Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Mission Creep

Wikipedia: Mission creep is the expansion of a project or mission beyond its original goals, often after initial successes. The term often implies a certain disapproval of newly adopted goals by the user of the term. Mission creep is usually considered undesirable due to the dangerous path of each success breeding more ambitious attempts, only stopping when a final, often catastrophic, failure occurs. The term was originally applied exclusively to military operations, but has recently been applied to many different fields

My son is home for the holidays. Jeffrey returned from Kingston's RMC (Royal Military College) for the three weeks which surround the holiday season. As you could imagine, his life is very active as he balances his duties as an emerging Officer with those of his academic education. When he's home, and the initial hugs, kisses and home-cooked meal have been masterfully executed, his game plan becomes that of keeping his mind and hands busy during three weeks leave at the home front. Last summer he removed and replanted my back yard, transforming it from the Garden of Weedin' to Splendor in the Grass.

I've mentioned before how Jeffrey is a sharp observer. This year his eyes turned to my bathroom sink. A couple of years ago, something sharp and heavy fell into the sink, causing a small nick in the porcelain finish. At first only a minor amount of rust formed but over the months, and now years, the full front portion of the basin, from the overflow hole right down to the drain has rusted, and smells poorly, inevitably evoking a gag reflex while brushing ones teeth.

Jeffrey, in his quest to keep busy during his time off, decided to change the sink in my bathroom. It sounded like a fine, and much appreciated plan. We live in a very small, decor-challenged townhouse, and the only sink that would fit the pre-existing cabinet was a nineteen inch, circular basin. The other fixtures in the room are bone/almond/beige - whatever the latest term is for not quite white. We went to the store, and found that those sinks only existed in white now. I was willing to sacrifice colour but, Jeffrey was anxious to do more than a one hour project. He hinted at my going to Frank's for a couple of days before starting his project so that I wouldn't be looming over him, wincing occasionally, or asking too many questions. I agreed, but before leaving we took a look around at what products might replace my current sink and cabinet.

There were all-in-ones which looked fine, but were too wide for the small 22" space that needed to be filled. To complicate matters, the heating vent sits on the floor, right on the edge of that 22" space making it impossible for a larger cabinet to overlap. We began to consider pedestal sinks and a different means for storage such as an over-the-toilet cabinet. Jeffrey knew the logistics, and so I left it in his capable hands and went to visit Frank for a few days.

When you remove a long-standing structure from the corner of the room, you quickly realize that neither the walls behind it, nor the floor beneath it will match the rest of the room. We discussed the placement of similar but contrasting tiles under the skin area and maybe building it up with a trim so that it looked like it was meant to be. Jeffrey purchased materials to wainscot that small corner of the room, and he selected what he thought would be a nice pedestal and basin. He set to work.

Tiling the exposed area of the floor was not working out, so Jeffrey pulled up the tiles from the rest of the room, revealing very old linoleum below. That too, had to come out since it was being ripped at in bits and pieces with the removal of the tiles. Beneath the linoleum was a floor board. It was in bad shape, having all but rotted through, close to the tub and toilet. Jeffrey ripped up the old, and purchased, cut and hammered down news floor boards. He then re-tiled the room with a pattern and colour similar to what I'd had before. He was in the middle of this process when I arrived home from my three days at Frank's place.

The following day, Jeffrey planned to focus on the wainscotting but I eyed the boxes in the front hall and we decided to open the one which contained the basin to see how it would look. Crap! The pedestal, being narrow in nature would have surely fit the 22" space with ease, but the top portion was a monster, and we could scarcely squeeze past it while entering the door. At that time, it also occurred to me that the pipes on the 19" wall were hardly centered, and actually sat at about 1/3 of the way from the left edge of the wall. A pedestal sink was not going to work. Back to the drawing board.

We returned to the store, where they graciously took all unneeded items back for a refund (except for the wainscotting which were opened at some point), and we focused on trying to make that 24" all-in-one cabinet and basin work in a 22" space. We found a heating vent that only required an inch and a quarter to lift up and out, and we found flexible piping so that the water and drain pipes would allow the cabinet to yield to a two inch lift off of the floor. The cost of the unit was 25% less than when we first laid eyes on it, so we took that as a cue that this was the right piece, regardless of the fact that it was now non-refundable.

