Home Sweet Home aka Making Do with What You've Got

Let's start with a lovely photo of our grandkitty Lyra who is living here until her daddy Ian can afford a pet deposit and a visit to the vet for spaying. She's been with us for two months now and it's going to be sooooo hard to give her back. In fact, I might not. Shhh, don't tell Ian!

Now on to the story about what I've been doing with myself for the last few months. I could sum it up in two words - HOME IMPROVEMENTS - but I'd really rather bore you with the details. 
------------------------------------------------
In the last nine months my hand has "touched" every single room in my house. No, I don't think I'm some sort of god but am in fact a middle-aged woman who is fighting the empty nest syndrome. On the plus side I have a home that looks and feels roomier, lighter, and somewhat fresher. On the negative side my husband feels like he's living in constant disarray and somewhat afraid to come home at night for fear of what he might find. I'm pretty sure he lives in dread, wondering what comes next. I try to reassure him that this is better than the alternative of having a wife who sits in the dark and mourns an "empty" home but I'm not sure he's buying it.

It started back in October of last year when we had a malfunction that lead to a makeover of the master bathroom. If you missed that adventure you can read about it here. It was actually a fun project that we worked on together and the end result looked pretty good.

That little re-do drained the house fund and fulfilled my desire for renovations for awhile. It was after the first of year before I moved on to the next project which was painting the kitchen cabinets (blogged about it here). Since then I tore out the additional/makeshift closet we had put in our master bedroom and rearranged the furniture ... our bedroom looks huge now! I relocated all my clothes to the closet in our oldest son's now empty room and filled the room with my husband's music equipment. It's now the "music room."

I spruced up the hall bathroom by painting the butt-ugly orange countertop. No, it's not granite or quartz or anything fancy but it's definitely an improvement. It's hard to see in the photos but it really does look pretty good. When Andrew was home last week he couldn't believe it was paint! (Eventually I will repaint the walls, add some beadboard, and do something with the tile floor. But that's another project for another day ... and a fistful  of dollars).

Most recently I turned my youngest son's bedroom into a guest room/sewing room and rearranged my craft space which has been detailed on my craft blog. Since I was opening up my craft room I removed my beloved "stained glass" windows that helped serve as a barrier between this room and the living room. The windows have been mounted on the walls in the living room and the furniture was rearranged.

Funny how the colors in the two photos are so off, they were taken at the same time!

 Running over my foot with the piano was the hightlight of that move. OUCH that hurt!

The change in my dining room is minor. I removed all the books from the bookcase beside the fireplace and replaced them with dishes, pottery, and knick-knacks. I also removed my laptop and printer (relocated to my craftroom) and closed the lid to the rolltop desk (no more paper clutter to be seen in here!) The real change is yet to come and involves lots of money and manpower. We really hope to re-do the floor in there, but for now it's just an entry on the list of to-do's.

The only other room in the house isn't really a room, it's the foyer. While it could really use a new coat of paint on the walls I don't have the inclination to tackle it right now. What I did do was clear out the coat closet and stowed away all of Eddie's "stuff." Everything is packed away in a tote and a rolling cart which can be pulled out while he's here and then rolled away out of sight when he's not. Before loading up the rolling cart with his belongings I sorted through the trunk which previously housed his "stuff." I swear the kid has hoarding tendencies (or maybe he was just channeling me and my craft room pre-purge??) I ended up with a trashbag full of bits and pieces of paper, empty tape dispensers, several dozen markers and pens that don't work, crumpled paper, empty water bottles, broken toys, page after page of scribbled on paper, ... did you notice the constant here is paper? I don't think the boy ever throws away a piece of paper (and I promise it's not like he was holding out to recycle, the boy just keeps every. single. piece. of. paper. he touches) ... well, it's done now. Boy is he in for a big surprise when he comes back from camp!

All of my hard work and changes didn't stop with the inside. I showed here where I spruced up the front of the house. And, a week ago when youngest son was home for a visit I convinced him and his dad that it was time to do something about the back porch. We They tore out all the rotten siding. Phase two will be pulling out the screens and then on to whatever we decide to do to "purrty it up." This may result in a new screened porch or a simple covered patio, the verdict is still out. But, first we need to address the flooding issues, and as always finances has a lot to do with what we ultimately decide. Regardless, just doing away with the rotten walls is a major improvement.

yes, it's still ugly but you should'a seen it before!

Sooooooooo, when people want to know what I've been doing lately, there's your answer. I've been filling the void of an empty nest with lots and lots of projects around the house. There's still a looooong list of things to come but I figured I'd tell what I've accomplished so far so people would stop thinking I'm sitting home eating chocolate and watching soaps. Funny thing is I'm thinking my husband would halfway prefer the chocolate/tv thing as opposed to one more cockamamie project. Either that or me get a real job where we could afford a new home or at the very least have a professional come in and fix everything.

