In an unusual move for him, John forgot that he was supposed to come over to my house after babysitting his granddaughters. I think it was driven out of his mind by his (literally) crappy day. Unfairly in my opinion, he was expected to adhere to his daughter's 3 Day Potty Training method for her 3 1/2-year-old, a sort of Boot Camp scenario. It's not working so far (4 days later) although the parents have caught her a few times and put her on the potty after the fact. They are trained, but she is not. Unfortunately, John isn't as aware of Granddaughter's signals, especially when he's also dealing with a six month old. Thus, he had to clean up after a multitude of messy accidents. Unlike Older Daughter and me, John's daughter uses disposable diapers (we do cloth); consequently, they aren't accustomed to getting so up close and personal with bodily functions. Lest you think I'm judging, both my girls potty trained at 3 1/2, but without any real pressure from me. I would never have considered an intense method like this three day fiasco.
This is how I spent most of my day with workmen in the house; they arrived at the door in masks too and we all kept our distance.
Here's the before...
then the during--which included a bit too much bending over exposure at times!
Mari enjoyed exploring the equipment and boxes whenever the guys took a break. :)
After many problems fitting it to my small firebox, including some colorful language, the technicians got my new gas fireplace up and running. However, I was so busy fretting about how to use the remote control that I forgot to check out the actual insert. Do you notice anything? Anyway, I hope they'll come back and deal with the issue. I absolutely hate how distractable I am at times!
Guess who loves having her fireplace back? :) I also remembered today that the insurance guy and restoration company hadn't contacted me for a LONG time. The adjuster didn't receive the emails that the project manager sent him (he claims) although his email address is listed. The project manager hasn't responded to me at all yet. Due to our nasty weather, there are no other contractors in the pipeline at the moment according to the insurance man; they're all completely booked. I've already looked at this mess for several months and it appears that it'll be substantially longer before I can get any repairs. I'd also forgotten that Younger Daughter is still having relationship and other problems and was reminded of that tonight. Perhaps forgetfulness isn't such a bad thing?
I looked and looked, but from 3,000 miles away, I just cannot see what the problem is with your new fireplace. It looks wonderful; I'm more than a little envious. Enjoy!
Posted by: Kathy | January 19, 2022 at 05:00 AM
I don't notice anything but you do and you live there. It will bother you until it is fixed - I appreciate that!
Posted by: sillygirl | January 19, 2022 at 05:32 AM
I also don't see a problem with the insert? Inquiring minds want to know? Haha. It looks warm and cosy though.
Posted by: Kaye | January 19, 2022 at 07:02 AM
The only thing I spot is the lack of the brass trim but I think it looks better without it.
We tried everything to potty train our oldest without success. Finally she learned in an instant by us just asking if she wanted to use the same toilet as us without any child seat on it. So that is what we did with the youngest and she too just did it one day and that was it.
Posted by: Ed | January 19, 2022 at 07:23 AM
What a bummer day for John. He may not have made good company after enduring that goofiness. Maybe the cat's litter box would work better for such an approach. If she had "multitudes" of accidents, sounds like she's having too many bowel movements a day. Training could be even more fun.
Okay, I'm noticing the brass trim is not on the new fireplace insert. If it's something else, I'd be afraid to mention it in case it would worry you unnecessarily.
Most cats hide with workers in their house; that's cute how Mari is inspecting their tools.
It looks really pretty; but I'd prefer a cute guy lounging in front of the fire. That must be what you think is wrong with it.
Enjoy the fire; Kansas City is heading back to single digit low temps today. Linda in Kansas
Posted by: DrumMajor | January 19, 2022 at 08:15 AM
I love your new gas fireplace and see nothing missing. The contrast between the white tile surround and the black insert is lovely and very contemporary. If you like contemporary? Boot camp potty training sounds extreme and not something I would support. Based on his experience, John should recommend they disband this approach. Mari is adorable investigating the toolboxes. She is a curious kitty. Enjoying some great nibbles and a glass or two of something special sitting by the fireplace will be just great for you and John.
Posted by: Susan | January 19, 2022 at 08:49 AM
A friend and I switched days for our online chat. We now take turns forgetting to sign on. I refuse to blame it on age, I'm sure it's just a reluctance to change.
Sounds like much craziness all around. I feel for John. And it goes on my list as another good reason not to have children.
As for the fireplace, if it's the brass trim I prefer it without. It's up to you but I hate brass trim. Or shiny trim in general. I've noticed a lot of gold trim, knobs, pulls, and faucets lately. I'm just glad you and Mari have your warm fire back. I hope it resolves your heat pump issues!
Posted by: Zazzy | January 19, 2022 at 09:40 AM
Your fireplace looks beautiful. I can imagine how warm it keeps the room. Mari is proof that someone likes it.
Posted by: Ally Bean | January 19, 2022 at 10:23 AM
I think it's asking too much for John to watch an infant and potty train a toddler!
Your fireplace looks so lovely! I with Mari!
Posted by: Karen | January 19, 2022 at 12:34 PM
Ohhhh, so not fair to put potty training on grandpa! No way! Clearly she is not ready if she's on day 4 and pottying on the floor yet.
I love the fireplace insert. I only see the shiny stuff around missing, but I like it better without that. But, that's me. I don't care for gold, brass, shiny stuff like that.
Posted by: Wendy | January 19, 2022 at 02:05 PM
I am reminded of a relative who was trying to potty train at (I think it was 9 months). I never inquired about her success or lack thereof. She had a PhD in psycholog, so maybe she was onto something that would bedevil mere mortals. ,
Posted by: AC | January 19, 2022 at 02:34 PM
Is it the brass trim that everyone is suggesting?
Posted by: Dianne | January 19, 2022 at 03:10 PM
Yeah, I guess it's the brass trim though frankly I didn't get that until I'd read all the other comments. It would be fancier with the brass but Mari certainly doesn't seem to notice any difference. I've said this (perhaps frequently) before but Mari is a gorgeous cat.
Posted by: Catalyst | January 19, 2022 at 05:43 PM
Apparently I missed a few posts. It's been a stressful week and it's only Wednesday. And I'm sick again.
The fireplace looks lovely and that will be so nice for you and your older daughter when they move back to the pacific northwest.
As for potty training, we're working on it too and so far it's been a no go. He knows when he was to go but he doesn't want to do it in the potty and wet pants don't bother him. Stinker:)
Posted by: Pixie | January 19, 2022 at 08:04 PM
Also, the fireplace looks better without the brass. Just my opinion.
Posted by: Pixie | January 19, 2022 at 08:05 PM
Hmm. I can't tell what's wrong with your fireplace. It really looks beautiful.
Wow, what a bizarre story about John and the granddaughter and the bootcamp and all of it! Jeeze. I really have no words.
And man! What in the world about all that construction work and now everyone is...vamoose? In the midst of it all? Oooh, I'd be so pissed!
Posted by: Tonya Watkins | January 20, 2022 at 09:26 PM