What beautiful snow…

2010 Christmas has come and gone. However, this year, it wasn’t the traditional white Christmas until the day after. It was actually a blizzard that hit the northeast. The weather was so strong that a Sunday Night football game in Pennsylvania was postponed to the following Tuesday. In some areas of Massachusetts, snow thickness reached well over a foot.

With a fresh layer of powder on the ground, I awoke to clean the driveway. I walked down to the basement to get the proper equipment to complete the job. My lovely snow blower has been comfortably sitting in the basement next to the B-1 bomber furnace all year. The snow blower has been enjoying a wonderful vacation in the cool basement during the hot summer nights. But now it’s time to get to work.

I went through the pre-start checklist: gas level, oil level and key. Ok, everything is a go… I pulled on the start cord.. But nothing… I repeated to pull on the start cord… but nothing again…I repeated to pull on the start cord for several minutes… But still nothing…Then the first curse word was mentioned…

I realized that I didn’t do my pre-season snow blower preventative maintenance checks. A couple of weeks ago as I was sitting outside enjoying the fall weather, I happened to notice a neighbor doing his preventative maintenance checks to his snow blower. At that time I thought, “Yea, I have to check my snow blower out as well.”

Yea, that is correct, I didn’t do it… So there I was standing there in the cold basement wondering what could be the issue. While I stood there, I happen to realize that my snow blower has an electric starter…Basically I get to press a button and it should start. So I plug in the required cord into their respective outlets. I then pressed the electric start button… The starter whined… But, yet nothing… The second curse word was mentioned…

So there I was standing there in the cold basement wondering what cold be the issue… The next thought was the possibility that the spark plug may be old. I had removed the spark plug to find some carbon build up. With snow still in the driveway, it would be difficult to get another spark plug. Then I had a thought, “Maybe the lawn mower might have the same spark plug”

Bingo… It worked. The spark plugs were the same. But the snow blower was still not starting…I realized that the gas maybe stale. If gas is stored in a snow blower for a long period of time, the potency of the gas will degrade. It’s a good idea to put gas stabilizer into the snow blower at the end of the season if the gas tank is not empty. The stabilizer would refresh the gas for at least two years. The third curse word was mentioned.

I had already installed fresh gas into the snow blower, thus the issue maybe the gas within the fuel lines. So I pressed on the gas primer and the electric starter for several seconds, in hopes that the bad gas would flush out. The snow blower finally cranked over. I was finally able to finish cleaning the driveway.

The lesson here… Do your preventative maintenance checks prior to the season. Anyway, I want to wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year. Until next time… Happy Building…

The first shot... Hopefully the last...

You may already have notice, but, I have a strong dislike towards bats. I could use the word hate, but hate is such a strong word that it could imply that I want a total destruction of bats… What I’m trying to say is I don’t feel an extreme hostility towards bats. It’s discomfort that I just don’t want them bothering me. Too sum it up, they scare me. Basically, I scream like a baby. And when I’m running for shelter, I’m honestly man enough to scream, “Get out of the way!!! Scared little girl coming through!!!” Sorry ladies, this is one area, I would have to say, “good luck, man in shining armor I am not…” However, I’m ok with catching mice, squirrels and/or chipmunks. Yes I have some experience chasing and/or catching those little creatures. But the flying mice, that is not my department.

I have a strong respect for bats. I understanding that bats like many other creatures in our world have a function, a meaning or rather a responsibility. They have a duty, like many of us. Let me clarify, they are innocent creatures just attempting to live life and tend to their young ones. Too continue the cycle of life for their species. I had read somewhere that one bat can consume up to about 3000 mosquitoes in one night. So with that, there is a benefit of having bats… Thus, removal of any bats from my house would be humane. I certainly didn’t want to go in gun blazing with pesticides per say. Additionally, bats are protected by law in Massachusetts and may not be killed.

I was fortune enough to find someone with that met my requirements. His name was Enoi Chonmany, owner of Greenleaf Pest Management, Inc. (There is a link on the side bar for Greenleaf Pest Management). Talking with Enoi; he tries to avoid using pesticides when removing animals and/or creatures. But sometime when it is necessary, he tries to use a limited amount. When using pesticides there is a real concern of it flowing down to a neighborhood parks with the possibly of hurting kids and/or innocent animals. I was extremely pleased with that statement.

