Christina,
My belated condolences as well. I don't know if you're still reading this thread, but I wanted to add something.
I don''t know what your situation is now but one thing that may help is, there ar very few of us that know iit all even if we like to think we do, therefore most of us have a pretty extensive library of how-to books. I would assume your Pop did as well. If you could get your hands on all his books and all his tools you would have, in addition to the sentimental value, all the information and tools he felt was essential to his craft and abilities. You would definately have the right tools.
JayDub

I must say that I understand how you feel, my situation although not exactly like yours is quite similar. Have you seen that movie Under the Tuscan Sun? Well I consider my house to be just that Under the Texan Sun. I bought it to help me get over a divorce. Shortly thereafter I found out I was pregnant and then lost the baby at six months. This house has been the best therapy imaginable for me. I bought it with an unfinished interior. The stairs don't even have rails yet and are actually just boards that haven't even been finished yet. To top it off it's three stories with cheap temporary carpet on the 2nd and 3rd floor (just disgusting and ugly). The important thing is that this house has taught me patience with myself and the healing process. Don't be afraid to try anything. The month after I lost the baby, I removed all of the hardware in a half bath, peeled off the wallpaper, sanded it, had to patch a few holes I accidently made in the sheet rock, texturized the walls and then painted the room and put the toilet and sink back in. I never thought in a million years that I could do all that. But at the same time I've also painted the dining room 3 times already and refinished my kitchen cabinets 5 times. So don't be afraid to make a mistake, your Pop will be right there beside you the whole time. Trust me - I feel baby Grace in my home every day! Hats off to the believers!

quote:

Originally posted by MostSerene1:
......... I need help. I know these things need to be done, I just have no clue how to do them..... I want to learn how to do these things and Pop was going to teach me how to take care of my home by letting me get my hands dirty and fixing, repairing or replacing things with the help of someone who knew the ropes.....
Christina

Christina, see all of the advice you've gotten already?

Now please take note of the lines from you post which I quoted above. Just seeing how you want to carry on in light of your loss, geez, ANY CARPENTER WOULD BE PROUD TO CALL YOU HIS OR HER DAUGHTER! I'll bet he's smiling everytime you even think about what you will do next in your house.

Best wishes -- maybe HGTV would follow your progress -- you are so much more than a "Weekend Warrior" -- you are a whole season of educational air time!

Rollinglenn

Hang in there lady.. you are so much more than special.

Lou

Laura Howe,

You can get a tin or copper look by painting sections of plastic or wallpaper. They are made with perforated (or embossed) designs on them. All you need do is put them up, & then paint with a metalic paint. The cutting will be much easier & safer, & the cost will be less.

MostSerene1,

The suggestion to make a list is a good one. Remember, some of these things are cosmetic; others are more important........like insulation. There may be less of a rush on the cosmetic projects. You will need to cover one on ocasion, though, because it's more fun & more satisfying to look at when you need to feel better.

Another thing you should put on paper are your drawings & ideas. If you just jump in without a good plan, you'll work twice as hard! (And waste some time & money!) I KNOW.

Study the drawings, the books, the measurements...for a while. It took me weeks with an electrical book by my bed before I saw it all so clearly! My husband was so impressed with my understanding! Give it time & study; things may be simpler than you realize.