Happy Halloween

Halloween seems to be the second largest holiday in the US -- is it because of pumpkin carving, candy fetching, or costume dressing? Does sticking a knife into a pumpkin relieve stress or allow creativity to take over? Several family members took the plunge and carved pumpkins to light on Halloween. A tradition since the very beginning, son Jack celebrated his October 22 birthday each year with a pumpkin carving contest for all the birthday well wishers. This year was no different. Jack carved two of the featured pumpkins.

After all the Halloween hoopla, don't forget to brush your teeth before retiring. Doesn't that just sound like a mother?
If dressing up in a costume is what you look forward to each year, let yourself go and enjoy the day. Be safe. Have fun. Brush your teeth. Happy Halloween Jessica, Mike, Frank, Jack and Taryn.

Mudroom Completed - Part 8

If you've been following along over the past three weeks, you know the previously ugly mud room was getting a much needed face lift. The before and after photos are dramatic and show the value of updating a high traffic mud room into a much happier space. Previously drab, with curling white vinyl wallpaper on the walls, and brown commercial tiles on the floor, the mud room was functional but dismal. The old work sink was replaced with a new one built into a cabinet. The shelf above the washer and dryer has a new matching curtain to hide all the paraphernalia or to allow a puppet show, which ever happens first. Adding a few pictures helped update the space as well. The bright green walls create a happier area that lifts one's spirits and allows the door to the mud room to remain open.

Anytime redecorating occurs the domino effect kicks in and several new accessories are added. The wood bench from Pier One Imports adds character and interest to the mud room, and allows one to sit while putting on shoes or boots. A few photos above the bench add interest and the mirror pulls one into the space, also allowing one last glimpse before leaving home. While I love the new mud room, what really matters is how you feel about it. Visitors to the home have delighted in the flow from the kitchen into the space and remodeled bathroom, discussed here. The real question now is how to keep mud out of the mud room.

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Fall

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Vote Early

In an attempt to avoid long lines at the voting booth, I took the opportunity to vote early in the 2008 presidental election. Arriving at the county courthouse after lunch, traffic was heavy, and I hoped they weren't all voters. Alas, I was wrong, and discovered others had the same idea. The line was do-able. After completing the necessary paperwork, my time at the voting booth allowed me to participate in the long journey towards selecting the next president. In thirty minutes I cast my vote and was on my way.

Early voting takes place in many places across the United States; in Illinois early voting ends on Thursday. Get to it now -- avoid long lines and big crowds. Vote early.

Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

Bathroom Remodel -- Part 7: Done!

After several weeks of stripping wall paper, priming and painting walls, installing Travertine tile, and searching for the right accessories, the bathroom and mud room remodeling project is complete and we couldn't be happier with the results.

The bathroom is small -- 4 feet by 4 feet -- and one recalls an airplane restroom when first opening the door to this somewhat intimate space, but the end result is dramatic. Benjamin Moore's Crushed Velvet Aura paint covers the walls and creates the "wow" factor. A tall etagere stands in the corner, displaying interesting trinkets and usable items. The 20" by 40" Pottery Barn mirror has a brushed nickel finish, as do other accessories in the room. Pulling it all together is the large picture over the toilet, taken from another room in the house. The picture, though hard to see in the photo, is the standard vase of drooping tulips in all the right colors of pink, cranberry, blue and green.

Recent visitors have loved the completed bathroom and this somewhat forty plus homeowner couldn't be happier. Tomorrow the mud room will be unveiled. Stay tuned.

Somewhat Forty Plus -- Happy Birthday to Me

A year ago Somewhat Forty Plus was launched after much contemplation and conversation. Wanting to blog for several months, actually doing so was the problem. A devoted reader of Somewhat Frank, deciding on a name for this blog was difficult. Who am I and what could I call myself? In the middle of one night the name was born and it was time to create a blog. A few hours later Somewhat Forty Plus was up and running. Creating it was simple, posting to it could be a challenge. Rarely at a shortage for words, this blogger has readers in New Zealand and New York, Wichita and Africa, all the Woodstocks -- Illinois, Vermont and Connecticut -- Israel, Istanbul and places in between.

