Crazy

Demo hasn't even started and it's already crazy here! Well, in my head, anyway. (What else is new??) Yesterday was just surreal. In my old(er) age, I am just discombobulated when things are completely in disarray. I used to be able to live like this; but now it makes me nutters. I can't seem to focus, I don't want to do anything and everything I touch just seems to blow up. Blog, case and point. I was just trying to fiddle with it yesterday, and I suppose I fiddled a little too much. Thankfully, I was able to pull it back up, eventually--as in this morning. Now it looks HUGE. Does it look huge folks? Dunno. Even as I type here, the typeface is HUGE. Maybe my eyesight has become a little better so I can see all the messes I have made! Ya think??

There are papers and pieces of kitchen on every surface of my house at this time. OH, except the kitchen, of course. If these people don't start tomorrow, I think I will take it upon myself to begin demo. Now there's an idea. Truthfully, the only thing left for us to do is remove the cornice/valance from the kitchen window. It's going to be a pain. I have to take the valance off the cornices first. Do you think I will ever get it back the way it is now? I doubt it. Oh, and did I ever mention the amount of heat that radiates from these windows? And thus the BLINDS?? Yep, the blinds have to be removed too. It's going to be hotter than a pepper sprout in here while the guys are working. We get full afternoon sun here. Oh, and did I mention we hit 106˚ƒ last week? Yup. Whaaaa. Can I complain any more? Oh, I'm sure I can. Just hang on.

As you can see way above, Bella has discovered the fish here in the {NOT-so} feng shui study. She now drinks water out of the bowls. She had noticed the fish at one point, but I think she prefers the water over anything. I have to be careful and shut the doors when I leave here (this is where the computer is now) so she doesn't eat them. Oh, and yes, of course, I have locked her in here in my quest to keep her out. All fish are accounted for though. Thank goodness, I think she slept the entire time. Since this room is normally off limits to all animules, they are quite enjoying it as the latest hangout--all of them sprawled out at various times I am in here. Or, all at once. Bella doesn't let a whole lot of relaxation take place though. She really digs into the other two cats and doesn't even leave Roo dog alone too much. She likes to spit at her and Roo, in return, hisses back. The dog thinks she's a cat and Bella thinks she's, well, Lord knows what.

We have the first week of school behind us. The kid has been moved to an easier algebra class--math being his weakest subject. I was happy they were on it so quickly. Guess the low score on his first quiz was a red flag, ya think? And then, in science, he red-flags his first quiz there. Poor guy, he had this new orthodontic appliance put in on Thursday that is a real piece of work. Poor thing. He was pretty much a mess afterwards. We (or at least I) forgot all about the quiz on Friday and therefore didn't even study. What a way to start the new year off, eh? Thankfully, he seems to like his classes and teachers this year. That's always a good thing. The teenager loves his teachers and classes--always really good in your senior year! Phew. I'm thankful. He's been working longer shifts at the grocers'; and we had a little chat over that the other night. I've told him that school comes first and if the job ever gets in the way, it's time to pull back. Gonna have to watch him like a hawk--but what else is new, right?

Yesterday, I worked all day on several digital ATCs for a group I'm in only to find out digitals aren't allowed. Just the way the day went. Oh well, I understand. But, to tell you the truth, I spend just about as much time on a digital as I do a 3-d one. I didn't do all that work for nuthin' so I'll share them with you. Think perhaps, I'll just send them to the birthday gals by email. Now there's the best idea I've had in over a week! Yea yea, that's the ticket. Then, whenever I get my life (house) in order, I can make the real McCoy to send out. Now I feel better.

The hub and I are going out for a Sunday drive today. We've been apart for so long, between his travelling and my spending time at Riverside, thought it was time for a little tootle around. And so, we're off!

Done Messed It Up

Lordy, now I went and did it. Was talking to the hub, trying to do two things at once and POOF! Must have pressed the wrong button and reverted back to an old template of my blog. Loverly. NOT! Bear with me as I try and correct it. As if I don't have enough mess in my life right now! Grrrr.

Too Early

Must get more sleep.

I think {we} missed the {school} bus yesterday. Today, I am on guard duty. Still getting the bugs out of schedule.

The bed is calling me home. Must go back.

Red Hat Society

My luck, this would be me at my first Red Hat Society meeting. Thanks MJ for the laugh.

The Money Pit

For those of you familiar with the movie "The Money Pit," all I have to say is "two weeks."

"Contractors Art and Brad Shirk are called in, work permits are issued, and the job is originally estimated to take two weeks. The estimate of two weeks is a running gag throughout the movie. When asked how long a process will take, the answer is always "two weeks". Walter is increasingly frustrated by the delays and dubs the house “the money pit".; it'll get done in two weeks."

Oh, the famous last words of contractors! Ok, last week, the demo was supposed to begin on Monday. Then, it was changed to Tuesday, then Wednesday. I kid you not. This morning, I get a phone call, "Do you mind if we begin on Monday?" hehe. I think they (all contractors and workmen) go to the same school, don't you? It is quite a specialty they have of putting things off.

