Wow.  I can't believe how much time has gone by and I have probably lost all my followers!  It's ok though. 

In my last post in Dec. 2012 I mentioned I hoped it would be a good year ahead.  Ha.  It is but it's been challenging to say the least.  Early in January I had major surgery to reverse a Colostomy and it was the most grueling surgery I've ever had and I've had many.  Recovery was to do virtually nothing for two months.  Then only to lift nothing more than 5 lbs.  Now I'm back to working on the house. 

There was a relationship that disintegrated in this time period too and left me devastated.  I felt completely ruined and had no motivation to work on my art, crafts, the house, or anything really.  I have been living off my savings and SSI and it's been a nice run in that I was able to pick and choose what I wanted to do on a daily basis.  Something most cannot do.  I am grateful for that.

Now I'm better and planning my next journey.  I am motivated to get the house done.  Then either a possible  move or other major change.  Sometimes I get it in my head that I need a major change.  I'm in that state of mind now.  Maybe it's because I've had several major changes in the last 5 years and it's become a pattern?  Hummmmmm, I'll have to think on that.  So that's my mindset, now back to the house.

Above, the picture is the tearing  out a portion of the floor that was put down because we had some flash flooding here and because I did not have my toilet installed yet in the small bath off the kitchen, the water came up and warped a portion of the "new" floor.  How frustrating and expensive.  Anyhow, I have just now gotten around to tearing it up so I can put down some new pieces.  Maybe today.

Much has been completed.  I won't bore you with the pictures of construction, but show you the end result.  Keep in mind I need to add some decorative touches that I will do over time when the finances allow.

This is my small bath.  The tub is original to the house.  I just had to save that baby.  I did not have it restored as I like it the way it is and it didn't have any rust spots or anything in it.  Just dull from use.!  I love it and I only have a shower in my master bath so it gives me the option of soaking when the muscles ache from the work.  Ugh!  Hooray!  Also, I'm trying to become a minimalist.  A collector becoming a minimalist.  Have you ever heard of such a thing?  I'm not sure it's possible but I'm trying.  Hopefully I'll end up with a few wonderful pieces and rid myself of useless clutter.

Next...  The small second bedroom I originally was doing for my grandaughter to come stay.  She's 17 now and not into "Grandma" like she used to be and that's ok too.  She's young, working, a great student and creating a (hopefully) great life for herself.  Just not at Grandma's which is as it should be.

My own bedroom is done but I'm living in it and it's messy right now.  I can't do it all all the time.......I'm 66 years old!  Give me a break!  Thanks.

So next is this closet I plan to put my stackable Washer/Dryer in.  I needed to put in a floor so I tiled it in white yesterday.

Today I might put down the Baseboard molding after I clean it and work on the kitchen floor.  Then all I have left is to put a second coat of paint on the walls, add trim, paint the built in cabinet, have a drawer made for it, paint the trim, find some money for cabinets, sink, dishwasher, refrigerator, stove, countertops  and I'm sure there are other things, but then I will be done. 

Of course there are other projects.  Like the front hallway entranceway.  It is still a mess and will be one of the last areas to tackle.

So there you have it.  Since I'm back to health and livng by myself, I plan to incorporate my art back into my life and never let it leave again.  That includes looking at other blogs and keeping a better contact with fellow bloggers and friends.  Thanks for looking.....