Down to the Wire

I was determined that today I would find and buy the carpet tiles and vinyl for the basement floor. The vinyl will be along the wall in front of the slider and over to the bottom of the stairs. That way, when I come in with wet shoes or bike tires, I won't be messing up carpeting. The excess vinyl will be put in front of the washer and dryer. That part of the floor is borderline disgusting.

The carpet tiles will be on the remainder of the floor. I intend to install the floor coverings without glue. That means double sided tape. I want to make it as easy as possible for the next owner, 20 or so years down the road, to be able to change the floor covering if they want. The house I just sold had carpet glued down to the cement floor in the basement. I pity the poor guy who wants to get that stuff up. It won't be easy.

What I bought today is custom order so I won't have it for another 2 weeks. I had hoped to have it all done in 2 weeks. Oh, well!

AND, it is also the end of my budget! Actually I went over by $200. If I hadn't taken a large chunk of $$ to pay moving bills I'd still have some left over, but those bills had to be paid. I'm satisfied that it has all worked out as well as it did.

I can't wait to post photos of the completed basement!!!!!!

Critters!

If there’s anything that will set me off, it’s critters. Specifically, critters in my space.

Yesterday afternoon I started hearing a noise coming from behind my fireplace. Then it was on the left side, then the right. What? This kept on for quite a while before I realized it wasn’t my neighbor doing something to her fireplace. The two do not occupy common space.

What ever it was, it was clawing on sheet metal. At one point, I swear I saw the mesh material on the left side of the fireplace bulge out. IT was pushing.

Finally I called the management company and they called an animal control person who called me. Don’t you know this guy knows my kids!

Anyway, I didn’t sleep a wink last night even though Critter Thing hadn’t made any noise since around 9 pm. But it was on my mind and in my fitful dreams. Plus, I knew Frank was going to be here at 6:30. I usually get up at 6, but set the alarm for 5 to be sure I would be up and dressed.

Frank showed up on time and looked around. His inspection of the fireplace showed the flue was open…he closed it…manually. Apparently there is no handle. Hmmm. Anyway, he couldn’t find any way anything could had gotten in, but when it comes to squirrels and chipmunks, they are stealthy!

I have Frank’s card. Should the noise come back all I have to do is call him.

Please. Please. Don’t come back! ☺

Fall Foliage

Photo: Windsor Locks Canal bike path.

Yesterday, Sunday, I was able to get out for a bike ride. Hadn’t been out on the bike in quite a few days.

The day was perfect for a bike ride. And just look at that foliage! I have heard reports that say the colors won’t be as good this year because of the hot, dry summer we’ve had. If this was any more beautiful, I don’t think I could stand it! ☺

Playing Catch-up

Vacation Pictures
When in the world am I ever going to get my Cape Cod vacation pictures posted? That's a good question. Soon, I hope. How did I ever get so darned busy? ☺

Basement
The walls and trim in the basement are all painted and look beautiful. Kurt stopped by Wednesday to install the lock on the slider. Now I can walk out the door with my bike and lock the door with a key…instead of having to run up and down stairs like a crazy person to lock up.

Free Chair
The chair Kathy gave me will soon be reupholstered in denim and will go in the “library” area of my Woman's Cave. I bought the fabric yesterday. I tried going to Affordable Fabrics again, but they didn’t have any denim. So I Googled and started calling around. The cheapest denim I could find was $6.99 a yard, AND, I told everyone I was looking for upholstery weight denim. For $6.99 you can make blue jeans…not the same. I found myself back at Jo-Ann’s Fabrics where they had both kinds of denim, but once I saw the upholstery weight I knew nothing less would do. Yes, it cost more, but it was on sale. This chair will cost me under $300 to reupholster and you can’t get this same chair new for that price.

I bought a couple yards extra because I’m foolish enough to think I can make a slipcover for an old hassock I have and love, although it has seen better days. I’m thinking it must be in the neighborhood of 40-50 years old.

Home and Auto Insurance
I have had my insurance with The Hartford, through AARP, for years. Last year, when I bought the Honda Fit, my insurance increased $200. I wasn’t very happy with that, but, it was a newer car than my ’97 Saturn. This year I get my auto renewal and they have gone up another $400! What? They think I’m going to pay $1500 to insure my Fit. Sure I just had an accident, but it was not my fault and the other guy’s insurance eventually paid.

My son, Paul, kept telling me I needed to talk to his insurance broker…and I did. He saved me in the neighborhood of $1000, total, on both home and auto. When I call The Hartford and tell them to cancel my two policies, I hope they ask me why.

I have immediate needs for the $ I just saved. ☺