Remodel 4

Problem!
If you are not sure what I am talking about, look at the sharpie marks, this is where the back of the bowl lies.
If I it left this way, it would be filled with grout .














Mock up of the fix. Trust me the cuts are not the most easy to do.








This is what it looked like after I spent about 2 hours chiseling out the tile and cleaning the morter out.














Done; now just need the very small ones on the lintel, and wall tiles, and a full grouting. Remember, each surface must be done at the same time, or variances in color will show up.

Remodel 3

This is what you will look like if you have to free hand cut large tiles (guard must be up to view guide line)















Almost done with the cutting, layout of the pattern, not bad, if I do say so myself.








Close up of the area, and yes I am going to paint the area behind the tank.

















Done; at least I thought so!

Remodel 2

One of the best purchases ever made by me was this wet-dry vacuum. Commercial grade and on sale for $50, so good the other Crawford boy bought one as well.




















The first of the mud ran out and I was feeling the burn from cleaning and laying this set.



















Here is the lintel, non cleaned and waiting to set up fully. These, although natural stone were found by me on one of my treks and bought what was left at the store for about $0.25 a tile or about $1.00 a sq ft!

Guest Bathroom Remodel

Well, I guess I need to start getting projects out of the way and done; I've had the main tile for this project for over 2 years and the accent tiles for just under a year now. Sound familiar to anyone?
I told myself that I didn't want to start on it because of visitors, and that can drag on if you let it.
Tile up (in the box in background) and carpet up and out, getting pad and tack strips out.












The pipe wrench is there because the valve was not cooperating, and needed to be tightened to stop a slow flow of water.
The pad was not as easily persuaded to leave as I thought it would be and so it was back to a friend for a floor scraper (Thanks Don).
Tack strip didn't put up a big fight. If you believe that you are in shape, tear out a floor and clean with a scraper, it will work your whole body.


















The tack strip in the corners put up a little bit of a fight, but it just required a little more use of the pry bar.














Something else that must be fixed before tiling around the bowl area; the flange is set 90 degrees off, with the slot for the bolts at the front and rear, instead of at the sides.
Also for you DIYer's, the flange should be fastened so that it will be flush with the finished floor.












Perspective shot.

Coyote Christmas Party

The Radio Station decided that we would invite all clients to enjoy with us our Christmas party, there would be no selling but just thankfulness for the year we had.Osage National Golf Resort was the location for the party and Candy Coburn was to be the entertainment.









First up was a mixer activity, build the largest Christmas Tree with balloons and scotch tape only, and in 5 minutes.
It was difficult in such a large group as there was no discipline. We had many more balloons than we used.

























This team creatively (cheated) interpreted the rules and taped their balloons to the windows.









As the time got closer, under 60 seconds, the mad dash began, and many people just simply threw balloons on top of the already funky looking tree.













The two teams in contention for the win; the gentleman on the right that has appeared in many pictures is a waiter who was intrigued by our crazy antics.

Y.G.F.D. continued

Some pictures of the house itself I felt were in order, it was a very nicely maintained one, as can be seen here. It is located in Carthage Missouri.









The study/library with beautiful bookshelves, and a gorgeous half circle french window.








The front sitting room had this nice fireplace.


































In the area where I was sitting, this beauty was there, nicely carved and intricate in details.

Youth Group Formal Dinner

Our Sister Church in Joplin, kindly invited us along to their Youth Formal Dinner. This is the fifth year they've held it and it was really nice. They get a good rate on "The Phelps House" and then folks from church come and do everything. Russ (their head of youth) told me "I don't want you to do anything but come, eat, hangout with the kids, and enjoy yourself". Sign me up, my kind of job description; but I couldn't help myself, while some kids were having pictures taken at the end, I jumped in and helped tear down tables and chairs.












This character is actually the Senior Pastor for Joplin, I asked Jeff if he was considering a career change, and if so he would have to remember to put out a collection hat, or at least his case. Very good music, in the way that I couldn't honestly tell you what he was playing, just what you need for a good night of conversing and eating.














While I was waiting for the dessert to make it to our table, I figured I would get a few impromtu shots. Later, the professional shots will be available.
This table of boys was 3/4 mine and at many times was barely holding onto the concept; they were always on the ragged edge of wanting to go crazy.












Actually, only Johnnie (girl), is one of mine, but I guess I have to claim the one to her right, since I did drive him down with us, although I haven't had the pleasure to have him in youth.












My other girl, Emma, seen here felt as though she was out of her element. She is a rather tall tom-boy, who has great talent on the basketball court, but really didn't want to wear a dress, and when we got there believed that I would allow her to keep her coat on all evening. I believe she came to realize that she looked just fine, but that is one of our goals with this outing, to coach the kids along the path, so they can get along with all occasions.











Very calm waters compared to what dad had us boys doing when I was about 10. Going out to a restaurant for a 5 course meal was a little intimidating, including the fact that not only did I have to dress nice, but was not allowed to ruin it by going outside and play before we left. Not all was a loss however; I passed, maybe not with flying colors, but enough that the experiment was repeated, and a few years later when our grandparents came out to England to visit I was able to instruct "start at the outside and eat your way toward the plate". I was of course trying to help my grandfather who was looking at the abundance of silverware and not sure where to start.
Although I fought it at the time; thanks dad, for equiping me to survive and thrive in almost any environment.