Entry for March 27, 2006

The plumbing is complete! I am refering to the Blazer. I had to replace the coolant recovery tank due to the mass quantities of debris and what not inside. Apparently someone had poured stop leak in the coolant tank and it slowly worked it's way through the radiator and heater hoses. As you may recall, I replaced the radiator last week. Saturday I removed the two heater hoses and cleared obstructions from each. I then attached the modified garden hose with adapter to one heater hose and extended the other to a bucket. A full stream of city water flow proved the lines were clear as well as the heater core. I then repeated the process with the line connected to the water pump and discharge from the intake manifold. Successs! I buttoned everything up and topped off the antifreeze mix. All systems worked fine and it only took an hour with no cussing or bad words.
I spent the rest of the day after lunch installing gypsum board upstairs. I just spent a few hours with that. I then decided to change the way the attic access door was hinged on the back side area.
Sunday I made a run to the local Lowes and picked up 3 bundles of tungue and groove unfinished solid oak floor. This will be used to replace our kitchen counter tops. I have a work table set up in the dining room for glue upand assembly ofthe planks. We will assemble sections during the week. I have to get under the house and level the kitchen floor. The center has a slight dip from years (75+) of settling. The existing floor joist run about 13 feet with no center support. I picked up some concrete blocks and two 2" x 8" boards to support the center after I jacked it up a little.

I have come to the conclusion that we will not have the upstairs ready for guest prior to Patrick's wedding in May. I'm not superman and the budget is tight. The plan is to work in the kitchen and dining room and get as much complete as possible. The four windows upstairs will probably fit into the same time frame, but I'm not making any predictions.
Gin is still hobbling and hasn't been able to drive yet. I figure she has another week or two before she is able to get around easier.
P@