Today, we celebrated Richard's birthday with a trip to the movies and dinner with his folks.
Today, while retrieving scavenged blow mold Christmas decorations from the garage attic Richard discovered old bamboo fly fishing poles wrapped in plastic sheeting. As I do whenever we find an unexpected treasure or strange, half-burried lawn ornament at the house I said a quick little thank you to Adele.
Today, I pulled out most of our summer clothes that we won't see until well after the new year, and packed them away.
This last week I've been working on a project, the details of which I've shared with Anna and bouncing ideas off of her has helped flesh out some things and serve as further inspiration. I've also sketched out ideas for more than a few art projects I hope to tackle in the winter months, but not before I get the dining room squared away - next step is a final coat of paint and buying some curtain tie-backs.
This week I finally feel like I am catching up. There are still things to be done, there are always things to be done, but I feel less like I'm climbing a mountain of house projects that are constantly sliding out from under my feet. The living room is a mess, and the guest bed still needs changing, but the yard is clean and ready for winter. And sooner than later I'll finally unpack the last of the winter clothes and we'll truly be ready, if one can ever be ready for a Wisconsin winter.
Oh, and the countdown continues for the next German exchange, just seven months and oh so much to do.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Monday, November 12, 2012
Monday, lazy Monday
It is nearly noon on a Monday and I'm almost amazed at the amount of work I haven't done yet.
After a few weeks running at full tilt I really needed a quiet morning to myself. I'm not running any of my usual Monday errands and I'm not worried about it. I know the holiday rush is imminent and it just makes sense to have a little relaxing time.
Matthias came to stay with us for a few days and helped me get started on the breezeway turned dining room. We cleared it out and primed the brick veneer wall and the terrible brown ceiling and walls. Next step is the final paint color and hanging the new (from our old apartment) curtain rods and the new (actually new!) curtains. I have some "before" photos to prove just how strange the "brick" wall and drab brown walls and ceiling were.
I probably shouldn't get started on the cold ceramic tile floor, the plan is to find an area rug big enough to cover most of it, but the plan may change. But really - it's a room with a tiny vent, three exterior walls, and as yet no insulation in the roof, in Wisconsin. So to say that floor is cold is an understatement. I keep my slippers by the kitchen door just to cross through this room in the morning.
As for today - after I finally make some lunch and tea for myself, I'll get down to some housework and chores, but no painting today - I'm saving that for a day when I am less sore. Maybe if I finish all my chores, I'll even sit down for some creating tonight.
After a few weeks running at full tilt I really needed a quiet morning to myself. I'm not running any of my usual Monday errands and I'm not worried about it. I know the holiday rush is imminent and it just makes sense to have a little relaxing time.
Matthias came to stay with us for a few days and helped me get started on the breezeway turned dining room. We cleared it out and primed the brick veneer wall and the terrible brown ceiling and walls. Next step is the final paint color and hanging the new (from our old apartment) curtain rods and the new (actually new!) curtains. I have some "before" photos to prove just how strange the "brick" wall and drab brown walls and ceiling were.
I probably shouldn't get started on the cold ceramic tile floor, the plan is to find an area rug big enough to cover most of it, but the plan may change. But really - it's a room with a tiny vent, three exterior walls, and as yet no insulation in the roof, in Wisconsin. So to say that floor is cold is an understatement. I keep my slippers by the kitchen door just to cross through this room in the morning.
As for today - after I finally make some lunch and tea for myself, I'll get down to some housework and chores, but no painting today - I'm saving that for a day when I am less sore. Maybe if I finish all my chores, I'll even sit down for some creating tonight.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Hurricane Sandy and the Eventful End
Hurricane Sandy delivered some drama into our lives this morning as we learned that flight times and train schedules had been cancelled on nearly every leg of the journey for our guests. After driving to the airport to reschedule flights (never got past the computer on the phone) and spending some time sitting in the waiting area on the phone to Amtrak, hostels, and more, we were able to figure out their trip. It was not without some sadness as we were forced to cancel their trip to New York (the city is evacuating after all!) and cut their trip to the US short by three days.
After all that though we were able to make it to the lovely capitol of Wisconsin for some Madison touring with our own little resident Madisonite - my sister Rivers.
We enjoyed the view from Frank Lloyd Wright's Monona Terrace.
Richard, Michael, and Ingrid were treated to the view from the top of the Capitol building.
And we walked the streets before returning to Milwaukee.
Yesterday was lovely. We spent the morning and into the afternoon at the Zoo.
Where a cute duck tried to join our group in the aviary.
And this guy strutted his stuff and just begged to have his photograph taken.
We ended Saturday with a quick driving tour of Milwaukee before visiting our very favorite Chinese restaurant to share dinner with Richard's parents before a stop to introduce Ingrid to her very first scoop of Milwaukee frozen custard.
After all that though we were able to make it to the lovely capitol of Wisconsin for some Madison touring with our own little resident Madisonite - my sister Rivers.
We enjoyed the view from Frank Lloyd Wright's Monona Terrace.
Richard, Michael, and Ingrid were treated to the view from the top of the Capitol building.
And we walked the streets before returning to Milwaukee.
Yesterday was lovely. We spent the morning and into the afternoon at the Zoo.
Where a cute duck tried to join our group in the aviary.
And this guy strutted his stuff and just begged to have his photograph taken.
