This is what she looked like the day we closed on the house ... (the den/library - dark floors, disintegrating wall paper, sheets for drapes, etc. etc.)
This is what it looks like right now! We are happy. She is getting there! My friend Beth calls our house a "Grand Dame" ... we're trying to put her back together piece by piece. We have deemed it a ten year plan. We hope we have not underestimated the time!
This is the new ceiling with moulding et al. We just need to paint it (the ceiling), but we're experimenting with what we want to use color and effect wise. Other than those details, we're over this ceiling project at LONG LAST!
This is what our living room looked like as we had to block the opening to the den to keep the cats out whilst the floors dried. Also, we had a place to sit and watch t.v. and use the computer and all that. It was just like living in a mess ... JUST LIKE IT! Oh, that's right ---- it WAS living in a mess!!! I am so very glad that part is over. I don't do well in that much chaos. Paul doesn't seem to mind so much. The cats don't like it either.
This is what the stripped ceiling looked like. YUK!
This is the gorgeous refinished floor. I'll never get over the difference between the before and after on this part. I can't wait for the whole front part of the house to be finished floor wise. It makes such a huge difference. But it's a HUGE amount of work and effort! And the smell is horrific! If you plan to refinish your floors, take a vacation while their curing! LEAVE THE PREMISES!!!
The ceiling when Paul started cleaning it for priming. Most of the paper had to be stripped off.
This is what we hung on the ceiling. It came from England in January 2007 when we ordered it! We hung it with clay paste and it was HEAVY to hold overhead. But we made a good team and after a couple of strips we had a pretty good rhythm going. It is so nice to see tangible evidence of hard work. This turned out really nice. Thank goodness!
Paul could reach the ceiling on the scaffold. I had to get on the ladder in the background. Not as much fun as the scaffolding ... I'm going to have to get taller soon! The ceilings in this house are 10 feet, 4 inches. I am 5 feet, no inches. It's a long stretch for me! Note the handyman apron Paul's daughter MADE for him for Christmas! Good job, Nina ... a perfect fit!
Here's our "new" den. We still want to replace the mantle and build book shelves ... but all in good time ... can't see why we should start rushing now! Besides, we're working on planting the garden and clearing the side yard. No time for inside work since the weather has finally warmed up. We do have a few "sprouts" in the garden thanks to the sun shining this weekend!Whoo hoo!
On other notes completely:
*Jennifer returned from Japan tonight. Safe and Sound (Amen). Her trip sounds like it was ever so exotic. I can't wait to see pictures and hear more details!
*Our friend Caroline stopped by this afternoon with her sister, Ruth. It was wonderful to see her up and about. Remember, she's just had a double mastectomy. Keep up the great healing, Caroline. Our good thoughts are always with you.
*There is hope that Paul will go back to work at Star Buildings this month. Please keep your fingers crossed ever so tightly! We sure could appreciate his having a job again soon!
*Paul & I leave for Orlando for a few days at the end of this week. It you're looking for us, try the cell phone. I you happen to swing by the house, pull a weed or two in the garden before you leave! We are going to see the Dancer's Pointe recital as many of my students are graduating seniors this year. Also we will get to visit friends and family. A nice break!
*Beth leaves Italy for NYC on Tuesday. Happy and safe travels, Beth. Look forward to seeing you soon! Your bungalow is fine ... no worries!
*The members are starting to return to the Club for the summer season. Please keep good thoughts that someone will bring a friend who wants to buy a house from us. PLEASE!!!!
*Paul's dad had great news on the health checkup front. Blessings once again! YEAH!
*Paul & I are finished teaching dance at Crossnore for the season, altho we do hope to be going on some hikes and such with the kids. In our hearts we always keep good thoughts for the children and ask that you send prayers and blessings to them as well. It is amazing to see the progress the children make at Crossnore, especially given the conditions they are generally sent there under. There were 6 graduating seniors this year! a BIG class considering. Dr. Crain, who is the amazing director of Crossnore School has been given some very challenging health issues and we send her our very best in her endeavors as she moves through what she calls her "bend in the road". Dr. Crain is one amazing individual with a very clear picture of what her role in this life is for. Wish I could be so clear and driven to achieve as she is. Blessings to you, Dr. Crain. We are all sending you love & hugs.
Tomorrow begins a new month already! The month of May brought us 9.64 inches of rain, with only 7 days being rain free. We are now officially out of the drought we've been in! That is a real blessing for many reasons, mostly for wild fires and the animals being able to find water to live. We are looking so forward to this season! Keep checking in ... we'll likely have some tales to tell.
Happy Trails to all,
Paul & Cheri
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