The most popular topic? Not my daughter's jeans. My favorite topic? Anything Jessica, Frank or Jack. TECH cocktail stole my heart and Somewhat Frank created the urge to blog. Most commented on post? Decorating and remodeling the mudroom and bathroom. Most viewers? Anything about quarter horses, especially new born Annie.

Some days there is plenty to say and not enough time, while on others there are too many things to do and sleep takes priority over posting. Blogging is enjoyable and relaxing, allowing others to see aspects of an individual they know in a different way. After 365 days of blogging, year two begins. Will I run out of topics? I hope not. Life is filled with exciting new challenges, new jobs and new babies. Happy Birthday to me.

Happy Jack Birthday

You know you're getting old when your "baby" hits 25. Today the youngest of three, the second to marry, and the first to parent a child, celebrates his birthday with his bride. To mark this important day, two of my college classes were treated to pizza --- cheese, pepperoni and sausage -- and every piece disappeared. Jack could probably even hear us sing "Happy Birthday dear Ja---ck....."

Happy birthday on this the 25th of many more to come. Next year at this time you will be the father of a daughter, and you will experience life from the other side. Your hair will begin to discolor. Joints may ache. Eyes may need lenses. Welcome to my world. You are a wonderful son to two, a good brother or brother-in-law to four, a great friend to many and a good husband. Celebrate the day. "Happy birthday to you."

Northwestern/Purdue Football

Three children, all college graduates, all football fans, and all on board Saturday when Alma mater Northwestern University takes on Alma mater Purdue University at Northwestern's Homecoming in Evanston. Where does one sit when two children graduated from Purdue, and two children graduated from Northwestern? Seats have not been reserved and will be purchased on site after a tailgater in the parking lot designated for Purdue. The sun will shine all day, with temps in the low 60's, not the best but as good as it gets this time of year in the Midwest.

In case you wondered who went where, here is the line-up: Jessica graduated from Purdue in 1998 and De Paul in 2004; Frank graduated from Purdue in 2000 and Northwestern in 2005, and baby Jack graduated from Northwestern in 2006, and will graduate from Marquette Law in 2009.

The flight from DC arrives at 9:15, the game starts at 11:00 and reservations for a late lunch are for 2:30. Should be fun and no matter who wins, someone will be happy. Go NU! Go Purdue!

Bathroom Remodel -- Part 6: Almost Done!

After two weeks of ripping, roaring, stripping, filling, sanding and painting, the remodeled mud room and bath room are almost finished. There are travertine tile floors, apple green walls, freshly painted woodwork, and a new bench in the mud room. A mirror and a few pictures are needed to make it look complete. Even at this stage, it certainly looks better now, don't you agree?

The small bathroom has been a challenge: it is only 48" long and 41" wide, with 10 foot ceilings and a large window. Some idiot built a cabinet off center behind the toilet, so it was painted to match the walls but the cabinet still shows. After hemming and hawing about why the shelf unit behind the toilet was off center, and how it would bother this symmetrical person every time I entered the small space, it was removed yesterday, meaning drywalling and taping took place. Meaning it isn't done yet. Meaning it will need a few more days. The bathroom mirror was unwrapped and a dent in the frame was found so it will need to be returned. Soon you will be able to view the completed bathroom, but not today. Here's just a small peek to keep you interested. Love the color ..... it is deep and dramatic.

Kath and Kim

Just finished watching a new television show, "Kath and Kim." Apparently aimed at those in need of a good laugh during the turbulent financial times, the show about Kath and Kim makes fun of current social media news. Segments that include this question, "Is Brittany Spears dumb?" or "My marriage is over, o-v-u-r" beg the question, just how stupid have we become? Apparently this is a rhetorical question.

