Fixer Upper: I See the Light

     One of the great features of this house is a huge pantry with deep shelves that beg for varying height storage solutions. We're at the beginning stage of planning for kitchen cabinets and I've negotiated (!) a pantry cabinet I'd use for grocery items necessary in the kitchen.

      I use the big, back pantry to store not only groceries, but also bar-b-que tongs and grill grates and accessories, blender, waffle iron, pressure cooker, toaster, and other small appliances. In addition, seasonal baking items are stored there. So, there's a great need for a pantry in the kitchen. One day, it'll all get sorted out and things will go where they belong.

As of this month, though, I've traveled from the kitchen to the pantry enough times to count as a personal workout.
     In addition: no light shines anywhere near the pantry. The overhead utility room light does not illuminate the pantry located in a passage way near the back door. I use a flashlight to find the canned asparagus.

light! 

 

wires and switch!   

   Today, Marvin fixed that problem. He ran WIRES and fixed a SWITCH and attached a light bar above the pantry door facing the inside of the pantry.
    I flip a switch and VOILA!  Light! I'm so excited, I could dance a jig.

   My husband made it a point to please me by doing this special thing for me today. It was no easy task and he had to do more than wiggle his nose. It could have waited, but it didn't; other things waited.

     I got a pantry light today.

Fixer-Upper: The College Experience

Never underestimate the benefits of the college experience.
A plethora of scholarly tasks engage the collegian and practicality rides alongside, outside the classroom.

Judi, Linda, Jane, Donna

Courses in statistics, college algebra, 20th century American literature, and "tracing the rise and fall of world civilizations" prepare students for an endless array of party conversation.

Dorm life, however, prepares students for L-I-F-E. Getting along with roommates, sharing everything except boyfriends, budgeting time and quarters for the laundry, and conducting midnight psychology and philosophy 101 sessions rival the refined skills of clocking in 30 seconds before curfew and learning to play the air-guitar. Dorm life gets down to the "nitty-gritty."

Ironing 101-revisited

Why I'm ironing in the bedroom. Dry Cleaners, here I come.

Who could imagine that at this age (!), I'd be putting to use one of the essential skills I learned in the dorm. Back in those days, though, I only ironed the collars.

Winter Wreath: "a little sappy"

             A project came along before my artsy studio could transform into anything other than a storage dungeon.
             Last year's stored away Christmas wreath begged to become this year's Winter wreath. The kitchen island became the work space; glitter and sequoia sap (a little sappy-Clark Griswold) shed all over the counter top; glitter fell into my coffee. The old ribbon was removed and ...

a cup of glitter coffee

                    Step 1 - re-securing the cones to the wire wreath.
                    Step 2 required a trip to the 50% off Christmas Decorations department at W..-M..t. "Natural" greenery and smaller cones, some with a hint of snow, jumped into the shopping basket. I kept wondering, "Is this too much?" I answered myself, "No! It needs to be bold."

stuff it!

                   
Step 3 involved "Stuffing it." As a sweet friend and I learned in Christmas tree decorating class, the absolute must for gorgeousness is "Stuff It." The same holds true for pretty wreaths. Just keep on stuffing greenery and other natural looking materials into the wreath, among the cones. Remember, the cones are "a little sappy."

Step 4 utilized ribbon in three different fabrics and colors: brown, tan, and gold. I make up "how to create a great bow" every time I tie one.
                   

Step 5 - the final touch included extra ribbon, gold accents, a few cotton bolls, and a prayer that I can get the glitter and sap off the kitchen floor!

Fixer Upper: Not What I Do Best

People love to do what they do best.

I love to talk, read, write, shop, play hostess, cheer, pat puppies, cuddle children, see new sights, cook, bake, and kiss my husband. There are other things I enjoy, but nowhere on this list is a verb associated with electricity...except kiss...on a good day. Not today.

Today has been about electricity and wires and needle-nose pliers, electrical tape, duct tape, screwdrivers, and trips to the low-roofed attic where Marvin is folded up running wire and rewiring, relocating screwed up wiring...all for the remodel.
               Running wire during a thunderstorm.
               Running wire under a flash flood warning.
               Running wire and trying to communicate with me using a foreign language; words made unintelligible in a deafening rain are muffled from attic to utility room. I don't speak electricity...except "It's on!"


