Sunday, May 13, 2012

Discombobulated Tour

First, Happy Mother's Day to all the moms. We're not doing much to "celebrate" here. Right now all of my boxes are my new children and we will be getting a lot of one-on-one time today. I think later, I'll force ask Alex to walk the neighborhood with me and the dogs, to check things out on a lazy Sunday.

Not a whole lot of unpacking has been happening yet. All of last weekend (it seems anyway) — and then some — was taken up by kitchen remodel, pool set-up, changing locks, and other miscellaneous get-ready tasks. I wasn't doing any of that, but having people here working did take away from my unpacking time. And then I had to go back to work on Tuesday. I've made some progress and I'm plodding along, but it's definitely going to be mid-June before I feel done. That's OK. I'm not in a race.

I just walked around the house and snapped some BEFORE pics. Everything is a disaster right now, except my bedroom which is OK. I've got a ton of Tyler's boxes in there but only because there's no designated spot yet for them either in the garage or in the attic.


So, here we go …

This is my bedroom. Or the dogs'. Depends on who you're asking. I still have books somewhere to unpack and pics to hang, but this room is 85% done.


My bathroom and closet, both of which are really double the size they look in this pic. There's double sinks (like I really need them!) and behind where I was standing is the potty and shower, and a door out to the pool. The cabinets and granite are new. Handles/knobs going on the cabinets soon.


My really big laundry room, which is a very important sewing feature. :-) At some point, I'm going to add a counter but for now, Tyler's old welding table does the trick. Yes, welding table. Don't ask.


One half of the kitchen. The eat-in part, with a big window which overlooks the pool.We haven't actually eaten anything in there yet. I just (mostly) cleared the table for the first time last night.


The other half. It's not my dream kitchen anymore, but it'll do. Especially now with new cabinets and granite. Like the baths, knobs/handles to come soon, plus finishing the backsplash, hanging the microwave, and switching fridges.


One half of the family/great room. This is a HUGE room, and I haven't quite decided on furniture placement yet, except my computer/desk will likely stay …


… right here in the corner since it fits perfectly next to the doors.


Here's another angle. I'm just unpacking knick-knacks and sticking them anywhere so the bookcases look like a thrift store at the moment.


From the other side of the family room, the hallway to the front door. The formal living room is on the left, between here and the front door. Alex's room is the half-open door to the right, where he's still sound asleep. ;-)


The living room, which is 100% disaster. The dining room is at the other side, and circles back to the kitchen from your left as you're looking at this pic.Anyone recognize anything sew-y in here?


Looking back toward the family room from the front door/living room area. My Ikea shelves from my sewing room are dissembled and on the floor at the right. 


Still in the same spot but looking more to the left. The first door is a bathroom, the second is a linen closet, and you can see a small sliver of my sewing room. I showed you that room the other day and nothing has changed yet.


The dogs' favorite feature — a doggie door from the lanai to the yard. It needs to be re-attached in one corner, but it's doing the job right now and fixing it is a lot lower on my list than other things.


The wonderful back yard. I have no idea what that box on the tree is. I just noticed it today myself. It's something electric because there are wires running from it up both trees.


The grassy area is only half of the yard. Beyond the grass, there are still separate plant beds but the path is dirt. There's a little bridge over a "dry creek" as you go deeper back, and beyond that it's more wild. The dogs love it. I love it. Very private, very serene. Yes, I'm in a neighborhood now and there are other houses around, but there's plenty of space between them so you don't feel crowded at all.


I think we need to plan for a sewing/pool party soon. Who's coming?? :-)

38 comments:

  1. It's a wonderful home Debbie and I hope that you'll be very happy there. But I have to tell you, I take a week off and get everything handled at once because I'm unable to live with the boxes...so power to you! Though I understand that with a new job you can't take a week off...ok I'm rambling time to go. I love your new home!

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  2. I cannot get over the size of that house! And I learned a new word today: lanai.

    Happy Mothers Day, Debbie!

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  3. What a great house and yard, and a pool! It looks like so much space. I'd use the living room for my sewing room. What are you planning?

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  4. What a great house! I could try to convince DH to bring me over on the motorcycle ...

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  5. I only live two hours away on the other side of the state! LOL! Wow! What a terrific house!

    Happy Mother's Day!

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  6. I only live two hours away on the other side of the state! LOL! Wow! What a terrific house!

    Happy Mother's Day!

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  7. Love the new place. I truly miss living in Florida. I would love to come for a sewing/pool party.😃

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  8. Love the yard, love the house and love the pool...kudos to you! You have actually accomplished a lot considering you are working full time....OH MY! It makes me wish I could move. I have lived in my house for 26 years and
    I know how unexciting the acutal move sounds but something new and different would be great. But this one is PAID OFF and last summer we did new roof, gutters, siding, AC/heat system, back deck, front porch and complete exterior paint and removed 30 huge trees (before all the work) that were taking over the house. I think we will be staying awhile now ...bummer!
    Happy Mothers day, may you do all that you wish to do (unpack)today.

