Life After a Kitchen Remodel

It only seemed fitting having Cheryle over as our first dinner guest because without her help, where would we be? The table, covered in so many photos with the quilt, reclaimed it's former role as a dining space.

Her husband David had just left for a trip to Germany, so, although we would have loved for him come, he was not available. Nonetheless, a good time was had by the three of us. Did I tell you how much I love cooking in my new light and bright space? Of course I did!!!

Finally, we had a good long chat with Matt and Tom, with Tom wanting a tour of the kitchen, albeit on my phone. He, like probably all of you, is slightly skeptical that I can keep the spice cabinet looking like this:

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.......

When Fallon and Bill came by I mentioned to Fallon that maybe having the spices and all my magnets in one corner was a wee bit much? Her response? In her opinion it gives my kitchen character--just what I wanted to hear! Some people, while traveling bring home souvenirs; me, I bring home magnets!

I mentioned that B needed some saw sharpening done, so he took his blades to Dan's Saw Sharpening on Orange Avenue.

The router blade shown needed it as well after all that drawer making! There's a funny story about that saw......when we were so very young, I wanted to have a baby, while B wanted a table saw, so we decided to have both! Thus, Matthew was born 38 years ago, as was the table saw he is still using.

I mentioned the constant rain during our project, and I was not exaggerating--the rainiest September in a century. The pool looked mostly like this during the month.

It is sad because usually September is such a great month for swimming, however, I was in it only briefly, mostly after mowing the lawn because it was still very hot in spite of the rain. We finally left the house to do a few errands, one of which was a trip to Ikea, naturally, after a downpour.

I picked up some very, very thin plastic cutting boards to use in lieu of shelf paper, or make that drawer paper. At one dollar a piece they are quite the bargain and can be removed for cleaning. Whether I will ever actually do that remains to be seen! While we were in the vicinity we popped into Kirklands to see one of my pieces which I'd seen on their website while fooling around on the iPad. In truth, my version is color so the credit goes to the great team at SD.

My friend Karen will recognize this one, except she has the original version. Some of the artists are not happy with any changes to their work, however, I'm not one of them. I've always wanted an editor and now I have one!

Also, while we were working in the kitchen, our new WaWa opened! You may recall that we learned to love WaWa while working over at Bill's house for all those days.

You can't beat their sandwich options!

Dana asked if I would take some photos at the building she manages, archiving the look of the Church Street Exchange before the escalators are removed, in fact that is happening today.

Finally, life is coming back to the building with multiple tech companies moving in, one of which rented the entire second floor. Back in the day, this was quite a place, however, in more recent years it has been mostly vacant.

It was good to see it being used once again albeit in an entirely different way. Shops and tourists packed the space before Disney and Universal discovered that if they built their own nighttime spots, people would come, and they did, leaving Church Street a ghost town.

It seems as if as quickly as I noticed my hair falling out, it has stopped, or at least slowed way down. Perhaps Pam's sister was right after all. While we were working away in the kitchen, our cardinals quit losing their feathers as well, looking mighty sharp don't you think?

So, here's the Mrs.

I could not resist posting the above photo! I've never actually gotten one from the back, in spite of taking hundreds of cardinal photos. I just love that little shot of red! Here she is from the front.

What else is new? FSU won on Saturday, not looking one bit like a championship team, AND, we had a cold snap!! The market was packed with people enjoying what we call chilly weather and the abundant sunshine.

Now we are all caught up! Can you stand one more photo of the kitchen? Please say that you can.

Happy days are here!

New Floors and Walls

When Jonathan called on Tuesday evening to let me know the quilt arrived safe and sound, he asked what I was doing. Painting. "Really," he replied with a hint of skepticism in his voice. He thought I meant artistic painting to which I replied that I only "paint" with food coloring. If he'd had time to think he would have surely figured out that his mom is always re-doing something around the house.

But before we get to me, let's see what Mr. Bruce has been up to. I suppose because he was home all last week he had time to look around a bit. Just as Bruce and I do, an older home needs constant maintenance. I don't mind being older so much just as I don't mind one bit living in a 51 year old home, it's just that there's more upkeep required for both situations! Anyway, Bruce decided the garage floor needed paint. When he decides to do something, it's a big one. Moving what he could on Sunday afternoon, we did not unload the vehicle when we returned from the market so that what is ordinarily stored on his big saw table  could make room for everything movable in the garage. Staying up later, at least for us, on Sunday night, he scrubbed and scraped the floor. In an highly unusual move, he took the holiday off, at least from Darden work. Rising early, he got to painting.

It looks good folks.. See the poster on the cabinet? On a trip to London almost eight years ago he asked the proprietor of a pub if he could take it home. His idea of a souvenir.

As you know I'm a story lover from way back. An older home is full of stories. Old bits of paint, wallpaper, flooring, cabinet linings. I like that kind of stuff. The next owners of our home will wonder what the heck were they thinking when they did__________. You fill in the blank. Nevertheless, we do our projects with gusto all the while thinking they are super despite what future generations will think!

