View Full Version : Our Mountain Retreat
Hahaha! I do have a degree in Geology...
The most PC thing I can say is that "change" is relative. The climate here and in Colorado (and Virginia) WILL "warm" one of these millennia!
The past few years we've been having colder winters and cooler summers. :(
FormerBromineUser
03-01-2015, 01:29 AM
So, Toy, how is global warming treating you? Hahahaha. Assuming there is no progress... We are on a warming trend here. Maybe 27 degrees tomorrow. Oh boy!!!!
Toybuilder
03-01-2015, 09:11 AM
So, Toy, how is global warming treating you? Hahahaha. Assuming there is no progress... We are on a warming trend here. Maybe 27 degrees tomorrow. Oh boy!!!!
Morning Former! It's about 10 out now and snow pretty much covering the back. We set a new record for the month of February with over 22" of snow. Looks like the month of March is going to start out the same as we're expecting more later today. Tuesday's forecast gets even better with highs in the lower to mid teens with blizzard conditions possible. What happened to those nice 60's we had about a month ago.
Not much has been done over the past week. The pool is still covered, mostly, but the landscapers came in and moved a mountain of dirt. They were going to bring in all the rocks, 18 tons, for the waterfall and retaining wall on Friday, but it was too snowy and muddy. Hopefully tomorrow they'll be able to do something before the big storm rolls in on Tuesday.
So, to pass the time away, I've been "admiring" the salt chlorinator that was delivered a couple of weeks ago. :) Also, looking into how to get music piped into the backyard after all is said and done. Don't suppose you know anything about AirPlay and home theatre receivers with AirPlay?
Morning Former! It's about 10 out now and snow pretty much covering the back. We set a new record for the month of February with over 22" of snow. Looks like the month of March is going to start out the same as we're expecting more later today. Tuesday's forecast gets even better with highs in the lower to mid teens with blizzard conditions possible. What happened to those nice 60's we had about a month ago.
Not much has been done over the past week. The pool is still covered, mostly, but the landscapers came in and moved a mountain of dirt. They were going to bring in all the rocks, 18 tons, for the waterfall and retaining wall on Friday, but it was too snowy and muddy. Hopefully tomorrow they'll be able to do something before the big storm rolls in on Tuesday.
So, to pass the time away, I've been "admiring" the salt chlorinator that was delivered a couple of weeks ago. :) Also, looking into how to get music piped into the backyard after all is said and done. Don't suppose you know anything about AirPlay and home theatre receivers with AirPlay?
I'm not that familiar with AirPlay, but here's a few forums full of people who could probably help;
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/90-receivers-amps-processors/
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=131.0
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=60.0
It's been unusually cold here as well. Normally we should be in the mid 50's this time of year, but the past couple weeks or so we've only had a couple days above freezing. We've also had more snow than we've had in many, many years.
FormerBromineUser
03-01-2015, 11:10 AM
Don't like hearing that, Jim! I am headed to Hilton Head Island on Friday to watch the kid play tennis. I will be there for a week and then spending the next week in VA. I will mostly be in the valley, but probably Richmond. Doubt I'll get too much further east, though. Guess I'll pack the heavy coat!!!
Don't like hearing that, Jim! I am headed to Hilton Head Island on Friday to watch the kid play tennis. I will be there for a week and then spending the next week in VA. I will mostly be in the valley, but probably Richmond. Doubt I'll get too much further east, though. Guess I'll pack the heavy coat!!!
Hopefully it will warm back up to normal by then.
Toybuilder
03-01-2015, 12:13 PM
I'm not that familiar with AirPlay, but here's a few forums full of people who could probably help;
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/90-receivers-amps-processors/
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=131.0
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=60.0
It's been unusually cold here as well. Normally we should be in the mid 50's this time of year, but the past couple weeks or so we've only had a couple days above freezing. We've also had more snow than we've had in many, many years.
Thanks for the links, Jim. I think I've posted on avsforum before and got an answer back that I think was in English. :) Some of that electronics lingo is way beyond me. Spent more time Googling text than anything else. Guess I'll give it a try again.
We have some hope for decent weather by the end of the week too. Back to the 40's by Thursday and possibly 50's by the weekend. Have to see if our patio critters made it thru the storms.