When it comes to bats, Enoi works at night. The time was about 5:30 pm when he reported for duty. He started by buttoning up the loose siding and access areas of the house. The last thing that would be sealed would be the Chimney-130 hatchway, after the bats exited for their nightly hunt… After about 2 hours, he was completed with the first stage.

We both sat at the back porch talking about his pest control business and life in general. I have to admit, I truly enjoy meeting new people and hearing how they get to where they are today. It wasn't until about 8:15 when we saw our first bat fly by. We sat on the porch for several minutes while more bats flew by. After about 15 minute we then decided to stand by the cars and look up towards the chimney, also to examine if they are exiting through other areas of the house.

That was when I started to count the paratroopers exiting the Chimney-130 hatchway. As we stood looking up towards the chimney, I realized I had a serious infestation of bats when I reached a count of 35 bats and still going.

It wasn't until I reached a count of 52 when I decided to run for cover. As count 51 flew by, we both look up and realize that bat 52 was flying towards the both of us. As if the bat wings weren't strong enough. Number 52 dive bombs us... like a kamikaze fighter. It would appear that he was attempting to defend his home. I honestly almost did a full combat roll to avoid its attack. It was more of a full duck down to my knees. Of course the exterminator was laugh while he bravely side steps the attack. I was freaking out. Number 52, then circles and takes another dive bomb towards us. I crash into the exterminator while he's laughing. The bat then flies by and into the trees behind us... At that instance I through in the towel, time for me to go, have fun Enoi... But I knew that there was more bats in that chimney, but I couldn’t keep counting after that experience... I jog into the house and hide under my unicorn blanket for protection…

About an hour later I go outside to check on Enoi, there he was up on the roof working on the cap.

Picture of the chimney button up

The following morning I had awoken about 5:00 am, and was leaving to do some morning errands… It was still dark out. My nephews were with me as we walked outside towards the car. Devyn looks up and says, "Hey are those birds?" I realize that about 5 bats are circling around the chimney. Sadly they came home to find an eviction notice and the locks changed. I said “no those are bats”. He freaks out and runs into the front seat of the car. Glad to see that I’m not the only one freaking out so early in the morning…

Later in the day I catch myself looking up towards the roof of the house. I was expecting that the bats would be sitting on the trim of the house, waiting to attack with vengeance for evicting them for not paying rent. But as I look up, I feel slightly satisfied that they were not exterminated, that the bats were only evicted from my residence. I don't live that far from a couple of old empty factory buildings. So I like to assume that they have taken new residence there.
But surely, next on the list is to get the chimney cleaned before winter. Over 50 bats in that small condensed area could produce a lot of guano. Well until next time, happy building.

THIS MEANS WAR!!!

Growing up, I’ve been taught to give everyone a chance. Basically try to be respectful and friends with everyone. I’ve learned that everyone will have their own perspective in life. We all see things differently and will have our own needs and wants. My experience in the military also taught me that to be successful in life you need to have an understanding of your faults and strengths.

You may already know my faults… If not, here is a little flash back...

http://redcano.blogspot.com/2008/09/in-beginning.html

http://redcano.blogspot.com/2008/12/attic-protector.html

http://redcano.blogspot.com/2010/06/bumps-in-night.html

Let us continue… About a week ago, I was traveling home from food shopping. I usually leave pretty late to avoid crowds at the local grocery store. Upon my return home, the sun had just paid its last farewell to us for the night. I'd happen to hear the dreaded squeaking sound that those lovely creatures of the night like to produce. I looked up towards the chimney and notice several bats exiting the chimney one at time. The bats exited the chimney as if they were paratroopers jumping out of a C-130 airplane. I could have sworn I heard the jump master scream,

“Get ready! Outboard personnel, stand up! Inboard personnel, stand up! Hook up! Check static lines! Check equipment! Sound off for equipment check! One minute! Thirty seconds! Stand by!”

“GO! GO! GO!"

