Monday, April 14, 2014

Repairing the Wheels

I've been looking for just the perfect picture to illustrate my life these days, and I think I finally found it. It's from a card that the Practical One sent to her grandmother. I think it sums it up pretty well.


First, an update on the Duchess.  

She is doing wonderfully! She's nothing if not determined, after all, and she is determined to rehabilitate those legs. She has done so well that the knee which was once broken into three bionic pieces is now considered her "good knee".  In a few months, she'll have her second surgery, this time to  replace the other knee. If she keeps this up, she'll be ready for a new gig by Christmas.


  Other than doing Duchess duty, 
I've been busy and  (honestly?) a bit overwhelmed.    

Right before the surgery,  we had the task of emptying  and dividing family treasure from my (late) mother-in-law's home.  Besides being emotional, the job was enormous. It took Two Men and a Truck to bring our portion to south Georgia. Much of it is being stored for the daughters. After schtuffing up the attic(s), we finally bit the bullet and rented a storage unit.

Just a fraction of it.


Oy.  

The rest of it  will take up residence right here.   (More about that soon...) The only thing I've painted is the inside of this wonderful old cabinet  made by Sir Lotsa Hair's grandfather. It was returned to its original (white) color.



OK, technncally that's not the only thing that got painted. 
The carpet in front of it got a white wash too. 


Yes, I used a drop cloth,
 and no, I do not know how it happened.
 I never even discovered it until it was too late.  

By the way, do you know what happens when chalk paint oozes slowly out of a container onto the carpet and goes unnoticed for a weekend because you're out of town?  It dries to a nice, hard, plaster. 


Seriously, it is so hard  you can knock on it. 

Knock Knock
Who's there?
Boo
Boo Hoo...

Have I ever mentioned that the one room in this house that  doesn't  didn't really need new carpet was the living room?  Yeah, well now it does...

... which would be the reason that this is yet another post which might be titled,
 "Why Debbie Is Still Not Getting New Living Room Furniture." 

Except that isn't true. 

I'm getting new living room furniture anyway.  

Yep. I'm as surprised as you are.  I would call it a pity purchase from all that boo hoo-ing, but it was actually in the works before the great carpet misadventure.  We were going to get a new sofa  and new chairs.  Now, we're just getting a new sofa and reupholstering the chairs... 

..and getting new carpet. Let's not forget the new carpet.

Regardless, I am choosing to consider the glass half full.  The fact that it is half full of paint because the other half dripped onto the carpet is irrelevant and should not diminish the optimism of this post. 

I'll spill more about this later, but here's a hint as to the color family. 



Surprise. Surprise. Surprise. 

In my head, I sound just like Gomer Pyle.

*****
So, what's up in your corner of Mayberry?



35 comments:

Sharon said...

Only you could make a *broken wheel* sound so entertaining!! Glad to hear that The Duchess is doing so well. I had no doubts about that. Like I said, the word that comes to my mind is indomitable!

Eagerly looking forward to more taupe revelations. It's all gonna look so beautiful, because that's just the way you ROCK!!

XO

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

Oh dear! I spilled sage color paint on dark green carpet at my mother's house once, while painting my grandmothers' bedroom. Did you catch all that? Amazingly I go it all out! But I feel your pain!

Your new colors are going to suit a gal who can taupe well!

Glad to hear about the Duchess!

Have a happy day!
Deanna

Knitty said...

I'm glad to see a post from you! Congrats to the Duchess for doing so well.

Oy is the least one could say about the paint misadventure. Of course it would happen on the good carpet. Kind of like pets who need to ralph but never on washable tile. They seem to leave the kitchen and aim for the newest carpet or rug, don't they?

Everything will look beautiful when it comes together. I'm sure I'm not the only one who anxiously awaits seeing it.

Debbie said...

Well I enjoyed this as always...soo glad the Duchess is doing soo well. She might just be my inspiration! And YAY on the new sofa and reupholstered chairs, and btw, reupholstered counts big time in my book, lol. And I have such a carpet fetish (always have!) that I am soo excited for you there I just can't tell you. Soo looking forward to seeing all those choices. Oh, and my house is FULL of taupe. Then I accent with deep golds, burgandy's and olive green!

Babs said...

I'm glad the Duchess is doing well, and I enjoyed your misadventures with the paint. I like your neutral color choices, and wish I had chosen neutrals when we bought new furniture, 15+ years ago, instead of green and peach. Looking forward to seeing your new living room furniture. Hope y'all have a wonderful Easter.

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

So happy the Duchess is doing well - I've been thinking of her.

I love that china cabinet! I was looking for one all weekend - went to 4 Goodwills and didn't find one (but found a $8 workout bench) so I was happy with that and a galvanized watering can!!

Sorry about the paint - I've had that happen to me more times than I can say. But so nice that you're getting new carpeting!

Ann said...

Glad to have you back at the helm Debbie! Glad to hear, too, that the Duchess is doing well.

