Upstairs Doors and Floors Remodel Finished

The remodel has really been finished for a couple of months, and I did get the rooms put together for the most part, but never took any pictures because of one thing and another in my life at the time.  Now might be a good time to show a couple of the changes.

New hardwood floor in the living room.  I was originally worried about caring for it, but have found it to be durable and very easy to clean.  I got a low gloss option and it is really ideal in my brightly sunlit living room.  New couch and chairs are sized down to fit better with the large piano.  And a beautiful new railing that I added as a last minute idea.  My contractor is so wonderful to accommodate all my wishes, even in the last stages of the project when he needs to be moving on to the next one.

 Dining room with wood floors.  The flooring also extends down the hallway and stairs, and into the TV room.  I kept carpet in the other two bedrooms.

 Frankie photobombs my dining room picture.

The main change in the bathroom was the shower.  The original shower had a small door and a lowered ceiling and with a yellow tile finish, it was dark and uninviting.  We opened up one whole side of the shower and replaced it with clear glass.  We raised the ceiling to the height of the room, added a shower light and a deluxe dual head fixture.  New paint on the walls finished this one. 

One of these days I'll get some pictures of the new doors and the TV room which were also involved in this remodel.

With the completion of this project, I'm finished remodeling.  There's nothing left to do in the house.  Oh, maybe I'll paint a room now and then and change out curtains and bedspreads.  But this is it for the main things.  I can live in this house a long time and enjoy it.  And when the time comes to sell it, it will already be upgraded and ready to go.

I have to note this was the one thing from my 2013 New Year's resolutions that I didn't complete in 2013, but with its completion a few months into 2014, I don't feel too badly.

Spring 2014 - The Yard is Beautiful

Almost nothing makes me happier than the day Alberto's crew comes to do the spring cleanup in my yard. This year especially so. With the extra family duties, I've had no time to tackle things in the yard. It was such a mess, it was getting depressing. But one day with the cleanup crew, and my yard looks like heaven on earth.

The perennials are growing and a few are blooming. I will have something in bloom from now until well into Fall. I planned it that way. And I'll be adding more perennials again this year as I always do. Alberto's guys always pull up a few thinking they are weeds, but I don't complain much about that since they do such an amazing job.

 Today is an overcast day, so colors in my photos are muted. But the yard is lovely and all the little birds seem to be enjoying it as much as I am.

Frankie checks out the first 10 pots I've planted in annuals so far.  Still have 10 of medium to large size to plant, and another 8 or so little ones.

An Idyl Life

I would like to never go out again.
Out and about, that is.
Just stay indoors.
Or lounge on the patio.
Or stroll around the garden
but seldom farther.

People could visit
And bring wine
and cheesecake
and chocolate
and crusty bread
or flaky croissants
or pain au chocolat.
And pineapple
and tender pea pods.
And shrimp to sauté
in butter and garlic.

And stay too late
and drink too much
and have to sleep over.

We'd walk around the morning yard
Picking weeds and flowers.
Filling bird feeders
and baths.
And then coffee and cheesecake
for breakfast.

And say goodbye
and all return home
for mid-day naps.
Then afterward wash the clothes and dishes
take out the trash, and tidy the place,
just before the guests arrive,

To do it all again.


"An Idyl Life" by Becky Stauffer
copyright 2014

Caregiving

I had just one goal this year: Take care of Becky.  I had the best intentions.  But the truth is, my life has been absorbed by the needs of those around me leaving little time to follow my intentions.  This is not to complain.  Not at all.  I am glad to have the precious time with my grandchildren.  I'm glad to be able to care for my parents, despite the difficult circumstances.  I'm glad to give the love and support my bereaved friends need.  It would be easier if all of these needs hadn't come at the same time.  But they did and I find myself more and more short on time and energy.  I've had to put my needs on a back burner for now.

I'm happy to report that my dad has reached something of a stable point.  His health is still frail and his memory is only functioning at maybe 30 percent, but a plateau is still something to appreciate.  As a result mom is managing better on her own without as much help from all of us, and I am driving to Ogden fewer times a week.  I may be able to get down to one trip a week now.