Lockheed C-130 Hercules with Airborne troopers jumping

I stood there and counted about 8 bats exiting the chimney. So of course this how my mind works… OK 8 bats... that means 4 of them are possibly female bats. It’s their breeding season, thus each female has about 3 pups. That's a total of about 20 bats in the chimney. Looking further I realized that I need a better chimney cap. OK that isn't a big problem… As long they are isolate to the chimney I’m good. I’ll just contact someone in the morning and get it fixed.

After putting all of my groceries away, I decide to go to the basement to switch my clothing from the washing machine to the dryer... As I'm walking down the steps, a dark spot on the ground catches my eyes… I'm frozen in my step. My right foot is hovering about 2 inches off the ground... I'm standing there like a block of ice.... still, rigid, and cold... After about what felt like 20 minutes of scared time (1 minute of real time = 20 minutes of bat time) I began to feel the numbness in my hovering leg and realize that the bat on the ground isn't moving. It’s another bat, but dead. I’m in shock and trembling. I instantly snap into my Elmer Fudd stance… I walk/sneak over to the washing machine and make the exchange as quickly as possible. The exiting of the basement was swift and quick like a cat…

Another long night was beginning to pan out… I fall asleep with the lights and the Television on, once again. The ironic part was that the movie the Dark Knight was playing as I attempted to sleep…

The time was about 6 am when I heard the dreaded noise of our beloved flying mammals…Did you know, that the noise produced by a bat acts like a sonar. Basically ultrasonic sounds are emitted specifically to produce an echo. The echo produces a detailed image of the bats surrounding.

Anyway, at 6 am, I jumped up and instantly shut the television off… I’m sitting there in silence… I’m concentrating and attempting to focus my listening skills to see where the noise was coming from… After about 10 minutes (Bat time) I hear nothing… I decide to turn the television back on, the echoing returns…I spin around to have my eyes lock onto a kid’s show on the TV… I notice that the kids were playing basketball and their sneakers were rubbing against the basketball floor…

I smile and shake my head in embarrassment. I’m driving myself crazy…

So after finally waking up, I realize that I need to get my clothing from the dryer… I decide to go down with my flashlight. I walk into the basement and place my clothing into the basket. As I’m walking up the stairs with the basket in hand, I have the flashlight pointing up towards the ceiling and checking things out… I feel something touch the top of my feet… I instantly freak out!!! I drop the basket and run up the stairs as quickly as possible… I’m at the top of the steps looking down… I realize that a sock had fallen out of the basket and onto my foot… I had a sigh of relief…

I’m truly driving myself nuts….

This is it… It is time to fight back!!! I’m at DEFCON 1 and my Homeland Security color has just been adjusted to, “Black and blue with a shade of purple!!!” I’m tired of feeling scared in my own home… It’s time to call in the re-enforcements!!!

THIS MEANS WAR!!!!

I contact a local pest control company. They come on site the same day. Here are some of the pictures that were taken while the pest control company representative was on site.

House Chimney-130 Hatchway

As we approached the chimney, the bats could be heard making their wonderful squeaking… The noise was pretty loud…

The Chimney-130 evaluated further... 10 bats were counted hanging. I attempted to take a picture but they dropped before I could get the picture. (I really didn't take the picture, the Pest Control Rep did)

Additional opening into the attic that will be repaired

Pest Control Representative showing me additional areas that need to be repaired

Today my vacation officially starts… You know what that means… Work around the house. Now that the bat situation will be under control in the next couple of weeks, I can now focus on the “Honey Do list…” The kitchen is currently on the radar. The current plan is to purchase and install the new cabinet this coming week. Until next time, happy building.

Happy Belated One Year Anniversary...

I recently had a conversation with someone and a question came up about how long I’ve been living in my house… I had then realized that I’ve been living in my house for one year. My anniversary date was July 28. The date of me purchasing and moving had passed with no fan fair. I’ve been so busy with work and stuff that I totally over looked it. The thought of my anniversary wasn’t really on my mind. But looking back over the last year, I guess I can say that I’ve over come a lot of ups and downs with this place. The list of downs is pretty extensive, but who is keeping a record… wait, I am…

Anyway, Happy Belated One Year Anniversary…

The show must continue, so I’m still on vacation which will be officially over on Monday (tomorrow). My vacation has been pretty relaxing while I’ve been doing working around the house. Hold on, I don’t know if that makes any sense... Vacations are defined as an intermission and/or an exemption from work...But I still did work around the house… So the question is, was it or was it not a vacation? I guess I can define my vacation as “I took a vacation from one of my many jobs”…Ok that makes no sense… Let me just stop... My head is starting to hurt thinking about it… Sorry for the off track thought.

