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Sue Fagalde Lick's avatar

Dear readers, you will not believe this. They brought the wrong carpet. Two Latino guys, minimal English but very efficient, had already started cutting the carpet when I walked in and realized it was definitely not "Sanctuary" gray. It was cream-colored and shaggy. Luckily, the right carpet is in the shop, and they have gone to get it. But I feel for whoever was supposed to get this cream carpet today.

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Fran Mason's avatar

Oh nooooo

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Noel Minneci's avatar

No way could I do it myself. I’m not getting up on a ladder any more and I’m not letting my husband on a ladder either. Well worth it to hire it done, albeit the cost. We only have one body.

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Sue Fagalde Lick's avatar

I agree. Kathy brought this rubber step that is easy to get up on and seems very safe. I would recommend one of those. They didn't use my ladder at all. In one of the videos I watched, the guy walked on stilts to get the high parts. I would never try that.

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Shirley Lucier's avatar

Really? As if that was an option!

Fun memory though of the “old days “ when we were able to walk on stilts , do cartwheels etc.

I admire you for trying this project on your own anyway!

Kudos to you!

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Jenn H's avatar

Your neighbors are treasures. Looking forward to complete before and after pictures when it's all done!

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CAROLYN MOSBY's avatar

Wow! So, you can get it done by yourself with the help of your neighbors which by the way is above what you could expect (I think). Lucky you! After getting the carpet today, you will be finished with your renovation, right? Good!

As I have said, I wouldn't even think about doing it myself.

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Kim Blue's avatar

Congratulations Sue ! Such lovely, kind neighbours ! The gift of help is always welcome.

For me, anything up a ladder is a definite no. I've had a few accidents (and lucky escapes) that took me by complete surprise, since my husband passed. So when my heart says yes and my brain says no, I go with logic and get in an experienced tradespeople.

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jennifer dibley's avatar

Great and funny and well written

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Fran Mason's avatar

Great YouTube also!

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Teresa Parmenter's avatar

So glad you received help! I know I cannot do this by myself. No projects in the future for us. Thank you Lord. Great job.

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JH's avatar

Oh gosh, I feel the aches just reading your story. Many years ago, after my mom had surgery, she was off the pain pills but would feel tense at the end of the day. Her doctor suggested a couple Tylenol to help her relax and it worked! I tried it one year at quilt camp, after bending over the fabric cutting table and sitting at my sewing machine all day. Me and my roomies all found it so relaxing. I hope your soreness leaves quickly and that shot for your hip brings big relief soon.

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Judi Bailey, M.Ed's avatar

I learned a lot more about you. Are you really 73? I’m 76and sit in my recliner, writing. I get up to get grape juice (which I for got this morning…so give me a minute to get it…)…took a lot longer, sorry - my hands are a bit shaky and spilly this morning. Now what was I talking about. I really enjoyed your guide on pain-ting.

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Sue Fagalde Lick's avatar

Yes, really 73. Grape juice sounds good.

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Fran Mason's avatar

Congrats! Great job! So glad you received help. Question, did you mask your window and door trim, or cut in like for the ceiling? I'm about to paint a room too and never have. Thanks for these painting essays!

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Sue Fagalde Lick's avatar

Thanks. I did mask the doors and window, but if I had a steadier hand, I can see how it would be more efficient to just cut in.

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Jodi Sh. Doff's avatar

Asking for help is hard, accepting it is harder. At least for me. I hired painters for the kitchen, dining room, bathroom and Mom's room. But my room/living room I want to do myself. It's also the room with the most clutter and furniture and yes, 68 is not 48. Maybe I'll just hire someone to do the ceiling. I can manage the walls, I want to do something fun or weird or different or whatever but the idea of prepping and painting over my head is just blergh! Maybe I'll channel you and let someone help. The next time someone says, "Let me know if I can help in any way..." I'm going to say, well, as a matter of fact...!

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Sue Fagalde Lick's avatar

Accept the help. it's harder than you think. I don't do ceilings. How about a red ceiling? Or a blue one with clouds?

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