Monday, December 6, 2010

And So It Begins

I’m exhausted and I ache all over!  I’m getting too old for this.  The mind says yes but the body is definitely in conflict.

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The moving truck arrived at 9:30 a.m. yesterday…right on time.  There were only two men to unload so Mr. PQ decided to step in and give them a hand.  That’s him in the right foreground.  And can you see Mac on the grass?  He’s supervising…until he spotted a squirrel who kept him entertained most of the day.

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The weather forecast called for rain but thank goodness it held off until everything was unloaded from the truck.  Once again, the boys took care and laid down the protective floor coverings.

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This is the sitting room or den and the room behind it is the dining room.  Every room in the house will be painted and the remaining carpeting on the stairs and in the one upstairs bedrooms and hallway will be taken up in the next couple of weeks.

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The living room is right across the hall.  The beige on the walls that you see is actually the backing from the vinyl wallpaper that was there.  I removed all the vinyl when we were here a couple of weeks ago but didn’t have either the time or tools to remove the backing and border.  Every light fixture in the house will also be replaced in due course.

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Above is the built in china cabinet in the dining room and...

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The pantry is just off the kitchen.  All the hardware and drawer pulls are original to the house.  Eventually the flooring and counter tops will also be replaced.

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 It was  a very long day for everyone.  The last item was unloaded from the truck at approximately 6:30 p.m.  All three of us were in bed by 8:30 p.m.  Yesterday was spent trying to make some semblance of order to the mounds of boxes and furniture.  The kitchen is about halfway done which is a great relief.

Slowly but surely we’ll get there.  I can’t tell you how much I miss my stitching and quilting.  It’ll be a while yet before I’ll be able to unpack and set up my studio because there is so much else to be done in the interim.

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This post would not be complete without sending you all a big hug of thanks for all your support and comforting words.  I can’t wait for the time to come where I can take the time to thank you all individually once again.  But I do want you to know that your caring comments really mean a lot to me. 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Kaaren ♥

65 comments:

Karin på Ösäter said...

I read your blog often and it is always great reading and I wish I could be with you and help out to empty the boxes( in the right place)I will be back and see how you get along and wish you a Merry Christmas in the new house.
Greetings from Sweden and Karin

Stephanie Pettengell said...

You will recover your energy as things move forward. Well done and congratulations at being 'HOME'

Karin på Ösäter said...

Sorry forgot my blog adress.
http://karinpaosater.blogg.se

BubzRugz said...

It all looks fantastic for the first day.... great potential.... and you will have fun putting it all together...
Hugz

Jenny's Place Online said...

Hi Kaaren, just think of each room as a new quilt, and hopefully time will fly :) Happy crafting, Jenny

By Hoki Quilts said...

Kaaren the house is great and those floors are to die for (ours are concrete, hence the carpets)
I've told you before how many times we have moved all around NZ and even to Singapore, so I do know exactly how you are feeling. Once you have at least one room set as you want it you will feel better - truly.
Remember to take a breather every now and then.
hugs
Miche'le

Elzaan said...

OOOOO!!! This is so exciting!! The house looks more lovely every time you show pictures. You really did make a wonderful choice.
How wonderful is it to have a built in china cabinet AND a pantry. In South Africa (and now here in Mauritius) you don't get houses with that anymore, except if you look very hard.
I will be sewing a few fabrics together and will be thinking of you. Would that help?
Enjoy the redecorating, painting and unpacking. Everything will be "back to normal" very soon.
Elzaan

Miriam said...

I'm glad everything arrived safely for you.
Before you know it your new home will be just as you want it.
Enjoy setting up and decorating your new home.

gracie said...

You are home for the holiday! Take one day at a time and design each room. glad everything finally made it to you.

marina said...

Your new house looks lovely and I am sure you will make it a home very quickly. I am sure I won't move house ever so I don't have to go through all that packing and unpacking!

ginou60 said...

bonjour,
bon aménagement dans ta nouvelle maison,
a bientot de te lire en France
bises

jayne@~an eye for threads~ said...

With every box you unpack, know that I am thinking of you and wishing you all the best in making this old house your wonderful home. Nothing much better than the character of an old house when it can fit in to your life and you can pull it together with love.
As always

Shelley said...

WooHOO!! Love your new house Kaaren..now, why would you want to replace those light fixtures LOL!?

Darlene said...

Welcome home, Kaaren, Mr PQ & Mac. Relax and start making memories. :-) (Hugs)

Jocelyn said...

Yay! You made it. And with furniture too :-) Happy days are ahead. Yes it is work, but oh you will so enjoy your new home. Take care and keep us posted on your progress.

Sandra said...

Hard part is over, now you just have to open all those presents (disguised as packing boxes) and piece back together the quilt that is your new home.
Got there just in time too, we're having a major snowstorm today.
Seasons greetings from New Brunswick!

Anonymous said...

How exciting and exhausting to make such a major move! I will look forward to you getting back to your beloved quilting also! Enjoy your new home. It can give you a different look at life also!

Hands Sew Full said...

