A Haven for Vee

Saturday, January 14, 2017

At My Sister Kim's



It was a very foggy day early Thursday morning when I wended my way an hour northeast to my sister's home. Both she and her husband had already left for work. My sister is a maternity nurse and my brother-in-law was being sent to Presque Isle to help install something or other. (I was surprised when he was the first to show up at the end of the day because Presque Isle really is on the outer fringes of  known civilization.)



 My father had been told to remain abed until I arrived. No problem. It was one of those mornings when any normal person would pull the covers over his head and get an extra hour or two, which is just what he did. While he was contentedly sleeping, I went exploring.


There have been a lot of changes since just last week and I know that there have been a lot of changes since I began sharing what was going on at my sister's home here, here or here, for starters.




The old patio doors separating the new addition from the main house have been removed and all new doors and windows have been installed. Plus the insulation is in, the sheetrock is on, and the mudding has happened. The wiring was all done prior to that, of course. My brother-in-law Steve says that Kim is in charge of the paint. Wonder what color she will choose.







(↑Please forgive that huge drop shadow...↑) 
Love the beautiful new patio doors now looking toward the south side of their home, which is the back lawn and what's this...


Looking out the new patio doors toward the boiler shed featured here in autumn.





Just outside the new patio doors is the new ramp system to better get my dad in and out of the house in his wheelchair. I so appreciate all that my sister and Steve do to take care of my father. I am perfectly at peace with what they are doing on his behalf. Steve could have built a ramp, but time was of the essence. Those of you who have a sibling providing quality care for parents or a parent know what I am saying here. God bless the caregivers mightily!






Turning back to look into the kitchen that will one day be the dining room. Steve tells me that this wall will be an accent wall with Penobscot River Logs Reclaimed Wood being put up soon. Not sure that he has purchased from that source, though it gives an idea of what can be done.




Here is that beautiful set of windows at the end of the room where there appears to be a convention going on just outside.


~*Winter Birdies~Highly Recommended*~





~Are you looking at me?~

I sure admire you bird photographers. Now that doesn't sound right. I mean photographers who shoot birds. No, that's not right either. It's late, I hope that you know what I mean. 



 The new front door. The old front door used to be where the pantry is now. Yes, this home is getting a major renovation.



Here is my sister's cat. Her name is Lily. She's especially friendly around three in the afternoon when she expects me to give her some food. It's nearly impossible to visit you when she's being so very present. 



If there are big changes next week, I'll be sure to keep you updated. There's nothing this exciting going on at my haven.


43 comments:

  1. Wow, there is a lot going on at your sisters home, I am sure that it is all going to be great. How wonderful that they are caring for your Dad so well and that you can go and visit him and help out too. Love the bird photos!

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  2. There is certainly a lot going on at your sisters home, exciting times for them for sure. Looking forward to seeing it all finished. You must get some inner peace knowing that your Dad is been cared for so well. Take care.

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  3. Good Morning, Vee. Thanks for sharing these new photos of your sister's home. I love those big windows and the views of the birds/yard. The reclaimed wood will be very nice; can't wait to see that. The wheelchair ramp is truly a blessing. Glad you had a safe trip/visit with your dad. Lily is a sweetie; looks like my Magic! I hope you enjoy your weekend. xoxo

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  4. I cant wait to see the finish product...I mean house...I mean renovation (needing more coffee, lol). Have a beautiful Saturday friend.

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  5. BTW...I love your new header here...smiles

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  6. Oh, a lot of excitement at your sister's home! Her new additions are going to be so lovely with her beautiful doors and windows. I've lived through an addition and it can be exciting, discouraging and wonderful in the end. I'm not one who enjoys the process, but I sure do love the results.
    Your photos are so nice Vee. They have an air of foreboding mystery. And your new header with the fruit in the silver Revere bowl is very winter happy. ♥

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  7. A fun post Vee! That room is going to be beautiful when finished - love all the windows and bird viewing spots! Thanks for the tour.

