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‘Aunt Sophie’ gets a facelift By Peggy Dover Jun 05, 2022 12:15 AM A A (an homage to house painters) It has been a week of needless worry and wonder living behind masked-off windows. The cavelike atmosphere isn’t altogether unappreciated. Even with curtains flung wide, no one can see my messy house. It’s been a week of giving Aunt Sophie, my home, a well-deserved makeover. She is transforming from Aunt Sophie to Dame Sophia. T and L Painting accepted the painstaking task of masking hundreds of inches of trim and windows and nooks and crannies that give this 122-year-old abode her personality. As I type, the work is mostly finished, while I watch the clouds and weather apps like a kid watching the clock on a schoolhouse wall. We’re supposed to stay dry until tonight (Friday). “T” and “L” stands for “Trish” and “Lance,” a husband and wife contracting team, in which Trish does the billing and other paperwork. Lance and their son, James, perform the hands-on work, of which there is a terrific amount. It’s been so long since my home was painted I’ve forgotten how much finesse goes into the process — especially for a grand old, two-story edifice with tall gables. These guys have a keen eye for detail and take their time to ensure the job is done right. I have new respect for house painters, the latest additions to my “unsung heroes” list. And, yes, I baked them cookies. James needs the nourishment to keep his handlebar mustache up to snuff. He keeps it nicely waxed. Lance began painting houses with his dad about 35 years ago, and James has carried on the generational tradition for 15 years, although he mentioned his intent to retire early. So ... the house color. To be honest, I’ve been nervous about how it would look sprayed all over the sides of my house. Because it is RED! Yee-Haaaa! Cottage Red, to be precise, and, boy, did it turn out even better than I pictured. Another homeowner T and L just finished had chosen the same color, which I took as a sure sign I was a frontrunner in the trending path. I’m glad they’re not next door. The trim is a soothing Rockport Gray, the color of summer fog floating in on the Oregon Coast. A silky matte black, Onyx, accents the red and gray as front door and shutters. The new awning covers, Hatteras Raven, will contain the same colors of mostly gray and black with a slim red stripe. Oh, my. Sophia may consider me totally unworthy to abide inside her magnificence. I should change into heels and pearls. I’ve enjoyed having Lance and James around — 31-year-old James is stoic behind his mustache compared with his hilarious and slightly exuberant father. Things will seem quiet when they’re gone. No more ladders thumping against these historical walls. No more wondering which door to exit, then choosing one, only to find I’m masked in. During this novel escapade, King Edward the cat is going half mad (the other half) since he looks toward the light and through the window, blinking, but sees nothing. I’m certain he’s concerned about his eyesight. He does nothing but eat and mope and wake me at 4:30 a.m., wondering what it’s all about. I cannot answer him. Cricket, the under-deck kitty, emerges for grub in the a.m., then hunkers down until the truck rolls out of the driveway for the evening, when he emerges for grub once more. My hummingbird tenants are thoroughly disgusted with me. I even went to Eagle Point Hardware and purchased two shepherd crooks from which to hang their feeder and birdbath away from the hubbub. But yesterday, I was standing where the feeder had been, and she flew up and looked me squarely in the face as if to say, “What have you done with it?” I pointed to the new feeding area, but she flew off in a huff. Creatures of habit. I called after her, “It’s only temporary.” Then I noticed the neighbors eyeing me. Visit my Facebook page in a few days for before and after pictures. Soon, like a belle at a masquerade ball, Sophia shall be unmasked. Peggy Dover is a freelance writer/author. Reach her at [email protected]