want blame: I have a new deck ready to use; it's March 4 and the temperature this morning was 23 degrees. SO we're having an actual winter.
As noted in earlier posts, I prefer cold weather to hot weather. But it's about time days were getting warmer and nights milder. As someone once said, everyone talks about the weather but no one does anything about it. And what could we do about it? Personally, I'm hunkering inside and watching the rain, snow, clouds, wind and wrapping up to overcome the cold. So I ain't gonna complain any more. Really.
I've fulfilled a wish and it's a peculiar sensation. I had hung on my frig at home and on my computer at the office this pic
and that's pretty much how things are. I've been sitting on my fanny watching guys gut the kitchen, patch the walls (after removing one and adding a beam at the top) and put in a new tile floor.
There's quite a bit of work remaining, such as repainting the walls, installing new cabinets, putting appliances back in .... THEN I can unpack boxes and put things back in cabinets.
It's peculiar to me because I've not been in the position much to have work done. But this job was way more than I could do. The new deck was an example of this and it's a good thing to be able to have the deck added and kitchen re-done; and, not trying to be a pollyanna, I'm most grateful that I can.
Well that was two weeks ago and the kitchen project is nearly complete and I'm excited, waiting for new counter top to be completed and installed. New cabinets, new tile floor, new dishwasher (the old one had leaked and the door broke again and I was over it) and a totally new look.
The changes are quite notable (even with same stove and frig) but the really big one is the missing wall. When this thing started I was asking for a half wall. BUT once the original wall was down (I had erroneously thought the wall would be brought half-way down but you have to re-build to a half wall), I loved the open space. Living room, dining area and kitchen are one space now; in a 1970's split foyer this space is not large, but looks spacious opened up.
It's been interesting living without a kitchen since it had been gutted (well not the walls) and kitchen items were in four places. The only thing I was using was the coffee pot--I mean, you gotta have a coffee pot. And, I must say, eating out has become monotonous and I'm pretty sure I've blown some $$ on it. With a stove finally back in place, I can cook a few things.
Of course, without a kitchen sink I'm still limited; washing dishes in the bathroom sink is less than ideal. But that should change soon; we're expecting the counter to be here this week. That will be a good day.
Now I've got to settle into the changes and figure out using it effectively. One of the guys renovating the kitchen told me to stop watching home improvement shows, probably because I kept asking questions about the work and about options that could be used, or even ones that had not been used. Evidently, he thought I was getting too much outside info. Maybe, but since I'm paying for the kitchen, I continue to ask questions.
Nevertheless, I'll wait a while on new projects. Haven't written the final check for this and may need to recover from shock. Some day, if I can work it out, I'd like to finish the basement; that is, I'd like to have the basement finished. I'm sure it would be a good improvement, but not a requirement. Gotta sort out the info from those shows; that is a requirement.
When the job is completely done, I must set about finding something productive that I can personally do.
west in the early 20th century, was released in 1969. I managed not to see it for 43 years and then I watched it this week end. I should've waited longer. It is the most violent film I've ever seen; that was Peckinpah's intent and he achieved what he set out to do.
It is violent; it is ugly; it is shocking. There are no heroes and it ends in a bloody massacre. I deal with this by looking away from the TV frequently. I watched it because I knew I'd missed an important piece of film making; it was about a culture I don't understand, but accept as having been what it appeared to be. It was worth watching, even if it was difficult. I'll never see it again.
A large part of my excessive TV viewing is home improvement shows. A caveat about watching these DIY, fix it up, make it look and feel better, increase the value of your home shows: inspiration can get you in over your head with projects. I watch shows and get wonderful ideas about things to do to my place and that translates into $$.
The deck is complete and quite wonderful. The next project is already discussed, estimated and planned. Not started, but coming soon. IF I had any skill I would do more myself, at least I comfort myself with this notion. Truth be told, I did several projects with the able help of a friend and from Big Bro several years ago. Following divorce from husband two I was motivated to change up things. So I threw out the carpeting, put in tile and laminate floors and painted everything. It was all fine for several years; the kitchen floor once again needs improvement and I'm going to jump into the deep end and make big improvements.