Of course, as I mentioned, the kitchen has been cleaned out since Sunday. And, as of Tuesday, I have given all misc. parts of my old stove to the friend who called dibs on it. So, obviously, I have no stove to cook on either. Grrrrrrrrr. I swear.


Tonight, we did our first cooking (and eating) at "Mom's Place." She was so happy to see us lugging my favorite pots and pans down. She cooked our hot dogs just right, like she always does. She watches things cooking on a stove like a professional guardsman keeping an eye on the safe. She never takes her eyes off the pan (except to smile for a photo op) and keeps food turned like a machine. She had those dogs evenly browned on all sides! The hub is out of town and the teenager is out with his buds, so it was only the three of us--mom, the kid and I. Yum. We ate on paper plates since we're moving the old dishwasher down here on Monday! We'll see if that rings true or not.

Today, we received our Chocolate of the Month from my brudda. Cupcakes!! My all-time favorite dessert (or snack, of course). Look how pretty. I haven't had a moment to see where they're from, but they are almost too pretty to eat. Never too pretty, of course, but almost. Think it's about time to have one to make sure they're fresh!

Soon to Begin

Oh, to have it all done and finished with--dream on girlfriend. The men helped yesterday to remove everything from all the cabinets. It was so much easier with all those hands. The old saying "Many hands, little work" rang true yesterday.

We got most of it done, leaving the crystal stemware and vintage tea cups for me to box up today. I told the hub, we may as well just move; it's all packed up ready to go! You should see the bags of outdated items I had to toss from the pantry. Perhaps the new system will help me keep an eye on that stuff.
As you can imagine, everything has spilled over into other areas of the house. I stacked a lot of junk on the dining room table. I'll get to it later. I just wanted it out of the kitchen so I could concentrate on the job at hand. Within a couple of weeks, everything on the back side of the house will have to be moved in order for the floor guy to come in and refinish the hard woods. Lovely. What a ball that will be. The fun begins on Wednesday when the demolition begins. I am giving most of the cabinets and appliances to Habitat for Humanity. A friend, who is using our house plans to build his house will be taking the range. The island with sink and old desk is being moved upstairs to the "Pit." That should finish out that part of the house nicely (and perhaps entice the teenagers to stay up there? hehe) In the meantime, I have moved my computer over to the study. It's nice being able to look out the front window and see what's happening, ya know? Won't be here permanently, who knows where I'll end up with it.

Today was the first day of school. Can you believe it? The kid brought home a big ol' box of supplies. We were able to order the collection from the school this year. What a difference! I remember last year as if it were yesterday. A list of 45 items was like finding a needle in a haystack (last year's post here). Of course, I bought all the wrong things, so I let them do the shopping this time! What a relief! Both boys had a good first day. Tomorrow the fun begins when it's the actual first full day. The teenager was up and gone before we knew it; so I guess he was ready to get back into the swing of things. Even the kid was up and 'atem. Looks like a good start to a great year. Let's keep our fingers' crossed, shall we? Now, it's time for my homework. Looks like a lot of paperwork for me to fill out is waiting on the table.

Cat-Day Afternoon

The heat has lowered a bit, but yes, it's still hot! We've all been staying in and enjoying the cool air conditioning. I sure would hate to be without it these dog (er, cat) days. The cats have been tearing up the house. Bella just aggravates the kajeebies out of the two older kitties. Every once in a while, Dave gives her a good nip to let her know who's really boss. She runs away as if she has been beaten to a pulp, only to return to irritate him some more.

We found this great little boiled wool rug for the kitties yesterday and they are loving it. I named it "the jelly fish." I think Dave likes it the most. He has been on it since we brought it home. The thought of lying on wool give me the heeby-jeebies. Lord, don't need any more heat!


Bella has been catnapping on and off today in between messing with Dave. Such the life.

Abby and Dave's life isn't so rough either.

We're heading out to the airport in a few minutes to drop MJ off. Pout. Til then, her and the kid are playing their last round of UNO. It has been a fun visit.


Now the fun is almost over. School starts on Monday. I should begin taking everything out of the kitchen today; but I think I will wait until tomorrow. I'm so happy they decided to begin demo on Tuesday. Gotta get down to biz tomorrow though. No other choice. Joy. Where am I supposed to put it all? Even my computer has to be moved. Sigh. I really don't even want to think about it; so I won't.

New Kitchen Cabs

I came home to a garage full of cabinets (and a penguin). Oooh, they look pretty. Of course, I am doubting my choice of jatoba for the island. It is really dark. Here's a pic of the island legs and a shelf that is going over the stove. It actually looks better in the picture.




This is my stove. I have always dreamed of having an AGA and they are finally making the dual fuel for the American market. I think I am as excited about the stove as I am about any of it. For once, I will have two ovens in one. It sure saves a lot of room in the kitchen combined like this.


And these are my cabinet pulls. I chose antique copper. The drawers will have knobs. I discovered that I like having knobs on my drawers so I can hang tea towels from them.