Some of the wire he was trying to relocate ran from the carport to the attic but the brick's mortar had cemented the wire. It was encased in cement until he chiseled the obstruction loose and that's where I came in to save the day.

I made a hook on one end of the new wire. I used a wire cutter (needle-nose pliers) to snip off the other wires. I also used pliers to squish the wires together enough to go through the hole.Then I used black electrical tape to seal the deal (pictured at left). I looked for his flashlight signal and when I saw it, I shoved the wires up in the hole and he caught the hook and VOILA! the new wire could be pulled into the attic.  Ta-Da! (pictured at right)

Now, please, I'd like to cook supper and tell this tale while it's fresh on my mind.

Fixer Upper: DIY Window Treatment

      I’ve been browsing my favorite HGTV, Pinterest sites: shopping, admiring, contemplating window treatments since we ordered new windows for the house. I had thought those windows might be on the back burner since we do have windows, fancy ones, circa 1971; but, when I found dirt that pre-dated my children and portions of the windows falling out, the need for new windows “leap-frogged” to the top of the list. Every breeze has been finding its way into the house and dust has made it a party.

     Last week, we set up our bed in the MBR. The furniture fits perfectly and it was great sleeping in our own bed. Nevertheless, drafty and chilly described the weather conditions in that bedroom. Upon investigation, we determined that the windows were beyond ridiculous. We solved this problem with DIY window treatments.

      First, we placed the window panels where they belonged, holding them in place with sticks. Then, Marvin screwed stoppers into the runners/tracks to keep the panes from falling out, a situation primed to cause

immediate decapitation. Next, we applied gray (“silver”-‘tis the Season) duct tape around the window frame to form a seal against the drafts, breezes, and blizzards. I was charged with rounding up a large fleece blanket to wrap around the top mounting of the peeling, old-school mini-blinds. We then used multi-purpose push pins (not just for hanging pictures anymore) to secure the blanket to the edges of the window. Finally, we released the mini-blinds lock and down they slid over the blanket to rest gently on the gathered fleece.

     Voila. Window Treatments…double layer, “red-neck” window treatments.

     Luckily, ‘tis the season for Christmas decorations. Perhaps those who see the upside down pattern in the blanket hanging in our front window will think nothing of it. It goes right along with the leg lamp.

Fixer Upper: Stud Status

Studs (plural)

Stud (singular)

Studs.
Lots of them.
At the remodel.
In the MBR bath and closet suite.

Always good to have studs at your remodel.

Marvin started taking panels off the walls in the utility room/laundry room. The entry will be cut in tomorrow.

Selected tub and sink hardware today - didn't buy anything but made selections to get the spec sheets the plumber needed.

As I mentioned previously, the dryer moved into the dining room.

Fixer-Upper and the Porta-Potty Joke

Amber (David's <3 )

     The kids finally got here late Friday night and we met them at the door with some "bad news." We told them that we'd had some delays with the construction plan and the bathroom did not get finished. We then showed them the porta-potty out back, advising them to "go now, 'cause it'll be dark and lonely later." David was dumb-struck. Amber said, "We'll make it work."  Rich and Maureen said, "FOR REAL???"  No, really... "FOR REAL???"
     We fessed up because it was cold and late and we showed them the real bathroom they'd be using.

Rich

    All of them really liked the house and the very best thing about it is this: not only does it have indoor plumbing, but it's a "let's be together" house. We enjoyed everybody and laughed and joked and talked all together - even on the deck. The "guest wing" of the house for sleeping has 2 bedrooms and a bath, a terrific arrangement. The living wing (living, eating, cooking) is where everybody hung out - that and the covered deck.
      Because the high was 72 degrees, Richard took down a dead tree in the back yard, an event we recorded.We girls were the cheerleaders, sitting on the deck railings and enjoying the breezes on the covered deck, even as it began to sprinkle.We all helped pick up limbs and stack limbs and logs for burning.
   

ROTEL!!

     Then, we all watched the huge storm that went to the west of Rector. The lightning was spectacular, the rain significant. As the storm blew  through, the four kids flocked to the kitchen while Rich prepared Rotel cheese dip. They devoured cheese dip and chips and Mama smiled.

Rich and Amber plot the next move

      That evening, after Christmas supper, we played multiple rounds of Mexican Dominoes and I offered grab bag prizes for the winner of each round. That was a HIT!

David, Maureen, Rich

     Gift opening was such fun. After more laughs and conversations, everybody turned in for the evening.
   

