tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72387100137939940282024-02-18T18:27:34.251-08:00of the Woodsnotes and thoughts of our first home, an 1915 American Foursquaresteve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238710013793994028.post-45345851557342170772011-06-22T14:48:00.000-07:002011-06-22T15:00:14.214-07:00industrious and eager...for all of our loving family and friends...<br />your support and well wishes have been more than generous...<br /><br />We'd love to introduce Amelie Ann.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fP7PXhRDl_eRQ8hUCrI4dZch64KbAFOpSsVD56xbPWqe5FMONAoXOT3MdEgXsb049txP0PXb6EQJT8migjOg0f5IYD-b2cg_M7gAHpjoAia8daxUosJYRtgs6jctWQZbADg4FcVnBXgz/s1600/IMG_4230.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fP7PXhRDl_eRQ8hUCrI4dZch64KbAFOpSsVD56xbPWqe5FMONAoXOT3MdEgXsb049txP0PXb6EQJT8migjOg0f5IYD-b2cg_M7gAHpjoAia8daxUosJYRtgs6jctWQZbADg4FcVnBXgz/s320/IMG_4230.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621165654760259762" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXAbcTq4oVbLBLFKpOD-HQuPsvtYPCYmH5VlJ4IkOrT0Q8pYx5CLdIaBIhSAJPwv7o7283AqDLSQta1TLvKvMDY3mE9GaBAVIfxUOPwaFn0zAm-D1YoOGDECD3UVIZ6Y3oJHZgDkSwo4R/s1600/IMG_4184.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXAbcTq4oVbLBLFKpOD-HQuPsvtYPCYmH5VlJ4IkOrT0Q8pYx5CLdIaBIhSAJPwv7o7283AqDLSQta1TLvKvMDY3mE9GaBAVIfxUOPwaFn0zAm-D1YoOGDECD3UVIZ6Y3oJHZgDkSwo4R/s320/IMG_4184.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621165675500723906" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoF2NpHXvN5gNFl5yowU4sw7qTFubLBR4cQ1oCp4flpsFjYOGMUDvVIJswxeIsdlceaCCUz27eCzGdFKk67PisvMiYNwGXXQ9Agj57291Yzp34eVp0gVFX_YO-ZF16KS-ixaOtFsZRcW8/s1600/IMG_4227.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoF2NpHXvN5gNFl5yowU4sw7qTFubLBR4cQ1oCp4flpsFjYOGMUDvVIJswxeIsdlceaCCUz27eCzGdFKk67PisvMiYNwGXXQ9Agj57291Yzp34eVp0gVFX_YO-ZF16KS-ixaOtFsZRcW8/s320/IMG_4227.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621165671067192930" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9ZLqxA6JdsNHwsKymTZ60-cvI8Fb0oAIzrs5rqHjEmRemAEgpDtN7stThV8N0_6RnXSLIz0aVrDVDGlNXetX10_9ZbibdcgfL-Wbc5yMCKrlxQWTjbVhKc3FHhNfopDGflspxki8vnYn/s1600/IMG_4232.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9ZLqxA6JdsNHwsKymTZ60-cvI8Fb0oAIzrs5rqHjEmRemAEgpDtN7stThV8N0_6RnXSLIz0aVrDVDGlNXetX10_9ZbibdcgfL-Wbc5yMCKrlxQWTjbVhKc3FHhNfopDGflspxki8vnYn/s320/IMG_4232.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621165665151464962" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cy2B5xBs1hz9l2d25-HaABu1TJ9a70LT3Narz8IFfkXKp84edcvVrt_m7Z5LC_IYVUbI5U_zw2qlKS5jBkX8cAaVISH1EIgevRst0t3LIxfL8AkK4d_9xSlXuNt1TUbEuBMUPaXHcIKj/s1600/IMG_4238.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cy2B5xBs1hz9l2d25-HaABu1TJ9a70LT3Narz8IFfkXKp84edcvVrt_m7Z5LC_IYVUbI5U_zw2qlKS5jBkX8cAaVISH1EIgevRst0t3LIxfL8AkK4d_9xSlXuNt1TUbEuBMUPaXHcIKj/s320/IMG_4238.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621165657218256274" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81OFvoTvMcPPZeylqC-8qkllEt4e4vqaJh0xKut7Gh6xaECMfW4wmxwYGBt-6_UpLOLCTQnYOerPbhqQ04KRyOimKENBZmagiUOoJ-_TVqr085ke7HUYeCdDwtjOqo7e2zPNqkAaZ7TE5/s1600/IMG_4236.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81OFvoTvMcPPZeylqC-8qkllEt4e4vqaJh0xKut7Gh6xaECMfW4wmxwYGBt-6_UpLOLCTQnYOerPbhqQ04KRyOimKENBZmagiUOoJ-_TVqr085ke7HUYeCdDwtjOqo7e2zPNqkAaZ7TE5/s320/IMG_4236.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621166574380477170" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo46wNyePOiOo_00l_zS5UaKdi-EAoM3-XeZHwOzlCro2W9yu75leU0KT1MHf8iAk8xFMHA5MLEAsCcMbPtULCHXidjNWJt_mxGoNtq4gz3KweFMhQDIY3K8m8zBLA0d8MDzAyP7TYEha7/s1600/IMG_4242.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo46wNyePOiOo_00l_zS5UaKdi-EAoM3-XeZHwOzlCro2W9yu75leU0KT1MHf8iAk8xFMHA5MLEAsCcMbPtULCHXidjNWJt_mxGoNtq4gz3KweFMhQDIY3K8m8zBLA0d8MDzAyP7TYEha7/s320/IMG_4242.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621166568001419122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietpAu576twhko8SP6kEfoanZaVpcAFR5Q64zSFHJotAWEUsiszbHdcZU5OjY99p4IH60liuju-CMihkFqsvS4T36EVuJa9HdvHwEgpLrOQnvIuTT3wiS22kam3bkn8JsdYinJrVSbkUhU/s1600/IMG_4183.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietpAu576twhko8SP6kEfoanZaVpcAFR5Q64zSFHJotAWEUsiszbHdcZU5OjY99p4IH60liuju-CMihkFqsvS4T36EVuJa9HdvHwEgpLrOQnvIuTT3wiS22kam3bkn8JsdYinJrVSbkUhU/s320/IMG_4183.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621166560981627298" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0aVV2RBIS8MzmJwU_ZycBbhjLgA_X30nH2eJIu3Aszr6AyXkoNCzdrzUO7QMh8DEIriUY1bmQTKYA2dCCiTnf50bAnxKwW-gRL6q-BbAZEVv7bCwrBzave3v6TQjAypFQQhL7Djk88wu/s1600/IMG_4188.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0aVV2RBIS8MzmJwU_ZycBbhjLgA_X30nH2eJIu3Aszr6AyXkoNCzdrzUO7QMh8DEIriUY1bmQTKYA2dCCiTnf50bAnxKwW-gRL6q-BbAZEVv7bCwrBzave3v6TQjAypFQQhL7Djk88wu/s320/IMG_4188.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621166557259919970" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRvOkoH5cTYGfOJCn2BKf7U1ElOqpTy7xKoCSYD3uu4clvQhSH_5toVanzad23_P06Qh3LaKDKHFaU7TQT36WbPXquLrXPEFzxFujhSAqQO1iX9QaQHF1z1DSdbti7snsaQj7c9GSkhh2/s1600/IMG_4190.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRvOkoH5cTYGfOJCn2BKf7U1ElOqpTy7xKoCSYD3uu4clvQhSH_5toVanzad23_P06Qh3LaKDKHFaU7TQT36WbPXquLrXPEFzxFujhSAqQO1iX9QaQHF1z1DSdbti7snsaQj7c9GSkhh2/s320/IMG_4190.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621166552406330498" border="0" /></a>steve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238710013793994028.post-39410887223739538552011-06-03T12:11:00.000-07:002011-06-03T12:54:19.866-07:00The Final CountdownAs we get closer and closer to the arrival of the new family member, preparations have been in full swing. Not much text with this post, mostly pictures ( we are a visual species and we LOVE pretty looking things ) so....<br /><br /><br />My beautiful wife easing through the changes with grace and strength!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuhljiA7_TwoipSg0bsVgZWMlnvL_KCFPQLHuXoymi1zOKDA-A9E7BH3raCSH5JPT_neyiqEhswpFsupv0JY7d0D_hXnxy0vS9_fl3J0NMa3trULYXN1AvjTofWkkr9HBr8fw5QF9BGer/s1600/IMG_3122.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuhljiA7_TwoipSg0bsVgZWMlnvL_KCFPQLHuXoymi1zOKDA-A9E7BH3raCSH5JPT_neyiqEhswpFsupv0JY7d0D_hXnxy0vS9_fl3J0NMa3trULYXN1AvjTofWkkr9HBr8fw5QF9BGer/s320/IMG_3122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614074632701254034" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTg7eDWrFrswbkw8RzhrX3gPVe09H8IMNF1AbrWmfjCJOgukKr2S9JyzEP912CkflTpjVvMNDk0nxcV-jWCQUZRjhNvyCN9gPbZrbWSET9oBxwwAbjk5R-K4GndTdP50KsFPms_9mMxDXR/s1600/IMG_3215.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTg7eDWrFrswbkw8RzhrX3gPVe09H8IMNF1AbrWmfjCJOgukKr2S9JyzEP912CkflTpjVvMNDk0nxcV-jWCQUZRjhNvyCN9gPbZrbWSET9oBxwwAbjk5R-K4GndTdP50KsFPms_9mMxDXR/s320/IMG_3215.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614074643022770498" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJyVUoTy39kDVkko8L1-cEn37NteoVXxrIEPuLxYyHGzkQNXeVlyKQeRACimv7X2PGoMYlDCryUpww-eBj-HnojpuNmUPEbDfYR9I_C5jPXQPA0ExwnN_3p58ESTgPOJOErhY3FE2oECW/s1600/IMG_3173.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJyVUoTy39kDVkko8L1-cEn37NteoVXxrIEPuLxYyHGzkQNXeVlyKQeRACimv7X2PGoMYlDCryUpww-eBj-HnojpuNmUPEbDfYR9I_C5jPXQPA0ExwnN_3p58ESTgPOJOErhY3FE2oECW/s320/IMG_3173.