Baby, it's Cold outside!

 

Yeah, I know. it's an oldie.  But, for a large portion of the country, it's a fact of life right now.  Had a bit of an "aww Feces!" moment, yesterday when we woke up and the water wasn't running.  Fortunately, the temperature got above that magic number before noon.  I spent a bit of time adjusting and adding insulation to the well.  Thank you, Lord!

Last week was pretty busy and this week doesn't seem that it's going to be any different.  Mrs J's OPlan phase 1 is to fix up the old house.  Phase 1, part 1 is to refurbish the front porch.  25 years in the Texas Sun did some destruction on a lot of the wood.  

Phase 1, part 1, action 1 was to remove the warped deck boards, remove the railings around the porch and steps.

 

That phase has been successfully completed.  A lot of pent up aggression was released during that phase.  

  

While I was taking out my desire to destroy stuff, Mrs J's Phase 1, part 2, action 1 was to "Do" the kitchen.  Again, 25 years of use, took it's toll.  It's much cleaner now, but there's a bit of carpentry needed that's above my skill level. So we're going to be hiring a carpenter shortly.  

Having come to a stopping point outside, I checked with the Boss Lady about what to do next.  She advised me that the two bedrooms needed attention.

 

Meanwhile, Mrs J's Phase 1, part 2, action 2 was to clean the bathrooms.  My brother thankfully stepped forward and took care of that action.  25 years of hard water residue took all day to somewhat remove.  However, not quite up to management expectations.  Our carpenter friend will be tasked with replacing the Shower Insert.  This was not unexpected, so within the budget.

Phase 2 will begin, (we hope), on Wednesday when the temperature returns to somewhat normal (50ish).  I estimate the porch will take 2 days max. (Gee, I pray I didn't jinx that).  Cattle panels with frames will be the upright "walls".  Replacing a couple of deck boards shouldn't be a big deal, but...

Which will bring us to Phase 3,  Exterminate the rapidly reproducing stored junk. 

Main Problem Area

 Phase 3, Part 1, Action 1 Delivery of the refuse bin should occur the morning we start this phase.  An 8' x 6' x 30' bin should be sufficient for the main problem area although it will likely be full.  A second one will then be delivered to the rear of the house to facilitate de-junkifying the back patio.  

Completion of these three phases should bring us closer to being ready to put the property on the market.

It will also bring us very close to a bit of a vacation.  Mrs J has spent the last year or so, planning and scheduling a family trip and cruise in Australia and New Zealand.  The end of February, she and I, and MBD and family will be flying out of Austin, to Honolulu (a time zone rest and recovery stop) then on to Sydney.  Little J, LJW and Miss B will head East out of England enroute to the former colonies and join us.  

Looking forward to all that, because when we get back, it's our house that needs prepping.  (I actually started on my "office".  I managed to get down through the stuff and can now place things on the desktop.  (I was very excited, Mrs J, not so much.) 

The house overall is mostly "stuff" removal, although there are a few things the carpenter will have to take care of.  We'll get through this campaign, one way or another.

Then, with a little luck, some one will stop by, "Love it" and that will be that.  Or, at least, that's what we're hoping happens.  We'll see.

Stay warm! and....Peace out y'all!