Every house project takes at least two, three, four times longer than you think it’s going to. The box that says “all parts included” is lying. You dive into repairing that little bit of rot outside the front door and discover it’s the tip of the iceberg. And don’t even get me going on window treatments and paint chips!
Experience has taught me that if Charlie’s going to be attempting one of these little chores, it’s best if I’m out of the house. So Saturday, when Charlie announced he was going to install our new bathroom blind, I called up my sister, Irene. We went for a window visit with dad down to Mahoosuc Green. That consists of us saying hi on the phone and dad going “What?” (a lot) while we wave at him through the window. These visits are always pretty unsatisfying, but we do it anyways.
Irene and me needed a little pick me up after that, of course, so we dropped by the Busy Bee for a little take out. OMG! Babe’s homemade cinnamon rolls with maple icing is to die for. Then we took a walk around Irene’s neighborhood so we won’t feel so guilty about wolfing down those cinnamon rolls.
It’s always nice to spend time with Irene. God, do we laugh. Charlie, however, didn’t have quite as much fun as I did Saturday. I’ll let him tell you about it.
Fifteen Minutes, Start To Finish
Our bathroom blind was shot, I mean
As busted as could be
We found one new at Lowe’s but
Installation’s up to me
With their bible of instructions, tell me
How could I go wrong?
Crammed between the wall and toilet
Hope it don’t take too long
“Fifteen minutes, start to finish”
Says it on the box right here
‘Course, it would’ve helped if these instructions
Could’ve been a bit more clear
Here they tell you all the tools you’ll need
Screwdriver, tape and drill
But if you think you won’t need more
I can guarantee you will
So, bring your whole damn toolbox, man
‘Cause something’s gonna go wrong
Like it did with me when I stripped that screw
Right when I was goin’ strong
“Fifteen minutes, start to finish”
Says it on the box right here
It was ‘bout eleven when I begun, it’s
2:30 now, and I’m still not done
Now they’re wanting you to trim it to size
That’ll be easy as pie
But what if you got big hands like these
And you’re not a very patient guy? Well,
You bumble ‘long as best you can
And hope you’re gettin’ it right
‘Cause one false move, you’re up the creek
Without a paddle, you’ve lost the battle
“Fifteen minutes, start to finish”
Says it on the box right here
My hope of getting it right’s diminished
Hope it ain’t night before I’m finished
Don’t you just love these finicky chores
When all you wanna be’s outdoors?
Even if Popeye’d eaten his spinach
He couldn’t do it in fifteen minutes
Poor, Charlie was feeling pretty low by the time I got home. A couple of cinnamon rolls helped raise his spirits a little. But still, it’s demoralizing.
That’s it for now. Catch you on the flip side!
Hear Ida Tell It: The Joy of House Projects