The Potty Saga Continues

Since my last post regarding the remodeling work in my house, I’ve had to make a few more decisions. For anyone who thinks they can do a bathroom remodel in pieces, think again! One thing leads to another. If you can live with an “eclectic” piecemeal look, great—try it. If you like things to match, consider doing it all at once. That is, if you can afford to do it all at once. I had originally just wanted to replace my shower surround because it had rotting spots. Well, in order to do a good job that would truly raise the value of my home (and not drive me nuts every time I looked at the color scheme), I had to also move to fix the drywall, beadboard, and trim; add new tile floor (which had to be done because of water damage over the years); replace the vanity and marble top; and add new fixtures, lighting, and medicine cabinet. The only thing I’m not changing is the toilet (yet) and the fan/overhead lighting. I feel incredibly fortunate to have budgeted in enough of a fiscal cushion to allow for the additional changes. I better be sure to take lots of long luxurious baths in this new space because I’m not going to be able to afford to do anything else luxurious for quite some time. I’ll need to work summer school from now until I retire.

Also, I never realized how difficult it is to get the timing right for a remodel job in a one-bathroom house. There have been many jokes about peeing in the shower and using a 5 gallon pail. It is a significant problem to be without a functional shower or sink for any long period of time, but I can make do in a pinch. I can certainly live without the mirror and full lighting. I can live without electric. I CAN’T live without a working toilet for 24 hours (which is going to have to happen with installation of a new tile floor). I’ve had points in my life when I’ve used outhouses and the good old woods, but I’m just way too old and citified for that now. I am most grateful to my friends and neighbors who have offered their bathrooms for my use. Ah, the simple joys of civilized existence. I’m also certain my dad will roll his eyes if he reads this.

For now, I can be sure that the end is in sight. Soon I’ll only have the aesthetic painting to worry about. I think of how fortunate I am to own my home. I don’t have to ask a landlord for any changes or updates. I don’t share my bathroom with 6 other people. I don’t live in a shelter where using the bathroom is a public event. I am a very blessed person.

Not so Dirty Anymore!

The remodeling project is still moving along. The drywall is up. The shower surround is in. The horrendous smell of the epoxy threw me back to a memory from my childhood. Back when I was probably 8 or 9, My dad had constructed a large wall of book shelving in our living room. The base of the shelving consisted of cupboards with a formica-like top surface. The epoxy he used made me so ill, I'll always remember it. Well, it all came back to me this weekend with the installation of the shower surround marble. I just hope the smell has not done any damage to me or the dogs. This may sound stupid, but I was even afraid to run my gas oven with all the fumes in the house. It hasn't been warm enough to open the windows this weekend, but perhaps a few warm days next week will allow me to air it all out. The plumber is coming back on Monday to finish the shower fixtures and re-install my shower head. I can't wait to have a shower again!!! I've been able to take a bath every day, but there is something to be said for a hot, hot, shower.

Here are a few more pictures of the progress. Almost done!

Shellie says there is NO WAY she's going into that mess.

Pre-Surround Drywall



The shims are helping the epoxy set and the tub surround marble cure in its place.



The shims are off. Now just waiting for the last fixtures.

Great Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Are you tired of the traditional green bean salad or the california blend veggies at holiday dinners? Try this recipe next time.

Yummy Broccoli Casserole
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (don't dilute)
1 med. onion, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded swiss cheese
1/2 cup real mayonnaise
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 16oz. pkg. broccoli florets, thawed
1 10 oz. pkg. chopped broccoli, thawed
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1-2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

In a large bowl, mix eggs, soup, onion, cheese, mayo, and butter. Fold in broccoli. Spoon into a greased casserole dish. Mix parmesan cheese with bread crumbs. Sprinkle on top. Cover and bake at 400 degrees for about 35-40 minutes. Be sure casserole is heated all the way through.

Makes about 8 servings.

I'm Just Going to Stay Dirty

Yikes!!

Here are more pictures of the remodeling work. Today is bathroom tearout day. The damage behind the paneling wasn't as bad as anticipated. It looks like it will all still be done in a week. I can still use the tub (once the pile of junk is out of it). Good thing I have wonderful neighbors who will let me use their shower if I can't stand myself. I can always use the locker room at school, too.

This is the "before" picture in the shower/tub.
The dark parts are gross spots of peeling surround that I've been living with for years.

I KNEW there was a window behind that wall!
(It was well-insulated and covered in the previous owner's remodeling work.)




Maybe I will just stay dirty.

By the way, the girls have been sleeping through all the banging and mess -- like it's an average activity. I think I'm just going to leave the house for the rest of the day.

Read a Poem Today and Every Day

April is National Poetry Month!

Sad that we need to designate a "month" to appreciate the beauty of poetic language. But, so it is. Keep a poem in your pocket. Find an anthology to enjoy. My favorites are The Outlaw Bible of American Poetry and Poetry for the Earth. Write your own haiku or free verse. Try an Elizabethan sonnet if you are up for the challenge. Go to a poetry reading if there is such a thing in your area. Stand outside on the sidewalk or in the middle of the woods and read angry poems aloud. Consider each and every moment of your day solid fodder for poetic writing. Just enjoy it!

Also, check out the Poetry 180 program from the Library of Congress (and remember that next week is National Library Week).