I have finally started on my bathroom remodel, after putting it off for quite some time. I'm going to do it in stages. The first stage is the tub/shower area. I'm having Bath Fitter install new walls. I have backed off from the idea of removing the tub. The total cost will be in the neighborhood of $5600. (Would have been $10,000 to remove the tub and install a new shower). I put $1500 down. Work will begin in approximately three weeks. The next stage will probably be a new toilet and a new tile floor. Since I will be replacing a flush valve toilet with a tank toilet, it will be a bit complicated.

Before they can install the shower walls, I have to remove a towel bar that's impeding on the space. It is a ceramic bar, grouted into the tile. I've been trying to remove the grout, with little success, and in the process I have damaged the tile a little. I have decided that I need to get a handyman who knows what he's doing. Even if that wall gets damaged, though, it is a small area where I can just replace all the tiles, if need be. So I guess that will be the real next stage.

Even spending $5600 is scary to me, but I do have it in savings.

In other news, a dear friend who lives in Michigan has just been placed into hospice. I want to get up there and visit. 

Sometimes it seems like everything is happening at once.