Too bad. He's stuck with me in a forty year old house that's in a perpetual state of change. At least he can't complain that life with me is boring.

Right?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
oh yeah, if all the above wasn't enough, two weeks ago I chopped off all my hair. Now not only does he not know what he's coming home to, he also has to wonder who he's coming home to, lol!

It's the Fourth of July!

It took two years but I finally put an update on my Crafting blog. 

Alas it doesn't show a new craft, just an update on the status of my craftroom which has undergone a much needed facelift. Too many lots of photos. Maybe this will be just the inspiration I need to actually. craft. something!Click here if you care to see my room do-over

Meanwhile, today is July 4th. Independence Day in America. It's been a very under-whelming holiday this year because of the rain and the absence of two special guys.

 

Hunny and I were having a deep discussion over dinner. The topic? What would our lives be like if we had stayed under British rule?

What we came up with - 

• we'd be speaking with a British accent (perhaps there would still be a Southern drawl to mine?)
• we wouldn't be fighting over ObamaCare because we'd already be under the National Health Service
• we'd be driving on the wrong side of the road
• we probably wouldn't be watching Braves baseball, instead there might be a cricket match on the telly; and instead of anticipating the upcoming football season, we'd be looking forward to rugby; of course there'd still be tennis but it would be overshadowed by badminton

and instead of anxiously awaiting a fireworks show, we'd be counting down the days 'til the royal baby made an appearance.

Oh well, due to those patriots and their crazy ideas of freedom and justice for all, we sit here anticipating the booms and pows, the flashes of color, and the showers of sparkling confetti descending down on our heads. Oooohs and aaaaahs are on the tip of our tongues and patriotic songs fill our ears ...

Nope. Not this year. This year the only booms come from the rolling thunder pounding overhead. The only showers come from rain gushing out of the clouds. And the music ... Barry Manilow serenading (and very badly I must say, sorry Janet) us on the telly. 

And Lyra ... she's pretty sad. It's her first Independence Day and she's missing out on all the fun we promised her. 

Where are the purrty lights you promised me?

go away, I want to be alone now

Maybe next year will be different but meantime enjoy a few photos from another year.  

So there you have it - Happy 4th of July everyone - hope you're having a blast wherever you are and whatever you're doing. 

Transformations

Life would be a whole lot simpler if everything I posted on Instagram and Facebook would automatically post to my blog. Then it would look like I'm actually keeping up!  Sounds like something one of the tech geeks needs to figure out.

Sooooo, the last time I posted (about a month ago) I was all puffed up with pride over my attempts at gardening. Unfortunately things are already beginning to go south. Look at the transformation of the hanging basket on the left. So sad.

And the climbing vine ... well, it's beginning to climb but the flowers all fell off and I currently only see one bloom.  Whether or not it opens remains to be seed.

I did add this flower and it seems to be holding its color well :) 
It would really help if it would just STOP RAINING! For once I don't have to worry if the plants will get enough water. Now I'm worried they're getting TOO much and not enough sunlight.

Sigh. I just can't win.

Photos for Mother

I'm experiencing excruciating pain and frustration trying to show my mother some photos. Between her problems navigating Facebook, my iphone's sudden inability to email photos right-side up, and fighting with Windows 8 (which I hate with every fiber of my being), I am resorting to posting the photos on my blog in hopes that she will finally be able to see them.  For those of you who've already seen them on FB, sorry!!

Here ya go Mom!

Just in case you're wondering why I'm all giddy about these photos, I am NOT a plant person. My thumb is much closer to brown than green so it's a miracle in itself that I am attempting to grow something this year. Everyone keep your fingers crossed that everything survives. 

And while I'm at it, I'll just go ahead and let it be known that the one thing that would secure success for my garden would be a great big ol' Beyonce chicken. Gosh I'd give just about anything for one of those crazy things. If anyone sees one give me a shout out, ok?

Graduation!

For the third year in a row we traveled to Knoxville Tennessee on the first weekend of May. The event? Graduation! 

This was the year for our youngest son to graduate from Johnson University and oh what a graduation it was. He graduated Summa Cum Laude and was inducted into Delta Epsilon Chi Honor Society.  

