A Paintbrush, A Peek And A Party

I've been missing in action from my blog over the past several days - for good reason.  My sweetheart and I have been working hard.  Day and night.  Working on long over-due projects that need to be finished.  This is the first time we have been able to work on them since he retired.  Over the past few years life came at us and often took us away from the plans we had for our little home.  And my sweetheart's employment became more intense, requiring longer and longer hours.  Most of the time there was nothing left to give at the end of the day.  Now we are making progress again.  Slow, but progress.  We work well when there's a deadline.  A goal!  And we have one.  More about that later.  Here's what we have been doing.  Our home was built in the nineteen sixties.  All of the trim and cabinets were birch with a honey stain.  Over the years we began to change the look of each room as we could.  Paint was the way to go without the expense and tedious work of adding all new trim.  A few doorways and windows had not yet been finished.  What used to look like this. . .

Now looks like this!

I've been busy doing all kinds of things, including the transformation of a cute, little piece of furniture I found awhile back.  It has been in a spot in my living room - untouched - and, may I say, a bit ugly not looking too good!  For much too long.  It's not completely finished but it is much more presentable.  Here's just a peek.  Soon I'll share more - from start to the almost finished!  Then, when the final touches have been added you will get to see it again.

And the best news is - the reason for all of this flurry of activity!  My dear, little mother will celebrate her nintieth birthday in a few days!  Tomorrow we are having a small open house here at our home to honor her and share part of the celebration with very special people in her life.  I'll share more about the 'party' after it happens, complete with some photos.  There is more planned over the next days - and weeks - but it all begins tomorrow.  I must get back to work.  I have things to do.  I'll return soon with much more to share.