Everything sublime is as difficult as it is rare. Baruch Spinoza

Saturday, November 8, 2025

Past and Present


In the spirit of patting myself on the back over things I could once, and some I still can do. Thirty years ago I laid this flooring myself, in three rooms and a hallway. We had pulled out the carpet and there was just the underlayment. I like parquet. I know it isn't a popular choice, but I liked it then and I like it now. 


It's another dreary day, but it is November and that is how November rolls. Yesterday I was in the hayloft, or hay mow as it is also known, helping Mark. There were three windows he needed to get to, which meant he needed to place and extend a forty-foot ladder to do that. Lots of grunts and groans happened. We did get it done. One mission accomplished.





35 comments:

Boud said...

That was quite an accomplishment. Mark does keep going, along with you. Putting down flooring is something I think you do once then that's it. At least that's my feeling after laying a kitchen floor one weekend.

Miss Merry said...

Your floor is beautiful. I look at things I did years ago and wish I had patted myself on the back more.

Sandra said...

Fortunately I haven't had to do another and likely never will, Boud. You've also spent time on your knees!

Sandra said...

It's not too late, Miss Merry. I did this 30 years ago!

Pixie said...

Not only is the floor beautiful, it has lasted well. Very satisfying.

Anvilcloud said...

Mark certainly has lofty goals.

Dreaming said...

I like the warmth of your floor. We've put down a few floors in the past...it's hard work...harder with age! 40' ladder?? No way!

Far Side of Fifty said...

Nice floor!

nick said...

We also have parquet flooring, which we love. I think parquet flooring is quite popular in the UK as it looks so stylish and is easy to maintain.

Val Ewing said...

All of those things are exceptional accomplishments. I love that floor, it looks warm and welcoming.
As for the windows. Yep, ladder stuff needs two people for safety.
Do I take my own advice, NO. But I do love that floor. I also adore that color green !!!

CheerfulMonk said...

That’s impressive about the floors. We had parquet floors in an apartment years ago, and I loved them.

Lori Skoog said...

You and Mark are out of control! But wow! Love your floors and once again I am very impressed with all of your talents!!!

Sandra said...

It surprisingly did last well, Pixie. A few wear spots but not much.

Sandra said...

😄 yes he does, AC!

Sandra said...

It is hard work, Dreaming. Tall barn, tall ladder!

Sandra said...

Thank you, Far Side.

Sandra said...

Things may have changed, nick. I know at one time it was not.

Sandra said...

I wondered what green, Val. Then I saw you meant the wall! I like it, too.

Sandra said...

I'm glad I'm not alone, Cheerful.

Sandra said...

I could not climb that ladder, Lori. I don't know about talents, but at one time I was not afraid of laboring. Now.....

Jane said...

I’ve always liked parquet too—it’s really pretty and has such a cozy, classic feel. Laying all that yourself thirty years ago and still enjoying it now is really impressive.

Sandra said...

It's made of a wood I never heard of before or after, Jane. Rubberwood. Made from the wood of rubber trees, a very hard wood. It shows in the lack of wear, especially considering the number of large dogs that have lived here.

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Beautiful floor!!!

Mocha said...

The wood is gorgeous, you did a great job laying and taking care of the floors this whole time... have a great week ahead!

Sandra said...

Thanks, Linda.

Sandra said...

Thank you, Mocha.

DeniseinVA said...

That was very impressive Sandra, and it looks really nice too. You must have a great sense of accomplishment even to this day when you look at it. Impressive also you and Mark did the three windows. We have had our first real chilly day here in northern Virginia. The weather has been very nice up to now but today it is 47 degrees F. At least it's sunny and not raining.

Rita said...

The floor is beautiful and warm. Love it!
I never would have wanted to climb a 40 feet ladder--ever. Not even as a kid. I have aways had a fear of heights, get a little woozy and shaky. Glad you were there to spot him. Whew!
Supposed to warm up a little tomorrow. Back into the 50s for a few days.
Our relatives who had a small dairy farm in Upper Michigan called it the hay mow. I had totally forgotten about that. Sweet memories visiting there. Thanks. :)

Sandra said...

Those windows were difficult to get to. That's a lot of ladder to extend.

Sandra said...

I learned that term out here, Rita. It's a hayloft to me. It's a huge space. the barn is 130' long and the style is called Dutch. It's designed so hay can be stacked all the way to the roof, even going up the sides. It's going to be a warmer week for us.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

The parquet flooring still looks very nice, Sandra, so you did a wonderful and long-lasting job.

The Happy Whisk said...

You did an excellent job on that floor. Really nice.

Sandra said...

Thank you, Dorothy. The hardness of the wood plays a role in how it has held up.

Sandra said...

Thank you, Ivy.

The Happy Whisk said...

Sure thing. Have a groovy weekend. Enjoy them plates. Excited to see more of your food. I'm soon to put a new batch of dough on.