It was reasonably easy to set up. Jeffrey read the instructions and I followed his directions of "hold this," "don't move it" and "can you lift and pull?". We put it into the small space provided before attaching the front panel and saw that the overlap was exactly as expected and really not bad. BUT then came the all-in-one basin and counter top which they did NOT include in the dimensions on the box. This lovely piece was exactly two inches wider than the cabinet, forcing it to sit two inches forward and to the left from each of the cornered walls. From above, that looked just fine, but the 24 inch space for which I had compromised mild aesthetic displeasure had now become a 26 inch tank sitting in the corner of the room. I had a moment of panic when the door would not shut past it, but realized that if I pushed it all the way back into the wall as far as it could go, I had a generous 1/16th of an inch leeway.

It's overpowering and large, and is going to take a lot of getting used to. But I have a functioning sink, with plenty of storage below. I have a son who has acquired a few new skills, to which I was mostly-willing to be his guinea pig. Most importantly, I have a son with a kind, generous nature. He is a gift all year round. And he's a hands-on exhibitor. Who else do you know who is so dedicated, to be willing to orchestrate a live demonstration of the term "mission creep?"

Wishing You All A Healthy and Happy New Year!


Below are a few photos taken during the holiday season. Please remember to click each one to enlarge.




Late one afternoon, just before Christmas, I accompanied Frank to get his tree. The golden sun was setting as he secured it to his car. (please click to enlarge)




All wrapped up and ready to go. (please click to enlarge)




On the way back to his place, the sunset provided a colourful backdrop, against the silhouette of the stop sign reflected in the side mirror. (please click to enlarge)




During a walk along the path, Benny keeps hopping at one of his favourite activities - jumping for a stick. (please click to enlarge)




And catching it. (please click to enlarge)




Fluffy snowflakes dust a freshly-frozen portion of the creek, creating a speckled pattern. (please click to enlarge)




Up close, you can see how they have formed into clusters. (please click to enlarge)




Back home, a walk around the lake with Benny. He paused briefly to allow me to take this shot of a mourning dove, perched nicely on a bench. (please click to enlarge)




I also wanted a serene photo of the ducks and geese which were calmly roosting on the ice, but Benny preferred an action shot. (please click to enlarge)




On Christmas morning, the fresh falling snow beckoned me to take a walk. Branches were heavy. (please click to enlarge)




The sky was mostly overcast but I glanced toward this mini-stream and saw the golden reflection of the hazy sun. (please click to enlarge)





Looking up, I could see that the sun broke through the heavily-clouded sky just long enough to peek between the branches of this tree. (please click to enlarge)

73 comments:

Femin Susan said...

I am glad that I met you.wishing you a happy new year

Frank Baron said...

Hehehe.

"Garden of Weedin'."

Like it.

Stealin' it.

Jeffrey's a brave lad. And wise. (For sending his fussbudget Mom to my place.) ;)

the Bag Lady said...

But...but.... where are the pictures of the bathroom?

Great story and photos, Hilary - you are lucky to have two such wonderful boys (I know you didn't mention Alex, but he sounds deserving of attention, too!)

Happy New Year!

Cheffie-Mom said...

Your posts and pictures are always such a joy! Happy New Year to you and your family!

Rain Blanken said...

Ha1 I now know the definition of 'mission creep' and I'm going to have to share that with everyone I know. Good read and great photos! Happy New Year!

**-2008 End of Year Blog Marathon- You are my 44th stop in an 8 hour posting extravaganza! A link to your site will be posted at Stomped Monster!** Follow my marathon live at Twitter: DIY_Rain

Country Girl said...

You have more photos in one post than I do in five! And they are all so good, Hilary!

When i clicked on that mourning dove, though, my breath caught in my throat. That picture is gorgeous. Ugh. I need a new lens.

Suldog said...