And I will have some respite from my regular daily childcare duties when the Brazilian grandparents of my grandchildren arrive the end of this month.  They will stay all summer and I will be freed up until fall.

And things are changing in my friends' lives, too.  One has sold her house and is moving to another state.  Another may do the same.  All three are doing better all the time and filling their lives with new challenges and responsibilities.

Life is returning to a "new normal".

As things ease up on me in the coming weeks, I need to revisit that goal and start looking after my own health and well-being.  So much I want to do.  But first I will catch up on sleep.  Again.

Life

Things have a way of changing and changing and changing.  I keep thinking when the current "thing" is finished, life will finally be calm and I will have time to do some personal pursuits.  But the truth is, all the "things" in life tend to overlap, and that calm time never arrives. 

I don't remember which ended first, the remodel or the kids being out of school, but before those ended, my father took ill, was hospitalized twice, and has been up and down, but mostly down, ever since.  The situation with my folks has required that we siblings spend time in the home helping with care and household tasks.  It has necessitated a great deal of driving since I live about 40 minutes away.  I'm glad to do my part and grateful to have three other siblings who can help.  We have a large family, but some live too far away to help and one is in denial that any help is needed there. 

I am becoming far more acquainted than I would like with home health care workers.  I'm glad we have them coming in, but it also makes me think about what I will want for myself in the same situation.  As his health declines, dad dislikes all the attention and people coming and going.  Mom dislikes it too.  Help can be a hardship.  How is dad?  Not well.  What is expected?  We have no idea.  Medical people treat conditions and don't predict outcomes.  We hope for the best; prepare for the worst.

At home, I have the comfort of my little dog and things blooming in the yard.  The weeds are no comfort. But if I don't get around to them, then I'll turn to my trusty landscaper, Alberto, for help.  And I enjoy my finished home, although I have no time to invite guests to enjoy it with me.

I don't know what the coming days, weeks, months hold for the family.  But one thing I'm sure of is change.

Clark's Grebes Courting

I finally got out birding again yesterday.  During the remodel for the past several months, my house was in chaos and it was hard to find anything--including my camera.  It was nice to have it in my hands again.  I took little Frankie along to visit Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge for the first time in months.  The migrants are returning or passing through.  It was a wonderful birdy day.  One of the treats of the day was observing early courting behavior of two Clark's Grebes.  It's early yet and just a handful of these grebes have arrived at Bear River.  Soon, this will be a common sight.

The remodel - one more day

Every day this week I have expected it to be the last day.  But as you might guess, a couple of things delayed us.  For one thing, I decided I wanted to replace the stair railings and had to make some quick decisions about style and materials.  Then we had a realization that my contractor didn't think I wanted the lower set of stairs to have hardwood to match the upper stairs, while I had thought that was the plan.  So the upper stairs are done, but the lower ones are yet to do.  Glad we discovered that when we did.  Luckily, there are enough materials, barely, to complete those stairs.  So those two major things and then maybe a half dozen little things that need finishing up and we will be done.  Finally!  This could all happen tomorrow.

What is finished is so beautiful and the kids had fun playing on the new living room floor today.  Brandon is disappointed my photo here doesn't do justice to his excellent arrangement of toys.  But it does do justice to the lovely new floor.  It's funny, too, because the kids begged me to go with carpet instead of hardwood because they thought they liked playing on carpet better.  Now they are on board with the wood.

Tomorrow the new couch is delivered.  The new chairs are special-ordered and won't be here until April.  I need to decide on rugs now.  I've looked at about a thousand, so I should know what's available.  Today I started the slow process of moving things back where they belong.  I'll take my time as I put the rooms together and change things around as I get inspiration, and continue to get rid of things.

