I find I just cannot be bothered to pick up the phone anymore. Either get me by email or fb or text otherwise I'm not likely to see it! Most phone calls are spam these days anyway!

Roo did you finish your painting?? Can't believe you are having more rain.!? Someone told me it has rained for 11 days now......he was always bitchin he had no rain... rain seems to be coming early now, isn't it usually more like easter.?

No, Julie, we didn't call you a drongo only the ones that went beserk here while I was innocently sleeping and sorry I forgot you at 1am this morning.

Yes, well nasty, nasty is getting very proficient at that lately - writing more and saying nothing.

Have to go find the 15,000 sq ft house.

Tras, how much snow did you get??? It was headed our way but it's turned to rain for us tomorrow I believe?

Think Houzz may have had a word or two........
That's OK...what were you doing at 1am??? not sleeping? too many design dilemmas over there??

I haven't watched the news to get accurate amount but from our deck it looks like 12-14 inches. The drifts are really high but then other areas are not so bad. My sister said there's another one heading our way Sun/Mon. Figured I would watch tonight to see. I hardly ever pay attention to weather since it constantly changes for us. But you should see the plow heaps. So funny. It will take forever to melt. It is a child's paradise! My teen is out sledding in the dark right now with a bunch of girl friends.

You know what? We are an OLLD family. I think we know who has OLLD tattooed on their hearts. Even the three roosters, Dave, Kutchie and Dy (when he can).

tras, cutie, you can't multi task when you have one going to college, one going into k-garten and the biggest baby coming home. Counsel Julie when you have a minute.

Tras cut yourself some slack if you have that wide an age range at home...hope ti wasn't the meat you left out of your meatballs!!! We're still sledding on 2 week old snow/ice here.

No, Julie I usually check my computer before I shut it down on the way to bed, and clean out and tidy my emails but that is when this mob are all waking up and starting their chatter, so of course I think I will join in to save time in the morning and before I know it, it is morning. I usually get a second wind around 10pm too that doesn't help. We will have the time change overs soon and that will make a big difference - even Bobbi won't be awake when I go to bed.

It is about 3 weeks now the weather maps have shown nothing but rain, rain and more rain and they still show it for the next week but it isn't steady and not necessarily across the whole city. Some days the coast cops it, other days it is out west. We've had quite a bit of night rain too and by 9 or 10 it has fined up to a reasonable day, nowhere near as hot as February can be, but of course with rain comes the humidity. Some days we have had 5 mins of rain, just enough to be a nuisance. There is supposed to be a really bad low off the coast bringing a 1 in 20 year storm with it. It has whipped up huge seas - 7m waves - and we were to expect 100k winds. It has wiped out all the Gold Coast beaches, Coffs got it bad yesterday and we are supposed to be getting it today but although it is windy in gusts and raining on and off it is nothing like predicted so goodness knows where it has got to. February is often a rainy month, still cyclone season, but these days who can predict anything. Easter usually is rain as it always has to rain on holiday weekends on principle - you should know that!!

Painter hopes to finish Monday and I'm just loving it all. He suggested we wait a week to do the carpet so the enamel on the timber really sets so hopefully the rest of the carpet will go down the week after and then the BIG reorganisation begins and I will hopefully start ordering the rest of the new furniture I want plus get these damned curtains finished. I'm up to the bit I hate most, measuring them for the hems but I am forcing myself forward. So angry with myself yesterday, I got some continuous lining for the lounge room curtains so save on sewing, so all I have to do is a hem on each side - simple???? Nah, stupid here somehow managed to turn one hem one way and the other the opposite way, so sat last night just pulling two hems undone. Just hate it when I do stupid things like that and it annoys me more because I check and double check.

Rain: just the sound of it is making my hair frizz !!!! Thankfully we are cold and dry air now so my hair is half decent looking. Cannot stand the humidity. Always sad when those GC beeches get washed out, btu they always seem to come back thankfully!

10 pm here too now and I get second wind too after I sleep on the floor in front of the TV after I finish work.

It is so hard making curtains unless you have the table like I do. I remember making drapes with my mum for my Sydney place..nightmare, think I had 10 ft ceilings there. It is 14 ft long and 60" wide, so I can do really long drapes on it. We have systems in place so we can't forget and hem the wrong side! Double width lining is a blessing though.
When we make drapes we start at the bottom and go up, so hems get done first, and the length is worked out at the top before pleating.

You MUST post pics. I can almost smell the paint and the new carpet!!!! Yum. Did you use oil based paints? you mentioned enamel..or are oil based totally out now? I know take a long time to set but last well.

