Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Meet Katrina the Kitchen

My kitchen is Katrina.

That was my comment in my last post before I was called away from Blog Land for a while.  I said it kind of tongue-in-cheek at the time, but today I have something to share.

My kitchen is Katrina.

This time, I really mean it. 


That's because after years and years of waiting,
 I am finally getting a new kitchen floor.

The old one was the bane of my existence. It was made up of textured vinyl squares which were nearly impossible to get clean. We inherited it with the house, and it stretched and stretched and stretched to include two eating areas, a powder room, and a laundry room. That's one of the reasons it has taken so long.  This is a huge project. 

The other reason has to do with genetics.

I married a Scottish boy, you see, and we don't do a thing around here until we have the cold, hard cash to do it.  We actually purchased the tile two years ago, not long after I finally stripped the wallpaper and repainted my big fat  80's kitchen.  It has been squatting in the garage ever since.

A few weeks ago, Old MacFrugal decided that he was going to lay that new floor himself, with the help of a few good men who will forever more be called my heroes. 

First, though, we had to pull up the ugly vinyl.




It was trying hard to be glued to this plywood layer which had to removed as well. It served no useful purpose other than to be covering yet another layer of vinyl.  I would have snapped a picture, but at that point the men were getting a little bit testy.

They finally got it all off and ready to be covered with cement board. 

Woohooo!


Those wonderful men worked and worked and worked and finally got every room of cement board installed.

And then, the project stalled as well. 

As you might recall, the husband travels during the week and can only honey-do on the weekends. This coming weekend, we'll be in Atlanta with his family, which means that this floor... in all its glory... will be the floor in my kitchen until further notice.



The good news is, I don't have to mop.

The bad news news is I have one hot mess. 
.
Powder room, laundry, and pantry doors off their hinges.



A washer, dryer, stove, and refrigerator 
living in the garage along with all my kitchen furniture. 


toilet on the back deck.

Welcome to Georgia. 


I tried to hide it behind the old plywood just in case the neighbors can peep
through the piney stick forest. The dead plant is a nice touch too, don't you think?

And that's the way it stands.

But wait! There's more.
 You see, I'm taking advantage of the floorless kitchen
to embark on another kitchen project while the husband is out of town. 
Apparently, I'm just not content with a little mess.
I have to make a royal one.

Musta been da debil...

  Can you tell what it is?


*****
I want to thank you for the kind emails that you sent after the passing of my mother-in-law last week. I apologize for not responding individually yet. I had honestly been too busy to check the computer until a day or so ago but am determined to get caught up soon.  







47 comments:

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

oh how beautiful your new floors will be ...
? you mean not everyone has a toilet sitting outside their house? hmmmm

(())

Debbie said...

Good morning! How exciting! I have had this done a few times over the years so know exactly how you are feeling right now. I am soo impatient...but it is QUITE the job. My brother is a tile layer so he has always done the job for us, but hubby is always his faithful assistant to save money, haha. Can't wait to see the finished job! Are you painting maybe? Enjoy the rest of your week!

The Decorative Dreamer said...

How exciting! I know you will be just thrilled when it's all done. I see what you are up too (I think) and let me just say if I'm right that is a big project. I know because I redid ours right after we moved in this house and they were already white but not the gloss white I wanted. I couldn't wait to be finished so I know you are going to fill elated when you are all done because for you it will be a big change right? Good luck on both projects! I was also very sorry to read about your MIL's passing. Hugs!

Sue said...

Now ask me if I am soooo relating to this post! LOl. Girl! I have so much empathy for you right now, but I will tell you what was told to me," just think of what the new one is going to look like, and then you won't even remember these days." I am guessing someone might be painting, either cabinets or walls. I wanted to paint our cabinets white, but the contractor talked both of us out of it. Good luck I am looking forward to seeing the finished product.
Blessings,
Sue

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

Hmmm... I canNOT comment on Katrina because I'm thinking about the project you're working on... Is it repainting the kitchen?

I give up.

