3.27.09

So again I have let my website sit for months with no updates. I have found that updating my Facebook has kept me from doing the updates here. But some people have pointed out to me that they are not on facebook and would still like to see some updates posted here. So I will again attempt to post more frequently here (I know I say that every time I post, if I say it enough I might actually do it)

So I do have some items to update on. I know in my last update I had said I was working on a few projects around my house. Well I have finished my fireplace at least to the point of being able to use it. I still want to put glass doors on it by this coming winter, but I have held off on that so that I can have my chimney sweeped before I install the doors. I am sure it will be easier to sweep without the doors.

I do have my dishwasher installed. I am very happy with it's performance. I have yet to build the custom cabinet next to it to finish off the project, but right now it is a great place for my trash can. I will eventually get around to building a cabinet that has the slide out trash can in it, but it is not really high on my priority list. And I don't think I have posted a picture of my dinning room since I got my parents old dinning room set, and my new dishes.

With all the rain that we have been getting in the past month or so I have been working alot on my gutters and yard. In the major rain we had almost a month ago, I had a room in my basement get a pretty good amount of water in it. It was enough to shop vac out about 50 gallons, but it wasn't completely covering the floor yet. So that weekend I worked on extending my gutter downspouts so that the water wouldn't sit against my foundation and I also worked on doing a little bit of regrading. I am happy with the results so far. We got another couple storms not quite so bad, and so far I have only had one slightly damp wall. There are still a few things I know I can work on to improve it more.

Two weeks ago we had an absolutely beautiful weekend. I took full advantage of this and did some service on my car and Harley and washed all my vehicles. I also worked on finishing the stake sides for my truck. It looks really good now, except I haven't made the front stake side yet.

Last weekend I went to Indiana to visit Lee and his family. We had a REALLY good time. The weather was great. I got to check out the property that Lee purchased next to his mom's place. We rode quads around the property and did a little bit of exploring around the land. I also had the chance to do a little target practice with my new pistol. I finally got around to getting my FOID card that allows me to have a gun in Illinois. So I figured I would pick up a .22 pistol. I got a Beretta U22 Neos. And I have to say, I love it. It is a ton of fun to shoot, I am very impressed with it's performance and it was pretty cheap and extremely cheap ammo.

While in Indiana for the weekend Lee and I signed up for the TuxBro.com Sprint Triathlon Series. It is three triathlons. It should finally get me into the doing triathlons that I have always wanted to do, and they are short distance which shouldn't make them too hard. Being sprints is is only a 500m swim, 10mile bike, and 3 mile run. The first one is in June and they are spaced about a month apart.

Oh and I guess I should update everyone on my work situation. As I am sure everyone has heard in the news Caterpillar has had to do some layoffs due to the economy. I am happy to say that I have not been laid off. I have been "Redeployed" to the Global Engine Development doing test cell calibrations. I have actually enjoyed this change of work so far. It is suppose to only be a temporary assignment during this downturn in the economy. But this job is working a different shift than my normal 8 hour 5 day a week job. I am not working Monday-Thursday 5am-3:30pm. It has taken some getting used to getting up at 3:30am to be at work by 5 but I am now used to it, and I am REALLY enjoying the three day weekend every weekend. It has allowed me to get more stuff done over the weekend. And I will be able to travel more to visit friends and family. So I am going to take full advantage of this while it lasts.

Well I guess that is about it for now, I need to get to working on some of my projects around the house. Have a Great Day everyone.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. I have finally started to setup my house with IP cameras. I currently only have one setup that is looking into my backyard. These are mostly just for fun, but they are motion sensing and e-mail me whenever they notice movements, so I can catch all those rabbits and raccoons in my backyard, or anyone else attempting to walk through my yard. I am adding a page in my pictures tab to include the image from the camera, it updates every 15 minutes. So if you guys want to snoop you are welcome to check it out. I am sure on weekends you will find me out there working on my cars or doing yard work.

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