My Old House Journal Has Moved

Please go to: The NEW Old House Journal. This is part of th NEW Ilona's Garden Journal which moved to its Wordpress location some time ago. You also might be interested int eh Garden website located @ Ilona's Garden, which is full of information and how-to articles on all things gardening.

Installing patio pavers

My latest accomplishment is installing 2'x2' raised aggregate pavers. This is for a secluded corner of the enclosed "secret garden". There are a number of ways to install these; some more professional than others. The way I did it (and I often do things my own way):

1. Got my kids to help remove the sod.
2. Placed sand on this de-sodded area.
3. Installed the pavers, leveling each one as we went. We eyeballed the spacing between the pavers.

This area is at the rear corner of the fenced area and is more private. Makes a nice place to meditate, postulate, communicate, or get intimate. Nice quiet place to sit and read also. Plan to put a small table and couple of chairs here.

Result: Looks great and very inviting.

New tools from Home Depot

I have acquired some really good professional tools from Home Depot at extremely good prices. They seem to have "specials" on a regular basis. As I mentioned, I got my Milwaukee 14.4v Battery operated drill (including flashlight, extra battery, and case) for only $99. Then I got my Ridgid 18v heavy duty 1/2" Hammer Drill (which included 18v reciprocating saw, and extra battery) for only $139. This one is regularly about $290.

I always find these "specials" in the main aisle. You do have to keep your eye open though. They are generally quickly grabbed up, and when gone they are gone. With the Ridgid drill they were out at the 1st store, I quickly went to another store to get one (that store was down to the last 2). I wish, now, that I had bought one more to give my son as a birthday present.

And now: I have been wanting a 4-1/2" Angle grinder for about 2 years. I would regularly visit Home Depot looking for a "special" on this item. Well, the other day I was in the store and, LO & BEHOLD, they had a special on the Makita 4-1/2" Angle Grinder where you got two of them for the price of one. So, I ended up with 2 for a grant total of $71.00, which makes them $36 each. That means I have one to give away as a birthday present to one of my sons! These are professional quality grinders (heavier duty, higher amp, higher rpm, etc). They also included a grinding wheel. You can also get cutting wheels (for concrete or metal), and a more expensive diamond blade for serious cutting. Grinding/stripping brushes & sanding disks are also available.

Anyway, it is a tool I have occasional need of but could make do without until a "steal of a deal" came up. You have to differentiate between needs vs wants and have the necessary patience for the needs. As I get older, I find myself more frequently asking myself "do I really need this?" This doesn't just apply to material things.

Further comments on repairs & parts (Specifically Kitchen Aid)

Continuing on on the high cost of repairing some things:

1. I bought and installed a Kitchen Aid dishwasher when I built my new kitchen in 2000. This was one of the deluxe models (had stainless steel interior, etc). Anyway, the dish detergent compartment has a little "door" that is held shut by a real small plastic latch. This latch is on a timer which opens it at the appropriate time to dispense the detergent. The latch is spring loaded and probably doesn't cost a $1. Anyway, around 2005 (it had evidence of being slowly being eaten away for awhile) this plastic latch finally deteriorated to the point where it would no longer hold the detergent door closed (probably from the chemicals in the detergent, because it was gradually being eaten away). The "estimated" cost to have an appliance repairman come out and replace was near $250.00. I declined. What I have done since is "put up with it". We use the solid detergent (which dissolves a little slower).

2. I had called Kitchen Aid to complain that this latch was made of inferior material which could not hold up to rigors of dishwashing. They essentially told me it wasn't their problem, and tough luck: call a repairman. That is where I got the above quote. This little $1 item requires removal of the main dishwasher door, taking it apart, etc. My concern was that it would be replaced with another similar one which would also deteriorate within 3-5 years.

3. Although Kitchen Aid is and used to be known for quality products, I will not buy another Kitchen Aid product. This is because of their refusal to own up to their responsibility in recognizing this as a mfg flaw. My next dishwasher is going to be Bosch. As previously mentioned we bought a Samsung French (double) Door fridge (freezer below) last September. We looked at several mfgrs models, but Kitchen Aid was not under consideration. Also bought a new JennAir stove. Again, Kitchen Aid not considered.

