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Saturday, August 16, 2014

Random Thoughts


  1. I'm happy to say that the kitchen reno, that we thought would have to wait because of major household repairs, has been rescued by a couple of summer clearance sales from the stores we were looking at!  We ordered the flooring yesterday and scheduled our favorite contractor for the first week of October, so there's no turning back now!  
  2. If anyone has done a kitchen reno, I'd take any advise you have! What did you like, not like and what would you do differently?
  3. Our kitchen is 26 years old and it is just like it was when it was built in 1988.  The floor wasn't laid properly and we have about 40 tiles with cracks in them!  And thanks to Alex, who flooded the kitchen once, there is water damage along the bottom cupboards.
  4. At the auction this week I got the long runner in the picture.  I think it will look great in the kitchen, running the length of the wall with the sink and cupboards.  It was filthy and not fit to come in the house, but I vacuumed it and folded it length-wise and fit it into my washing machine!  Thank goodness for my huge industrial washer! haha.  I ran it through two cycles with extra soap and it came out great. Cocoa approves!  A great deal for $12.
  5. It was cool today...only in the 40's F this morning!  And this afternoon it smells like rain as it begins to sprinkle.  Not the worm smell, but the clean rain smell.  There IS a difference. haha.  One by one, I could see cats come out from their sleeping places under bushes and shrubs in the yard and make their way to the back porch.  We actually need rain!  We've had to use the sprinkler to water the garden this week.
  6. Where did the summer go?  I don't have kids in school anymore to mark those times, but I've heard football practice and band camp wafting across the breeze from the school down the road.  We're a university town and college kids came back this weekend.  I can't believe August is half done already!
  7. Anybody else going to the nascar race tomorrow?  If you are, come say hello....section 75 at turn 1. :)


65 comments:

  1. Oh My Goodness- that is a fantastic runner! Lovely . . . I can't wait to see it all happy in your redone kitchen :)
    I wish I could say I've done a kitchen reno, but I'm in the same boat as you as far as desperately needing one . . . mine was last redone in 1982. Three cabinet doors have fallen off and won't go back on . . . one that's on is majorly warped . . . the counters are full of stains, cuts, etc . . . and the floor NEVER looks clean due to major yellowing and pitting. But it works, which I am grateful for!
    I'm very very happy for you guys that you get to go ahead and do this! :) How do you think your boys will do with the major disruption?

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    1. Yes, I've been content with my old kitchen for a while simply because I wasn't expecting a new one and just the fact that everything still works alright. We did have to replace the refrigerator last year but I make do with what we have. It wouldn't bother me if cupboard doors came off...the open shelving in in style now anyway! haha. In our first little apartment I took all the cupboard doors off while we lived there. It made the tiny kitchen seem bigger.

      I think having the boys at their day program during the working hours will help a lot. Harry and Spencer wouldn't care at all but Alex loves to be in the kitchen with me, so he would be most affected. Just so he gets food, he'll be ok I think! haha.

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    2. Well, I'm glad that the boys should do okay . . . now how 'bout the cats!? ;)

      Actually, I should have said that my drawer fronts fell off . . . not cabinet doors. I do like the open shelving look, too. But I'll have to purposely take those (cabinet doors) off some day (it's on the to-do list :) ) But with the drawer fronts missing (and I mostly have drawers) I end up pinching my fingers 100 times a day to just reach in and open them. Not fun. Nor was the moment when the third one suddenly fell off . . . landing on my foot! Let me just say the obvious- solid oak is VERY heavy and hurts a LOT when it collides with your foot. And then, unfortunately some very unpleasant words protrude from one's mouth . . . I'm sure you get the picture! ;)

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    3. Oh dear! Ouch!

      Yes, it's the cats that will probably take it the hardest! haha...poor things!

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  2. Glad you are able to start the renovation. Be sure to take before and after photos.
    The runner is beautiful! I like the dark shades of blue. Perfect background for a black cat and pink toes.

