Got started last night steam cleaning the rug in the living room. It’s really been a chore to get it clean with additional cleaning required this morning. Seems Murphy has been peeing on it for awhile. I’ve steam cleaned it previously, but just couldn’t seem to get rid of the urine smell. When I turned it over, I realized why. The urine had seeped through to the jute backing. I took it outside this morning and cleaned the back of the rug and then soaked it with something I bought at the pet store that’s supposed to remove the odor. Left it in the sun all day with the hope that the odor will dissipate within a few days. I really like this rug and hope this works.

Headed out shopping after all that physical labor. Got 2 slipcovers for my living room furniture and one for one of my loveseats in the family room. They are faux suede and are in two pieces, with the seat cushions having a separate cover. They don’t look at all like the old fashioned, tacky slipcovers. Still not absolutely perfect, but better than what’s been available in the past…and a whole lot cheaper than buying new furniture!

Then I stopped at OSH and found the small garden fences that I’ve been trying to find since mid-spring…and they were on clearance! A package of 4 sections was $6.99 and I also had a coupon for 10% off. I bought 6 packages which I hope will be enough to fence in all the areas that Murphy can access. So far he’s dug up (or peed on) 6 plants. Hopefully he won’t figure out that he can jump the fences if he really tries. Also got a shade structure for Patrick to use at Burning Man–on sale for $20. Not real heavy duty, but not bad even if it only lasts one or two years.

Finally, got some primer to use on the closet doors in my bedroom, some new Purdy paint brushes, and some insecticide that’s supposed to kill the budworms that are destroying my petunias and geraniums.

Took a break and then went grocery shopping. Don’t know if Patrick and Veronica will be here tomorrow for dinner, but am prepared in case. I think they are going to the beach during the day, so they may be too tired to do much else. Meanwhile, I’ll be starting in on the painting of my bedroom first thing in the morning.

About the only fireworks I’ll be watching will be on tv. Gotta keep Murphy company so that he doesn’t freak out when all the bangs and booms begin. Am just as happy to stay home and not have to do battle with the throngs of people at the Rose Bowl.

Updates on the painting and other “projects” will be forthcoming as I need to take work breaks.