And your patience will pay off! I can't WAIT to see your new floor! OH! It's SOOOOOO worth the wait!

Kelley~

Elizabeth Edwards said...

favorite line in this post would be "A toilet on the back deck. Welcome to Georgia."... i'm sure other folks are working on their homes too ... so don't worry about it. ha. ha!! you will have all new to you very soon. that's so exciting!! can't wait!!

my parents redid their kitchen a while back & it is amazing the difference. from 1970's to present day time ... it is freakin' awesome. i know my mom loves it. more cabinet space, new flooring throughout the whole house. but now they are thinking should we change up the bedroom flooring too?? it looks so old??! it is funny how you do one project & you wonder should i do more. it can be never ending. ha. ha!! such fun. big big hugs. ( :

Always Nesting said...

Wow, you guys are just doing a fabulous job and I can't wait to see the great reveal!

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Well I have to say...I am envious, yes, I would love to be doing this..how fun! You will so enjoy the end product and even the laughs along the way.

Still keeping you in my heart during this season!!

Hugs and enjoy your project...a true change of season for you!

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Woohoo, Debbie!!! I'm so happy for you! From one who waited 16 years to get her ugly, outdated kitchen re-done, I know how excited you must be. I can't WAIT to see the finished product. But...I just can't guess or figure out what other project you're working on -- look forward to finding out about that too. Have fun, Debbie! :)

Hugs,

Denise

Vee said...

Ohhhhh... you really are in a mess, aren't you? Perhaps you're going to install new molding or perhaps paint the molding? You poor, poor thing. I'm praying for your back, knees, and head. Guess I'd better include MacFrugal in there along with the heroes. It's going to be beautiful!

Denise said...

Well, this long overdue hot mess will soon be a decorative delight! So glad this project is finally moving along for you. I know it's almost unbearable right now but SOON you will stand and look at the room and SMILE with pure delight. I promise. Singing praises to God for His provision for YOU!

I know what else is in the works, but I won't spill the beans.

Since you share much with that newlywed niece, you will love that you have a story to tell ...eventually.

Maryann said...

My guy is a total DIY kind of guy so I have had these kind of messes all through my house at one time or another. I was without a master bath for 6 months while my guy was redoing and we also had the toilet sitting out in the backyard...not jut a GA thing. I know you will be thrilled with the results...can't wait for the reveal

Beth Hill said...

Hummmm, looks like the cabinets are getting a coat of paint. Can't wait to see the finished product!

Sharon said...

DO. NOT. GET. ME. STARTED.

After six months in my new home, I still don't have a finished kitchen. It would be OK if I had lost some weight trekking up and down the stairs to the refrigerator in the garage. But no, all that's done is aggravate the arthritis in my knee.

So, I feel your pain.

Trust me, it will be worth it when it's all finished.

You know, I'm just thinking that that last line is something God just might be saying to me lately. I've been griping about a LOT of things, including the *unfinished* parts of me.

Can you hear Him??? "Trust Me, it will be worth it when it's all finished."

Yup.

(p.s. Let me guess, you're decoupaging all the appliances...)

Chatty Crone said...

Gosh that does look like Katrina this time I will admit. But it will be so with it when complete. Are you painting your cabinets white? I can't wait to see the finished project. And I am sorry about your MIL. sandie

Tanna said...

Once the mess is begun, you might as well go whole hog!! LOL! I can't wait to see what you're painting (I'm guessin' here). blessings and hugs ~ tanna

Lynn said...

That IS a big project and I'll bet it looks great when completed! I say stick a faux plant in the toilet on the deck and smile:@)

Gaby said...

Can't wait to see what it is! I did not know your mil passed away friend. I'm so sorry, even if I'm late in the sentiment.

Barbara F. said...

I can hardly wait to see the finished project! I can't imagine what is up your sleeve, Deb, maybe a paint job? Something with the bathroom? It is going to look so great when you are done. xo

Christine said...

Your "Katrina" looks like our neighbors, only they had their mess since Hurricane Victor in 1985, potty and all!

