Deck Repair

JP found a soft spot in a board on the deck. Further probing revealed more soft wood and rot. Everything is made from cedar, but it seems like some cedar boards don't resist rot as well as others.

Both boys helped out. CP climbed under to pull out some lag screws, and GP learned how to drive in finish screws on the new steps.

The board that caps off the end of the steps is what gave out. It also took out a few inches of the ends of the top and bottom steps. We were able to trim the ends of the bottom steps and reuse them on the top. We only had to buy three pieces of wood (for $100).

We had perfect weather for a memorial day weekend, but it was HOT!

Dead Fridge

Our garage fridge bit the dust. It will be missed.

Mayan Riviera

Last year, we booked our third trip to the Valentin Imperial Maya. Then we waited for 261 long days. In years past, we went during the endless miserable spring. This time, we were waiting for KG to complete her courses at UNL. 

This is the view from the beachside restaurant where we dined each morning.

The N's from Woodstock joined us again.

The whole group. New this year are the G's daughter and her boyfriend.

KG celebrated her birthday while we were there. At lunch, our waiter, Gilberto, gave her a special birthday lunchtime treat - a round of tequila shots for the table and a special song.

Our other beachside waiter was Jorge. He made our meals fun every day.

Every day we went into the crystal clear water and swam with the fish.

Check out all our photos here: VIM Photo Album

Reunited

Nana came to watch the boys while we went to Mexico for a week. Her old buddy was so glad to see her. They were inseparable.

Reflections

While sitting in the garage (afternoon sun out of the wind) and working on my tan, I noticed that my reflection in the car door looked kinda cool. No digital trickery here.