Shakespeare, Finally

When we moved to OR 20 years ago, some dear neighbors up the street became good friends and we spent a great deal of time with them.  They taught us a game called Mah Jong which I never really got the hang of but we had fun anyway.  They had property across the street from our house on which they had planned to build a home on someday but they changed their minds, sold the property and moved to eastern OR.  My in-laws bought that property and built their own home on it (that's another story!)  Anyway, we have kept in touch with these neighbors all these years.  Before they moved, they gave us quite a few books and magazines that they no longer needed.  One of these books was Shakespeare: 23 plays and the Sonnets.

This book has been kept in a prominent place for 20 years, being referred to when needed (Shakespeare comes up more often than one would imagine).  I had always hoped at least one of my kids would want to read it someday but I never pushed.  And then one day, four months ago, Chad announced he was going to read it.  It took him four months to finish (as he said, "Shakespeare is not easy reading") but I was so proud of him for never giving up.  I think he was proud of himself as well.  The great thing about Chad is that whatever he is reading, I get to "read" it, too.  I got to learn all about the plays as he was reading them.  I did the same thing for him when I was reading "War and Peace".  It's fun to have someone to share with when one is reading a great peace of work.  We discussed each play, Chad giving his opinion for each one.  Learning the background was interesting as well.  We both got a terrific education on Shakespeare, simply because he wanted to read it. And that is exactly what I had hoped would happen.  I could have made it an assignment but I chose not to and I think he learned more because it was his idea.  I wish I could do all our learning that way.

It was interesting to see just how many phrases have passed into modern life that have their origins in Shakespeare.  I think a lot of people would be surprised to learn that.  We also enjoyed reading Verla's notes (our neighbor that gave us the book).  I think this was college reading for her, probably dating back into the late 1950's and her sense of humor shows through in her comments.  She was a teacher for many years and I think she would love to know that Chad enjoyed this book.  That's a letter I need to write, and soon.

We have other books Verla gave us that turned out to be very important to our children.  She will enjoy knowing what an influence these books have had on our lives.  I've never thought to mention this to her in our yearly letters to each other.  But this year, I definitely will.

Memorial Day 2012

Today is Memorial Day, the day when we are to remember all those who have served and died for our country and beyond.  When the kids were little, we spent a great deal of this day learning, doing crafts, putting out the flag and saying the Pledge of Allegiance.  And we nearly always go to one of the cemeteries in our area, particularly the one where a lot of soldiers are buried.  There used to be ceremonies including fly-bys of fighter jets, sometimes we could see them from our living room window.  But, since those jets are usually being used elsewhere, we haven't seen them in several years.  This year, we are planning to attend a ceremony in town and then go to the cemetery we usually go to.  Chad put our flag out.  We talked about the origin and whys of Memorial Day (it used to be called Decoration Day) and I prayed with my kids, thanking God for all the brave people who served and died, including the families left behind.  In particular on my mind is a family here in Oregon who lost their only child, a son, just last week.  He was supposed to be married in the next few weeks.  He was on his second tour of duty and he didn't come home.  Not alive, anyway.  My heart goes out to that family.  I always cry when I read about those we have lost in these recent wars, especially when it hits in our state.  Oh, it doesn't matter where they live, I cry anyway.

There was a good article in our local paper about the shift of focus for Memorial Day, how for most people it's about getting away and having fun.  But there was also an article about several families who convene every year at a cemetery where their loved ones are buried.  They use this time to not only see family but to clean up the grave sites and bring flowers.  I thought that was a lovely tradition to have.  The children in those families hopefully will continue the tradition, making sure their kids honor their loved ones.  Important stuff.  I want my kids to have these values, always showing respect for those we have lost, for those in the service, keeping traditions.  Today, Todd and I both told the kids about our family members who served our country.  I have a lot of military in my family, including the Civil War, and I hope to keep telling these stories so my kids will remember.

Progress, progress ...

Hey ... the saw is gone!  It's really gone!  We are adjusting to not having to squeeze past it and the dishwasher to enter the kitchen.  So much space!  All of the lower cabinets are in place (no doors or counter top yet), except for the island which isn't built yet.  It's looking terrific!  We purchased an island hood and a cooktop at amazing prices, what a blessing.  Todd had to go through Longview, Washington, on his way to Portland and stopped at a Lowe's (they are like a Home Depot) where they had a clearance section.  He found the island hood and cooktop which happened to be styles/models he was pleased with.  He came home and talked to me about them, and then I called to see if we could purchase them over the phone.  The appliance manager I talked to offered me the hood for $300 less than the price Todd saw on it (I almost cried).  Seems that she's been wanting to sell this for some time and there wasn't a demand for island hoods in that community.  It's not been out of the box, in perfect condition.  The cooktop is gas which means we'll have an extra monthly bill but fortunately there is a gas line already run to our house in the finished basement, we've just never needed to use it.  I'm sure there's a fee to hook it up again, there's always a fee, right?  Anyway, these purchases take care of a couple of big ticket items we were going to need to buy.  I believe we saved more than half of what we expected to pay if we had bought these items elsewhere.  And Lowe's kindly allowed us to open an account online and gave us 6 months interest free.  I feel so special.