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614074641396972322" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJsbhQNAV_mIJUfI_xEolybu3d3d8p7fafrwV2kyrH-NhtNpHMr6sDw8nAfJs5JUZrhhl8gicuEgKxpNaeIPUS16zr8nSTfBgKCd32IvI5_WSOxLPcDSxkoUJwmBeBWegKaZAQd1SZzIU/s1600/IMG_3415.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJsbhQNAV_mIJUfI_xEolybu3d3d8p7fafrwV2kyrH-NhtNpHMr6sDw8nAfJs5JUZrhhl8gicuEgKxpNaeIPUS16zr8nSTfBgKCd32IvI5_WSOxLPcDSxkoUJwmBeBWegKaZAQd1SZzIU/s320/IMG_3415.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614074663865361186" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOkWpyHwlTfkqCRAR3pprC9ER59-_KGkkPlLjPSjKpxk-6-cfFJEz-SBzz_2BkR5BbpQ6fy80_A9nbhAUamBXS1j2rygteeB-0xhxzywS_9AQ2OzxhPBAGi8E8GdSX0rVI7AI60jvxkDs/s1600/IMG_3319.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOkWpyHwlTfkqCRAR3pprC9ER59-_KGkkPlLjPSjKpxk-6-cfFJEz-SBzz_2BkR5BbpQ6fy80_A9nbhAUamBXS1j2rygteeB-0xhxzywS_9AQ2OzxhPBAGi8E8GdSX0rVI7AI60jvxkDs/s320/IMG_3319.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614074654456315746" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtC2AfT2_61Xe0VGyTAEOIYqilEKTRnFDshKIerOEFBoNNnUu1H-mnELpfUwma09fEjUYGgUISrSA5c8YfCrdYyRoFZVoq6Tet7N1KdH9wjwb5qOQLcRT03pa9GJY7odNJ5BlrAe-JH541/s1600/IMG_3903.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 165px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtC2AfT2_61Xe0VGyTAEOIYqilEKTRnFDshKIerOEFBoNNnUu1H-mnELpfUwma09fEjUYGgUISrSA5c8YfCrdYyRoFZVoq6Tet7N1KdH9wjwb5qOQLcRT03pa9GJY7odNJ5BlrAe-JH541/s320/IMG_3903.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614075683077580562" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUd7JQrTmcf4m7yyx78w7nyNxsUOH2jgAL31Dwz1dqU1vH1F3ng88aioHSEDHGpVYwQbKR_T-4nGgkhakYihoYoK-Xo50zCh3S6hmr9g_d5eIV5cDj-I4fipEl9L5XDyUoGtAqKjyxGjj/s1600/IMG_3192.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUd7JQrTmcf4m7yyx78w7nyNxsUOH2jgAL31Dwz1dqU1vH1F3ng88aioHSEDHGpVYwQbKR_T-4nGgkhakYihoYoK-Xo50zCh3S6hmr9g_d5eIV5cDj-I4fipEl9L5XDyUoGtAqKjyxGjj/s320/IMG_3192.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614075693239669522" border="0" /></a><br />The last of the wallpaper...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4FBfMnImj01ttqQThPWl2oAc7hRBJ0saohxDE70eqKRuLO4AB4hLeTbyjfRsEeFkfNtPEQkCP3ZAxFvPjsSv18_kEfX-8odxv7U9V3jFL6krOZwCkhHoELtHHM0RM5ZBgpRoBZtJ9_Pe/s1600/IMG_3202.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4FBfMnImj01ttqQThPWl2oAc7hRBJ0saohxDE70eqKRuLO4AB4hLeTbyjfRsEeFkfNtPEQkCP3ZAxFvPjsSv18_kEfX-8odxv7U9V3jFL6krOZwCkhHoELtHHM0RM5ZBgpRoBZtJ9_Pe/s320/IMG_3202.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614075698430796914" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CUhF-kHokwc_vq-uJCI-znSdBoxmSEi8vrKHlvFXaYpyYtW5hlYsp5EbFaRiAPVRqVnUWQWJmMDIJxQjmRX6JXKdluHRhA78M3Ae8jwevfTqo2OJwWoOCyHrNsXFq_0tLYSDTWJmuQEG/s1600/IMG_3209.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CUhF-kHokwc_vq-uJCI-znSdBoxmSEi8vrKHlvFXaYpyYtW5hlYsp5EbFaRiAPVRqVnUWQWJmMDIJxQjmRX6JXKdluHRhA78M3Ae8jwevfTqo2OJwWoOCyHrNsXFq_0tLYSDTWJmuQEG/s320/IMG_3209.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614075712386239010" border="0" /></a><br />the "hole" and patching that had to follow<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfyt21JeMBHiNkhG-mavshZ1PIWmU5eXt86evzpVfdhJy6p57WJJfdlxW5H8TH1VyecpmMZgODbX_qM3AZWIYhIE5NkGWS_YQtE54gzDJ3wtf3P-IRCg4_oNbfqaS8PWYBJyjDkJfP_cp/s1600/IMG_3307.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfyt21JeMBHiNkhG-mavshZ1PIWmU5eXt86evzpVfdhJy6p57WJJfdlxW5H8TH1VyecpmMZgODbX_qM3AZWIYhIE5NkGWS_YQtE54gzDJ3wtf3P-IRCg4_oNbfqaS8PWYBJyjDkJfP_cp/s320/IMG_3307.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614076530959001922" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2NGtOEWBV5LCKxZLZFERP9W9-mR8ix0Piy6v-0bSLfDgzL8j-Z21fH2JBZ_0dFOuuoVbSNAl3pSOfL6SxMvq-a3TqcjinX6soVxif7aoa7-tUvlTFNgjdWat3GZUJf6T0W1p9slwN_X6/s1600/IMG_3400.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2NGtOEWBV5LCKxZLZFERP9W9-mR8ix0Piy6v-0bSLfDgzL8j-Z21fH2JBZ_0dFOuuoVbSNAl3pSOfL6SxMvq-a3TqcjinX6soVxif7aoa7-tUvlTFNgjdWat3GZUJf6T0W1p9slwN_X6/s320/IMG_3400.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614076554019876226" border="0" /></a><br />The color pattern and scheme - the amazing quilt that the wife is making for the lil' one<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_dbPspRUJb2iWNLEgbCePokJNy9rKn5Vnj8fdHZER21tPX8A2ZM7jcqoyhKalGAm_QCH7jWKK88yB0ttypZqAGupV-PwwRL5jXWamTkveNwoAAriivE5HP0QfRTfQp_zZIl0ZT0Amm02/s1600/IMG_3398.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_dbPspRUJb2iWNLEgbCePokJNy9rKn5Vnj8fdHZER21tPX8A2ZM7jcqoyhKalGAm_QCH7jWKK88yB0ttypZqAGupV-PwwRL5jXWamTkveNwoAAriivE5HP0QfRTfQp_zZIl0ZT0Amm02/s320/IMG_3398.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614076550421665314" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVlDmqCSFKkf1uCM98e6BjzxAyYvunFLSJ0Yzx7_x5UF2No9hBsQUIIh3gjLBa13aEn0120FWqotsNCWqXwtD9mzJhJaMjMwCW_inNHWD456mb5y_xQudUhDXJIWrKNqi6ljBXup9iSHp/s1600/IMG_3308.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVlDmqCSFKkf1uCM98e6BjzxAyYvunFLSJ0Yzx7_x5UF2No9hBsQUIIh3gjLBa13aEn0120FWqotsNCWqXwtD9mzJhJaMjMwCW_inNHWD456mb5y_xQudUhDXJIWrKNqi6ljBXup9iSHp/s320/IMG_3308.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614076539322154226" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9NEA5QyWGMwOjq6BzOufIQI6IKkYT-8DDL_xpg6ozNrACmJ76Ap7zBgA4urHdcS8Wv-prePKRQPvs-qI4sGNHHQXw2BI1wT7YwqzzxHdLzSRm5nRf5Jvnc1t9VHB-XiKFnFtfN-VZJyF/s1600/IMG_3315.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9NEA5QyWGMwOjq6BzOufIQI6IKkYT-8DDL_xpg6ozNrACmJ76Ap7zBgA4urHdcS8Wv-prePKRQPvs-qI4sGNHHQXw2BI1wT7YwqzzxHdLzSRm5nRf5Jvnc1t9VHB-XiKFnFtfN-VZJyF/s320/IMG_3315.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614076546926742194" border="0" /></a><br />boys at work and providing a little cooling for the summer months<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJE6VrurmdB_SdNrWX14WWkbiJ6guPYMdFcAxORDaeN9-fFU7tKk1jsxZuDHYe3h008nuFpPihcz82ZQHt9qA-2RCwboz9r5VTVubZQK9Ir6qZqwpL83UNPZAFEyxrVOYzNekKbSWr0Jf/s1600/IMG_3402.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJE6VrurmdB_SdNrWX14WWkbiJ6guPYMdFcAxORDaeN9-fFU7tKk1jsxZuDHYe3h008nuFpPihcz82ZQHt9qA-2RCwboz9r5VTVubZQK9Ir6qZqwpL83UNPZAFEyxrVOYzNekKbSWr0Jf/s320/IMG_3402.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614079223995782354" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bTwjMrwO9rGhjQIZifgEpYQk3MUQScZP24vkuuQsV_qnX5OlbKNoVD7DIjc_wo5e3r14OBGcPwh6pd1w21Vw4znTz7FFFUu76Mt-uyYuU0vxivl42IRGeMKrJqKctUMr3XI5dmj-rJiy/s1600/IMG_3425.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bTwjMrwO9rGhjQIZifgEpYQk3MUQScZP24vkuuQsV_qnX5OlbKNoVD7DIjc_wo5e3r14OBGcPwh6pd1w21Vw4znTz7FFFUu76Mt-uyYuU0vxivl42IRGeMKrJqKctUMr3XI5dmj-rJiy/s320/IMG_3425.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614079227284094594" border="0" /></a><br />the mural ( lets just say stencil) which is above the crib<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWnkSO2BJYWxK5dkumHGQGCICo7JL30e29Ewd5LyrWTNiqI8GSXxR2dTNjMvti93lJaMcMJ8MSrK9GmAQf6sLusfIhBoC12u0DfFNggWgr6z8ighznGYSa0VHSTDB_q3wLMEyciYjAiPT/s1600/IMG_3798.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWnkSO2BJYWxK5dkumHGQGCICo7JL30e29Ewd5LyrWTNiqI8GSXxR2dTNjMvti93lJaMcMJ8MSrK9GmAQf6sLusfIhBoC12u0DfFNggWgr6z8ighznGYSa0VHSTDB_q3wLMEyciYjAiPT/s320/IMG_3798.