Thanks for the links, Jim. I think I've posted on avsforum before and got an answer back that I think was in English. :) Some of that electronics lingo is way beyond me. Spent more time Googling text than anything else. Guess I'll give it a try again.
We have some hope for decent weather by the end of the week too. Back to the 40's by Thursday and possibly 50's by the weekend. Have to see if our patio critters made it thru the storms.
Yeah, sometimes the responses on those AV forums can be a bit technical. Being a hobby of mine, I enjoy those sites though. However, I tend to get lost when the topic deals with the more computer side of AV (wireless streaming and such).
That said, I'd be glad to help if I can. Maybe I can at least help translate some of the lingo?
Toybuilder
03-01-2015, 02:51 PM
Yeah, sometimes the responses on those AV forums can be a bit technical. Being a hobby of mine, I enjoy those sites though. However, I tend to get lost when the topic deals with the more computer side of AV (wireless streaming and such).
That said, I'd be glad to help if I can. Maybe I can at least help translate some of the lingo?
Thanks again, Jim. I'm searching thru threads now to see if there are any that relate to my issue. So far, nothing. I don't suppose Ben has enabled the private messaging capability. I don't think carrying on a conversation about audio/video problems on a pool forum works too well. :)
Thanks again, Jim. I'm searching thru threads now to see if there are any that relate to my issue. So far, nothing. I don't suppose Ben has enabled the private messaging capability. I don't think carrying on a conversation about audio/video problems on a pool forum works too well. :)
Feel free to email me at chickies 75 at hot mail dt cm (format as you normally would an email address. I intentially misspelled/misformated the address here to prevent spam bots from picking it up).
Toybuilder
03-01-2015, 04:15 PM
Feel free to email me at chickies 75 at hot mail dt cm (format as you normally would an email address. I intentially misspelled/misformated the address here to prevent spam bots from picking it up).
Just sent you an email.
Just sent you an email.
Reply sent. :)
FormerBromineUser
03-01-2015, 04:33 PM
Are you putting a TV poolside?
Toybuilder
03-01-2015, 04:36 PM
Are you putting a TV poolside?
The thought had crossed my mind...but the "CFO" did put her foot down on that one. :(
We're just putting speakers out there to have some music when we have gatherings. Or as we lounge in the back. :)
FormerBromineUser
03-01-2015, 08:32 PM
Nice. Our 4 speakers are hardwired to our "stereo" -showing my age here- but the 20's something kids that hang around a lot know how to sync their pandora account and stuff to the stereo/tv thing. How about that for technical?
We love having radio outside for sports and stuff. Hoping for hockey playoffs!!! 2 of the speakers are mounted off the house deck, and 2 are on the house aimed poolside. We also were gifted speakers that look like rocks to go into the gardens around the pool, but the hubby hasn't installed those yet.
Phillbo
03-05-2015, 01:53 PM
I have 4 Bose 151's hidden in shrubs in my back yard. The yard sounds fantastic while floating or grilling.
Toybuilder
03-08-2015, 02:37 PM
I've put my research on how to connect speakers "on the shelf" for the moment. Got a headache thinking about it. Decided to enjoy the day and look at the progress that's been made through the previous week. Retaining Wall and waterfall have been started, but we're redesigning the waterfall. Not real happy with the "diving board" look so the landscapers are revamping and removing the rocks that jut out over the pool. Too much of a temptation to climb on and jump. We didn't think it was a good idea with only a 6' deep end.
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Lanscaping%20-%20Waterfall%20and%20Retaining%20Walls/P1010801_zpsjrwtqarx.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Lanscaping%20-%20Waterfall%20and%20Retaining%20Walls/P1010801_zpsjrwtqarx.jpg.html)
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Lanscaping%20-%20Waterfall%20and%20Retaining%20Walls/P1010799_zpsbofb5wfp.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Lanscaping%20-%20Waterfall%20and%20Retaining%20Walls/P1010799_zpsbofb5wfp.jpg.html)
FormerBromineUser
03-08-2015, 02:57 PM
Looks great!!!! See what you mean about the diving board and I agree. Think they wanted a big splash!
Toybuilder
03-08-2015, 03:24 PM
Looks great!!!! See what you mean about the diving board and I agree. Think they wanted a big splash!
