Special Exposure Wednesday

This strange flower (?) popped up in my side garden. It grew about 3 feet tall right in the middle of my iris bed. At first, it just looked like a ball (about the size of a gumball) sitting on top of a long skinny stem. Then it started to open up and look like this. We're calling it the alien flower, but if anyone has a clue as to what it really is, please tell me!

Not So Swimmingly

Ronnie loves to swim in our neighborhood pool. It opened this weekend, and already he has been there three times. But, I have an issue that may keep him from the pool unless I can find a solution.

Because of Ronnie's spina bifida, he is paralyzed from the waist down. He has no feeling in his legs and feet. When he first joined our family and went to the pool, I noticed that afterwards his feet and legs were pretty scratched up. But he had no idea because he couldn't feel anything.

We tried swim shoes, and after one or two trips to the pool, they were in shreds. Then we moved on to Converse sneakers. Again, after just a couple of trips into the pool, the canvas was shredded and the toes on his feet were scraped up. This year, I have tried scuba diving boots.

The boots were a recommendation of his physical therapist. In addition to being a little thicker than regular swim shoes, they would offer a little flotation and hopefully that would keep his feet from dragging on the sides and bottom of the pool.

But, after three visits this weekend, the scuba boots are starting to shred. And at $60 a pair, I just can't afford a new pair every week for him. Surely though, he's not the first person to face this issue.

So if anyone has any ideas, Ronnie and I would love to hear them. It will break his heart if he can't go to the pool this summer.

Thank You

While Memorial Day is punctuated with pool openings and barbecues, I don't want to forget the real meaning behind the holiday.

Thank you to all those who have made this world a safer place.

Thank you for allowing my children to dream.

Thank you for making it possible to envision a future.

Thank you for ensuring that this wonderful country lives on and on.

Thank you for making our barbecues and family gatherings possible.

Thank you for all your sacrifices.

Today my prayers are for you and your families. Happy Memorial Day!

The House That Stephen (re)Built

As a homeowner, it’s really difficult sometimes to know who to trust when it comes to repair people. And, it’s even more difficult as a single parent. We hear so many stories of unscrupulous contractors, electricians, roofers, etc., and then when you need one of those people, you worry about making a wrong decision. Even checking places such as the Better Business Bureau doesn’t always allay the fears.



But several years ago, I made a decision about a general contractor that was a very good decision. It wasn’t based on anything more than a gut feel – a sense that this person was honest, caring and good.

I had finally won my case to get Medicaid to pay for bathroom modifications for Ashley. Since this was a Medicaid funded remodel, I had to use a Medicaid registered provider. I got a list from the Medicaid website, and started making phone calls. One of those calls was different than all the rest.

Stephen Curtin, of Curtin Brothers Contracting, took my bathroom remodel job and in the process became a friend.

Stephen’s work is impeccable. He understands the inconvenience to a family that accompanies a major remodel, and he does his best to minimize that disruption. He kept me informed every step of the way, and involved me in all decisions. The end result – an accessible bathroom for Ashley – was beautiful. That was three years ago.

Since then, Stephen has built me a wheelchair ramp, modified the railings on my front porch to accommodate Ashley, remodeled a second bathroom, and replaced my attic steps. So, who was the first person I called when I realized I had a water problem in my kitchen? Stephen, of course.

Stephen is trying to move away from the home remodel business and start his own cabinet making company. But he didn’t tell me no, that he couldn’t help with the kitchen. In fact, he called and agreed to begin work the very next day. He brought his friend, Ross, a plumber, and together they have resolved my water damage and plumbing problems in the kitchen – all in two days. (Just for a point of reference, a contractor recommended by my insurance company estimated three times the cost and 4 times the length of time to correct the problem.

I know the quality of Stephen’s work. I feel his commitment to his customers, and I feel a deep comfort with his level of professionalism. I was very blessed three years ago when I pulled his name off a list, and the blessings have been multiplied many times since then. My house truly is the house that Stephen (re)built!

Thank you, Stephen. Thanks also to your lovely wife, GiGi, for being a partner in all you have done for my family. Thanks to Ross whose commitment and professionalism mirror yours. You are both fine men, excellent craftsmen, and people I hope to call my friends for a long, long time.

Galvanized

Here is the culprit to my water damage problem - a very disintegrating old galvanized pipe.



It wasn't the dishwasher connection as originally thought. Heck, that would have been easier to fix, so of course it wasn't going to be that.

So, after new floor joists, new studs, all new plumbing - no water access for three days - and a few kitchen cabinets taken apart - all should be well by Friday. And by Friday, I should be able to use my fancy new dishwasher.

Living in a 61 year old house certainly has its perks, doesn't it. Just for the record, Universe, I could use a break now.

Special Exposure Wednesday

Eating cake is a religious experience for Ashley! Especially cake with pink flowers! (Thanks for the great picture, Chip!)

LOVE THIS!!