Wednesday, October 1, 2014

FALLING HEAD OVER HEELS FOR A RENOVATION by Rolynn Anderson


On Roses of Prose, our themes for October are: Fall into Danger, Fall through the Cracks, Fall Head over Heels, Fall on Deaf Ears

         I’m reminded of the line from the song: “You are so nice to come home to.”  That’s how I feel about returning from a four-month cruise on our boat…to our newly renovated California house.  You see, the paint had barely dried on our walls (in May) when we had to shut down the place and head to our trawler in Anacortes, Washington.  Weary from the hub-bub of renovation (to include tearing down a wall between the kitchen and great room!), we barely registered what we’d accomplished.  Instead, we had to put our minds to prepping our boat for our farewell tour to Alaska.
         Truly, it’s been a year of renovation.  I got new knees (the recovery was exhausting); we spiffed up our boat for sale and she had new owners within two months, AND we renovated most of the rooms of our house.
         Now, in October, boatless and with new knees, I can appreciate our hard work: planning our house redo, hiring the right people, collaborating with skilled and creative folks to manage unique touches…this was tough, stressful and demanding work!  But the results are magnificent.
         Yesterday, we hung artwork we brought from the boat.  We also installed a new chandelier, to match pendulum lights over our brand new entertainment island.  Besides little tweaks here and there and a thorough cleaning, we’re done.  We now get to enjoy the fruits of our labors after an amazing year of renovation.  And yes.  I’ve fallen head over heels for our New Home.
         How about you?  Have you chosen to renovate instead of buy another house?  Are you happy with your decision?

13 comments:

Leah St. James said...

Rolynn, I'm exhausted just reading your accomplishments. Wow. I have plenty that needs renovating in my house, but I can barely manage to keep it clean. (And, uh, "clean" is relative term.) :-) Enjoy your "new" home!

Betsy Ashton said...

We built rather than renovate. We bought a sloping lot that ran down to a quietish cove (quiet in winter, jet skis in summer), were involved every step of the way. We moved slowly over five years. When we finally sold and closed the primary home to move to the log home on a lake, it was the most wonderful Zen moment.

Ashantay said...

I've been involved in three renovations and also bought (not built) one new home. I'll choose an older home every time! Love making it over to fit me. The more mature yard plantings are easier to care for, also. Congrats on your new home and knees!

Rolynn Anderson said...

Leah, I understand the problem of 'keeping clean.' One thing a reno does is let you start all over...all that dirt and wall boo-boo's gone! Try it...you'll like it!

Betsy...a log home on a lake? That's better than Zen...it's got gorgeous and tranquil written all over it. Great place to write!

Ashantay, you've got cred as a reno person. I agree...if a house has good bones, stay with it!

Diane Burton said...

Congrats on all you've accomplished. Recovery from new knees is exhausting. I admire you for having both done at the same time. I waited a year between. Wished I hadn't waited so long to get the done.

Calisa Rhose said...

Congrats on your boat sale, new knees and the house getting completed, Rolynn!

Living with a construction worker for thirty+ years...I celebrate when we DON'T have renovations of any scale going on these days. lol But we do want to paint the interior next year and get siding on the outside. One thing at a time. :)

Jannine Gallant said...

I live with a builder, too. We bought our lot and built our house the same summer we got married. It was supposed to be a starter home, but 19 years later, we're still in it! Congrats on your remodel and new knees. I'm sure you'll enjoy them both!

Margo Hoornstra said...

Let me add my congrats on the knees and the reno. As a recent empty nester, I'm getting the bug to go smaller. We've done the renovation route over the years, twice by force because of floods. Change can be refreshing.

Angela Adams said...

I didn't know there was such a thing as a "happy home renovation" (smile). Welcome back!

Alicia Dean said...

Wow, that is a lot of changes. Sounds like you're dealing with them well. I've never been involved in home renovations, but I'm sure the right ones are worthwhile. Glad you're enjoying the fruits! :)

Rolynn Anderson said...

Thanks to you all for your encouragement. Angela, the unhappy thing about the reno is the empty pocketbook. Geesh, these things are expensive. Alicia and Jannine, stay tuned to my next blog about 'geezer' homes...which jibs with what Margo is saying about downsizing. Calisa, my view is these 'projects' for our men fulfill the hunter-gatherer thing. And Diane, so glad you're bionic like I am. Hebby Roman's superwoman, too. :-)

glenys said...

Congratulationson the reno! And on the new knees, boat sale, and travel - you definitely have had a year to remember. We've renovated three houses (two from the outer walls all the way in) and being suckers for a challenge, did most of the work ourselves. Talk about a steep learning curve! Usually we just get a place how we want it when we move again...gluttons for punishment. I wish you lots of happiness in the new/old place :-)

Rolynn Anderson said...

Glenys, sounds like you're intent on making a house your own by renovating. Interesting, isn't it, how we buy a house we like then spend the next years figuring out how to REALLY like it. I've heard some couples do a lot of moving/renovating to keep excitement in their marriage. Geesh, that sounds expensive!