Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Where Did October Go?


Mindy here, staring at the calendar, trying to figure out where October has gone. I mean, a week from today is Halloween, the last day of the month. Then it’s headlong into November and the holidays.

Holy crow!

Well, so much for the big house being completed by the end of October. We’re now shooting for Thanksgiving.

The house has undergone some significant changes of late, though. 

My office now has a light.
 
This antique chandelier once hung in hubby's grandmother's house before being relocated to the dining room at his parents' house.
And even though it was caked with forty-plus years of dust and grime,
I was able to clean it up and give it a new life.

 Then there were the old cobblestone floors.
My man said these had to go.

So, they have now disappeared, in preparation for the new tile.
And, as of yesterday, one room has been covered completely.
By the end of the week, it might all be done AND we’ll have carpet in the back of the house.
 Whoo-hoo!

 My man has been hard at work, staining the cedar that will “wrap” the existing ceiling beams in two rooms. 

I can’t wait to see that.

However, my work at the big house has, temporarily, come to a halt as I work on my next proposal. I never dreamed this reno would consume so much of my time/mind. So when it’s difficult to shift gears and focus on the story, I find myself escaping to one of my many happy places around the property.

This sure beats the burbs.

But when things get really tough, a little retail therapy never hurts. Even if it’s only at my local Tractor Supply.

I couldn’t resist this giant galvanized star.
I know just where it’s going to live.

Sorry, but you’ll have to wait to find out.


Now it’s your turn. As we close in on the end of October, what are you doing? Prepping for the holidays? I know our Canadian friends have already celebrated Thanksgiving.

Maybe you’re in a lull and using the time to catch a much-needed breath.

So tell us, what do the upcoming weeks hold for you?




Mindy Obenhaus lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, the youngest of her five children and two dogs. She's passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com  

13 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh, this is so fun to see the transformation... it's like I'm living Fixer Upper!!!! ONLY FOR REALSIES!!!

    Isn't this fun, to transform this sweet old home into a welcoming family home for your family, your kids and grandkids... and what a marvelous corner of the world, Mindy!

    That's totally awesome!

    I'm so glad you share bits of this and that... and I might use some of this in my second Shepherd's Crossing book, requiring a complete renovation of an aged widow's mansion-style home in Idaho... She let it get run down for personal reasons, and now wants it to re-embrace its original beauty... so I may be asking your advice about your step-by-step process! Wonderful!!!

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    1. Ruthy, the term "labor of love" definitely applies here. I've heard it said that renovating isn't for the faint of heart, now I truly believe it. I can't tell you how ready I a, for this to be over so we can be in the house and enjoying the fruits of our labor. I suppose that's one benefit those folks on Fixer Upper have is that they're completely hands-off.

      If only I weren't so detail oriented. As I'm sure your character will be as she works to restore that home to its former glory. But I have to say, for all of the planning, selecting flooring, paint and a multitude of other things, it's nice to see things finally coming together.

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  2. I love Tractor Supply! You make me smile, Mindy!!!

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    1. Jana, it's one of those places where you never know what you'll find. You can go in for dog bones or deer corn and leave with wrapping paper and a giant star. What's not to love?

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  3. I'm so glad to see your house project on the downhill side! Still a lot of work to do, I know, but you can start to see the beauty to come. :)

    One of my sons works at our local Tractor Supply competitor, so we don't go there often. But I love that kind of store. We can always find something we need!

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    1. We can always find something we "need"

      You spelled "want" wrong

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    2. Jan, all those "little" things left to do just might do me in. Have I mentioned that patience isn't my virtue? ;)

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  4. Oh wow -- fancy dancy office lighting! Will be a source of inspiration for sure! Love the beams and the arches and the huge space. I think my whole little house would fit into that one room! LOL

    So I'll be wrangling weeds out of my garden and cutting back perennials while the nice weather holds this week. And figuring out what to do about the mold in my basement.

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    1. Definitely fancy, Kav, but I had to find a place to reuse that chandelier.

      Mold in your basement? Sounds like it's time to break out the bleach. Lots and lots of bleach. But after you weed the garden. Before long it'll be too cold for you to be out there.

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    2. So sorry about the mold, Kav! We got some many years ago after our basement flooded twice. It's tough to get rid of but is do-able.

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  5. The house is looking GREAT, Mindy!

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  6. Mindy, I agree that the month has just disappeared suddenly!

    I love your photo updates on the house! A beautiful chandelier! And floors. Everything is looking fantastic!

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