Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Spring Cleaning...Put On Hold

It was in June of 1989 that we first layed eyes on the Cottage, signed the papers, and started renovations.


We didn't move right in at that time.  We came up from Santa Cruz every weekend to work on her.  It was a labor of love, and we couldn't wait until Friday evening when the Captain got off work.  We piled our dog, cat and tools into the SUV and off we went.  It was summertime and the evening temperatures were warmer than the fog we were leaving behind.  We would roll down the windows and smell the scent of Mountain Misery in the air.  We were in heaven!



This is what the Cottage looked like when we first saw her, minus the pretty lace curtains at the windows, the new roof, flying flags and the lawn (weeds) and bushes nicely trimmed. She had been pretty badly neglected.

It took exactly a year to wrap up loose ends and we finally moved in, permanently, in June of 1990.

As far as renovations went at that time, we had stripped a lot of wallpaper, rehung a lot of wallpaper, painted a lot of woodwork and refinished a lot of floors.  Sounds like a lot of work done, you say?  It was, but with three times as much left to do!

We were sleeping in the parlor one day and in the dining room the next.  We were washing dishes in the laundry room sink one day and in the bathtub the next.  You get the picture?  Long story short, we lived like poor white trash for quite awhile.  

Here are a few pictures that I dug up showing some of the work involved in the rooms that I've already shared with you.


Left picture:   Looking into the master bedroom from the master bath.  We moved the tub into the bedroom to work on the bathroom floor. The white door shown in both pictures is going into the dining room.


Left picture:  Looking into the master bath from the master bedroom. The unpainted, open french door on the left  is the painted door in the right photo that leads to the closet.


Left picture: We took up the old flooring in the master bathroom, as we did in most of the rooms in the Cottage.  You can see the edge of the toilet seat in the picture on the right.


This is the picture of the Sitting Room.  The Captain is removing five layers of old carpet  that was covering the floors in most of the rooms.  Everytime someone layed another piece of carpet down, they just cut off the bottom of each door so that they would close.  Needless to say every door in the Cottage is about 2 inches too short.

Now to the reason for this post.

We have decided, once again, that a major make-over is in order.  The kitchen was the last room we did but that was approximately 25 years ago.  We've done some painting, changed some wallpaper and installed new carpeting over the years, just to spruce her up, so to speak, but our refrigerator we bought with us from the move and it was at least ten years old at that time.  Our self-cleaning oven has decided it's tired of working and wants me to do it myself and for good measure sets off the smoke detector every time the door is opened. The tile is chipped and the grout is falling out and the sink is stained and chipped.

This is what the kitchen looks like today.  It is slightly more messy than usual as we are starting to pack up a few things, so that we can place them around the Cottage in boxes until the work is done.  That means that the rooms already done,and clean, will be used, once again, for functions they were never intended for!



The cupboards will be staying as they were a gift from my Dad. He took the measurements over the phone, built them all down in Santa Cruz and then came up and installed them and they fit perfectly. We will be painting them, installing new countertops, new appliances and backsplash.  We will be using the same flooring that we had installed 25 years ago.  It is still just like new, a good foil for the muddy paw prints, and even though I'm not really crazy about it and would love to change it, with all the work that's being done the retirement budget is being pushed to the limit!

I will keep you updated as the work progresses, but here is a sneak peek at the old chairs that will go with an antique poker table that will be the focal point of the kitchen remodel.


This is chalk paint that the Captain used on the chairs.  They have not been rubbed out yet or had a sealer applied.  A big thank you goes to my dear friend, Barbara at 21 Rosemary Lane for the idea and the recipe for the paint.  We used two parts black semi-gloss, water based paint to one part calcium carbonate (both purchased from Home Depot).  It was easy and I'm so happy with the outcome.  Thanks again, Barbara.

So now you can understand why spring cleaning is put on hold.  This is a huge undertaking with most of the work being done by the Captain and his sidekick (me, not Buddy!).  So let the mess begin, again.

I'm excited, I'm happy and I know I will hate it before it's all over but life goes on and you always come out on the other side.

Here is an example of beautiful things to come.  Another flower is blooming in the Garden:


A beautiful little Bleeding Heart

Thank you to all my new followers and the ones that have been around for awhile.  You are all so special to me and I hope you will make a return visit to see the updates.