We ended Saturday with a quick driving tour of Milwaukee before visiting our very favorite Chinese restaurant to share dinner with Richard's parents before a stop to introduce Ingrid to her very first scoop of Milwaukee frozen custard.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Wonderfully Busy Week
It has been a wonderfully busy week. We've had quite the time showing the exchange students and teachers around Milwaukee, and I'm happy it's not over yet.
I made our signature cranberry bbq chicken (pinned) for dinner on Monday and shared the meal with the teachers Ingrid and Michael, as well as our friends Dan and Lynn who are playing host to Michael this week.
Tuesday we visited the Harley Davidson Museum. I am excited to see it again as we didn't stay nearly long enough to read everything I wanted to.
I missed out on all the fun Wednesday when I had to work late, but everyone else attended a soccer game before going to see a dance performance.
Yesterday was my favorite destination - the art museum. We were treated to an exhibit on Rembrandt, Van Dyck, and Gainsborough, but were kept from seeing the installation pieces I wanted to revisit because we happened to stop in on the same night as the yearly art auction. Watching the auction set up from the upper floors was interesting though, and we managed to detour through the animation "studio" that I've never been able to visit before.
Today I'm tidying the house and running loads of laundry, and trying to make a decision on what we're doing for dinner. Considering I have at least a couple more uninterrupted hours, I'd best get back to accomplishing things and I'll try to remember to add the photos later.
I made our signature cranberry bbq chicken (pinned) for dinner on Monday and shared the meal with the teachers Ingrid and Michael, as well as our friends Dan and Lynn who are playing host to Michael this week.
Tuesday we visited the Harley Davidson Museum. I am excited to see it again as we didn't stay nearly long enough to read everything I wanted to.
I missed out on all the fun Wednesday when I had to work late, but everyone else attended a soccer game before going to see a dance performance.
Yesterday was my favorite destination - the art museum. We were treated to an exhibit on Rembrandt, Van Dyck, and Gainsborough, but were kept from seeing the installation pieces I wanted to revisit because we happened to stop in on the same night as the yearly art auction. Watching the auction set up from the upper floors was interesting though, and we managed to detour through the animation "studio" that I've never been able to visit before.
Today I'm tidying the house and running loads of laundry, and trying to make a decision on what we're doing for dinner. Considering I have at least a couple more uninterrupted hours, I'd best get back to accomplishing things and I'll try to remember to add the photos later.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
German exchange and house projects
Today's the day. Tonight we go to the airport to pick up the German exchange students and teachers. We have such an exciting week planned, and I just can't wait for it.
Until then we have plans. Last minute cleaning, loads of laundry, and maybe even a small house project or two.
Last weekend we finally cleared out the breezeway which we've been planning to use as a dining room. However over the course of the summer the room became a landing zone for excess furniture, project supplies, and tools. Now there's just the dining room table (with mismatched linens) and an odd piece of art I picked up at an estate sale for the frame.
I picked up curtains for the breezeway windows and I feel like the fact that they all match helps the house look like real adults live here. Thank goodness for clearance shelves at home stores.
Until then we have plans. Last minute cleaning, loads of laundry, and maybe even a small house project or two.
Last weekend we finally cleared out the breezeway which we've been planning to use as a dining room. However over the course of the summer the room became a landing zone for excess furniture, project supplies, and tools. Now there's just the dining room table (with mismatched linens) and an odd piece of art I picked up at an estate sale for the frame.
I picked up curtains for the breezeway windows and I feel like the fact that they all match helps the house look like real adults live here. Thank goodness for clearance shelves at home stores.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Friday Date Afternoon
One thing I love to do when Richard and I both have off on a weekday is a date afternoon. We live on a rather tight budget so we keep entertainment expenses low and don't go out very often. Sometimes date afternoon involves visiting a thrift store or two looking for hidden gems, in better weather we'll pick up subs for dinner and have a picnic, or we hit up a matinee movie and make the oh so healthy choice of sharing a popcorn and soda for dinner.
We went to see Looper yesterday, and not only was it nice to get out of the house but we both enjoyed the movie immensely. All said it was a $20 date and if you can't find a free event for date night (like Free First Thursdays at the art museum) it's a great choice on a budget.
We went to see Looper yesterday, and not only was it nice to get out of the house but we both enjoyed the movie immensely. All said it was a $20 date and if you can't find a free event for date night (like Free First Thursdays at the art museum) it's a great choice on a budget.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Weekends and House Projects
It's Sunday evening and while Richard is busy watching the Packers I am happy to sit down for a moment to reflect. We spent all weekend getting the house ready for our guest (arriving next weekend!) and finishing many house projects that had just "one last thing" left to do. And even just hanging things on the wall that were meant to be hung a while ago.
Our house is in a constant state of evolution and, most of the time, chaos. We have so many ongoing projects that it's a relief when one is finally completed. I don't mind half-finished projects nearly as much as most people think I should, there's something about always having something to pick up that is constantly motivating. I predict in another, oh, two or three years most of the projects we began when we first moved in will be finished.
Our house is in a constant state of evolution and, most of the time, chaos. We have so many ongoing projects that it's a relief when one is finally completed. I don't mind half-finished projects nearly as much as most people think I should, there's something about always having something to pick up that is constantly motivating. I predict in another, oh, two or three years most of the projects we began when we first moved in will be finished.
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