Sprinkler System is IN!!!

Just call me, "Mr. Irrigator." No, that's not my name after a night of drinking... or... well... maybe it is. But NOT in this sense. You see, my sprinkler system has finally been installed!

WHOO HOO!!!

As you know from a previous post, I have been without a system for 7 years. As much as I enjoy working in my yard, I simply felt that dragging the hoses around was fine and dandy.

Well, not anymore!

The process took almost 3 days. It began last Saturday when Ducky's Sprinklers came out to start digging. I think most people, myself included, figured they'd bring a machine to do the trenching. Nope... 3 guys with shovels.

They must have dug all day. When I came home around 6:30 that evening, they were gone. In fact, there were trenches all over the front and side of my house. They hadn't started digging the back. Nor had they laid any pvc pipe in the trenches.

Hmmm....

Sundays they don't work, so Monday morning they showed up about the same time: 9:00. Sure enough, they went back to digging. This time there were 5 of them. While some worked on the front of the house with the pipes, the rest were digging in the back. What a day to work in the yard - it was bordering 100 degrees!

Right around 6:00 PM, they cleaned up and drove off. It looked complete, but I was a little surprised they hadn't walked me through the controller (above) yet. Sure enough, I see it's not connected to any power source, and I see some heads in the yard that aren't completely buried.

Jerry and I spoke on the phone and he needs to send his crew back on Tuesday. They show up that morning and completed the job. They still had to install the rain sensor, and then test the entire system. As well as to go over everything with me.

Man... all I can say is it is awesome! I have 9 zones and 54 sprinkler heads. They ring the entire foundation of my house (no more soaker hoses!), and are scattered about to provide total coverage of the yard and flower beds.

What I'm impressed with is the professionalism of the install. There is very little damage to my existing plants or yard, and the heads work perfectly to soak everything. The controller is a snap to use, too.

This morning was the first day I had it scheduled to water. I'm pretty particular, so I had it timed to not be going in the front yard when my paper arrived. I also knew exactly when it would start in the back yard. Sure enough, at 5:10 AM, I heard the sound of misting water shooting out from the sprinkler heads near my window.

Ahh... good times.

So, what advice can I give you... the ones that are desperate for a system (or need to repair their current system). First, see if you can find a company that you trust. I actually searched the BBB to find one in my area. I also relied on friends to provide references.

This leads to getting several of the companies to come out. Honestly, knowing what I know now, I'd recommend being there to speak with the representative. This will let you know how comfortable you feel with them "tearing up your yard." All 3 bids had different plans, so it's good to find the one that you like the best.

And finally, go with the company that has the most experience. I think that really helps because they've seen all types of situations. For me, the problem was low water pressure. This company installed the most zones... thus... I've got great water pressure and coverage!

Oh, and one last thing: It wasn't that expensive. Just food for thought...

Well, good luck and happy watering!

Men are happier people...

My friend Mike sent me an email last night that actually spoke volumes. Not only that, it cracked me up.

Now while some may make some comments (I'm thinking the women-folk), can you really argue any of this???

Besides, don't shoot the messenger. I'll just deflect it all to Mike! In fact, leave your comments here: link

Ha Ha Ha

Why Men Are Happier People


NICKNAMES

If Laura, Kate and Sarah go out for lunch, they will call each
other Laura, Kate and Sarah.
If Mike, Dave and John go out, they will affectionately refer to
each other as Fat Boy, Godzilla and Four-eyes.

MONEY

A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs.
A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't need but it's on
sale.

BATHROOMS

A man has six items in his bathroom: toothbrush and toothpaste,
shaving cream, razor, a bar of soap, and a towel ..
The average number of items in the typical woman's bathroom is 337.
A man would not be able to identify more than 20 of these
items.

ARGUMENTS

A woman has the last word in any argument.
Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new
argument.

FUTURE

A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.
A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.

SUCCESS

A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can
spend.
A successful woman is one who can find such a man.

MARRIAGE

A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.
A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change, but she
does.