What I think Kitchen Aid has done is cheapen their product (quality wise) while capitalizing on their good name and reputation. They are going to lose that reputation if they continue to treat customers the way they treated me.

If you are thinking of purchasing a Kitchen Aid appliance, do your homework. If you google "Kitchen Aid complaints" you will see alot of issues.

My DeWalt 18v drill

Got back my "overhauled" DeWalt 18v Battery operated Hammer drill. The overhaul was guaranteed not to exceed $99. That is the amount I paid plus sales tax (the legalized extortionists need their cut). Anyway, the "supposed total" would have been $250 if not for the $99 guarantee. It's funny how the various parts when all added up usually end up costing far more than if you just bought a new item (tool, lawnmower, appliance, etc).

Anyway, I am extremely pleased and happy with the "overhaul". It supposedly included all labor, new motor, new clutch, new switch, new chuck, etc. It actually seems to be more powerful and work better than when it was new!!! They even cleaned the drill. I was impressed.

Battery operated drills

Just thought I would put in my two cents worth on battery operated drills:

1. My old faithful is a DeWalt 18v 1/2" Hammer drill. I purchased this about 10 years ago (maybe more). Aside from routine periodic replacement of batteries, it has served me very well. I use it mostly in my business and it has simplified my work. No dragging cords around or looking for an outlet, etc. It can do an incredible amount of drilling, including hammering (with power to spare) on one battery. I usually buy new batteries (it seems about every 3 years) at Lowes. They periodically have a sale where you get 2 for $99. I think Home Depot has the same sales. After all these years I finally had to take it in to a DeWalt service center for a complete overhaul/rebuild. This is done for $99 max. Considering a new equal drill runs $275+, it is worth it.

2. While at Home Depot one day (about 2 years ago) they were having a special on 14.4v Milwaukee drills. This included 2 batteries, an 14.4v flashlight, the drill, and the case all for $99 (about 1/2 price). I couldn't resist. This is a professional drill, and although it doesn't have the hammer option or the power that my 18v DeWalt does, it does a great job on routine drilling/driving. It is lighweight and easy to use. I use it alot on home projects (deck building, drywall hanging, etc).

3. Another time at Home Depot (about a year ago) they were having a special on Ridgid 18v 1/2" Hammer drill which also included a 18v reciprocating saw!!! It was only $139 (about 1/2 price). Although it came in a canvas bag rather than a hard case, I couldn't resist the price. This drill came in real handy when my DeWalt broke down last week (which is why it is in the service center right now). I am now in a quandary as to which drill is the best: the DeWalt or the Ridgid. I am leaning toward the Ridgid. I was really happy to get the 18v reciprocating saw. I have an electric Milwaukee, but there are alot of times when I could (now & in the past) use a battery op saw. Now I have it!!! I used it the other day to trim/level off the tops of the fence posts so I could cap them.

I might mention that I use these tools alot (including professionally) and am very pleased with all of them. They have served me very well.

I might also mention that I rarely ever have need to use an electric drill anymore. Like maybe 2 years ago.

Some more tasks completed...

Well, this week I have accomplished the following:

1. Got the old chain saw out and pruned some tree branches.
2. Re-tilled one garden and helped wife create raised beds for veggies. (This is hard work!!!)
3. Kids & I removed sod and some dirt from an area we are planning to put pavers on in the previously mentioned private hot tub/garden area. (This is also hard work!!!)
4. Got window screens out of basement, washed them and put them back in the appropriate windows (first floor). Still have 2nd floor to do.

Reason for posting this is for my own record. It is easy to forget how hard you have worked and how much you have accomplished. This provides a written record. Also provides documentation for the self-professed slave driver.

Another Gate completed

I just finished building the 2nd of the 3 gates for the private/secluded hot tub area. Since this gate opening was approximately 48" wide, I built a double in-swinging gate. I previously had built the south (more of a back entrance) gate. The double gate is on the north side and is one of two main entrances. I may design/build some type of arbor for this entrance. The east entrance is arbored and enters from the driveway.