I'll be thinking of you and sending you good energy and lots of prayers for an easy unpacking journey! I love the thoughts posted by others of piecing your home together like a huge quilting project! That just makes so much sense...and no seam ripping!

Karen said...

The house is lovely- even in its unfinished state. Now I must jump back into bed- you have completely exhausted me! LOL--
remember Rome wasn't built in a day, even though I know how much you want to return to order (and your quilting).
Sending happy thoughts
Karen

julieQ said...

Hi Kaaren! I have been reading and keeping up with what you are up to...what an epic move for you! It will all come together for you one box at a time...sewing and stitching times will come back soon for you, I know! Many hugs...what a lovely new home to enjoy!!

Sheila said...

Kaaren the house looks wonderful and I know once you put your touches to it it will look fantastic , you have a real gift for decorating .Good luck with the unpacking and just take it one day at a time and soon it will be done .Take care

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you and the movers made it to your new house safely. I love your house, how fun to be able to fix it up now just the way you want it, tiring but fun I bet!

Carol said...

Glad you all got there and unpacked safely. Looks like you have an interesting new place to call home. Have a wonderful festive season.

Ulla said...

Best wishes for you in the new home! It must be a stressful time, but also very exciting and fun.

Pieced Pastimes said...

Kaaren - I have been out of the loop and thought I'd pop in and catch up on your happenings. The last I knew, you were still looking for a house. When I have time, I will go back and read your previous posts. I am glad that you were able to find a place and that you will be all settled in for Christmas. Take care and don't overdo it.

Ter'e said...

Ah Kaaren.............tell us the truth now. You have been laying on a chaise.........with your feather pointer......pointing to your men, where everything should go. In between times, you are munching bonbons and gazing outside, thinking of summers in your new home. Right????? Slap me now, right? :-)
I know this is hard and you guys are bushed, but look what you will have when you are finished. If we all could come and help......we would!!!!!!
You know we are sending strength and love thru our emails!
Welcome Home Baby!!!!!!!

Lori said...

Yay! The truck made it and you are IN!!! The house is so pretty and I'm sure the best is yet to come once you add your touches to it.

Janet said...

Kaaren: take all the time you need to get things organized. I love that built-in china and storage cabinet in the dining room and the cupboards in the kitchen and pantry too! Just lovely and won't nicely rubbed wood countertops and a softwood floor look great in the kitchen and pantry - love having the fridge close to hand but tucked away so it doesn't dominate the kitchen. Cheers my friend - keep dry and warm. A friend of mine who lives on an island off Shelburne woke to find their whartf damaged and underwater and their boat in danger of drifting loose, not as bad on the Fundy side but we've had some power outages.

Anonymous said...

The house looks lovely. I wish I had a pantry or such a big house.
It is a nice think that we move with you. The journey for me is a bit longer, then I live in Holland.
Good luck with unpacking and see you soon.
THANKS

Wendy said...

I'm glad you got everything moved. Don't over do it, you have lots of time to unpack and make it your home.

Needled Mom said...

Oh dear!!! Glad that it went well, but I can imagine how tired you must be.

Susan Torrens said...

Having moved multiple times during a 34 year military career, I really understand what you are going through. It always surprised me how quickly the first bit of unpacking went, and how slowly we managed to place the last few items. Now that we are retired, I almost miss the regular moves - they were great for de-cluttering!
I'm sure you'll be up and running in no time. Your new home looks lovely.

Robin C said...

See the very hardest part is done. You made it there and everything is in the house. Now you can take your time getting things right. I know you are tired but just think of the finished home when you get through!

Love the pictures, can't wait to see more.

Robin in Virginia

Shannon said...

Moving is a big thing. I hate moving. We are planning on moving in about 4 years, when my youngest is out of High School. I am already dreading it. LOL!! Hang in there!

Farm Girl said...

I am so glad you are home. I liked having a small tour of your house. Your other house was so beautiful this one will be too.
Thank you for all of the wonderful projects I have copied in the past year. You have given me such confidence to tackle things I might not have ever tried. I will keep you in my prayers as you work to make this house into a beautiful home.

Sue said...

What a huge job it is to move! I admire your attitude and stamina. Your new home looks wonderful and soon enough you will have it just the way you want it. I hope we will continue to see photos of your progress.

Monica said...

Congrats on being the new home finally! It's been a long journey but well worth it I'm sure. Take your time unpacking...the boxes don't mind.

Congrats again.

Annette said...

Yay! You're in at last. Lots of work but most of it the fun kind...creating.

Anonymous said...

Don't overdo! You'll be no good at all if you hurt your back etc. Just go easy a bit at a time and in no time at all you'll be relaxing and stitching! This I know!

Loris said...

You are really doing such an amazing job with this move! Hang in there and take lots of rest breaks when you can. It is really interesting seeing all the changes and the new area to live in...Nova Scotia! What a fun adventure! Thanks for taking the time and effort to share it with your readers. It is great to see.

Anonymous said...

