Happy Tuesday.
We are in our 13th Week. This is a week of small baby steps.
First up: NEW CHANDELIER
We replaced the chandelier in the main entry.

The large brass fixture had to go.

We replaced it with an oil-rubbed bronze 2-tiered fixture with bamboo shades.

We are attempting to revise the old brass fixture with a can of spray paint and new shades. Hopefully it will look good above the kitchen table. Stay tuned.

NEW COUNTERTOPS:
Speaking of the Kitchen. We are having the templet done for the countertops.
It’s a mixed feeling day.
Excitement that the new countertops will soon be installed.
and
Dread that you have some time before installation where you have no sink, disposal, dishwasher or countertops. Luckily, there is a laundry room sink around the corner that will work in the meantime.

The big challenge was removing the corner cabinet with the garage door. This was not an easy task. We were blessed that Mike, the owner of MCM provided his personal assistance to Michael.

Just a FYI:
Corner cupboards are the first to be installed. That being said, the cabinet next to it must come down before you can remove the corner.
Not a simple one man job.

My crazy husband put it back up this morning all by himself. Do not ask me how or why he did it. (To the right of the stove). Next to the gap where the corner cabinet goes.

Incase you forgot; these are the charming blue countertops that we are replacing.

This is the granite that will be installed.

We had some false starts this week as well.

FIREPLACE REDO:
We are struggling with the fireplace redo in the livingroom.

A reminder of what we are working with. And what we desire.

After much search, we finally found a master carpenter. We met with him and he drew up a beautiful plan that was exactly what we had hoped for…..except we both almost had a grabber when he gave the price.  So we are back to the drawing board.

This is simular to our plan. I have to continue to remind myself that Rome wasn’t built in a day. We’ve already accomplished alot and it’s o.k. if we have pink carpet for a little bit longer. Rest assured it will all be done one day soon.

YARD WORK:
We also got our quotes for the tree and shrub trimming and removal. That was another shocker. Yikes!

PLUMBING:
And, then the quote for the plumbing work. That was the triple threat. After that I thought O.K. this is getting ridiculous.

Perhaps everyone is so busy that they don’t want the jobs. Therefore, they are just throwing out a huge quote and figuring if we are willing to pay then they’ll do the work. That’s o.k. we can wait.

We’ll take a break and have no worries like Maxi dog. What a life. She has the right idea.

Enjoy your week.
Trisha

There is something so amazing about a tree in bloom. It’s just a short window of time to see an amazing burst of beauty.

This beauty, (a Service Berry, I believe) is in the back corner of the house. It’s not visible from the house except for the Master bathroom window. From inside you only see the branches beneath. It’s beauty is remarkable and it’s been my personal treasure. I’d like to share it with you.

In the front yard, there is another variety. It’s beauty is a quieter kind.

Close up you can see how spectacular it is.

The lilacs bushes came and went before I thought to chronicle their beauty. Here is a picture from a few weeks ago.

This is how they look today.

As you can see it’s luster has passed. Don’t forget to stop and enjoy the treasures in your yard before they pass.
InJOY-Trisha

There has been a cold spell in the air. Today’s high temperature is 60° and cloudy. It’s only a reminder to cherish those remarkable days when we get them.

Last week the morning welcomed a sunny, blue sky, gorgeous kind of day.

So I took full advantage by enjoying a cuppa on the front porch with Maxi dog.

We dream of these perfect days all winter. So often they slip bye before we get a chance to enjoy them.

I wish you could hear all the birds chirping, doves cooing, woodpeckers pecking and rooster crowing. It’s a soothing natural chorus.

TIP: For instant color I like to purchase hanging potted plants to pop right into my urns.
Whammo! Instant gratification.

Source-
Hanging plants:
Bauman’s Farm Market $22.99
Urns: 
TJ Maxx $39.99

Update- View of the new roof
Before:

After:
It’s nice to have that job completed.
I’d highly recommend Rochester Premier Roofing.

Think warm thoughts.
InJOY-Trisha

11 Weeks in and I can’t imagine living anywhere else. It just feels like home to me.

Even on a rainy morning the view from the kitchen table blows me away. I’m grateful I got in the garden to work before the rain fell.

The lilacs smell amazing. The birds are chirping. The rain makes a soothing rhythm as it falls against the leaves on the trees. Freshness fills the air.

I turn off the morning news and all I can hear is the chirping of the birds back and forth calling out. The gentle rhythm of the clock. Maxi snoozing, the rain gently falling and a grumble of thunder.

I hope you all feel this peace and contentment as you sit and enjoy your morning cuppa.

InJOY-Trisha

Do you remember when wallpaper was so popular? You had gobs and gobs of selection at every Paint  Store, Hardwear Store, and Big Box Store. There were even Wallpaper Stores. Now, you have a small sampling of books to choose from.

On a positive note, it helps to not make the decision too overwhelming. The hallway has a wallpaper on the top and bottom with a chair rail. It’s another area where the genius that installed it did it right over the drywall. Uugh!

I want to paint the bottom the same color as: the chair rail, crown moulding and trim. What color? You guessed it, Malted Milk. However, I haven’t been pleased with the way Vaspar wears (every scratch, nick seems to show); compared to Benjamin Moore. Therefore,  I think I’ll do a colormatch this time and purchase BM Paint instead. It will be a high traffic area being it’s the hallway.

I’ve been to Warren’s Decorator Center and checked out the wallpaper books. In Amanda’s bedroom at 358 I did an actual Grass cloth wallpaper. It’s a PITA to work with and it’s even harder to keep the dust off. This time round I’m doing a faux grass cloth. Call the decorator police. I’m going for ease of use.

So, as soon as I get Michael to help measure what quantity we need for the job; I’ll order that.

We also have to decide on a kitchen sink and bar sink this week so we can get that ordered. At first, I wanted a farmhouse sink; but after much thought I’m going for a double 50/50 Stainless Steel Sink.

The chandelier for the kitchen caused me much frustration. The one I absolutely love doesn’t come small enough for the size of the table.

After much ado, I thought to measure the entry light. The chandelier will fit beautifully there. I’ll try the one I am replacing in the kitchen. Perhaps it will look better there (I highly doubt it.). Sometimes a can of spray paint can be just the thing (and other times you just have to face facts and ditch it).

Time will tell….

InJOY-Trisha