DRESSING UP

A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty
the
trash, answer the phone, read a book, and get the mail.
A man will dress up for weddings and funerals.

NATURAL

Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.
Women somehow deteriorate during the night.

OFFSPRING

Ah, children. A woman knows all about her children. She knows about
dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favorite foods,
secret fears and hopes and dreams.
A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the
house.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

A married man should forget his mistakes. There's no use in two people remembering the same thing!

"Bang! Bang! Shoot Em' Up!"

That's what Chandra kept calling our weekend adventure.

A group of us (Chandra, Kevin, Becky, and Jay) met up with David for instructions and adrenaline-pumping excitement on Saturday at the DFW Gun Club.

David has been after me for over a year to get a gun. I said I wanted to try it out first (obviously!) before venturing into something like that.

Kevin & Becky recently purchased a 9mm and wanted to try it out. I believe Jay has shot before, and wanted to join in on the fun.

And Chandra? Well... let's just say she wanted to shoot anything that moved!

So we all got setup and fired away. This place is pretty cool... literally. It is air conditioned, which was definitely a bonus on a hot June day in Dallas!

We had several guns to shoot from. Besides Kevin and Becky's 9mm, David had one as well. He also had a 357 and a .22 pistol. And Becky rented another one, though the model escapes me at this time.

Shooting is a lot of fun. We shot for over an hour, and I felt the most control with the 9mm. David's 357 is unbelievable... Dirty Harry would be proud!

Anyway, pics are on my site if you want to see them.

Have You Checked Your A/C Unit???

As some of you know, I like to write. Whether it's a subject in this blog, or a lengthy email, yours truly likes to make sure he expresses himself via the power of verbiage.

Normally I write of things I'm doing: Sharing stories, experiences, happenings... you name it, I blab it!

But other times I like to write in order to educate my reading public. My main reason for this is to help you learn from my mistakes... :-)

Several years ago, when I first bought my house, I entered into one of those "Home Warranties." (I can see some of you rolling your eyes because you know what I'm about to say)

Well, pardon me for stating the obvious, but buying a Home Warranty is the biggest waste of your money! Twice in one year I had my heat go out. When I called them up, and the service technician showed up (several days later), I was told that the repairs wouldn't be covered because they had no record of the units being serviced.

So $50 for the visit and $600 later (both times), and after MUCH arguing, I was fed up. So... I decided to take matters into my own hands the next time that happened. Sure enough, during an extremely hot August, my A/C went out.

This time, I let my fingers do the walking. I pulled out the phone book, found Moore A/C and Heating Services in downtown Rowlett, and made the call. When I spoke with Steve (the owner), he said... "Well, we're pretty busy. I don't think I'll be able to make it out until (and I'm thinking at this point he's going to say 'next week') 3:00 PM today. Is that OK?"

OK? Are you kidding me? Those other companies would have me waiting for weeks! Especially in August!

Since that day, Steve has been my guy. He services my units (a/c and heat) once a year (spring and winter). He has added an additional air duct/vent in my bedroom. And, he's found shoddy work from the previous repair company that, "could have caused an attic fire!"

Why do I go through all of this with his company? First and foremost, I trust him. He and his son run the business, and they have always done excellent work. Secondly, I don't want to lose my "comfort" during extreme weather - especially the A/C. Finally, it's extremely important you have someone check out these critical units regularly.

Let me ask you this: How often do you change the oil in your car? Probably every 3 months. Why do you do that? Because you've been told to by an expert. You rely on your car everyday. Don't you rely on your A/C everyday during the summer? Your heat during the winter?

What people don't realize is when they run their A/C, they're using up Freon. Usually Steve has to add at least a can, if not more, of Freon to my unit each year. If you haven't had this done, then how hard is your unit working just to cool your house? Having it serviced could save you money, not only on costly repairs, but in monthly energy expenses.

So... for those that ignored my previous posts (i.e. "make sure you put oil in your lawnmower!"), this one is for you: Make sure you have someone come out at least once a year and give your unit its "Spring Checkup." It costs anywhere from $60-$90. That's like 2-3 oil changes in your car...