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    1. yes, I will have to take some before pictures! I forget to do that sometimes! It will be a miraculous transformation. lol.....

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  3. My kitchen is in the original condition from when the house was built in 1934. I still have the original cupboards, none of these modern chipboard units. The store cupboard goes from floor to ceiling and holds tons of stuff. The floor still has the original quarry tiles. It's like stepping back in time. I love it, it brings back childhood memories when I lived in an old farmhouse out in the wilderness of Hampshire.

    My old gran always said if it suits and it aint broke, don't change it.

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    1. D'ya know, that runner would look great in my kitchen. . . . just saying.

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    2. I think I'd love your kitchen, too! I just love old things! We had those cheap particle board cupboards...you get them wet and they don't close properly anymore and are warped. Your floor sounds wonderful...I would keep it, too! You need to send me photos. :)

      I knew you'd love the runner. ha.

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    3. I love like sounds your kitchen Keith is perfect for me:)
      When we arrived this house the kitchen was ready.
      Is a little small but I have tons of antique things .

      I love the runner Betsy especially the colour is beautiful!

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    4. Ok...Keith..looks like you need to post a picture of your charming old kitchen! It's older than you! ha.

      I don't mind small kitchens...I think they are charming. Just so they are organized and things work properly...that's all you need!

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    5. Maybe Betsy but sometimes I need more space especially whenthe twins cook when Im there lol

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    6. Oh dear...yes, that would be crowded!

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  4. Keith, I wish I could see your kitchen - sounds like something I would love. Betsy, I love the runner - such a beautiful shade of blue. Would go perfectly anywhere. I have a few friends who have done this so I will check with them as to what advice they might have. It's a big project, that's for sure, but one that they are all so pleased with afterwards. Keep your eye on the prize! xo Oh... and pretty toes!

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    1. I started a Pinterest board for a dream kitchen a year ago and I've laughed as we have gone shopping and I've picked almost everything differently!

      I need to search the 'net for advise...I'm sure there is a lot to learn from people who have already done it! The flooring is called driftwood...a light grey..kind of looks like a sun bleached dock out in the ocean. It's a nice choice to build upon!

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  5. I can't wait to see your kitchen after you are all done. With your decorating skills, I'm sure it will turn out great. Though it could be a little painful until then...

    Have a great time at the race!

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    1. We've done renos before but other living areas which were easy to live through....the kitchen will be more of a nuisance, I'm assuming! haha...but well worth it in the end.

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  6. You cleaned it up well
    Renovations can be fun as long as they go swell
    And I'm not the one that has to do it haha
    Hate, which I've done, putting down that floor umm spit
    One by one you'll find the cats
    When it rains dogs and umm rats

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    1. raining dogs and rats?
      there's a different ring to that...
      not as pleasant to me
      than if it were kitties!

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    2. lol did not want to cheat
      And use the same rhyme beat

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  7. Love that runner, Betsy, great find especially for $12./ Great that it cleaned up so well.
    Very best wishes for your kitchen reno. We call it a refurb = refurbishment and your is for renovation I expect.
    Love the feet - fancy playing footsie? . . . . . . lol
    Enjoy the nascar meet tomorrow . . . . . smiles . . .. :)

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    1. A refurb sounds like it's getting new hair. lol....(fur)
      Footsie you say? As long as you don't step on mine. lol....
      Tomorrow should be lots of fun...really looking forward to it!

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    2. Glad your guy won and you had an awesome day . . . so nice to see you very happy . . . :)

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  8. Oh I love the runner, and it will be nice and colorful in your kitchen. How fun to look forward to a kitchen renovation. I have the one open cupboard and I love seeing the Fiesta ware and not having to open the doors.
    It was really warm here today. We had several events we had to attend, and I was looking forward to a swim when we got home, but haha...the pool was full of teenage boys...don't think they wanted an old lady spoiling the fun....I'll go down after they leave.

