I haven’t done any “project” posts in awhile now so I thought I’d better slip one in while I have a spare moment. This past week has been spent moving my in-laws, who are 93 and 94, into a retirement community just minutes away from our home. Up until now they’ve lived a good distance from us (anywhere from one to two hours by car, depending on traffic). They’ve been living independently but it was getting too hard, and too dangerous for them. This is a picture of them last July out on our boat.
The move happened pretty quickly and came after my father-in-law began feeling too weak to keep up on everything in his home. They looked at the retirement community near us on Memorial Day and decided they would move in the very next week! This past week has been spent packing, moving and unpacking (we hired two wonderful women from a company called Smooth Transitions who are very skilled at helping seniors downsize). We’ve also been busy shopping for some new things and trying to make their new place feel like home. Today we’re meeting with their Realtor as it looks like they already have a full price offer on their old house, and on Thursday I’m meeting with an estate sale person to see how we can most effectively get their old place cleared. This move is a good thing but it has been pretty traumatic for them as they’ve had to downsize considerably. It will be so much better to have them closer to us but I know that it also means some life changes for us as well. It is a very good thing!
Sooo . . . I’ve been in the process of creating a message center in the entry hall off my garage, a place to hang my purse, organize the mail, leave notes for Mr. OTN, etc. One of the first items for my wall is this chicken wire message board.
I’ve been known to link up to the following great parties!!!
Sunday:
CarrieThisHome
VMG206, Hickory Trail
TuesdaysAtOurHome
BeBetsy
OneSharendipityPlace
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Chrissie says
Very cute! I love the colors on the frame.
Chrissie says
Very cute! I love the colors on the frame.
Maria says
How lovely, your message board looks so pretty! I love the frame, it really adds character to it!
Victoria Lavender SUNNY in Tucson says
Hi Patti,
Nice post. Best of luck to you and the folks too. I really like this idea, so much so that I’ve reposted it at The Blog POST OFFICE. It’s my little forward & reverse link party. Drop by to view and if you backlink me…you could be next weeks “First Class Post” winner.
Cheers, Victoria Lavender (this is not an ad 🙂
Pieced Pastimes says
Your inlaws look much younger than their ages. Hope their new home works out for them and you. Your message board turned out great. Love the colors and distressing you did. Very Nice!
Thanks for sharing,
Suzanne
Pieced Pastimes
PS-Would love to have you link this up to Saturday Sparks. Links open till Friday.
Pamela says
Love your message board. I have never had any luck with chicken wire. We always tend to fight with each other. Thanx for coming to the party!
Bev Carter says
Love your message board. I love anything that uses chicken wire and I am a frame junkie.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Bev
@ Eclectic Red Barn
Amber Koogler says
I have one I made and its my favorite!
Melissa at My Fabric Relish says
This is adorable…i just added chicken wire to my home depot shopping list!
suzanne kay says
I LOVE this idea!! Thanks for sharen at One Sharendipity Pl. this weekend!
sue @the2women.com
PS. Hope mom and dad settle in quickly to their new home!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
What a cute message board! I love the finish you achieved on the frame. I bet you’ll use this all the time! … And best wishes to your in-laws in their new home! I’m sure it’s a big transition and lots to do for all of you, but how wonderful to have the near-by now!
BeBetsy says
You’ve been FEATURED at the BeBetsy BRAG ABOUT IT Link and Hop Party No. 9. http://bebetsy.com CONGRATS TO YOU!
Grab a featured button here http://bit.ly/11S2wN1 then tell all your friends and family – they will be impressed!
Our next party starts at midnight tonight so let’s go BRAG ABOUT IT-
The very best to you,
Sharon and Denise
BeBetsy http://bebetsy.com
Kathy A Delightsome Life says
I think it is a blessing that they were able to be in their own home for so long – I can understand it being hard – but, it is good that they’re closer – love your project – beautifully done! I appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy
Sharon Hendricks says
Thank you for such a lovely tribute to your in-laws….I hope they, and your husband, know how fortunate they are to have you in their lives! It is so refreshing to hear your concern for THEIR well-being; THEIR concerns; THEIR feelings at being uprooted; THEIR feelings of loss….bacause they indeed are losing more than ‘objects’. Independence is a vital part of life. So many times those very real concerns are pushed back, and minimized, because of what WE as family, think is the most problematic part of aging. Your adorable in-laws have experienced a good quantity of life, and I’m sure it was quality, as well. It is equally important that they experience a good quallity of life now. Blessings to you, Patti!
And I love your message ‘board’….been wanting to do a similar one myself. I think I’ll add some felt strips to cover the sides. Even with the pokey ends removed, it can still mar the wall. little stick-on protectors would work too.
Thanks again. it really made my day to read your post.
Gail Wilson says
I had no idea that there were such folks (to aid in downsizing) what a great business idea, and so helpful. The picture of your inlaws on the boat made me smile. 🙂 I wish them all the best in their new home.
love your frame, the color is sweet!
gail
CatieAn says
what a unique way to organize notes and whatever….thank you for sharing