Hilary:

I am so happy to have landed on your blog. Always lovely photos; always an interesting story. There are four or five people I link to that are "must visits", and you are definitely in that group.

Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful images. I really enjoy your blog! Happy New year!

Anonymous said...

I was looking through different blogs and found yours.

I love all the pictures.

Quite... enlightening. :)

Just thought I would say Happy New Year and keep up the great blog!

Christian - Modobject@Home said...

Congratulations on Blog of Note!

Jo said...

You always have the most wonderful photographs!

Can you send Jeffrey over to my house? I have a toilet seat that needs changing.

I hope you and your family have a wonderful Happy New Year.

Cheers!

lime said...

what a wonderful son you have to take on that project. mission creep is nearly inevitable in small old bathrooms. i recall a similar project that went from merely replacing a leaky toilet to gutting and redoing the entire bathroom....ugh.....

happy new year to you and your family!

Peggy said...

I adore your pics! I love the outdoors in the wintertime and think there is nothing finer than noticing and appreciating all the beauty around us. You capture the magic, Hilary. Thanks for sharing. :-)

MuseSwings said...

Congratulations on your Blob of Note! Have a happy and healthy new year!

Daryl said...

Okay ... thank you for this post, i no longer need to vent/share my almost identical experience with our new 25 inch vanity/basin .. vanity is 'espresso' (brown looks black) vanity and off white basin. I got retro looking faucets both for under $150 .. then it cost us $400+ for ther plumber .. I dont have a Jeffrey!

Happiest of Happy New Year's Hil and thank you for your friendship

:-Daryl

G said...

A wonderful story. And I love the shot of the mourning dove, my favourite bird. I've never been able to get close to one. Happy New Year!

Jenn Jilks said...

Delightful blog, Hilary. I see why you made it as a 'blog of note'.

I was wondering where our geese have gone. We had a pair we named - well a trio...
Our Muskoka birds are limited to the smaller kind, although the Thanksgiving wild turkeys were a hoot! (I made a video of them!)

You could join the My Town Monday group. We have fun posting about things townish. You would fit in rather well.

Anonymous said...

No picture of the final product?

Mission creep is exactly why I haven't done anything to my tiny little bathroom. I would so much like to gut it along with the hall bathroom and make them both better! It would probably take away space from my bedroom, where my husband also wants a DItY closet project. Yep, big-time mission creep.

How wonderful to have a handy son!

I am intrigued by the photo of the sun shining through the falling snow. Of course, I always love all of your photographs. :)

Happy new Year!

Cath said...

You have a wonderful son. (So do I so I know how it feels. Warm, fuzzy and loved.)

Glad you got the bathroom sorted - and a 3 day break into the bargain.

Superb photos as always, with that one of Benny catching the stick at the top of the heap! Brilliant!

Mental P Mama said...

Happy New Year, Hilary! What a wonderful gift you have in Jeffrey...and Frank, and Benny...All the best for 2009.

Victoria Bennett Beyer said...

I love your photo of the birds taking flight (even if it was under duress). Is Benny a Jack Russell? If so, I understand...my terriers terrorize anything that moves.

RiverPoet said...

How cool is that? I love having a son who loves to tinker, too.

Have a wonderful new year, Hilary!

Peace - D

Reb said...

I have experienced mission creep and now I know what to call it! Lovely photos as always, great shot of Benny jumping and getting the stick. Love the Benny inspired action shot too.

Happy New Year to you all out there in the east!

blunoz said...

You are truly blessed to have such a talented son who is so generous to offer his time and energy. You raised him well!

Love the pictures, too. Have a Happy New Year!

Woman in a Window said...

I had almost forgotten about those light dustings of snow on ice. We get hit so fast and furious anymore there's never a light dusting.

I was wondering about the shot of your son in the bathroom at first. I thought, "Oh no, not home and barfing his guts out!" And NO, he was not home and yaking, but being a superiour son. Small favours.

Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

great pictures.

Bear Naked said...

Happy New Year to you and your family.
May we find peace in 2009 and safety for all our soldiers.

Bear((( )))

Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi) said...