I honestly have trouble remembering life before this remodel began ... and it hasn't been all that long!  It's funny how something can take over your life so quickly and easily.  I'm so thankful for how God has blessed us in different ways through this.  

My husband and our sons took a road trip last Sunday to see the annular eclipse.  Since it was cloudy here on the coast, they drove until they found sun, which turned out to be about a 4-5 hour drive one way.  They didn't get home until nearly midnight but they had fun and took some great photos with their cameras and sun filter.  Carmen and I spent the day talking and playing games.  We made a simple dessert also.  It's fun to see her so interested in cooking.  We made dinner together, a new recipe that we modified to suit our tastes.  It was a great day for our whole family, and I got to see some photos of the eclipse as it was happening, via computer.  

Todd has time off through Memorial Day (the doctor is gone as well).  Hopefully, he can move forward with the kitchen, despite the torrential rain and wind we have been having since yesterday.  And the weather is looking just as foul for the rest of the week.  Springtime on the coast, you know! 

49 And Thankful

We've gotten our routine down now:  Monday through Thursday, life as usual.  Homeschooling, driving Chad to college and his volunteer job, etc.  On Friday, everything gets covered, the plastic comes down all around the kitchen and we look for things to do that keep us out of the way.  When the saw is running, we look for ways to be out of the house.  Lots of cleanup each day of the weekend, then Monday, everything gets uncovered and shaken out.  Life as usual.  Sort of.

Todd has built the upper cabinets on the back wall of the kitchen.  The refrigerator cabinet and the shelves above.  Installed a vegetable sink with a disposal and water filter, for which I am thankful since my other sink has been disconnected.  Amazing how grateful one can be for water when it's turned off for any length of time.  Last weekend, the kids and I went for a long drive, since I knew if I was in the house without water it would drive me nuts.  On our drive, we happened upon a herd of goats, including a pair of newborn kids.  From the appearance of their mother, we supposed that the kids were less than 20 minutes old.  The mother was trying to get her twins to stand up.  It was very cool to witness.  When we returned to our house, Todd was still working on the plumbing (it NEVER goes as quickly as one would like!)  but eventually everything came together, the leaks repaired and all was well.  Little by little, the kitchen is taking shape.

Oh, yes, there was that small event a few days ago.  I turned 49 last Tuesday, and since this kitchen remodel is not cheap, I chose a very small celebration.  Chad put a candle in a chocolate donut and brought it out to me after lunch.  Alec picked a daffodil for me (something he doesn't usually do).  We ordered Chinese take out for dinner which Todd picked up on his way home from work.  He brought in dinner, along with a dozen red roses.  Very sweet!  It was a nice, quiet birthday and I am very glad we didn't go to Leavenworth, WA, this time.  As much as I like going there, it is very spendy.  Actually, having a quiet birthday seemed just right this year.  My daughter baked a chocolate cake today, and said it was a late birthday cake.  She has been choosing recipes out of a terrific cookbook for young people and this was the first time she's ever made anything like this, especially with very little assistance.  She is so proud of herself and so am I.  It was very good, by the way.

I was thinking about my birthday last week, how I love my family and my life.  I used to get so worked up about my birthday, wondering if anyone close to me would remember and do anything for me.  I really didn't feel that way this year - what a relief.  I remember when I was about 11 or 12, my mother told everyone not to worry about her birthday and so nobody did anything for her.  I believe she spent most of the day on the couch, something she absolutely never did.  She was depressed that we listened to her and didn't do anything!  That afternoon, I found a cake mix that you mixed up right in the included disposable box and it was either microwaved or baked (I don't remember).  I brought it out to her and I know she really appreciated my small gesture.  I learned from that experience that you must be careful what you say - people will believe you!  She never again said not to worry about her birthday.  I think she learned a lesson, too!

There's a table saw in my kitchen ...

Oh, not JUST a table saw, but the whole "table" part surrounding it, which makes the whole thing about 10' x 8'.  Makes a nice island.  All it needs is a granite countertop to complete the look.

Filling the rest of the kitchen and into the living room are all the cabinet parts.  Getting to the garage is a challenge.  If you suck in your breath, you can just squeeze between the saw and the dishwasher to exit the kitchen near the front door.  Plastic sheeting hangs decoratively around the perimeter.

The dining room has become a storeroom.  Boxes holding my kitchen things make accessing homeschool books difficult (voiced not-so-kindly by my 11 year old!)

And Todd's three weeks are over.  He's happily back at work in a new, open office with elbow room.  Actually, I know better.  Todd would much rather be here, assembling cabinets and finishing this project.  But life doesn't always go as planned.  Fortunately, my darling has left the kitchen functioning well enough that it's not that bad.  As long as I move slowly, I don't run into anything.

The ceiling is done for the most part.  Love the skylight!  There is still one wall of cabinets attached.  Sink, stove and dishwasher are still there.  Toaster oven and microwave still usable (the microwave is living on a old cabinet on wheels rolled into the living room.)  I threw a tablecloth over the table part of the table saw for an additional work surface.  Lots of sweeping.

