Are we there yet?

That's how the past few months have gone. Waiting for winter to end. I want to see some bulbs, buds, see a robin, maybe some juncos...please....

This winter was what we native Chicagoans call "a real Chicago winter" for a change. Lots of snow, with a dash of frigid cold thrown in, more snow, and then some more snow. Then a slight warm up and then...psyche! More snoooowwww...and cold...and snow...zzz....zzz...

My company also moved at the end of January. Winter is not the greatest time to move you know. Especially in the middle of a real Chicago winter. The new office is great, but I think we should start a betting pool on who next will fall ill with "the terrible flu" this year.

I should be grateful because I have not been among the illin'. I'm just one of the people left at work freaking out about all the work we have to do and how on earth will we get it done with everyone out sick all the time?

So, what am doing this weekend? Sitting on the sofa dammit. Oh, and we started making a "to-do list" for this spring/summer/fall. We've got work to do and I'm itchin' to get started.

For kicks, here is last year's list with what we were able to accomplish. Perhaps this will be of comfort to some of you, when you see how much on the list was and wasn't accomplished. Last summer was pretty light for us, really. Some of these items will be pushed out farther and some different things have been added. I'll do another post on this year's goals soon.

Miscellaneous:
Fix single popped screw in mud room inset all nails in trimwork
Adjust hinges on swinging door so we can prop open with $50 hardware we purchased over a year ago...
Put in thresholds for bedroom & dining room
Restore/fix 2 stained glass windows
Add storm windows on all 4 stained glass windows
Refinish floors throughout
Refinish bathtub
Add electrical outlets and light to closet in Bedroom
Purchase & refinish salvage replacement doors for missing doors to den and front mud room
Strip Basement stair door and refinish
Strip trim in bedroom
Install ceiling fan in living room
re-paint radiator covers
Asbestos abatement in basement

Yard & Outdoors:
Install new awnings
Reframe and replace Garage entry door (Some adjustments needed...)
Paint front door
Replace basement windows
Install back yard side door Gate
Install dog run gate
Garage door wood framing paint
Paint front door

Front yard:
Jackhammer sidewalk in front to expand garden beds
Eliminate bed right along side of house and lay patio area
Plant evergreen trees and shrubs for interest in front yard

Backyard:
Fence on north side- new posts and stockade fence
New back porch deck? hahahaha!!!! now that's funny.
Plant evergreen trees and shrubs in backyard for privacy
Add some source of shade

What is determination?

Soon after I met Steve, he showed me his 2-flat (now our 2-flat). He took me inside and showed me the coffered ceiling he had spent the summer stripping.

I just stood there amazed and I thought to myself, "this is a man who is not afraid of commitment." I was moved and I like to tell the story because it brings that moment back to me.

Obviously, I was destined to become his partner in rehab and life.

Which brings me to the subject of these photos of Steve working outside in January. This winter, Steve (with my help) has almost finished the pantry.

The day these photos were taken had to be about 20 degrees. Again, Steve never ceases to amaze me. This is what I call determination.

And that is what it takes to renovate an old house, unless of course you have money, lots of money and even then you have to be determined and keep writing those checks.

Many of us old house people like to joke about how "crazy" we are taking this challenge on, but what is life without a challenge anyway?

I also think that it goes back to character. Old houses have it. We value it. As a result, we have it too.

Feeling Blue?

We all have our vulnerabilities and weaknesses. One of mine is getting into a bit of a funk in the winter. It's nothing serious really, but it's kind of a bummer (haha).

Out of curiosity, I googled the origin of the phrase "feeling blue" to see where it came from. After all, one could think of blue as a soothing color and feeling blue could then mean something like feeling peaceful.

But, when I saw the origin of the phrase, it makes sense.

I found the following explanation on a navy terminology website.

"If you are sad and describe yourself as "feeling blue," you are using a phrase coined from a custom among many old deepwater sailing ships. If the ship lost the captain or any of the officers during its voyage, she would fly blue flags and have a blue band painted along her entire hull when returning to home port."

Losing a comrade at sea- yeah that's pretty much of a downer and a ship bearing a blue lag and coming into port sounds pretty ominous too. It fits.

I know I miss working outside in my garden or working on house projects, which really dies down this time of year. I also tend to turn inward and find fault in what I am or am not doing in my life. The good thing is I know I am doing this and so I don't take it so seriously, but it still eats at me a bit.

I've been getting a bit more involved with our local Aldermanic election too, which is a double-edged sword. On one hand I meet neighbors and learn more about the issues. On the other hand, I see the meanness in politics even at a local level and it saddens me.

Part of what Steve and I are trying to create with our home is a sanctuary to retreat to. The times Steve and I are working side by side on a project all day on a Saturday, these are some of the happiest times I feel. Just being in the moment and just us and our dogs and our building. Our little world I guess.

It's cold in Chicago tonight

So cold that even squabbling siblings can see past their differences and snuggle up.

Sorry, but I couldn't resist a gratuitous pet photo in this instance.