If you have an extra $138,500, we'll be happy to take it off your hands. In return, we'll give you the best house we've seen in that price range around here. (We've done our open-house research, so we know!)
We met with a real estate agent this afternoon, and now our previous home is officially on the market. Still, it was a shock to drive by yesterday evening and see that sign in the yard.
Today, Bud will mulch the landscaping. Tomorrow, I'll add some color with flowers. And we still have those few paint touch-ups inside. Then, we'll really be finished.
And then there's Bud's mom's house and the building the newspaper will leave behind in a couple of weeks.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Outdoor Life and A Different Kind of Move
We've moved into summer mode a little bit early. Or at least we've hit "prepare-for-summer" at full throttle.
Last weekend, we bought this "chat set" for the deck. Unfortunately it has rained almost endlessly since then. Today, I ordered new fabric for the cushions of the wicker furniture that used to live on the front porch here before the remodel. I think the yellow we chose will work much better with our decor than the orange floral we inherited.
Bud has moved a ton of plantings from the old house to the new yard. He also moved the house plants from the sunroom to the deck, so we've got a bit of a tropical feel out there now.
Sadly, we recently found out that the newspaper where I work (and from where Bud retired a few years ago) will be moving to a new office at the end of the month.
We're disappointed to see the paper leave Main Street for the first time in its 132-year history. For me, working in a shiny, new strip-mall-type office will feel soulless compared to showing up every day to the same place where my predecessors, including Bud's dad and grandfather, melted lead to create type for each edition.
The paper hasn't been family-owned for more than 30 years, but it has taken 'til now, this impending change of scenery, to finally rip away all that was left of that family feeling. The connection to the past won't seem as strong somewhere else, and right now, it feels as if the staff members will be tossing history in the trash bin as they walk out the door.
Last weekend, we bought this "chat set" for the deck. Unfortunately it has rained almost endlessly since then. Today, I ordered new fabric for the cushions of the wicker furniture that used to live on the front porch here before the remodel. I think the yellow we chose will work much better with our decor than the orange floral we inherited.
Bud has moved a ton of plantings from the old house to the new yard. He also moved the house plants from the sunroom to the deck, so we've got a bit of a tropical feel out there now.
Sadly, we recently found out that the newspaper where I work (and from where Bud retired a few years ago) will be moving to a new office at the end of the month.
We're disappointed to see the paper leave Main Street for the first time in its 132-year history. For me, working in a shiny, new strip-mall-type office will feel soulless compared to showing up every day to the same place where my predecessors, including Bud's dad and grandfather, melted lead to create type for each edition.
The paper hasn't been family-owned for more than 30 years, but it has taken 'til now, this impending change of scenery, to finally rip away all that was left of that family feeling. The connection to the past won't seem as strong somewhere else, and right now, it feels as if the staff members will be tossing history in the trash bin as they walk out the door.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Baby hawk down
As we headed over to the old house this afternoon, Bud saw something round and spotted in the gutter along the side of the road. When we turned back to check it out, this baby hawk is what we found.
Bud helped him over the curb and into the grass, then we went on our way, leaving him alone to see if his parents would come to the rescue. They did.
Bud helped him over the curb and into the grass, then we went on our way, leaving him alone to see if his parents would come to the rescue. They did.
I didn't know funhouses had kitchens
Remember the crooked man in the nursery rhyme (wallked a crooked mile ... had a crooked cat)? Apparently, the vinyl installers think we're selling our old house to him.
As you can see by the threshold between the kitchen and the garage, they didn't quite hit square when they put the floor down. They'll be trying again as soon as the replacement vinyl arrives.
Other than that, there's a little painting -- both inside and outside -- and some yard work before we're ready to list.
As you can see by the threshold between the kitchen and the garage, they didn't quite hit square when they put the floor down. They'll be trying again as soon as the replacement vinyl arrives.
Other than that, there's a little painting -- both inside and outside -- and some yard work before we're ready to list.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
A deck with a view
We may be a couple of blocks from downtown, but we're not without wildlife.
Evidence? This is back yard as seen from the deck tonight during the Kentucky game.
We have noticed these girls' hoof prints often, but this is the first time we've seen the deer themselves this close to the house.
Evidence? This is back yard as seen from the deck tonight during the Kentucky game.
We have noticed these girls' hoof prints often, but this is the first time we've seen the deer themselves this close to the house.
Monday, March 9, 2009
More paint, no carpet
Still no word on the rest of the floor coverings' status, so no date for a carpet install. But we've made some progress anyway.