The kitchen folks are coming by this afternoon to go over everything with their peeps. I tell you, I sure don't look forward to this adventure.

Last Night of the Season

It is with sad news that I post on closing up Riverside for the season. Pout. I'm sure we will be down in the fall sometime; but just in case we don't make it, I'm seeing to it that everything is getting done. As you can see, my handy sidekick is supervising--making sure I get everything put away as it should be.

I found these wonderful canvas "bags" to put all my sheets in so they will be fresh when we (or guests) return. I love them. This is the kid's room. All fresh and tidy. I'm trying to be as organized as possible. I also found these great HUGE zip-lock baggies (can't find them in TN!) to put food products in. There's one in the fridge completely sealed with my spices and such. We'll see if they are air tight the next time we're down and open the cracker box, right? Don't know. All I know is that it is better than leaving ANY food products out to entice any varmint to enter the house. Lord forbid. That is my worst nightmare here. Knock wood, we've been fortunate so far. Of course, we have the occasional bug here and there--which totally freaks me out; but overall, for the climate and area we are in, I can't complain.

I found these cute shell "cases" to make a vignette in the kid's room. We found them at the store where I got the sofa. I told you it was a great place, didn't I? Speaking of sofas, here's the one in our bedroom. I finally got the hub's desk up there too with a great little lamp and a glass fish. Perfect for him to begin his writings, I hope. (Finger's crossed.) I moved the little deco table over to my window in the kitchen after we found a nice farmhouse table. (I opted against the old 40s desk.) Of course, we had to stain it the table--nothing is ever perfect.

Think I will have to paint it some more before I am happy with it. Time ran out this trip; so the stain will have to do. Do you remember the table cloth Peggy sent me in a swap? It is once again being used with lotsa love. Thank you Peggy for sharing such a special piece of you with me.
MJ has been here since Friday and we have been having a heck of a good time. Friday, our downstairs air conditioning was acting up and, of course, the repair man couldn't come until Monday. Saturday was so hot that we moved upstairs to my bedroom and played games all night. In fact, we ordered pizza and ate it up there while we played. It was too fun (and cool!). Sunday, we made it over to the beach where we found several weddings taking place. As you can tell, he water was a lot greener. I would love to find out what makes it that way. Several days before, it was crystal clear blues. We stopped for shaved ice on our way back home. I chose watermelon, and it was soooo good (and refweshing)!! Yum.

We have been having so much fun playing board games--Parcheesi, Uno, Sorry, Monopoly. OMG. What fun! It's been a while since we've whipped out the old games. Let me tell you, MJ tore our behinds up at Monopoly! Gee whiz. She hit the jackpot three times! The pic above is just before she won. This pot had over $6 k in there!!! After I landed on HER Boardwalk (with only three houses) and the bank couldn't afford to pay me for selling my hotels and mortgaging my property, we decided to call it a night (at Monopoly, anyway). As you can see, SHE had all the money!!
We then moved on to Sorry!. As you can see, I won that game (I was yellow).

Phew, I think I'm almost caught up on blogging and now it's time for bed. I'm tired. (Or is it the three pina colada's kicking in???)

Home at Riverside

The kid and I have been on a roll. We're trying to cozy up Riverside. We don't have much more time here before the "season" is over. All the sales are hot and heavy so we have been burning up the streets (as my mom used to say.) Yesterday, we found these great bird houses and an old shutter to use as a table behind the sofa. Of course, we couldn't let well enough alone and had to paint it up a tad. The navy blue just wouldn't do. We chose some mustard and a little red in the nooks. It turned out great.

Of course, the kid had to blow dry it due to you-know-who. We actually had to put Miss Bella in the laundry room, paint and blow dry the shutter. You know she would have been all over the paint like flies to . . . well, you get my drift.

It turned out nicely and the living room is getting cozy just like we want it. Little by little.

I also bought a second-hand sofa for our bedroom today (shhh, don't tell the hub). It's being delivered tomorrow and I am crazy like a mad woman washing the cushion covers. It was very very clean, but you know me and my phobias--can sometimes get the best of me. You know how that is. I can't wait to get it. I'm going to put it in the nook where it is well needed. It was such a bargain (and an Ethan Allen!) and the colors were perfect, so I couldn't resist. Unfortunately, (gulp) we discovered the perfect store for me. It has all types of vintage furniture and nick nacks and just stuff, as the hub calls it. It's where we found the bird cages and the shutter. Lord, save us all.

I have my eye on an old vintage 40s desk for where I sit in the kitchen. It keeps calling me back to buy. I am presently using the hub's that we purchased for the nook in the bedroom (which now will be next to the new/old sofa). It's deeper than this one which is my only worry. The price is right and the color is right, it goes with my shabby beach chic I'm going for here; it's just a couple of inches too deep. Pretty sure I can make it work though--dontchya think?

We miss our friends who left on Monday . Big hugs to Leenda and "the friend." We miss YOU!!