Week 4

Spending hours in the ER with Dash on Tuesday and suffering through the stages of the cold he shared with me didn't stop me from finishing the living room this week. On Thursday I unhooked the two pieces of the couch and moved them over so I could dust that wall and thoroughly vacuum the flaked bits of faux leather. Threw the couch cover in the laundry and vacuumed, vacuumed and vacuumed the couch. Oh those little bits! I decided to shampoo that area and most of the heavily walked on area. It looks better. New flooring is on the wish list. I decided to keep the couch pieces separate putting one back on the same wall and putting the other along the half wall. That also allowed me to move the homeless rocking chair in front of the window. Seems more spacious. Since the couch cover was designed with the pieces connected, I put the uncovered ugly end at the far end by the trunk where hopefully it won't be seen by too many. The other partially covered area on the other piece is in the corner. A blanket could always be spread over that section. But really, when was the last time we had anyone over for a visit. It's fine. I washed the pillows and blankets. Used a wet cloth to scrub parts of Buster's dog bed. Threw the 3 dog beds in the dryer separately to bounce off some of the dog hair. One dog, three beds, in one room. Two are unnecessary but I'll wait for now. My first milestone of the Mt. Vernon project is complete. Thanks to the TOP program, I now have a place for the items on the list I've made for things to do in the living room--repairs, wish list, to-do's. 

The kitchen is next. Yesterday I dusted the ceiling and light fixtures. I took down the plant hanger so I could include it in the laundry on Monday. I don't think it's ever been cleaned. The first area to address is the small cupboard and counter with the microwave and the shelf above. I cleaned that area not that long ago so it should go fast. The microwave died over a week ago. I think I'll move it out to the shed for the big trash pick-up in the spring. Dash thinks we need a new one, but we've survived without one so far. Reheating a few things does take a little longer, but it's not the end of the world. Doc will probably want to get one when he gets back from his trip. The fridge is next. I'll probably focus on the outside and leave the inside which is already on my to-do list. The display case comes next. I'm thinking of putting my patriotic Beanie Babies in there. They've never been on display. The secretary is in the corner. That needs some attention. Lots of cookbooks. The goal is to finish the kitchen in November.