I was hoping that houzz would purge the nasties by now. It makes no sense to have a wonderful place like this to share, suggest and support those who want to make a difference in their homes, and then be shot down by angry people. We have one thing in common. We want our homes to be the best we can make them…to reflect us and our commitment to have a place where we can go, in good times and in bad. Maybe it comes down to jealousy. We have; they don't. And it has nothing at all to do with money.

As tras has said, there are all sorts of disguises.

Julie you cracked me up asking Tras if she left out the meat - honestly there are days I would do that - the reason now I mostly buy them all ready done. Coles have some really nice Italian flavoured pork ones $6 a dozen so it is really cheaper than having all the ingredients on hand for the odd times I feel like them.

I'm managing fine with my dining room table for the curtains, once I used the lounge room floor as I had heaps of room to spread there but now my knees don't like getting up and down, the table is working fine. I got a big, I think they call it a T-square or something, it is a big right angled thing in metal BH had in his workroom and nice and heavy. I have been using that on the thermal linings to draw a cutting line as they stay in place, the fabric curtains and linings I have been doing a pulled thread to get a straight line. So far so good.

I only used oil enamel on the woodwork - skirting, architraves and window frames - I like that it wears better and I find Dulux doesn't chip like others do, although the painter said the acrylics are improving every day.

I tried to take some pics but the colours just aren't photographing well. I'll keep trying, I'm so in love with it all, I'm dying for you to see. Maybe as I add furnishings the walls will photo better too.

Did anyone else find that 15,000 sq. ft house, no idea what to find it under and the search isn't helping.

yes judy I know. There are many opinions expressed on the threads, and we have to respect that, not get angry when someone disagrees with us. Each to his own and let the original poster make up their own mind.
it is not a competition to see who is "right" and bullying other posters is shameful.
Tras is right, there are.

Ez, you are too clever - now I am going to have to sit down and make a list till I get 24. Don't think I'm going to get anywhere near that.

Roo youa re a perfectionist pulling threads......that is the absolute correct way and I only do that on floppy linens or sheers. Sounds like they will come out great. The T square is a good thing to use, and I use that a lot.

Try photographing at different times of the day to get the light right. I am presently getting some of my work professional photographed and it s interesting to see the tricks they use to get the light right, like using white cardboard or the like to reflect light back onto where you need it.
Unfortunately we dont get Dulux over here..but there are so many brands here your head would spin.

Night, girls and roosters. Dave, hope you are okay. Check in, please.

roo, don't wake us up…just bobbi. xxxooo

Roo, I was dying laughing too! That would be me to forget the meat, but I actually did get that one correct I just left out the parmesan cheese. No biggie, just me and little one eating them...well, actually just me if I really want to be precise. So, it doesn't matter...just irks me when I do it. ugghh

Ok, I will most definitely have to take a picture when I start my living room drapes. You will get a kick out of it. I have to use the floor. I have no where else to do them. I sew on the table but I have to do all of my pinning, ironing, etc. on the floor. Yes, it is something to see. If I weren't so darn cheap I would just go buy them. But I can never find what I'm looking for, plus my lengths are always odd...and I'm just to frugal to pay someone.

This should be fun, I was waiting for MPI to jump in on the other thread and she did. Plan on just watching for a little bit.

Roo, I would like to find the 15, 000 sq. ft. house also.

Tras, someone needs to take her meds! I'm off to get some shut eye! Talk soon.

Julie, I guess pulling threads is a hangover from my old dressmaking days - if a pattern wasn't cut on the straight of grain the article didn't hang properly and that is where I learned to be finicky. I have seen other people hack into stuff and it seems to work fine, but I just can't be like that, generally something always goes wrong if I try.

Yes, I've been trying different lights but hard at the moment with so much overcast, although sometimes that is better unless the flash goes off and then that stuffs everything. I will have to read my manual again, I can't find the flash off button and I am not a manual person. We will get there.

I knew Dulux wasn't over there, I think though BM is here, they have a website but I haven't seen it in the shops. Now Bunnings and Mitre 10 have pretty much taken over the hardware industry the little shops that stocked different brands just don't exist any more. Apparently Woolies is going into hardware now too in a big way, they are jealous of the profits Westfarmers are making with Bunnings. Just wish Costco and Audi would get bigger here - we sooooooo need the competition. Have a feeling Walmart may have given up on us. They all say they are waiting and watching ........... what the heck there is nothing to watch, there is Coles and there is Woolies - get in here and let the people talk - watch the people walk!!!

Goodnight Judy and Julie! I'm right behind you.

Judy I thought of you. When peaking through Anna French, did you see these? So pretty!

Never mind, too blue. Looked different after I posted them.