The garage has more paint. The new tub has trim. The old tile found its way out of the house.
Bud and I found a new trim tile for the bathrooms this weekend. We also got the bikes out for the first time this year, and we got to experiment with one of Bud's anniversary gifts -- a bike-to-bike intercom system, which was a blast.
We've really missed talking to each other on rides since I stopped riding with him. I don't think we shut up the whole way to breakfast Sunday morning.
The garage has more paint. The new tub has trim. The old tile found its way out of the house.
Bud and I found a new trim tile for the bathrooms this weekend. We also got the bikes out for the first time this year, and we got to experiment with one of Bud's anniversary gifts -- a bike-to-bike intercom system, which was a blast.
We've really missed talking to each other on rides since I stopped riding with him. I don't think we shut up the whole way to breakfast Sunday morning.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Of progress and illness
Big week in the life of the renovation. The new tub went in, as did the kitchen countertops. The bathroom accessories were sitting on the front porch this morning when Bud went out for the paper, so they actually arrived yesterday.
Also, some of our floor coverings have arrived. I'm hopeful that they'll all be in by the middle of next week and that the installer won't be busy with other work.
Gary and Jimmy have been working on another job, so I guess we have to hope for cold weather to move them back to our project.
Bud has been sick since Wednesday night. (It probably wasn't entirely the fault of Kentucky's loss to Georgia, but I think that had to be a contributing factor.) This morning, he ate something other than saltines for the first time since then.
We're off to enjoy the spring-preview weather and, we hope, a Kentucky win over Florida.
Also, some of our floor coverings have arrived. I'm hopeful that they'll all be in by the middle of next week and that the installer won't be busy with other work.
Gary and Jimmy have been working on another job, so I guess we have to hope for cold weather to move them back to our project.
Bud has been sick since Wednesday night. (It probably wasn't entirely the fault of Kentucky's loss to Georgia, but I think that had to be a contributing factor.) This morning, he ate something other than saltines for the first time since then.
We're off to enjoy the spring-preview weather and, we hope, a Kentucky win over Florida.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Happy anniversary to us
I marked our three-year anniversary with a 14-hour work day. Bud started the morning with a migraine. Things went up from there. (Actually, we opened our gifts yesterday. Tonight, we went out for sushi. Yum.)
In remodel news, the countertop installers called today to set up an appointment for later this week. I'm so eager for them to arrive because they should do such a great job of tying the new colors together.
The photo is the full bath, which soon will say goodbye to its blue sink. The half bath is about to lose an equally lovely one in pink. The house's new owners will never know how much they should thank us.
In remodel news, the countertop installers called today to set up an appointment for later this week. I'm so eager for them to arrive because they should do such a great job of tying the new colors together.
The photo is the full bath, which soon will say goodbye to its blue sink. The half bath is about to lose an equally lovely one in pink. The house's new owners will never know how much they should thank us.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Nothing to see here
So here's the first of what will become a series of photos that shows almost nothing: It's a garage! With a partial coat of paint! And a stack of stuff for the bathrooms! Wow, right?
This weekend, Bud and I replaced the kitchen cabinet doors and installed the new knobs. He also installed new light fixtures in the kitchen and den.
We're at a little bit of a standstill -- waiting for the plumber to install the new bathtub (currently in the living room), the first installers to deliver the countertops, and the second installers to bring the new floor coverings.
Kathy, who cleans our house and is helping us make sense of Bud's mom's house, will spend a few hours this week cleaning windows and baseboards at the remodel.
This weekend, Bud and I replaced the kitchen cabinet doors and installed the new knobs. He also installed new light fixtures in the kitchen and den.
We're at a little bit of a standstill -- waiting for the plumber to install the new bathtub (currently in the living room), the first installers to deliver the countertops, and the second installers to bring the new floor coverings.
Kathy, who cleans our house and is helping us make sense of Bud's mom's house, will spend a few hours this week cleaning windows and baseboards at the remodel.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Almost entirely spruced
For several weeks, Bud, Gary and Jimmy have been working on the house where Bud and I used to live.
They've patched and painted, replaced outlets and switches and their covers, removed wallpaper and carpet. I haven't put any effort into documenting their progress, though, so I'll try to remedy that starting tomorrow.
New countertops and floor coverings are still on the way, and updated bathroom fixtures are waiting in the garage. Outside, we'll throw some paint on the garage door, window frames and various other non-brick surfaces when the weather warms.
Then we'll plant annuals in every bare bed and sell the whole thing for millions of dollars!
