You've read about that, haven't you?

It started last fall, when our family was visiting my sister's family in Iowa, just about high school football championship time.

There, across the alley from her house, was a forlorn-looking sailboat, complete with a dishwasher toward the stern .

It was just the kind I'd been looking for (the boat, not the dishwasher).

Well, one thing led to another, and the following weekend, my brother-in-law was delivering the craft -- sans kitchen appliance -- to our home in McCook.

I was ready to do the refurbishing necessary to get it ship-shape.

That's when the first symptoms of "but first" disease struck. It was November, and I didn't have an indoor shop. I was ready to work on the boat -- but first I had to wait for better weather.

Fast forward to March. It's almost nice enough to work outside -- but first, we needed to finish up some minor drywall patching and painting from LAST summer's projects.

Now, about that boat ...

But first, there's that pile of bargain ceramic tile in the carport. With a teenage boy in the house, it seemed like a great time to create a main-floor shower -- for his convenience, mind you, keeping him out of dad's shower had nothing to do with it.

So, it was time to read up on the Internet about ceramic tile installation and install that shower...

But first, how about some practice? The old shower could use some extra ceramic lining, so that project was used as a guinea pig.

By now, it's April, and other sailing friends are already heading toward the lake. No problem; it will only take a day or two and we'll be with them ...

But first, there's that other shower. After that practice -- let's say, my wife's practice -- on the upstairs shower, the main project should be no problem...

But first, that shower will look out of place in a shabby, old bathroom. Not really; the bathroom was newly remodeled when we moved in 12 years ago, and didn't look all that bad to me, so let's get on to that shower ...

But first, how about the floor? Ceramic would look nice there, too. And those cabinets ... the distressed look is "in," so they'll have to come "out" for refinishing. And the toilet -- that has to come out, too.

So, the ceramic shower is completed and we're ready to do the floor ...

But first, isn't it a nice day out? It would be a shame not to attack the lawn, clean out the planters and install new annuals.

So now, the floor is done, the fixtures are ready to be reinstalled, and who knows when we'll make it to the lake.

One thing for sure, when we do, it will be ...

but first.