2.20.2026

The forecast today was for 4-8" of snow, so no plans to go out.  It's supposed to stop in the morning and Jim will plow the driveway then.

He worked on taxes and computer work this morning, and then transitioned down to the metal shop in the afternoon.  This is the top of the island frame...

He drilled holes that he will use when attaching the wood cabinet pieces...

Starting to work on attaching the legs...

Next steps are done in preparation for welding...

Jim wanted to run the Bobcat a bit before using it tomorrow, so he decided to drive it down to the bottom of the driveway to get the mail and bring in the cans...

The snowplow obviously had come through so Jim got the cans back in their rightful place next to the drop box...

High 33.1/Low 30.2 - 3-4" of snow

 

2.19.2026

Jim had an appointment with the ophthalmologist this morning, so once we got home, he ate breakfast and worked on the computer.

After lunch, he was back in the metal shop.  Pre-drilling holes... 

Doing some welding of the legs onto the frame...

Getting ready for more welding...

An addition to the inside of the control room door - Jim's sister, Jo, made a ton of these Spock signs that were in the yard for Jim's 50th birthday party. 

High 37.1/Low 25.7

2.18.2026

 

It's truly hard to believe that today is the first day of Lent.  I told Jim it seems like it was just Advent.  Time is passing in a blur.  We went to Noon services today.

Once we got home and ate some lunch, Jim headed down to the metal shop.  He's taking a break from the control room and going back to some metal working.  Jim's blade broke on his metal bandsaw, so he ordered a new one and got that installed today.  Cutting some pieces for the island frame...

Pieces in progress - some with tabs cut off, some partially cut...

High 38.4/Low 27.3

2.17.2026

 

Pancakes are so good that they get two days - the first is on Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday; the other one in September.  It's also Lunar New Year but since Jim is a Rabbit and I'm a Rat (hmm), we'll celebrate that later this week.  

Now that painting is done, time to put the areas back together.  Face plates back on...

Jim put the medicine cabinet back on the wall (not pictured) and hung up a few things...

Including Captain Kirk!  So awesome. 

Freezer and shelves back in place...

High 39.3/Low 30.5

2.16.2026

Today was painting the outside wall of the control room.  First trimming... 

Starting to roll the paint on...

Continuing to paint...

All done - looks wonderful!

High 36.3/Low 24.1

2.15.2026

After getting the priming done, Jim was able to start painting the Gravity color on the walls of the control room today.  Doing the trim work... 

Then starting to roll...

Working down the wall...

These walls are all done and look great!

High 36.3/Low 17.1

2.14.2026

Yesterday was a paperwork day and we went to Wesley in the afternoon to pick up/donate Mom's things.  It was tough to go back, but we know that she is in a better place.

Today, Jim worked on priming the control room wall...

Moving down the wall...

All done!  Jim is anxious to get this wall painted so that he can get everything moved back into place and start on the other wall.

2.13 - High 36.4/Low 6.9
2.14 - High 37.3/Low 21.1