Remodeling Lower Level - Completed (well, almost)

Here is what the Lower Level looks like in March 2012; eight months after we first began to remodel in August 2011.  There are still things left to do, but it is now livable and is in use.  You may notice that the decorating is minimal at this point but is an ongoing project as we grow into our new space and make it personal.  Feel free to make any suggestions as we are open to new ideas!

We begin with the decent to the Lower Level from the main floor.  The stairway had a light fixture originally placed on the left wall and was limited on the area spotlighted.  With the new fixture mounted on a rail on the ceiling, the whole stairwell is now lit.  It is easy to change the light bulb by using a pole to hook onto the light fixture and draw it forward to the top of the stairs, then return it to the middle position.

 A new light fixture on the stairway

We have also replaced an old-fashion ceramic light fixture in the dining room on the main floor.  The door to the lower floor in shown on the right.

The beautiful colored glass dome is hung on a chain that allows lowering to clean and change bulbs.  This new light produces a warm glow unlike the harsh bright lights from the old fixture. 

The carpet on the stairway is the original carpet and needs replaced.  This will be done when the main floor is remodeled so it will match the main floor carpeted hallway.  The recessed bookcase on the stairway used to contain books.  Since we now have more than enough bookcases now, this area can be used for decorative items or artwork.  The wood paneled door on the left side under the stairway is a large wooden bin on wheels used for storage (blankets mostly).  The freezer is on the right.  Could use some art on this wall.

Stairway viewed from hallway

This next photo shows the newly created hallway with bookcases as divider walls forming the new bedroom on the right.  The bookcases are used for food storage, gardening books, and other household needs.

Hallway between stairway and food storage; door on left goes to unfinished side

Notice below the unfinished back of the bedroom's armour next to the food storage bookcase.  On top to the left is a case of cork tiles that we were going to use to cover this unsightly area.  We decided not to use the cork tiles because we discovered after we got them home that the adhesive backing was not sufficient to provide confidence they would stay mounted.  We will return them this week and find some wood paneling instead.  This wood paneling will also be use in a couple other areas where the back of furniture is showing in the bedroom.  Artwork of some kind and a mirror can then be added.

Food storage as viewed from stairway

Bedroom area viewed from stairway; curtains open 

There is no overhead light fixture in the bedroom.  This was done purposely because the bedroom can remain dark even when the other overhead lights in the whole room are on.  The bedroom is lit with 3 small lamps now.  May add a pole lamp if this is not sufficient.  Opening the curtains on two sides provides much light when privacy is not an issue.

Photo album storage as viewed from stairway and hallway

The Entertainment Center is a work in progress.  Currently we have a new LG 26" TV and a new Wii.  Keith has decided to build back a sound system with vintage equipment similar to what we had in the 1970's.  It will likely be moved upstairs when completed leaving room for artwork.  My Hobby Center was recently the area where about 30 storage containers were setting.  My most recently completed project was to go through each container and reduce items for storage.  I have emptied about half of the containers and will be donating items to the Salvation Army this week.  This process was a lot of work mixed with a lot of memories with decisions made on what to keep and what can go.  These containers were in a storage unit off the property while we completed the floors and painting.  The remaining containers are now located on new shelves built in the unfinished side.

Entertainment Center on left; Elizabeth's Hobby Center on right 

Entertainment Center viewed from stairs; curtains closed

Entertainment Center viewed from stairs; curtains open

This side of the Living Area Keith will set up for his Art Center with a bookcase for his supplies and art books.  He still has some unpacking to do to be set up.  On the right is the water distiller which we have recently decided to sell on Craig's List soon.  It has served us well but we have a new filter-based system on the way that will use less energy.  The shelving will stay and be used as needed.
I'm sure Keith will have the walls decorated as he wants for his area.

Keith's Art Center; water distiller and food dehydrator on right

Keith's Art Center on right; bedroom behind curtains 

This is an area that will need some additional work soon.  There are 3 storage containers of fly-fishing and fly-tying equipment that I would like to unpack and put up in a nice cabinet mounted on the wall along with some useful shelving.  Also some storage space is needed for sewing projects and anything else I grow into.  Right now, it is fishing time.  So I'm sure this project will be postponed awhile longer; maybe next winter.  All work and no play...

 

Elizabeth's Fly-Tying and Sewing/Hobby Center

We do have an immediate need for a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the Entertainment Center.  I hope to have a sofa purchased by early summer along with an area rug.  Maybe even some supporting chairs and tables as needed for comfort.  Notice the unfinished back of the bookcase next to the containers.  This is one of the areas that need some paneling.  I have to figure out what to with that space where the containers are in the photo.  The sofa will set in front of the center wall which makes an unused area that will be behind the sofa in front of the back of the bookcase.  Maybe a pole lamp if I can figure out the wiring situation?

Sofa will replace empty containers and face Entertainment Center 

Living Area view of Bedroom; curtains open

The Bedroom area needs some decorating.  Not sure what yet, but I will know when I see it.

 Bedroom view of Living Area; curtains open

Bedroom

 Bedroom area view of other side of food storage; curtains open

The Bedroom closet is mostly full right now with work files I an required to keep for 5 years.  Some of the boxes can be burned next year or two.  In the meantime, a hanging pole will be mounted and at least half of the closet can be used for clothes hanging.  