Have a good time away, and I hope the mess is restore soon.

Ann said...

I would LOVE to borrow your handymen ... our master bath is in need of a do-over. You will be thrilled when it's all done and will forget the mess then ... other than the fact you have photos ... LOL! Toilet on the back porch? Kind of a nice touch ........

Amy Kinser said...

I am so sorry about your mother in law. I missed that post. I truly am sorry, Debbie.

Ruth Kelly said...

It a huge job but I am sure you will enjoy the new floor when it is done.

Angel said...

How exciting! I'm impressed with how patient you've been. You definitely deserve new kitchen floors...and whatever else you've got cooked up. :)

P.S. If the neighbors complain about the toilet on the back porch, maybe you could sign them up to help lay the new floors!

Anonymous said...

It's going to be wonderful, Debbie!
Well worth the wait, I'm sure. Looking forward to seeing the result.
Missed you.

Mevely317 said...

Somehow I, too, missed your previous post ... I'm so very sorry, and was really moved by your words, Debbie. Pretty sure, despite the ying n' yang, she must have delighted in you.

Can't wait to see what "da devil" is up to in your kitchen!

Shanee said...

How exciting to be getting all new floors! Boo on the delay but with the stove and fridge in the garage guess you are getting a cooking break. Winning :)

The Polka Dot Closet said...

I'm betting you are painting! Hey some other good new is that you have what looks like a clean garage to store all of the appliances in! Good luck!

Carol

Sharlotte said...

Oh boy...what fun! You are going to love your new floors! I know, it's tough right now, but you'll soon forget the pain of having your things out of place. (Kinda like childbirth, right?)

I'm sorry about your mother-in-law. It is helpful to know that she is in a better place. My thought are with you and your family.

Mary said...

A big project indeed but it will be oh so worth it! I had to giggle at "Welcome to Georgia"...it reminds me of the scene in The Help :)

So sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. My father-in-law passed away in December. Thoughts and prayers with you & your family.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

How exciting, Debbie! I can't wait to see the finished floor. I know it is going to be worth the wait and the mess you are having to endure. I think you should put a pot of flowers in the "pot" on your deck! That's what we would do in Ark! I've been so busy with our little grandson. I intended to email you - first, about your mother-in-law. Your post about her was honest and beautiful, and I loved it. I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Second, I meant to email you to tell you that you cannot stop blogging. After a comment you left on my blog, I was worried that you might. I ADORE your blog. When I see a post from you, I can't wait to get over here and read it. If you quit blogging, I would go into withdrawal, and I might have to quit blogging too. You have so much to share, and you always share it with such wit. Hugs, laurie

Crickit said...

First of all I wanted to say that I am so sorry about the passing of your mother in law. You and your family are in my prayers.

I can't wait to see the reveal of your new floor. It is always so nice to have something new that flows through your home. I wonder what else it is that you are working on?

Gayle said...

I laughed till I cried in places, but what's new? I'm rooting for you and your floor!

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

First, Debbie, I was deeply sorry to hear of your mother-in-law's passing and hated I couldn't leave a comment on your post. I pray for comfort and strength to those who miss her the most.

As for that kitchen, girlfriend .... in the words of my sugar plum, "What's going on?"

I'm loving the idea and can't wait to see the finished project. As for that toilet on the deck ... a hoot!

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

LOL! "welcome to Georgia" Well, you could plant something in it!

Looks like you're painting your cabinets? You are going to have one gorgeous kitchen when it's all done and beautiful floors in the other rooms too.I can't wait to see it all come together!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

I'm so sorry about your MIL passing away. The post you did brought tears too my eyes. It was a lovely tribute to her and the man that you both love.

Good luck with your own Katrina!!

Sooner Laura said...

We are putting wood in the family room and master bedroom + closets and our house is a disaster as well. But all will be well soon, by soon I mean a couple weeks or three. Someday we'll tackle the kitchen, entry, breakfast and laundry which is all the same small terra cotta tile with matching grout. But it's gonna be a while - because that will be one expensive project. I did comment to my husband - Oh my gosh I can't imagine if it was the kitchen all torn up - at least we can eat.