This is what happens, you see. The earlier projects grew out of ripping out carpeting. Once you fix one thing you see how other things don't look so good. Like dominoes, one things causes the next.
OF course, since I cannot do these projects myself (because I'm old, lazy and have no skill), I can continue while there's some money for it. Which means this kitchen thing will be the last. But it'll be good when it's done and worth the expense because it should increase value of the house. AND I will be living in a more pleasant place.
Probably time to cut back on home improvement shows.
I am sorry to say that some of this season's shows have been a little irritating. Matthew's inheritance saved Downton since the Earl had lost his wife's fortune through poor investments; a daughter died as result of childbirth (it is 1920's England and childbirth is dangerous), leaving an infant daughter and an Irish-born, ex-chauffeur widower, the bane of the Earl and the Dowager. That was very sad, and I was actually shocked.
AND now, I'm betting that the Irish son-in-law will become part of the on-going solutions to the Earl's poor management of the estate by the son-in-law he actually likes, but is growing wary of. There just ain't no heroes any more.
If you don't follow the show, then this stuff doesn't make sense and doesn't interest you. I like the show because it is written well, performed well and tells interesting stories. Even if I am irritated by some twists and some characters.
Another example of how well done is British TV is Doc Martin. This character is not very sympathetic since he's short-tempered, has poor people skills, and very little patience for other people, including the sick people he tends. But he's very interesting and most of the show's characters are also engaging.
If I'm going to wile away hours and hours in front of the idiot box, it's really nice that some of that time is not idiotically spent. With PBS and BBC, I get entertaining and intelligent viewing.
AND I'm catching up on movies not seen for years, or not seen yet at all. I'm quite fortunate to have the time and means for these pastimes. Some day, I'm sure, I'll go back to reading books and I'll look for things to do outside the house. No, seriously.
gone before and revisionist history is another version of what has gone before. And since the victors write the history, maybe most history we see and hear is revisionist. I've encountered another type recently: fantasy history. I suppose it's another way of being revisionist, but since this was an old TV series and made for the mass market many years ago, I think it's just fantasy.
I watched the entire Backstairs at the White House TV mini-series over a period of weeks with DVD's from Netflix. While I was and still am interested in learning about the experiences of elected officials and staff in the White House, I do not believe that the depiction in this series is really accurate. Admittedly, I have not read the book on which the series is based and cannot address what the author actually experienced or what she spoke of.
I'm just wondering if the mostly black staff working in the attic, kitchen, basement, tending to the needs and demands of elected officials were all so pleased to be there. The story begins with the Taft administration and continues up to the Kennedy administration; that's many years of public service and our history.
The political and economic variations affected everyone working and living in the executive mansion; the benefit of regular employment should not be diminished and being a witness to history from inside was no doubt a significant experience. But life in domestic service was not easy; and these hard-working folk had to keep at it, keep their mouths shut and hope each administration would keep them employed.
THEN I watched the first part of a two-part about Sally Hemmings, the black woman who was a slave to Thomas Jefferson and became his mistress. Mr. Jefferson was intelligent, skillful, creative, ingenious, patriotic and conflicted. He spoke of ending slavery in this country, yet would not, or could not, give up his own slaves. It was a hideous part of our history, and whether this version is inaccurate, fair or not, we have much to be ashamed of and regretful for.
I was born and raised in Virginia, as Mr. Jefferson was. He was landed gentry and a critical part of our earliest history as a nation. I was just a not-yet-middle class native. I am proud of many things about my home state, but not about our part in and continuation of the practice of enslaving human beings.
I had family members I loved very much who held throughout their lifetimes the view that blacks are inferior and should not be treated equally. I do not understand that; I was taught differently by parents who were tolerant and had a sense of fairness.
Frankly, I wish we were no longer having conversations about equality and fairness; I wish it was settled. Why should someone who doesn't look like me, who doesn't have the orientation I do, or doesn't believe as I do be treated with disdain? I'm not a good-two-shoes; I just don't get it.
and there's nothing I can do about it. Monday was fine; Tuesday was even better. I sat on the deck a brief period each day.
Today, I'm hunkered down in the house with dogs and television. The adjustment I'm having to make in being retired is the realization repeatedly that I don't have to do anything and I don't have to go anywhere. I find myself wondering what should I be doing, where should I go?
