Home improvements -- part 2

 Locksmith arrived on time, installed new lock on one door, and re-keyed the other. And a spare moment, he tightened a hinge and the door now longer rubs the door jam, causing it to stick when opening. Based on the wear and tear on that corner of the door, the previous owners put up with this problem for years. Charged me $80 for all of it, and the lock had cost $105. We now have keypads at two doors.

Electrician arrived on time, and confirmed my suspicion about a problem with the fuse box. Again with an easy solution. Which means the previous owners just put up with an issue (minor) with the fuse box for 15 years instead of fixing it.

Anyway, the electrician answered my questions and agreed to do more work than I had planned on, like removing all the wacky security stuff from prior owners. And promises me much better light in the kitchen, and is charging a reasonable amount -- $1075. And they'll get it all done on Monday.

Then I went around and counted all the cracked or paint-dripped outlet covers and light-switch covers. i was going to buy replacements, but holy cow there are choices. And maybe we want dimmer switch or USB plus in the plug. And I got overwhelmed with choices, so I will wait for Sean in 2 weeks. We don't need to replace these until after the painting.

Home improvements — part 1

So far I’ve committed to painters, Chuck & Lou — $7250

And committed to fence installers, My Fence Co — $6,985, plus $750 survey.

I’ve had garage doors serviced, and he helped program keypad outside of house. $150 by Prestige Garage Door Services.

Having new lock installed from kitchen to garage, and front door lock re-keyed. By Ace Lock. Install = $80 plus $20 tip. Lock cost $105. And the dude fixed hinge in front door so it closes properly.

Lewman Electric is coming at 8 to fix fuse box issue and give price quote on new lights and light switches. EDITED TO ADD: getting 5 new LED lights in kitchen and 4 in giant closet. On Monday, they’re fixing fuse box, adding a light switch, and taking down various security sensors off wall for me. $1075.

I need to inventory, then shop for coordinating lights, mirrors, fans that I like. I also need to inventory and buy new outlet covers.

And while waiting on locksmith, I started prepping kitchen wall for painters.

One of my 26 for 2026 goals — Beethoven

​366 days of Beethoven music. I’m going to start listening on New Years Eve, and continue through 2026.

 The complete Beethoven.

Things I did today instead of Doom Scrolling

Things I did today instead of Doom Scrolling

good lord, I need a slow quiet day. Soon. This was supposed to be just massage and work day. I woke up stupid early, but then spent the time super organizing my To Do list app and coming up with 26 good goals for 2026. So that was kind of nice.

But then many messages about fence and HOA and locksmith. And research of water systems and paint. And driving Peter around. And getting my glasses fixed. it dies t feel like that much but somehow the day got away. I’m pooped.

i did remember to do my stretches though so that’s good.

… and it turns out, we’re out of cat litter so now I need to go out and get that tonight. Cause I gotta be in Lakeland by 7:15 tomorrow.

I still need to sign in at work to put some time in, just in case things go badly tomorrow. I also want to take a photo of the full moon!

LOOKED UP: converting tub to shower

Things to consider in converting tub to shower from BHG

LOOKED UP: water quality in Lakeland

Annual water quality report for City of Lakeland

Tips for choosing water filtration system:

1. Want good flow rate
2. Independently tested and certified by NS
3. ease of maintenance

Things I did today instead of Doom Scrolling

Things I did today instead of Doom Scrolling

1. Refilled monthly pill boxes

2. Researched solar panels, political affiliations of tradesmen, reprogramming door locks, water filtration, alarm systems, refrigerators, property management companies, paint schemes,

3. Spoke with electricians, locksmiths, veterinary hospitals, handymen, fence installers, water filter system salesmen

4. Enjoyed unexpected phone call with friend

5. Signed contracts and paid deposits for painting and fence

6. Made appointments with locksmith, handyman, electricians

7. Enjoyed a visit and a homemade cookie from daughter

8. Listened to Billy Strings

9. Discovered local thin pizza joint

10. Played two hours of online board games because brain dead

g’night #lifeisgood

11. Also bought a bed frame and a keyless door lock