Following the painting we took a trip to Ikea for some sort of rug to put in front of both the bench and the washing machine. Just because it's a garage doesn't mean it can't be nice you know. While there we looked, measured and pondered about ideas for my office. How about this? How about that? Color??

That's it! Bruce left early Tuesday morning as I mentioned and when I woke up that day, it hit me that the reason I was struggling with ideas is because I had no color scheme. You know where I went. Sherwin Williams, my favorite paint store. Actually before I left the house I had pretty well decided on yet another green room with the white table and black accents. What can I say, I like green?

While there I did pick up some new HGTV paint cards seeing if they had any power to sway my decision. They did not. The green I had in mind was a bit what I'm calling "minty", however after a consultation with Angela, who by the way, hardly had to stand on the stool to tape these bits to the wall, I made my decision. You see, I needed something to match my robin's egg blue ceiling which I did not want to do away with.

My choice was the bottom left one even after Angela tried to dissuade me from painting yet another bedroom green. You know how much the paint color means to me if you've been reading this blog for any length of time; this one, "Cucumber" is no exception. Crisp, cool and light. Perfect.

You also know full well that when I get an idea I act upon it immediately. Back to SW, paint and new brush secured, and let the painting begin!

Ordinarily I use the brushes we have but I had a coupon and the desire for a new one. Good decision. A sash brush works like a charm at the ceiling line. I learned from Bruce not to be afraid, load the brush up and make big strokes and you are get to go. I did what I could without Bruce being here to help me move things, working until well after dark.

I couldn't wait for the morning light to see how it would look. I was pleased. The funny thing about color is that although as a whole the room looked gray, it had a lot of lavender undertones as you can see on the right. Wednesday I got around the corner on the left and half way around the room on the right. Bruce will spray paint the shelves a crisp white. Not the total slacker as far as spray painting is concerned, I took down the old mirror and spray painted it black.

I was puzzling about the curtains, whether to use the plain white tab tops, or go with something a little jazzier.  After another trip to Ikea to buy Bruce an additional rug after we found the first one worked so well, I chose these striped ones, however, after looking at them for a day I've decided they will not work, mostly because the heavy fabric is too much around my desk. I've packed them up and yet another trip to Ikea is in store for today. Good thing the store isn't far! When I discussed it with Angela the other day she tried to dissuade me from going jazzy, saying as always I have too much going on, but I'm ignoring her advice. There's another pair there that I think will be perfect. I like jazzy. Will all this spiffing up make me a better writer or photographer? Probably not but it makes me happy so that's something.

Another project underway was the preservation of the cardinal's nest I found in the yard. While chatting with Matt on FaceTime Monday afternoon I showed him the nest. He seemed duly impressed, going so far as to look up how to preserve it. (Imagine in the future when I die and the kids have to go through my things!!!) Humoring me, he found the best way was to use Mod Podge, a 70's throwback if ever there was one. Mix it with water and spray, letting it dry between coats were the instructions I remembered. And so I did. The above link is one I want to visit again so I can use up said Mod Podge.

How wonderful is that nest I ask you? Amazing piece of architecture.

Yesterday I skipped bridge. Didn't want to but something had to go. One of my problems is I'm constantly getting sidetracked taking photographs. Everything inspires me. I tell myself--"Self--NO MORE!!", yet I pick up the camera in between everything. My windowsill is a constant tease.

See those adorable African violets I got from Jim and Kathy on Sunday at the market??? All week they kept begging to have their photograph taken and I've complied, trying different lighting situations. I'm pretty partial to bright.

And then there are the morning walks with Baxter. The other day we went down to the lake where I saw this cool lake mussell, or that's what I think it is.

You know those cardinals keep me from getting things done!

The best and worst idea I ever had--putting the Nuttery where I can see it all the time. The robins were back this week, however, they were too high up in the oaks for my lens. Maybe they'll come down to earth one of these days.

So, last night I forced myself to work on the prints. The picture isn't great because I took it at night but I would like you to notice the black boxes on the floor on the left side of the table.

Woohoo!!! While starting the sprinkler the other afternoon I glanced over--lo and behold an orchid from last year is blooming proving there is a FIRST time for everything. As you can imagine I was delighted.

Okey dokey--off to Ikea to exchange the drapes and try again. Mr. Bruce returns this afternoon. Talking last night on the phone I mentioned how happy I was that he'll be home soon to move the furniture and such. Whoops!!! I'm happy honey just to see your smiling face.

More about floors next time,
Gail

Much Maligned

Here's a picture of a glass sculpture in front of City Hall which has enjoyed much criticism over the years. I took this last week and e-mailed it to a friend who is a newspaper columnist at our paper. He abhors the sculpture but responded by saying I almost made it look nice.