After a very stressful couple of weeks, I begin to feel calm and relaxed.  I am happy with everything we've done.  This is the fourth major remodel I've had done with Scott and I know by now the quality will be excellent, even if the completion isn't as fast as I'd hoped.  With this remodel, I'm finished.  Every room has been touched in some way--some more than others.  There is nothing left to do except decorate inside.  And, I suppose, I should stop spending money now and save for my later retirement.  I'm ready to really settle in and enjoy my home and stop thinking about changes.

Weary but with more patience

The remodel continues.  The doors are finished and look very nice.  The shower is finished and is just beautiful.  Only the flooring remains.  We were delayed partly because I couldn't decide what I wanted, and then when I decided, the item I chose had a long lead time.  So I finally decided on a different option.  It has been ordered and will be in Salt Lake next Tuesday (I'm told) and will be installed next week.  If all goes as planned, which it never does.  But after that, there's a little paint touch up to be done and then they are finished.  At least I do have some peace and quiet in my house while waiting for the flooring to arrive.  This has helped me to renew my calm and patience.  I'm still pretty much living in the basement, but I've gotten used to that, and I'm so glad it is such a cozy and homey place to pass the time.

Temperatures in Salt Lake will be near 50 all week long, with lots of rain in the valleys and snow in the mountains.  This is just how I like my winters.  The birds are singing in the yard and I begin to have hope for spring.

Weary of Remodeling

It's been a week of chaos in my house with the entire upstairs torn up just to do doors and baseboards.  We haven't even gotten to the floors yet.  Poor Frankie and I are cowering in the basement.  I'm glad this is my last inside project.  I no longer have the patience to have a driveway full of trucks and a houseful of men having their way with my property and crowding me out.  *sigh*  I know I'll love it when it's done.  But I have to whine a bit while in the middle of the mess.

2014 New Year's Resolutions

I'll start the year by not wishing "Happy" new year to anyone.  I have been shaken this past year by the losses in my close circle of friends.  I remember starting out so hopeful in January, little suspecting the tragedies ahead.

Instead I will wish us all a contented new year with the courage and strength to face its challenges, and grace in accepting whatever good fortune it holds.

I reviewed my three simple resolutions of 2013.  I accomplished the reorganizing closets and drawers (with a couple still unfinished, but close enough to call it done).  I launched the upstairs doors and floors remodel, which expanded to include a shower remodel.  That is underway.  And while it's not finished, it will be in the early part of 2014.  So I'll check that one off.

The third resolution was a bust.  Taking care of Becky did not happen.  I had sporadic periods of walking, dieting, trying to focus on new hobbies.  But the distractions this year proved to be too much for me.  I didn't figure out how to take care of my grandchildren and take care of myself, too.  Ice and snow kept me sedentary at the start and the end of the year.  I simply did not figure out how to do this one.

So, for 2014, I have just one resolution:  Find new ways of taking better care of myself.  This is about physical health most of all.  But also about mental, spiritual, and even social needs.  This may sound selflish or self-centered, but that's not my intent.  I will always be a support to my family and friends, no question.  But I simply must do better at taking care of myself, or I won't be around as long as possible to do those things.  I do hope the year brings an ability to return to my music, art, and writing (and reading).  These are things that have brought pleasure and satisfaction in the past, but which became very hard for me to do at all this past year.

The nicest thing I did for myself in 2013 was acquire a fluffy little white dog named Frankie.  In fact, he has been a joy for the entire family.  He's on the couch here beside me as I write, all curled up snoozing as he does a good deal of the day.  I share him with my son's family and they have fallen in love with him, too, and now he spends a couple of days at a time at their house, having his own bed, dish, toys, and food there as well.  He'll offer some companionship in the coming months.

I'm entering this new year with no expectations -- high or low.  I will walk softly and hope for good things while preparing for anything.   

So deep breath, now.  Here we go . . . 2014 . . .

Happy Birthday to Me - 66

Spent my birthday as I have the entire month of December: low-key and mellow.  I'm still tending grandkids as they are out of school until January 2nd.  But it's all upbeat and fun with the boys.  And add my new little Frankie in the mix, and there's not a dull moment.  Received many nice birthday wishes and had a quiet dinner in the evening with family.  I feel content with how I marked my 66th.