Yep. Too much of a liability though...and it looked like a big tongue sticking out at you too. :) I'll be happy with a smaller ledge with a trickle down effect. Actually, the landscapers agreed with us once we explained our point of view. They're going to tear down most of it, relocate the unused rocks around the yard, and start over. They're a "mom and pop" shop and are super easy to work with.
Toybuilder
03-08-2015, 09:02 PM
Looking good! :)
Thanks Jim. Should look a little different tomorrow.
BTW, the "critters" are fine. Saw them sunbathing yesterday. Hoping they move on before the end of the week as the landscapers are going to be covering that area with flagstone.
FormerBromineUser
03-27-2015, 01:25 AM
Bumparoo
Toybuilder
03-27-2015, 09:37 PM
Bumparoo
Hi Former! Glad to see the forum back online. Hope all is well with you.
Well, not much has been done this week. The equipment building is up but not quite finished. Not much to show so I'll include pics next weekend. PB is a little behind, but we are scheduled for coping and tile starting Wednesday followed by equipment. Landscapers will be adding in the deck as the equipment is being installed. Wow, equipment. I can't wait. Plaster will have to wait as our temps are still pretty low in the evening according to the builder. We're hoping in the next 4 weeks, most of the backyard will be done! Ready for Summer! :)
FormerBromineUser
03-28-2015, 01:49 AM
Ditto that!!!
Toybuilder
04-05-2015, 02:25 PM
Happy Easter everyone!
Well, I wish we had more progress than we’ve had in the past week. Only a bit of coping has been cut, and the equipment has been installed. No tile, gas or electric, yet. This is the first time we feel the builder has let us down. Seem to us that he’s chewed off a bit more than he can chew as he’s complaining he’s behind. We've seen him twice in the past month.
At this point, he’s now delayed the landscapers as they need the coping to be installed before they can install the flagstone for the deck and patio. Good thing it's still a bit chilly out...but it is getting nicer. :)
Hopefully, this coming week, they’ll start motoring and get everything back on track.
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Coping/P1020059_zps0imyfi6r.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Coping/P1020059_zps0imyfi6r.jpg.html)
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Equipment/P1020043_zpsiowggdnc.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Equipment/P1020043_zpsiowggdnc.jpg.html)
Toybuilder
04-05-2015, 05:58 PM
Test? Anyone having issues?
FormerBromineUser
04-05-2015, 07:24 PM
Ha!!! Somehow you must have reopened it. Yay!!!
Test? Anyone having issues?
Issues??
Toybuilder
04-05-2015, 08:38 PM
Whew! Thought I screwed this all up. :D
FormerBromineUser
04-05-2015, 10:50 PM
It is easy to accidentally close a thread... That's what happened but it's fixed now. Hey Jim
It is easy to accidentally close a thread... That's what happened but it's fixed now. Hey Jim
:)
Toybuilder
04-12-2015, 03:45 PM
Happy Sunday everyone,
Here’s what has happened in the past week. Coping and most of the tile has been completed. Tile for steps, benches and sundeck will wait until just before plastering.
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Coping/P1020132_zpswdxuzb14.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Coping/P1020132_zpswdxuzb14.jpg.html)
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Coping/P1020129_zpseuarmtvh.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Coping/P1020129_zpseuarmtvh.jpg.html)
Also, the equipment building has been completed, and the Easytouch subpanel has been installed along with the surge protector. I was going to insulate and drywall in there but as you can see some spots are going to be a bit tough to do. Anyone have any helpful hints?
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Equipment/P1020133_zpsrfj2uoca.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Equipment/P1020133_zpsrfj2uoca.jpg.html)
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Equipment/P1020137_zpscjlouvuy.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Equipment/P1020137_zpscjlouvuy.jpg.html)
We’re waiting for grounding inspection at the moment and then the landscapers can come in and start with the flagstone. Hopefully, that will be tomorrow. Can’t wait for some of the dirt to be covered up.
Wow, your pool build makes mine look like I got it at Toys R Us! :D
Drywalling in there around all that equipment is going to be a bear! :eek:
Toybuilder
04-12-2015, 04:15 PM
Wow, your pool build makes mine look like I got it at Toys R Us! :D
Drywalling in there around all that equipment is going to be a bear! :eek:
Thanks Jim. It's finally moving forward again. Had a few slow weeks, but now we're looking to fill in about 2 or 3 weeks. Wooohooo!