Right. Anyway, pictures to come. Possibly tomorrow.
They've patched and painted, replaced outlets and switches and their covers, removed wallpaper and carpet. I haven't put any effort into documenting their progress, though, so I'll try to remedy that starting tomorrow.
New countertops and floor coverings are still on the way, and updated bathroom fixtures are waiting in the garage. Outside, we'll throw some paint on the garage door, window frames and various other non-brick surfaces when the weather warms.
Then we'll plant annuals in every bare bed and sell the whole thing for millions of dollars!
Right. Anyway, pictures to come. Possibly tomorrow.
Friday, January 30, 2009
A brush with coldness
The house was still lighted and toasty when I left for work this morning. But I barely had time to put my things down at my desk when my cell phone rang.
It was Bud. Our luck had run out. Or so we thought.
Turns out the electric company shut us down while they repaired a line going into a neighbor's house across the street. All was well within an hour. Whew!
The photo is from Tuesday night, when our deck became known as the ice rink attached to the back of our house. The steps were humps of iced-over snow -- climbing or standing not recommended (and nearly impossible anyway).
It was Bud. Our luck had run out. Or so we thought.
Turns out the electric company shut us down while they repaired a line going into a neighbor's house across the street. All was well within an hour. Whew!
The photo is from Tuesday night, when our deck became known as the ice rink attached to the back of our house. The steps were humps of iced-over snow -- climbing or standing not recommended (and nearly impossible anyway).
Clean-up begins
Luckily, we still haven't lost power -- unlike more than 600,000 other electrical customers across the state.
So, rather than worrying about how to survive, I went back to work and Bud started getting rid of our downed trees. We loaned our portable generator (purchased during our ice-storm power outage in 2003) to my boss, who hasn't had electricity since about 7 a.m. Wednesday.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we won't get any strong winds to further burden our ice-laden trees -- because we're really enjoying our electricity and the lack of holes in our roof.
So, rather than worrying about how to survive, I went back to work and Bud started getting rid of our downed trees. We loaned our portable generator (purchased during our ice-storm power outage in 2003) to my boss, who hasn't had electricity since about 7 a.m. Wednesday.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we won't get any strong winds to further burden our ice-laden trees -- because we're really enjoying our electricity and the lack of holes in our roof.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Battling Mother Nature
As our friend Joe drove home from work yesterday, he snapped a shot of Bud clearing our driveway.
Clearing this mess wasn't as easy as the first time he got to use the snowblade. Under the snow was a solid sheet of ice, and getting below the ice to break it up proved difficult.
Not one to give up, though, Bud persevered. The lawn tractor couldn't climb the hill, so he tied it to the truck's hitch, and I pulled him up. When he got stuck in snow and ice, he rocked himself free and sometimes I helped by pushing. Now we have a clear driveway to show for his efforts.
At least there were no trees blocking his progress. Let's hope it stays that way.
Clearing this mess wasn't as easy as the first time he got to use the snowblade. Under the snow was a solid sheet of ice, and getting below the ice to break it up proved difficult.
Not one to give up, though, Bud persevered. The lawn tractor couldn't climb the hill, so he tied it to the truck's hitch, and I pulled him up. When he got stuck in snow and ice, he rocked himself free and sometimes I helped by pushing. Now we have a clear driveway to show for his efforts.
At least there were no trees blocking his progress. Let's hope it stays that way.
Dodging a wooden bullet
Our garage (and our neighbors') are still standing by luck today.
As ice piled up all around us Tuesday night, the big maple that stood between us and our neighbors decided it couldn't stand any longer.
And so one trunk fell just behind the retaining wall for our driveway, also missing the back of the garage. The other fell between the hedge and the neighbors' garage.
(I'm still searching the archives for a 'before' photo. You know there's got to be one around here somewhere!)
The tree used to have three trunks, but we lost one in a windstorm this past spring. Bud talked with the neighbor then about taking the whole thing down, but the neighbor wasn't interested.
We knew at least one remaining side of tree was partially hollow because it was home to our neighborhood bees. Guess which side we got! Bud will do his best bear impersonation soon, prowling the trunk for honey as he saws the tree to manageable pieces.
Anyway, back to the storm. We are fortunate not to have lost power so far. In 2003, during a much worse storm in Central Kentucky (although not as far-reaching as this one), we were without electricity for four days. It was less than fun, even with the fireplace's feeble attempt to keep us warm.
