So much going on over the past week that it's hard to capture it all here. None of it has been bad. Well, maybe one tiny thing that I'll get to. Anyway, just to catch you up on things:
- We had a great time at the fair, looking at exhibits and listening to music. Fortunately, there wasn't a huge crowd which made it much nicer. The fair reminds me of those from childhood and the sights and sounds provide a great opportunity to people watch and take photographs. Yes, it's still sleazy but sometimes sleazy is fun.
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| Anything fried is here. |
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| I did this ride. It was cool. |
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| Yes, I did eat this. |
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| The animal barn is my favorite. Lots of rabbits, goats, chickens, pigs, horses, cattle and more! |
- The kitchen was completed! After thinking that we would not have our house back, six weeks from the start all was done. The main contractor was meticulous. It was just unlucky that for the first week or so, he became separated from his wife of 27 years. But he came through and did a great job. Here are a few photos of the finished kitchen.
- And the election is over. Thankfully, the amount of bashing has calmed down a bit over the last couple of days. I was happy about the outcome. Many were not. I am still hopeful that we can put aside differences and not spew hatred. I have been dismayed that so many people I thought I knew were filled with so much animosity. I am ready for all that to end.
- We have been on the boat as usual. Unfortunately, we found that a rat had somehow gotten on board. So for the past 3 days, I have been rigging up traps to catch the rat. Yesterday, I cleaned out all the lockers and lazarettes, wiping everything down with Lysol and spraying with a solution of ammonium hydroxide and water. Fortunately, it has not gotten into the main salon, head or sleeping berth. I've even had dreams about the rat. Willard has to go!
- My friend, D., picked up his 22 year medallion in AA. I went with him to the open Big Book study. Believe it or not, the fellow who gave him his chip three years ago happened to be there. D. had not seen M. since that meeting. And when M. gave him his 22 year chip, he said, "I don't usually come to this meeting but happened to be here tonight. Three years ago, I gave D. his 19 year chip. I haven't seen him since and yet, here we are tonight doing the same thing. God certainly has a sense of humor." It was an awesome moment.
I'm sure that I've left out a few things. But life is going along without too many bumps. We managed to get through the kitchen ordeal. In the face of what has happened to people in the Northeast after super storm Sandy, I am really lucky. And today is Saturday which feels good. I'm off to go to the boat and see if I caught a rat. Have a good day.
So good to see a post from you Syd. That's some kitchen and the best bit is knowing you will put that kitchen to good use. I can't find the fairy lights though . . .
ReplyDeleteI hope you catch that rat before he does too much damage. Have a good weekend on the boat x
The rodent left of its own volition! I was glad to not to have to kill it. Willard is gone!
DeleteI have kitchen envy! It's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteRemember when I had my rat? I hope you don't have to beat this one to death with a baseball bat. Really.
We like the kitchen a lot. And yes, Willard is gone of his own accord.
DeleteYour kitchen is just beautiful. You are so blessed. I know you are going to love it. Nothing says fun and fried food like a fair. Wow, a 22 year chip. God is good.
ReplyDelete22 years is a long time one day at a time!
Delete22 year medallion....that is awesome...i am so glad the election is over...really...and your kitchen looks amazing man....that is awesome! enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Brian. I'm glad that the election is over too.
DeleteLove the kitchen! Thanks for posting pictures of the finished grand reveal! I am living vicariously through your kitchen remodel. :o) We had rats in our chicken coop and that was enough for the dad to say no more chickens! Makes me sad, but he is who dealt with the rat issue and I wouldn't want to ever, so how can I argue, But I do miss my fresh eggs. My attempt at self sufficiency and living off the land gone awry. lol
ReplyDeleteWell, I can tell you that the kitchen remodel was challenging just in terms of having contractors around all the time. But now that it's done, I'm happy!
Deletekitchen looks great! and only 6 weeks? that's amazing. I hear horror stories all the time about months and months of ongoing remodel problems. you picked the right contractor!
ReplyDeleteHappy smiles here!
DeleteWow! To everything in the post. I can't believe your kitchen was completed so fast.
ReplyDeleteI loved your fair pictures. Made me smile.
That kitchen looks fantanstic!
ReplyDelete"I have been dismayed that so many people I thought I knew were filled with so much animosity." ~Yup, couldn't have said it better myself. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThe kitchen is lovely, Syd. You can put out some heavy duty meals from there !!
ReplyDeleteAs to the elections ... you know how I feel and I've posted about it today. It was very tempting to speak of the arrogance and hubris of the "other side" but I didn't. I, too, am amazed at the vitriol and pure hatred that has emerged. We have a country that is extremely prejudiced, especially among the elders like myself, and we MUST change if we are to survive.
What a beautiful kitchen! I hope you catch the rat & soon, I think I have one in my SUV, and the thought creeps me out. I'm new here, and fairly new to being a grateful al-anon, today - and the past few days - have been rough, with my addict/alcoholic daughter relapsing and returning to old behaviors (but apparently not using more than the once - yet). We're all on edge, my husband & son are well on the road of recovery, and all of our serenity has felt very threatened lately. I came here hoping to read a new post.. you had one for me, made me smile & showed me that we will get to days of normalcy again, even if she doesn't :)
ReplyDeleteSomehow Ben sung by Michael Jackson pops into my mind....
ReplyDeleteI hope your rat is not a female. *shudder* poison Syd poison.
ReplyDeleteThe election cycle has for the most part ended but until there is another white man in the presidents chair the animosity will go on because most white men can not stand the thought of no longer being in charge, my guess is in 15 years it will no longer be an issue but as long as there are those of us who saw our parents fight for and against civil rights etal there will always be those that cling to power they never should have had, . I personally don't care who is on charge if they will focus at least a little attention on the most violent city in the nation, its 1/2 abandoned unused land and it's 40% unemployment rate.
Beautiful kitchen! Looks warm and inviting. I was happy with the results of the election also but so tired of the mean spirited comments, very disheartening. Love the fair pictures.
ReplyDeleteThat kitchen is beautiful, so elegant.
ReplyDeletePerhaps you need a ship's cat? A good ginger mouser?
And I know you worked hard in the elections, that always makes a difference. The overt racism I have seen all over websites and blogs hasn't surprised me but a lot of work needs to be done for the sake of unity.
Not much to say other than repeat what others have said.
ReplyDeleteThe kitchen looks great. remodeling is so stressful. Congrats on living through it.
Can't go to the fair without some really unhealthy food. No sense in even going to a fair without eating stuff we would never fix at home.
Rats and mice......from what I understand it was you sailors that brought those furry Norweign Rats here from England and beyond. Serves you right, payback for the rest of us. ;-) lol
I'm glad my man won too. I have heard much from others too that were not pleased. My new answer to them is that, "Most people did not want to elect George Bush to a third term so Romney lost." That seems to end the conversation.
Hello Friend! I'm working slowly to get caught up in bloggerville :0) Sounds like things are going well, glad to hear. The kitchen looks fantastic!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful the elections are over too... although I have different views, I do hope Americans can come together and learn to work together. If only our government would apply the 12 traditions and concepts... imagine the possibilities!