Juggling July!

Hard to think that more than half the year is in the rearview mirror! July has provided some interesting challenges, not the least of which is my dad currently in ICU, with COVID-19 Pneumonia. He's been in there since June 30th and is stable, while we're taking things one day at a time.

We had been taking every precaution but this virus is unstoppable and does not discriminate in it's victims. Part of the precautions for my folks was that they were NOT allowed to go out to the Michigan House. Simply out of the question!  At the beginning of all the shutdowns and all of April, no one went anywhere. The problem is that you can't ignore a property. The Michigan House needed to be checked on & opened up. Not to mention grass, weeds, bushes and trees don't stop growing, while leaves need raking.

After much discussion with my DH, W, it was decided that I could go out at the beginning of May a full month later than the usual opening date. I filled up my gas tank at home, loaded every supply I needed from food & beverage to cleaning supplies and tools and set off.  The main parameter was 'No Contact, No Impact', which meant I had no contact with persons or equipment and I did not impact any of the local resources. No gas stations, no neighbors, no grocery stores - nothing. And it worked!

Thankfully, the house was fine and the Spring opening went well, even if I did it all myself. I stayed a few days doing the basics. But houses being houses, it needed some extra attention. If 2020 wasn't going to be summer of dog shows, road trips and fairs, it can dang well can be the summer of projects! 

I've made a few trips back, working remotely for my day job with some required weird hours, and working every spare minute - mornings, lunch hours, evenings & weekends on the house.  Items are getting checked off, as more items are added! It's the proverbial, self-perpetuating project list! Most of them, I've done myself but a few required W's help out here. 

I'll be sharing some project pics in upcoming posts but one of the proudest moments was the refurbishment of this old house sign. It was bought and hung on the house 36 years ago. 

W took it down from the peak, sanded off years of weather beaten wear, and replaced the hardware. I repainted and refinished it. Together, we rehung it in a new place on honor. Going forward, it will be spending the winters tucked away indoors!

I like to think the old sign getting a facelift and a place of honor, is particularly fitting as the house gets some needed attention, inside & out.