Physical appearances, sexual innuendos, and continuous bickering filled the 30 minute debut. Kim, an extremely spoiled recently married high school graduate decides to move back home after her new husband has the audacity to ask her to microwave dinner, instead of going to Appleby's every night. Kim considers herself a trophy wife, as funny as that sounds. Kath, her forty something mother, is in a new relationship and wants nothing to do with her daughter in distress.

Funny? You betcha. Sad take on current life in some households, probably. Here's a news flash to all Kims and Kaths out there. Be flexible, take care of each other, get a college education, learn to cook, read a book. But wait, there's more -- in a sudden turn of events Kath counsels Kim's husband to take her back, even though she can't cook. And Kim, as spoiled and irreverent as she is, returns to him, until next week. Though the show was ridiculous, it did create belly laughter which is good for one's mental and physical health. And what did you do last night to lighten your load?

Horses Hanging Out

Everyone needs some R & R, and horses are no different. Here are Annie (with the black mane) and Sammy resting, and pregnant Belle looking eastward. Life with horses is enjoyable as their independent personalities remind one of children on a playground. To those who wonder why the horses are laying down: they get tired, just like humans get tired and need to rest their legs.

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Bathroom/Mudroom Redo - Part 5: Grout Added

The remodeling of the mudroom and adjacent bath started on Thursday, and has progressed quite rapidly with tile installation completed late Friday night. Once tiles were laid and allowed to set for 24 hours, grout was added. Since the installation was in a mud room, the grout color selected was a medium grey instead of a lighter tone which would have gone well with the various colors in the travertine tile.

New baseboards will be installed, and all old tired woodwork will be primed with an oil based primer. Previous owners of the home covered all the woodwork with an oil based paint, which could be covered with latex now, except they did one more thing no one should ever do. The previous owners sealed all of the painted woodwork with a shellac or varnish of some type to keep paint from chipping. What other reason would have driven them to add varnish as a finishing coat on top of the paint?

As a result, before painting any woodwork in the house it is first lightly sanded then primed with an oil based primer, allowed to dry, and then painted with a Benjamin Moore semi-gloss latex paint. Though I thought all of the priming had been done, alas I was wrong, so today is oil based primer day. Doors and windows will be opened to allow the fabulous fumes to escape. We are one day closer to an updated mud room and bath completion. I can't wait to show it to you or see it myself, for that matter.
Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Gary Vaynerchuk -- Wine in Woodstock

Wine guru Gary Vaynerchuk made it to Woodstock, IL a few weeks ago for a benefit to support the Woodstock Fine Arts Association. He was great! From the moment his feet hit the ground he was kind, generous and amazingly energetic. He talks wine because he really knows wine and can, from the top of his head, quote stats on all things wine, including the percent of people who drink a particular wine, how much of it was sold, etc. You get the idea. His kind heart and inspirational attitude left those in the audience inspired for several days. Gary was quoted in two local newspapers and his visit will "live on" for quite some time. Word on the street is he hopes to return to Woodstock next year for an all day event. Go Gary!

Woodstock native son Frank Gruber flew in from DC to introduce Gary on the stage of the beautiful Woodstock Opera House. This was one quick trip, lasting only 16 hours from airplane to airplane, with a wicked two hours of sleep. Frank and Gary were able to chat, enjoy dinner at Pirro's Italian Restaurante on Main Street in Woodstock, visit Arlene Lynes at the Reading Between the Lynes Bookstore, and enjoy the beautiful Woodstock Opera House. Check out this interesting video on the short visit to Woodstock. We loved you Gary and you are welcome at my house anytime you're in town!

Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

Bathroom Remodel -- Part 4: Tile Installation

Mud rooms get their name from being the room adjacent to the outdoors, separating the public spaces, which one hopes to keep clean, from the work spaces, which often sport sand, grass remnants, mud and dirt. Mud rooms allow one to enter the home, remove one's muddy shoes and then continue into the clean space, leaving the mud behind. The name mud room is more appropriate on some days then others.

