Happy New Years!!!!!

I wish a very happy and prosperous New Years to everyone. I am certainly glad to see this one go. I know they say you shouldn't wish your life away, but 2008 was not a very good year.

Here is a list (incomplete I'm sure) of what was accomplished in 2008

1) Finished the front room on the second floor
2) Found the parts to do the handrail on the 2nd floor (see #4 below) - that was a couple of very dirty and hot days
3) Replaced three exterior doors (the front door is original and just fine)
4) Worked (but did not complete) more on the shop
5) Gutted the 1st floor bath and 'former red area' (see #1 and 2 below)
6) Repaired and painted the ceilings for #5 above
7) Converted to digital TV (I really thought I was going to cry when I got PBS without static-for the first time in my life)
8) Installed the granite on the hearth for the master bedroom fireplace
9) Installed the marble threshold in the 2nd floor bedroom
10) Installed new roof!!!!!! (OK, I hired someone to do this!!!)
11) Continued installation of interior trim

But, that is the past, here is what's on tap for this year. I usually don't make New Year resolutions, but here is my to-do-list for 2009:

2009

1) Finish the 1st floor bath
2) Finish the 'former red area' - soon to be TV room.
(speaking of TV, I LOVE THE DIGITAL CONVERTER BOX!!!! Now there is no need for cable. We are getting stations we couldn't before and the reception is fantastic)
- When numbers 1 and 2 are finished, I will buy the LCD TV.
3) Redo the cornice modeling on the front of the house
4) Finish the 2nd floor handrail (I have decided to do it myself)
5) Build the tansom windows on the 2nd floor
6) Start the renovation of the front entry trim detail (the word escapes me at the moment)
7) Make garage into three-season shop
8) Continue interior painting
9) Continue installation of interior trim
10) Build closet doors
11) Purchase and install all door and transom hardware (finally found a source)

And a look into the future

2010

1) Replace 2nd-floor east and north windows (four total)

2) Refinish 2nd-floor center and front room floors

3) Complete interior trim

4) Continue interior painting

5) Complete shop

2011

1) Replace 1st-floor windows (all-12 total)

2) Refinish 1st-floor floors (entry, hall, and living room)

3) Repaint exterior (trim and windows)

4) Complete interior painting

2012

1) Rededicate house on its 130th anniversary!!!!

2) Renovation of backyard

2013

1) Remodel kitchen (start and complete)

2) Removal of front concrete porch

3) Renovation of front yard (including moving stone steps to original location)

Well, let's see how I do.

Happy New Years!!!!!!!!!!!!