LOVE you photos of Benny suspended in mid air. Also love the creek and morning dove...heck, I love them all! Great perspective, Hilary. I look forward to visiting your blog in the coming new year.

Wishing you and yours a happy new year!

Michelle H. said...

It's so wonderful your son is home for the holidays! Happy New Year Hilary!

Unknown said...

I would have love to see some pictures of the bathroom project. Happy New Year.

t i m said...

another visitor here via 'blogs of note' - I enjoyed reading some of your delightful blogs & also looking at the great pics you took.

happy new year! ;)

Reya Mellicker said...

Happy new year!

Love the levitating dog and the study of the trunk of your Christmas tree. Not only your son but you are a mighty observer of this incredible world we inhabit.

Thanks so much for coming to visit the Gold Puppy. It's overwhelming being a blog of note!

photowannabe said...

You have a stellar son there Hilary. I remember remodling our 40 year old bathroom before we moved. It makes me hyperventilate just thinking about it. In the end it was great but i sure don't want to do it again.
Fantastic winter scenes. Its always a pleasure visiting your blog.
Wishing you a wonderful New Year.
Sue

Hilary said...

• Thank you, Susan. I wish the same to you. Happy New Year. :)

• Frank, fine! But I get to steal some of your better lines. Jeffrey also knows that duct tape is not a decorative feature, so I have more faith in his taste. ;)

• Baggie, I'd have to get inside the bathtub to get a good photo of the sink. Yes, the bathroom is that small. Thanks for the kind words. Of course Alex is deserving of attention too.. sometimes even good! ;) Happy New Year to you too. :)

• Thanks very kindly, Cheffie. I wish the same to you and yours. Happy New Year. :)

• Wow, Rain. That's quite the accomplishment. Good for you. Thanks for stopping by and making my blog your 44th. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks, Kate. But that's because you'll post at least five times before my next one goes out. ;) I would like an SLR camera with a few good lenses too one day. As for this shot, the sun was just right and Benny actually held still. It just worked. Thanks for the kind words. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks, Sully. I feel exactly the same way about yours. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks, Marianela. Happy New Year to you too. :)

• Thanks very kindly, Lauren. I hope you'll come back often. Happy New Year to you too. :)

• Thank you, Mod Girl. Much appreciated. Happy New Year. :)

• Sorry, Jo. I'm keeping him all to myself for as long as I can. How about I just send Frank - you wouldn't object to a duct tape repair, would you? ;) Thanks for the always-kind words. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks, Lime. I think you're right. And then once that small bathroom is looking good, the rest of the house seems to be lacking something. It never ends. Thanks for stopping by. Happy New Year to you and yours. :)

• Peggy, thanks so much for the very kind words. I'm glad you're enjoying the blog and hope you'll return again soon. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks kindly, MuseSwings (cute nickname!) and Happy New Year to you too. :)

• Daryl I did see the photos over at your blog and this was amazingly similar - except for the colours - and the plumber - and yours fits! Thanks for the linkage from your post and thanks indeed for the friendship. Happy New Year to you and Mr. Toons. ;)

• Thanks very much, BPG. I'm glad you liked the shot. They're really quite a lovely bird. Dumb as a post, but lovely. ;) Thanks for stopping by. Happy New Years to you and yours. :)

• Welcome, Jennifer and thanks for the kind words. I had a look at your fine blog and I'll keep an eye out for your geese. ;) Thanks for the visit. Please return soon. Happy New Year. :)

• KC, like I told Baggie, the room is so small that I could not get a photo of it from the front but maybe I'll snap one from inside the tub one day. I hope you manage to get your projects underway .. and maybe you'll have lots of photos. ;) Thanks for the always-kind words. Happy New Year to you and yours too. :)

• Thanks very much, Cath. He is indeed pretty wonderful. I'm glad you like the photos. Thanks for stopping by. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks kindly, MPM. I totally agree. Happy New Year. :)

• Welcome, Victoria and thanks for the kind words. Yes, Benny is a Jack Russell Terror and he sure does have that terrier mentality. Thanks for the visit and please return soon. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks kindly, RiverPoet. Happy New Year to you too, Doris. :)

