Life in the Slow Lane

Sound proof housing we do not have. I know one set of neighbors uses a shower curtain rather than a shower door because I can hear the rings slide back and forth before they turn on the water. With another neighbor, I know when the dog runs to the door because I can hear the tiny toe nails on the floor. Vacuuming, flushing, burping, swearing, fighting, closing cupboard doors, running the garbage disposal, plus. Do I even want to know what sounds carry from our side of the wall? Our corner of the complex doesn't put a great deal of emphasis on neighbor to neighbor bonding, perhaps because more than one neighbor has been introduced or recognized as the one who makes such-n-such noise. This is never complimentary. There is just something slightly awkward about getting to know a person after you have already determined their middle of the night bathroom routine. Or their vacuuming obsession. Or their lady-killer ways. Or their loose grasp of reality. Like I said, I don't really wa...

When the paint dries, the remodel we started nine months ago will be complete. So says me. The one chiefly responsible for accomplishing the remodel still sees things that need to be finished, but they are so minor that I choose to mark the project completed. (Pictures to follow when I find a way to hide all of my junk.) I guess I am always surprised by the interest people show in things I think to be rather inconsequential, like our remodel. But people have consistently asked about what manner of chaos still reigned. "There is a hole in our wall" to "we are hosting Thanksgiving dinner and we have no sink or kitchen counter" to "we just need to paint". And now, all ye who are still curious, we are just waiting for the paint to dry. Nine months is an auspicious time frame. If only I could guarantee that all of the other unfinished projects lying around could be completed in such a short time. Travel near and far and most everyone you meet will credit ...