Back!

Who knew it would take me this long?  I've so missed all of you, dear friends!  Thanks to those who sent me notes periodically letting me know I was not forgotten.  That meant so much.  For anyone considering taking a break from blogging, I must warn you that returning is twice as hard as starting up a blog for the first time.  Maybe motivation would have came more quickly if I had a space like this...

Via

 Right now, I'm still trying to carve out a spot to just sit at the computer.
During this hiatus, I was simply amazed at the extra time I gained.  But I needed it.  Within the past 3 moths we made a move, remodeled the house, started school and the doc left town for a month during the process. It has been, by far, the hardest move I've ever made. Trying to catch my breath now.

Via

 The house is still unfinished.  It has taken a lot longer to put it back together than anticipated, (destroyed by tenants if you remember)  It's also been a challenge because for once I am not decorating a house for self but staging it for resale in the spring.  
I did want to show you the floors since polling everyone here for the stain color.  The floor salesman tried his best to talk me into a light to medium stain. He just about convinced the doc.  But being the good hubby that he is, we agreed to a compromise of mixing  medium and dark. It's half pecan and half ebony.  I love the color!  Terrible photo but here's a shot of the floors before we moved in.

They are actually lighter than they appear in this photo.  For all the naysayers about dark floors, I have to tell you that I absolutely love the dark stain.  I bought a Shark stick vacuum.  If you don't have one, get to the store as fast as you can.  It is so light weight.  No more sweeping!  I run this over the floor as many times as I need to in a day.  It's a snap!

Via

 Bed, Bath and Beyond carries it so I used the 20% off coupon.  For mopping, the floor installers suggested the Bona.  I love it too! Mine has the attached piece for bottle on front and a squeeze trigger on top.  Just spray and mop, then throw removable pad in washer as needed.  

Via

(Not getting paid for advertising either of these products.)  These floors have been the easiest floors to keep clean of any house we've ever had.  Pleasantly surprised. 

I've tried my best to catch up with everyone but it is near impossible.  There have been smiles and tears, joys and pains, gains and losses along the way, some of which I may not even be aware of.  But each of you have been in my prayers.  I'm happy to be back among friends. 

Via