Oct 3 - hard to watch

It's really hard watching people doing electrical and plumbing work. 

It's hard to watch because I could a) do it myself; b) do it faster; c) do it cheaper.

Harrison Electric started early yesterday -- two guys -- and I know for a fact that I could have done the job in one day that the two guys didn't even finish.  They know their stuff but spend much too much time trying to decide what to do.  

Luke the plumber also showed up, thank goodness.  He's a steady worker and probably got as much done as I would have but left before 5pm with the job about 1 hour from being finished ... of course I wouldn't have quit then or at least I'd have been here at 6am and finishing the job. 

It seems that no-one moves with the quite the obsessive frenzy that I exhibit :).  There's something about ownership that tilts the scale.  Luke is a one-man business and has enough work to keep him busy, more than enough; he moves at a reasonable rate.  The other guys are employees; don't have incentive to move faster.  They left late afternoon with "it's been a long day" ... yes, I suppose, started at 8am and worked until almost  3:30 pm !  Luke finished -- make that left here-- about 4:45. 

I'm not complaining.  They do good work.

Groan.

However, there is progress.  It's a process, as they say.  Luke is coming back this a.m. but only because I told him that Jim is trying to get an inspection this afternoon.  This afternoon, first thing Monday, it's all the same.

I did some drywall work in areas where it's only my responsibility -- side of the fireplace, where the wet bar was -- and closed off the plumbing there.  I went to cut the drain line to cap it off and found it loose.  It had never been glued !  I have no idea why the T wasn't leaking into the wall.  Inspection ?   Even though we never had an inspection at our place up north, the rough-in plumber had sealed everything off and did a pressure test.  That's being thorough.

Vic came and we discussed the two oddities that we have to deal with above the kitchen cabinets -- the beam and the vent.  I think that we have a plan.

Sandy had an appointment at the dermatologist, so she was gone for part of the day.  The X5 is ready; he says that perhaps 30-40% of the camber has been corrected -- I'll have a better idea when I see it today.  The carpet guy called -- we told him "take your time" -- yeah right -- it's ready.  We may or may not get it picked up today.

No riding !!  I haven't been able to leave the place !!  Today, hopefully.

We have somewhat of a routine at the condo.  I'm up around 5am; have breakfast; feed Abby; take her for a walk on the beach in the dark so that no-one can see her; come to the house; hang out and work here all day; back to the condo; watch a little TV; eat and go to bed.

I bought the Weber  gas go-anywhere grill and it's working nicely.  It takes those 16oz cans of propane.  It's actually quite good.  We've had fish and steak on the mini-barbie.

Onward ...