I gave myself a big break this year from all the pressures of the season.  I didn't feel like putting up a Christmas tree, so I didn't.  No lights, no village, no nutcrackers.  The only thing I did was buy a bunch of poinsettia plants to place around the house.  It felt festive but calm.  Just what I wanted this year.  And I'll sure appreciate it more when the time comes to undecorate.  Just toss the old flowers out and I'm done.

It's fine to deviate from tradition.  At least for me.  I have enjoyed the season more than any in recent memory.  And since the grandkids were out of school the entire month of December, it was good for me not to push myself harder than necessary. 

I am looking forward to the end of 2013.  And I dare not think too much about 2014.  The years roll around and bring a share of joy and sorrow, success and struggle, comings and goings.  What will be will be.  I'll take it a day at a time. 

How Cold Is It?

No joke, it's far below normal.  And it's only December.  We don't usually see these temperatures until January.  I fear what the rest of this winter holds for us.  It may sound funny, but I'm looking forward to the day we actually get above freezing.

Utah Snowstorm, December 7 and 8, 2013

 

I don't mind a weekend snowstorm.  I don't usually have any place I'm obliged to be.  Weekdays are difficult because I need to be at my son's house by 6 a.m. to take care of the grandkids.  Utah got quite the storm this weekend.  In fact, St. George in southern Utah even got 8 or 9 inches of snow and will barely make it up to freezing temps today--very rare for them.  We've been below freezing for days now and had one earlier storm that left a few inches.  This one added maybe 10 inches here on the North Salt Lake hillside.  Some of that was lake effect.  But it was not a problem.  After coffee and relaxing, I finally bundled up and took on the driveway.  My neighbor Nils helped out with the very deep hard slush the snowplows had pushed into the entrance of the driveway.  Another neighbor, Tim, ran his snowblower the length of all three of my sidewalks.  Still it took me an hour to clear the main part of the driveway.  I'm just happy I can still do this at my age; and hope to be able to keep it up for some time to come.

We are still not expected to get up to freezing for a few more days.  This is unusual weather this early in the season.  It's technically not even winter yet for a couple more weeks.

And yet another remodel project

One of my new year's resolutions was to do the "Upstairs Doors and Floors" project.  It took me till October to feel I was ready to call the contractor.  I first wanted to clean and reorganize every closet in the house.  Why they took me till October -- well, don't ask.  By the time I called, the contractor was very involved in other projects.  But I have so much confidence in him and the quality of his work, I wasn't even interested in talking to anyone else.  We went over my ideas, added a few things; he gave me a bid and we made some revisions.  But nothing happened until this week.  Suddenly my contractor is free and ready to work on the house.

Now you might think at three weeks before Christmas I'd just put the project off now until the first of the year.  Well, no sir!  I really want to have this project done.  I'm willing to put up with some mess throughout the holidays.  And my contractor is available because most people don't want the house in a mess during the holidays.  He's available, I say, "Let's do it!"

The project was expanded to a new shower in one of the bathrooms, along with paint.  And new baseboards throughout the upstairs along with the doors and casings.  The heat tape is already installed but needs to have an electrical connection done.  And  I absolutely have to make a decision about replacing that carpet or not.  I make a different decision every day.  But one day soon I need to make a decision I can live with.  I'm very excited about it all.

Today, they showed up and did demolition in the shower.  What was a dark closed-in shower with a tiny door, will be all opened up with clear glass wall and door and even a light!

I'm probably not putting up Christmas decorations this year. Or maybe just minimal, and probably not a tree. Don't feel sorry for me. I just don't feel up to it this year and the world won't end because of it. I'll probably resume my old habits next year. My grandkids are off-track and with me all day. And there's the new little doggie, Frankie. This month will be less glittery and more adventure.

And wouldn't it be just wonderful to actually accomplish one of those resolutions!  And I did finish most of another resolution: the Grand Reorganization.  The little remaining of that will be done by the end of the year.  Don't ask about the third one--putting myself on the list.  That one got lost.