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  9. I was just going to ask when you're hosting a sewer's retreat! Looks like a great house for you and Alex, and I wish you many happy years there.

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  10. Happy Mother's Day!! Hopefully, your "adopted children boxes" won't be around long so enjoy your quality time with them now. I see why you loved the house. It looks nice. Warning: Invites for a sewing retreat could cause a house full of guests. I don't live far away!

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  11. Sweeeeeet. Happy Mom's Day!

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  12. Heather Mayfield2:17 PM, May 13, 2012

    Debbie, in England it is cold and it has been raining for about two months, soooooooo thanks for the invite see you on Tuesday!

    Your new house looks absolutely great, I am still unpacking the occasional box from moving last year. My book shelves only went up last week, which does mean that at some point in the next week all boxes should be gone.

    I hope that you get some unpacking time and start to feel more settled.

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  13. That's a completely awesome house. So glad it worked out so well. Erm...not to get personal, but will your prior abode be going up for sale?

    Anyway, I moved 15 years ago, and still have boxes. sigh I'm so unproductive.

    Next time I'm in your area, I'm so comin' to your house. :-)

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  14. I was thinking you needed to host a Florida sewing retreat at your new place.

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  15. Looks like you found a gem, Debbie. How nice that you have a pool! Good luck with your unpacking.

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  16. Happy Mother's day and happy settling in to your new home. I would LOVE to join a sewing retreat in Florida! But the commute from Seattle is a little too far!

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  17. Yes, I'm coming! I'll help unpack after I have helped my sister who is moving out today from her partner. We'll all be "the single ladies".

    Great house BTW! Plenty of room.

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  18. Love the house, the pool ,and the countertops,well just all of it! You are so sweet to give us a tour; some of us have such dull little lives, the house tour was super. It's neat how the computer desk area just seemed made for the corner you have it in too. Lanai always makes me think of Golden Girls . I think that was the first time I had heard the word used. So happy the dogs got a great place and you and the sons as well. Thanks again for showing us the new place. mssewcrazy

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  19. Leave it to you to issue an internet invite.
    Give us a date and be prepared.

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  20. It would be so much fun to see who showed up, and what they all brought, to this open-invite housewarming "sewing pool party" of yours. We can't bring our sewing machines in the pool, but maybe we could all bring you housewarming gifts with a sewing theme?

    Your house looks great, and you've accomplished so much more than you realize. Good for you!

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  21. One more question...are you ( really Alex) responsible for mowing that huge expanse of yard? ;-)

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  22. You found a great home, you lucky dog, you! Looks a place you can stay a long happy time. Just think how different life is for you compared to a year ago. Go Debbie!

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  23. Wonderful house and yard. I wish you much happiness there.
    Count me in for a sewing pool party; especially if it is in the winter when i'm in Florida.
    Barb

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  24. If it's when I have to go to Ft.Myers to visit my mother, I'll come! Great house!

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  25. Good thing this is a big house, so you can put all those boxes away somewhere :-). Don't get yourself so tired unpacking that you fall face down on your desk at work, there is no emergency. And try to savor the feeling of finally being on your own, and making your own decisions at your own pace. Isn't it wonderful to be able to go anywhere you want without risk of tripping on a tangled ball of bad mood? Freeeedom :-)!

    It looks like you have the essentials covered: the bedroom and the pool. You can have a good rest any time you need it, without looking at too much stuff to do. If I were you, I'd give priority to assigning a space for Tyler's boxes. Then you could feel more in control because of realizing how much of the stuff is really yours to deal with, and not.

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  26. Diane from Sydney4:29 AM, May 14, 2012

    Great home Debbie! Just say the date and I'll be there. I've never been to Florida ;)

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  27. What a find! Looks like you and your son will be very comfortable there. Remind me, what was the kitchen like before? Did the renovations change it so much you're not that happy with it now? Seems like it needed updating badly.

    Congrats... you're home!

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  28. Hi Debbie. The house is looking great. Congratulations on the move.

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  29. Love the house. Now I want a lanai with a doggie door

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  30. Awesome house! Living in Broward county, I can only dream of that yard!

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  31. Congrats on the new house. As I always say, "Baby Steps!" You will get it fixed jsut the way you want it in no time at all. Party time soon on the horizon!

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  32. How many times a day are you pinching yourself? Such a great place.

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  33. A lovely new home for a happy fresh start. When you're all set up you'll have to treat yourself to a sewing/lounging by the pool weekend.

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  34. Wow great house, you have done well for yourself. Congratulations.

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  35. I love it! I'd come anytime, I'm in Florida this week (actually Orlando today) so I'd come unpack if I thought I could help :) I may move myself soon, so could use some practice. Enjoy your gorgeous new digs and your new job, it sounds very exciting! K

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  36. I am totally down for a sewing/pool party. Looks like a wonderful place to live!

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  37. Recently found your blog. Really enjoy visiting and will be back often. You and Carolyn inspire me. Your new home is super nice.

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  38. Me me! I'll do just about anything for a pool party. :D

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