You'd think I was going all Hearst Castle in my modest little trailer here in Paradise Cove, considering how long this remodel is taking. But really all that's going on is some drywall, a new kitchen sink, some countertops and a wood floor. The part with a local contractor was a dream. A miracle, friends tell me, as he arrived when promised, did the work faster than expected and even cleaned up after his crew. The floors have taken a bit longer. There's a week of frustration - and a frustrating subcontractor - involved. But if you haven't ever remodeled, it won't resonate. (And if you have, you've likely got an even worse story to tell and little sympathy to spare.) So let me leave it to my cat, Evinrude, to speak for me. Here he is, perched in his new favorite place, atop the mountains of mouldering carpet on the deck. Look closer and his little tongue tells the tale.