Busy Day ~ Busy Week

So much going on around here this week!  It's been a busy few days, for sure, and I'm really looking forward to this weekend and having a couple of days to get some things finished up.

Eddie has been off the last couple of days and accomplished alot.  His focus has been on finishing out the trim in the kitchen.  He's just about got it under control and plans on finishing up tomorrow.  It's looking great in there ~ and, after I get in there with a paintbrush this weekend, we will be really close...really close!

Good thing he was working in there this afternoon!  The water heater sits in a closet in the kitchen and it decided to spring a leak today.  Just a tiny, little pin-sized hole, but if he hadn't noticed it right away it would have been disastrous.  Fortunately, he was able to get the thing disconnected and dragged out of the house before it caused damage.  Then he ran to Lowes and picked up a new one, lugged it back and snagged a neighbor who saw him struggling  and offered to help.  By the time I arrived home after work, he was struggling to "light" it ~ apparently the most frustrating part of the entire process for him (judging by the carrying on I witnessed ~ God bless him and his hard-working soul!).  But tonight I am just thankful we have hot water and no water damage to our "new" kitchen!

Not only did my Prince Charming accomplish tons in the kitchen, he worked in the front yard, too.  He set in some new shrubs and perennials I bought last weekend.  And he mowed.  And then he came inside and vacuumed.  Did I already say "God bless his hard-working soul"?  Well, it bears repeating! 

I really hope to get some photos up this weekend to share the progress with you! 

How about you?  Have any special plans for the weekend?  Did you have one of those "runaway" weeks, too?  Hey, if you're not busy, you can always mosey on over here ~ I have plenty of paintbrushes! 

Jane

No More Washing Dishes in the Bathroom Sink!!!

I am glad we are one step closer to wrapping up the kitchen renovation! 

Here's a little reminder of where we started ~ or should I say "what we started out with???

Countertops went in on Friday and I couldn't be happier with our choice of quartz.  I originally longed for dark countertops, but the space here is small and the cabinets were already dark enough.  So, we opted for this ~

The color is absolutely neutral and fits the space beautifully.

I'm still in lust with this beautiful shade of green that Mom helped me pick for the dining area.  The room is still a work in progress, but check out the cute little shabby chic corner hutch ~ a housewarming gift from Mom. 

(Okay, she bought it on a whim and didn't like the way it looked in her sunroom.  And she was right ~ it's just not her style at all.  It works SO much BETTER at my house!) 

Light and simple cafe curtains with black eyelet trim were a bargain at JC Penney's online outlet and I'm pleased with the result.  A little retro, very cozy ~ I just love them!  And I was able to use this painted chest that couldn't seem to find a home anywhere else in the house.  Lord knows we needed the extra storage in here!

Then on Saturday, Eddie got the faucet hooked up and we now have running water in the kitchen!  I can't even begin to tell you how MAJOR this is.  After weeks of stumbling to the bathroom in the mornings to get water for coffee, I will gladly readjust!   (And see that last little remnant of orange paint over his shoulder on the window?  Say adios, baby!  Your days are numbered...)

Finally, on Sunday evening, we had our first homecooked meal in the "new" kitchen.  What a wonderful sight to see pots simmering on the stove.  What a wonderful aroma filled the house after so many weeks of take-out!  Can I get a big AMEN?!?!?!

Decoratively speaking, we still have some work to do.  The beadboard needs to be installed and painted above the backsplash.  There is still a bit of trim that needs additional painting.  We're still debating on the "light fixture vs. fan/light" in the dining room.  Accessories and small appliances still need to find a permanent place....and the list goes on. 

But, let me just take a moment to REVEL in how far we have come!  It feels so good to have a functioning kitchen again.  And what we've gotten done looks even better than we dreamed ~ so we are encouraged.  And motivated to get it all pulled together! 

I'm linking up with Metamorphasis Monday over at Between Naps on the Porch, so check it out!





Hanging in there and washing dishes in the kitchen tonight, Friends!

Jane

Seeking Balance in Blogging

I can't believe it's been nearly two weeks since I've had time to create a post for my blog! 

It's just been so crazy around here ~ overwhelmingly crazy ~ and I've been beating myself up for not keeping up with my posting.  I was kinda on a roll for a few weeks there, getting into a blog groove...and then, WHAM!!!  It all blew up on me....well, sorta.  Let me explain.

I had to go back to work.  No, wait...let me rephrase that:  I got to go back to work.  Because I was fortunate enough to find a job within a couple of weeks after I started searching.  And, believe me, this was a blessing because the money has been going out-out-out, with none coming in-in-in.  And our resources are definitely finite!

