Jacks 2 year pix

More Than Just Varnish

Many years ago, my grandma passed away and when she did, I was the lucky one to receive this old secretary.

I featured it in several blogs - titled - "If this Secretary could talk".
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In October, our home was flooded because of a leaking dishwasher over a weekend, and all of our antiques were removed from the home.  One by one, we have been putting them back, some needed an overhaul before they came back, so that has been going on.  This little gem has been in our bedroom for a very long time.  I keep things in the drawers, but the top has been, for the most part, empty.  I wanted to paint it.  Or so I thought.  My DH began the process of removing the old, dark varnish.  One day when I arrived home after work, he informed me that I'd better look at the secretary before I made up my mind to paint it.  Much to my surprise, the thing is oak, and turned out very nice.  Enjoy the photos of it and let me know what you think!

It's back in the newly redone - finished!  bedroom and I love it.  Sandi 

Renovation Realities

I had posted about 3 months ago, about our water disaster and wanted to give an update.  We are almost back to normal, with the exception of our bedroom.  I'm hoping in the next 2 weeks we can say we are DONE.

Starting off, I want to preface everything by saying I LOVED my kitchen.  It was functional, homey, and designed by me.  I will never forget the day the carpenter took me into this bare room, and said -"Where do you want things?"  I need to know today, because I will be starting on your cabinets."  I felt my heart drop into the pit of my stomach.  ARE YOU SERIOUS?  TODAY?  But he led me through the process and the above photo is what we ended up with.  When we had our home up for sale a few years ago, I was told by one realitor that I should paint my cabinets in order to "update" them.  I almost fainted just thinking about it.  I loved the wood, loved the color, loved the fact that they were 30+ years old and still looked good.   I had recently decided I was going to change the flooring.  The kitchen carpet with the flowers had seen it's better day.   Little did I know that decision would be made for me - 10/13/13.

 I came home from a 3 day weekend at the lake to find that the connection to my dishwasher had broken sometime while I was gone, and had ran hot water  - a LOT of hot water.  My custom kitchen had taken a direct hit.  Damaged beyond repair.

The kitchen that I so dearly loved was here one day - 

And going..........

going...........

GONE!

35 Days later......we have cabinets - in boxes!

Counter tops that are in - but not IN.  

Then the magic begins and we have a future again - to cook in our own kitchen!

We are very happy with the results, but it took a lot of time and a lot of work, and did I mention PATIENCE?  It took a LOT of patience!  I still feel like I'm in someone elses kitchen at times, but it's getting better.  Thanks for stopping by, I would love it if you would leave a comment!  Joining Metamorphosis Monday this week.  Thanks Susan for hosting!  

http://betweennapsontheporch.net/ceramic-rooster-repair-mr-rooster-grows-a-new-tail/

2013, not such a sad goodby!

As I go back through the past 363 days, I see many, many things to be thankful for.  We, for the most part, stayed healthy and happy.  We ended the year with the water damage in our home FIXED, and it was hard not to let that overshadow the good times.  We are blessed, but take so much for granted.

 The past week, we've seen family members have severe health issues, friends of the family in horrible car accidents, and deaths in families close to us.  We or family members have experienced the awfulness of addiction, anger, and disappointment. 

The bad has overwhelmed the good at times.  But, we look forward to the new year with a new hope.  We pray openly for the government, those who wear the robes of the court, and those who are homeless. 

We pray for the mentally ill, the hungry, and the people are affected by war, recently or past. We pray for the strong willed and powerful, those who think only their way is the best way.  We pray for those who have desired to make amends, but were shunned.  We pray for those who begged for help, but were denied.  

We pray for peace, for love, and for this wonderful country we live in.  God bless the USA!  Sandi