I've lived near the beach in south Texas for the last four months. Blocks from the beach not miles. I was actually there for work and did my job to the best of my abilities. Wish I had had a little more time to spend trying to surf and fish more. But I wasn't there for the surfing or the fishing. I'm not griping. Several things have happened. i have figured out I'm not sure where I want to take my life looking forward with thoughts toward the projects I had before I left.
I learned some things and met some new friends. I learned a little more about the value of life because of others who lost theirs. Very sad. One couple was camping the beach and someone ran over them late at night while they were in their tent. Another appears to have been a suicide by drowning. The third I'm not sure what happened but they hadn't found the person when I decided to head for home. I was going to spend a few nights camping on the beach in Mustang Island State Park  but the Coast Guard kept low level flying the beach and the surf looking for a person. The beach patrols were out all night with lights flashing looking also. The wind was blowing like crazy all night. An almost full moon was casting it's reflection on the water and the waves but the sand was blowing so hard it was coming in the windows of my tent so I slept on fine grains of sand most of the night. I actually didn't sleep but I tried. I thought I had figured out how to reposition my tent to alleviate the sand situation but the authorities hadn't found the person yet and it was really bothering me that they were focused on the section of beach I was camping on. Around 2:00pm I decided I was ready to go home. I really wasn't but I was missing home and was struggling with the loneliness. I repacked the truck, tied down the surfboards and the SUP and turned north. It wasn't a terrible drive home but it took a long time and I stopped multiple times through the night to close my eyes and nap. I ended up getting home about 5:30 AM.
It's good to be home but the same things I needed to do when I left were still waiting on me when I recovered from my all night drive. It's a bit depressing. The best thing is I can begin to see the benefits of having paid off my mortgage before I left. We now have a new metal roof which wasn't on when I left. The next thing is tearing out the lathe and plaster that keeps falling apart or cracking. In the process of removing the lathe and plaster I plan on re-wiring the house as it is around a hundred years old and has really had some poor attempts at updating by previous owners. I will also spray in a low density foam insulation to improve the air seal and establish some R value in the house. I have 4 more windows to install also. After the wiring and the insulation I'll get it sheet rocked and painted. Then we'll put down some new floors. Somewhere along the way I plan on refinishing the kitchen cabinets and installing new appliances. I also think I need to not leave the bathroom out of this equation. It's nice to finally be able to do some things to bring this place up to the standard I want it to be.
With all the re-modeling we are looking at doing we have been thinking it would be a good time to by a used RV to cook and relax in while I have the house torn apart. The problem with that is I am struggling making the decision to purchase one. I know it would make my wife a little more settled with all this but I really hate to spend the money. I am also forcing myself to not begin or pursue any of my other projects except finish an old pickup restoration for a friend of mine that I'm a year behind on. Long story. My fault. Not discussing. In lieu of an RV I could use a new shop and for the same amount of money I could get a 30x40 concrete floor, insulated shop. I can also plumb it and power so we could move out there until we get the house done. Not sure what I'm going to do on this one.
While in Texas I spent a lot of lonely evening watching You Tube. I found a channel done by a family in Costa Rico titled "Isurf Tribe". It's a really great little channel that talks a lot about surfing, life in Costa Rico, raising kids, growing up, good values, and life in general. I highly recommend it if you find yourself on you tube viewing the normal junk that just pops up. In fact if you watch it let me know what you think.  The other thing I did was take a surfing lesson from a guy named Puddy Albright. Puddy turned out to be a good friend who's struggling with some of the local officials and permitting at the pier in Aransas Pass. He'll get through it and come out fine but it shouldn't be such a struggle for a small business man. Buddy, if you find this hang tough brother it's really just about having fun!
I need to sell some vehicles too. I have two 1964 Mercedes Benz, a 190D running, a 200D in very sad shape. I also have tons parts for them. I have a 1982 Ford Bronco Mud racer with an 8" super lift and brand new 35 x 12 x 15 mud tires on it. It does run but needs a battery. I also put all new brakes, a new fuel tank, new steering parts, Edelbrock manifold and carburetor on it. Make me an offer. I have a 1982 GMC short wide 2wd half ton I might sell but would need some serious convincing on this one. I have also CONSIDERED selling my 2011 Harley Street glide again serious convincing needed to depart with it.
Since I'm getting rid of things i am also looking for a couple of items. First is a Little Giant power hammer in working condition. Second is a 25-30 foot sailboat but not a project.
My remodeling plans include updating the wiring in the house so I will pose this question. Is it worth including internet wiring, satellite cable, alarm wiring in the re-wire and maybe some speaker wiring with room controls throughout the house? What about interior design? Any volunteers and yes you should be able to coordinate a room to be pleasing not build man caves.
There's a lot going on around me right now and I always have issues staying motivated. Any encouragement and a little help would be greatly appreciated...
I'll close for now but would love to get some inspiration to write over the next few weeks.

Later...