When I started blogging about six months ago, I was working part-time.  Then, at the end of January, I became unemployed when we relocated to Abilene.  My full-time job became rehab-ing this house with Eddie.  (And trust me, that is more than 40 hours a week of work, no matter how you slice it!)

Last week, knowing that I would be starting the new job this week, Mom and I worked frantically together every day, mostly in the kitchen/dining area, trying to get as much work done as possible.  And we accomplished alot!

Did we get finished?   NO...a big, resounding NO.  And I was terribly disappointed to head out to the new job on Monday morning, knowing that work was left undone.  In fact, even with Eddie working in there on his days off this week, we are not where I had hoped to be at the end of last week. 

And since I am afflicted with a form of "perfection disorder", I have in no way felt the desire to grab my camera and document the shortcomings of our efforts.  When I go out there, browsing around BlogWorld, it seems that everyone else is documenting "perfection" in their world.  I see lots of great photos of beautiful homes, completed projects, all nice and tidily wrapped up.  Normally, they inspire me....but, in my current circumstances, they make me acutely aware of my "shortcomings". 

Combine this feeling of failure on the "home front" with the exhausting effect of returning to work in a fast-paced new job, well, you start to get the picture....blogging has been the last thing on my mind. 

But, this evening I had an "Ah-Hah Moment"! 

It doesn't matter if I have finished one or many projects around the house....

or that I haven't documented our progress (or lack thereof) in photos....

or that I don't have a perfect blog post ready every other day....

That's just not what it's all about.  At least, not for me.

Blogging is about sharing my thoughts in written form.  It's a way of communicating my feelings about what I value in Life.  That's what it is about. 

What it is not about is trying to look like or emulate other blogs....or keeping up with other blogger's styles and posting abilities....or competing to gain followers. 

So, there you have it.  I am posting this without any photos.  (But, now that I've re-thought the whole purpose of blogging, maybe I won't be so hesitant to pick up my camera and document an unifinished project.)  I'm still finding "my blog voice", making lots of missteps and corrections along the way. 

Above all, I'm learning more about myself through this adventure in blogging.  That is the rewarding part...and the reason I don't want to give it up, even though I feel stretched pretty thin some days. 

So, bear with me....and hang with me....as I strive find the perfect balance here on The Porch!

Jane

A Picture Perfect COLOR for the Kitchen!!!

Color is going up in the dining area....and I couldn't be more thrilled!!!!

Yesterday was a designated work day in the kitchen/dining area ~ at least for me.  Eddie was scheduled to work from 2 pm to 11 pm, so it was going to be up to me to load the kitchen and get started on the painting..  Oh, yeah, I had big plans to get tons accomplished. 

But, I found lots of little things to sidetrack me yesterday morning.  I just couldn't get started....I had to run to the post office, I had to check Facebook, I had to have another cuppa coffee.  You know what I mean???

Finally, probably in an effort to squelch my ongoing procrastination, Eddie started bringing boxes in from the garage a couple of hours before he had to be at work.  This kinda "forced" me to get in there and start loading in the cabinets ~ something that had to be done prior to painting.  (And let me just say "Thank you, sweetie" for getting me started!)

Mom dropped by shortly after he left for work and jumped right in to help.  I'm so grateful for her amazing energy and talent for organizing.  Not only did she help me unpack boxes and put things away, she flattened boxes, swept the entire area (the floor was getting a little "crunchy" underfoot) and even found time to sweep the entire back patio and feed cookies to the dogs. 

I admit, we had to take a couple of breaks (to run to Rick & Carolyn's drive-thru for an icy cherry Pepsi and dinner off the dollar menu at McDonalds), but we finally got to the painting part of the day.  And let me just tell you this ~ Mom is a fabulous painter!!! 

Just hand this lady a brush and she's off to the races!!!

We were loving the color before it dried ~ even with just one coat over the primer.  While we painted, we started tossing out ideas for accessories and decorating.  It ended up being so much fun that we looked up and it was nearly time for Eddie to be home from work! 

All in all, it was a very productive day and I'm actually looking forward to getting back in there today and getting a second coat on the walls and starting on the trim.

Thanks, Mom!  You got me going again ~ I'm inspired to carry on!!!

I'm linking up with Paula over at Amen Corner today to share this Picture Perfect day of Productivity. 


 (If this link isn't showing up, head over here ~ Amen Corner - Picture Perfect Weekend)

I hope your weekend is shaping up to be one to remember....picture perfect in every way!

Jane

I'm Lovin' Sumthin' New on the Porch!!!

I am so lovin' this little rocker I found for our front porch!!! 