SO I am retraining, learning to select activities based on my interest, or my personal need, but not based on obligation. Very nice situation I think, this personal freedom.
I have watched a lot of television, including movies. The pleasure is waning as the time goes on, so I look forward to improved weather so I can spend some effort in the flower beds and, OF COURSE, sit on the deck.
I have an image of sitting on the deck with cold drink, good book, maybe the dogs and enjoying a warm breeze and fresh air. Aaaah.
SO if the weather relents, the rain abates, the air warms I will be quite pleased. Yes, I'm spoiled. But I'm also mighty grateful.
you probably don't picture it in the snow. At least I didn't. And now that I have a deck (and I'm very grateful for that) we finally have a winter snow. I could say, we finally have a winter. At least some winter, for a while.
I took pics so I can remember that we had some cold weather and what it looked like. I figure that the image of the wet snow hanging off the trees and stuck on the screen could fade.
Understand, please, that I prefer cold weather and am not complaining about this event (although I wish folks didn't have to travel in it); I wish for more cold weather.
Probably not a popular point of view; guess most folks prefer warm, mild weather. Truth be told, I'm moving in that direction and can appreciate a fine spring day. Do not appreciate hot summer days, but I can work around those somewhat.
But back to today. Neighbor slid off a nearby road as she attempted to get home with kids; ended up leaving van and walking home, kids, groceries, backpacks in hand.
I'm quite glad they got home and the only thing at risk was the vehicle. Now that's home as well since hubby dug it out and drove it home.
This snow will not last long as the ground is warm and the air will not be cold very long. I was able, however, to convince girl child to stay at work since her drive home from BFE (probably someone could translate that) would have been treacherous on the country roads. It takes about 30 minutes to drive there on dry roads on a clear day.
Sometimes you have to act like a mother even if it isn't well received. So I did my duty; and I am more comfortable than I would've been if she drove home in the mess.
AND, this not having to go anywhere because I'm retired, works out quite nicely when the weather is rotten. Staying home, watching a few movies, reading my book, cuddling with the dogs---all very nice.
And who can say how long that will be? Yes, December 21 came and went and still we abide. Doesn't mean there isn't a blow awaiting us. Not that I'm feeling morose at all.
Actually, I've moved to a state of not counting time. Coincidentally, 12/21 was my last day as an gainfully employed person. I stayed as long as I could bear; and it seemed it was just as well to move on.
Folks at office gave me a lovely send off with a low-key reception and a wonderful parting gift of an electric fireplace. Seems a co-worker listened to my discussion of the deck being added to my house and how I was thinking of having a fire pit and made the type decision that proves her invaluable in her professional role: she suggested the fireplace to prevent my burning down my house.
There is a chance I may have reached similar decision on my own; there is a chance I may not have. But that's not an issue now.
The deck is complete with only a couple of tweaks needed; but since holidays ensued during and after the completion process and I went away for several days and then the weather has been interminably wet--the very fine addition has not been used much. Due to the cold and damp weather Christmas week I initiated the fireplace in the living room. It reduced the chill considerably and provided pleasant experiences for my holiday guest and me.
Meanwhile, I'm considering collaborating with the folk who built the deck to see if they'd be interested in constructing a large boat. It could prove useful as the rains continue and the levels increase; we may need a means of water transport and I'd like to take along people I care about.
The rain has contributed, no doubt, to my attitude of recalcitrance. It's strange indeed not to have a job to go to and not have to tell someone I won't be there. And housework holds no charm for me, so I do only what I must. I hope to get to more of those things I should do; time will tell. But, as I said, I'm not watching the clocks.
I have watched quite a few films recorded from television as well as couple from Netflix. Now with the Oscars and Golden Globes active again, I feel drawn to the newer ones about which we currently hear so much. I'm always behind and almost never see them before the awards; but eventually I will see them.
So there are some things to do and I'm not exactly twiddling my thumbs in frustration. But some sunshine could certainly improve my outlook as well as my ambition I think.
We still need some truly cold weather and I can stay at home if it's extreme. But I am truly looking forward to spring this year. Now if there are heavy spring rains .....
