Sojourner's Ramblings

I've been in my house for 14 years and 9 days. And for just about 99% of that time I've wanted to install hardwood floors. I've gone back and forth in my head (there's a lot of empty space in there these days) whether or not to even blog about this event. But it seems I have nothing else to blog about these days and since this has been much more of an interruption in my life than I ever expected, I thought...what the heck. I'm one of those people who will churn and churn on an idea or decision...sometimes for years...and then, seemingly without any warning, I will make a decision and that will be that. The floors haven't been any different. Why I chose now when the holidays are coming and I'll be crazy busy (which translates to exhausted) helping out at the bakery?....who knows! I do have to admit that the fact that my family is coming for Thanksgiving has had some impact on my urgency to get this done before turkey day. For one, having visitors at my house has become less and less comfortable over the past couple years. Why?...my carpet is 18 years old and the furniture is just about that old...even though I try to keep the house clean, these things have had to endure at least three large dogs, and at some point over the past few months I finally hit the threshold in my mind that said - yuk!

Fourteen years in this house and the only thing I've ever done to enhance the look of the inside is paint...and I've only done that once. Sure, I haven't been so lucky as to be a homeowner without expenses but who can get excited about a new furnace, air conditioner or new roof? But this project I am excited about!

Here's what I didn't realize - and I guess all the planning in the world wouldn't have prepared me completely. The details…the prep-work…and the timing! All but two bedrooms and the bathroom are getting new floors. That means that everything that currently sits on the floor in all the other spaces needs to move to those spaces that won't be disturbed. THAT hasn't been easy…or convenient. Yes, there will be a certain amount of do-si-doe'ing that can be done while the guys are working but for the most part, everything's gotta go. And base boards…what to do with the base boards. Luckily, I'm fortunate to have friends with excellent design taste - thanks for being so patient and helpful with my constant questions. :) Anyway….I won't bore you any longer with my rambling. Check out my slide show named New Floors for more pictures.