Don't suppose you've got some spare time to come help with the drywall? I'll grill up a steak and give you all the beer you can handle. :D
Thanks Jim. It's finally moving forward again. Had a few slow weeks, but now we're looking to fill in about 2 or 3 weeks. Wooohooo!
Don't suppose you've got some spare time to come help with the drywall? I'll grill up a steak and give you all the beer you can handle. :D
Uhmmmm......I'm busy that weekend....lol. :D
Toybuilder
04-12-2015, 04:28 PM
Uhmmmm......I'm busy that weekend....lol. :D
Yeah. We've gotten to be pretty good friends with the landscaper (who built the building for us) and I couldn't sucker him into either...but he is taking me up on the steaks and beer once we're all done.
FormerBromineUser
04-12-2015, 11:46 PM
Hmmmm. Steaks and beer, huh? Is that offer still good???
A question about drywall: are you going to use green board or concrete board?
Toybuilder
04-13-2015, 10:59 PM
Hmmmm. Steaks and beer, huh? Is that offer still good???
A question about drywall: are you going to use green board or concrete board?
Sure, Former. Medium, Medium-rare, or Rare? I dont' do Well, unless I've have too many of those beers and forget I'm cooking. :D
I've only drywalled once with a friend before, so I'm not sure. I'll have to do some research before I start. Recommendation?
FormerBromineUser
04-13-2015, 11:31 PM
R.A.R.E. or they sometimes call it blue. Cool to cold center. Thanks for asking.
Green board is for bathroom walls, concrete board for shower walls. Personally I suggest concrete board as it could get wet in there. Equipment erupts sometimes, especially if you've had that extra beer and forget to close a valve or something.... (YOU brought up the beer forgetfulness...) If you have a pressure release valve on your filter, lotsa water!
You have a heater, right? The heater needs to be vented too. I think someone could make a ton of money figuring out how to capture all the heat that escapes a heater. You could even cook my steak over the exhaust... Hmmmm. Grill-Pool Heater combo. That's an idea! But really, heaters do have an incredible output. Vent that puppy.
FormerBromineUser
04-13-2015, 11:37 PM
Oh yea. Make a signature, wouldya? Thanks.
Toybuilder
04-17-2015, 10:26 PM
Oh yea. Make a signature, wouldya? Thanks.
Done! :)
FormerBromineUser
04-17-2015, 11:30 PM
TBD... Love it!
Toybuilder
04-19-2015, 05:19 PM
Well, it was another slow week for our build. Not much has happened because of the weather, 6+ inches of wet, heavy snow and rain on and off since Wednesday night. Can't even go back to see what's happened with the rest of the equipment. Supposedly, everything is done including the control unit for the SWCG.
This week, the landscapers are supposed to be back and we should have the deck and fire pit completed by Friday...but more rain and snow are in the forecast. :(
We'll see.
FormerBromineUser
04-19-2015, 11:59 PM
Hang in there, Toy. The weather WILL improve!
Toybuilder
04-20-2015, 08:45 AM
Hang in there, Toy. The weather WILL improve!
Sun's out and it's starting to warm up. :) Did you get your dumping you were hoping for?
Sun's out and it's starting to warm up. :) Did you get your dumping you were hoping for?
We sure did last night! I hope the liner didn't float. :eek:
Toybuilder
04-20-2015, 09:31 PM
We sure did last night! I hope the liner didn't float. :eek:
Hey Jim! I'm sick of rain. Glad it's going somewhere else besides our neck of the woods. :)
Hey Jim! I'm sick of rain. Glad it's going somewhere else besides our neck of the woods. :)
Thanks for sending it our way. :p
Toybuilder
04-20-2015, 09:37 PM
Thanks for sending it our way. :p
Blame Former. She asked for it. :D
FormerBromineUser
04-28-2015, 02:44 AM
You bet I did! But I have been in Virginia more than at home lately. My prayers have followed me! Just got back to IL tonight but headed back your way (Virginia Wesleyan) Thursday. Need more rain????