Progress . . . of Sorts

Do you remember last spring when we had torrential rains that flooded our basement? Yeah, it's a distant unpleasant memory for me too. Well, we finally had the drain tile and sump pump installed in December. Then we had to re-drywall, and do something about the floor which had been carpeted, but we weren't going to do that again. Anyway, this basement project is the main reason that the house has been so dusty for the last couple of months (that's my story anyway). Drywall dust just keeps floating around and reappearing just moments after having been wiped away!! Even covered with plastic, everything had layers and layers of dust -- ugh!

So, the last two weekends we had tile installed in the basement. It turned out great! And, the basement is so clutter-free -- the first time in years!! Of course, the laundry room and furnace room are both packed with stuff that we need to deal with (i.e., get rid of a lot of it)! Anyway, I finally feel like we are making a bit of progress.

The new tile floor -- so nice!!

Mr. Tennis liked the new tile so much that we are now having new tile installed in the foyer and that project is being worked on this weekend and next probably. I'm afraid that 2009 is also going to be known as the year of the home repairs!

The Rickster's exercise domain -- elliptical, back stretcher and some weird hang-upside down machine -- that is going to make it's way to the recycling center or Craig's list soon!

Deconstructing and Reconstructing

While many of you are putting up your Christmas trees and holiday decorations, we are instead tearing our basement up! Remember last May when we had torrential downpours, tornadoes, simply terrible weather here in the Midwest and the resulting flood in our basement? Yes, it is a distant unhappy memory for me too. But finally, tomorrow we are having drain tile and a sump pump installed. So, we (and by we I mean Mr. Tennis, Connor and me) are cutting 2' feet of drywall, insulation and whatever else is there around the whole front and one side wall of the basement. It's a much larger job than imagined! I'm assisting by carting drywall pieces to the trash, sweeping the floor, pulling up carpet -- the easier jobs! Yes, there goes the rest of the carpet that had not been destroyed by the flooding. OY!! Cboo had no idea what he was getting himself into when he volunteered to assist. Maddy and I moved toys and other items to the dining room -- my neat, uncluttered dining room is no more. After the drain tile and sump pump are put in, we need to have someone come in and re-insulate and drywall. The project just gets bigger and bigger as we will also need to have tile installed on the floor -- no more carpet -- not gonna do that again! Fun times people, fun times indeed! :)