Steadily working for the past 28 days has been gratifying. This place is starting to look more modern than we expected. However, that will be toned down by the used furniture, the home's original light fixtures and hardware.
At first we thought we'd change out the kitchen cabinetry but we've found it solid and well done that we can't bear to part with it..a little staining enhancement is all it needs. Also the appliances from the 1970s are functioning, unique, and of quality we don't want to exchange them (with the exception of deceased microwave Bruce tried to salvage). The counter and shower ceramic tile we thought we'd have to replace - no way, just over grout it and viola. A process that took much longer than we expected.
As for the windows, the home had a few windows and the patio sliders/wall-of-windows replaced with Pella brand....which are VERY nice and VERY expensive. The remaining windows are aluminum-frame double paned. It took 2 days to clean the tracks and the inner frame has the remnants of duck tape that is impossible to remove. Bruce and I have locked horns in whether to "make due" or get new windows.....a decision, we've agreed, to finalize in a year.
Our new roof, atrium removed.
The fig tree in the courtyard, we've decided, has to go. This plant will search out water and destroy the plumbing...it's a surprise it has not already done so.
Our most difficult task will be the concrete floors. We plan to dye the floors but there are many cracks, divots and imperfections that we will have to repair the best we can.
Meanwhile, we're so pleased with the quality, location, size and simplicity of the home even our toughest days are good and our good days even better. We are doing our best to avoid the "having stuff craze" that has dominated the American culture. So far our furniture (bed, table, couch) is all used and our dishes and cookware from Goodwill/thrift stores.
Deer and javalina are our neighbors.
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