Flooring in a mud room needs to be strong and durable and ranges from sheet goods, like linoleum, to ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone finishes. Travertine tiles were selected for this mud room make-over because they are strong and durable and look great against the wood floor in the adjacent kitchen and family room. Travertine is a crystallized, partially metamorphosed limestone of Calcium deposits with hot springs, which, because of its structure, can be filled and honed and is dense enough to be a type of marble. Each Travertine floor will exhibit its own unique coloring, veining and natural characteristics such as hardness and porosity. This non-uniform variety of color enhances the overall intrinsic beauty of the floor. Fading, stains, odors, and dirt and can be cleaned up with a damp mop or sponge or common household cleaners. The grout between the tiles will be a darker gray/brown color, which will be easy to keep clean since the installation is a mud room area. Several online sites offer great buys on Travertine tiles, but in Chicagoland, Century Tile is the place to go for tiles of every type, style and price.

Once the old vinyl flooring was removed from this remodel, previously discussed here, here and even here, the surface was washed. The old particle board was also removed and replaced with cement board. New tiles were glued onto the cement board today and will be allowed to dry at least 24 hours before grout is added. Excellent progress is being made on this mudroom/bathroom remodel and soon all will be completed.
Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Bathroom Remodel -- Part 3: Painting the Walls

This is the third part of the Bathroom/Mudroom remodeling project, previously discussed here and here. Once the wallpaper was removed and the remaining glue had been washed away, the walls were primed with Kilz Wall Primer and the holes were filled. The holes were then sanded and primed again. Note: the word "primed" means to cover the walls with a paint called a primer, specifically selected to help paint adhere to surfaces. Next, the ceiling was attacked: the light fixture from "back in the day" was removed and the ceiling painted a shade of white. Woodwork in the bathroom/mud room remodel is plentiful and in need of priming so that is the next important step. An oil based primer for wood surfaces will be selected for this job.

Many homeowners skimp on the all important step of priming before painting, then wonder why the paint peels and chips so easily. Taking the time to prepare the surface correctly will save time and money later, so don't think your walls are "good enough" and paint over them without priming. Skip a television show instead, but don't skip the priming.

Problem: The small bathroom has a cabinet above the toilet that is not centered, but rather off set to the left, as seen in the photo. Re-painting the cabinet white in a room that will be painted cranberry will only highlight the off-set cabinet even more. Solution: the off-set cabinet will be painted the same color as the walls so the cabinet blends in and becomes less obtuse. The remaining woodwork will be painted a shade of white.

One painter just left to purchase the wall colors: apple green for the mud room walls and a gorgeous cranberry for the small bathroom. Stay tuned.

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Bathroom Remodel -- Part 2: Wallpaper Removal Tips

Wallpaper can be gorgeous in any room but once the homeowner decides the paper has to go, removing it can be a messy job. After several hours of spraying, waiting and careful peeling, the wallpaper in the somewhat awful looking mud room and adjoining bath discussed previously here, is now history.

Removing wallpaper can be a huge under taking, but several "magic potion sprays" are available to speed removal along. What is the best spray to use, according to HGTV "Designed To Sell?" Something you might already have at home: mixing fabric softener with a little water and spraying it on the wallpaper is the best and easiest way to remove paper. After spraying, wait about 15 minutes for the fabric softener to soak through the paper, then slowly lift a corner. Patience is a virtue here so don't rush now. Carefully pull the paper away from the wall; standing in front of the paper, slowly peel the entire wet sheet away from the wall until the entire sheet is removed and laying at your now wet feet. Continue around the room. Once the paper is gone, the walls need to be washed down to remove any remaining glue. A mixture of dish soap and warm water will work well; use a sponge to wash the area, continuing until all glue is gone.

