Midsummer Updates

So far, 2020 has turned out nothing like I expected. Early in the year, I planned the #yearofthewindow, began daydreaming about Season Four of True Tales From Old Houses, considered training for another marathon, and looked forward to a trip to Sweden in August. I also had window work planned in the Hudson River Valley, and I expected my YouTube channel to be up and running more regularly. 2020 was the year I was going to make a real go of Blake Hill House. Things were looking good. I even had a few interviews for a potential TV gig. Then, like everyone, life changed quickly. Pandemics: I don’t recommend them. Social reform? Yes, please.

My six-year blogiversary passed in June with zero fanfare. My heart just wasn’t in it. I longed to write for writing’s sake, but I continued to struggle with time management. When I get overwhelmed, my MO is to daydream about getting rid of most of our possessions and living fulltime on the road in an RV. The minimalist traveler fantasy is a sweet escape, but unrealistic at this stage of life.

With all six of us home fulltime now, there is more work than ever. Thankfully we all pitch in to help. Life looks very different right now, and we are not expecting a shift any time soon. I realize that I sound a little gloomy, but hey, we’re friends, right? Friends let friends wallow a little from time-to-time. My underlying positive and goal-oriented self is still intact.

Despite all of this, I am making some progress here at BHH. Since there is no chance we will have visitors, I have gone blind to all of the partially-completed projects throughout the house.

The Grand Staircase

This project has stalled for the most part, but I did paint the stair risers.

M’s Teen Bedroom

This bedroom is my main focus right now. I want to get my daughter moved back into her room as soon as possible. She is so good at living in a state of flux, but I’d like to give her back some stability.

I’ve been working on the dumpster desk, and it’s starting to look a lot less like someone’s garbage.

After we decided not to install wallpaper to save some money, we secured a fun new sponsor for the accent wall. It was serendipitous timing, and M. is very excited. I recognize that I’m being cagey as I write this, but you’ll be the first to see the big reveal. I promise.

While we wait, I am busily restoring the window in her room. It has been mostly inoperable for a couple of years. She has always had a nearby fire escape option but now seemed like the perfect time to get ‘er done. This window sash is the most intricate pattern I’ve restored to date, and I am into it.

The Garden

When everyone went into lockdown due to the pandemic, there seemed to be only two options: learn how to make sourdough bread or plant seeds. I planted seeds.

The container gardens in breakfast nook were a bust, but everything else thrived. We built some raised garden beds at the end of May, and now we have wee tomatoes!

I put so little thought into this garden that every success feels like a gift. I expected nothing, and I might get a fresh tomato sandwich sometime in August.

Everything Else

• Season Four of the podcast True Tales From Old Houses is up and running, and we have a genuinely inspiring line-up of guests coming your way. Devyn and I are pouring our hearts into this project, and we hope you enjoy the episodes. You may subscribe to the podcast on your preferred platform or listen right on the website.
• I did manage to get my YouTube channel up and running, and I hope to develop it more in the coming months. If you subscribe, you’ll get notified of new videos.
• My Instagram friend Kelly, and I are hosting something called The Old and Slow Room Challenge (#theoldandslowroomchallenge). It technically started June 15 and ends December 15, but anyone can jump in at any time. Since old house projects take f o r e v e r to complete, Kelly and I thought six months sounded like a reasonable amount of time to try to get one room back in business. I’ll be sharing my room(s) with you as soon as I finish my daughter’s bedroom. I have forbidden myself from focusing on anything else.
• Family stuff – My daughter and son went back to training for their sports last week. It has been a long four months! My oldest will finish his final college class from home and graduate in December. He had zero intention of walking at the ceremony, so he isn’t feeling like he is missing out. Andy is working from home at least through Labor Day and maybe longer.

That’s all I have today. How is everyone else handling all of this 2020 stuff? Are you doing ok? Please let me know.