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614079233162445970" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRTxlgyqdbFQJV9Wb4BPx9jg6YfXkT-JpnoBMTFP9PaAWulx9A7lHNs79oSI69x0QgJ8txatQqbzIUvD7DBkjBwuF3Q4grVsq_4zEEx-t8M3VdlSurlXKqTafeGNUawk1En6P5BK4EOx8/s1600/IMG_3908.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRTxlgyqdbFQJV9Wb4BPx9jg6YfXkT-JpnoBMTFP9PaAWulx9A7lHNs79oSI69x0QgJ8txatQqbzIUvD7DBkjBwuF3Q4grVsq_4zEEx-t8M3VdlSurlXKqTafeGNUawk1En6P5BK4EOx8/s320/IMG_3908.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614079240574001506" border="0" /></a><br />and the crib - simple but very clean and sweet style<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiW4FzzwxnWSkHsux7qZw5eeNMzc0NaMHxe0IpHvLiz7hQggNLuFyInaaM9HgTNSj0l-7XpFyrNWO95gA3D5Djawvyk03_a4_Z4smF0Hdoywvi37_bzLv7jFH7TG2MGtDHqqy1N5s_w7RL/s1600/IMG_3921.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 162px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiW4FzzwxnWSkHsux7qZw5eeNMzc0NaMHxe0IpHvLiz7hQggNLuFyInaaM9HgTNSj0l-7XpFyrNWO95gA3D5Djawvyk03_a4_Z4smF0Hdoywvi37_bzLv7jFH7TG2MGtDHqqy1N5s_w7RL/s320/IMG_3921.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614080557670004162" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRxTPJK40NPMrrb27NP6C4Q6H0ydB6lT_gk_j8jPaJ2n1PuA4FBkaOzindbcNqeSkXniC6HD2DlYeN9piXPcihyphenhyphen-HFaXqI8gyEXpIHiIiPzhDbsFApsjyUMKdxmnX68NAn30t31S0eIkD/s1600/IMG_3936.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 162px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRxTPJK40NPMrrb27NP6C4Q6H0ydB6lT_gk_j8jPaJ2n1PuA4FBkaOzindbcNqeSkXniC6HD2DlYeN9piXPcihyphenhyphen-HFaXqI8gyEXpIHiIiPzhDbsFApsjyUMKdxmnX68NAn30t31S0eIkD/s320/IMG_3936.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614080560945526146" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOEIZxWEc0agg2pG0rFBD8q76SV01EIHHX0S3pdX6bNKXMJvvkYDlFfTs3_BicQAa9CGTFDc57pC8V94NkqoXjcFwOjJgoNCZJnGrw4FKyVuL5R9qKopfA8hCznn4FaHojZwZtUEF_eiq/s1600/IMG_3969.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 161px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOEIZxWEc0agg2pG0rFBD8q76SV01EIHHX0S3pdX6bNKXMJvvkYDlFfTs3_BicQAa9CGTFDc57pC8V94NkqoXjcFwOjJgoNCZJnGrw4FKyVuL5R9qKopfA8hCznn4FaHojZwZtUEF_eiq/s320/IMG_3969.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614080579973197874" border="0" /></a><br />she said the light was just right.. and she was right...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27iZ0KEI9l83m_lrXPIl2g0KfRB5SqUkwJTq7hn4AbFQEqnqyHGeuNNA00cu0-Ta8RKVUU5BlMeEHYL3gnuSCQ5LoVelmyqbnbQhwGYihn7zYTbp2Vkvcmq6-r_VJlU80sGc5pgd85ex_/s1600/IMG_3959.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27iZ0KEI9l83m_lrXPIl2g0KfRB5SqUkwJTq7hn4AbFQEqnqyHGeuNNA00cu0-Ta8RKVUU5BlMeEHYL3gnuSCQ5LoVelmyqbnbQhwGYihn7zYTbp2Vkvcmq6-r_VJlU80sGc5pgd85ex_/s320/IMG_3959.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614080570913042338" border="0" /></a><br />and we are pretty sure Bella thinks this is all for her...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF93NublafxRF2uMCsjmaJ0o5R34o-rxnmW6SLYjxExpPAb7ISjv51-AKJ-y8UyBg2aiYvbjwD4OaD-ROAetDs6rJVbH9tzTzHmK8ZntblFzgd-BgzIxyDZNp_WfjtRylspywnKJLZKX3i/s1600/IMG_3965.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF93NublafxRF2uMCsjmaJ0o5R34o-rxnmW6SLYjxExpPAb7ISjv51-AKJ-y8UyBg2aiYvbjwD4OaD-ROAetDs6rJVbH9tzTzHmK8ZntblFzgd-BgzIxyDZNp_WfjtRylspywnKJLZKX3i/s320/IMG_3965.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614080565357079234" border="0" /></a><br /><br />just a few more weeks to go!<br />we can't wait!steve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238710013793994028.post-42426897878174585272011-03-06T09:07:00.000-08:002011-03-06T10:27:08.664-08:00Uncle Bill has been waiting patiently for this one...David Bowie moved in recently. Changes, like the one that came to my parents (me) and released by Bowie in 1972 are on track to enter our lives this June, and we are VERY excited!<br /><br />She will have much love an support from mom, dad ( still have time to get use to that title ), sister(s), the Carl, and MANY, MANY more. Not to mention the future new and first time grandparents on both sides.<br /><br />The wife is doing VERY well! Years of healthy livin' and a naturally taut midsection has blessed ( or cursed ) her with what many laymen onlookers consider a late-blooming-baby-bump. We are more keen on the growth and are most recently enjoying feeling "flutter" from time to time.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9pBd5IN-DfpVROZ0FX0Jc4Mt-BReVvRquK6RWJIDkaUTeG1JCWMNn_mS_XKRn-Ve2BFz1_xxzsYqWpGVDSR-mrkXk5wMht3flY-NxcXYGKHrzgfOc8WTUt_kUPGIzpfhNfUazMsm1qo4D/s1600/flutter+pics+001.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 181px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9pBd5IN-DfpVROZ0FX0Jc4Mt-BReVvRquK6RWJIDkaUTeG1JCWMNn_mS_XKRn-Ve2BFz1_xxzsYqWpGVDSR-mrkXk5wMht3flY-NxcXYGKHrzgfOc8WTUt_kUPGIzpfhNfUazMsm1qo4D/s400/flutter+pics+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581031025985011442" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1a85uEPd8TcuWSDdrAOU2igwaeni5uaKOUg6XESzXzfAwwkFdQC714iEj4Ihu-OsN-zlXC8y6TxaDpraYbvuN1ADuBrZALYSG96YUY1-8MEghCAfdYnmruFRbCiY4ztevyt8AscnCJnd/s1600/IMG_2557.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1a85uEPd8TcuWSDdrAOU2igwaeni5uaKOUg6XESzXzfAwwkFdQC714iEj4Ihu-OsN-zlXC8y6TxaDpraYbvuN1ADuBrZALYSG96YUY1-8MEghCAfdYnmruFRbCiY4ztevyt8AscnCJnd/s200/IMG_2557.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581023210676472066" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBBOURaIgsYTpiDz1SvHcwVbgffs3W5YYW0ByzTClQetqyN8LRXcKrEOav4QHBgUIgkPs4HrIZZF4ZeKGycTT9QCvYL3YPUuRhRTorDAYNv46qRoa-Teb7Wdg2VNMDKUxD6YUoAOLVrxA/s1600/IMG_2615.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBBOURaIgsYTpiDz1SvHcwVbgffs3W5YYW0ByzTClQetqyN8LRXcKrEOav4QHBgUIgkPs4HrIZZF4ZeKGycTT9QCvYL3YPUuRhRTorDAYNv46qRoa-Teb7Wdg2VNMDKUxD6YUoAOLVrxA/s200/IMG_2615.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581023214513475186" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsmXZFLL98W5SUhb8Ce8ojTZ1RaQWXhZrWYxo1abipKcPUOKGmH6I4vSHEXK26gntisI1FLuvENxQ0wWId0YVsoG0FHIoFfIhYKYejxR6k1e3UFtV2Z5dgzNg1Fw5rOP7n4i_9nFr241D/s1600/IMG_2621.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 169px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsmXZFLL98W5SUhb8Ce8ojTZ1RaQWXhZrWYxo1abipKcPUOKGmH6I4vSHEXK26gntisI1FLuvENxQ0wWId0YVsoG0FHIoFfIhYKYejxR6k1e3UFtV2Z5dgzNg1Fw5rOP7n4i_9nFr241D/s200/IMG_2621.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581023218947555122" border="0" /></a><br />01.02.11_____01.09.11______ 01.16.11 <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYO9dNmMezTlaSe_2XDGL_c2QBQYBtpgAFK5ALrT6OmnG0J-X7IapQc9ZtEkqTCuIbK9q2SLvmITpvRMUKb_Mg84jjyDw0optgYMu6BUKJJyI80s8kPO8YeyhNl3njiu9JiU3O7xHtKST/s1600/IMG_2627.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYO9dNmMezTlaSe_2XDGL_c2QBQYBtpgAFK5ALrT6OmnG0J-X7IapQc9ZtEkqTCuIbK9q2SLvmITpvRMUKb_Mg84jjyDw0optgYMu6BUKJJyI80s8kPO8YeyhNl3njiu9JiU3O7xHtKST/s200/IMG_2627.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581023222955139954" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSH3t614gv09mmtIpTzIyPaX5_Zt_kP0ZwA3ygDY5bovnZ-Uqetaj84vi8iI8jBMYiZcJWJVGe6XyDfrXVWEcM5M-G-3l2LMya9phsPs5hezljBTebVleymnAvZYmAM0dkLXaiZYbsa294/s1600/IMG_2653.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 114px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSH3t614gv09mmtIpTzIyPaX5_Zt_kP0ZwA3ygDY5bovnZ-Uqetaj84vi8iI8jBMYiZcJWJVGe6XyDfrXVWEcM5M-G-3l2LMya9phsPs5hezljBTebVleymnAvZYmAM0dkLXaiZYbsa294/s200/IMG_2653.