Friday, August 16, 2024

Friday Favorites Ho Ho Ho

I had every intention of blogging yesterday, but that didn't happen. About a million little things happened instead and that's life sometimes. I've been itching to write about something more than weekend happenings and home improvement but that requires a clearer head than I have at the moment, so a lot about a little it is.

1. Our backyard project. The project itself is not my favorite thing, but I know the end result will be. Once the barge issue was resolved things got rolling. The guys doing the work have laid plywood down one side of the driveway to move equipment from the front yard to the back and so far so good. 

I mean it's a lot for them because the project involves a lot of heavy rock, but they're not complaining and made a good start this week. I keep them supplied with water, gatorade, and a big tub of snacks because that's what I know. 

I was part of the original planning of the project, hubs and I together met with the construction manager, saw the plans and the budget blah, blah, blah but you know how these things go. Or maybe you don't, but how it goes is quite often a new decision needs to be made on the spot, and why does that only happen when hubs is out??? 

He's sticking close to home for the most part, but had two appointments yesterday so naturally the guys wanted me to make sure they had all the pieces in the correct spot, correct height, correct everything. Huh? 

I know from my description this doesn't sound much like a favorite but honestly it is. Forward motion is good. 

2. As if all of the above were not enough, I've had painters at my house two full days this week, and they'll be back on Monday to finish up the guest suite bathroom. It's a big change in terms of color and I absolutely love it. This room has needed zhuzzing for a long while now, and I'm so happy it's finally getting zhuzzed. I will post pictures when it's finished and I have the artwork back from the framer. 

The decorator hung out here most of the morning while they worked and by the time the painters were wrapping up I'd gotten her advice on a very long list of things I'd like to do here. 

3. Next up is this post my daughter wrote. I love it so much-

Our New Normal

4. Morning coffee. We normally have our coffee on the upstairs deck, but the early morning weather has been so nice this week that we sat right here with our coffee instead. 

5. Christmas shopping. 

No haters please. I'm not an early shopper under normal circumstances, in fact I'm pretty much a December shopper, but I'm trying to get myself in gear so I can take gifts for my grands (and their mom and dad too) when we visit in the not too distant future. Congratulating myself for ordering all the jammies in August. Whoohoo!

Linking today with Friday Favorites hosted by Andrea and Erika....Merry Christmas and happy weekend everyone! 

12 comments:

  1. Loved reading what your daughter wrote and I'm a bit jealous! I absolutely fell in love with England last December and I think I could get used to life there for a bit. She is so brave doing this with three kids but it will be worth it!

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  2. Congrats on the early Christmas shopping! I feel you with the decision thing and the outdoor project. Someone dropped off some stonework for part of our project. I texted a picture of it to my husband who was at work. He asked if I liked it and I said it was fine? He replied, good, that he would let his lady know (I don´t even know who his lady is (that´s how much I have kept myself out of the loop)) that she could go ahead and place the order for more. I was like, on just me seeing it and saying it looked ok?. Oh man, it´s going to be a long process. Enjoyed seeing your pics. How fun to have your project started!

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  3. Yes! I feel like the only time workers have questions about the job is when my husband's not here... and I can sometimes answer them if it's more about aesthetics than technical but I often feel clueless. Looks like lot of forward motion though and that's good. Congrats on starting your Christmas shopping. I don't think I have any real shopping to do this year... we're taking our kids on a trip so I've already warned them that IS their gift and I'll buy them a souvenir.

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  4. Those are some great precautions for protecting your driveway. Oye, what is it about those on the spot decisions that have to be made when your other half is not available!? Glad things are going well, albeit busy and probably noisy, too. Now to go over and see how life is progressing in Jolly Old....

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  5. So exciting all the work you're having done! I hope everything goes the way you all want it. Hope you have a great weekend!

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  6. It's never fun having construction going on at your house. I like that they put the wood down. Sorry you have had to make some of the decisions without hubs there. Have you been able to text him? Oh my, what a busy house. Glad you like the color of the paint. Looks like a lovely spot to have coffee. I know I've already been thinking about Christmas but I'm not ready to shop. I will go and check out her blog. Enjoy your weekend.

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  7. Hi, I loved Shannon's latest's post.

    Projects ... we have them coming in October. ;-) Hang in there!! And I cannot wait to see everything completed. Yay!

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  8. I skipped over to read Shannon's post and nearly forgot to come back here!! Your projects feel overwhelming now but we all know the end result will be amazing! Thanks for keeping us in the loop moving forward! I'm getting started on a few things here but not necessarily pretty things. I will post about them as they unfold. It is a bit daunting making decisions by myself. I have addressed Joe a few times about making wise decisions without him and how hard that seems at times. I enjoyed Shannon's post and yours, Joyce! xo

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  9. Having work done around one's house can be annoying at times but when the job is done one will feel good. I am an early Christmas shopper always have been, I am always on the look out for gifts for my family and I like clearance sales.

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  10. This post was going so well and then you mentioned Christmas! lol. I read Shannon's post - she writes like you - beautifully.

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  11. How nice to be ahead with the Christmas goodies since you will be celebrating early with your daughter. The view at your house still looks so beautiful and peaceful, even with all the home renovations. I feel like I am watching along on a tv show as we follow along with you!

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  12. I, too, enjoyed Shannon's post about their new normal. Travel is not my favorite thing in this chapter of my life, so I really do enjoy reading the stories and seeing the photos of those who do!

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