Couldn't get out, now we can

Cullman,  AL


Some of the things we really liked when we bought this house 3 years ago was that it had 2 full bathrooms with showers.    In addition the master bath had a Jacuzzi tub.   Oh what luxury.

But as the years have passed and our bodies gotten old and less flexible we used it less and less.   It came a time that Leonard could not use it at all.    Aside from weakness due to his chronic heart/lung condition, both shoulders need surgery with the left shoulder and arm about useless.  He could not lift himself from the tub.

As for me, I would now  seldom use the Jacuzzi.   I would have to almost drop myself into it and getting out was always an effort.   Not a pretty sight.

What to do???    We decided a walk-up tub was the solution as there are times when we really would enjoy a good soak.

We did some research.  The top three brands are Safe-Step, American Standard and Kohler.
We talked to American Standard first.  However we did not like that to get the quoted price we had to sign on the dotted line RIGHT THEN.  Once the salesman left the price increased.   No pressure there!

The Safe-Step was ok but it is made with fiberglass and not acrylic.   Also it did not have a purge system that blows out all water from the lines as the other two had.

So we decided on the Kohler.   Safe-Step was cheaper.    American Standard and Kohler same.  However we negotiated with Kohler and saved a bit.

The install was scheduled for several weeks ago.   Then COVID-19 hit.   Everything was put on hold.  After talking to the installer several times over the last few weeks we decided to go ahead with the install yesterday.   They wore masks.   We stayed in the other side of the house using the guest room, office and bathroom.

They had finished an installation down in Foley, AL 315 miles away in the morning arriving at our house around 1:30 and got to work.

I wish I knew someone who would want the Jacuzzi.  Both the tub and motor are in perfect shape.  But not being sure I would find someone to take it, I let the installers dispose of it.  Or whatever.

Finally at around 9:30 the job was complete.   They cleaned the area, vacuumed the floor, wiped everything down.   The tub has to sit for 24 hours due to the caulking around it.     It's HUGE.

Tonight we will see who wins the battle of being first the try it out.

Until next time   (having more work done)

Alabama Pests

Cullman,  AL

It is Spring in Alabama.  Time for the pests to pester.

Pest One:       Fire Ants.   

Where found:    Everywhere 

Watch where you step.  Should you step on a mound they will let you know.   Be prepared to hoot and holler and swat. 

Solution:           Keep a bag on this with you when mowing.  Sprinkle as needed.  Often.

Pest Two:     Carpenter Bees

Where Found:     Whatever there is wood.  Decks,  porches,  outbuildings.

This is our lawn mower shed.

This is back porch where they are attacking.

Solution:     Useful Tools.      Plus calking.

Pest Three:      Pond Algae

Where found:    Along shore lines of the pond.

Solution:     Internet search says one way is to rake it off.    Yea, right.

Sure, that will take care of it.      If patient enough to keep cleaning the rake and want to spend days and days raking.



Pest Four:      Recliner Sitter

Where found:      In front of Television.

Solution:      Look at a different Television.


Until next time.

Getting through it.

Cullman,  AL


Today marks our 23rd day of minimum contact with other people.     We had NOMADS visitors on March 13.   March 14 we started our self isolation.   This is especially important as we are both well into the age that is regarded as susceptible to this virus.  In addition. Leonard has both heart and lung disease making him doubly susceptible.

No church,  no visiting, no real shopping.   Hand washing, TV watching, reading, yard work.

When we need groceries we rely on our Son and Daughter-in-law who live about 20 miles from us.  They get what is on my list, deliver it and leave it on the porch.   We can't thank them enough.  For the most part we are well stocked.  I mostly order our meats through Omaha Steaks.   Not only steak but seafood, prepared vegetable dishes, chicken, pork, etc.  Because I use them frequently I never pay for shipping.   I get points with which I get free products.  Plus they send me coupons of $15 or $20.   We have plenty already in the chest freezer and expect another order on Tuesday.

 I had bought a 12 pack of toilet paper right before this situation arose.   That and the TP we still had from a previous purchase will hold us for a while.   UNLESS..... on occasion the meds that Leonard take can alternate between constipation and diarrhea.   Enough said!!

Starting last Thursday I limit my Facebook time.   Even at this time there is still so much hatred between political views.  It upsets me so why torture myself.   I really don't miss it.

I talk to my daughters and miss them and Lens kids too.   My one daughter Terri worries about us.  Terri..... we are fine!   She sent us two bottles of hand wash the type used by doctors prior to surgery.   Thanks Terri.

We have been away from the house a total of two times.   Last week I ordered a meal from Cracker Barrel from their catering menu.  I ordered online, was informed what time it would be ready, pulled up in front of the door, called them to tell them we are there and in less than  2 minutes the meal was brought out and put into the car.   It was supposed to feed 3 to 5 people.  Fried chicken, hash brown casserole and green beans with biscuits.    There was so much food.   We had it that day for lunch, that night for dinner.  Skipped a day then another dinner.   Biscuit got the rest.

Yesterday I ordered online from Tractor Supply.   Ant mound killer  (this is Alabama..... LOTS of fire ants), Round Up, Duck feed and Bird seed.      It was so easy.   Order online.  They email when it's ready, drive up, call them, they bring it out and load it into the car.    One problem.   They were out of Duck Feed.   So it's ordered and it gets delivered.   Cost of feed is $16.99.   Cost of delivery $16.49.  The little buggers better really like it.   Speaking of the ducks, one duck is nesting.   She comes out every few days to eat.  I read it takes 35 days for ducklings to hatch.   I really, really need more ducks coming up on the porch.

I've kept the lawn mowed and  weeds down around the pond.   One time Len asked about mowing.  He did some of the lawn then the next day got out his tractor and bush hogged the back of the property.  All looks good right now.  Until it rains.

We have several trees we want taken down.   We had some removed two years ago.  I don't recall the name of the person who did it.   So I checked out the Home Advisor site online.   I gave them our information.    This morning I got a call from one of the recommended persons.   He came to the house (keeping a safe distance) and gave us a quote.   We have 12 trees to be taken down and hauled away.  We also have 8 stumps to be ground.   He gave us a very fair price.     Hopefully he can get to us in two weeks.    Len kept saying he could do it.   I told him NO HE CAN'T.   Problem solved.

We've had tragedies on Len's side of the family.   Unexpected passings.    Two of them young children. During these times we could not possibly go to Louisiana.     They all understand.   Our hearts are with them all.

I watch as our investments fluctuate each day.   I can't let it scare me.   I know once things settle it will rebound.    And we plan to live long enough  to see it.   Even if it doesn't we have enough.

Our wish is that all of our family and friends manage and take good care of themselves and each other.  We love and miss each of you.   Better times ahead.

Until next time.