Next comes leveling off the tops of the fence posts and capping them with decorative caps. Will get this done this week.

More tasks checked off

Although I haven't posted since April 22nd, that doesn't mean I haven't accomplished anything or have run away. Although not knocking off "a task a day" I have done the following:

1. Installed a 36" louvered door to separate a living area from a laundry area.

2. Completed another 16 ft of fencing around the hot area. The hot tub is on a low cedar deck that I built for it. I will be adding to this deck (to make it larger). Surrounding this is a privacy fence (which is near complete). The other plans for this area are to install some atmospheric outdoor landscape lighting, landscape the area, perhaps install an outdoor fireplace, several seating areas, and generally make it a pleasant place to escape to. I was thinking of naming the area after my wife: "Ilona's Secret Garden of Delights". When complete we can post some pics. My wife has already been working on the gardens/landscaping in this area. Really looks nice...but the best is yet to come.

3. I also built one of the 3 gates for this area. This one was for a rear entrance. The other two will be for the front & side entrances and will be more architecturally/aesthetically designed and pleasing and inviting to the eye.

4. I started cleaning and straightening up the garage (which includes my work bench/tool area).

Another small job done.

Today I replaced 3 electrical receptacles in the living room. The old ones were no longer making proper contact with plug prongs. Plug would be loose, almost to falling out. Anyway, this took about 30 minutes to complete. Cost for the receptacles: $8 at Lowes (I got the heavy duty, quality ones - you get what you pay for in most cases). Now I can remove this post-it from the job board.

My goal is to knock off at least one small job per day. By whittling away at them daily, I should be able to gain some ground on the backlog which has accumulated due to various excuses. And getting something done gives you a sense of accomplishment and acts as a motivator.

Also, by keeping a log/journal, it is easier to look back and see what you have gotten done. Sometimes the tendency is to quickly forget about the accomplishments and go negative on yourself and others. A record shows the evidence.

By the way, my wife said they have needed replaced for 25 years. We have only lived here 23 years. I actually installed a couple of the outlets a mere 20 years ago. They have only needed replaced for maybe a short 10-12 years, not 25.

Wives and other assets

Proverbs 18:22
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.

Hey, I am just trying to be helpful...like any good "helpmeet" would:)

The back screened door works nicely and I am glad to keep the cats off the back porch... cat hair on the cushions is annoying. It has helped alot to have the tilling done in time for me to plant those broccoli plants before the rains. I realize we had to move the mailbox, but it actually looks better in it's new place. So, all in all, I am happy with the beginning of momentum in knocking out those pesky maintenance jobs (finally).

I hope to take a few pictures of our kitchen to post here and to resume talking about what we both consider to be the highlight of our remodeling career here in the do-it- yourself house. I am still getting satisfaction from having such a nice kitchen. I think my happiness meter has been in the positive for more than seven years on that one.

Now, I am solacing (comforting, rewarding)

Is "refreshing" yourself the word you were looking for?

Update on that "annoying #*@% backporch screen door"

Well, I finally got this job done. I went out to Lowe's to get a new wood screen door to replace the old one, which had been stressed beyond repair by getting jambed in the jamb from swelling. I had purchased additional lumber in order to frame out the existing opening to make it a little larger.

I ended up not having to frame out the opening because the new wood screen door was 35-3/4" wide and was just narrower enough to allow for enough clearance (due to expansion) in the existing opening. The old door was a hair over 36" wide, and when it would swell with the humidity it would fit so snug that it was difficult to open. It seems the new door was almost custom made for my opening. New door cost $84. Plus I installed new self-closing hinges and catch. To prevent damage to screen, I installed the protective grill that I previously had on the old screen. When you have kids (and visitors/guests, etc) this is a must.

Anyway, I can remove this job from the job list. My wife should be happy (for a day or so).

A task a day keeps the wife at bay.

That is my new motto. I have always thought that a job jar type scenario is the best way to get stuff done. Hence the new magnetic dry erase board that I installed. This way, when things are thought of, we can jot them down on a post-it note and stick it on the board. My goal is to do one of these per day. Unfortunately, some of them are not a few minute or one day projects.

