While We Were Gone

I don't know if I've mentioned it here before, but, 
our home falls into the *older* category.  At least, here in Canada it does.

We've tweaked and rearranged and updated along the way.

Long ago, I had the bright idea to do our master bedroom in wallpaper.

The wallpaper was put up as well as the curtain rod.  And, that was it.

I hit a brick wall when it came to decorating the space.

Nothing went with that paper.  Nothing.
It was a mistake.  I mostly closed the door on it all.
It stayed like that for ten years.  And, we lived life.
We let it slide.  And chatted about what we would one day do.

While we were gone, Howie implemented those plans.  Perfectly.

He worked 'round the clock ~ keeping the business going and renovating in the off hours.

He didn't take much time for much else.  I had no idea.

Actually, I had an inkling.  When he asked how to remove wallpaper

and what the codes were for the paint colours before we left.  Those were clues.

However, I had no idea that he would tackle the entire project in one fell swoop.

But, he did.  And, I am so thankful.

When our plane landed and we were waiting to be picked up at the airport,
I didn't realise there was a surprise being finalised for us at home.
Calvin arrived driving the van and informed us that
we were under strict orders not to go directly home.
We were banished from the house for a couple of hours.

Another one of those clues.

Howie was madly finishing up.  When we did arrive home,
he opened the door to greet us with caulking all over his jeans and paint on his shirt.
The house smelled very strongly of fresh paint and newly applied caulk.
The walls were still tacky in places and the supplies were still on the bathroom floor.

But, it was done.  And it is beautiful.

The beginnings of stripping off all that paper.  True love.
Howie used a fabric softener solution which worked beautifully.

However, it all took time and a mess was made in the process.
A word to the wise ~ think long and hard before installing wallpaper.
In some cases I still believe it is the best thing to do.  In this case, it wasn't.
Live and learn.  Oh, and leave when the job is being tackled!  ;-)

My Sweetheart carefully planned and measured and implemented.

He worked diligently to get it all done while we were gone.
(And, he even took photos to document it all...wasn't that sweet?)

This is how the bathroom looked with all the supplies lined up neatly on the floor
and on the counters.  Apparently, this was his work station.  I'm glad I didn't know.

Moulding was purchased....

...and installed.

My Dad came by to lend a helping hand ~ thanks so much Dad!

The level was employed....

...as was the caulking gun.

Howie really did work 'round the clock.

The poor neighbours.  :)

But, he completed the project, and I am so thankful.

Now, I am busy making curtains and dressing the room ~ finally!
Before and after photos coming soon...I hope.

Happy Monday Y'all!
With Love, Camille