That’s it! I’ve given up on the stairs. I have been considering the unthinkable….. hiring a guy to do the work! GASP
Clearly I don’t want to do it myself. I have removed the old carpeting from only half of the steps plus the landing. The landing is refinished but only one new step is in place. I say ‘in place’ because it could actually use a few more nails. I’m pretty sure it’s safe but the dog doesn’t trust it. (this dog) She hops over it on her way up and down the stairs. Do dogs have a sixth sense about danger? (I’ll have to google that later)
I love the finish on that one slightly-wobbly-possibly-dangerous step.
Landing Pics – re-finished subfloor
Can I actually trust a stranger to duplicate it eleven times? I think I’m gonna have to if I ever want completed stairs. At the rate I’m going now, it’ll take 22 more years just to replace the rest of the steps. Not to mention the risers and the railing.
these are not my stairs… yet
I really wanted to spend my weekends this Fall baking all the recipes I see on Facebook, not working on the stairs. You know, if I would just set my mind to getting it done, it would only take one weekend.
The problem with hiring someone to work in my house?
- I don’t trust anyone to do it exactly the way I want it.
- Thinking about it gets me all fired up to do the work myself.
- It’s more expensive than doing the work myself.
- He might will do better work than me – I can’t have that
- I’d want him to fix all my work around the house.
- Hiring a guy is shameful
- It’s like admitting defeat
It’s settled then, I might have to quit my day job to finish those stairs. Don’t worry, I’ll still keep my second job, you know the one where I try ALL the wines that come into the store so I can tell you about them. Yeah, that one. It’s a tough job, but somebody has got to do it.
This week is our 20% OFF WINE SALE!
Only 7 days Nov 4-10 2015
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Here’s this week’s wine picks
Michel-Schlumberger Chardonnay ~ Blackjack Allusion Red
Chateau Grand Billard Bordeaux
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2013 Michel-Schlumberger Chardonnay $4.99
($3.99 after 20% discount this week)
Elsewhere price $16.99
89.3 points from Cellartracker.com
The Front Porch Wine tasters were all without their spouses tonight, spouseless tasting. Larry started us off with this California Chardonnay with a mmmmmmm. Arvin said it was very good, and would make a good Thanksgiving wine. Scott agreed, he thought he’d get some to bring to the in-laws this month. Ethan and I both liked how it paired with a spicy chipotle cheddar cheese. This one is selling by the case, plus it’s super fun to say the name.
On-line review from Cellartracker.com: Pale gold. Typical restrained aromas and flavors of the Dry Creek growing area — i.e., obviously Chardonnay but not overly fruity, tropical or tart. There is enough substance to offset the 14.7% alcohol but could use a little more acid. Finishes with just a hint of chalk and bitterness, which I like. At the $14 I paid for it, a real steal
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2007 Blackjack Ranch Allusion Red Blend $3.99
($3.19 after 20% off discount this week)
Elsewhere price $24.99
89.5 Points from CellarTracker.com
Arvin liked this Santa Barbara County red blend right away. He said it had a current aroma and he tasted black licorice. And, with the power of suggestion, I tasted it too! I would call this a nice drinking wine, tastes nice by itself, very smooth. Larry liked the aroma and thought that Terry would really like it. Steve called this one his Fav.
On-line reviews from CellarTracker.com:
WOW this one was a pleasant surprise. We really like this one
Almost no nose. Restrained black cherry on the palate. The strength of this wine is on the mid-palate. Good mouth feel with friendly tannins. Medium bodied with a light but lingering finish. No Cali fruit bomb here. Very very easy drinking
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2011 Chateau Grand Billard Bordeaux $6.99
($5.59 after 20% off discount this week)
Elsewhere price $21.99
91 Points from the Los Angeles International Wine Competition
88.3 Points from CellarTracker.com
Ethan couldn’t wait to get to this French Bordeaux, he found that he liked it (no surprise), he added that it was full bodied. Arvin agreed, and compared it to Marilyn Monroe – nice body. He said it was dry and it had an aroma of a Cuban Cigar. I liked the aroma, it was not overbearing. Larry agreed, calling it mild. Steve liked it better after it got some air. Becky liked how it paired with chocolate and she said it was kind of buttery, but not like a Chardonnay is buttery.
On-line reviews from CellarTracker.com:
Recoding my note from memory. Getting a little more complex than the last bottle a few years back. Medium bodied, tannins slowly integrating. Nothing mind blowing but great value for the price and will continue to get better
Dark red colour. Spicy nose, a little wood, and closed berries. Certainly very young and very closed still. Medium bodied, tight tannins, but seems to have some nice layers of fruit underneath. Needs a bit of time. Will revisit in a few years
Front Porch Wine Tasting 