Have a great Wednesday....Judy






















44 comments:

  1. I love your cottage Judy! I love it too that your husband is on board with the renovations. My husband drags his heels.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Carlene: Thank you for your kind words. Yes, I consider myself very lucky..Happy Wednesday..Judy

      Delete
  2. Oh- That is a big undertaking. I know what you are in for...and it will be a good job done. How could you ever get rid of the cabinets your Dad made? I am so glad you can reuse them. Blessings to you and keep a smile on your face in the next few weeks- xo Diana

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OK, Diana: If you say so!! I'm really going to try and maybe I'll just be able to make it..Happy Wednesday..Judy

      Delete
  3. Judy,

    How wonderful! I never like to think about all of the work involved, I just like to dream about the end result. I know it is going to be beautiful. I hope the process isn't to bad.... Thanks for sharing I can't wait to see the updates.

    Blessings,
    Amy Jo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amy Jo: Thank you, I'm dreaming about the end results too. Hoping they come sooner than later..Happy Wednesday..Judy

      Delete
  4. OH but is is so charming. Best of luck on that journey. Thanks for sharing. Cheers SpecialK XoXo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi K: I'm thinking it will be a VERY special journey. Thanks for your sweet comments.. Happy Wednesday..Judy

      Delete
  5. Wow Judy what an undertaking! This reminds me of the renovations that my hubby and I did to the old cottage we had in the city where we renovated the kitchen dining room and living room ourselves. We did the kitchen and dining room in one shot then the following year tackled the living room....all major renovations. I LOVE your kitchen and most especially the cupboards your Dad made for the house. Now that's something very special. You've certainly done a lot of work to your cottage...it's such a pretty home and you and your hubby have done a wonderful job. I can't wait to see your photo's as you progress. Have fun!
    Maura :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Maura. You know what a job it's going to be, but it's not like we have never done this before. We completely did our home in the Bay Area also. The only difference between now and then is that we are a lot older now! And why we picked now to do it is beyond me as there is the garden to get together too. Oh, well. We'll survive. Have a Happy Thursday..Judy

      Delete
  6. Hi Judy! Oh, how I love before and after pictures! Your house is so cute and how exciting it is to have a new project to work on and to look forward to its completion! Happy renovating and I can't wait for that "after" picture!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't either, Gina. Don't hold your breath because we're not the fastest turtles in the race but eventually it will happen. Thanks for your nice comments..Happy Thursday..Judy

      Delete
  7. Beautiful! You have a lovely blog, and I'm a new follower...♥♥
    So nice to meet you!
    Best,
    Anne

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you Anne for your sweet comments and thank you for following me. I just left your blog and signed up. I'm happy to meet you also..Happy Thursday..Judy

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dear Judy,
    Your blog is truly lovely. Your description of your beautiful home and How Captain helps around the place.
    I love your house. I feel the warth emitted from within..
    I must say, that you have a snazy kitchen. It will look fantastic when its had its facelift.
    Indeed i will be ready to see the new look once finished.
    lovely photos ..
    thank you Judy
    happy Thursday
    val

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Val. Your kind comments always make my day..Happy Thursday..Judy

      Delete
  10. I know renovating an old house can't be easy. You have done such a great job with what you've done so far. I'm sure that the kitchen is going to look great when you're done. At least, you've been down this road before and sort of know what to expect. We all spend so much time in the kitchen, that you will find that it's worth all the time and money you put into it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Kelly. I am really looking forward to the process. Just have to roll up the sleeves and dig in. I really appreciate your kind comments..Happy Thursday..Judy

      Delete
  11. Your post made me smile....and brought back a lot of memories! We just finished the renovations on the inside of our house after nine years and are in the process of putting the rooms back together! Now we have major work to do on the outside...it's always something huh? LOL...I can't wait to see your kitchen!!! I can't beleive your dad made the cabinets off site....what a special gift :o)
    ~Des

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Des: Thanks for your kind words. Your story sounds very familiar! My dad has been gone a few years now, but seems like yesterday when he installed the cabinets. Will share photos along the way..Happy Thursday..Judy

      Delete
  12. I love y our home. I think the kitchen is my favorite!

