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Good morning friends, how was your weekend? Ours was busy. After traveling all of last week we arrived home late Friday and Saturday morning we were up early working on home projects. As you know we moved into a new house, not a new house, but a new to us house. As with every other person in the world our renovations are stalled by supply issues, contractor issues and more. So basically we made a decision that if we can speed up the process by doing something ourselves we are going to try to do it.
That said, currently we have a contractor that is here at the house taking down chair rails, repairing drywall, and doing all of the painting( he already removed the popcorn ceilings). All of the communal rooms are being painted “tone on tone” White Dove and this week when we returned home it was a pleasant surprise to see so much progress. Our contractor told me that he was very skeptical of the color choice and also did not think removing the chair rail would make much of a difference, but he now agrees that both choices were perfect for the house, and make it lighter brighter.
We have a separate designer for the kitchen and bathrooms which as I mentioned before are still in the design phase.
Saturday morning I demoed the laundry room. I have never removed tile but after watching a few YouTube videos and getting the correct tools from my local I spent 4 hours breaking out tile and chiseling and scraping off the old thin-set. The floor is now ready for the tile to be installed, if we can ever agree on the tile. Next up is the cabinets but I will not be doing that until the replacements are sitting in my garage.
Aside from that I made some pumpkin spiced granola and two loaves of pumpkin zucchini bread. I will share the recipe with you in a few days.
Saturday was the 20th anniversary of 9 11, it is hard to believe that it has been that long. I can remember exactly where I was on that day, what I was wearing and how I spent the next 2 weeks glued to my television for any updates. My husband had the tv on off and on all day and I found myself drawn to 120 Minutes That Changed the World. Have you ever watched it? It was mesmerizing and heartbreaking. It is a collection of videos from various people all over New York City on 9 11. There is no narrator, no host, no music just hundreds of videos and reactions from the people who were there as the events unfolded. We can never forget the loss of these people and the families they left behind.
I read a pile of Fall magazines and finished The Night Portrait.
And last but not least I actually bought a few Christmas gifts, I like to start early what can I say. I purchased this pewter candle snuffer , and this this candle, I could not pass up a candle called “the smell of Christmas.”
Melba says
You weren’t kidding when you said busy! You really accomplished so much! We took it easy this wekeend, my husband had time off and we just went out on a couple of dates. Good weekend!
Elizabeth says
Melba, spending time with your husband sounds lovely.
Linda Johnston says
Wow! You are getting lots done! We had grandkids and just enjoyed them and a football game. I’ll admit, I didn’t watch much 9/11 coverage or any specials. The ads just made me weep this year.
Elizabeth says
Linda it sounds as if you had a wonderful weekend.
Juliet says
Wow, Elizabeth, you’re in the midst of a busy time … renovations aren’t for the faint of heart and supply chain issues add another level of frustration. I love that you’ve taken on some of the work yourself. Removing tile … I’m impressed! I remember when our cabinet maker scoffed at the paint color I selected for the kitchen cabinets and caused me to second guess myself. Once the cabinets were installed he came around and I’m glad I wasn’t swayed by his loud objections. Sounds like your contractor learned something from you! xo
Elizabeth says
Juliet, it is amazing to me that people who will not even be living in your house think they have a better understanding of what you like or want than you do. As for the tile, I think it is helping some of my frustrations.
William Kendall says
A lot of work to be done.
Elizabeth says
There is indeed William.
Cindy says
Wow you got so much done. Amazing what you can learn from watching YouTube videos for home repair.
I can’t wait for the pumpkin Zucchini bread recipe.
I have wanted one.
Elizabeth says
Cindy, Youtube is amazing, that is for sure.
Paula@SweetPea says
You accomplished so much this week! Bathroom demolition is in my near future. I’m off to check out your pumpkin spice granola recipe!