The good news for this somewhat messed up mud room is the unwanted wallpaper is gone and the walls are free of all glue. The not so good news is the person removing the paper is sopping wet. Oh-oh. After the walls were dry they were primed, and holes were filled. Tomorrow the walls will be sanded and re-primed.

The really good news, as seen in the floor photo, the old individual commercial grade vinyl tiles have been removed, leaving a floor that will be covered with concrete board, then the new Travertine tiles that were purchased an hour ago. More tomorrow.

Photo Attribution: somewhatfortyplus

TECH cocktail DC3 - Thursday

TECH cocktail returns to Washington DC on Thursday, October 2 will be held at MCCXXIII from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. If you are in the area you should RSVP now, with a small donation as well to cover the ever increasing costs of taking TECH cocktail on the road. Always a good time, TECH cocktail DC3 will showcase six DC area start ups which will be demoing at the event. The six start ups are:

BrandClik.com an in-text ad network that provides content providers with a non-intrusive method for generating positive cash-flow without diluting their content. contribune.org was founded in June 0f 2007 was founded to discover, aggregate and model connections between the articles that motivate people and the causes they support. IntroIn has one straightforward purpose: to connect renters and people who have inside knowledge about rentals. After all, who knows more about any particular community than those who live there now? mingle360.com combines a single-purpose device with a powerful software application. The MingleStick is an innovative USB device using wireless technology to create connections between people. sharememe connects you with your friends simply and easily no matter how you communicate with them. With ShareMeme, you can send invites, polls, and links quickly and easily from a text message or the web through email, text message, IM, or Twitter. trooQ is the social marketplace that allows you to find what you are looking for, by giving you the ability to leverage your existing social networks to create networks of trusted people to buy and sell with.

There is still time to check it out, but do so while tickets are still available. Thanks to Frank Gruber and Eric Olson for keeping TECH cocktail alive and well in DC. Have a great time at TCDC3.

Bathroom Remodel Not Bathroom Addition

The Big Bailout aka Rescue Plan - since I last posted in September the economy has tanked so the powder room I previously wrote about is on hold until the economy recovers in 2016, according to Suzy Orman. Most of the news media seem to be in hysteria mode, but all agree we need to save and not spend -- harder for some of us then others. To that end, the 200 square foot mud room (which already has a 1/2 bath in it) will be remodeled instead of adding a fifth bathroom to the house, as previously planned.

Back in the day wallpaper was hot, but not anymore, so one large wall of ugly vinyl wallpaper will be removed, the old tile floor will be replaced, and paint, ceramic tile, crown molding and a new work sink will make the current large mud room bright, happy and something one can be proud of. The over sized washer and dryer will remain in sight, but updating the room will make them shine and part of 2008, not stuck in the 1980's.

The small bathroom adjacent to the mudroom will be updated as well, with a new water saving toilet, new flooring, new paint and of course new bathroom accessories. The small wall mounted sink will get a new faucet and the outcome will be fresh and appealing. A quick look at the "before" photos explains the need to complete this total house remodel by finishing the mudroom. Ugly, isn't it? You just wait -- it will be painted a happy shade of apple green with off white woodwork. The floor tile will be purchased today. The small mudroom bathroom has a large window so the wall color can be dark and sophisticated. A deep red with a hint of blue would be perfect. The project begins tomorrow at 8 a.m. when the two workers appear. I can't wait --

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Go Cubs Go!

The Chicago Cubs are in the play offs and the first game is at 5:30 CDT today. Frank won two tickets and will be attending with brother-in-law Mike. Jessica will also be attending, but with a client. As for me, I will be attending via the leather couch in the family room. I think I have pretty good seats as well. If Mark Cuban is in attendance, and he probably will be, say "hi" to him for me Frank. Go Cubs, Go!

Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

Powder Room - Part 2

Due to the changing economy, the powder room addition has been put on hold until further notice. Changing economy? How about plummeting economy? The powder room addition will be shifted to a mud room remodel -- more to come later today.