"Zipper, Button Hole, Hem"

When I was first learning to sew, the fun was watching the skirt go together and I was ready to wear it to school the very next day.  But before I could, I had to do the finishing work: the zipper, the button hole and the hem.  As some of you might imagine, I was very impatient to see the finished product.  Nothing, I mean nothing has changed.  I am impatient but we need to complete the finishing touches, the proverbial " zipper, button hole and hem." 
Here is a few tantalizing hints of what has been keeping me out of trouble and getting the cottage ready for your first visit to Cedar Lane.

The chandelier is hung...

The pendant light and glass bottles above the sink.

My vintage plates from my "dump" runs washed and in place.

Important things like the candy dish getting filled.

One of two ovens hooked up and tested.  Warming drawer and pie baking about to commence.

I bought this bowl months ago and told Russ and Brendan to build me a house around it.  In place and ready for guests.

Guest room linens waiting for furniture.

Don't know how many guests will ever shower inside but the tub is ready for whatever may come its way.

Master shower bar is in, waiting for doors on Monday.  Even the shower gel is color coordinated!

Towels, check, hand soap, check, Sudoku books in place, only question...Who made me buy that sea foam colored egg!

My all time favorite night light in and working. 

Florida mermaid saluting you and extending her invitation to come visit and see it all in person.

Color getting added in layers...

Outdoor shower up and running, now if only we could get hot water. 

The heron is back on the deck and watching the water.  All is almost ready for that water view from all the rooms. 

 

Moving in day is probably next Saturday, the 18th, and I will finally be able to wake up and see the water in the morning light.  Lots to still do, especially the outside landscaping, but it is coming together so nicely.  The cable people are coming on Tuesday and then the Geek Squad come Wednesday to hook the new 46" flat panel TV above the fireplace.  The cottage will be ready for whatever audio/video/ interactive activities we throw its way.  Best of all we can run the hair dryer and have lights on at the same time.

I will be moving stuff around for a long time to come so plan a visit, give me your opinions of what works and we can enjoy "all this with a water view!"

 

 

Lessons Learned:

1.  When packing up for a major renovation such as I have done, pack up what you will need first and have it at the front of your storage space.  I cannot find my tools, vacuum, paints, and some furniture I would like to use to get the house ready.  Hangers too, I know I have some but where?

2.  Mice get into everything!  They found that if they ate through the vinyl seat of one of my stools it made a very cozy home for the winter.  Gross!

3.  More cabinets and fewer drawers in the kitchen is better.

4.  You will return as many items as you have bought before all is said and done.  Marshalls, TJ's, and Home Goods have seen me more than they care too.  When buying, open the packages and insert the receipts so when you have to return things you have them.  Also, if you wait too long, they will not take things back, even for a store credit.  Anyone need three large shower heads?  HA,HA.

5.  I have more stuff than I need.  Amen