• Thanks very much, Reb. It would seem we've all experienced a bit of mission creep, eh? Keep warm out west and Happy New Year to you too. :)

• Thank you, Blunoz. His Dad and I must have done alright. Thanks for the good wishes and Happy New Year to you and yours too. :)

• Thanks, WIAW. I had to laugh when I read your comment because I wondered if anyone had thought that of him when they first saw that photo. Then again, I'd have to be a pretty pissed off Mom to post something like that. ;) And I'm never quite THAT nasty. Thanks for the visit. Happy New Year to you and yours. :)

• Thank you, Joseph. :)

• Thanks for the wonderful wishes, Bear Naked. Happy New Year to you and yours. :)

• Thanks very much for your kind words, Debra. I'm glad you enjoy the photos. I wish the same Happy New Year for you and yours too. :)

• Thanks, Michelle. I so agree. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks for the visit, Swaney. There were no other photos at the time, but I'll consider some of the finished project if I can. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks very kindly, Tim. Much appreciated. I hope you'll return often. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks for the return visit, Reya and for the very kind words. It's an unexpected change, isn't it? I hope the oddballs and spammers have kept to a minimum for you. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks kindly, Sue. I'm glad we've latched on to one another's blogs early on. I always enjoy your posts and your visits. And your photography is always so inspiring. Thanks always for your visit. Happy New Year to you and yours. :)

Kimora Saintlee said...

Happy new year. This is the first time I have read your blog and I enjoyed it. I have had some diy improvement mission creeps myself. LOL. I wish you much happiness and success.

Anonymous said...

Hi Hilary!
Just only got in to blogging and came across yours, you have amazing photos, Im an art and design student and like taking photos too only my cameras bust now! Hope you have a great new year!
shabs
p.s your banners cute-)

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you've kept Jeffrey and Benny busy!.... as always, very nice pictures Hilary.
Happy New Year!
The Bach

Anonymous said...

I really loved the pictures you took with the mirrors and reflections involved. It made me think a little bit about what the original object might have looked like without the reflection. It has reminded me of a puzzle, which you have to figure out. I enjoyed it a lot.

JC said...

HAPPY 2009. Congrats on having a great, handy and considerate son. How blessed you are.

Cedar said...

Clone that young man!! You did a good job in raising him Mom.

As per usual great pics, I had to turn up the heat!

Dave said...

A well written, descriptive piece of work Hilary. Your son is certainly an amazing young man. The fact that he stuck with the job regardless of the challenges that appeared as work progressed speaks heaps to me. Many would have given up and left you the mess to sort out! Well done! - Dave

steviewren said...

Congrats on being chosen Blog of Note! You are very deserving!

Your bathroom redo story sounds so much like mine...except mine dragged out over 2 years. One thing lead to another. Everything either had to be replaced or moved at least once during the remodel. It all started because the shower pan was leaking into the basement. My youngest son did most of the work. He hates working at my house now, bless his sweet heart. The room looks great. I'm sure you will love your nice new floor and sink too.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful son you have! This project has "I love you, Mom" written all over it!

And the pictures are wonderful, as usual. When I was trying so hard to get pictures of the geese on the lake in flight, now I know what was missing -- Benny! I may have to rent him sometime. :)

Happy New Year, friend.

Kristophe Dumasis said...

hi Hilary!
your blog is very interesting. i'm glad i've stumbled upon it.

happy new year!

Concord Carpenter said...

Congrats on making the blogs of note!

Happy New Year! ROB

Jenni Renee said...

Sounds like a pretty amazing son to me. Glad things worked out. lol. Keep Smiling and your pictures are amazing.

Maggie May said...

He is gorgeous and helpful....... you lucky thing.

Loved the photos...... the one that stands out for me is are the ducks about to take off or land and the dog leaping for the stick. Well they are all lovely really. Was that your tree on the car roof? Was a fair sized one!

illegalmangoes said...

my.
you have such great photography skills.

Hilary said...