Instead of thinking about, and then readily forgetting about what needs to be done, this offers a check-off type (reminder) method of getting those small, nagging jobs done. This then gives you a sense of accomplishment and motivates you to get the next thing done. Of course, you have to realize that you will n-e-v-e-r really get done. IOW, the list is unending. And I have noticed that since I put the magnetic dry erase board up that the post-it notes are popping up like weeds.

Anyway... today I tilled a couple garden areas, maintenanced the tractor for the new mowing season, and relocated the mail box. Now, I am solacing (comforting, rewarding) myself with a couple beers.

Springtime Projects

Being the main gardener about these parts, springtime has me focused on garden chores and plans ( for myself!), but it always seems there are many unfinished tasks to remind the Handyman about. He gets distracted. So here is the sample conversation we recently had:

ME: Don't you think 25 years is a fairly long time to wait for something?
Handyman: Yes, I do.
ME: Well, you know the outlets in the living room have been needing replacement for about that long, think you could do that this week?
Handyman: I think it was about 22 years. It's a pretty easy job- I just need reminding.
ME: I'm reminding you about it right now, what will you need to get the job done?
Handyman: A quick trip to the hardware and getting better quality outlets this time should do it.
ME: That would be great- you know it is really annoying when the vacuum won't stay plugged in and the light plugs fall out, etc.
Handyman: I know, I just don't think about it very often.

Segue to the following week: the outlets purchased, but not yet fixed. In the meantime, though, we have decided on something that puts out reminders for pesky jobs without having a pesky wife do all the reminding work:

by the basement we now have a board on which I have stuck post-it notes enumerating said pesky jobs. Handyman knows where to look if he feels like accomplishing something small, but necessary. And there are always small, but necessary jobs around an old house.

I think this is a good solution for the merry-go-round of trying to coordinate job requests and time to work on them without the sometimes irritated feelings that can go with a d-i-yourself lifestyle.

I Got Mine

Vacation, that is. I just can't keep functioning without at least a week away once a year- this year I had two weeks, and now am back. The Handyman has been busy. He re-grouted the main bathroom and then caulked it. Looks good, nice and clean with pure white grout. The old back door- well, it is still in disrepair, but that isn't because of not trying! I listened to the proposed plan to solve the problem; all I can say is that I hope it works.

De-cluttering has moved to the top priority, but cluttering ways are hard to change. I did realize that I have lots of old clothes that I can haul out... so that is where to start. For the first time I am of the attitude that I do this from the base of my own desire to be more efficient and free from the burden of the "stuff", rather than because my husband, children, or someone out there somewhere doesn't like it. I think that comes from finally being convinced that cluttered stuff is devaluing my life, not giving value. Who cares if you have it, if you can't find it?

I hate to say it but I do have secret longings to repaper the walls in the family room. I want to have a seagrass texture. The old country print vinyl in there is dated and I don't like it. Surprisingly I still like the first choice, a little worn, of the dark red miniprint in the living room. Even after all these years. It was a Waverly Red Lion Inn wallpaper. I suppose I will have to replace it sometime in my lifetime, but now I am focused on a texture for the adjoining room. Shhhh, Handyman hasn't been told how much I want this, yet.

Maybe if I am very good at the decluttering this summer I can submit my proposal;)

Yes, that #@!#% annoying back porch deck screen door

After numerous attempts to repair the previously mentioned screen door, including replacing it a couple times in the 4-5 years since I screened in the porch, I am going to try a new approach. The main problem has been that the door binds inside its framework in sync with the weather changes (hot/cold, rain, etc). Mainly, being a wood screen door, it swells with moisture/humidity, as does the wood framework. This has resulted in the door being "beyond repairable".

My solution: I am going to frame out (add trimwork) to the existing 4x4 posts, moving the door out and hinging to the new trimwork. Then I will place trimwork around the remaining perimeter of the door, leaving enough space between the door and new trimwork to allow for maximum swelling. IOW, instead of making the door try to fit inside the existing opening/jamb, I am going to make a new opening slightly larger to accomodate the door. Don't know if this is the "best" solution, but it is going to work for me, ending the current frustration. I will have to buy a new screendoor, however, as the existing one has been stressed beyond repair.

