Zoned Home

Today, Beth and I installed/affixed 4 baby gates in the house, effectively zoning the house into five different areas. All areas actually have an intent and purpose for their existence. I thought I'd share just for the hell of it.

Zone 1 - Upstairs
This zone is sectioned off by a baby gate installed at the top of the stairs. It includes 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a linen closet. Allowed within this area are adults, toddlers, skinny cats (who can squeeze under the gate), and dogs (evening access only).

Zone 2 - Stairs
The stairs are controlled by two gates - one at the top of the stairs and one at the bottom of the stairs. Due to the danger of this zone to toddlers, they are strictly prohibited from this zone and must be carried across the zone by an adult. Due to its absence of toddlers, it has also become a refuge for cats looking to escape the curious clutches of a toddler.

Zone 3 - Living Room/Dining Room
This is the primary exploration area for toddlers, where the Dining room has been retrofitted to their taste - including playhouse, play mat, and oodles of toys. It borders all other zones except for zone 1. Cats have full access to this area as it also is the area that provides entrance to their bathroom(laundry room). Dogs are strictly forbidden from this area with the exception of admittance for light cleanup duties (if we decide to feed RJ in this area). It is also home to the Wii and the PS2.

Zone 4 - Kitchen/Family Room
This area is the primary habitat for the canines, where they can dutifully clean up after meals. It has prime access to the back deck as well as the garage. This makes it easy to let the dogs out to the yard to do their business. Cats may enter at their own risk. Fat cats and old cats may have issue getting over the gates to get to this area, but that may be in their best interest anyhow. Home to the popular TiVo.

Zone 5 - Basement
The basement is not sectioned off by a gate, but rather the basement door. It is off limits to toddlers, dogs, and cats. The exception to this is when we have company, when this becomes the temporary home for the cats. The basement is used primarily for storage (especially unused fitness equipment).