    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Cindy. Your sweet comments are really appreciated. I'm so glad you are following me. I'm on my way over to your's now to do the same..Happy Thursday..Judy

      Delete
  13. Such a lovely cottage and the renovations must be so satisfying when they are completed. Suzy x

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks, Suzy. They really are and I complain a tiny bit, but if I don't have some form of 'prettying up' I get antsy..Happy Thursday..Judy

    ReplyDelete
  15. I can't wait to see the "after" pictures of your kitchen. I hope it goes quickly for you and comes out exactly how you picture it.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thank you, Jean, and thanks for following me. I can't wait to be able to show you the after pictures!!Happy Thursday..Judy

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hello Judy
    Well you are going to be busy bees, It is so rewarding when you achieve the home you have dreamed of , Love your photos, Fin and I always work together on projects.(well I make the tea!) take care.
    Thea x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your sweet comments, Thea. Isn't tea the most important part of the operation?.. Happy Thursday..Judy

      Delete
  18. I love the kitchen just as it is....love the white cabinets and the checkerboard tile.....but can't wait to see the re-do....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sue. It really is great just a little worn out. OMG when will someone say that about me?!! Happy Thursday..Judy

      Delete
  19. What a pretty cottage and it's always so exciting to do renovations! Lovely Fuschia plant too. It's lovely to see everything starting to flower again - nice time of year.
    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, Miss b: Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm am always so happy to hear from everyone. Come back and visit anytime..Happy Friday..Judy

      Delete
  20. Hi Judy,
    I think your home is so charming! I love your kitchen. It looks so cozy,and warm.When you have a home it's always work, but exciting too! Have a great weekend.

    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Kathy for your always sweet comments. I hope the new version has that feeling too..Happy Friday..Judy

      Delete
  21. You've done great work, well done.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your kind words and for stopping by the Cottage..Happy Sunday..Judy

      Delete
  22. Here we go again!!! Poor dad, ooopps I mean "Captain"!!! P.S- could you tell dad he reminds me of his son-in-law, always working with their pants at half mass (the pic of him pulling up carpet). All kidding aside, it will be BEAUTIFUL when you are all done!!! Love you Mom(aka,"The Winchester Mystery House Lady".) Tami

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tam: Didn't I respond to this the other day. I thought I remembered doing it yet it is now showing up on here. Love, Mom

      Delete
  23. Wonderful home Judy! I love that hours of love and elbow grease show in each and every room!
    Your kitchen cabinets are just beautiful! Looking forward to seeing the other changes!

    dee dee

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi DeeDee: Somehow I got messed up on my answering but as always I appreciate your sweet comments..Happy Sunday..Judy

      Delete
  24. Judy, I came over to take a peek at those chairs you mentioned when you visited me at Pickin and Paintin. I love them...the tiny spindles, and the black is perfect on them. I'll have to try that recipe when I run out of Plaster of Paris. Your cottage is absolutely gorgeous too. I plan to look through more of your posts now that I've found the chairs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Candy: I have a big confession to make. I saw a few different recipes for the chalk paint and I have no idea where that sodium stuff came from. I hollered at Jerry to tell me what we had used when I was commenting to you and then found that stuff written on a paper, so typed that. In the meantime, J comes in with the real stuff we used and guess what, it was plaster of paris! So we used the same as you and it was just perfect. Thanks for your kind comments and keep painting..Happy Tuesday..Judy

      Delete
    2. Sorry...AGAIN!!!..It wasn't sodium anyway it was calcium..Good think I didn't do the painting!!!Judy

      Delete
  25. Hey there Blogger Girl! I'm just going to take a stab here as (you know) I'm still living out of boxes and have no Internet at home. I'm in McDonald's parking lot for Wi-Fi and it's late, so NO WAY am I going to get caught up on comments----but I'm LOOKING! You do a SWELL (I love that word!) job with all your entries. Sorry I didn't address the Captain properly the other day when I saw you two!! I KNOW your 'new' kitchen will be fabulous.....with your eye and the 'Captain's' expertise. I remember being in Dad's workshop when he was working on your cabinets....I vaguely remember a string of #$!%@# ....must of hit his finger or something (which he rarely did). LOVE Tam's comments: "...pants at half mass" !!!! :-) Your pictures are so GREAT! .....that little bird on the birdbath with the morning glories....perfect...

    ReplyDelete

Your comments are so special to me...Judy