Oh, and those "Home Warranties?" I asked Steve about those. He said, "Think about it. The companies that they use are quoting the cheapest prices for their services. There are also companies that are new that need to build up their client base. And worst, you're not getting the quality technicians as with other, more experienced companies."

Anyway, take my advice... or leave it. But as for me and my house, we will be cool this summer! Steve shows up tomorrow!

Book Review: The Color of Law

I just finished a book that I really enjoyed, and wanted to share this novel with those that are looking for something to read this summer.

The Color of Law was given to me by my mother. It was a break from some of the normal books I read. Typically I enjoy reading books dealing with CIA Operatives thwarting terrorist attacks on U.S. soil.

This book... MUCH different.

First of all, it's a murder mystery that focuses on the aspects of the law. Secondly, it's centered around a character whose life is perfect (and has been perfect!) and has to deal with threats and conflicts to his "normal" life. And finally, the entire setting takes place in Dallas.

This was the first novel I've ever read where I knew all of the places the author was describing. Highland Park, Turtle Creek, Harry Hines, South Dallas, etc. He not only describes sites, but he delves into some of the history (ugly at times) of Dallas. At times, I actually learned a few things about my hometown.

Here is a description from Amazon:

A. Scott Fenney, the hotshot young Dallas attorney of Gimenez's debut, has a beautiful house, an idle, social-climbing wife and a spoiled daughter; his most lucrative client is local magnate Tom Dibrell, whom he regularly rescues from sexual harassment suits. When Clark McCall, the no-account son of Texas' senior senator (and presidential hopeful), is murdered, Fenney is forced by his firm to pro bono the suspect, heroin-addicted prostitute Shawanda Jones. Jones claims innocence, and refuses to plead out to avoid the death penalty--giving Fenney fits." With Jones's life on the line, Fenney agonizes about whether he can do the trial, losing wife, job, and country club membership as he slowly uncovers the truth about McCall. Along the way, Fenney takes custody of Jones's precocious daughter, Pajamae, in a cross-cultural subplot with more cliché than life-lesson.

Overall, I think most people will enjoy it. There are some adult situations (and language) that could make some uncomfortable. However, if you enjoy reading "John Grisham-type" books, then you'll thoroughly enjoy this one.

Pete... One Top Dog!

The world suffered a big loss yesterday... Pete passed on.

"Who was Pete," you may ask? Well, hold on to your seats when I say this: He was one of the very few dogs that I truly liked.

You see, I grew up a "cat person." I know... we're an odd group. Lord knows I've tried to like dogs (as some of you know). I even like fish better than dogs. Dogs and I haven't always gotten along... maybe it was the time I got bitten as a child. Or maybe we just don't mesh. I figured, "one dog is the same as every other dog."

But Pete wasn't like most dogs. He was special in his own right, and truly has an amazing story... a story that is worth telling.

About 7 years ago, my friend Laura was looking for a dog. She had just moved into her house in Plano, and was seeking security... and companionship. Fortunately, she had some friends who were driving through one of our busy highways in the Metroplex and noticed a skinny dog running in the median.

Yep... it was Pete. He was about 6 months old and full of love! When Laura and Pete met, it was a perfect match.

At the time, Laura had a lot on her hands. She was extremely busy in both her professional and church life, and now had a "baby" to take care of. Like anything, she grabbed the reins and went full-force. Pete got all of the care (probably much more than most dogs!) and love he needed. Not only that, but Laura took on training him.

To say Pete was "obedient" would be an understatement. She trained him extensively, and it showed! And the reward? He got to play ball...

Besides Laura, Pete's numero uno joy in life was playing ball! You could sit outside for hours and throw that slimy tennis ball over and over and over. He would run after it, bring it back, and drop it at your feet... just panting and waiting for you to do it all over again!

Man, I loved that dog!

