The wallpaper color is distorted. It’s a blue texture with varying shades. Hard to take a picture of a small room with poor lighting.

The last one down! – We did a minor update to our powder room. As usual, it started out simple with switching out the old exhaust fan and replacing the vanity but turned into a bigger project. It’s the last one we had on our list from when we moved five years ago. I love it. It’s easier to clean (a major criteria these days). It didn’t take long. Our contractor didn’t blare radios or leave tarps all over. He didn’t smoke so no butts in the driveway. He came when he said he would and the job took less than six days. The old vanity was recycled to Habitat for Humanity. I am very happy with the job.

Also the last time – I wallpapered the top part of the powder room. The bottom part is vertical shiplap. The room is very small. I needed a tall ladder because it has a nine-foot ceiling (which felt like the Sistine Chapel). I couldn’t completely open the ladder, so it was an annoying job, but I finished it in one day. (It took two caffeinated sodas and some serious discussions with myself!) I’m happy with the job. After a day of up and down on the ladder and twisting and turning where there wasn’t much room, I am swearing off wallpapering. Forever! Women my age with questionable balance should not be on a ladder at all, let alone wallpapering. I’ve been wallpapering since I was five when my dad put a scrapper in my hand and showed me how to remove the old wallpaper in my childhood house. Back then everyone had every room wallpapered because the walls weren’t smooth enough to paint. Most of my house is painted but I love some wallpaper to break up the “smoothness.” Sadly, this was my last run at it. Transitions.

The job celebration! – My entire body celebrated the completion. Each part in different ways. My back was the most vocal reminding me that I’m not young anymore (like I need to be reminded!). My legs are done squatting and hoisting for the rest of the year. Maybe the rest of my life! The elevator muscles (hip flexor) got a one-way ticket to the Bahamas! My arms do not want to spend anymore time over my head. Ever! While my body was discussing going to meetings for renovators anonymous, my spirit was soaring.

Returning to normal – This week will be normal (or the new normal). It’s full of doctor visits for both of us. Mine are routine checkups but the beloved husband is starting a treatment for macular degeneration. It’s something new that should help maintain his acuity.

Should I or shouldn’t I? – After years of curiosity, I bought an air fryer. I have a checkered history of buying kitchen toys; using them for a while; and then relegating them to the basement for the mice to admire and use as a playground. I have tried it twice. On the plus side, it worked well; was easy to clean; and didn’t heat up the kitchen. On the other side, it only made one part of the meal. I had to use my range and microwave for the rest. I am a big fan of one pan meals. You put the vegetables on a foil covered cooking sheet and roast for a few minutes, then add the protein. Wella! Within less than a half hour, you have the complete meal in one pan that is easy to clean (foil!). The only downside is that it heats up the kitchen. Ok in the winter, not so ok in the summer. I’m all ears if you have an opinion.

So how was your week?