We turned our two car garage into an eat in kitchen about 18 years ago. We've done absolutely nothing to it since so we're beginning a little renovation. We're replacing the counter-tops, stripping wallpaper, having the floors re-done (they're hardwood) and getting new curtains.

I don't now about you, but this all sounds like fun until you start going out to find what you need. It's overwhelming. Way too many counters, paints and fabrics to choose from. At least the floor's easy. All they have to do is come in and sand and finish. No choices there.

Anyone else working on their homes?

Yes, still. It's a never-ending project but we are making progress! Living room, bathroom, and bedroom are 99% done. Since we are doing everything ourselves, we are starting to feel we are 'tied' to the house. All our free time is spent working on it!! We have 2 bedrooms and the kitchen left to do. But those are relatively minor compared to what we've done so far. Isn't it fun??

I did. Last summer. I have downsized from 7 bedrooms to 3. Gave the other half of the house to my son and DIL. I get free dinners in return. LOL!!! They have the new kitchen, I have the old. No sanding because they tiled. Their house is ultra-clean and tidy. But, wait until they have children, I say.

The backgarden remained untouched though and we have common use. As do my elderly friends who have taken over its care since my divorce as the ex was the gardener not I. All I need to do is cast my shadow on a plant and it wilts. Never again will I have anything done to my house. I've only had 50 boxes unpacked when London stood still because of snowfall.

Where do you park your cars now that you don't have a garage, Dotsie?

I would LOVE to re-do my kitchen but don't have the $25,000 to do it right now. My kitchen was built in 1973 when the house was built and I don't think it's ever been updated. The walls have that old paneling, and the tile has ancient grout, and the stove is ancient but not a cute antique if you know what I mean.

We recently bought a new dishwasher and refrigerator to save on energy costs, but that's about it.

Do any of you watch HGTV? I LOVE that channel and watch many of their shows.

Have fun Dotsie!

Anne, I have two because of my grandchildren and sisters who visit often. They don't like to wait and what's worse, they make it clear that they don't like waiting.

Can you install a secondary entry to your bathroom? Much like they do with joint rooms with shared bathrooms.

If I can ever reclaim my home, and decide to remain in Nevada, I have lots of room here, two full private baths, three bedrooms, a very large living room, dining room and a small kitchen and a laundry room. I don't have a garage but have a covered, enclosed carport the length of half the house, enough for two cars easily. Since going back onto the phones besides my Writers Services Business and retirement SS, I no longer need to rent a room or share my home. I would happily though if it were someone (women) I knew and got along with. Its fun having others around to visit and interract with, never boring or lonesome. Plus the emenities in this resort park are awesome.

yonuh, so now we know what you and your spouse do together!

Lola, I didn't know you had a child and spouse living so close. I bet you love it. I think there's going to be more of that with this shrinking economy.

We park our car in the driveway. Not the greatest, but it works. WE do a lot of car washing around here - or I should say Ross and the kids do a lot of car washing. I only do it occasionally, like when the sun is shinging and the temperature is perfect!

Anne, my son owns a home and that's how he affords it. He has two people living in the house with him, but they have their own baths. Would it be econoical to put in a small bathroom, then rent part of your home?

DD, do you know what's behind the paneling? Maybe the walls are in great condition and all you'd have to do is paint...

cahtty, I hear ya about the company piece of having soemone live with you. If anything ever happens to Ross, I'd definetly house share.

Dotsie, I doubt there's even drywall behind that paneling. I'm scared to even look! My sister-in-law painted hers and it looks wonderful, but Dan seems to like the "wood" look. I only like it when it's REAL wood, like our ceiling. Our ceiling is made of knotty pine with large beams across - wonderful!

If we ever decide to re-do the kitchen, we want to take down part of a wall and replace all the cabinets. Where the wall is, we would have cabinets and an eating bar. But, someday...someday...

I actually have paint swabs hanging all over the house. I replaced the knobs on my kitchen cabinets and it helped them, but good Lord, they were installed in the early 70s and reflect the wear on them. I want to eventually paint them, put in a new floor, new dishwasher, and countertops. Or....I'll sand and paint the countertops. I've seen this done and it works pretty good. Saves a ton of money, too.

I want to paint my cabinets two different colors, too but I may chicken out on that. You know, paint the top ones green, and the bottom ones antique red. Who knows...I may just opt to put vending machines in.

I had some horrible really old, dark paneling D.D. in one of my homes and wasn't sure either what was behind it so we painted the paneling an antique white and it totally chahged the look of the room, it looked fabulous, and I never stopped getting compliments on the way it looked.