I Have a New Bathroom Sink!

     I have posted about my limited handyman skills before. Some comments have been made in a kindly fashion that I should just hire a tradesman who is trained for the job. I'm a slow learner. The next thing that comes along I dive into and have another challenging adventure.

    The bathroom sink has looked ugly for some time. Underneath there was a tremendous amount of rust. However, it wasn't leaking so why change it.? 

    Well, in mid January it began leaking. I cleaned out the vanity and placed a tray to catch any drips. I could still use the sink. I wanted a sink exactly like the one I had so that I would not have to saw a new hole in the vanity. I also didn't want to get a new vanity.

    It was difficult to find a new sink. I don't know how many salesmen wanted to sell me an oval sink when I had to have a round sink. Finally, we found a sink but it had to be ordered and it would take 6 weeks. Okay, I can handle that.

    After seven weeks the sink arrived and I looked things over and carefully planned how this procedure would take place. Now I do know that all kinds of surprises can pop up after you get started. 

     First , take out the old sink. I turned the water off at the shut off valves. First I decided to take off the metal ring that went around the old sink. Well, wouldn't you know it, after a half an hour and a big mess that little ring didn't come out first. 

    So back to the first plan...take off the faucet. So I'm working upside down a way up behind the sink where I can't see and  I discover I turned the nut the wrong way and wrecked the faucet. So now I have to shop for a faucet. Shopping for  faucet wasn't as bad as shopping for the sink. While I shopped for a faucet, I removed the rest of the sink. The faucet I wrecked was 26 years old.

So back to the project.  I checked that the new sink and drain would line up.

    Now I also decided to change the trap. A whiz guy in plumbing wouldn't sell me just a trap and wanted to sell me more trouble. I finally found a trap and the proper fittings. I attached the new drain to the sink. There was a seal to put around the edge of the sink. My trusty assistant thought it would be better if part of the seal was taken off first. Big mistake. The part she took off was to keep the ring in place as I installed it. Six hours later I finally got the seal in place. There was some loud talking and a few bad words exchanged.

    Now the pipe from a faucet never lines up with the water intake tube. It has to be manhandled. I'm reluctant to put too much force on something so it took some time to get the faucet connected to the water. 

    Finally, everything was done. Turn the water back on. Hey, there are no leaks! That was a big surprise!

    So after two months, lots of sweating, some yelling and swearing, I have a shiny new bathroom sink.

     I think I'll wear out before I have to replace this new sink!

    

Old Guys Should Have a Paper Route

     Well, what in the world is he talking about now ? Paper routes are for kids!


    Well, not so fast . Work with me for a few minutes . After being retired for 12 years I decided I would like to do something different . Now I'm busy with many activities ...volunteering, reading , cycling , skiing , gardening , birding, listening to music . I didn't need something else to do . I just wanted to do something that I hadn't done before .


     So, I looked around for something which wouldn't interfere too much with my other activities . About the same time I thought needed something to get me out of the house in all kinds of weather because I was becoming too soft. So why not a paper route?


     I waited until a route became open beside my house . I started on Jan.2, 2009 . The day was minus 30 C with some wind . What luck! I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was very comfortable in these conditions. I have never been cold . I am always too warm by the mid point of the route. I found other pleasant surprises . I look forward each day to doing the route . I get exercise . I meet and visit with my neighbors . I get tips for good service! Wow! I'd never had a tip in my life . The routine was new so I had to learn to watch for instructions about changes in the route . The pay slip was a real riddle to figure out.


     Saturday and Sunday mornings I can deliver early ...before 7AM. I am a morning person so this is enjoyable .


      Some things give you a good laugh . I was on a step one day and heard a little kid inside saying ,"Paper man! Paper man! Paper man!" That little kid will be mixed up for life .


     Sure there are a few downers . Flyers are a pain . The weight was much more than I expected so on heavy days I do the route in two sections. Sometimes it interferes with other activities .


      Over all, the experience has been well worthwhile . Now, to say all old guys should do paper routes is a bit much . However, there is a positive aspect which is well worth while.