Everything Is a Chore

     Things have been hard, haven’t been here in a few. I vaguely remember when things were easier, like taking a shower, jump in, jump out. Now they have to be planned. It won’t be long until I sit on a stool outside and they squirt me down like a circus elephant. About 2 weeks ago I started with a buzzing in my left hand, the good one. I remember what that meant for the right one, not happy about it. We will figure it out, no choice, the beast has taken so much, I was hoping it would leave me some scraps. I guess not.

Multiple Sclerosis, Idiot Gardening, and a Turbo Toilet

I can remember wondering if life would be easier if people could see that I had MS? I would go places after I retired, or the year or so before, and people would be shocked there was anything wrong. I know there are people who wondered if I was pulling a fast one when I did retire, and I'm sure some still do, mainly because of my size and my stellar good looks! I thought that back when it wasn't noticeable. Many years have passed, and oh boy is it noticeable! The cane, the brace, and the pissy attitude, oh yeah, it's noticeable. Well I'm older now, not as old as my sister, who just turned 50, but older just the same, and take my word for it, it doesn't make it easier!

The idiot garden is finished for tomatoes for me. They were the best tomatoes anyone has ever grown, really, they were. I've got a freezer full of squash, we are gorged on green peppers, I have a great second crop of Cheyenne and jalapeno peppers. and the salads have been, and still are great! I am planning my crop for next year! I need to design a better trellis system, the plants got so big that the tomatoes collapsed down on themselves and broke the stems, greatly decreasing my harvest. I took off 10 softball sized green peppers Friday on plants that are 8 feet tall. Anybody that thinks they can't grow veggies, either due to know how or physical limitations, think again, this is great!

Well, I thought I would never say this, but the turbo toilet is operational! We had a ribbon cutting ceremony, just immediate family, but it was nice. We started the project July 14, 2008. I'd like to tell you the project added 2,000 square feet to the house and that's what took so long, but that's the case. We will be showering in there tomorrow, it will be wonderful! Now our bathroom is one of those deals where you go in and the sink is there, the shower and turbo toilet are in their own little room. There isn't a door, or trim, or a window sill in there yet, but the important parts work. Next time a family member says not to spend the $4000 for the renovation, I'll steal the money before I fall for it again!

Bathroom Update

Nothing new to report. We still have our turbo toilet sitting in our living room. We aren't able to use the hall bathroom at all. Can you say fed up? I have a new strategy, we shall see if it works out. I will never again ask for help from certain people. If I can't afford to pay someone to come here to work, the work will not get done. The gang that did my shed aren't included in this, they would do anything, anytime. Just know, the door swings both ways, don't call here for help, for anything! We started July 19th, we have worked 2 full days if you combine all the visits. Saturday is the target, I'm not holding my breath!

Turbo Toilet Update, Bathroom Renovation Part 3

It's day 294 of our bathroom renovation. A lesser man would have given up by now. All of the drywall is up, the first coat of "mud" is on it. "Mud" is what we seasoned drywall dudes call joint compound, Spackle, and whatever other words we can come up with. The shower works, no leaks, no drips, no errors. We were able to save the floor, so we will retain a little of that retro 1970's look with the new parts we added. Another coat of "mud" and we will be able to paint. Ah, painting, one of my great joys in life! I actually did like to paint at one point in time, but that horse has flown the coop. I never did like painting small spaces, not worth getting the brushes wet.

The other reason is linked to the reason we put in a handicapped accessible bathroom in the first place. I make a real mess now when I paint, something I never did. My right hand doesn't have the strength or dexterity to do it, and my left is still learning to be my primary. Painting isn't like shooting a gun, it takes practice to change hands. The problem is I have developed an arthritis clicky finger on my left hand. I need to start eating gin soaked white raisins before it is too late, but I digress.

Hershey Park killed me, but I knew it would. The drive was painful, only 1 1/2 hours, but long enough. Just enough walking to make the brace scream and remind me it's there. I was thinking I would soak in a hot tub, but we don't have a tub anymore! I can't wait until it's done, I'm tired of sharing my bathroom with the whole world! I want them out! I figure a few more months to go at the rate we are progressing! That's a long time to wait to hear the thunderous blast of a turbo toilet!

Bathroom Update

The bathroom is coming along, slow but sure. A couple of trim pieces, and then the drywall goes back on, or should I say low moisture, no mold green board? Drilled the holes for the water turny on thingies, the scariest part. In a couple of days I will be painting, then it's turbo toilet time!
No more stepping into the tub for me! The seat will come in handy. I shall return.