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581023230055249746" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmVznQTTb0pvGJjBlE-Qnd_cNyMFlc62qjmWLZzyUpSVKF7-Gy_TLOkDKPT3NOts3qwmUbvC-mY6xvOmUdnlmhW3gwGZlUU1byyTuAuddl8UkW4ittGSe2RyoDwaxBSGo-a0DyUr_JTt4/s1600/IMG_3100.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmVznQTTb0pvGJjBlE-Qnd_cNyMFlc62qjmWLZzyUpSVKF7-Gy_TLOkDKPT3NOts3qwmUbvC-mY6xvOmUdnlmhW3gwGZlUU1byyTuAuddl8UkW4ittGSe2RyoDwaxBSGo-a0DyUr_JTt4/s200/IMG_3100.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581024125849959986" border="0" /></a><br />01.26.11_____ 02.06.11_____ 02.27.11<br /><br />We even took some time to run away from the cold and snow of a wicked northeast winter. The Babymoon found us in warm Punta Cana, sipping fruity drinks beach side and treating our wintry shell to a much appreciated thaw.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEila8SHMHidUArSJeT2FjcLfjGvbT3uzxotHafehGUF-ReIHJgm5PAsJ-6J7ffIPDIjMRmGTN56HoIu72KZrPVmKvzFnGuky9Gz11CtT6OjflHNIplShbO6TdwB1CtbCsq4qmpReZO9D8gb/s1600/IMG_2857.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEila8SHMHidUArSJeT2FjcLfjGvbT3uzxotHafehGUF-ReIHJgm5PAsJ-6J7ffIPDIjMRmGTN56HoIu72KZrPVmKvzFnGuky9Gz11CtT6OjflHNIplShbO6TdwB1CtbCsq4qmpReZO9D8gb/s400/IMG_2857.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581028276416934978" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HFVWYKdCmmIPWUAQOn_b8vQIDvfQs47EoNSAWBUsiHfNOtpOYcWyk8V6yWbvdYDP9GG-6bCeBDQViJjLoEHF1_WHFR0UGN5StMTTXaNygu3eagkl9UG5MoRaEY-9pwEmzrQWJq2jIvuS/s1600/IMG_2850.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HFVWYKdCmmIPWUAQOn_b8vQIDvfQs47EoNSAWBUsiHfNOtpOYcWyk8V6yWbvdYDP9GG-6bCeBDQViJjLoEHF1_WHFR0UGN5StMTTXaNygu3eagkl9UG5MoRaEY-9pwEmzrQWJq2jIvuS/s400/IMG_2850.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581027804794292962" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_G2vP648sO3Wm7AAZxUd4BqhaArFVpYIhI9rBlLEMtCIcpjzdDIJdxaoYGTVGfyWwFCH9ZZHoFSQZvUENsjPHU0jkVsoNZR_sSn2MgrJFEJ03AUlQZNYfqj0JZx-CW7Wn0HHJfNwQAY1/s1600/IMG_2929.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_G2vP648sO3Wm7AAZxUd4BqhaArFVpYIhI9rBlLEMtCIcpjzdDIJdxaoYGTVGfyWwFCH9ZZHoFSQZvUENsjPHU0jkVsoNZR_sSn2MgrJFEJ03AUlQZNYfqj0JZx-CW7Wn0HHJfNwQAY1/s400/IMG_2929.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581027809156440210" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYh1XYqN_cyq-4Omfjzy7l-5GUqj4vsweWeEjNs9eZjrWLMgkz9ZPVz_IpRNqo2BTxcgKZxjhqtgfrokymOlC_2NE_oxwwEr_On0cCiCncOKQO2KfG29K_-Vf7IXTMO9LjsF0A7HK-lI9l/s1600/IMG_2822.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYh1XYqN_cyq-4Omfjzy7l-5GUqj4vsweWeEjNs9eZjrWLMgkz9ZPVz_IpRNqo2BTxcgKZxjhqtgfrokymOlC_2NE_oxwwEr_On0cCiCncOKQO2KfG29K_-Vf7IXTMO9LjsF0A7HK-lI9l/s400/IMG_2822.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581027800380767122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCZnshXqAQIQ5VyCgOGoQFCUkuHc7NmYRTS2SnLurGNTns2nAgNFw047MHXUl21kWe0twiASmu93Mhe5bB-GDD6CaffoUrgwA_ha_I6yt8RWTxQPznbpslbgrVgSpq8nvYhbDH96ZCW63/s1600/IMG_2674.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCZnshXqAQIQ5VyCgOGoQFCUkuHc7NmYRTS2SnLurGNTns2nAgNFw047MHXUl21kWe0twiASmu93Mhe5bB-GDD6CaffoUrgwA_ha_I6yt8RWTxQPznbpslbgrVgSpq8nvYhbDH96ZCW63/s400/IMG_2674.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581027796379391330" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxhTt-cOU3Pcg1D5atvI7AYtkXd9Ji2rhMwl50DqozISD3eRyKrxRNLBsB5vIlHaB588ryC1trb4Q-p0XzZ-eh4DtjEMSJwsdtbkObEV9BVFXzwpMJk8jEwldR5vSfjl0_S2Ocq3P4Nge/s1600/IMG_2814.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxhTt-cOU3Pcg1D5atvI7AYtkXd9Ji2rhMwl50DqozISD3eRyKrxRNLBsB5vIlHaB588ryC1trb4Q-p0XzZ-eh4DtjEMSJwsdtbkObEV9BVFXzwpMJk8jEwldR5vSfjl0_S2Ocq3P4Nge/s400/IMG_2814.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581027793674713570" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Back to reality... The current office / wife's closet / spare room / library will soon receive an update to a hopefully hip and adorable nursery for the little girl.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RBx5O8cqIm3IWFnJwCqqP7-eM9plpfSuYqehnHwKwjHrytxBVPO-JEcXIRpEw8q_TZ2rcggFbm-GDsGOEOZ-RE3xok2sgPtfNMs99e9ieyAB2i5puDljJQ_Gsd9XVs_x8ySAnhzsRfnI/s1600/IMG_3106_stitch.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RBx5O8cqIm3IWFnJwCqqP7-eM9plpfSuYqehnHwKwjHrytxBVPO-JEcXIRpEw8q_TZ2rcggFbm-GDsGOEOZ-RE3xok2sgPtfNMs99e9ieyAB2i5puDljJQ_Gsd9XVs_x8ySAnhzsRfnI/s400/IMG_3106_stitch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581024950964913698" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJrqJvX-sMfNYldyRbjfg4pO3lprBZkkalgtbg3iq3hwFL5aDv6i0MHikgvkPqEjCurivzzqw_WpVepzvBzLmO4fT0mhiOQvL14vHM87louuoj1QE_n-8SyRbOg4iv9-Uz9ucOFGCrkoN/s1600/IMG_3111_stitch.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJrqJvX-sMfNYldyRbjfg4pO3lprBZkkalgtbg3iq3hwFL5aDv6i0MHikgvkPqEjCurivzzqw_WpVepzvBzLmO4fT0mhiOQvL14vHM87louuoj1QE_n-8SyRbOg4iv9-Uz9ucOFGCrkoN/s400/IMG_3111_stitch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581024951415095138" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Current inspiration are blushing orchid tones with a muted, warm buff base.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJB-QKQ6y8Brh4nRY-Bj96WLhCIhUdkKX_aZn_pXKM5_nOxPfOMInWYrcT97MJCF46qPetrDil7p9SIyGZuATrPI9Bl4e6jp9D7nXiW848clsUr4huQ6BLAXWOurCDIpAYUV7DycgBmQKE/s1600/IMG_3117.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJB-QKQ6y8Brh4nRY-Bj96WLhCIhUdkKX_aZn_pXKM5_nOxPfOMInWYrcT97MJCF46qPetrDil7p9SIyGZuATrPI9Bl4e6jp9D7nXiW848clsUr4huQ6BLAXWOurCDIpAYUV7DycgBmQKE/s400/IMG_3117.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581032426291387154" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Potential projects ( along with fitting out the nursery with the usual suspects) include the following:<br /><br /><ul><li>Remove Wall Paper</li><li>Fix the infamous "hole"</li><li>Install ceiling fan</li><li>Paint</li><li>Install built in cabinets<br /></li></ul>We will keep you up-to-date on transition of the family as well as the room!!steve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238710013793994028.post-69217292102345476512010-04-20T13:20:00.000-07:002010-04-20T13:47:38.715-07:00Welcome BackI know, I know... it's been a LONG time since a blog post; but I have a great excuse...<br /><br />No, no I don't.<br /><br />But a few things have been done in our lovely home. From the beginning, even before moving into the home, we felt that some of the colors and most of the "style" of the home seemed to be better fit for a couple / family much older than we are. We have a saying called " house appropriate" and one of the biggest things that was NOT "hose appropriate" to us was the dominate blue green color of the foyer and upstairs hallway. It is a bit dark and heavy, not a horrible color, but not really a great unifying color for the interior of the home, especially with the dark wood. Here are a few "before" examples<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SWQEe21kMOi9z8WszylaWKd4ZQGFeOtnMBdI_qCINf_iAGngNeG20acIz-UkRsH2X78a__Kp1kQF3kOnFo5097LmAGk7ZT1LLLx-nYePjvB3lCI5yVpETATct1WT0XmDU-Emxh2algNc/s1600/living+room+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SWQEe21kMOi9z8WszylaWKd4ZQGFeOtnMBdI_qCINf_iAGngNeG20acIz-UkRsH2X78a__Kp1kQF3kOnFo5097LmAGk7ZT1LLLx-nYePjvB3lCI5yVpETATct1WT0XmDU-Emxh2algNc/s320/living+room+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462321391962525986" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSAnAQ17M1Vh1AJx-qXl_HSfVTK8d9XRsC9kYKJ-7Ab2RDPehUZZvwNboZeTZ1V8k07lcWQGCveCZaT8DEY7YZJRildljdw32HOIc_9vHJm8xD49YLJLezXgvvmuFLTY9UVBVBF33BvIL/s1600/1117081914c.