This time, our misery has been a day without Internet access, cable and phone -- all of which returned yesterday evening. Here's hoping that's all we have to report.
At our old house, things seemed in working order yesterday afternoon. At Bud's mom's, we also lost another tree, which narrowly missed her garage. So we're thankful for that too.
As ice piled up all around us Tuesday night, the big maple that stood between us and our neighbors decided it couldn't stand any longer.
And so one trunk fell just behind the retaining wall for our driveway, also missing the back of the garage. The other fell between the hedge and the neighbors' garage.
(I'm still searching the archives for a 'before' photo. You know there's got to be one around here somewhere!)
The tree used to have three trunks, but we lost one in a windstorm this past spring. Bud talked with the neighbor then about taking the whole thing down, but the neighbor wasn't interested.
We knew at least one remaining side of tree was partially hollow because it was home to our neighborhood bees. Guess which side we got! Bud will do his best bear impersonation soon, prowling the trunk for honey as he saws the tree to manageable pieces.
Anyway, back to the storm. We are fortunate not to have lost power so far. In 2003, during a much worse storm in Central Kentucky (although not as far-reaching as this one), we were without electricity for four days. It was less than fun, even with the fireplace's feeble attempt to keep us warm.
This time, our misery has been a day without Internet access, cable and phone -- all of which returned yesterday evening. Here's hoping that's all we have to report.
At our old house, things seemed in working order yesterday afternoon. At Bud's mom's, we also lost another tree, which narrowly missed her garage. So we're thankful for that too.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Half-wrong
Well, I only got it half-right when I predicted two Kentucky losses this weekend. Obviously, I have completely lost faith in the Cats. Who would have ever thought we could pull out a third-straight football bowl win, but not defeat Louisville in basketball?
On the moving scene, we didn't manage much. Bud gave his pool table to an neighbor from the old house, so we went by there Saturday to deliver the goods. That's one piece of furniture down, lots more to go.
Luckily, I've planned a vacation later this month for exactly that purpose. I hope we can get the majority of it done in just a week. Then it'll be up to Kathy, who cleans our houses. After that we'll decide what cosmetic projects we want to tackle before we put in on the market.
It all sounds so easy.
On the moving scene, we didn't manage much. Bud gave his pool table to an neighbor from the old house, so we went by there Saturday to deliver the goods. That's one piece of furniture down, lots more to go.
Luckily, I've planned a vacation later this month for exactly that purpose. I hope we can get the majority of it done in just a week. Then it'll be up to Kathy, who cleans our houses. After that we'll decide what cosmetic projects we want to tackle before we put in on the market.
It all sounds so easy.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year!
Our annual New Year's Eve casino visit was somewhat profitable for Bud, who left the boat a few bucks up. I wasn't quite so lucky, bringing home about half of what I took.
We've been hitting the slots for six or eight years now on New Year's Eve, and this was a noticeably smaller crowd than usual. I can only guess the economy is to blame -- because the weather and roads were fine.
This morning, we headed to a huge auction that included lots of antiques similar to some of ours. Eavesdropping in the women's restroom, I found out it's an annual consignment event -- which makes more sense than what we thought, that it was the estate of some people who really liked antiques.
Our plan was to research the market for some of our pieces, so that we'll know to expect when we finally decide which ones just won't fit in the house. But we almost came home with a couple of new desks.
Bud had his eye on a gorgeous rolltop. We'd never seen anything like it (even though we have a rolltop or three among our collection). I coveted a two-drawer Stickley that needed some finish work. But since we couldn't figure out where we would put either, and since we're still not even sure of everything we have already, we restrained ourselves. That restraint may turn to non-buyer's remorse, but I hope not.
We've been hitting the slots for six or eight years now on New Year's Eve, and this was a noticeably smaller crowd than usual. I can only guess the economy is to blame -- because the weather and roads were fine.
This morning, we headed to a huge auction that included lots of antiques similar to some of ours. Eavesdropping in the women's restroom, I found out it's an annual consignment event -- which makes more sense than what we thought, that it was the estate of some people who really liked antiques.
Our plan was to research the market for some of our pieces, so that we'll know to expect when we finally decide which ones just won't fit in the house. But we almost came home with a couple of new desks.
Bud had his eye on a gorgeous rolltop. We'd never seen anything like it (even though we have a rolltop or three among our collection). I coveted a two-drawer Stickley that needed some finish work. But since we couldn't figure out where we would put either, and since we're still not even sure of everything we have already, we restrained ourselves. That restraint may turn to non-buyer's remorse, but I hope not.
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