Merlesworld said...

It's always great when you are finished, but hard to live with when you are in the process.
merle......

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

My favorite line: "the men were getting a little testy." I've been there with my man more than once (and recently on our latest project!), but a few missed pics are an easy trade-off for a brand spanking new kitchen floor! I am so excited for you I can hardly stand it. The way I can handle the crazy state of disarray on projects like this is that I know the longed-for change is FINALLY HAPPENING! Yours will be a thing of the past before you know if. In the meantime, I happen to think you're going to tackle wallpaper ... but I'll wait and see! Good luck.

Decor To Adore said...

Oh law lady! I feel for you. I too have a weekends DIY warrior.

Can't wait to see the finished floor. But I know you really can't wait. :)

Two layers of vinyl? Sheesh!

Renée said...

You are being tried and tested, but I'm sure you are enduring it well. I'm sorry to hear about your MIL and loved your sweet tribute to her. Will check back soon for an update. Sorry I have no desire to blog. Maybe this week. I just gave a baby shower that is sharable! Hugs from Idaho. Try not to fall-in-love with that cement board. You will love your new tile!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Katrina - you look like a lot of kitchens here on the Jersey shore named Sandy! Looking forward to the big reveal - which I expect will commence with great drama and plenty of POPPY! Love your bold "pops" this 2013. Been thinking that way about yellow - but always end up with green. Playing it safe.

My condolences on the passing of your mother in law. May your family know the Lord's comforts and healing joy. May you know many adventures in walking out the pain - with blessings of mistletoe abounding.

Joy!
Kathy

Barbara Neubeck said...

...Hi Debbie...
Your Katrina will be wonderful when finished......If I was in your shoes and had an empty room AND didn't have to worry about the floors....I'd be PAINTING everything in sight. Looking forward to seeing what your plan is...
Have a good day
Barb from
australia

Knitty said...

Hmmm, you did say ROYAL mess, so I'm thinking you are painting the room royal blue or regal purple. No? Are you adding CROWN molding? No? New curtains and cushions in a fun Prince....er...print? Any print/prince with Harry in the pattern name is likely to be more fun than Charles.

Or did you look at my photo and get scared about the Queen's jowls and decide to get a face lift? I'm having everything from the knees on up pulled, nipped, tucked and tied. I understand all the excess will be folded and stapled and eventually blend into my part. Until then I will wear hats. And flat shoes because all my excess is going to make me taller than anyone I know.

If I guessed anything correctly and won a prize, please have it delivered to the Joan Rivers wing of the Body Reconstruction Hospital. ;O)

Unknown said...

Debbie,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. You gave a her a beautiful tribute. She must have been an amazing woman to raise four boys.

Now, as far as the kitchen goes.....my thought is that you are going to paint as well because it's basically emptied out and there's not more of a mess than paint except a new floor!
xo
lynn


Alycia Nichols said...

Hi, Miss Debbie! First and foremost, I am saddened by the news about your mother-in-law. My deepest condolences to your husband and the entire family. I can only imagine the pain. As for your kitchen...keep your eye on the prize, keep your eye on the prize, keep your eye on the prize. :-) I'm trying to imagine what your add-on project might be? Hmmm...are you going to paint?!??!?!! Oh, geez Louise...PLEASE tell me you're not going to paint! That WILL be a royal mess on top of a mess! As my Mom used to say, "Glutton for punishment!" :-) As long as you don't get rid of my beloved black & white toile window treatments in the eating area!!! That would break my heart because I live vicariously through you with those! TOO funny about the toilet on the back deck!!!!!! You should go out there and just sit, relax, read a magazine...and hope that a neighbor sees you!!!!! Take care, my sweet, and good luck on getting everything back to normal soon!

Debbiedoos said...

Whew...I can't wait to see it all come together!

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