Bruce is finally home with another Friday night passing without our customary date. He has been working so hard that he's just exhausted. To tell you the truth I'd just as soon cook at home. Whenever we go out to eat I'm almost always stymied by the choices and usually order something at the last minute. Frequently I'm disappointed with my choice. That said I do like to be out and about enjoying the ambiance at various hot spots around town. Maybe tomorrow night.

Today I took Bruce's dental cleaning appointment because he had to drive down to Vero Beach early. After I returned I called Trish (Mr. Roger's wife) and convinced her to brave our stormy weather and go to IKEA. She'd never been and I promised her I'd take her. The day was so gloomy but I told her there was enough silly stuff at IKEA to make her smile. The first trip to IKEA is always overwhelming; we managed to leave there with only cinnamon rolls for me.

Before she got to the house I received an e-mail from someone I met at the art show two weeks ago who is putting together activities for a convention in October. The upshot is if I am chosen I'll be PAID to show up and sell my photographs. I had completely forgotten our meeting until I heard from her I am embarrassed to say. Usually when someone discusses something like this with me at the market/show I respond to them within a day to keep communication going. I am thrilled she did not lose my card and hope it works out. I'll definitely keep you posted. Orlando is one of the prime convention destinations hosting large shows all the time. Many months ago someone suggested I try and hook up with some convention people which is another thing I'd forgotten until this reminder.

Congratulations to our son Bill! Last evening while driving to what he thought was a bank get together, he called me complaining bitterly about the traffic he was stuck in, among other things. I was optimistic, trying to convince him life was not so bad. About two hours later he called back to tell me the gathering was an awards ceremony and he was the recipient of "Rookie of the Year" award for Wachovia in Seminole County, the location of his branch. How about that? He is a hard worker; this is a wonderful recognition of his efforts. Aren't we lucky parents? Our children have turned out so well. I apologize if that sounds like bragging. Today people wait so long to have children hoping that they can provide them with all the advantages money can buy. We, on the other hand, started our family when we were 23. By the time I was 29 we had four children. I'm not saying that they couldn't have had more material things but somehow our provisions and love brought them to this place in life. I am so grateful for what they have become.

Thankfully Finster is improving slowly.


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Now playing: Hot Chip - Over and Over
via FoxyTunes

Progress

Now I remember what the picture was for. I wanted to show you how the pros photograph stuff. They showed up yesterday morning at the museum about the time I did--9:30. By the time I left around 1, they had photographed 10 pieces of art for the website. Karen told me they had 20 more to go! She has to move each piece with white gloves and supervise the whole shebang. Because it is a small museum the curator has to wear many hats.

Now for this new picture. Locals often bemoan the fact that Disney ever discovered our area. The fact is that we are looking more, and more, like LA every day without good roads. Growth has spread far and wide with little planning for the proper infrastructure. Unfortunately, the majority of the jobs in our area do not pay big money, thus the further from the epicenter they move to find lower costs. The bottom line is that we are having growing pains with no solutions in sight.

However every cloud has a silver lining, ours is shopping! This is the new IKEA which I learned from the commissioner on Sunday is opening November 14. Hurray! I have no idea if I'll ever buy much there, but it's there if I want to. This will be the first IKEA to open in Florida. It is so huge, apparently they are going to have three whole houses inside furnished!!!

The area where this is built used to be terrible. About five years ago some developer bought all this land and turned the area into a shopper's paradise. The fact that it is only 5.5 miles from our house is awesome. The best part is that although we have to travel through a sketchy area it is all residential for the most part so no traffic to speak of. The mall that this sits next to has a Dior, Gucci, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, LaCoste, Anthropologie, Crate & Barrel, Cartier, Channel, Burberry, and the list goes on. As well across the street is a Target, Marshalls, Home Depot, Ethan Allen....again, more stores than I can imagine. A Last Call (Neiman Marcus outlet) opened a few weeks ago at the revamped outlet mall. I haven't even covered all those stores--it's crazy. When you are one of the tourist capital's of the country you've got to have lots of shopping for the spenders.

Olga, our CPA, helped me this morning with my sales tax stuff. I have to pay quarterly and this stuff is daunting. She'll get me through it at first, hopefully I can take it from there.

I've forgotten to mention that Bruce is in the midst of a Federal jury thing; I hardly know what to call it. Here's the deal--he has to be available for TWO WEEKS! Every day he calls at 12:30 to see if they need him. The instructions state that men are to wear a coat and tie. Additionally, NO electronic devices or cell phones allowed. What, pray tell, are the folks supposed to do all day if they don't get called? The pay is $40/day. When you are a traveling man like our Bruce this proves to be quite a pain. So far they've not needed him so he flew up to Ohio this morning and will return tonight. He made a three hour site visit to make sure the contractor is where they should be. This sounds kinda crazy doesn't it? Well, If the contractor gets behind it is a huge misery for all concerned. Bruce knows exactly what should be completed at each stage of a job. It is a seriously hard job. I must say that Bruce is extraordinary at it.

Huge thunder and lightening now--I've probably written more than you want to read anyway so I'll turn off the computer now. School tonight.