Last month I practiced with the Red Stick Ringers so we could be the entertainment at the Area 6 American Guild of English Handbell Ringers (AGEHR) Festival in Vicksburg, MS. The group rang very well. My only regret is that we didn't capture the concert music electronically. It was a little unnerving playing in front of an audience made up of handbell ringers instead of the usual church congregation or other venue. All in all we had a great time.I got collages ordered from Michael Loftis for both the dogs. The collages are framed and hanging in my office. Several visitors have stopped and commented about them. The new artwork has improved the office greatly!
The yard and house improvements continue. I have planted all the plant material that was purchased for the yard. Currently, I'm trimming in the backyard and mulching as I go. The entire yard is looking much better. I had neglected it for far too long. Getting my nerve up enough to get out there and face the jungle took several deep breaths. I can now see the improvement and can imagine how much better it will look in the comings weeks. These visions have fueled my enthusiasm and I am enjoying the work now as opposed to dreading it. A few days ago, there was a butterfly in the backyard at the hibiscus bush. While trying to see what type of butterfly I almost became annoyed when a hummingbird kept flying in my line of sight. When I realized this I had to laugh heartily at myself. I'm enjoying having mother nature (including the wasps and bees moving back into my yard).
This week the long needed and eternally ignored master bathroom repairs have started. The bathtub, tub surround, and toilet were pulled out by the plumber on Thursday (see photo). Following right after the plumber, I began tearing out original vinyl flooring, a layer of underlayment, and the more recent vinyl floor. I still have more to tear out but I have a three day weekend ahead in which I can work along on this effort. I purchased the faucets (Delta Lahara style) for the bathtub and bathroom sinks today. Even trying to be tight with the money this project will be costly. There is good news, however, as the plywood subfloor (click on photo at right to see damage near far wall) is much less rotten and in much better condition than I thought it might be. We may not have to work on the floor joists which will save mucho dollars in carpentry expenses. I'll continue to take pictures and post them as the project continues.