Maureen (Rich's <3)

     As I reflect on this weekend, I think it was one of our best gatherings - we got to have both David and Richard and their sweethearts, Amber and Maureen, share Christmas with us at the same time. All together in the den, all sharing, all loving. It was a great family time I'll always treasure.
.

Fixer-Upper: Popcorn, Dressing, and Brownies

One of today's tasks deals with popcorn. . .(ugh!). . .ceilings.

The crew is removing the popcorn finish from the ceiling in the Master Bath and Closet area. The crew already removed the popcorn finish in the MBR. What once was a studio for Mrs. Brewer (excellent artist) became a catch-all room that was counted in square footage but was of no purpose or value when we bought the house. It will be of utmost value now.

"Better to remove that ceiling mess at this stage than when the walls are in place," Marvin told me. Makes sense.

While construction continued, I made the dressing (family recipe, of course) for Mr. Turkey and baked some icebox cookies (that I shared with the construction crew). I did not, however, share the brownies I made for David and Richard who will be here tonight for our Christmas weekend .

I think I better send them my new address: "Your parents have moved!"

(PS. While Marvin was out getting his tire fixed, I hung 4 pictures. I used nails and picture hangers, a hammer, and a strong sense of center. I did not use a tape measure, not one single time.  Pssst: don't tell!)

Fixer Upper: Bribes, Beans, and Bonbons

      Today was frigidly cold, the wind biting with conviction. I braved Walmart...again. Even with a list, I don't get everything. Went early to get back for the "big move into our Master Bedroom." That was quite a feat, but success was ours!
      Trying to locate the TV receiver for the MBR became a challenge. I'd moved it away from construction, paint, and other potential disasters lurking in the remodel of the MBR. I drew a blank as to where I'd put it for safe keeping. I searched high, low, and in the "storage dungeon." Finally found it camouflaged beside the big TV in the living area, blending with the other black boxes, wires, and stuff on that flat surface. Drives me nuts.
      In the meantime, the plumber and helper spent all day with us, roughing in all the plumbing for the new bathroom: shower, potty, tub, sinks, etc. The carpet man got everything put back very nicely. As I was driving home from Kennett, I thought about bringing the men a treat from Causbies: caramel-nut cinnamon rolls. Always good to keep hard working guys happy.
      As the guys worked on the rough-in, I worked on green beans and bonbons.
     
      Somebody's got to do the cooking, you know, and Marvin is my official taster. He declared the green beans and the oreo bonbons "killer." Causbie's treat came in a close second.

Fixer Upper: Step by Step

                                         Step by Step.

STEPS!

The plan takes on form.

The designer is watching, learning, and enjoying the process. He can see his vision take on "life."

His HVAC and sheet metal buddy is here to install the duct work.

I'm baking Christmas cookies and listening to weather predictions.

Gordon "Rocks"

And taking pictures to document the process.
          Step by Step.

Fixer Upper: Swapping out the Bed for the Dryer

The floor is being built up, the framing is being taken care of. A door opens into the future bathroom and closet suite from the MBR.

The MBR is painted. The construction is moving right along. We anticipate the carpet to be reinstalled in the MBR on Thursday. Then we can bring our bed and furniture into the actual MBR. Whoo-Hoo!

That will free up the dining room to store the furnishings of the utility room...like the dryer.

Fixer Upper and a Bride Doll

To complete the rewiring for the remodel, we had to tackle cleaning out the attic. Remains of life in deteriorating boxes is sad. Until the things falling from the attic have meaning to those of us graduating from high school in the mid-1960's.

Gail Brewer McDonald's parents built this house. She is close to my age so when I found her "bride doll," (I'd always wanted a bride doll - the one that could walk down the aisle, the one that had a satin dress, veil, and over skirt) I saved it out and decided to make a stack for Gail. Then, I saw letters, diaries, an autograph book, a newspaper, and Gail's two cheerleader letters for Rector Black Cats.
I knew she'd want these special items, so I called her. Indeed, she does want them.
I'll take them down to her sister-in-law's house and she'll get them after Christmas. I invited her to visit and she said, "I will. I'll walk up and knock on your door! We're so glad you and Marvin bought the house."