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    1. If you take them cookies, they won't mind you being there! haha. How fun to be able to swim every day! I think that would be great!
      It was cold here...40's in the night and 60's during the day!

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    2. I thought of it, but I had just taken the last of the cookies to our grandkids who were babysitting Molly while we went to an Open House. Guess I better keep some in the freezer for just such an occasion. It will be interesting to see the complete in fall and winter, since we came when EVERYTHING is green. Don't know if the trees by our balcony will lose all their leaves or stay green.

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    3. It's going to be fun seeing what your balcony is like during all the seasons! Colorful leaves would really be fun, wouldn't they?

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  9. How exciting - the reno, that is! Love the runner. Have a great time at the race,

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    1. Looking forward to the race...sounds like the weather is going to be perfect!

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  10. We need rain...not the worm kind either. The rug is beautiful! We have lived in our house for 12 years. We have 35 cracked tiles in our kitchen, sunroom, hallway, laundry room and bathroom. We didn't notice them when we bought the house, we were too busy checking out the potential for a pond in this huge yard of ours. Hmmm...maybe we should have thought about that a bit more. Oh well. The pond IS nice! I hope we get to see some before and after photos too! I was a teacher way back when...and I still think about school even after all these years. I am not ready for fall.

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    1. The weather has been so wonderfully cool this summer that even I have enjoyed it! haha.

      The sub-floor under our tile wasn't laid properly to allow for expansion with cold and hot temps, so many of our tiles cracked. I don't think we've ever broken one by dropping something. I'm looking forward to wood under my feet for a change.

      And...your pond is AWESOME...I'd trade some broken tiles for that pond! haha.

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  11. Good find..I like the runner. And the pretty pink toes too:)
    Waiting to see your kitchen updates.

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    1. The toes needed a fresh look....much better! ha.

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  12. beautiful colors in that rug, I think rugs like this only get prettier with age, such a pretty kitty and lovely pink toes too!

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    1. Isn't it pretty? And it has an old look....worn just enough. Love that...and I really, really love that it fit in my washer. My OCD wouldn't have allowed someone else's rug dirt under my bare feet. lol.....

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  13. Your runner looks great! Cat approved is a very good thing.
    I'll ask my reno man (aka husband) if he has any advice on kitchen redos.
    I can't help but think of Tony Stewart every time a race is mentioned. Such a terrible accident last weekend, and so close to home. My sister heard the sirens from her house. I'll be keeping everyone in my prayers. I hope you have a wonderful time and that your guy wins the race!
    :0)

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    1. PS. I'm not ready to give up on summer yet.

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    2. I'd appreciate anything your reno man has to say! :)

      Yes...so sad about that driver....I'm not a Tony Stewart fan and had never heard of the other driver, but you don't wish that on anyone. I didn't realize that was so close to you!

      It didn't feel like summer today! Was it cold there? We were in the 40s this morning! Brr!

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    3. We were SO excited! What a fun day! He won both races I attended this season. I think he should fly me around the country just to make sure he wins! haha.

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    4. I think so! He can afford it, right? lol....

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    5. Absolutely, especially if he wins every time you're there!
      :0)

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  14. Love that runner and totally a great deal Can't wait to see your kitchen redo :)
    I'm going to the Bristol race next weekend and I can't wait

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  15. Good luck with your kitchen reno! That sounds like fun! I wanted to get mine replaced with new cabinetry, but the budget doesn't allow it for now. Plus I don't think I'll stay here for too long. My kitchen cabinets are still in good condition (my house is only 16 years old) so that can wait! Lol
    Yes, I do agree! Where did summer go? It looks like fall is right around the corner from you? It starts feeling like fall around mid/end of October around here. I still have time to go to the beach still... Lol
    Btw, cute toes! ;)

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    1. I think we are going to be in this house forever. Ha. ...at least that is the plan.

