On the attic-opening, we re-configured the beds last couple of weeks (used to be mainly the Mudcat Dorm), to make our own kingbed nicer and the double bed nicer, too-- adjusting the heights and, last night, adding a dust ruffle to the kingbed to improve it as a storage area (not out of sight/out of mind-- just harder to just kick stuff under there without thinking). The "MudDorm" still sleeps 5 or more, just not all in the single beds it used to hold. We added, also, a bedrail to the double in case of visitors with little ones.

The next project up there is a set of shelves to convert what had been large milk-crate linen storage into shelves across the crates, for more convenient and prettier linen storage-- the colors are so pretty that it will be nice to be able to see them stacked up on the shelves, interspersed with other supplies and stuff displayed nicely. And a rug that has outlived its downstairs usefulness will be sliced up to nicen up some of the bare plank floor (not a pretty plank either).

===
[SQUEAM ALERT ON]

We're considering adding another portapotti up there, since we like the one in the camper so much. I found an "orange"-scented tank deodorizer that actually HAS no odor. I finally knocked over a pee bucket one night, not a very full one thank God, but I really don't care to do THAT again-- it's so hard to clean up in the dark when Hardi is fast asleep! (It didn't get knocked over up there.) The attic floor is so not-level.... the portapotti bases are square, DUH!

[SQUEAM ALERT OFF]
===


For pickup later today is a Freecycled swimming pool filter and pool accessories. (Next year, the pool to go with them.)


A re-do of the dog yard is in the offing, with Freecycled chainlink. A local HS kid is going to make panels (like the large dog runs you see at WalMart, etc.), which will be erected to replace the current collection of fencing layers necessitated by getting larger and larger dogs after the first yard was set up for little Ruby-- we'd just added layers of taller fencing. These panels will be removable for the addition, before the next wet season, of gravel to keep the dust down. Back a truck right in and let IT do most of the work spreading it, then let the landlord's little Bobcat in to finish the job.

I think the panels will be made while we are away on vacay, since this young man also feeds the dogs when we are gone-- and then we can come back and direct the deployment of the panels when we see how many were made out of the available chainlink, peg them into place, move the doghouse, etc., add a sitting chair, and-- if there is enough money left from vacation expenses-- have the first load of gravel delivered the same day we take down the old fence. And THAT old fence has plans for it, as well.

BTW, all these separate dwellings we have on the one property-- they tend to stay decluttered. Especially from one season to the next as each area gets better storage furniture. Pro organizers say we should treat ourselves like guests. It's true!


The Wonderful Amazing Clothing Closet is still working well, and as weight loss continues and older clothes wear out, I'm actually throwing a few pieces away. Some of the more dearly-loved are being sliced up for a quilt-like framed project to add a little more color to the attic bedroom-- I don't quilt and some of the fabrics are too fragile anyway. They will be a visual reminder of what I have accomplished.


Here's a nice project for quilters tho-- a friend of mine took all her dad's clothing when he passed, and a sister quilted samples all up into a set of framed panels for family, with other mementoes stitched on such as medals, award ribbons, etc. Each panel is unique altho they all resemble each other somewhat, since each was made with each particular relationship in mind, and the hobbies each one esp. shared with him. The finished, framed panels were about 18 x 18-- framed to keep them forever, dust-free, but easily opened for tactile memories, too. They did not re-clean the clothes first-- they WERE clean in the closet-- but the dau's say they can still smell his aftershave on his soft, old wool and flannel and dress shirts, hunting jacket, etc.

~Susan