Fixer Upper: Getting the Bed out of the Dining Room

Adding two feet to enlarge the MBR required the removal of two closets and the wall portion at the top of the closets.
A woman who agrees to removing two closets has some 'splaining to do, for sure.
The plan for the Master Bath contains a major bam-boozle of a closet.
The doorway has been cut from the MBR to the future Master Bath which is to contain a tub, shower, 2 vanities, and one humongous closet.
The painter will be working on Monday-Tuesday, the carpet will be refitted on Wednesday and we can get the bed out of the dining room on Thursday!
                                David, Richard, Amber, and Maureen will be here Friday!

Fixer-Upper in Bright Blue

Today, the remodel project's beginning sped into reality: the contractor arrived before breakfast to get the first part of the project nailed (hmmmm) down.

Soon, the dumpster slammed into place and the porta-potty (!) was set. (I doubt any women will be using it.) The HVAC guy made pertinent observations and all these events took place before noon. My goal: stay out of the way and concentrate on paint colors.

Later, "construction paper" was applied to carpet and flooring. (Not in a rainbow of colors, which I first thought when M. talked about construction paper. I wondered 'why would Marvin need to buy construction paper...I think I have some in my craft basket!')  "Vis-queen" (queen being the word that caught my attention) is hanging in the entry hall. 

Tomorrow, the contractor arrives with his crew at 7 AM(!). Amazingly enough, I have an appointment to get my nails done and start some Christmas shopping. 

Staying out of the way is one of my best skills.

Fixer-Upper:Project One

Marvin with crowbar.

Sheet one removed.

My journey through a remodel begins this week. You can follow along and avoid living in the mess.
All I care about at the moment is "can we get this part of the project completed by December 16," when David, Rich, Amber, and Maureen will be here.
Marvin designed the remodel using the HGTV design studio for his computer.
He can see the starting line and the finished product. It's called "vision."
I can see pictures in the Home Beautiful magazines, envision beautiful cabinets, tile showers, soothing paint colors,and where the furniture will be placed.

         "Chip" Gatewood declared December 5, 2016, "Demo Day."

"Joanna" was thumbing through paint charts and hanging pictures in the other part of the house.

Project one: Enlarge the MBR 2' by removing a wall of closets; Create Master Bath and large Closet from an existing "mystery room."


Hey, don't break any dishes. (wallpaper border in mystery room)

It's Gold, It's Shiny!

     Oh, how I love that man of mine. The other day, he surprised me with something gold...and shiny. It was quite unexpected which made the gift all the more special. It's really something positive in a relationship when a man shares his heart and his pocketbook.

     I now have my very own, personal Lowe's card, and it's connected to HIS account! Lowe's has some really cool stuff. They should install a Starbuck's, though. I could get excited!

     Before I became too enamored with this surprise, I thought how my having a Lowe's card would make HIS life easier. I think my trips to Paragould to get my hair or nails done, to pick up a few things at Wal-Mart, or even to drop in at Belk's are compromised. When he's forgotten something or needs me to pick up materials, now I will be making another stop before going home.

After all, now I can pay with my very own Lowe's card.

Hoarder's Intervention Supports Education

            I’m a hoarder, but packing one-half of the living area has provided an intervention. Confession is good for the soul and urges the hoarder to free the desk drawers of their array, assortment, variety, plethora of ballpoint pens.

WOW!

I’ve been known to walk away with a pen I’m using if it has not been designed to scream, “I am not yours. Return me immediately.” The bottom of my purse contains a cache of missing pens.

           Today’s task included cleaning out the 4-drawer sewing chest I use as a side table. In the top drawer most of the pens were stashed. The next drawer contained sandwich baggies filled with labeled flash drives, some date to the time of floppy discs. To the side was another secret stash of writing utensils, including #2 pencils, sharpened.

            The third and fourth drawers held external hard drives, back-up drives for my computer and for the personal computer I had when living in Bartlett, an outside power source for my phone, and a few…pens.

Mrs. Renee accepts donation.

            I was astonished by the mass of pens I placed on the coffee table and showed the multi-colored, design extravaganza to Marvin when he got home. “You ought to take those to school…” What a great idea!

            The high school secretary received the phone call and gave the correct answer to win a large storage baggie of black and blue ink pens to be personally delivered to the office. She said the teachers would welcome them.

            “Johnny, why aren’t you doing your classwork/ writing your rough draft/ writing in your journal/ taking notes?” To that question, all students know the answer… “I left my book bag …in my locker/ on the bus/ at practice/ at home/ at my friend’s house/ in the cafeteria/…”

With the generous donation the school just received, “Here, Johnny. Use this pen and borrow some paper. Get to work!”