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  8. Your Sis's home is going to be smashing. I love all the windows in the new addition. It's going to be fun to follow as the work progresses.

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  9. Love seeing the remodel progress at your sister's! That outdoor convention looked very interesting.

    Yes, your new header is so pretty. Love the afghan and the candles ... so cozy-looking. That said, I loved the previous header too. That cup of tea and cookies just looked good enough to dive right in.

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  10. Wow! I bet they don't miss Long Island one bit! Your dad is well loved and well taken care of (dangling participle but .....). It is going to be beautiful when all the renovations are done. Lots of snow there. But I love the cardinals and blue jays.

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  11. What a bright and beautiful space the new addition will be. And a lot of work to get there. I'm so glad you are able to help care for your dad. I'm sure your sister and brother-in-law appreciate you as much as you appreciate them.
    Such colourful birds out your way. That said, I snapped a photo through a window this morning of an American Robin. They do hang around here much of the year, but it's the first I've seen for awhile.

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  12. That is going to be a beautifully sunlit room when it's completed. I can't wait to see the finish. I have great respect for caregivers of the elderly and frail among us. It's a tough job. We've been to Presque-Isle many times. It's just a lovely drive on either side of the border through the potato farms and hills. In fact, it used to be a popular trip to go to the mall there from here as it had stores we didn't have here...but that has changed as some of the stores have closed....and a Ruby Tuesday's - now also closed. The dollar is to blame. Fewer trips to Maine for good deals. And we have many of the same stores here now that we used to travel to Bangor for. Signs of the times eh?

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  13. Are they hiring the work done on this room? I can't imagine having the knowledge to create this without a carpenter. That is going to be an amazing addition to their home.

    My brother is the caregiver for my mother. Although she lives in her home across the road, he's there daily to help her. He is amazing and I appreciate him so very much.

    Cats are so funny ~ so aloof until they want something. Then it's back to being aloof. Actually, that isn't so bad. Our little Peekachoo is constantly making demands in the form of barking and for a 5 lb. dog, she has a loud bark.

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    1. Steve does all the work himself. He is talented. Kim helps when she can.

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  14. That is some undertaking and it all looks like it is going well.
    Love the door and windows.

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  15. It's going to be wonderful when it's finished. I know that you appreciate the caregiving that they do for your dad, Vee. Thanks for sharing the progress. Happy Saturday, Vee!

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  16. It is going to be a wonderful new area in their home. Thanks for giving us a glimpse. I like your new header too!

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  17. What a nice, large room this will be! I love the windows. It will be fun to see how it all turns out. Love the new header! Take care. No ice accumulation here yet.

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  18. WOW! Amazing progress is going on there. They will have a lovely view.

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  19. Your sister's haven is awesome - how exciting - a major renovation! How I dream of it one day myself - and not holding my breath about it or shall die fast.

    You always make me laugh with your humour. I think you are a marvelous bird shooter. :-P

    God bless the caregivers, indeed. Keeping you all in my prayers. Hugs. ♥

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  20. Wow, a reno this big is exciting and I noticed by the clock on the wall showing 8:20 that you must have left early for your hour drive. I'm getting good at the details in your posts Vee, must be all the mystery books and shows I watch.
    There's a little birdwatcher in all of us and it was nice to see the group out the back at your sister's place.

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    1. Good eye! Yes, quite early because of the fog. And the hour drive home was an extra half hour for the fog. Driving in fog is so scary...

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  21. OMGOSH--That is so exciting to see it coming along like that. They are going to love it when it is done. I especially liked your turn of the phrase for shooting the bird...yes, indeedy! lol

    We have a Presque Isle here, too, northwest of us in the UP--and I think there is one in PA, too, along Lake Erie.

    Hope you have a blessed night and Sunday- xo Diana

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  22. I love to follow project like this! I wish I had one going on here!

    I must confess I got half way through this post then got sidetracked when I saw your Pinterest link on your sidebar. Hours later, I'm back to finish reading and comment!