Yay on the new furniture! I need to bite the bullet and take my $10 chairs in to be reupholstered....the cost (here anyway) is outrageous, but they have to be done!

Hope yours aren't as costly.

Ouch on the paint on the carpet....

Can't wait to see your new living room!

Cheers!

Vee said...

So glad that your sense of humor is going strong. Also very happy to learn that your mother is doing so very well.

Sounds as if you could be blamed for a little passive aggressive behavior if you're not careful! There's more than one way to get a new carpet. If I tried it, I'd be told to put a throw rug on it. Probably not the look you're going for.

What a lot of lovely items to be absorbed. Wishing you all the best with that. Decisions...decisions...

Anonymous said...

Well, WELCOME BACK - and yes - been thinking muchly of you and the Duchess - glad to know she'll be joining the Rockettes in no time. I'm sure you've needed the couple weeks away to see to all your family business. And all that amazing treasure from your grand's house! What an inheritance - glad you're keeping it for the generations - and to plump up a corner or two in your own house. Sorry about the paint on the carpet - but, look at that silver lining. New neutrals in the color scheme, I see - will there be taupe?? Thought of you yesterday morning when I couldn't decide if I wanted to wear my taupe sweater with the ruffle collar to church or my seafoam mossy green. Went with the green as it was more lightweight and we reached 77 degrees. Tomorrow it goes down to freezing again.

Hope to hear more on these adventures. See you at Vee's Notecard Party!

Joy!
Kathy

Chatty Crone said...

I UNDERSTAND EXACTLY! teehee This is funny - I am in the same part of Mayberry with you. We are getting the house ready to sell - does that say anything to you? We are in a mess here. LOL

Merlesworld said...

Our carpet went 20years ago, we had 3dogs and repainted the whole house just after we moved in so the carpet was a mess and it's easier to clean wooden floors.
Merle.........

Miss Merry said...

Understand your furniture overflow problem. When I moved my dad to assisted living, I listed his condo. It sold in a week. While was on his way to a month long stay in ICU, my sons and husband emptied 3 floors of a condo into my garage, spare rooms, enclosed porch, as well as attic and spare room at my youngest son's house. We are entering the third year of sorting . . . . I was afraid to get a storage unit since I thought I would just put a huge lock on it and pay the bill forever. Good Luck!

Sue said...

I am so glad the Duchess is doing well, We will have to call her the Bionic woman after her next surgery and bionic women can do anything they want too! ~smile~I will be praying!
Loved seeing those beautiful treasures with so many wonderful memories, enjoy and be blessed!
As far as paint stories I have some doosies!

Hugs,
Sue

Lynn said...

Glad to hear your Mom is doing well! Lovin' your new corner hutch:@)

Gaby said...

Yeay for the determined duchess! Glad she is doing well. And someone may have already mentioned this but...why not buy all the furniture you want and put one of the lovely new pieces OVER the carpet stain and voila! No more having to replace carpet ;)

Gaby said...

Yeay for the determined duchess! Glad she is doing well. And someone may have already mentioned this but...why not buy all the furniture you want and put one of the lovely new pieces OVER the carpet stain and voila! No more having to replace carpet ;)

Lorrie said...

Hooray for the Duchess! Feeling for you regarding the emotional tugs at dismantling a beloved home. That's a hard thing.

Mevely317 said...

Love the moxie 'your' Duchess exhibits, Debbie!

I'm guessing the emotional toll of sorting your MIL's belongings was lots harder than the physical. Nevertheless, I'm tickled to see what you're doing with grandpa's cabinet!
If these first few months' events are indicative of the remaining year - I'm nominating you for the next likeness on a postage stamp! (Being that adults don't qualify for merit badges.)

PS - You'll never know how much your comment yesterday meant to my heart. Thank you!

bj said...

Well, first off, you are such a funny sweetie-pie girl
Next...so glad your mom is doing well .She sounds like my kind of woman and I'll keep praying for full recovery for her.
awwww, sorry about the carpet..but glad you are able to replace it.
Xo, bj

elizabeth said...

I dripped bleach on our carpet by accident once and our homeowner's insurance covered replacing it! Worth checking into. We did have to pay the deductible.

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

I've missed your "words", my friend, and I'm happy to be reading them now. I'm glad your Mom is doing so well. As for the carpet mishap, all will be well soon. Don't you find picking out wall paint color to be a daunting task? I can't wait to see how it all turns out.
Whew, what a wonderful load of sentimental furniture. Your daughters will certainly enjoy the beautiful pieces someday. Your corner cabinet is a lovely piece to treasure.
Thanks for the update. xo

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

You asked,

"So, what's up in your corner of Mayberry?"

A: A lot of SHA-ZAM!

Hugs from Guam,
Kelley~

Creations By Cindy said...