The treasure trove of pens lives on in furtherance of public education.

MEMORY, the game

For anyone who knows me well, you know I have a plan...and a schedule.

In keeping with my packing plan, today is scheduled for "keep working on the two back bedrooms and begin packing the Dining Room." Not going far at all when we move. Less than .5 mile. Still, ya gotta pack and organize.

Who remembers "Memory." Is that redundant? Not the song "Memory" from the musical Cats, but the children's matching game called "Memory." Played with face cards or specific game cards, the persons competing must remember where the "matching card" is located, despite the fact that all the cards are face down. Turned up one at a time, the person wonders, "Now, where did I see the mate to this card?" The players keep the sets and whoever collects the most pairs, wins.

Today, I was not playing "Memory." Until I uncovered a single knife with a bulbous shaped handle while going through Uncle George Ritchie's linen chest. It is engraved "Gordon." In script, of course. I don't remember seeing any other forks or spoons shaped as this knife, but I do remember seeing another knife, its mate, sometime, somewhere, today. Now, where did I see that other knife?

Ah, yes. It's in the bedroom where I keep all my needlework, sewing, crafting. I had taken down from the closet shelf the bags of yarn and a carrying case of Mother's that held her crochet needles, yarn, etc. The knife was in the case and I left it there. I rushed to the back room wondering if I had remembered correctly. I did!



I win the set of engraved, sterling silver knives, most likely belonging to my great-grandmother, Ella Jane Ritchie Gordon.

Early Voting with Jane

               Today, we had about 20 minutes before closing on the house we sold and on the house we bought. We decided to go across the street to the Clay County Court House and participate in early voting. Another gentleman was behind us to get credentials prepared. We were then directed to the room down the hall. A voter vacated his voting machine and I was able to step right in. Easy peasy.                     Everyone was in a cheerful mood and a good spirit filled the room. I felt comfortable enough to talk. As if I needed comfort to talk. Perhaps it was a hold-over from the 50th high school class reunion this past weekend...feeling free to entertain.
              After voting, I was given a "I voted" sticker with beautiful Old Glory waving within the circle. On a table, a whole stack of the circles and another stack of ovals twinkled in red, white, and blue beauty. Marvin finished voting a second later and the attendant said to him, "Be sure and pick up a sticker."

I said with a smile, "May we have two? Between us, we voted twice."
              The jovial man who was taking my voting machine position got tickled and said with laughter, "Now you're sounding like a Democrat - voting twice and all!"
              "Oh, no," I said. "I didn't mean that. Not at all. I shouldn't be joking around. I erase that...Delete...delete...delete."
              "Now, you really played your cards...delete? Really? Where's the sheriff? Arrest this woman!"
              Everybody, except the election official, was laughing.
              Marvin was backing out of the room, "Come on, Jane, don't get yourself in more hot water. I couldn't afford your bail."

Poultry Spice and Face Cream

     What is the shelf-life for a can of poultry spice?
If I can remember what house I lived in (pre-Richard) when I made gumbo (one time), and I have not attempted the recipe since, should I pitch the bay leaves?
Just how many containers of ginger does one need?
I'm cleaning out and sorting. Brenda Pilant: I categorized the spices. (hashtag: ocd)
      Here's the plan:
When it's actually time to pack for the move (to what house, still in Rector, I am not sure), I can open cabinets and closets, cubby-holes and hiding places, and load what remains into a box (or 7). Voila! That's it! I'm ready.
   

If the "stuff" is worthy of being saved and stored, it's in a plastic tote with a label identifying the contents. (pictured at left, 3 new totes to join multiple others).
      What had not used in the past 8 years, even forgotten in the back of a closet, probably went to my garage sale(s). Except for He-Man and Ninja Turtle sleeping bags, because you just never know.
       I have saved a number of baby things (for good measure). These baby boy clothes are just too cute and I remember my babies wearing them. FYI, David and Richard: precious outfits are not from the age of the Pilgrims.
      Richard has put his claim to 2 pieces of furniture. He arrives today and to his surprise, he will have some bonus items to transport. He will go through several boxes of his own stuff that he has not seen for 8 years. I feel a trip to Goodwill coming on...and some great catfish!
I'm really not stressed at all about selling,packing, and moving, so I can't quite figure out why last night I brushed my teeth with face cream.