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSAnAQ17M1Vh1AJx-qXl_HSfVTK8d9XRsC9kYKJ-7Ab2RDPehUZZvwNboZeTZ1V8k07lcWQGCveCZaT8DEY7YZJRildljdw32HOIc_9vHJm8xD49YLJLezXgvvmuFLTY9UVBVBF33BvIL/s320/1117081914c.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462321377382100930" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaA9mIJckDJmEJaEQbnRnNA8rrBTMSljsJSIZzWWjweGOsH-qHrFM5VkK87bp-ntTERI7EjvSd6uzRokDa_u8qPn9M2GU9bv5AAbfDYWb1J2pawqVngclsRMY2hBrXcW2OvElWQhV29Lf/s1600/foyer.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 119px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaA9mIJckDJmEJaEQbnRnNA8rrBTMSljsJSIZzWWjweGOsH-qHrFM5VkK87bp-ntTERI7EjvSd6uzRokDa_u8qPn9M2GU9bv5AAbfDYWb1J2pawqVngclsRMY2hBrXcW2OvElWQhV29Lf/s320/foyer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462321381721960722" border="0" /></a>The living room yellow was not too bad, but again, a bit old and out dated for our tastes. We are also into distinct accent colors; and to achieve a good accent, you need to have a quite, simple background... So we have moved into clean, contemporary, yet "house appropriate" neutrals. The foyer before and during painting...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZoGeVgKrO9ojLkDImha56w-Fv1bagdniS7PSGpiQ2cB3m1smJ47PgsLgMPuWbO93rL1iLycA-Dj6m_kkndHHLEd8vrp7GDjscb8XxF4OGKAdxHHkTwHmMQC0PVeCz9QcU19vv5WY76b1/s1600/foyer+before+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 101px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZoGeVgKrO9ojLkDImha56w-Fv1bagdniS7PSGpiQ2cB3m1smJ47PgsLgMPuWbO93rL1iLycA-Dj6m_kkndHHLEd8vrp7GDjscb8XxF4OGKAdxHHkTwHmMQC0PVeCz9QcU19vv5WY76b1/s320/foyer+before+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462320308765569746" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4DESVbGDeZRGNRjS5Jj5fTIBeyIkDFoFP4qnzzKNjfn0ipKmLhUBwsN-dsAedlws7NYfOlZcvm5ZI3ajA_JXIsKraD7TG6YoFZJPlSybn0IcavlwP0iczLDgY6_4it-z4ogbf1P0NALY/s1600/foyer+before.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 101px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4DESVbGDeZRGNRjS5Jj5fTIBeyIkDFoFP4qnzzKNjfn0ipKmLhUBwsN-dsAedlws7NYfOlZcvm5ZI3ajA_JXIsKraD7TG6YoFZJPlSybn0IcavlwP0iczLDgY6_4it-z4ogbf1P0NALY/s320/foyer+before.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462320305295633490" border="0" /></a>The updated foyer.... and YES, we are getting a new light - more on that later<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuuIAliNYODICJAgMEhZZwdBrW9NdgCoVdXssNXBDeab4xoB1HN6jQEFm-npwWNl6_xaOulWeKV3qr3mNtIjX7d7O291C4Omu09CU5GzGyFaYPwKl8toqRWdeYcqtQj6QdirUk6jQUwBH/s1600/foyer+after+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 85px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuuIAliNYODICJAgMEhZZwdBrW9NdgCoVdXssNXBDeab4xoB1HN6jQEFm-npwWNl6_xaOulWeKV3qr3mNtIjX7d7O291C4Omu09CU5GzGyFaYPwKl8toqRWdeYcqtQj6QdirUk6jQUwBH/s320/foyer+after+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462320299112476914" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtjI102gxop5JaJK59p9ppU-YmfpiPlMxQEfRVSUf-_OCCJsXu1uymCQ2GFGL-aYJAJSUmY0kFJH_RHAWAkUtdDOvXwvI1QikpYedKl2j7PUJnUdbq6foM7gnwt6X36p7CrFmeVgiWxIV/s1600/foyer+after.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 110px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtjI102gxop5JaJK59p9ppU-YmfpiPlMxQEfRVSUf-_OCCJsXu1uymCQ2GFGL-aYJAJSUmY0kFJH_RHAWAkUtdDOvXwvI1QikpYedKl2j7PUJnUdbq6foM7gnwt6X36p7CrFmeVgiWxIV/s320/foyer+after.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462320293462443410" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZH1GEQUeJLYSCf9t4jK_unH1J2bKatVYu_mRz_L81V04Co3cPmP8igKAe0ZEFKitDMhotxlZ0-_3eqtUAOKJ1yIvfA2iy4N8bxSpKxtWcSNbn4jmJQ_9tJlO1xVpeNy6g_XcqY-UprHC/s1600/foyey+look+up.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZH1GEQUeJLYSCf9t4jK_unH1J2bKatVYu_mRz_L81V04Co3cPmP8igKAe0ZEFKitDMhotxlZ0-_3eqtUAOKJ1yIvfA2iy4N8bxSpKxtWcSNbn4jmJQ_9tJlO1xVpeNy6g_XcqY-UprHC/s320/foyey+look+up.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462320319369251090" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I know in the pictures it may look like "white" but the actual tone is quite charming, "Silky Bamboo" is the color, and it has a warm, bright tone to it. The remnant green at the top of the stairs belongs to the rest of the blue green upstairs. THOUGH.. seeing the pop of color at the top of the stirs has moved us to plan on placing a bright print on that wall.<br /><br />The simple living room with a new sectional.. in the picture it's hard to tell the color change, but trust us.. it's great! We chose "Baja" for the living room.. and in the first pick you can see the color difference between the yellow and the new color ( on the bottom )<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KpFh-QoGSAl_qMcso-MKiwAiw165ufKrvDbowUURsiG0C9i17G9PVVsEuix5h4hhKsy2AWFC6pMwcsblcq8BcXusp0-099SPt0VZG4d7FGJCOLk02gufUEZEpmV94O-DjfJtnFz3QwAa/s1600/paint069.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KpFh-QoGSAl_qMcso-MKiwAiw165ufKrvDbowUURsiG0C9i17G9PVVsEuix5h4hhKsy2AWFC6pMwcsblcq8BcXusp0-099SPt0VZG4d7FGJCOLk02gufUEZEpmV94O-DjfJtnFz3QwAa/s320/paint069.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462322341456625282" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsHASy2iEUac192iDBHcw-2aCqzKo3BLj_nPzQHeDZ2kgPif1j-w_Td-3InPFUbeZp-RZmVY1Xj2Q98a1Aa7VmhAB0W_Qtd7pbZXTl98wtZi8nI86BUAgWF9_44Lb6P9T1cuZZBRRx8yk/s1600/paint051.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsHASy2iEUac192iDBHcw-2aCqzKo3BLj_nPzQHeDZ2kgPif1j-w_Td-3InPFUbeZp-RZmVY1Xj2Q98a1Aa7VmhAB0W_Qtd7pbZXTl98wtZi8nI86BUAgWF9_44Lb6P9T1cuZZBRRx8yk/s320/paint051.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462322334088815090" border="0" /></a>All in all we really like the clean bright look of the foyer and stairs, and the comfy living room...<br />Next - the foyer light and spring time outdoors in the wood!steve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238710013793994028.post-86045446391912858572009-12-22T16:07:00.000-08:002009-12-22T16:33:04.120-08:00All aglow...<div>We thought we'd share a few images of our first Christmas season in our new home</div><div></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0v7j2ox3GR6FVbRRJYCpykVcuJqlGTt7JFQr6Xg_TF5FbKPL-iwdHabm8AlJHMSrTfaLdm_ghmyNHYzazvaWV7GZEnwXNJ1c6jZPqHeV-ttlQRQBYmS3UV7L8Uxqwl7CsWbzvzPnwmuC/s1600-h/re+5+copy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 219px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418220084578345810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0v7j2ox3GR6FVbRRJYCpykVcuJqlGTt7JFQr6Xg_TF5FbKPL-iwdHabm8AlJHMSrTfaLdm_ghmyNHYzazvaWV7GZEnwXNJ1c6jZPqHeV-ttlQRQBYmS3UV7L8Uxqwl7CsWbzvzPnwmuC/s320/re+5+copy.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1oMzVy3eXpnmL2lvpStolGiltvBLuIY-I2NF_A4Tv5xdFAaiTxCwm9V9JtzXXVb50eykdhGQO3zFjvTrn6kiiAOVHzEBf-qER2mALlBZAdw4PNXwU2X-KOsUw4-vlOTaGHAOluclqXHI/s1600-h/IMG_6516.