Living

with Jim and Gayle

January, 2026

I delayed decorating for Christmas because we weren't sure when the kitchen would be torn up.  I finally decided that they wouldn't get to it before Christmas.


Friends, Libby and Mike, invited us for Christmas dinner.


I participated in a craft fair.  I sold quite a few of my painted rocks.


We went to the Desert International Horse Park.  There was a "La Quinta Day" where La Quinta residents got to tour one of the barns which are normally off limits to visitors.

Jim installed gutters on the house.  We had rain the last part of December so they've already been tested.  There were a couple of leaks in the corner pieces but Jim easily fixed them.


The kitchen is done!  We are very happy with the results.

The original kitchen cabinets were old and had been painted and they were peeling.  The formica countertops were coming apart, were stained, and had pieces missing.  The area around the sink had rotted out.  The faucet was old, the appliances were old, and the sink was a small double sink.


Cabinet installation


Counter installation


Jim and I did a lot of work in the kitchen.  Jim had to move an electrical junction box.  He had to re-seat a switch/outlet box.  He removed the old plumbing, garbage disposal, and dishwasher.  He reinstalled the new plumbing, faucet and dishwasher.  He discovered that the window had not been insulated properly so he redid that.




I painted.


The new kitchen.


Jim continues working on enclosing the water pipes that are running along the outside of the house.
What they used to look like.


Jim working on covering the pipes.


We added another project! 
The north side of the backyard was a cedar fence.  We decided to replace it with a block wall.  We have hired the work done but it is taking a long time to get city approval.
Jim removed the old fence.


The contractor started work but is now waiting for city approval and inspection of the rebar laid for the footings.  In the meantime, our backyard is pretty open.   Bo is confined behind a temporary fence.


All of Jim's projects had to be put on hold when the termites decided to retake the house.


Jim drilled holes at the base of the interior front walls (he still has the bedroom to complete) so that he could spray termite spray inside the wall.  He trenched around the foundation of the house so he could put down termite solution.


Bo helped me paint.