Settling In

We've been trying to get ready for the holidays, like everyone else these days; shopping, putting up the Christmas tree, decorating the house, etc. And my parents will be arriving the weekend after Christmas, so we're also trying to get the house put into some semblance of order for them.

We have ordered guest room furniture and are hoping that at least the box spring and mattress are available before the guests arrive. We bought a full size mattress, so hopefully it will fit upstairs without having to be lifted from the ground over the first story railing and then into the back second story door.

We've bought several floor rugs and put them down. The electrician is off until January 7th, so we'll be putting down some of the other rugs too.

Most of the wiring is done, although we still have several lights we need to purchase and one I still need to rewire. So far we're very pleased with the work that has been done. There was only one screw up where he deviated from the plan.

The snowblower is fixed and since then it hasn't snowed an appreciable amount. Not surprising really. When you're ready for something, it seems to never happen.

There's still plenty to do, but it finally feels like a home. Wednesday night I grabbed a beer, sat down in my chair and turned on the television. I watched TV for the first time in...I can't remember when. It was American Idol and I only watched for a half hour. The act of sitting and watching TV seemed decadent and hedonistic.

I find watching American Idol an almost complete waste of time, so it was absolutely perfect for that occasion. All I wanted was to waste some time.

The floor in the living room has continued to settle, rather alarmingly. When we moved in, the gap between the floor (which is sinking) and the mop board (which is nailed to the wall and therefore, not sinking) was about 1/2 inch (1 cm). Just small enough that I couldn't get my fingers in there to pull out the toys and other strange bits. when I looked over the weekend, the gap was approaching an inch and a quarter (3 cm).

I supported the sinking joists with some posts in the basement until I can get the floor supported properly. I suspect that the floor is not sinking that much. Part of it is just seasonal humidity variation. Yes, I know. Ever the optimist.

On a side note, I just finished reading The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan. If you are a foodie, it's worth a read. He writes well and has some good points. I've asked Ms. Huis to give it a read, so we'll see if she rates it as highly as I do.

I'm looking forward to having a few days off to spend with the girls. Christmas will only be with the nuclear family this year, but its nice that it will be in our house - the house we make payments on (its not really ours until the bank is paid off).

Hope all of you have a safe and merry Christmas