Anyway, in my last entry, I discussed how I removed the rug in the living room. So I decided to carry that rug removing motivation over to the master bedroom. I guess I should first describe what I’m dealing with. The master bedroom walls are covered with a wall paper that has pink and blue flowers. I’m a big fan of the light switch. The lady shoe light switch certainly defines me and the room (sarcasm)… So I guess the previous owner was attempting to match the wallpaper with a rug that has a color of hot pink. A while back I had place a Gatorade on the floor and accidentally toppled it over it on the rug. The stain was pretty bright within the rug.

Master bedroom with the pink rug

Floor after removing the rug


The bedroom floors are in a much better shape then the living room. I still plan on sanding and staining the floor... But, because I wanted to finish the living room first, I decided to just remove the rug and finish the room later.

I was also able to finally finish the back hallway. I had mentioned the back steps prior to the tenants moved in. The landing and steps were damaged pretty badly. There were nails sticking up and three steps were damaged. So for the landing, I install .25 inch thick plywood then laid new peal and stick flooring.

Back hallway, before

Three damaged steps


Back hallway, with the repaired steps

The landing with the new floor installed


Back hallway completed, painted with new threads

After completing the back hallway, I continued the process of painting the living room. The primer was certainly dried by the time I started to paint the new color. The color that I had selected was called Beach walk. The color is a yellowish brown. I painted the trim with a color called Glow. See it glowing… I painted the trim only with one coat. The reason being is that I still need to install the new windows and new trim work. Then I’ll paint the second coat. Also, I’m kind of stuck on what to do about the brick work. I’m actually thinking of putting a decorative shelf in front. But, I’ll decide on that in next couple days.
Here is a picture of the living room with the new paint

Here is a picture of the living room with the floors cleaned. They also still need to be refinished.

Here is a picture of the brick work...

Here is a picture showing one of the outlets that I plan on replacing

Also, over the pass year, I had a pile of rubbish that accumulated. It was generated from upstairs and my place...Well over the weekend I was finally able to completely remove all of the trash and debris. Now I am able to park my truck in its place and free up another parking space for any visitors.

Here is a picture with the trash removed and my truck in its place.


Things are starting to slowly come around... I still have a lot of things that I want to do to the place. But I guess they can wait for now…Well until next time, happy building…

Attic Protector.....

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I can try to get back on schedule. The previous week saw some new improvements to the exterior of the house. When I initially purchased the house, the trim around the windows and the roof were missing metal flashing. The exposed wood was pretty beat up. Holes within the trim work gave access to any creature searching for a warm place for the winter. Too be honest, with the discovery of bats within the attic, this tasked was place on my highest priority. So with that said, I had hired a contractor to perform this task back in August. About a day after I moved into the house, he was commissioned to start work immediately. The only problem was that my contractor wasn’t seeing the same priority list. But I’m happy to finally say that he completed the job yesterday (Yes about 5 months later)...

This picture is the house prior to any work being done to the house.

The trim work above the metal awning shows exposed dark wood, with paint chips pealing off.

Here is a good picture showing the exposed wood trim around one of the windows. All of the windows installed to the house looked similar to this picture.

The second floor bathroom is located in this area of the house. The exposed wood trim is where animals entered into the bathroom ceiling.

When it rained, the back porch would get completely wet. The rain would drip back onto the two porches. So I decided to install new gutters for this location. I felt that when it rained on those hot days, someone would want to relax and sit on the back porch.

This picture shows the trim work completed. The windows look cleaner.

Here is a close up of the windows with the new metal flashing. All of the windows look this good, clean and professional.

The new gutter was also installed.

Another picture of the gutter, but you can also note the new flashing prohibiting access to the bathroom ceiling. The next task on the list is to install the new windows. They finally arrived last Thursday. So I’ll be happily installing them this coming week. I hope you enjoyed this installment, but until next, have fun…