Bedroom closet and work file storage

The Bathroom had wallpaper replaced and all walls repainted.  It had a nautical theme previously.  Keith picked out this design and I like it too.  There is more work to be done including deep cleaning the tile grout and re-sealing, varnishing the wood cabinet, replacing some baseboard, and caulking the newly placed waterproof board in the shower stall ceiling area.  Not sure how to decorate yet.  Maybe new rugs and some simple designed art on the walls.

Bathroom - Toille wallpaper

Bathroom tiles

Bathroom shower; waterproofing ceiling area

The storage wall in the unfinished area is nearly complete.  I had purchased the Rubbermaid wire shelves and rails that make for a very strong system.  We have one more level of shelves to place but need 8 additional brackets.  We had used the 8 brackets to re-enforce the shelves where we felt they needed it so came up short.  We have some very heavy containers!  We will fill all the space.  I know I will be able to reduce a few more containers when I go through the Christmas stuff later in the year.  There are also some more toys that can go at that time too.  I know I will be able to expand when the kids retrieve their containers that have stuff from their childhood; another 8 containers!  Right now it is no problem to keep for them.

Unfinished side; storage shelves

Finally, a project that was once a large part of the unfinished area and much missed now will soon be re-instated...the wine making area!  I purchased a small freezer recently that will be converted to a wine cooler.  When the kids left home over 10 years ago, we had converted our too large freezer for wine making and bought a freezer that was the right size for two people.  The too large freezer was removed after it quit in 2006.  We will be ready to get back into wine making again soon!

Unfinished side; wine making area

Chuck, A Good Man

I pray that I may live to fish,

Until my dying day.

And when it comes to my last cast,

I then most humbly pray:

When in the Lord's great landing net,

And peacefully asleep,

That in His mercy I be judged,

Big enough to keep.

On February 20, 2012, Chuck passed away in his home at age 65.  He was the father of my son-in-law so I had only known Chuck since the October 2006 wedding of my daughter, Sarah and his son, Brian.  I knew Chuck had some health issues and some challenges in his health management.  We all thought he would be around many more years though.

I liked Chuck.  He had a great smile and made me feel comfortable around him.  I loved that he loved fly-fishing and growing plants.  We had that in common in addition to our love for Brian and Sarah.  My husband, Keith, and Chuck were getting to know each other better through Skype in recent months.  That began Thanksgiving Day 2011 when Chuck, Brian, and Sarah were in our home for dinner.  Our son, Jacob, joined us through Skype and it was fun and exciting for all to use this technology.  I believe Chuck got set up on his own computer that evening so he could expand his family and social contacts.  It was a very good Thanksgiving Day!

There was talk and tentative plans made for Chuck to join Keith and I fishing the following Spring.  I wish that I had the chance to fish with Chuck.  I had heard so many stories from Brian and wanted to add some new ones.  I am thinking that this Spring when I catch my first trout, I will  dedicate it to Chuck and release it.  I think I may do that once every year in his memory.  I will smile and think of Chuck, a good man, now in the Lord's great landing net.  Peace be with you.

Chuck with sons, Brian (left) and Troy (right)

Financial Planning - Reality Check

So now I'm into my 4th month of retirement.  The first month was a little scary because everything looked good on paper but I had to wait and see the process unfold before I could feel secure that the big change was actually real.  Because my retirement date was December 1, 2011, I knew taxes would take a big bite out of my income received because I chose to have my backdrop payment in addition to my pre-retirement income in the same year.  2012 will be much better.

As I suspected, there was not enough taxes withheld and I had a larger than expected tax bill for 2011.  There was no state tax taken out so I knew that would have to be paid also.  I am currently in the process of having my calculations checked by a professional accountant to be sure I am only paying what I owe and no more.  After my large tax bill is paid, I will rest easier.  There are still a few unsettled issues concerning a balance of security between my husband's income and my new income but I'm sure we will have things worked out in the near future.  I believe we have a gap in life insurance coverage and are in process of shopping for a good affordable policy.

I don't have any problem managing my bills and am able to save some money into an emergency fund each month.  I paid a couple years ahead for my Health Savings Account so that's not a worry.  My monthly health insurance premium is much higher than when I was working but I understand it is much less than the average retiree.  An added benefit I am seeing is an improvement in my health since I retired which means less medicine because of less stress from job-related traveling, eating out and politics!  I have also had more time for exercise and meal planning which has already made a significant difference by lowering my weight and blood sugars. 

I have been able to put some more money into the lower floor remodeling.  I have purchased six bookcases and a wall of Rubbermaid wire shelving for storage.  The only items left to purchase over the next few months are some additional cabinets for my hobby area, another area rug, and a sofa.  A few unexpected expenses have come up which included a new water filter system to replace the old distiller and some body work done on my new car from hitting a turkey. Time to slow down on the spending, get caught up, and then continue to move forward with home improvements later in the year.  I think there will be more fishing and gardening with less shopping in the next quarter!

A large portion of my backdrop money was not taxed and was instead transferred into my deferred compensation account already established that contained my investment savings.  This larger amount has shown a significant increase in January and February which I watch carefully.  I am learning more about my investment portfolio each week and have confidence that it is the best place for my money. The management company provides many tools for my use. Here are some sites that are provided for me:

http://www.modeferredcomp.org/
https://www.mosers.org/en.aspx

I think this first year of retirement income will be a good learning experience.  Now that all the backdrop money is put in the appropriate place, the investments are working for my future and I have only my actual monthly pension to live on, I can finally have a Reality Check of financial security.  It will only be as good as I make it.   I am fortunate to be part of a large public group with plenty of tools and resources to help me in my Financial Planning.