I stopped in to Lowe's.

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Kitchen cabinets, several types of flooring, and a few other things to look at were on the list. They have so much and there is so much more in other places. But in looking I am informed that what looks like a complete sale is actually only part of the sale. Some things I had considered, some things had been overlooked. Sub-flooring for the tile, for example, had been on the list. That would be less than $300. The tiles could run from $200 to $600 (and up, but I am discussing what caught my eye). Cabinets were from $150 per linear foot, with some added benefits. However, I had not considered trim, kick plates, etc. for that. Hardwood flooring was more like $4 to $9 per square foot, plus much more complex installation. Thankfully I have less than 100 square foot, more like 60 I think, in the dining area off the kitchen. But it all adds up and fast.

One of the men I spoke with had really good information. I was, to say the least, impressed with the full range of his assistance. He, like me, is middle class, likes certain things, and figures out how to get them. I looked at some impressive marble tile. It is on sale at less than 1/3rd what that material generally costs. Marble? Me? Maybe... seriously. It is not 58 cents per square feet as the least expensive material is, more like 3 times that, but... Marble, and beautiful marble.

Okay, after coming out of candy land, my head is spinning. The second man I spoke with offered me a manual within which are instructions for measuring and diagramming the kitchen (and off room as well, or I am going too), so that their experts can look it over and optimize material use, considering measurements, a potential kitchen island, appliances, outlets, floor levels (so it is all flat, level, even), and some other considerations. Yes, my head is spinning.

Something else I am looking into... water rights and a possible well. That whole process, especially here, is nearly insane. I have heard that dealing with the office that deals with that is a good way to go loopy. Obtaining the services of a licensed water engineer is probably the way to go. Though, as with anything, there are no guarantees. Getting a license to drill means obtaining underground water rights. Those rights only offer, if done correctly, a permit to drill. It seems, from what I have seen, that these rights and the process to the license seem to be priced at about $4k. Drilling, from what I have heard, costs around $12 a foot, including good surface to water piping, though that seems too cheap? Of course, that does not include pump, wind/sun/other power source and hookups, or piping to the house and wherever else one would want the water. Nor does it guarantee the water drilled too, if found at all, would be usable, healthy, tasty, or anything.

Yes, projects. Yes, work, money, design, thought, and a lot of hope. But this is what I have. If I were not doing these things, and more (think re-roofing the chicken coop, cleaning out the stables (little ones, goat sized), rabbit cages or even possibly barrel warrens, and typical upkeep), what would I be doing with my time and money? Games? Blogging? I think I can still do those. College? We will see, but keeping busy in off (and even "on") times is important. So much to do. A world to rework!

Oh, and though it is my home and my acreage, it is not. I am merely a caretaker who has been given responsibility for this place. I cannot own it. If I did, when I die, I would take it with me would I not? So, as a man who has stepped up to the plate of responsibility, it behooves me to do my best. Ah, the trick is to do it reasonably, financially soundly, within my health limitations (with the hope that I can stretch the borders of that), and sanely... Ugh. But it is a joy. I see things, great and small, in my mind. I hope to see some of those things fruit.

Good night:)