We have been busy

And now I am broke, but strangely happy

I bought a house in need of massive repair last month and since then, I have been learning far more than I ever thought possible.

Yesterday, I took a pair of needle-nose pliers to straighten what I learned are called “heater fins” in the baseboard heaters. Up until this house, I wasn’t aware there was such a thing as a heater fin, just as, prior to this purchase, I did not know how to properly pick up a snapping turtle nor did I understand the difference between a swale and a French drain.

This house is teaching me a lot.

I am of the opinion that if there’s a YouTube video that explains things, I can do it, including basic plumbing. As much as possible, I’m doing my own work — which, considering the state of this house, is something like spitting at a tornado. I can strip and sand and refinish floors (check), paint ceilings and walls (check and check) and up until a month ago, that would have been the extent of my skills. I am so much smarter now, you should hire me.

I’m kidding. I have a rotten attitude and spend most new projects practicing my cursing. But in my defense, I am dogged and I don’t quit until the job is complete.

I’d originally thought to redo the kitchen myself, but, well, this was what I had to work with, and no, I cannot explain why that fan is way off from the actual stove.

The drawers are open while I look for hidden treasure to help pay for the re-do

Instead, I hired Justo Construction, and yes, if you’re in Connecticut, this is a heartfelt recommendation because look what they did on a budget:

Roberth (with an h and no, he cannot explain why) The room is nearly finished and the photo was obviously taken before I crap the place up with my stuff but you get the idea. I tell my son that I am spending his inheritance, what little there was, and he says go for it. So I am.