Kitchen is now empty and new beam (see top) in.

Thanksgiving and December

Andrea’s favorite holiday has come and gone, but we have some nice memories in its wake. Jack and I went to the home of Andrea’s cousin Susan Chadney for a big gathering (27?), and even Jack had fun despite there being no other kids. Thanks for that goes mostly to a very patient college freshman (Sam Gordon). On the way home Jack asked if he can go next year if Sam goes again. I think that can be arranged. Susan was nice enough to invite us back ahead of time, so it looks like we have a place to go. She has been on a course of chemotherapy, but showed no trace of her rigors and seems to be doing well. Andrea and I lived in her guest house for three years starting in late 1989, our first shared housing. I still remember how Andrea casually mentioned that Susan had a guest house for rent when we were driving nearby. I have lots of good memories of the time. Her “quiet” son Paul is now an attorney, very engaging and not particularly quiet, lol. Daughter Abby is a delight. She went from a teen whom I barely conversed with to a poised and professional woman (and new mom) I enjoy talking with. I just love it when things work out that way.

Big tables and big gatherings are fun, but because of arrival time or table seating or just proximity, some people get barely a hello. My ideal big dinner—in a house with enough room to move freely about the table—would have people changing places for each course. And a big buffet area to keep food hot…and someone to wash dishes afterwards.

--- Break / 5 am Monday ---

Can’t remember why I stopped writing, but I’ll pick up again.

It’s been cold this week and windy at times, but that clears the air and creates nice views from our house. I saw the ocean (at Long Beach) clearly for the first time yesterday, a gleaming band some 35 miles away and a lovely sight. I kick myself for not taking a photo. It’s still dark out this morning, but there is a twinkling band of lights visible from my vantage point in the living room. I downloaded a program yesterday on my phone that tells me I am 2057 feet above sea level, which accounts for the view.

Yes, our computer is in the living room. For now anyway. We’ll see what happens once the kitchen is remodeled. Maybe there will be room for a small office area. Work on the kitchen continues. I’m down to bare walls. Studs cross the room, but I’ll remove them when a new ceiling beam goes in. I hope to have demolition of all cabinets and counters finished this week, which means a fresh start from an empty room. I ordered the flooring (cork) and will get the cabinets soon, if all goes well. It rarely does, though, but I’ll get whatever help I need to finish, if it comes to that. I am getting help on the second floor addition. Currently that plan consists of a master bedroom and bath, a laundry room, a utility room (for A/C, heating and hot water) and another bedroom/storage room. Met with the designer and contractor a few days ago. By the time the design, review and permit approval process is complete, it will be April or May.
I’d hoped to begin sooner than that, but I’ll use the time to remodel the bathrooms and get the pool and pool plumbing re-done.

Jack has had a nice break, staying up late every day, playdates and plenty of time playing on the computer. He asked to stay up all night one night but I called the event off at midnight. The guy never gets tired. He was watching "Elf" tonight, keeping me posted on all the doings in the movie when I couldn't hear, pretending to sing some of the songs. It really is a fun movie, a Christmas Classic in its own right for us. Jack got his report card a couple days ago, and while it wasn't bad, it wasn't as good as it could be and was in the past. I think he needs to pay (better) attention in class. He's been pretty good in math before, but last night had difficulty making change for simple purchases, which surprised me. I guess I need to spend some extra time with him on homework. Sigh.

================= A week later

Long day. I did some ceiling demolition in the kitchen to access attic water lines, moved the hot and cold water plumbing lines, the gas line and hot water heater, hooked everything up again and it works, but one water connection is leaking. I'm not even going to fuss with it tonight, though. It's outside and isn't critical. I'm done.

Something unusual happend at mid-day. I was in the midst of work, very dirty and headed for OSH for some fittings when I got a call from a client I like who is a grief counselor at a local hospital. She asked if I could be at the hospital in 30 minutes for an interview on hospice care. Apparently the local ABC affiliate was preparing some stories around Elizabeth Edward's death. I was dirty and without running water at the house to clean up with, so of course I said "yes". Grabbed some water from a bucket, scrubbed my hands and nails and raced off. Sat for an interview for 20 minutes or so, then went back home to work. I figured I'd end up on the cutting room floor, but no, they actually aired some of it. Wish I had more practice doing interviews, though. I didn't see the piece until a few minutes ago. I'd recorded it on my DVR because getting water back on and Jack to chess class was more of a priority than sitting around wondering if I might make it on to the news.

I am working as much as I want to and a little more. I've had to do some jobs on weekends recently, which I prefer not to do. Just concentrating on the kitchen now. The cabinets (referred to earlier) are gone and a new pantry is framed in. Should get the pantry door today or tomorrow. I’ll post a few photos, maybe.

This post has taken longer than I thought, but better late than….