Two Inside Projects Done

We've got lots we're working on in the barn to prepare things for LuLu's upcoming labor and delivery.  She's one of our Jersey cows that will be calving in July.  While we wait on her to calve, we figured we'd knock out some inside projects.  We had moved a big bookcase/cabinet from the east wall of the den to the west wall.  Tricia was tiring of the "orangish" look of all the wood in the den and wanted to change things up and paint it.  

I offered two objections as soon as this project was proposed.  First, it will make a heck of a mess, because we'd have to sand the entire thing.  This would send dust from the polyurethane and wood all over everything in the den.  Secondly, what if you don't like it?  It's hard to move from wood to paint, but next to impossible to move back from paint to wood if you don't like it.  My objections were overruled.

Time to get busy.  We emptied the piece of furniture, taking pictures of how everything was positioned so we'd know how to reload it once painted.  We used painter's tape to tape off the walls.  We sanded and sanded and then used the shop-vac to clean.  Then we primed the bookcase.  Of course we laid down makeshift drop cloths to protect the floors.

Tricia selected a pretty blue color and we put two coats on, let it dry and then reloaded the bookcase.  Here's the finished product.  Tricia said it was a little too blue, but had heard that when you make changes, give it three weeks to grow on you before making any decisions to change it.  Fortunately, three weeks passed and the blue "grew on her."  Oh happy day.

The next project was in the kitchen.  Our home was built 26 years ago.  The balusters on the staircase were wooden white balusters.  Even though they don't look bad, it was time for a change.

We purchased 38 cast iron balusters from a local hardware store.  The plan was to alternate a baluster with a twist followed by one with a double twist.  Some 3/4 inch holes had to be drilled with a paddle bit up above in the railing and down below on the stairs.  The balusters were 44 inches long, so each one had to be measured and shimmied into place.  Each measurement differed and numerous cuts had to be made.  Before putting them in place, I applied some epoxy in the holes above and beneath.  I had to protect the balusters with blue painters tape and taped the foot up until the epoxy had cured.  Then I'd drop them and tighten in place with a set screw.  And the job commenced...

In a little bit, we had the first portion done and the balusters on the landing removed.  I borrowed an oscillating tool from Benjamin to cut out the old wooden balusters.

It didn't take as long as I thought before the job was done.  I get overwhelmed by jobs like this because I'm not a carpenter and don't want to mess anything up.  But you can learn how to do most anything on YouTube, and I watched several instructional videos before deciding that I could do it.  Besides, if and when I mess it up, it can be fixed by a professional.

Overall, we're pleased with the new look.  I should have done it sooner!

We can mark two more projects off the list.  Next we'll shift to an outside task.  We need to get the barn ready.  Our milking parlor, specifically, needs some repairs and cleanup.

Pistol Bridge

The Calcasieu River Bridge is often talked about as the "scariest" bridge in Louisiana.  Our state, because it has a lot of water, has lots of bridges.  This bridge goes over the Calcasieu River in Lake Charles is in need of replacement.  It was built in 1952 and has exceeded it's lifespan.  I drive over the bridge almost everyday.  There is no shoulder, it is steep, and you can count on someone's vehicle breaking down 7on the bridge and causing traffic delays.

Those delays will put you and your vehicle at a standstill while you wait for the wrecker to come clear the vehicle off of the roadway.  While you are waiting, there's plenty to look at.  I'm told that when this bridge was built, the builders were interested in more than simply moving the traveler over the water.  They wanted the bridge to be pretty and have a distinctive artistic flair.  

While I was in a traffic jam the other day, I had the opportunity to look at this "artistic flair" up close and personal.  The Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles has crossed flintlock derringer pistols.  These are the types of pistols that pirates used.  Pirate Jean Lafitte sailed around this area.  Supposedly there is gold hidden in one of the many bayous.  There are 5,286 pair of these pistols on the bridge.

There's probably not that many anymore, though.  Numerous vehicles have hit the railing, knocking the pistols off of the bridge and into the water far below.

From what I understand, they are trying to raise money to replace the bridge (before it falls into the water far below as well.)  As I was looking at the pistols on the bridge, I was thinking that it would be neat to have a pair as a souvenir.  When the bridge is finally torn down and replaced, I'm thinking that perhaps they could auction off some of the pistols to locals who would want a nice conversation piece to frame and hang over the mantel.