• Welcome, Kimora and thanks for the very kind words. I hope your missions creep less than mine did. ;) Happy New Year. :)

• Welcome to blogging, Shabs. Thanks very much for your kind words particularly about the banner. I had a lot of fun putting that together so I appreciate the compliment. Thanks for stopping by. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks very much, Bach. It's good to see you around and about the Blogosphere. I've missed your posts. Happy New Year to you too. :)

• Thank you, AJ. I'm glad you liked the photos. I guess I was just in a reflective mood that day. ;) Thanks for stopping by and Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks very kindly, JC. I couldn't agree more. He's a great kid, as is his brother. Thanks for the visit. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks kindly, Cedar. I have to agree with you about my son. His Dad and I are very proud of how he's turned out. Thanks for the kind words all around, and Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks very much for the kind words, Dave. There's no denying he's a great kid, but I may be biased. Thanks for stopping by. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks very much Steviewren. I wasn't even aware of the "Blogs of Note" until this blog was among them, so it was quite the pleasant surprise. It seems that most renovation stories have similar outcomes, eh? I'm glad yours worked out in the end. We clearly both have great sons. Thanks for the visit. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks very kindly, Sandra. "This project has "I love you, Mom" written all over it!" What a lovely way to put it. :) On a good day, Benny can be rented out real cheap. On a bad day, he's all yours. Just don't tell Frank. ;) Thanks very much for the good wishes. You're such a dear one. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks, Topheyyy. I'm glad you did too. Thanks for the kind words and Happy New Year to you. :)

• Thanks very much, Rob. Much appreciated. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks kindly, Jenni. I agree with you about my son and appreciate your kind words. Happy New Year. :)

• Thank you, Maggie. The tree was Frank's. He roped it up onto the car and I shot the photo of its trunk which actually looks a lot thicker than I think it was. Thanks very much for your always-kind words. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks very much, Pipeless. Much appreciated. Happy New Year. :)

Rick said...

Hello Hillary, Please forgive me for being so bold, but I am doing a bit of blog surf to invite people to sign up for my giveaway. There are no gimmicks. This is just my way of celebrating two years of blogging. On January 4th I am giving away a free caricature drawn by me. I'd be honored if you came by and signed up for a chance to win.

Anonymous said...

Very pretty photos. :-) Wishing you a happy new year.

Shammickite said...

I love the bathroom renovation story. Hooray for Jeffrey! My small 1969 vintage bathroom underwent a full renovation a couple of years ago.... and experienced many of the same problems. In the end, most of the water pipes, drains and electric wires were relocated, a whole new floor was put down, and all new fixtures instaled. It worked out OK, but only after finding that the new bathtub was wider in the middle than the old one, and we couldn't shut the door.... so the inner edge of the tub had to be set into the wall... I learnt lots of new words that day.
Terrific pics as usual... specially the action shot of Bennydog jumping for the stick.

Alex said...

Cool photos! Definitely different than the winter I see in Florida

Dianne said...

I love the notion of being overwhelmed by one's own sink - I can relate - my own Jeffrey fixed all my electic switches - I can dim and night light and oh my!!

I was overwhelmed and turned to my lamps lol

action shots of Benny - what a treat

oh - your Jeffrey is very handsome :)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful shots on your blog. Happy New Year to you!

Indrani said...

Lovely shots and an interesting story to read. Wishing you another adventurous year.

Tricia said...

What a wonderful son you have. He sounds like a dream, someone whose presence is everything a mother needs to make the holiday bright, and all year long!

The Scribbler said...

In IT we call it "scope creep" - but it's all the same mess.

Philippines said...

Happy New Year! I came upon your blog and really liked the pictures.

I bet you had a wonderful holidays with your loved ones around,, and keeping busy at the house :)

Kurt Tarvis said...

Awesome post and pictures!

Anonymous said...

I love the picture of the Mourning Dove. And now I have a far better descriptor of those ungodly home projects we have had that seem to develop a life of their own...Mission Creep. How fitting.

Happy New Year to you and yours!

Kerri Farley said...

Wishing you a belated Happy New Year! What a sweet son you have!
And LOVE the pics....especially Benny :)

Mariposa said...

