BY: RACHEL WUMKES
As the state of Iowa begins to slowly open its doors, I feel as if more and more people are venturing out. Going to stores, going to restaurants, and hopefully soon… going to get our hair done!
I thought I’d take a moment today to look back on our weeks in isolation. I know many people continued going to work during this time, but for a lot of us, we’ve been at home. Together. And while I’m thankful for the added family time as life slowed down, it didn’t take long to go a little stir crazy.
Some people put together puzzles. Some read books or played board games. In this house… we did projects! Home improvement projects. Our list of all those things “we’d like to get done someday” suddenly became possible.
Which got me wondering… did anyone else tackle home improvement projects while in isolation?
It’s a multi-million-dollar industry these days. Television shows on HGTV and the DIY Network have sparked an interest in people to rip it out and start over. To restore, renovate, and renew old homes.
As my house was only built 14 years ago, there was no need for a full-on demo and reno situation, but we did fix a few issues.
First up, was a new kitchen faucet. My old faucet has been leaking for almost 3 years. Why hadn’t I replaced it until now? I have no idea. It was something I never even thought of, being so busy running to kids’ sports activities and dance class and everything in between.
Next up on the docket was a painting the inside of our garage. Again, it’s been one of those things on my agenda for years of “someday” getting done. Finally, instead of talking about it, we just bought paint and started in. It took 3 days to finish, but the stark-white walls, smudged and stained with dirt and bug guts are no longer a thing, they are now a rich gray color, hiding all the imperfections and mostly, all the dirt!
Lastly, and the only one I have photos of, is the peaked wall in our living room. When you walk in the front door, it’s the focal point of the room. And it needed something. Anything. To make it something other than just a boring gray wall.
After a lot of research, we decided on a peel and stick wallplank, worn and weathered to look like old barnwood. Often referred to as shiplap, it was easy to install and fabulous to work with. My husband and I tackled the intricate details around the fireplace, making multiple trips up to Kramer-Ace Hardware for bits and bobs to help make the project flow smoothly.
We are also very thankful for Lake Time Brewery and Half Moon Inn for keeping us sane and fed during the process.
Seriously, what would we do without all these fabulous businesses in town?!
So, inquiring minds want to know, Clear Lakers, what kind of face-lift you have your home during our many weeks in self-isolation? Did you paint? Rearrange? Redecorate?
Show us your pictures and share your experience!
As the sun began to rise over the shimmering beauty of Fieldstone Pond this morning, I couldn’t help but stop and take a moment to be thankful, to reflect on my time stuck at home. My heart is filled with pride for the Clear Lake community as you have pulled together to preserve, protect and show support for our many small businesses and organizations.
I think COVID-19 has done its own renovation, a special form of demo and restoration on each of us. We will forever look at life a different way, that is for certain. And we will remember this time, a time where our community pulled together for the betterment of us all.