Trip to Bell's Dell

We took a trip out to the family cabin over Easter weekend. We haven't been out there since last fall when we winterized it. We have been dreading going just a bit.

Last year we discovered all sorts of problems with the plumbing and ended up ripping out most of the bathroom (Jim's alter ego Demolition Dan ("DD") took over). There is just a toilet there surrounded by a privacy curtain - and the kitchen sink was still working. We have been trying to make a "long term" plan to put in a real bathroom that doesn't make you claustrophobic when you use it.

Objectives: 1. Comfortable to use, making extended stays at the cabin desireable. 2. Take up as little space as possible and utilize every spec of space.

3. Not cost a fortune.

DD had a wonderful plumber meet us at the cabin on Friday. After talking options, DD, Emma and I went off in search of materials. DD installed a utility sink by the toilet before ripping out the old kitchen sink. He learned how to use PEX and will never go back. Frustration ensued as we looked for a shower pan. Apparently, the only size shower pans deemed necessary now by home supply stores is 36" square or 48" rectangular - and those only come with a wall surround kit. So we had to leave some of the work undone. We were hoping to place the shower pan, which would determine the exact potion of our walls. NOPE. We finally tracked down the 42" we want in Lincoln and just need to decide on whether or not we are going to tile or not.

DD was resigned to the fact that the next trip to the cabin meant a cement cutting blade and a jack hammer as we got ready to sink the new drains. The plummer called today and suggested Qwik Jon sewage removal system. It requires no cutting of cement at all and is definitely worth checking out. Man would that save us a lot of work!!

Other things we are looking at: some way to soften the horrid water, small water heater solutions and metal cabinates for the kitchen. The plumber suggested IKEA - but said it's only worth it if you drive up to the twin cities and pick it up. We are very optimistic that we will make great progress this summer - especially if the Qwik Jon works out.

more to come later....