I'm a newbie here and found your blog by chance.

I really would have loved to see the new sink. I'm thinking about redoing our really really small bathroom and I'm afraid of having the same problem you had.


I enjoyed your pictures much, thanks.

Crabby McSlacker said...

Love to hear about Jeffrey's visits. And the photos, as usual, are stunning.

Note: the ducks and geese taking flight were awesome--thanks, Benny, for setting them in motion!

Hilary said...

• Thanks, Rick. It looks like it's past your deadline now but thanks for the offer and good luck with your giveaway. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks very much, Tootie. And Happy New Year to you too. :)

• Thanks, Shammie. I bet you knew those words all along but just started to used them in earnest at that time. ;) Thanks for the kind words and I'm glad your renovation story worked out in the end. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks very much, Alex. I'm glad you like them. Happy New Year.

• Too funny, Dianne. I think we should trade off Jeffreys for plumbing and electrical work. ;) I'm sure my son is reading the comments and blushing appropriately at your kind words. I'm biased and so I agree with you. :) Thanks for stopping by. I'll give Benny a scratch behind the ears for you. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks very much, Diamond and Happy New Year to you, too. :)

• Thank you, Indrani. I wish the same to you and yours. Thanks for stopping by. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks, Tricia. You got that right. They both are in fact. Thanks for the visit. Happy New Year. :)

• Scribbler, I'll bet there's a creep in every field. ;) Thanks for stopping by. Happy New Year. :)

• Thank you, Andrew. You'd win that bet for sure. Thanks for stopping by and Happy New Year. :)

• Thank you, Kurt. Much appreciated. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks very much, Gawilli. It is a fitting name, eh? Thanks for stopping by and Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks so much, Kerri. I appreciate the visit. And Happy New Year to you too. :)

• Welcome, Mariposa and thanks for the kind words. I'm glad you happened upon my blog. I'll include a photo of the sink in my next blog post.. coming up real soon. I hope you have good luck with your renovations. Thanks for stopping by and please come back soon. Happy New Year. :)

• Thanks very kindly, Crabby. Benny sets a lot of things in motion, but I'll agree that he did a good job with the birds. Thanks for stopping by and Happy New Year. :)

Flip Flops and Summertime said...

Hey, the new sink looks great! I've encountered similar "mission creep" projects.
Even though I'm a Summer person, I love your snowy, winter pictures. Nice.

Mr. Someone said...

Your photos are beautiful. I hope you have a really awesome new years.

Just a side note - as a software engineer you've always got to be on the lookout for mission creep, although in programming circles we tend to call it scope creep. Your story of the bathroom fix up is a perfect analogy for the sort of scope creep that happens when you create software for a business but let the little extra bits and pieces of work that you didn't agree on with the customer send the whole thing out of time and budget.

I'm new to blogger and yours is the first blog I've had a good look at. I've really being enjoying your photos and stories. Thankyou :)

Hilary said...

• Thank you, Flip Flops. I'm very much a summer person myself, but am appreciating winter a lot more with a camera in hand. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thanks very much for the kind words, Mr. Someone and welcome to the Blogosphere. Before my son started this project, I'd never heard the term "mission creep." It was he who described what was happening that way. Now that the term is etched in my brain, The Scribbler, a few comments above yours and you have introduced "scope creep." I'll bet there are a lot of different creeps out there to be found, and I don't mean the kind visitors who comment on our blogs either. Thanks so much for stopping by and good luck with your blog. I wish you the best of New Years too. :)

Thomas the Pain said...

nice photos thanks

Hena Tayeb said...

You have got a great blog...i liked some of your pictures too..especially the one with the stop sign in the side view mirror. Great shot.

Hilary said...

• Thanks, Thomas. :)

• Thank you, Henzy. I just took a look over at your blog and your photography is wonderful. Thanks for dropping by. :)

Susan English Mason said...

Hilary,
I just love Benny; what a great animal. My favorite of your new pictures is the silhouette with the Christmas tree.
Susan

Hilary said...

Thanks, Susan.. much appreciated. :)