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  23. All these sorts of transformations and creations are so exciting. This one sound really big! Hope to see what's happening as things progress...Love to see the birds, too...Hope Lily is not a problem for them.

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    1. Lily is an indoor kitty so, other than appearing in the window like a spectre, the birds are safe.

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  24. Looks like they are doing a great job on the addition to their home. I love the ramp for your dad too. Thank you for sharing.

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  25. Wow that is a lot of renovations going on at the same time your sister is working and being a caretaker for your father, Vee. A very full plate. God bless her for being able to do it all. Everything will look beautiful when completed, I'm sure. It is nice you are able to help out when needed.

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  26. Your sister has taken on a lot! So nice of you to stop by to keep them company and help, Vee.
    Amalia
    xo

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  27. Their new room is lovely! I am so impressed by anyone who can build or renovate a home like that. My father was the last person in our family who had the knack. Glad you got to lend a hand and take some great photos too~

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  28. What a lovely spacious addition that will be for your sister's home. Reno'ing is not easy when you are living in the space. I hope you had a good day with your Dad. That's a long drive first thing in the a.m. I don't enjoy driving in fog either, its always tense, keeping an eye out for deer or moose, or anything else that shouldn't be on the road. Take Care, Vee.

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  29. What WONDERFUL renovations.

    But you like people who shoot birds? (ha-ha! Yes, I know exactly what you're trying to say!!)

    Winter in Maine is REAL!!!. By comparisons with you, my winters in Denver are just pretend!!

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  30. Thanks for sharing all of the house-y shots! As you know, I love house-y things. I am always up for a snoop around someone's house. (Does anyone else look at real estate listings just to have the opportunity to peek inside?) It looks like some exciting happenings there. You (and now your readers) get to enjoy the happenings without worrying about the dust or the clean up or the decorating decisions. Keep us posted!

    Awwww...Lily!

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  31. All this so reminds me of when we added on to our olden house...such excitement mixed in with a big mess. One doesn't seem to mind the mess because every time I looked at it, all I could see was a beautiful, new room...so exciting and fun.
    I remember trying so so hard to care for my dad but when he became ill, he had to have 24 hr. nursing care...the VA hospital wouldn't release him until I had a nursing home lined up to release him to. It was only about 10 block or so from my house which made it easier to visit him. Thankful your sister is able to care for your dad.

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  32. I am playing catch up on all that's happening with you. Yes, blessings for the caregivers. God must give them an extra portion of grace. I know both my sisters have gone above and beyond in taking care of our mother.
    Your sister's place is looking amazing!

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  33. Oh my goodnesss, I am way behind reading your posts! Your sister and bro in law are really coming right along with their house redo and kudos to them for having all that energy, especially both working. I'm glad you got to see your dad, and that he stayed in the bed until you arrived. My mother does not listen so well. Caregiving is definitely hard work, but I am quite sure I gave my mother a whole lot more trouble than she could ever give me. Have a blessed day and have fun at your sister's house!

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  34. Wow , now I feel pretty good about revamping my little room ! Wow! Lots going on for sure but I can't wait to see the outcome . Thanks for sharing .hugs and blessings , Cindy

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  35. Hi!

    What a great renovation! I sure do love those beautiful windows, with that great scenery. I wish we had Cardinals here, they are so gorgeous.

    Amen, to caregivers! I have a sister who is also a caregiver and I don't know what we would do without her! Your father is a lucky man to have two wonderful daughters!

    Hugs,
    Barb

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  36. What a great lot of work is happening at your sister's house! How awesome that they are helping to take care of your father. Enjoyed your sharing of all the happenings at your sister's home. The bird and squirrel pictures are so cute! I do admire bird photographers too! Hard to catch them in a quiet moment, they are so very busy! Hugs to you today :)

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  37. So much fun peeking in on your sister's remodeling. It looks like it's coming right along!

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  38. And I thought I knew what home improvements were...not even close! Your sis's home is surely going to be stunning when all is said and done!

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  39. I'll bet it's going to be fabulous when finished! How exciting!

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