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  16. Best wishes with the reno. How exciting!
    The runner's colors are gorgeous. What a great deal and how fortunate to be able to wash it in the machine.
    The first home we had was near the high school and I remember fall days with the doors open and listening to the band practice.
    Wishing you a delightful day. Have fun!!!

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    1. I'm loving the runner! Now I need to get lucky and find a rug for the dining room!

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  17. Hi Betsy - yes good luck with the reno ... it's getting things where you want them and obviously with the family in mind. Love the rug - and how fortunate you have that industrial washer - it looks lovely ... Glad you've got someone you trust organised to help you - that's probably the best thing .. enjoy Nascar today ... cheers Hilary

    I know - summer has gone .. sad! The thought of being wrapped up again doesn't please me! Cheers and enjoy working out the renovation so it suits you .. well done those extra savings .. and enjoy today with the Nascar - hope a few come and say 'hi' ... Hilary

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    1. We have used this man before and know him personally which makes it really nice!

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  18. Good luck with the kitchen reno! Our kitchen was redone in the late '80's as well. Though I love it, it could do with a bit of updating!

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    1. I don't care so much about the updating as much as the repairs. I'm mostly looking forward to the new floor!

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  19. Hi Betsy...
    Hope you are having a great day with the big kids....
    You earned it!
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. I had an awesome day with the big kids! It went too fast! haha.

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  20. How were the races?
    Fun to be with the "kids", for sure!

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    1. The race was awesome...our driver was awesome....I was awesome...the big kids were awesome! haha...Awesome day! :)

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  21. Great rug, Betsy!! I love it when you stumble across a perfect inspiration piece for a project. My best advice is to choose things you love. Doesn't matter what anybody else likes or thinks. ;) You have a wonderful sense of beauty and I know your kitchen will reflect that. Hope your stress evaporates soon... I'm going to have to try that tapping. blessings ~ tanna

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    1. Let me know if the tapping thing works for you. I'm not in the habit yet of remembering to do it, but when I do, I think it really does help!
      thanks for the kitchen advise....I am picking things I love...it's been pretty fun so far!

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  22. Like everyone else I love the new rug. I'm sure it will look great in your new kitchen if you can fit it in.
    We had a new kitchen 5 years ago when we moved house. If we'd had the room I would have liked old fashioned dressers and things but we don't so it is fitted.
    1 get an oven at work top height so you don't have to bend over to get the roast out in your old age.
    2 get drawers not cupboards under the work top wherever you can. We have them in London and Switzerland and love them dearly.
    3 make sure you have proper lighting to see the washing up; so many people wash the dished in a gloomy corner!
    4 hanging cupboards over the work top - get glass panel doors to keep your things clean but keep you tidy.
    5 find room for a comfy chair if you can. We have a red leather tub chair we bought on a whim and it is brilliant.
    6 paint the walls a pretty colour (!'m sure you will) and leave space to hang some of your dishes or art works.
    7 we have 2 TVs. Only small but one at each end of the room so I can watch trashy TV while chopping onions wherever I stand.
    8 if you don't already have one get a plate rack. I love mine.
    Don't forget to post some photos.

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    1. Thanks, Georgina...I love all of your suggestions! What great ideas! I love to watch TV while working in the kitchen, too! We're going to nail down the floor plan Friday, so you commented at the perfect time!

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    2. I will watch this space!
      Terry made little cut out units and appliances from bits of graph paper and drew the floor plan out. Then the whole family designed their own ideal kitchen. We stuck down the little units with teeny tiny bits of blu tak and photocopied each design. You know, fridge here, cooker there.... And then we argued over what we liked best. And then the kitchen shop man told us what we could and couldn't have! The boys might enjoy the project if they are interested?

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    3. That's a great idea. Tomorrow is the day we go see the shop and let them tell us what works and what doesn't. I'm excited! No, the boys wouldn't understand that or care...but we have bounced ideas off of Lauren and Taylor and they went shopping with us the initial trip....in fact we chose the cabinets they showed us! Fun stuff....

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