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."