It's funny how certain things can get on one's nerves, silly things like everyone in the house asking (for the 100th time) "Where are the clips or where are the twisty-ties?"  For the 100th time, I answer "In the box with the white lid in the pantry!"  Somehow, they can't get used to this as these particular items have always been in a drawer that is no longer there.  Carmen blows hot and cold, even on a good day and if she's in a bad mood, her tolerance level for living in a construction zone plummets.  The boys don't seem to care which, of course, they wouldn't.  As long as they can eat, life is good.

Oh, do you want to see some photos?  Here goes ...

Before the ceiling went in (after the skylight was installed) This is the view from the sink, looking out toward the dining room.  The pendant light is new and will
have a banquette beneath it:

My skylight on a rare sunny day:

Showing the versatility of the in-kitchen table saw (It slices, it dices!!)  Don't try this at home:

Breakfast prep on my temporary (I hope) island.  That stack of material behind me has now been cut up into parts that will become our cabinets:

This view shows the new archway out into the living room, which created a view out toward the bay from the kitchen.  I used to have to go around the wall there to see out that window.  The baby grand piano usually sits just behind me (it's been pushed further into the living room and is trying to eat the sofa):

I'll end this post with this wonderful piece of news:  Todd now will only work four days a week, 10 hour days, which will give him a three day weekend - all the time!  He works 10 hour days now anyway but the week will be shorter and, in theory, he'll be able to spend more time on the kitchen!  God is good.

Out With the Old!

The kitchen now has no upper cabinets and no ceiling. It does, however, have a new skylight! Imagine ... LIGHT in my dark kitchen! With temperatures in the low 40's this week with rain, we were wondering how things would go when actual demolition began. No worries! On Wednesday, when the weather man was calling for snow, bad enough to hamper travel, our part of the coast cleared up and got sunny! Todd got up on the roof and installed the skylight in 4 hours and only got rained on for about an hour of that time! Thursday was nice enough for us to walk and then he started tearing out upper cabinets. Today was sunny all day, the kids and I sat on the deck while Todd made a nightmare out of the kitchen, tearing out the ceiling. I still got to cook in the remains of my old kitchen tonight and perhaps tomorrow night, but I am thrilled that the weather made today much more tolerable. The kitchen will be colder tomorrow morning but that's part of remodeling.

We are getting the travel trailer ready for cooking dinners. I think we can still do breakfast and lunch in the house. Who wants to stumble out to the trailer in the a.m?! This is all so surreal. It feels like a dream. The cleaning up part doesn't, though! Pink fluffy fiberglass is a pain to clean up - who invented this stuff, anyway?

We still have decisions to make regarding the cabinets, counter tops, etc. The floor has been decided. The pantry will have to wait a bit. I am praying for God's guidance and for Him to give Todd strength and wisdom through all this. I am so thankful how God answered my prayers for the weather. I mean, He moved a snowstorm further into Portland! It missed us completely! Now, I know He didn't do it just for my husband but I am so happy that we were blessed by this. The boys have been working when needed. Good experience for them.

It's Looking Different Around Here

My husband has been wanting to build a new kitchen in this house since we moved here, about 14 years ago. To make a long story short - he began the process last weekend. He knocked out the wall dividing the kitchen from the living room and suddenly I have a view of the bay from my kitchen (through the living room windows). Wow! The view today was of rain, high winds and then snow falling (and sticking) but who cares! It has been fun getting used to that wall being gone. We do not miss it except when my daughter turned to look at the calendar that used to hang there and had a good laugh at herself. Todd came home tonight and said he is taking not two weeks (which he had already scheduled) but THREE weeks! In fact, his boss suggested he take the extra time since the doctor will be gone as well. Todd has never had that much time off, ever, since our marriage. I hope everything goes well and I am giving this remodel to God, asking for wisdom and guidance. We will need it.

When he gets to the part where I can't cook in the kitchen, the plan is for me to cook in our travel trailer which is fine except for the times it will be raining and, possibly, snowing. The weather report didn't call for snow today so it came as a complete surprise. Todd didn't get home tonight until 8:30, driving up and down the hill from town in snow! Sometimes I wish we still had our 4-wheel truck that we foolishly traded in for a vehicle that would hold a growing family. Anyway, I am optimistic and will do my best to be a good sport. I want this remodel to go well for Todd - I'm just along for the ride.

Really, I'm serious. He keeps asking my opinion about things and when I don't have one, we tend to, ahem, debate a bit. I finally told him I just trust him to built a terrific kitchen, like I used to see him do when he had his own cabinet shop. I'll try to give my input when needed but, really, I'll just be so happy with whatever he does.

He built an archway in the area between the kitchen and living room which looks lovely (will look even better when it's dry-walled and painted.) I guess this will call for some pictures which I'm sure Chad will be happy to provide. He's better than I am at taking photos and posting them. Alec and I held up one end of the huge beam that had to go in place to hold up the ceiling where the weight-bearing wall had been. My shoulders are still recovering. He'll also put an arch between the kitchen and dining room.

Definitely looking forward to the new kitchen. Not looking forward to paying the necessary bills! But it will be worth it. I'm very excited!