Ugly, Old Fireplace, Project #1

We have an unbelievably ugly fireplace cover-thingy. It's shiny and gold and completely tacky. It has glass on it and the screen thing.

And I hate it.

I've hated it since we toured this house. On our first trip through the house after the former owners left, I wandered over to the fireplace and took a closer look at the gilded shrine of a fireplace. Right away, Jon walked in and said, "Step. Away."

Again and again I've longed to get that thing out of here and tonight, I did it. I yanked that sucker out of the wall, all eight inches of nails and screws and stuff. The only problem is that there is now a nasty hole in the wall covered in dirt and grime. The visions that I had of a beautiful, natural fireplace, gold-free...are not coming to pass just yet. On the brick under the glass is a lovely purple paint, surrounded by the white that I painted the fireplace when we moved in. Now, in order to get it looking decent, I have to paint the bricks and clean out the fireplace pit. Messy work, but it can be done. I'll head back to the hardware store tomorrow and buy some paint and maybe a green plant to brighten things up over in that dungeon.

I did manage to get all of the winter clothes into the shed today before the rain came. And I might even do the dishes again tonight. We needed some comfort food, so I made my mil's potato salad. I make it about once a year. It's better when she makes it because she pairs it with a delicious ham, but it will do.

My friends and even acquaintances have been surrounding me with encouragement today. And last night lots of people came to wish Jon and Jonah luck.

We are so blessed.