Weather Roller Coaster

The seasons can't make up their minds - yesterday the high was 78 - today I think we might have hit 50. It's enough to make you crack - but then again, it is Spring. Silly Season, if you will, why the climate gods try to work it all out.

Got up early and went to my Mom's to do the first cleaning of the year in her yard. Mom is in her early 70s and just can't quite do all that work anymore. Not that she doesn't want too...she will try to do anything herself first, and call in the troops when she can't. But the yard is another thing. The siblings and I have been rotating yard duty for a couple of years now. It was quite cold this morning but once you started moving - it wasn't too bad.

This afternoon I actually got back into the "art" room and picked up my paintbrushes which I haven't seen in quite a while. I used to paint ALL the time, but work, life and whatever just seem to get in the way. But I'm determined. And tonight I may get on the ol' pc and do some genealogy work.

The Dog Days of February

Now, that doesn't sound right does it? Oh well. It's been a very long week at work, it's been raining all day and my feeble little brain has had enough. Gosh, and it's just hump day.

You will be happy to know that the bedroom is spic and span with a shiny (well, not really, I chose a flat finish) new coat (or two) of paint - ceiling too! Don't get too excited - I went with very natural, neutral colors for now. I did paint one wall as an accent but it's very subtle. But the wall is an easy one to get to and move a few things out of the way, so I can "bump it up a notch" later when the mood hits me to get wild and put a real color on the wall. I'm just too afraid of taking a risk with too much color - and have to repaint it again and again. Chicken little I am I am.

Zippy didn't get any paint on him but he kept coming into the room and walking around - I think he like the sound of the tarps squishing under his feet. Either that, or he's just a little weird. Ok, I think we know the real answer here.

Schatze could have cared less. Mr. Wonderful too for that matter! Although he was a great help getting the room put back together, the ceiling fan blades on, dressers moved into place, etc. I couldn't have done it without him. I think I'll keep him (and no Diane - he doesn't hire out!). And sorry, but I forgot the before and after pics - I do hope no one looses sleep over that.

So, the writers stike is over! Yipee! How long before a new NCIS comes on? Bummer though that we have to wait until '09 for a new season of 24....my new favorite show (after Mr. Harmon, of course). I'm sure we'll benefit from this strike in some form or fashion - like, maybe they will keep any new reality shows to a minimum...ugh! So over those.

OK, I've rambled enough. Until next time - Ciao!

Paneling and Painting

Silly me - I agreed quite some time ago to paint the paneling in my Mother's den. It's a small room and the dark panels really made it like a little cave. Well, we put it off since before the holidays so I decided that now as good a time as any. Last weekend, I spent two days scrubbing it down (the den is right next to the kitchen - think greasy stuff) and sanding and taping off the wood trim. Whew...that was enough in itself. Then this weekend, I got the paint cans out and got to work. Started Saturday morning at 9am and finished that night at 7pm. Ended up doing the whole job myself. I put on two coats of primer and two coats of latex and rolled the ceiling. My back felt like someone had hit me with a 2 x 4, my hand was cramped from holding either a brush or roller all day, and my feet - we won't even go down that road!

Then it was back over there today to take all the tape off - move the furniture back in place - put face plates back on outlets, hang the vertical blinds, etc. I thought it would never end. But we have success - a nice, bright room that will cheer her up when she's sitting and watching her San Diego Padres or Chargers play (too bad the Chargers lost today). I guess I should have taken before and after pictures, but my mind was just on getting the job done.

She's happy with it and I like to help her out because she can't quite do all of the things she used to do - and she's the most independent person I know. But she has some issues with being on a ladder the holding her balance, so it's best she doesn't attempt these kinds of things herself. Don't need her in the ER with broken body parts.

After that, came home, turned on the fireplace and the Patriots/Chargers game, had a glass of wine, got my favorite blanky and took a little nap. But my back and feet still hurt.