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418220078602803986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1oMzVy3eXpnmL2lvpStolGiltvBLuIY-I2NF_A4Tv5xdFAaiTxCwm9V9JtzXXVb50eykdhGQO3zFjvTrn6kiiAOVHzEBf-qER2mALlBZAdw4PNXwU2X-KOsUw4-vlOTaGHAOluclqXHI/s320/IMG_6516.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418220074713800194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKxr6kf_ZEIRe91-lNL1Oa7V1ujjSLMBNeYkrSDBDbstHV4j6lfngj_xE3cQDKyIqN4akvFKpzIiV_iFCyKLZGfF3oh1EsDVO97F_w9Q6-mox_6HporwQUpxm6lr7Qa5w8ACmkiKpSfcr/s320/IMG_6481.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>The ever so angelic Mockadore ( big laugh ) getting her Christmas Present</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418219434585823762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0B5u1_TKR-mGcdOsqcMHYejG16esG3XZtnwxAd8Xsd4rkAX64PGFP_B5ncZbQFaiPduW5byv7kZ-COel064Zy7xzjWufzGt_TlspM2-q6GDz_9fwFu2Qv9dcVNHP3kWVH_MX18y1OKoR/s320/IMG_6910.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 226px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 148px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418221074633892466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrdWiNxrwPU_Vz8BAVtZ7BeUubIwRz68v7C2RjMd8VYmyeucvq8ijtBgGaYZqopjoJj2CaDM0txDmcf5C7mQ8Kbf0Ix8LZA0chUKOlS-Z_LxThn3e84pWw-0-muwBaP_N8Kc2Grrumkxb/s320/IMG_6920.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>and we were lucky to bring along some old friends and great memories into our new home</div><div><br /><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NCs-_xyU0ldEHBYjZ7iAFS0EsLtuNw0VXRPxUpmdtkHvJhrcDrbUJbtOPDkXH3DOhL4Up9QyuayoLrx-BOpMt0l8j-L5D9lQgFadeE-HbRFAPBJ8lfUTN8S9FJG-NsscsvN4oJMcWOgN/s1600-h/IMG_6953.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418219430458640018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NCs-_xyU0ldEHBYjZ7iAFS0EsLtuNw0VXRPxUpmdtkHvJhrcDrbUJbtOPDkXH3DOhL4Up9QyuayoLrx-BOpMt0l8j-L5D9lQgFadeE-HbRFAPBJ8lfUTN8S9FJG-NsscsvN4oJMcWOgN/s320/IMG_6953.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4Iu4RtL7xy_NXo4nh1PgxSURhKyp70ZUh-ql5-WZvEPlOmQxfI20fIa7Sy2iAmnbefZdvAc9hFea4FxrAi0ZYgYZ9-h0pgOussAN3UAAWRQM0CVwyFP7r8bwyWjmqMVMsFSmHXEvnMGx/s1600-h/IMG_6952.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418219421791143554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4Iu4RtL7xy_NXo4nh1PgxSURhKyp70ZUh-ql5-WZvEPlOmQxfI20fIa7Sy2iAmnbefZdvAc9hFea4FxrAi0ZYgYZ9-h0pgOussAN3UAAWRQM0CVwyFP7r8bwyWjmqMVMsFSmHXEvnMGx/s320/IMG_6952.JPG" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJyPKXvZMMZbTNl_wyXnGgiWsCV49sa_cglhJ9enaxAOQjDGkC0b5A8MgwV90Ib2Bc2rfW8icDfmS3wW4xamZxiLiscxAG0fKVkP7tYLnBpTuGvWMJ7Ds4WOwYlexo-1hUrAFjX3HKrYa/s1600-h/IMG_6950.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418219418567528594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJyPKXvZMMZbTNl_wyXnGgiWsCV49sa_cglhJ9enaxAOQjDGkC0b5A8MgwV90Ib2Bc2rfW8icDfmS3wW4xamZxiLiscxAG0fKVkP7tYLnBpTuGvWMJ7Ds4WOwYlexo-1hUrAFjX3HKrYa/s320/IMG_6950.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p> </p><p>Happy New Year to everyone - Let's make it a great one!</p>steve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238710013793994028.post-73115055311161913222009-12-17T12:52:00.000-08:002009-12-17T13:37:49.199-08:00Blue ChristmasThis will be a relatively quick post with a few pictures.<br /><br />We decided to tackle the kitchen, partially at least. In the long run we would love to get new counter-tops, cabinets, floors and ceiling. This is a task and investment that will need to come later. For now though we decided to rid ourselves of the checkered /plaid wall paper in hopes to move the space into a more simple and clean looking space... less fussy.<br /><br />So, below is an image sequence with a few descriptions now and then.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSEHknFTq349efwb-QFoI3AFngflkRS_4s2IelSVZ2WTReNCqqiNnyI4bZobXvHQNNDc2C3dwZ7zEVgQDfkXnQyOnU3z76yefL3vqKI3b2Gxyh9CAj4TtvEa6iOwa4nviOGnjraOuxOp1/s1600-h/Kicthen055.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSEHknFTq349efwb-QFoI3AFngflkRS_4s2IelSVZ2WTReNCqqiNnyI4bZobXvHQNNDc2C3dwZ7zEVgQDfkXnQyOnU3z76yefL3vqKI3b2Gxyh9CAj4TtvEa6iOwa4nviOGnjraOuxOp1/s320/Kicthen055.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416316640286967426" border="0" /></a>A beautiful shot of the "before" walls... The majority of open wall is near the " back" of the kitchen, towards the rear door and first for bath / laundry. Most of the other walls are occupied by cabinets.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCjmwSZoS9xrKCIJwYpvLgP8CE0Z_AaDG1OU-svrd2rKU71aVAT8ssW_oc9yMuGz5M364bxv8qmHxb9m5pg7LJEOR-ul9jrBDBTUKI41LYSVMFdovocje7PM5bKfpw8t6HO3pWJPVY4UO/s1600-h/Kicthen054.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCjmwSZoS9xrKCIJwYpvLgP8CE0Z_AaDG1OU-svrd2rKU71aVAT8ssW_oc9yMuGz5M364bxv8qmHxb9m5pg7LJEOR-ul9jrBDBTUKI41LYSVMFdovocje7PM5bKfpw8t6HO3pWJPVY4UO/s320/Kicthen054.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416316646982470914" border="0" /></a><br />When we began to take down the wallpaper we soon found that there were TWO layers of paper to remove, with the second layer being painted / sized over. This made the process VERY difficult and time consuming. Add to that all the odd nooks and slivers of wall that needed to be treated and you end up with late nights and sore backs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1zdO-VtOxEIT9Q74iCoBbjPpYsIbA8WGhlt_xeiCOOerMcfWKl4C-XmIvZhxCNlCSgnrCbK0B73fu8xa5zi_P0DeWUTes5-FfQMs-1vvZB1eFk5WmNvCB3lr8nstib1MRCXHhOXeDlyS/s1600-h/Kicthen048.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1zdO-VtOxEIT9Q74iCoBbjPpYsIbA8WGhlt_xeiCOOerMcfWKl4C-XmIvZhxCNlCSgnrCbK0B73fu8xa5zi_P0DeWUTes5-FfQMs-1vvZB1eFk5WmNvCB3lr8nstib1MRCXHhOXeDlyS/s320/Kicthen048.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416316651511464162" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2g_ttDuBLSGYOJjJI8nuWwPfD9ZxoC0RGrrHYkLhcWc2J9WqHlYXYbT0tWRXBY3_195uijpUlFJGwL_eCxTMUo7pZ8b52VvsXP8HmMzMqUSNp1IW169ZO7llVK_7b6RSRPGZnnGdLalX/s1600-h/Kicthen037.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2g_ttDuBLSGYOJjJI8nuWwPfD9ZxoC0RGrrHYkLhcWc2J9WqHlYXYbT0tWRXBY3_195uijpUlFJGwL_eCxTMUo7pZ8b52VvsXP8HmMzMqUSNp1IW169ZO7llVK_7b6RSRPGZnnGdLalX/s320/Kicthen037.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416320211125648594" border="0" /></a>We decided to go with a color in the blue range, which was also a hard choice. Trying to find just the right hue that went well with the warm wood color as well as the cabinets that we are keeping for the moment was hard task. In the end we believe we found one that fits with the style of the home as well as all the odd tones in the kitchen.<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLLX7I0BeVywELErzXcOZZHu2-rMmxdPMibTecnziJVnWVlSAkMpby8QwHGp8flcvAjjJPUQk54p-ytEfh37POvp-bDmvfQpf1nZ_jLREJc3DMw07o2hq9QoXhhzNvIuWsviR-GpN0oVe/s1600-h/Kicthen041.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLLX7I0BeVywELErzXcOZZHu2-rMmxdPMibTecnziJVnWVlSAkMpby8QwHGp8flcvAjjJPUQk54p-ytEfh37POvp-bDmvfQpf1nZ_jLREJc3DMw07o2hq9QoXhhzNvIuWsviR-GpN0oVe/s320/Kicthen041.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416316658769749714" border="0" /></a>And in the end, the result was well worth all the hard work in our eyes...