Well, in recent years, Pete started to develop some bumps. These bumps were tumors. Laura did everything to help him. About a year ago, Pete underwent major surgery. You can notice that in his face above... although, hanging out with him, you'd swear he never knew there was any difference in his appearance.

Besides... he just wanted to run and play ball!

The last time I saw our hero, he was livin' life like a prince. Laura kept him inside more, he was a little heavier, and life was fine with him... just as long as we played ball. That was New Year's...

In the past few months, the bumps returned. This time, it became worse. According to Laura, his face got more swollen - his tumors were back. His eye even closed up.

This week, the ball playing stopped. Laura tossed the ball to him. When he brought it back, he just laid down. It was time...

As you can imagine, this decision was very difficult for Laura. Pete was her child. Her sweet, faithful, loving child. When she called me last night to break the news to me, I was shocked... and saddened... because I knew her heart was broken. As was mine...

But you know what? She was strong. She told me what was getting her through it: Pete had impacted numerous lives. When she brought him to the clinic, the entire staff paid their respects. One of the staff members walked Pete around the entire office so people could say their good-byes... it was a telling moment.

So Pete is gone... but he will never be forgotten. He was truly a special dog... friend... and family member.

I was better for knowing him...

I'm Finally Doing It...

This may surprise a lot of people, but I don't have a sprinkler system.

(pause for laughter)

Yes, it's true. I live in Texas... in one of the hottest cities in the state... enduring scorching 100-plus degree days (day after day after day)... and I don't have a sprinkler system.

Well, that's all about to change...

When I first moved into my house, back in 2001, I knew what I wanted to purchase first: a sprinkler system. Back then I relied on my folks to recommend residential companies. Given that they had recently installed a sprinkler system (I come from a long line of "irrigationally stubborn" people), I decided to use their company.

Not only did they recommend the company, but so had Neil Sperry, the local/Texas expert on all things "yard." So, "Company A" came out and gave me a bid... to the sum of $4,500. My jaw dropped, especially after my parent's MUCH LARGER lot came in around $3,500.

So, I did what any other new homeowner with a depleted bank acount would do: I didn't seek out any other bids.

Ok, maybe others would have pursued more estimates. I guess I was naive enough to figure, "Well, if that's how much it's going to cost, then I'll just water it myself."

That worked out fine for the first few years. I'd go out and drag the hoses around the house... spending hours of my evenings to make sure proper coverage allowed for proper greenage!

Then we went into a drought... and half my front yard just died off. It was dreadful. I'd water, but my time was limited and by late August it resembled something from a Mad Max movie.

Last year my yard started to recover. In fact, it's looking pretty good right now. However, I know that it's going to get hotter (and harder) in the coming weeks.

So everything changed recently when my good friend Jason informed me that he purchased a sprinkler system. Given that he's probably one of the tightest (er... cheapest!) people I know, I was shocked. But when he told me the cost, I was intrigued enough to get another bid.

In fact, I got several. All were right around the same dollar amount. After meeting the owner, I decided to go with Ducky's Sprinklers. They're out of Royce City, and I actually found them via the BBB website.

Anyway, my life of dragging hoses in the oppressive heat will end next week. They arrive on Monday to trench the yard (and anything else that stands in their way). I'm excited... so we'll just see how much of an impact this will make!

"New" Grill!

As I mentioned in a previous blog, I worked on a project to restore my grandfather's grill (with the help of a David "the master craftsman!")

Anyway, I wanted to show it off.

Now, why did I decide to restore it? Memories, for one. My grandfather would grill "the best steaks" - at least we all thought they were incredible. My mom always thought it was due to this grill.

Well, my parents inherited the grill and used it for many years. Then recently, when I heard they were going to take it to the dump, I asked if I could give "fixin' it" a shot.

David and I first took the entire grill apart. All of the bolts, nuts, brackets, and anything else attached was removed. We then pressure washed it, painted it, added new hardware, cut new boards for the shelves, and added a new grilling surface.

The photo above doesn't even begin to describe how bad it was. Here is a link to the before/after pictures:

Link