work day

we have a couple of big days ahead, so we kept the kids mostly around the house today.  They didn't complain to much - in fact they were upstairs playing on their own while we ate breakfast in peace - which was nice and nerve-wracking.

We used the day to get some work done around the house.  There will always be projects - and Tolga and I both enjoy working on different projects, even though its hard with the kids around.  Painting seems endless - the humidity is always flaking the paint and rusting the iron.  There are usually hooks to hang, doors to fix, screens to replace.

Tolga trimmed the hedges.  His dad had bought and electric trimmer and had let the hedges grow long so Tolga could give it a whirl.

We've been slowly sorting through closets and junk, cleaning up rooms.  When we left in March - we paid a carpenter to build some closets.  Most people have wardrobes - I wanted a built-in closet style. somewhat hidden and to avoid the major moisture problems we have.  Most of the cabinets stink with moisture and the thin backside breeds mildew.  So I had explained my ideas to the carpenter, they all thought I was crazy and sort of built what I wanted for a high price.

I've never been a carpenter and I don't know much about it - even though all three of my brothers and my father have done it their whole lives.  I mean, I kind wish I could build something or make something on my own - but who has the time for that, let alone to learn it?  I guess I figured enough people in my family new it that I didn't have too.

In our renovation process, Tolga and I are learning by our mistakes how to be better carpenters and designers.  I am realizing my brother's or father's comments now - it's coming back to me the frustratingly vague statements they'd say when I'd ask their opinion on something.  (I mean, come on - just a little detail could help!)  "It depends what you want..."  "He's very good."   "How so?"  "He has an eye for detail."

The closets achieved their function - custom storage space - but not so much my aesthetic aspirations.  I mean... they are shiny.  Who makes wood shiny any longer?