May 19, 2004

"Divine Disaster"

We've been in this house for approximately 16 years and the el cheapo builder's vinyl cushion flooring of past days, has served it's time. Four chairs dragged in and out a million times from the double pedestal oak table have produced a few bare spots, along with the fair share of dings, dents and puncture wounds over the years which have taken their toll. Some how I don't think those Crayola crayons created as many "holes" as the little dears would have had me believe.... *S*

A reconnaissance mission to the local Home Depot on the weekend revealed a plethora of new flooring products. It was like a kid in the candy shop. After much oooooing and awwwwing and tactical maneuvers up and down the aisles, I narrowed the choices down to two - cork flooring with 7 layers of varithane and guaranteed for "life" or a beautiful honey coloured strip oak.

As much as I love the look of natural oak, I'm leaning towards the seamless finished appearance of the cork. Pricey too,  but warm under foot, completely smooth and easy to clean, with that added element of sound proofing to dull the noises bound to emanate from the basement during the offspring's party times - SOLD.

Of course that ultra sleek flooring would look great with some new paint on the walls. Come to think of it, the counter tops are looking slightly abused so may as well check that out if I'm going to paint. Don't forget a new faucet set .....heck why not toss in the kitchen sink as well to make it complete. Let's see....how many thousands has this little afternoon trip cost.....EEEEEEkkkkkkkkk... ( pick chin up off floor and push eyeballs back into sockets.)

Well, at least I can start with a $40.00 can of paint. BUT first that old wallpaper has to come off, including the ceiling border all the way around this  12 x 20 foot kitchen.

Arrrrg,  $(#$^#*)$^ vinyl wallpaper. The top layer peeled off in one solid piece,  easy as 1, 2 3,  but left behind that paper backing that took HOURS, upon HOURS to scrap away. Note to self...NEVER EVER paper the kitchen again.

If looks could kill.  Better yet, peel paper from the walls..... 2 down, 18 more to go.

The scraping left a few holes in the walls which resulted in some patching.  But as of this evening,  I now have naked walls.... which require some sanding or a preparatory coat of primer.

While I ponder the next step, I hear a pot of tea calling me and if I'm not mistaken some Breyers Cookie and Cream shivering in the freezer, which needs rescuing ....  *S*