Holiday Over: Time For Work Projects

January is always a time to plan and get started on work projects for the year. I suggested to Handyman that he could set up a few of the small "finish up" jobs to work on throughout the winter months of January and February- he thought that was a good idea. The thing with these little jobs is that they go unnoticed when the major work season of springtime arrives. They are those pesky little things that need job lists and little bits of time here or there.

Recently, Handyman knocked out a few: attached a robe hook in an extra bedroom, put up the winerack shelf I bought while out Christmas shopping (aaahhh- you know you do that too! -buy something for yourself while out there in the shopping mode). One of the peskiest jobs seems to be our screen door in the back. I don't know why, but it pops nails, gets out of plumb and generally won't behave no matter what. I know you read this dear Handy-dandy, so put it on the list - thanks! HUGS ;)

We still have some trimwork that needs to be installed in the garage office area, and there are little maintenance jobs in the bathroom, etc. It's always something...., but it is easier when remembering the old saying "a stitch in time saves nine". Akin to "measure twice cut once", just some old words of wisdom reminding us that it pays to keep things in working order and give attention to the state of affairs around the house.

My son showed us pictures of his DIY work in his newly purchased home. Really nice work with bold color choices- Maybe he can post here! I'll ask him. Both my older sons have inherited their father's handiness and have done some impressive work in their respective residences. And like Red Green says: "if the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy"

The Handyman Who Has Everything

I think I should get you this for your desk, Handyman, as a testament to your "My Hero" status. As long as we are talking 'home improvement', your status is safe :)



Somehow, though, I know you would more appreciate a six pack of Guinness... but this would last so much longer! Anyway, I don't know what to get you for Christmas, even though you are usually requesting the same old "socks and underwear" under the tree. I know that a trip to the hardware is your personal weakness, but I can't imagine what more you would want from there... although I know this is like telling a woman she has too many shoes. Well, unless you would like this ironman pencil holder, I need ideas.

We Are People Not Machines

That is what I often say to my husband, the Handyman. He is one of those driven workers who puts his nose to the grindstone.... and I'm the flint who gives off the sparks, I guess. But I really think there is a deep truth in "to everything there is a season".

Just my idea of a rest season is a little longer than his. So we haven't done alot of projects, but Handyman did put up gutter guards to keep the gutters from clogging with leaves. I had him get out the leaf vacuum and my youngest son is using it... but it is very hard to move around; I should have bought the self-propelled type.

I am supposed to be doing the housecleaning around here, but as you can see I am blogging. I seem to have energy for other things, but not for housework and organizing and seasonal clothes changeovers.

It is the end of the outdoor season, and there are so many things I didn't do. so why am I thinking up new projects?
This is the way of the d-i-your-selfer.

New Kitchen - cabinets, countertop

Now that all the major, structural stuff was complete:

• New floor down to and including the joists


• New ceiling including new rafters


• New interior walls and exterior siding including studs, etc.


• All new plumbing & electrical

We were now ready for the cabinet maker to deliver and install the new cabinets. This is the one part of the job that I did not do. We had Yoder Cabinet Company make custom built solid wood (Hickory) cabinets. Our kitchen is roughly 9'x20' and we designed it so that we would have a "J" shaped kitchen where we had 20' of cabinets along the long wall, 9' along the short wall, and the 6' peninsula. The peninsula separated the dining room from the kitchen and provided barstool seating for 3-4 people. I also installed the new sink and new dishwasher and hooked up the plumbing.

For the countertop we chose laminate, which the cabinet maker also installed. Although it has held up just fine and there are no problems with it, I wish I had spent the extra $1k and gone with Corian. For the backsplash, I installed decorative ceramic tile which looks great. I also installed beautiful tile on the wall behind the stovetop and on the peninsula/counter. My wife chose all the tiles (floor, wall, countertop, etc, and they look great!). (Remember: I am just the handyman). Thankfully, she did the wall painting which required special effects (which are beyond my ability!). I did the priming, but the painting required an artist (my wife)to deal with the 3 stage finish painting/glazing, etc. I don't know what it is called: but it looks fantastic.