40 days & 40 nights

After an extended period of dry weather, the rain finally returned to Sonoma County. And, boy, did it rain. It was a full month with no progress on the RR. I didn't even work on the curtains. Last weekend, I made up for lost time.

I had ordered a sheet of Formica from Custom Design Countertops in Santa Rosa. Great selection, wonderful people. I, of course, knew nothing about how to cut and lay a countertop! A little research online and I was ready to go. It was IMPOSSIBLE for me to remove the original counter without disassembling the stove and just about everything else in close proximity to the counters. So I took a large piece of paper and traced a "pattern". I then taped the pattern to the formica sheet and marked the lines to cut. I used a very fine tooth blade in my trusty jigsaw and went at it. It cut fairly easily and the edges were nice and clean. To my amazement, the newly cut formica actually fit in place almost perfectly. A few touch ups, some Gorilla Glue to hold it in place and I now have a spiffy new countertop! I only wish I could have matched the original starburst design. I finished up my day by attaching all the trim pieces on the counter edges. Not bad work for a novice.

With the countertop all set, I had to get the enamel sink back in place. Once again, this is a task that really needed 2 people to complete. But everyone knows I'm too stubborn to ask for help (and too impatient to wait!). The sink hooks onto this little metal trim piece with these weird screw clamp things that hold it in place. The trim piece then sets in the opening in the countertop and holds the whole thing together. Kinda hard to explain. And even harder to do! I was able to wedge a piece of 2 X 4 underneath to support the weight of the sink while I twisted the screw-clamps into place with my fingertips. It looked so nice once it was all set. Its amazing that I didn't rip ALL of my knuckles open!! If only my dog Nani would learn to help out now and then. But she was busy napping ...

Sunday, I undertook one of my most dreaded tasks - plumbing. My buddy Robert from Ace Hardware helped me figure out how to hook up a new water line and sink drain. All I had to do was connect the pieces. But please remember, I'm working in a teeny, tiny space WAY in the back under the counter area. Nothing is easy or quick. But I got 'er done! I can now connect a fresh water hose, turn on the faucet and have running water. The "grey" water then goes down the drain, out thru an exterior hose and into the grey water container. FYI - I have had several other trailers and never used the sink or running water. But it is nice to know I have it all hooked up correctly and ready to go. Plus, once I get to putting the icebox back in it's place, I won't have access to this area.

I spent part of the day finishing up some of the interior detail work. I put all the trim pieces back on the stove. I hung the newly painted oven hood. I attached the remaining cupboard hinges and latches. My "to do" list is getting shorter. The inside has really come along nicely. Now I need to figure out that old sewing machine and get those curtains done.