The built-in bookcases and office area have been installed. Yes, it's still messy, but it's going to be great. I love the look of that whole wall with bookcases, TV, fireplace and desk being nicely aligned along that whole wall.

We still need the mantel to go up and then I can get the TV wired up again. I already like the idea of having my office down here on the garden level.

House Renovation Projects

We are in the middle of a messy house renovation project--well actually 2 projects. It started as a master bathroom renovation and then we decided we might as well take the sitting room (which had been my office) and move it downstairs. Then we will open up the two rooms to make a nice spacious bedroom.

So, the top photo is the garden level (we don't like to call it basement) rec room which has always been a little cool in winter. So, I decided if I'm going to move my office down there, I would need a fireplace to kick off a little heat.

Thanks to Woodburners II, we have that accomplished. It's toasty warm down here now. Then I decided we would want a nice big TV above that. So, thanks to Belmont TV, we've got that done also.

Next is the built-in bookcases project down there. We had them custom made and they have been delivered. Maybe by tomorrow they will be installed. Then I can move my office into the section that will be my new working space.

The second photo shows my current working space on the garden level. All my equipment is on top of the big farm table until it can go ito the new built-in desk area. Such a mess. There is no room to put all the stuff that has to be removed to do the projects.

Today I had to empty those big white bookcases, so that the new built-ins can be installed tomorrow. I have lots of books going to charity tomorrow. I love books, but I have way too many. I even got Bob to give up his college engineering books! I'm thrilled to have a Kindle--it's the way to read! No clutter. Mind you, I'm also keeping quite a few books.

A Beverly Hills Beauty!

3103 Edgehill Dr. in Alexandria will go on the market next week. It's one of those houses where the owners have done everything to it to make it a wonderful family home. $875,000, 3/4 BRs, 2-story addition, quiet street. Broker's Open Tuesday, Apr. 12 and open house Sunday, Apr 17th.

My Sister, Joanne

I'm sorry to have to share with you that my sister, Joanne, died this week. Pictured above with her daughter, Christine at Courtney's wedding 2 years ago. Joanne lived in Helena, Montana with her husband Jim and 3 children: Michael (age 20), and twins Christine and Eric (age 19). Joanne came out to visit Linda and me during her school break. She has been a cancer patient for 3 years. She became ill while she was visiting us and was admitted to Mt. Vernon Hospital. She died a few days later from complications of cancer. My sister Nancy from Minneapolis has been here these last few days. Jim is here making funeral arrangements. The sisters had a great visit when Joanne first arrived--brunch a week ago Sunday with the whole family out here. As her little 3-year-old great niece Ava said this weekend, "Joanne has gone to heaven to be with the angels and her dogs".

Brownlee House On the Market for Sale!

Linda & Michael's house is listed for at $975,000--fabulous location just off Quaker Lane, spacious with two porches! See more photos at http://www.ritamcr.com/

As with most families who have lived in a house for lots of years, it takes a lot of time and hard work to prepare a home for sale. One of the hardest things is decluttering and going through a lifetime of "stuff".

"Jan the Decorator" (as all my friends call her) was instrumental in staging the main level. We moved furniture, edited out lots of books, went shopping at Home Goods and Pier 1 for more accessories, spray painted the old chaise to match the other wicker chairs, raided my house for extra supplies. Jan is a genius at arranging bookshelves, and she did a great job in the living room and family room.

Above you will see my friend Verna from North Carolina adding those plants at the front door. I couldn't have gotten them in my car without her help. It takes a village!

Linda's house coming on the market soon!

Linda & Michael's house is coming on the market soon. The house has been painted a warmer color, and the yard had a spring clean-up yesterday. It will be priced in the $900K's. It's a great location just off Quaker Lane, and there is so much space on three finished levels (garage in the back). Spread the word!

Trip to Leesburg

This is a photo of one of my favorite shops in Leesburg, The Cottage. I was looking for a vanity for my bedroom renovation project, and I found one. I loved the desk at the top of page, but it was too large. Vanity at top was smaller and just right for my room. It's such a cute shop--a must see if you are out that way.