Beyond My Skills to Heal

Well, this past week's renovation work was productive, I guess, although nothing from the To Do list got done. I quickly realized that removing the dried wallpaper glue from the drywall was going to be tricky, because removal spray application made the drywall turn into mushy paste. And once we removed the vanity, we realized there was a sub-subfloor, which could mean there was water damage being hidden, and consequently needs to be removed and possibly repaired in order for the tile floors to be the right height for our toilet phalange and hardwood flooring. Sensing that this was 'beyond my skills to heal', I called Rick Kemp, our flooring contractor, to come give us a quote. He was very helpful and offered a couple of solutions for the drywall, but wanted to call his sub contractor first. He agreed that the top subfloor should be removed, and will be getting back to us for a tile and drywall quote. He's also going to tile our mantle at the same time, if the price is right. In the meantime, there is not a whole lot we can do. All the demo is done and cleaned up.

As for deciding on a vanity or tile, well, we can't agree on a budget. Tim understandably wants to keep it cheap, as we won't be in the house for more than 5 years, while I am looking at solid wood cabinetry and granite countertops, which I argued would provide a higher ROI (Return on Investment) in the long run. In additon, now that we've removed the pocket door and wall, we have and extra 30" to play with, and I'm not sure what to put next to the vanity. Hooks for the kids towels? Linen cabinet? Storage bench?

It is moments like these that I wish I could call my dad and have him come fix it for us. After a lifetime in and out of construction, he has all of the skillsets and knowledge, but sadly, no longer the ability, either physically or mentally to do anything for anyone anymore. We did text each other this week several times. I took pictures of my walls and asked questions, and he answered to the best of his ability from so far away. It's not the same, but at least it's something. I can't do anything for him, I've known that for some time, he too is 'beyond my skills to heal', but he's my dad, and I haven't been able to sever that bond. I probably never will.

As I write, the snow has begun to fall outside. Jack woke up this morning talking about a Snow Day tomorrow. No doubt we will be partaking in the ritual "Snow Dance" tonight before bed. I do still love the anticipation, as we watch the news scroll the list of school closings in the early morning hours. Even if my Snow Days now consist of keeping two crazy kids occupied in and around the house.

I think I'll refrain from a To Do list this week, not sure what the weather or Rick has planned.