He was a gem not just because he was a good guy but he only charged for the first call and never took money for a part that didn't make it better long term. Exhausting all other options, including changing the fuel I finally replaced the remote and it has been fin ever since.

So with the stove resolved and this phase of paining done, there is a little let down and regrouping. My running has really suffered from all the activity, really dark mornings and my mileage has drop down to numbers I did years ago. But I expect with better weather and earlier sunrises I be back into it. The half marathon will just have to wait a bit longer.

Out the back window I am seeing fireworks of the mountain of a local ski area. St Patrick's day I am assuming. I hear the booming and first thought, oh crap a chimney fire or tree on the roof but then pleasantly spotted the flares through the trees.

Spring is next week but it is still in the 20-30s and some snow on the ground. The warm weather is still more than a month away.  The basil plants are started and I am waiting for the sprouts. 

Happy Spring and St. Patty's day to all.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

nice to see you posting again too, jeff...a lot of my favorite blogs have gone silent recently, i wonder why...it was a long winter here as well, but i've also started running again lately...feels good to be outside again, and i definitely picked up a few unneeded kilos this winter!

Jo said...

Was starting to wonder where you were, glad you're back. I find when my life is the craziest that's when I write the most. It centers me. You can read my blog if you want at www.fortpelhamfarm.com

Jeff- in the Berkshires said...

Thanks Casey and Jo. Amazing how quickly time goes when you are doing other things. House projects seem to consume time and energy. So taking a short break to catch up on the running and perhaps writing before diving into the next one. :)

Anonymous said...

I've been checking in on your blog since your previous note and finally today I see you've written. I have taken time off from mine too because my mom is now living with us and I do a lot of running around for her and some days to be honest are a great challange and leaves me downhearted and guilty or mad at myself. I am learning patience the hard way, but I think I'm starting to get the hang of it.

I kinda cringed when I read you painted your moulding & trim white. I've lived with white for 24 years and if it didn't cost so much I'd have it all ripped out and put in nice stained wood. It does brighten up the place, but also turns less white as time goes on. But I'm happy that your happy. It sounds like your house is turning into a NEW house! I'm getting ready to get rid of the ceramic floor in the kitchen. I hate ceramic. Actually it's the grout I hate. Makes the floor nasty looking no matter how many times you change it. Our kitchen is where we and the animals gather...so I am having a super thick vinyl laid down on top. It will be warmer and so much easier to keep clean!! Our weather is warming up here. We have several days of 70 and then it bombs back down to the 30's giving everyone colds. Hopefully spring will arrive and stay!! Good to hear from you Jeff!!...debbie

Jeff- in the Berkshires said...

Good to hear from you Debbie. Sorry to hear of all that is going on with your Mom.

The wood trim was basic 1970 stock trim with very dark stain and didn't add any character to the house. The white gloss paint completely changes the look of the hallways and brightens it up and evens out the finish. If it was quality molding we would have just cleaned it up.