Timing Is Everything

 Timing is everything ... and I haven't got it down, even after all these many years.  Once in a great while I get it right, like when I bought this ladder.  Here's a closer look.  They are good for things other than painting too.  Like exercising!  Moving it every 15 inches and climbing up and down couldn't be better for your quads.  It feels like I climbed Mount Everest!!  The SORE is coming, I just know it!

Looky here though!!  Okay, don't look too close because to be honest, the board is cheap pressed something or other that should be replaced.  Truly, it's almost like cardboard.  That $1200 bid they gave me to replace it squashed that idea completely.  I'll just slap on a couple more coats of paint and worry about that later.

As you can see, the garage siding needs paint too.  I don't know what happened here.  It looks like the previous owners dabbed over some nail holes with something that evaporated from the sun.  It's amazing just how much damage the sun can do here.  The rest of the house looks fine because it's protected by the front awning I had installed and the back patio.  This side ... it needs paint.  What else have I got to do at 5:00 in the morning?

I am quickly understanding the Mexican way of life.  Work really early and take a nice long siesta mid day ... like 6 hours.  Since my roller was working so well and I had the trim paint on it, I quickly repainted the front garage trim.  What a difference.  

Here it is ... by 7:00 I was done.  THIS morning it's a lovely 86 degrees at 4:30 am, so I doubt I will be doing any painting today.  

Of course there is cleanup.  My least favorite thing to do.  I'm just wanting to reduce the amount of damage the rain and hail can do until I save up enough money to get the place repainted.  That was my goal on this trip, but the roof has sucked away all my money.

Speaking of the roof ... I was having a panic attack over the Contractor I chose.  Oh he's got great ratings, but when I asked for a SIGNED copy of the proposal, I got a blank one, along with an envelope for my deposit.  I was completely second guessing myself.  I try to tell myself it's only money.  

Thanks to Patty giving me the pep talk, I finally called the office once again.  Timing is everything.  The Owner actually answered the phone.  He apologized and said he completely understood ... that he would send out another SIGNED copy.  Okay then ... I feel a little better.  Again, it's only money, but it's MY hard earned money.

As I looked out over the view, I spotted the next monsoon storm coming in.  Oh yes, it starts out looking like these fluffy little bits of cotton that wouldn't harm a flea.

Then they get a little bigger ... and a little bigger .....

Until it looks like this ... then it pours for an hour or so before stopping.  At least it brings the temperature back down to the 80's.  Last night it was 107 at 8:00.  That's HOT!!!

I'm still working on the sprinkler valves.  With the help of Bob and YouTube videos, it has been narrowed down to the diaphragms.  I'm going to change out ONE and see if it helps.  I mean really, it's the only thing left.  I'm still waiting for the seals to be delivered for the remaining two valves.  

Big sigh .... I'll get it I suppose, it's just going to take time.  At least it's something to keep me busy!!

In the meantime, does anyone know how to adjust the chain on my chainsaw-on-a-stick??