You know, I was in the paint shop the other day and people came in looking for wallpaper and all they got was blank stares. I have absolutely no idea where you would buy it here now, once we had shops that sold only that. Maybe decorators with shop fronts would have access to them but then you would pay an arm and a leg for them.

Night all, sleep well, I'll go and make some curtains.

Roo, that's no joke. They truly are expensive. What I did was check out a few books from Shermin Williams, found what I wanted then went shopping online for the exact same one. Saved quite a few dollars doing it. Again, very frugal, cheap, whatever you would like to call it. I think next time I will try to stencil. Looks like fun.

That cannot possible be a legitimate post..?? That's got to be another one of those April Fools dilemmas people keep posting. Don't you think? I have no idea anymore.

Tras, I'm looking at wallpaper I used as shelf liners that I bought about 40 years ago. Just picked up the nicest they had in sale bins and I know I didn't pay more than $3.50 a roll for them. Ridiculous, maybe if people stop buying the prices might go down. Frugal? Cheap? try SENSIBLE!!!

I've read a lot about stencils, they are supposed to be quite easy with a bit of practice, but I'm sure I'd find a new way to stuff it up.

Thanks ez, found it, what a hoot. Tras agree so I commented appropriately.

The problem is everything is going designer or to the trade, which really jacks up prices. Oh how I would love a Phillip Jeffries grasscloth upstairs but that is never going to happen. As much as I love it I could never justify it. Maybe it's just my taste. Like they say, Champaign taste on a beer budget. More like a water budget...or water fountain budget. :) LOL

That grasscloth sounds nice, especially when used instead of wainscotting. Hey you could start a new trend and try fake grass - give the kids something to bounce off.

Cost of water isn't that cheap either but you could always melt snow. That is why I'm making my curtains and from past experience I know I will be happier in the end. As you say too, having standard sized windows helps. A lot of the inexpensive curtains ready mades here are all blockout or thermal backed and I don't like them as they dull the room too much. I do like the idea of going thermal though as they definitely make a difference especially when we don't have double glazing here. For my lounge curtains I just paid $300 for a new double track so I can put the curtain and detachable lining on one track and a heavy thermal on the back track and only use it at night in winter or afternoon in summer. My dining room have used a light thermal as a detachable and will see how it goes. My bedroom has a double track with a heavy sheer at the front and a light thermal at the back for really hot days and winter. I don't have a sun problem with this room. The other bedrooms probably will have detachable thermals, will see how they go but I may blow the budget and get all new double tracks.

HI, I have been trying to catch up with you all! I have been reading FOREVER :o)

Olldbobbi Norhern California
Olldroo Austrailia
ASV Scandinavia
Judy Cape Handyman Maryland
Creeser South Carolina
Astraea New Jersey
Ironwood Sonoma
Eztia New Mexico
Lisalovesquilts Scotlan
Olldcan Canada
Trasgorshek Kansas
Micigamemn? Michigan
J22 California
mpoulosm
Linda Chicago
Julie Thome Draperies (beautiful drapes)

What is a drongo?

How close is this

Mary "Peggy" (to those who know me) Poulos

Ha ha ha...I think you are all asleep z-z-z-z-z-z-

Too funny! I would actually love to do wainscoting at the bottom with the grass cloth on top in a dark charcoal, but I am settling for paint instead. I have awhile before I make my up there so who knows, maybe by the year 2015 the prices will have come down.

Man, you put a lot into your drapes! I thought I was doing good by putting a liner on and an embellishment. I have one double rod in the dining room, just sheers behind the curtains. Can't wait to see yours! I have so much to learn!

Please forgive typos or grammar errors, I'm typing on my phone now... Not very easy.

Ughhhh, what did I tell ya Mary?! I should have put money on it! This is sooooo common! Unbelievable! Can't tell you how many times we've seen this happen.

By the way, man you are good! I can't believe you got all of us!

Nup, Roo is always last man standing - only 4.13pm here but I'm Saturday. Well, we type fast, don't know about talking sure would be interesting to all meet up one day, reckon we would have to play pass the pepperpot - no one is allowed to speak unless they are holding it. Eztia says there are 25 of us - you now make 26, but I've only got to 20.

ASV aka Antoinette is in Switzerland, HandymaM has just joined us, Julie is in Connecticut and is an ex-pat Aussie, Busylady is in Scotland, Janishill - but we haven't heard from her for a while, S.Thomas Kutch is another rooster and sometimes Dy joins us.