Mom and I decided to get out and about the town one day this week....hit a few antique shops and consignment stores.  It was absolutely delightful to spend a day with my mother, doing "our thing"!!!  With all the work Eddie and I have been doing on the house, I just haven't been able to find the time to "junk around" with Mom.  Being close to Family and spending time with them was one of the main reasons we relocated here!  How frustrating not to have MADE the time to do just that....but, Mom and I are back on track with our day out together.

Anyhoo, we found this absolutely charming little rocker in the first shop we hit....perfect for our little front porch in both size and condition.  And a steal at only $30!!!  I was in LOVE at first sight....grabbed it and headed for the checkout!

Trayden and Ansleigh were over for a couple of hours on Tuesday evening while their momma went to get her hair done and they had "helped" me re-pot the asparagus fern we bought last week.  Doesn't it look fabulous cozied up with the rocker....both nestled beneath an old wreath I dug out of a box in the garage.(Makin' do with what I got, Dear Friends!)

When the weather warms a bit more (and gets a little more reliable), I will be able to fill the planter on the side of the porch.  I'm thinking some vibrant red geraniums and perky purple petunias, with a little ivy trailing over the sides....what do you think?

Well, that's what I'm lovin' this Friday!  Linking up with Cheryl over at Tidymom today....pop over and take a look at what some other folks are lovin' today.   You're sure to find some inspiration!



Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Jane

A Little Trouble Getting Motivated....Remodel Burn-Out???

I'm having a little trouble getting motivated today.  So much to do.....and it just hasn't happened.....

The cabinets have been installed in the kitchen.  Hallelujah!!!

I just love the dark cherry tone of the finish....very classy.  Did I mention that dark cabinets are very forgiving, covering a multitude of cleaning sins???  (At least this is what I'm hoping!)

However, the quartz countertops are still at least a month away from being here....

In the meantime, this is what we're working with....

the (increasingly messy) food storage and prep area ~

the (totally cluttered) microwave/cooking area ~

and after three weeks, it's getting a little ~no, a lot ~ old.

I'm trying really hard to get inspired to carry on.....by looking at the paint color that we've decided on.  This is Morning Sand (Valspar Signature Ultra Premium) and I think it is going to just be perfect!  With the dark cabinets and the pop of crisp white trim, it will really be the ultimate soothing background.

And just yesterday, I picked up a pair of little brushed nickel lamps at a thrift store.  These will really brighten up the corners of the countertops. 

With Mom along to encourage me, I finally pulled the trigger on lighting fixtures.  A new hanging fixture for the dining area and a matching pendant to go over the sink ~ so I can see better to wash the dishes!

Looking at these items, I'm somewhat inspired to get in there and get busy again....somewhat.  It's been a long haul these last 8 weeks and maybe it's natural to suffer a little "remodel burnout"....don't you think? 

Ah, well, I've goofed off today and plan to just enjoy the rest of the evening curled up with my prince, watching movies.  Tomorrow is soon enough to head back out to Lowes for a gallon of Morning Sand.....

Tired and lazy hugs to you,

Jane

What a WILD Weekend!!!

It snowed here yesterday....spitting, blowing snow borne along by a stiff north wind....on March 20th, no less.  It just didn't seem right.  And we had so much to do.....

As I have shared before, check it out here, we are in the throes of a kitchen remodel.  There was simply no other choice, my friends.  The old kitchen was rotten, to the core, and there was no way we could actually store and prepare food in there.  So, we reluctantly ripped out the old and are forging ahead with the new. 

After the tearout, we made yet another trip to Lowes to get the materials we needed.  Insulation, because there was none.....

and drywall, also because there was none.....

and we were ready to get down to business!

The insulation was easy enough.  I was even able to help with that, although there are no photos of me actually doing it because I am usually the one with the camera....

Then, came the drywall.  Not as easy as Ed told me it was going to be.  We had such a confined space to work in and it just took a lot longer than we anticipated, but....

we finally got it all up.  And taped and mudded....

It may not look pretty, but it's ready for cabinets to be hung tomorrow.  Our contractor stopped by and said it looks great and ready to go!

This process hasn't been easy...or very neat.  With all the sanding and cutting, we have a fine layer of white dust coating just about everything in my house!  And this was with the doors to the kitchen closed while we worked....

But, Eddie, the prince that he is, ran over to 7-Eleven and got me a cup of fortification!  Oh, I needed this...and he knew it!

So, now I'm enjoying a short break before I tackle the major dust removal in the house.  (And, LOOK, my ever-loving, picked up the camera and documented me sitting on my ample rear while there is work waiting to be done!)

Hopefully, by the end of the day, we will be at a place where we can just pile up on the sofa, watch a movie, resting up a bit for tomorrow.

More on our progress later, friends.

Still plugging....

Jane