So glad the Dutchess is doing good. Enjoyed your post this morning. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

It's nice to see you back this morning, Debbie! I'm so glad the Duchess continues her remarkable recovery – and that you're still upright after all of the activity at your house. Your "new" corner cabinet is absolutely gorgeous, and knowing it was hand-crafted by Granddad makes is all the more special. As for the little 2-drawer drop leaf... If you ever run out of room and need a place to store it, I'll be happy to help you out!

Sorry about the need for new carpet, but it will look great in your soon-to-be-new living room. Have fun choosing just the right shade of TAUPE.

You asked what's going on around our Mayberry? Well, the ferns are hanging on the porch (just in time to need removed for tonight's hard freeze - grrrr), the FSBO sign is in the front yard, I'm juggling at least six other projects... and going to see the grands this weekend to celebrate Easter and Little Sir's second birthday. Life is good!

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Hi Debbie,

Girl, you have been BUSY!! I knew you had not deserted us (thankfully), and I knew you were helping look after The Duchess, but I didn't realize you had the decorating thing going on too. Shazamm! :-D

I LOVE your pretty corner cupboard; it reminds me a little bit of ours from Hal's Granny, but yours is much bigger and fancier at the top. What a beautiful treasure to have from The Mister's grandfather. It has real presence in your room. I'm so sorry about your carpet; I can only say that I can see me doing something exactly like that. Sigh.

Love the taupe swatches for your new sofa and re-upholstered chairs (I'm one who counts re-upholstered as new). :) So glad you're getting to do this. I love to update and re-decorate!

I love the card your daughter sent to The Duchess; that's kind of how I feel today. I enjoyed your FUN post and look forward to seeing the changes in your living room!

Big Hugs,

Denise

Debbiedoos said...

Oh my goodness girl you have had your hands full. So sorry about that paint on the carpet...OYE! Glad to hear your Mom is recovering well and moving along.

Angel said...

Well, I've been missing your posts lately and now I know why.

First, let me say I'm happy to hear your mother is doing well. Way to go Duchess!

Also, even though it comes in the wake of tragedy (aka "the great carpet misadventure"), I know you are looking forward to the new carpet and sofa. Way to go Debbie!

I think you deserve to lay down on the new furniture and take a much-needed nap. :)

Miss Char said...

Never doubted the Duchess's determination! Love the piece you have set in the house and I can raise my hand for more than one oops with paint cans.

ALS thanks for stopping by.

Jaybird said...

ummmmm did you try Goof Off on the carpet??? Let it sit on there for a couple of hours, and it will probably soften and remove the paint..... however....you may want to get rid of the carpet anyway...in which case you can pretend that I don't exist :^)
I understand about cleaning out parents homes...it is the main reason that my house looks like a storage unit...3 home transferrals in 1 year...yikes!!
Blessings to you,
J

Anonymous said...

First of all, I am a big fan of the Duchess. Her determination and the success that follows is an inspiration.
Lots of treasures to integrate and store and share. Beautiful.
I've spilled a CAN of paint before. On carpet. On hardwood. And last year on my freshly stained patio.
I feel your pain!

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

It wouldn't surprise me one bit to see the Duchess in a chorus line :))
New furniture, sigh. You do have a LOT going on it just happens that way sometimes. Spells of nothing and then wham oh.
Wishing you a blessed, peaceful and quiet Easter. (())

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Oh, I missed a post...So glad the Duchess is doing well...Sorry...Well, maybe not about the carpet, so glad you are getting a whole new living room!! How exciting, can't wait for pictures!

Carol

Alycia Nichols said...

Oh, noooooooooooooooooooooo!!!! (a la Mr. Bill!) I would have been freaking completely out!!! Or maybe not...I want/need new carpet. Maybe I'll just "accidentally" spill about a can-and-a-half of it throughout the house! :-) Although I'm sorry it happened in the only room where new carpet wasn't a must, I'm happy you'll be able to get both your carpet replaced AND the furniture you've been wanting. Win/Win!

Glad to hare the Duchess is feeling better. It takes a minute to get back right again, but it's all worth it.

I TOTALLY heard Gomer's voice when I read "Surprise, surprise!" So funny!!!

What an adventure cleaning out your mother-in-law's home. Egads! I can only imagine. I pity the fool who has to do mine! (Was that just a Mr. T quote? Good grief! Gomer, Mr. T., Mr. Bill...I've been watching WAY too much television!!!)

Happy Easter! Rest up!!!

Renée said...

My kind of disaster, make a want a need! It sounds like it's all going to be perfectly lovely. Loving the cabinet too.

Sue said...

You have been busy. Makes our little checklist seem kinda, well, little:-) {what can I say, we are on retired time now}
I am so glad your mom is on the mend. I had no doubt as she sounds like an amazing, determined woman.
You inherited some lovely things. That corner cabinet is beautiful, and even more special knowing that someone in the family made it. We just hauled the only table my great grandfather made out to the back yard to use as a potting table. Does that tell you how nice it is? lol
So happy to see some posts from you.
Have a blessed Easter Debbie.

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