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_WF6Gos8XXO7CUaiQFxB5gqhqcIx4XOXTvaIqZwoKyMay4ZQUpCEoxIfgP0pym4HWYszaRhjX1aUZhl8X_y1MkXtOe9jf-iPbgFFBtv3U25rWYnEuRJctTbWzWYrGfJkff6IeNloVpUo/s1600-h/Kicthen002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_WF6Gos8XXO7CUaiQFxB5gqhqcIx4XOXTvaIqZwoKyMay4ZQUpCEoxIfgP0pym4HWYszaRhjX1aUZhl8X_y1MkXtOe9jf-iPbgFFBtv3U25rWYnEuRJctTbWzWYrGfJkff6IeNloVpUo/s320/Kicthen002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416322403723246258" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4PlAQxE3tXz6S_sE2iTe4IkgOyrYqCEKAcC5NYSUey2fz_nudoSfcP4W919Yiuq4y5IoGcAuzKpS8POomzuX3dLdDyHd4g7y7lfGSYqb7kDKPCMPGn8Sdz63px3GPb2PnkGcOw7Ku_cF/s1600-h/Kicthen012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4PlAQxE3tXz6S_sE2iTe4IkgOyrYqCEKAcC5NYSUey2fz_nudoSfcP4W919Yiuq4y5IoGcAuzKpS8POomzuX3dLdDyHd4g7y7lfGSYqb7kDKPCMPGn8Sdz63px3GPb2PnkGcOw7Ku_cF/s320/Kicthen012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416318968141699186" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxsCwJD2llVcOunpSWBoqfUwwOyHvo9enASDUYi2yqr8Nyx5kiSxYf7UPwZXvFUdhXIQwUT7jgB1LE-_cUyr4kenVWBpowl7YOIYqEzrGLUDx4sFrPVhX1kRlKhrV8JxGxyODV8_cQ5HK/s1600-h/Kicthen009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxsCwJD2llVcOunpSWBoqfUwwOyHvo9enASDUYi2yqr8Nyx5kiSxYf7UPwZXvFUdhXIQwUT7jgB1LE-_cUyr4kenVWBpowl7YOIYqEzrGLUDx4sFrPVhX1kRlKhrV8JxGxyODV8_cQ5HK/s320/Kicthen009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416322065579663010" border="0" /></a><br />We had very nice toile curtains that Wife made which have both the buff and blue colors in them. They really bring the space all together. Who knows - Obama has promised us a nice first time home-buyer pick me up in the new year which may go to complete the kitchen (or possibly towards another room in our home)steve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238710013793994028.post-56660877992262357902009-11-16T07:48:00.000-08:002009-11-16T08:49:10.856-08:00Where have all the flowers gone...WAIT.. WHAT IS THIS?!?!? AN ACTUAL POSTING!!!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, yes, yes... its been quite a while since a posting so here we go with another exciting adventure into home rehab / repair...</div><br />To bring everyone up to speed, we have had quite an eventful summer and fall; one which drew us away from the home on many a weekend. Now, as the leaves have fallen and the chill of New England fall / winter settles around us, we find ourselves in the home during the weekends more often.<br /><br />Our eyes and ambitions focus on the interior and how we can slowly make our home more "our" home. One location that has been on our shortlist as well as a thorn on our side for quite some time now is the first floor bath / laundry. In case you have forgotten the beauty which is this small room, please take a moment to reflect on the images below.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSV2SDA05TsPhNbznMkmLQz6fYMFFQLYCQbxGPoqZy7oHwnKr32xiLRPkc3kkMmg15vNBROFLfh2ry-aZre6p0tSzAe8Jj1JhBu2VN9Muas3cq65a3VVavL2HAyd26Y2DA9MyBqVhdEhWc/s1600/1st+floor+bath_laundry.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSV2SDA05TsPhNbznMkmLQz6fYMFFQLYCQbxGPoqZy7oHwnKr32xiLRPkc3kkMmg15vNBROFLfh2ry-aZre6p0tSzAe8Jj1JhBu2VN9Muas3cq65a3VVavL2HAyd26Y2DA9MyBqVhdEhWc/s320/1st+floor+bath_laundry.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404739174411387186" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAztDDiyKmZ5dZioOTOu-IjqImjfGvUHfjGiJS_ago_K6hM43YkHMa1QTR6054neyNCwhdAD53PnWyhNi7wxjMUMEaXiY1rPvSjmpCKPa5rZIbvaDvlAb1JXAKRAuVCPUcsvLS_hrKpC1F/s1600/image007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAztDDiyKmZ5dZioOTOu-IjqImjfGvUHfjGiJS_ago_K6hM43YkHMa1QTR6054neyNCwhdAD53PnWyhNi7wxjMUMEaXiY1rPvSjmpCKPa5rZIbvaDvlAb1JXAKRAuVCPUcsvLS_hrKpC1F/s320/image007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404739154343468242" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7yE70e-nOq0msjZeFIC9Hl0lCBm0fPY_aMOYG8SFqaUyzrOWF222XpsFw1hSVR3_KLMmTf5jcTc1I7J0fA_noinGdVwb5h5o4d7JKGdGbvM3gIRnUIeO1j0XVYvbdaXfpkOGbOZNnyHw/s1600/image002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7yE70e-nOq0msjZeFIC9Hl0lCBm0fPY_aMOYG8SFqaUyzrOWF222XpsFw1hSVR3_KLMmTf5jcTc1I7J0fA_noinGdVwb5h5o4d7JKGdGbvM3gIRnUIeO1j0XVYvbdaXfpkOGbOZNnyHw/s320/image002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404739151514163106" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytTiox_U1eOymNAqwA57SVh8peuYvZQwn7SgYy7aghufnjiuItZZTfU0ZltyQswxeckVUFT1PJ5eQI_t1bCmnF9NYh7ohK-7LKl-pe2Y-nmCrtDYmSerFH2Wa4Ym_w4rPQdpdvVOD9XsX/s1600/image009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytTiox_U1eOymNAqwA57SVh8peuYvZQwn7SgYy7aghufnjiuItZZTfU0ZltyQswxeckVUFT1PJ5eQI_t1bCmnF9NYh7ohK-7LKl-pe2Y-nmCrtDYmSerFH2Wa4Ym_w4rPQdpdvVOD9XsX/s320/image009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404739164444805986" border="0" /></a><br />Serenity was not precedent in this decorating scheme - and we sought to bring a tad of calm to the space, be it that it is so small and being asked to serve multiple tasks ( "public" bathroom / laundry )<br />I had a week free from work recently and decided to attack the space head-on! One major hurdle in working in the small space was the large washer and dryer, that remained in the space during the rehab. I'm a limber guy, but not THAT limber; so sufficient to say, certain joints and muscles are still expressing their discomfort. First task - rid the space of the oh-so-beautiful floral pattern.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnA-oVt2rTN5IdWLm1gv5JCzdcbgdqH0X6vDxmLo4SQgqtamyJVGaKi61zykW6wtahS3A9pqbC7YPmX4M8hVJg8Rb-Xuh0fExWQ1j5HzbEFo85yBW4LNm5BQ2tDTHHKWZX7ms8wzx8yeRK/s1600/image014.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnA-oVt2rTN5IdWLm1gv5JCzdcbgdqH0X6vDxmLo4SQgqtamyJVGaKi61zykW6wtahS3A9pqbC7YPmX4M8hVJg8Rb-Xuh0fExWQ1j5HzbEFo85yBW4LNm5BQ2tDTHHKWZX7ms8wzx8yeRK/s320/image014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404739176764673026" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggixtkYrzHT_cvIks-htTCvsnfQS_iToXYyTsViWZnmjJ9hyX9w68kiThgv4zLgW1pnau5TkHOqC5e_Px6xIGvKYIahrmQU6y_Mcq9oZT1W5-C-dO9fNJj882rZWgBnT_u0o4MATUqqHXZ/s1600/image016.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggixtkYrzHT_cvIks-htTCvsnfQS_iToXYyTsViWZnmjJ9hyX9w68kiThgv4zLgW1pnau5TkHOqC5e_Px6xIGvKYIahrmQU6y_Mcq9oZT1W5-C-dO9fNJj882rZWgBnT_u0o4MATUqqHXZ/s320/image016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404740105212045170" border="0" /></a><br />There seemed to be a feeble attempt at a base board and chair rail that the previous owner threw on the walls. That too was out!<br /><br />Discovery is a wonderful thing, and past, patched holes in walls, tight piping joints / runs and large gaps between floors and walls were par for the course. We briefly toyed with the idea of removing the drop ceiling ( which WILL happen in the future ) but we soon found that it may take a bit more time and money that we had originally allotted to this rehab.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvMOjUaSnkwYWm8ianOSFaW4ENj6NlQOlWCr0_KBGXQBpfEBW8jS-U7-LWyRhNHxslRRHd8NUM6ZSmKj6aKQXMWaTN5XvDJMq2VAX8ftWNYSCeBjhWg8KcmAAyntMKUlzbPy1-Oy0dxnW/s1600/image013.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvMOjUaSnkwYWm8ianOSFaW4ENj6NlQOlWCr0_KBGXQBpfEBW8jS-U7-LWyRhNHxslRRHd8NUM6ZSmKj6aKQXMWaTN5XvDJMq2VAX8ftWNYSCeBjhWg8KcmAAyntMKUlzbPy1-Oy0dxnW/s320/image013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404740099460451426" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_8xEyw-KyrFwFJ89KYmois9EpzFrKi_LuyUQt02TMexJgHQC7mIN6Sg6rpHZ-SNYn9ORw8SqcjoZA2eBxrv7QOarybfBzUgenzCEcxpOgMG6RSUs16Y1o2t74V0K-82lh4mtEpzf1bff/s1600/image022.