Now comes the best bit - making your new house a home - putting your stamp on it. Bless Mac, he is such a sweetie. Hope your bones are aching a bit less today. Take care and best wishes - Michelle x

MoeWest said...

When I first moved from Montreal to Halifax years ago, I thought everyone was moving a little slow. But it was me, rushing from A to B at my big city pace. In the Maritimes, moving a little slower gives you time to enjoy your surroundings and relax a bit more and I grew to like it better than the big city pace. I try not to forget that now that I live in a big city again. So find your Maritime pace and don't forget to enjoy the moment.

Micki said...

It will be wonderful to see you all settled in. I know how stressful a move is. Wishing you a speedy process!
Many hugs sent your way,
Micki

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear that the weather held off while the unloading was going on. Now the fun begins. Finding new places for all of your treasures. Just take your time and enjoy the process. Remember to get your rest. Take care.

Thinking of you always.
Dianne

Marcia W. said...

The paint looks pretty good on the walls of the photos you posted. Unless the carpet and hard construction work goes in your sewing room, take some time to unpack there. Bet it would empty out a lot of boxes and make you feel better! All 3 of you are Troopers for weathering such a big move so well.

Teresa F. said...

Congratulations on your new house. I know that now it all seems a big mess but in no time all will get settled. I wish you a Merry Christmas in your new home.
Hugs,
Teresa

Teresa F. said...

Congratulations on your new house. I know that now it all seems a big mess but in no time all will get settled. I wish you a Merry Christmas in your new home.
Hugs,
Teresa

GerryART said...

This IS A HUGE undertaking.
My hat's off to ya.
Holiday Hugs,
Gerry

Joy said...

Kaaren this is such a HUGE undertaking, especially at this time of the year. Sending you great big hugs and I hope you get it all settle soon so that you can take a bit of time for yourself.
Hugs,
Joy :o)

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Your home!!!

Mimi said...

You're almost there. Keep the faith and before long it will be a distant memory.

Lindah said...

Yay! the stuff is home. Now go at your own pace and make fun Christmas memories in your new home.
Merry Christmas!

Allie said...

That is a REALLY long day - but you're HOME - now just relax and take your time making it perfect!

Thimbelina said...

Hi Kaaren.... I can't believe you still had time to participate in the SSCS with all you've had going on! I received my parcel today and I love the little ornaments you sent... can't wait to open the other one now! Thankyou so much, and I'm sure you'll be all settled and crafting again in no time.
Hugs

Shari said...

Great news to have you safe and sound in your new home. It will all sort out in due course... hope you blend your style with the old girl successfully... houses are girls aren't they? This one seems to be anyway... hope you have a wonderful Christmas and get to know your neighbours real soon...

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Kaaren, How exciting to see photos of your new home and lovely Nova Scotia. I could go for green grass too right now. LOL I look forward to see your decorating Magic which will make into your unqie beautiful home. Know that all your blogging friends are all thinking of you. Hugs Judy

Abby and Stephanie said...

You have lovely bones to work with so the house may take a bit of time but soon enough it will be YOUR home. I absolutely love the built in china cabinet.

Nanette Merrill said...

Oh my gosh Karen, it is coming along. I'll be so happy when you're in and back to normal life.

Shakerwood said...

At least everyone made it safely. Remember how to eat an elephant, one bite at a time.....

SheilaC said...

Thank you for sharing pictures of your beautiful new home. I love those wood floors and your country cabinets!

What a wonderful home to start the new year!

Shirley--Knot-y Embroidery Lady said...

Boy, I have not been blogging for a while and look what I have missed. You moved! I wish you peace and joy as you "unbox" everything and settle in. Thank you for sharing! Warm Hugs!

Rumi said...

Congrats on getting moved in! Now the fun begins (Calling it "work" sounds like drudgery and we don't want that!) Just don't have too much "fun" at once, you don't want to hurt yourself or wear yourself out!

Annelein said...

I wish you all the best at your new HOME and hope that soon it will feel as home.

Your free patterns on the first friday of the month were always big surprises.

Hope to hear from you very soon.

Meanwhile, have a good time unpacking everything, enjoy the holidays and wish you and your family all the best for the new year!

Greetings from the Netherlands,
Willeke

AnnieO said...

oh my, yesm lots of body groaning would be normal! So much work you two have done--any chance of hiring a teenaged boy or girl to help out? I'd send you my young man if we lived nearby, LOL! Best wishes for a quick set up

Stitched With Prayer said...

Kaaren, I have been keeping up on your blog but doing more lurking than anything. Just wanted you to know that I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and it looks like it's all just moving along nicely...um...no pun intended. I love what I have seen of your property and beautiful home so far but I am so excited to see the 'we're finally finished' pictures. Not half as excited as you are to be able to take them I'm sure, LOL. I have decided to stop complaining about the mess I'm in with our little renovations, there is just now comparison. I do hope you are enjoying (as much as possible) the process of getting organized and set up and also ready to have some of the work done you have talked about in your posts. Keep smiling, it is going to be so very wonderful when your are finally settled. Hugs...