Removing a stripped screw

I recently learned the trick to removing a stripped screw. I had a stripped screw on the half wall by my kitchen, which the old homeowners had used as a hook for the phone. I didn't need it there.

Use a hacksaw to create a slot.

Then use a regular blade screwdriver.

That was easy.

Hand of a Woman

Thought I'd vacuum my car today, but I had another job coming. I don't know much about automotive mechanics, so here's the quick and dirty version:

I walked out to the driveway to see my car had leaked anti-freeze all over the driveway. Gallons. Turns out, I had a broken radiator drain cock. (See, I told you it was dirty.)

My aforementioned, knowledgeable Dad (who taught me everything I know about tools) and brother Bill (who helped me with the mortar project last week) came to my rescue again. We took out the radiator, pulled out the broken drain plug, replaced it with a new one, poured in some anti-freeze and bingo-bango, the car works again. The part only cost $5, and the anti-freeze was on sale.

Bonus: We spread some of the mortar powder on the driveway to soak up the spilled fluids.

I took this picture, which I call Hand of a Woman. I try to be independent. I don't always call my dad to help when any little thing goes wrong, but it is so nice that he is there. And I have the sweetest brothers, too.

Garage, Part 1: Mortar

The cornerstone of a good garage is a good cornerstone. And I had trouble in that department.

The cinderblock at the back corner of my garage became loose to the point where I could pull it out with my hands. I could see this was a do-it-yourself job. But I did not do it myself. I called in my dad and brother Bill. Dad brought the knowledge and a box of tools. Bill brought the laughs.

Before mixing mortar, we prepared the surface. Crumbling bits of the old mortar were chiseled from the loose brick and the rest of the wall nearby. Then the area was cleaned with a wire brush and sprayed with the hose.

We mixed a small batch of Quickrete mortar from an 80-pound bag ($4.47 from Home Depot). The product bag (and my dad) suggest adding a little water at a time, letting the powder absorb the liquid. Fold the mixture until you don’t see any more dry powder. Then plop the mud until you have a good consistency. It shouldn’t be crumbly (too dry), but be careful not to add too much water; it will make the mortar weak.

“When you think it’s too dry, it’s probably ready,” my dad advised. He also at one point told me I needed to add “a shot glass” more water -- as if that’s the only unit of measurement I know.
We spread a layer of mortar on the bottom of the surface before sliding the brick in place using metal dowels, which were later removed. Then we grabbed trowels and mortar boards and spent a good deal of time shoving mortar into cracks. It was about as glamorous as it sounds.
My neglected garage needed a lot of patching. We went through 120 pounds of mortar that day, mixing small batches at a time so the mortar wouldn’t dry out in the sun.
The final step is to take a tool called a rake to scoop the excess mortar along the joint to form a nice curve. After the mortar is dry, rub a wire brush over it to remove any loose pieces. Then you’re ready to paint. Which I’ll do. Soon.