Back to work...

It was cold Wednesday morning, but it was supposed to warm up later with rain predicted for the afternoon, changing to snow overnight (1-3 inches according to the Weather Channel).

So, at lunch time, I went home and filled the bird feeder. I have only one vent to my crawl space, right next to the reflecting pool out back (facing west). I like to cover it up for the winter to cut the wind, not wanting any frozen pipes. So, while I was out there, I put a piece of plywood over it and secured it by leaning a 12-inch x 12-inch cement patio block against it.

On the way back to work, my "you're almost out of gas!" warning light went on. That means I have like 25-30 miles left before I run out of gas, BTW. But, since I knew the rain/snow was coming, I stopped and filled it up. This was the first time in years (years!) that I filled it up when that light came on and it cost me less than $20 US!!! This is the only part of the recession I love!

Once home, I treated the cats, checked the mail (I got my first Christmas card, from Luanne's mom and brother) and then changed into my "tile clothes" (so called because, after this project is done, they go in the trash!)

I started the mid-week laundry, thought about dinner (I got a plan) and then went to work in the downstairs shower. By 6:00 PM, I was tiling!

I started on the back wall. It was difficult, trying to bend over and apply the mortar without slopping it onto the floor. I finally realized the best way to put on the tile was lying on my stomach, half inside the shower and half outside. And the difference in using the 1/8-inch spacers versus the 1/4-inch ones like I did in the kitchen is incredible. You adjust the tile you put in just a smidge and 10 other spacers fall out. By 7:30 PM, I had exactly 18 tiles up (at this rate, I should be done, oh, in 2010, lol) Seriously, I think it will go much quicker once I get higher up each wall.

I cleaned up the tools, put the cling wrap back on top the mortar, then the lid back on and washed up. I went back to check on the job and decided to take a photo of it for you.

I shredded about half of the remaining roast beef and put it in a sauce pan. I topped that with the remaining gravy and slowly warmed that up. Meanwhile I boiled some wide egg noodles, drained them and then topped them with the beef and gravy. Excellent!

I started watching TV, waiting for 10:00 PM and Top Chef, but I fell asleep before it came on (don't fret, I taped it, too). I woke up around midnight, shut off the TV and the lights and went to bed for real.