Returning to the Reno

As our winter preparations amped up last fall, last summer’s “kitchen addition” project came to a screeching halt. Luckily, the new piece, which practically doubled the size of the cottage, was functional before the renovations were placed on the backburner.

Recently, as the more pressing chores have been taken care of, we were able to return to the interior finish work. This meant the trim work in the kitchen, as well as the crackfilling, painting, and trim in my new office. Just as we were about to undertake the painting, mom walked in the door, having flown over for the weekend to surprise us. I’m sure she was delighted to see the look of genuine happiness on my face when I turned around.

I’ve now settled into my new space. Although I have lost the view of the Strait that I enjoyed from my temporary work home, I am pleased to be in my new office. It is bright, comfortable, and cozy, with added perks like the custom cabinet and bookshelf Rob designed and constructed for me. The boys are adjusting to the move quite well. They lack their own dedicated space that they had enjoyed at my old desk, but they are still keen to spend most of their time with me. The move was in large part necessitated by the dogs, who enjoyed destroying office equipment when left unattended. Since I’ve moved, I’ve only lost a power cord.

Winter is flying by quicker than our wish list of chores are being checked off from our project book. We have yet to start the wood shed, while other projects, such as crown molding and flooring, were slated for Summer 2021. We plan to design a proper island for the centre of the kitchen, with breakfast seating, while other plans are far more extravagant.

As our living space becomes more functional, and the projects become less urgent, I’m hoping to enjoy the process more as opposed to racing to the finish line. Part of living on Pictou Island (and dating a carpenter!) is embracing that you’re never truly finished.