girl at large

Trailer Time

BEFORE--DURING--AFTER

It's taken two years, but the dinette in the trailer is usable at last! It was the very first thing I ripped out the first summer-- the rickety, water-damaged dinette benches and table. After a season with nothing but an empty space (and exposed battery charger and water pump), it will be wonderful for have the seating area usable again. It did make a fine spot for the pack-n-play for Viv last year, but she's ready for a real bed now.

I have to have a table top made yet, but for now, it's enough just to have a comfy place to sit. Thank you Dad, thank you Molly!

 

 

 

 

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Eileen Hope

A hundred or more mourners, countless cards, dozens of casserole dishes, one small town.
70 years a wife and mother, 91 years a writer and reader and giver. They say it's a long life well lived, a condolence well meant, but a few more days here with us would have been well spent.

Spring At Last, Already?

We will be getting the Tin Can Cottage ready for use soon. The benches and cushions are ready, the station wagon is full of supplies.The winter was long and cruel, but somehow I'm still not ready for spring yet...my trailer "to do" lists are too long.

I'm looking forward to it, but I have reservations this season...it still needs so much work, and we never seem to do anything but work. I want to keep the projects to a reasonable level this summer so we can get some rest and enjoy this time with Viv, not to mention each other.

I'm also nervous about the logistics of Toddlerhood at the trailer. I fear frustration will set in if we try to accomplish even the simplest of projects with Viv in tow. She won't sit nicely in a bucket while we paint or scrub aluminum or repair plumbing...this year, she will be right in the mess.

If it weren't for Dad and Molly, the biggest improvement in the trailer this year would never have happened --new dining benches (and subsequent bed). Thank goodness for all the help, we need it!

 

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Vivi's Speeds

Viv is either running around full speed, chatting constantly, or...sound asleep, zonked. Toddlerhood!

Just Grand

Tom and Linda's wedding was wonderful---relaxed, beautiful and with just enough unexpected snow to make it more memorable.

When Mom left Palm Springs, we took bets on how long it would take Tom to find a woman to replace her. We didn't guess that the next one would be The One! It didn't take long, they even beat our record. Paul and I were June to April--married. Tom and Linda were August to April--married.

I love seeing my brother in love; he's so happy, she's so normal. Whew.

 

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Stripey Stripes!

BEFORE. Basement steps, entry landing and upstairs "Wedding Cake" bedroom(s).

AFTER.

The carpet is in! And the old linoleum, probably asbestos-backed, is out. I hate to think of Viv crawling on that nasty indoor-outdoor carpet that was in the upstairs bedrooms. The new carpet is so soft (wool!) and not... gross.

The plan is still to retain the old paint on the steps from the first floor to the second floor, but I have to admit the quiet and warmth and softness of the carpet on the basements steps is really, really nice.

We have enough left over to have a rug bound for a play area in the basement...if only all the tools and old doors and unused baby crap weren't in the way. Next project!

 

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