It is amazing how house repairs and maintenance tasks take on a life of their own. Example: it seems to be impossible to replace just the wax ring on a toilet. You might as well count on also replacing the flush valve and sometimes even the water intake if the toilet is old enough. It still beats calling in a plumber because they would charge $200 or more to get the job done when all of the above in the toilet example cost less than $20 in parts.

I pressure washed the house, sidewalks and driveway. Here in Florida they turn black with mold in just a few years, so it is something that has to be done periodically, particularly when one lives in a development that has a home owners association. I also washed my decks and that is where the job started to grow. I found some boards that needed to be replaced; one was split all the way through. The knots in the pressure treated pine eventually worked themselves out and weakened the boards. Oh, fun! Now I have to break out the power saw and the drill too! I have to replace the boards before I apply the water proofing seal. It is taking a lot more sealer than in past years, I guess because the wood is drying out and it just soaks right in. Tomorrow I have to run to Lowe's and get more sealer and lumber. Originally I thought I had to replace just two planks but apparently it is at least five. Ugh! Hopefully, this job will be completely finished by tomorrow evening. I took a break yesterday and now I just want it done!