The State of Things around Here

Well, they say a picture is worth a thousand words, and I do agree, but I'll narrate anyway. Hmm...where to start. How about what's physically closest to me as I type? All these pictures were taken this morning. This first shot is what you walk in to at the front door.

The reason all the chairs (and other things you don't see) are piled in the living room is because we got lucky and found a 'mud guy' with available time yesterday.

The dining room has avoided getting a remodel for several years because of these old leaks needing repaired. Three of the four corners in the dining room had old patches and leak spots so the whole ceiling needed redone, and of course we had this under the window

For a long time this spot didn't look too bad ...the plaster just kept bubbling up, but finally it could hold no more water and the plaster just fell off. That was when we could no longer deny the repairs that were necessary. SO, that's being taken care of today. YAY! (oh, in case you're wondering if and how we finally stopped all the leaks, after YEARS of trying different things, last month we just had that whole side of the house completely re-sided. Just sealed it all in. Fingers crossed it'll work this time!)

Next we have the top of the stairs

This is a result of the bathroom being completely tiled and remodeled. I didn't take 'before' shots' because it was just too uglied out to show, but here's a glimpse of what it's going to look like

The balcony seen in the next photo leads into our bedroom. It has been like this for almost three weeks. Up until yesterday they'd set up a work platform up there with the wet tile saw, and tromped back and forth through our bedroom to the bathroom all day every day (except for last week when I was out of town and they took a big ol' hall pass and did nothin'!).

I wonder how long til they reinstall the guardrail and take down the scaffolding? (Patient Jen, be patient)

It was very exciting to see a lumber truck roll down the alley this morning

because it meant work would finally be starting on the studio. Yay! Here's the view I shot a few minutes later from the kitchen window

and now, not even an hour later, they're getting the third wall up. Cool!

SO. I think the main point of my sharing is this: my house, both inside and out, is the biggest DUMP you'd ever wanna see in your life, and my work is REALLY gonna start when they all wrap up and get outta here, which at these rates will be SOON. I'm trying not to get overwhelmed thinking about it all, but with only disarray and walls and ceilings needing paint wherever I look; I'm thinking I'll be lucky to post 'after' pictures by Labor Day weekend! Plus there's that very special project I have to finish in the next three weeks. (Jen, you're still rambling). Okay. This is the point; I'm signing off the blog for a while. You other bloggers know what a risk that feels like. Will I lose my blog friends and readers? Fall back into unknown oblivion? Guess it's a chance I have to take because girls; I've got some serious fulltime work to do around here! Simple as that. Even if I had the time to make a post, I won't have anything pretty to share for a while. (well, I'll probably post the results of  the 'special project' when I'm done in about three weeks) So, for now I bid you adieu, I hope you all have a lovely Spring, I will try to stop by and visit your blogs (probably late at night with cocktail in hand) and I hope to see you back here again! Oh, and it goes without saying; no Etsy updates for a while, either. :-)

hugs and kisses,  jen

Comments

[Periwinkle Vintage]

How goes the remodeling, Jen?? Looking forward to the "after" pics!
Cheryl

[The Vintage Sister]

"Mud Guy" has a cute butt:O
Good luck with all of the construction. We had our kitchen and family room added on to and we spent three months living in our diningroom. Ugh! Just think how wonderful everything will look when it's all completed! Totally worth it:)
Tracy

[Elizabeth Holcombe]

Looking so forward to seeing your new studio! How exciting!~~~XXOO, Beth

[Bristol]

Hey Jen, goodluck with all the work around your house, not of fun at times but so worth it in the end. We are getting ready to have our bathroom remodeled, yuck:) Have a happy and productive spring.
Bristol

[happy zombie]

Love watching your construction. Am envious of your remodel! Seeing your pics of the workers cracked me up, because when we recently got our new roof put on, I was taking pics like you too. Right down to the big truck delivering our sheeting lumber. I somehow want to show my roofing guys your pics and say... see, I'm not the only camera snap-happy cocoa puff!

I ditto, ditto, ditto your thoughts about going on a blogging break. I feel like that too. Monica who? Happy what? You'll never be off my radar Jen... and I can't wait to see more pics. Have a fantastic break and hurry back. And PS... I can't wait to see your "ironing station"!!!

[Sue McG]

Good luck with the construction Jen, it's not the easiest time to get through but just think how fab the end results will be! Yes, we'll still be here when you get back to blogging :)

[tina]

Bless your heart!!!!! I have been where you are---- and I'll send good juju!

I'll be here waiting until you get back full of great photos and I'm sure some wonderful stories!

[Karin (creativechaos)]

Oh boy that looks familiar....right down to the hole in the plaster and the wood behind it :) Of course, that's what happens when you live in an 90 year old house.... Can't wait to see all the after photos....

[nanette]

Good luck. I went through this last year. Good luck. It will be great when its done.

[Cheryl]

Wow, there's a lot going on over your way and we can't way to see the after photos. Redo's are a pain, but well worth all you go throw. We will all be waiting for you
right here!

[Heidi Woodruff]

Jen, Hang it there...it's all worth it in the end. We had a huge addition to our home 10 years ago...but I remember it like it was yesterday! And now I have a HUGE kitchen, dinning room and pantry because of my patience! :) NOW our project is a complete new front door, entry way and storage room. This house is already too big for the two of us and we keep building! But I love new construction!
*Heidi*
Everday Cookies

[Lotta]

How fun, keep doing the progress pics. I have plaster walls too - they are a pain when they need to be fixed but so pretty!

[Barbara]

Hey Jen!! Looks like lots and lots goin on. I think you will be in 7th heaven when they are done. I look forward to seeing your project and the gorgeous home when you are done!!! I know it must be a challenge to live like this for a bit, but I am sure the end result will be amazing. Good luck!

[Jackie]

Jen, I will miss your posts while you are gone, but I will now as soon as you are back because of reader. It looks like you have your hands full and it certainly is understandable that something has to give. We just can't do it all!

[susans at black eyed susans kitchen]

Jen, Your house could be on my street...Almost every house here is remodeling, restructuring or adding an addition. I told my husband today that I am jealous and want a dumpster in my driveway too! Hang in there...it will be worth the work. Susan

[suzy]

Jen, you go and get a lot of work done, Google Reader will let me know when you return. xo, suzy

[pam]

I'll miss you, just let me know when you're coming back and I'll spread the word. Until then, good luck!

[Kathi D]

Wooo, I understand your needing to take some time. It stresses me out like crazy to have everything in disarray even though I know it's for a good cause! Lots of work ahead, but think how nice it will be!

I won't desert you, I promise!

[Sharon]

We'll miss you Jen!!!! Can't wait to see the finished photos. And I'll check back often to see if you've rejoined us. Hugs and good luck!!!!

[dawn]

...not like it is a child or anything, but you know anything funky coming to mind, or "the studio?" At my house it would never get a name, I cannot make up my mind about anything.

[dawn]

I'll still be here when you get back Jen, no worries, I cannot wait to see the studio. What are you going to name it?

[zizzybob]

I've been through this myself. The only difference was we didn't hire someone, we did all the work ourselves. Our way, of course, takes alot longer. I feel your pain.
Hang in there, you're gonna love it when it's done.