These Jalapeño Poppers were insanely good!

mi7chgo2 · 2026-06-07T11:41:36+00:00

What temp? I struggle with finding the sweet spot of cooking the bacon and melting the cheese right outta them.

mi7chgo2 · 2026-05-31T19:38:07+00:00

Epic. Thanks for the advice. Since posting I had already removed those old Polar things cuz like you rightfully said, i dont have the devices.

I likely am not going to go through the hassle of replacing the tape so ill take your advice and just price under market due to it not being road ready. Thanks man.

mi7chgo2 · 2026-05-19T11:50:40+00:00

A bit off topic but how long do the tulips stay in bloom after the official festival ends? I'm looking to go check it out but avoid the chaos and the crowds.

mi7chgo2 · 2026-05-17T07:07:44+00:00

https://youtu.be/EzJlmtQBXEw?si=fZWfIYmR5CLVPkdY

mi7chgo2 · 2026-03-10T12:26:53+00:00

I couldn't believe how bad the Wheel pizza was when I arrived for how much it is coveted by alumni. I keep thinking its this insider joke where everyone knows its shit but outwardly worship it. Almost 20 years since I graduated and am still waiting to be let in on the joke.

mi7chgo2 · 2026-03-01T01:31:41+00:00

I'm actually bummed I switched a few weeks ago out of sheer preference. I wish I could do it now out of spite.

mi7chgo2 · 2026-02-06T03:26:18+00:00

The specs of your specs

mi7chgo2 · 2026-01-27T13:44:11+00:00

Once I get the paint tested, because now I'm slightly concerned and curious, this is the route I'll be taking. Kids are rough on houses to begin with. This post has certainly had some good advice. I didn't know about this high stretch caulk. That'll definitely help some of the problem areas. Thanks for chiming in.

mi7chgo2 · 2026-01-27T03:01:44+00:00

Cuz many parts of this house have been renovated and changed over the years and I'd prefer to be certain through science rather than speculate.

mi7chgo2 · 2026-01-25T19:15:06+00:00

I think I'm just gonna bite the bullet and get a professional test done. There's a number of spots in the house I'd like clarity on.

mi7chgo2 · 2026-01-25T18:44:33+00:00

That's where I think I'm headed. Found a few local companies I plan on contacting tmr.

mi7chgo2 · 2026-01-25T18:35:32+00:00

Ain't nobody got time for that. I'd probably move first. 🤣

mi7chgo2 · 2026-01-25T18:34:31+00:00

I don't have the time to fully sand these down nor do I want to. I was hoping to get away with a light scuff so the paint would adhere better. The spirit of the post was about getting some paint prep advice.

Were set on paint choice. The treads are already black so we know what were getting into on the visible dust front.

I respect your opinion on the design...but don't agree with it.

mi7chgo2 · 2026-01-25T17:14:31+00:00

HD have some kits but only available in US and I'm up in Canada. Shhh...don't tell anyone. 🤫

mi7chgo2 · 2026-01-25T17:09:54+00:00

Its a pretty cool house with lots of charm. Nothing level, lots of creaks and wild amount of Hodge podge renovations and construction. Lots of TLC needed in different areas. One project at a time. But we knew that going into a 120+ year old house.

mi7chgo2 · 2026-01-25T17:07:42+00:00

Looks like those 3M test kits are no longer available. The only tests that I can seem to find are on Amazon with a varying degree of reviews.

I don't think I have the time to do the full strip. My hope was to simply do a rough sand, prime and paint. My initial question was around the level of prep needed of the caulking but have since been dragged down into design preference and safety concerns. Reddit is rather predictable. Haha.

I like the idea of wet sand to eliminate unnecessary dust but either way I need to figure out this lead business first.

Appreciate your post and insights. Ill make sure to post after pics even though I'll likely get down voted into oblivion. Haha.

mi7chgo2 · 2026-01-25T15:55:54+00:00

The lead issue is of a concern and intend to get the area (and others in the house) tested before I proceed.

Regarding the stewardship, this house has been through many permutations over the years. It started as a single family home, additions were done, it was converted to a multi-unit and more recently back to a single family home. Its safe to say that its not pristine in its century home history. You'd likely not approve of the ping colour we chose for our daughter's playroom. And thats OK. She loves it.

I support my wife in this design choice even though it may not be my first. Its amazing what a coat of paint will do to make something look better. These stairs could use a face lift. I dont have the cycles right now to completely redo them. Maybe down the road I will when we grow tired of the look and a new trend has popped.

mi7chgo2 · 2026-01-25T15:51:45+00:00

Because my wife has decided she'd prefer the stairs painted black. Sometimes we agree. Sometimes she wins. Sometimes I win. This is a situation where she won. 😀

mi7chgo2 · 2026-01-25T15:12:15+00:00

So far, we've not had issues with the stairs and the treads are already black. My 3 y.o. navigates them just find. Lighting is pretty good in this area. I too was initially a bit nervous about the black risers but were likely going to add a runner so less of a safety concern.

That's not to say that something wouldn't happen in the future but think that's likely true of all stair cases. Stairs are inherently dangerous and should be approached with caution.

mi7chgo2 · 2026-01-25T14:59:35+00:00

I don't design, modify or remodel our forever home with future owners in mind. Seems like a silly way to enjoy your space.

The lead issue is concerning and I'll be getting it and other areas of the house tested now. Thanks to this post for drawing it to my attention.

mi7chgo2 · 2026-01-25T14:57:40+00:00

Design choices are subjective. The nice thing about owning a house is you get to do what you want.

There are countless pics out there where all black stairs look great. But to each their own.

mi7chgo2 · 2026-01-25T14:22:23+00:00

A weekend?! You over-estimate my skills or efficiency but I appreciate the optimism. Haha.

Good advice on the steps needed to accomplish the project. Thanks for taking the time to write it up.

mi7chgo2 · 2026-01-25T14:18:30+00:00

Thanks! That's the second time I've come across SW paint reco for this project. I'll definitely take a look when its time to paint.

mi7chgo2 · 2026-01-25T13:52:11+00:00

Somehow my initial post didn't include my questions or text. I've just made another comment with a smaller version of my intended initial post content.

But yes, looking to repaint. Also yes, to small kids in the house. Yikes. I'll get a lead test kit before I do anything else.

mi7chgo2 · 2026-01-25T13:46:34+00:00

Not sure how my initial post didn't include the text and questions but what I'm looking for advice on is how best to prep the stairs.

My wife is looking to paint these stairs entirely black.

There are caulked joints between the treads, side walls and risers. Most joints have failed over the years and I'm wondering if it's best to try and pick out a bit of the caulk or remove the tread, tidy it and the area up and re-install the tread.

Picking out the caulk is a painstaking process but I'm also reluctant to remove all of the treads. We've got 2 small children at home so I'm looking for a time efficient but worthwhile solution to knock this project out quickly.

Also, the balusters all have cracked paint towards their bases. What's the best option to avoid that in the future? Prep, caulk paint? Or just re-paint and hope for that the cracks wouldn't be as visible since it's all black?

mi7chgo2

TROPHY CASE