empty nesting

clearing out rooms in anticipation of work next week. the last of the carpet is going away (bedroom. center hall. den.). oh. so. happy.

took advantage of the clearing out process to sort through and clean out drawers and cabinets. I don't mean to be a hoarder. but it seems like I have an awful lot of saved stuff. treasures. maybe. crap. possibly. memories. definitely. some went. some stayed.

most of the floor work is being done by professionals. so glad for that. but we think we can do the stairs ourselves (she says optimistically). a. it seems fairly contained. b. it was almost twice as $$ for them to do the stairs as a regular large room. (I know labor intensive and all. but there are limits on my coin purse.) so wish us (me) luck. I did take out the carpet and old (disintegrating) padding and all those little tacks and staples. ack. looks better already.

I am eager to put the rooms back together. especially the center hallway. after almost 10 years living here. I'm still perplexed on this room. the space has always been a challenge for me. I've never been happy with its function or appearance. when we looked at the house the former owners had a grand piano there. it was a perfect location. but a. I don't have a grand piano. or b. plan to get one. so I have to sort through my many treasures and furniture items to see what may do. I have some ideas. and that is always dangerous. but fun.

and while the rooms are empty we're having some walls repaired and rooms painted. so fabric samples and paint chips are strewn about. I've narrowed it down to a few favorites. fresh. cozy. comfortable. pretty.

and in between the floors and the painting we're taking a trip to see the babies. grandson C is turning 3 (where did that time go)!

so busy. exhausted. satisfied.

'three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.'

forget me not

over the years we have collected many treasures. and, oh! the things that fill our attic.

this morning, the hubs pulled out a few pieces that have been waiting patiently (very, very patiently) for the right home. I had forgotten exactly what they looked like. and seeing them again. well. amazing!

now to rewire. hang. and enjoy.

happy (very, very happy) me.

'in the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary.'

Monday Monday

had a productive weekend. satisfying. to-doing. movie-filled. francophiled. house-guested. enjoyable.

took care of the bane of my existence. the ceramic tile surrounding the den fireplace is now history. no pun intended. since the ugly inappropriate tile was never part of any history of this old house. it came off fairly easily. a bit of repair underneath to be done. and then onto a finished product (she says optimistically).

checked a few films off our watch list. some planned. some totally random (and one eligible for the 'worst movie ever' category). favorite: Nebraska. learned a lesson: Ender's Game (don't read a book before watching a movie. and ps Harrison Ford - what were you thinking taking on that role? totally miscast). worst: I, Frankenstein (I know what was I thinking?).

thoroughly enjoying my vicarious ride through France (even in the rain). oh Le Tour. I love you so.

Milo, the neighborhood cutie, spent the night. a totally adorable dog. he makes me smile.

the hubs is busy with projects. what a good guy. I love him so.

next on my list is emptying out three rooms in anticipation of refinishing the wood floors. can't hardly wait.

'the only thing that has to be finished by next Tuesday is next Monday.'

it is after all

had a great meeting last night with the neighbors about the Home Tour. the focus of the Tour is centered on our town's newest National Register Historic District and the five homes will be within the district. the beauty of the one street concept is that everyone can be involved. it gives the community a big bang. and it gives the neighbors a happy rally call.

we have a wonderful neighborhood. friendly. beautiful. as well as historic. every age. occupation. interest. and it's quite lovely that this event will be a celebration of friendship as well as heritage.

and last nights gathering proved it is indeed a small world. a new neighbor came by and as we were talking we discovered her husband and his brother and our daughter went to the same American School outside London - at the same time! I am continually amazed at the coincidences of life.

'Amor Fati – "Love Your Fate," which is in fact your life.'

hello Saturday

the hubs is back in town. hooray! I really don't mind a day here and there of solitude. but a week at a time (especially when it dips into the weekend) is a long time indeed. but there is good news to report. he has begun the trek to retirement. (even though last Monday [which was coincidentally the first official start day], he left for Vietnam. travelling 60 hours for a 30 minute presentation. go figure.) and in a mere 18 months he will finish his 39 year career with IBM! hooray! the upside of a week gone is a whole week of time off! hooray!
and today begins with another hooray! le Tour de France! I love the riders. the scenery. the commentary. the hoopla. the 21 days in France (and a bit in merry ole England).
and some fun working on new doors for the screen porch. upgraded to a sturdier model. painting today. and hopefully hung tomorrow. hooray!
and Saturdays around here always inlcude a bit of an outing. hooray!
love a day that starts so cheerfully!

'there are exactly as many special occasions in life as we choose to celebrate. '

on the ottoman

Still Life with Bread Crumbs by Anna Quindlen. a sweet book that I read cover to cover in 24 hours. I don't know when the last time I did that. stayed up late to finish. enlightening. real. highly recommended.

yesterday held some great things. started on two projects long procrastinated. (and realized one will be a bit more than expected. oh well.) had an unexpected lunch with a friend. (a call out of the blue. the best kind.) treated myself to Greek food for dinner. (the hubs is away and I eat sporadically, at best.)

yes. a very good day indeed.

'the best things in life are nearest. then do not grasp at the stars, but do life's plain, common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life.'

ps

yes. it’s Christmas in July. this is a gentle reminder to myself that the home tour is approaching. I am making lists and checking them twice. fun projects. tedious. necessary. overdue. simple. exciting.

I keep thinking that December is far away. but time flies. and I am a great procrastinator. and as of today. I hear the clock clearly. tick. tock.

‘the bad news is time flies. the good news is you’re the pilot.’