Home improvement project of the season

We finally started the most recent exercise in home owning frustration.  After being pestered about a host of potential projects we started the main level flooring redo. I say pestered because I have a rule: No projects during boating seasons (besides short raining day ones), so maybe no multi-day projects during boating season.  Well it was a successful campaign.  After going around and around about material selection (could be a story in itself) we finally settled on bamboo.  We got 680 sqft engineered bamboo from Lowes for our main level (great room and kitchen). Here is a synopsis:

Install time
2 partial days of carpet demo (dump trips = 2) and underlayment install
2.1 full days of flooring install (so far) (2 more sessions (planned))
1 day of molding and basement step install

costs: flooring and tee molding     $2900 (Lowes included delivery)
underlayment                              $170 (Hd)
foam padding                              $65 (Amazon)
molding 1/4 round                       $150 (Hd, the lowes 1/4 round was $400)

That test

So that previously mentioned test was successfully passed.   2 hours 15 minutes used of the allotted 4 hours.  I rushed, but on a multiple choice test there wasn't much point of belaboring.  It was about what I prepared for.  More simplistic questions than the multi-step scenario questions that some of the practice tests would have you believe.  Funny part was I had 2 questions that were 2 step algebra questions ie find B where the basic formula for A is B+C and the formula for C is D + E  and they give you A, D and E.  None of even the most complex sample questions ever asked you more than applying the straight formula (find A given B and C). I was amused and glad I could see through their trickery, but sad for the less math savvy to the point that I thought I was over thinking the problem.  

Taking a test

I have to take a test this week.  Not life or death, but I haven't taken a test for 13 years, other than for fun or medical.  I have been studying for more than a month. I sort of enjoyed that part.  The actual sitting down and taking it is a little daunting.  In school I never had test anxiety per se, but I remember being a bit nervous and would get a bit antsy during the test (rushing trying to get it done).  I also remember being so relieved after it was over and walking out of the room happy to be done, especially if I felt I did well.   I can't wait to feel that way this week (probbaly going to have a drink).  I have prepared and can't do much more, so it is what it is.  I'll read through the material some and hit some key points.  At this point it is what it is and the cards will fall where they may.    

Luge stand test

So I showed the luge stand well here's a picture of it doing its thing (your can see the pipe work through the ice block):

Also here is the annual highlight: the flaming shot that almost wasn't (due to the fact no one had brought any real high proof stuff, so once again Captain_GSXR had to come through with the Bacardi 151):

Dinner Tuesday

I made beer mussels tonight. I was inspired by a dish I had at Mama's on the half shell in Canton, so I made it. I cooked it on the side burner of the grill outside, too hot to cook inside.  I added sausage and you could add shrimp but I just did the sausage this time.

Here's the ingredients and a link to the recipe: 


1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)
2 celery ribs, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1 cup)
1 cup drained canned diced tomatoes (from a 14- to 15-oz can)
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups lager such as Harp (16 oz; pour beer slowly into measuring cup; do not measure foam)
2 lb mussels (preferably cultivated), scrubbed well and beards removed
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley


Read More http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Mussels-in-Lager-23

Went to the Infiniti dealer yesterday

I've had my eye on the G37 convertible coupe for some time now, so I stopped in to Nationwide Infiniti to see what the story is.  Well the car is pretty slick.  All expected options (nav, power everything, etc), but two things stood out.  First the radio has file storage built in and once a CD is played it is ripped to the library.  You can sync your mp3 player and so the car has its own music library.  Second the top is automatic 100%.  On my Solara the top would come up, but you would have to secure it manually.  Not so on this just hold the button and the car does all the work.  The only down side is the trunk is useless with the top in and even when not stored it is tiny and no pass through.  I guess if I get it, we'll have to keep the GX if I go anywhere with more than a briefcase or one piece of luggage.  Of course the salesman was very aggressive saying multiple times how much does the car have to be for you to buy it today? I knew the price range, but I told him I am still researching and wasn't ready yet.

Shortcomings of sport bikes

So yesterday I wanted to go to the store.  I have resolved to ride my bike as much as possible to save miles and gas on the GX470.  I started to make arrangements, but then I realized that it was impractical to buy liquor on a sport bike.  Yes, I could have put it in a back pack, but who wants to wear a back pack unless absolutely necessary? I could strap a bottle down to the back seat, but multiple bottles wold bang together.  I guess I need some hardcases or bags, but how would that look on a sport bike? So I took the SUV...