OK, I like to have a bit of fun with the US ladies particularly, although we all speak English it is amazing how many differences there are in the words we use and terminology - not to mention spelling. A lot of what they say goes over my head so I like to toss a bit of Aussie lingo in to stir the pot. A drongo is actually a bird but in Aussie it is basically an idiot.

trasgorshek are you still up?

Olldroo you are still up? This is Mary but my friends call me Peggy. I know it is confusing but I was supposed to be Margaret and go by Peggy, but instead I was born on Easter so I am Mary Margaret instead, and go by Peggy which has been super confusing. But, you can also call me Mary

Yea, I'm the late one. Judy stays up late sometimes but she's east coast. I'm central so it's only 11:30 but I'm getting ready to rest the head. How late do you stay on?

Tras, know what you mean, I tried my iPod once and gave up.

Another thought - sensible one this time, one of our paint brands here has paints that give textures and effects, like a suede, metallic or pearl finish.

http://www.dulux.com.au/products/dulux-interior-products/effects

Surely your paint companies would do something like that. Don't know what is involved with putting them on but they look quite stunning, particularly in the darker shades.

Hahahahaha - don't blow my mind like that - you are Mary, I have dubbed thee!!!

Goodnight Olldroo and Tras

Okay call me Mary, I feel like a Salmon trying to swim upstream. But I think you already have a Mary. You can call me Mary2 or MP or MP2, or MPI what every you dub me let me know :o)

Ah, ha we do have 2 mps - one mary one mendi.

Sleep well.

Hi Peggy
Just waking up I'm in Switzerland. Great to meet you here. It has taken me 15 minutes to read this thread! Thanks for the list it really helps. My add brain cannot keep up with these conversations. Off to a computer so I can type faster.

Have a great day, afternoon and evening everyone

I can't keep up with all of you! So I opened 2/23.

Roo – As far as drying things in a microwave, at my salon, they have a bunch of small wet towels rolled up & sitting in a small microwave, to use for your feet & hands, when you get a pedicure or manicure. It feels wonderful!!

I think people here like that you can choose to live in a smaller municipality that doesn’t have a high school, so the tax levy is a lot less. The students have a choice of attending one of the neighboring towns, and the town pays a per-student fee for them .. which winds up much less than having the overhead of an entire school. So in areas that were developed for retiree/senior housing, the school taxes are minimal .. and that’s the whole point of it. The larger the area used to calculate school costs & taxes, the more likely that you’re paying for a large student population elsewhere. As someone who never had children, I got tired of paying such high school taxes for the 23 years I lived in north Jersey, while the parents kept thinking of new programs to add .. for which we’d all have to share the cost!

We also have that short-term capital gains tax for turning around a house, and a “millionaire’s tax”, that's an extra levy on homes sold for > $1 million. So it often made sense for people to sell just under $1 million – if they were close in price – just to avoid the tax.

Mary Poulos – Great list .. I created something like that in Excel for myself .. a “cheat sheet”! MPoulsom is also from South Carolina.

Hi Peggy
pleased to meet you. I am an Australian/American but living in CT.

HI, PEGGY. ON CAPE COD. JANISHILL IS FROM MA, ALSO. I THINK HER PROFESSIONAL LINK SAID NORWOOD, WHICH IS KINDA SOUTHWEST OF BOSTON.

Hi everyone, Top of the Day to you! - missed morning :-/ Well, ye span the globe. I am communicating from SoCal. Don't hold it against me, I already hold it against myself Haha!

I am 50 and loving it. I refer to myself as becoming "chronologically mature." :) Anyway, my elderly parent, for whom I provide sole adult child caregiving, will be eventually moving on to senior housing--from her current home of over 60 years (a 100-year-old house). We co-own it with my cousin inlaws, whose late parents bought and lived in it with my parents (my dad passed in 2005) for all these decades, in separate and totally-self-contained units, up-and-down. We will have lots of work to do, as we all want to sell the home. I am hoping it will be appealing to a third party eager to turn it over, or perhaps one of the increasing number of intergenerational families wishing to share living spaces that, inside, are fully separate and functional as in this home's case. The bottom floor remains unoccupied but, according to our relatives who own their half, it will soon be rented out. On our end of the home, my mom has years of all types of appliances, furnishings, and design work, much of it very retro. (Each floor with 2 bedrooms, bath, house-long central corridor, kitchen, rec room, and front large combo living-dining area. Also lots of brickwork and more chandeliers than the old ABC-TV "Hollywood Palace" 60s variety show..!) It will be interesting to see what I decide to do with many of these items, and how our house situation transforms going forward. Wish me luck! ;j

Gary, good luck! And welcome! We start a new OLLD discussion everyday with the current date, hence today's discussion is OLLD 3/6. Join us!