Pumpkin Party Returns

Last night we went to Fitz and Will’s annual Pumpkin Party. They had taken a couple of years off from the party, so we were all very happy at its return. Although rain threatened all day, it actually cleared up for the party and was quite pleasant outside. Jay and I were steampunks, as was Fitz. 

Jay  had spent a good portion of the day researching Victorian beard styles and finally made the decision to go with “mutton chops”.  Excellent choice I must say-they really suit him! Peter and Jen were there and brought along some fantastic apple martinis made with home pressed apple cider. YUM!  I spent quite a bit of time making some spooky ‘krispy eyeballs”.

Martha Stewart would be proud.

Lucifer was there -as expected-sporting a fantastic (if not somewhat crooked) cravat. Of course the “wild things” were in attendance.

A great time was had by all!

Construction Blues-Send us $$$!

Living Room

Hallway

Bathroom

So….We have been doing some construction/renovation on one of our apartments in DC. It is the apartment I used to live in and was actually quite a big project there… re-doing what was most likely the tiniest bathroom in the world, re-finishing the hardwood floors, installing travertine tile in the kitchen and entryway, building a new washer/dryer closet, paving the parking spot in back of the house and power washing and staining the back deck. At the same time, we foolishly took on renovations in our own home. Our friend John is about to purchase a house. In preparation for that transaction, he sold his condo thus rendering himself homeless. We  had been planning on renovating a bathroom and bedroom in our basement at some point, and decided now would be a good time to do so-thereby keeping John off the streets.To say that it was stressful is definitely an understatement. It really was awful! I never really liked Home Depot and now have developed a healthy hatred of Lowes as well. We have learned a whole lot in the process….like never “special order” tile from Lowes and hope to keep any semblance of civility about your self, a 6 week estimate =3 weeks actual work and never take it for granted that work will just get done without your daily supervision and finally and perhaps most importantly-If you have anything that you really value, take it FAR away from the construction area. The good news, I supose, is that all of the renos are drawing to a close.  We’ve worked with some really talented folks on both projects. I wish that I had some “before” photos of the basement rooms we’ve fixed up. Both were peppered with spray paint graffit. The bathroom boasted a drop ceiling and harvest gold tile work.  I can’t begin to describe the trouble we undertook to procure the orange glass tile the bathroom now sports.

Shower-still waiting for glass surround

Sink area

John's Room-Vespers Enjoys The View

Well worth it. And the best thing of all is…we’re almost done! You can see further photos of the DC work at www.hillapt.com. Now we’ve just got to get it rented. Whew! I need a cocktail!