Graduation celebrations actually started the week before when the Junior/Senior Banquet was held and Senior Superlatives were awarded. Andrew came home with a few: Most Huggable, Best to take home to Mom and Dad, and the second part of Should Have Been a Couple. Here's a photo of him and some of his fellow awardees  (Andew is second on the left)

Upon arriving on campus Friday afternoon we attended the annual tea at the White House that was hosted by Dr Weedman and his wife. Dale took a panoramic photo of the table spread (first time using this feature on his phone) 

Here's our graduate cooling off with a little punch  
I was NOT dressed for the day. when we left home it was raining and COLD. Up in Tennessee it was still sunny and hot!

Dale wasn't dressed for it either ... and I stink at taking photos, they're squinting because they're facing the sun. 
Andrew and his friend Jacob. "seriously Mom, go away!"

Dale took some outside shots - they look a lot like they did the previous year!
     

On to Graduation Night. This year the event was held at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium. Gathering outside, getting a little anxious to get the show on the road.
 
in the front here is Ben, Andrew's roommate for the last three years.


Last year when we met Ben's parents his mom told me that Andrew was the brother Ben never had. Awww, sweet!

We were lucky to get there early enough to get seats fairly close to the front. Ian had to work but made it just before they started. Of course we had to find our boy's name on the roster 

Andrew's boss, mentor, and friend, Dr Cook got a photo of him crossing the stage to receive his diploma


Dr Weedman presents his diploma 

Now let the fun begin. Celebrating with friends

After graduation roomies! Andrew, Cody, Ben, Austin, and Tyler

Big group shot 

Gretchen, Andrew and Maria

The Brainiacs - Sam, Austin, and Andrew. They have so much to be proud of!

Andrew and Alex

Devon and Andrew

Dr  Steve Cook and Andrew

and family, the proud parents and big brother.  

 Mom is so proud of both her sons, she can't stop talking about it ... even to get her picture taken.

Dad and Ian remember this time last year ....

It took forever to leave. It's hard when suddenly you realize that all these people you just spent the last four years living, learning, and growing with are suddenly moving on to the next step. But, for Andrew it won't be quite as hard. His plans for after graduation include moving into an apartment with four of his friends (see photo near the top) and he has procured a job working in the Registrars Office at the University.  He's so excited and I'm excited for him even through my sadness knowing my nest really is officially EMPTY.

As our sons are moving on to new phases in their lives, Dale and I are finding ourselves doing so also. None of us is sure of what the future holds but we are certain of one thing - no matter how much distance separates us - we will always be bound by the love, admiration, and devotion we hold for each other. Family ... it's what life is all about.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks to modern technology - Skype, Facetime, and text messaging - we're all just a click away! Woohoo!!

In case you were wondering. Probably not, but just in case ....

So, it's pretty obvious I've fallen off the blogging wagon. I've tried several times to "get back on the bicycle" and ride again but to no avail. To be perfectly honest I've got so much going on physically, mentally, and emotionally, that I just haven't felt the call to share my life with the blogging world.

No wait, I take that back. I have thought about sharing it, I'm just not sure the world is ready to hear what I have to say.

But, today

I am contemplating giving it one more try. If I do, it will have an entirely different "ring" to it though. Sooo, if it comes to fruition I might just have to start a whole new blog site. I've already come up with a new name just in case ... it will be titled: SAIDFRAZ - Mid-life Crisis - Are We There Yet?

What do you think? Should I go for it? Or, should I crawl back under my rock and slip away into oblivion?

While you ponder that I will give you a couple of quick updates.

1. For the first time in my life (at least that I can remember) I do not have a cat living in my home. On April 13th my beloved Spunky was attacked in our backyard. It was right in front of my husband and happened in a flash. Her injuries were such that we had to make the difficult decision to have her put to sleep. I love cats but I'm here to say if I ever, EVER get the chance I will capture that stupid %^&# ninja cat and take him to be put down. He doesn't deserve to go humanely but if I told you I would kill him myself you'd hate me. 
2. My youngest son graduates from college this week. He's graduating with honors and we are so proud of him. 
3. Same son has made the decision to stay in Knoxville after graduation and will be working for the university. They sorta created a position just for him. He's that good!
4. Oldest son, still living in Knoxville will be moving into a house with new roommates. In anticipation of his move he's already acquired a cat - my first grandchild! Unfortunately his move has been postponed a couple of months and he cannot keep the cat with him at his current apartment. So, mom and dad to the rescue. Lyra will be coming home with us this weekend. Oldest son better hope Mom doesn't get too attached to his little girl, otherwise he'll be in the market for a new one. 
5. Two sons, both living in Tennessee. Two parents, living in an empty nest in Georgia. What can I say? Maybe it's time to think about relocation??

Oh yeah, the catkins are back and once again my dear, darling, light-of-my-life husband keeps tracking them into the house.  

Pray for me that this season passes before I go postal!