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_8xEyw-KyrFwFJ89KYmois9EpzFrKi_LuyUQt02TMexJgHQC7mIN6Sg6rpHZ-SNYn9ORw8SqcjoZA2eBxrv7QOarybfBzUgenzCEcxpOgMG6RSUs16Y1o2t74V0K-82lh4mtEpzf1bff/s320/image022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404740112092155042" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgtXL9m-s_kZbCg812d3bT6mvsohZvOacPBwEcV5hFa79CbnH4IdnhOH9xxFYPe9CkAgDuvcTQxURO07mPohzgv3cIO36IBZu26SirL0otO2yH4U6GQeIiYGhyEmRFgHPVlHksIErhWYD/s1600/image018.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgtXL9m-s_kZbCg812d3bT6mvsohZvOacPBwEcV5hFa79CbnH4IdnhOH9xxFYPe9CkAgDuvcTQxURO07mPohzgv3cIO36IBZu26SirL0otO2yH4U6GQeIiYGhyEmRFgHPVlHksIErhWYD/s320/image018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404740110928563234" border="0" /></a><br />After priming and patching, the room was ready to receive its new color - Mountain Haze~ a subdued light green ( that we felt could work with the dark green and white tile floor which was to remain )<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JzZ6Qq1cAvJUW0EVUX6tb47MYH-8bh3PKdl85jEohfrcXxF6SV7n5qNHMaOHZNDfNmSeOV_TcsXBWAToa_47OUQHh4_zkDhsECzE_jqMNeJCXZa061gxd9haq4guK9edaeU90Vyvsd1u/s1600/image024.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JzZ6Qq1cAvJUW0EVUX6tb47MYH-8bh3PKdl85jEohfrcXxF6SV7n5qNHMaOHZNDfNmSeOV_TcsXBWAToa_47OUQHh4_zkDhsECzE_jqMNeJCXZa061gxd9haq4guK9edaeU90Vyvsd1u/s320/image024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404740117205226258" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPVDM0YqR0dicP1G7QK57z_arNxf0HgUUmtTs7y5_u__EFUOiK9uPciAsD3BRwXQdg8CPbZnNVKbee01Pik4x-JlX8uNDZcaNCJDO0vvetH-spLGrQ_sRbBO0cEuHKR8t-J6nvhqo4fKL/s1600/image031.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPVDM0YqR0dicP1G7QK57z_arNxf0HgUUmtTs7y5_u__EFUOiK9uPciAsD3BRwXQdg8CPbZnNVKbee01Pik4x-JlX8uNDZcaNCJDO0vvetH-spLGrQ_sRbBO0cEuHKR8t-J6nvhqo4fKL/s320/image031.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404740909518259874" border="0" /></a><br />And why, you ask, would we chose to keep that lovely GUT-WRENCHING-OFF-GREEN lower wall color? Because we LOVE IT! .. no... because we decided to cover the lower wall with a proper white wainscot, baseboard and chair rail - once again, trying to unify the room, and brighten up the lower, darker floor area.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXAxg3aCnqGuUyT4tAe3lCu0Uy4uoL8-77pd8askIDRAMvuPdGAyYXIYla9kwCWf0ri9qNmwM7Zf-yFfW-T0-eacMtypz2pBEifMxmKIeAMNfqfe6pR97H-TwPuAqhR6spEVcMnKXozOH/s1600/image041.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXAxg3aCnqGuUyT4tAe3lCu0Uy4uoL8-77pd8askIDRAMvuPdGAyYXIYla9kwCWf0ri9qNmwM7Zf-yFfW-T0-eacMtypz2pBEifMxmKIeAMNfqfe6pR97H-TwPuAqhR6spEVcMnKXozOH/s320/image041.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404740923801089810" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsA-yo2K1jEIQlsmtuHzBT-MSIlikJwFdPO8kd8YhD9zaTo0pbpEb-WKPh1WYdtBSXPADE7AXyLXFeejZO1QXrej15f0Ej0McNgC97QX9wQG0vqtEkE11h7tDVl-6wTPTkSi4A6O3fuhCJ/s1600/image029.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsA-yo2K1jEIQlsmtuHzBT-MSIlikJwFdPO8kd8YhD9zaTo0pbpEb-WKPh1WYdtBSXPADE7AXyLXFeejZO1QXrej15f0Ej0McNgC97QX9wQG0vqtEkE11h7tDVl-6wTPTkSi4A6O3fuhCJ/s320/image029.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404740913902185202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpy2_8Z_vle2FsIU9W0JFY8b0t_c43_kH6Da9mtuME8JuK9Y8ypPLdrViJSUzqoFe1xJ5Bp6ZHSVHcbtSn1OAmoxecoh0MnTUykcxLw-j0PjTRJfYHff3S6LGP15vJ12-SGIasWZB0NVc/s1600/image034.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpy2_8Z_vle2FsIU9W0JFY8b0t_c43_kH6Da9mtuME8JuK9Y8ypPLdrViJSUzqoFe1xJ5Bp6ZHSVHcbtSn1OAmoxecoh0MnTUykcxLw-j0PjTRJfYHff3S6LGP15vJ12-SGIasWZB0NVc/s320/image034.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404740920094736706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQI2vYy3Q9jip7y1oTn6HijzaUqlIpJG95ma3bXRrRsm3qw6vaQeUOY-htSiUjOcevtG-BNHcAa8VlyX75FVJ_WDKJHu4aDuVJ4MEoFfnbMVjZtusNe7QOL7muXmTfFO4fU5YRik5d89v/s1600/image042.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQI2vYy3Q9jip7y1oTn6HijzaUqlIpJG95ma3bXRrRsm3qw6vaQeUOY-htSiUjOcevtG-BNHcAa8VlyX75FVJ_WDKJHu4aDuVJ4MEoFfnbMVjZtusNe7QOL7muXmTfFO4fU5YRik5d89v/s320/image042.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404740931594005890" border="0" /></a><br />Working in the tight space / with no-true 90 degree corners, around pipes and laundry machines, trying to cut the board and trim angles correctly was quite a task, but in the end the result is quite nice.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhvw0TJQ3zNbQ9jKeL0aTCrA09geLUk3CgOU6zQr2HVJodPaZl1anr40V60LYeBfAWn2NnC0G1bpFkOze1gruYMEI7UKtw7H5DozFHH-J5hfLn57Wdf8joB0DarK3qJ6DQ403ZReRg-Mg/s1600/image045.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhvw0TJQ3zNbQ9jKeL0aTCrA09geLUk3CgOU6zQr2HVJodPaZl1anr40V60LYeBfAWn2NnC0G1bpFkOze1gruYMEI7UKtw7H5DozFHH-J5hfLn57Wdf8joB0DarK3qJ6DQ403ZReRg-Mg/s320/image045.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404741798021158354" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryum0tS00S4ZWuWRPwtVvRKp_j4pxFu8HewfekEd_WMlONqpZW_dP2VcgMXDvSP7WF5LqHuBvys3TbyDlcIdk4_qdmojAn8MJYigu7m0Da42-X99uRI2Hqtmp0jKZML3Lmo81VvTVbhQp/s1600/image052.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryum0tS00S4ZWuWRPwtVvRKp_j4pxFu8HewfekEd_WMlONqpZW_dP2VcgMXDvSP7WF5LqHuBvys3TbyDlcIdk4_qdmojAn8MJYigu7m0Da42-X99uRI2Hqtmp0jKZML3Lmo81VvTVbhQp/s320/image052.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404741799956461522" border="0" /></a><br />We also replaced the cabinet hardware ( along with putting the doors on right side up - if you are interested, look back at the old pictures and notice that they were originally installed upside down... don't ask... ) We also said goodbye to the shell-shaped toilet seat. You will be truly missed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiSL94zw19G_ai8uQ5s1On8WEg7sAn934vpXI8s5iTMYqK_ptRAxcoSEBvUrxU3nHFyJ4Gty8irg0C6yiyB7o78MR_lwXn1dEHo4sAEyr7viAybmiF0vIlow1VYlCQcSnmUn01h9iwagF/s1600/image048.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiSL94zw19G_ai8uQ5s1On8WEg7sAn934vpXI8s5iTMYqK_ptRAxcoSEBvUrxU3nHFyJ4Gty8irg0C6yiyB7o78MR_lwXn1dEHo4sAEyr7viAybmiF0vIlow1VYlCQcSnmUn01h9iwagF/s320/image048.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404741808859298226" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ35_pjuGaGQ5NcLuOhe0BWY9bPhyphenhyphen-KUKaefR4DmudPr9Sa5LQMCcltbCeIOwZTBEZZ8mdnA6HHcZzdlB2-yYOzOcRA5RNdXNV2u3cboPZ96nejD0aQ2uKRK0s-wXRREEjltug4qdsz46f/s1600/image050.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ35_pjuGaGQ5NcLuOhe0BWY9bPhyphenhyphen-KUKaefR4DmudPr9Sa5LQMCcltbCeIOwZTBEZZ8mdnA6HHcZzdlB2-yYOzOcRA5RNdXNV2u3cboPZ96nejD0aQ2uKRK0s-wXRREEjltug4qdsz46f/s320/image050.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404741813547488626" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9C3wb1AxR2FCoy3_dO3OhSZe2-WnwWwrWcebEQWwxE3kP7lAw3oeI-1HHLBtn4YS5qLfSZPH0xFZtY_9xT8TTTILA3l241BAx2fY41SeS8aSezML_VZtFS_aWggnYxGqgW3nbLb7nXdv/s1600/image046.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9C3wb1AxR2FCoy3_dO3OhSZe2-WnwWwrWcebEQWwxE3kP7lAw3oeI-1HHLBtn4YS5qLfSZPH0xFZtY_9xT8TTTILA3l241BAx2fY41SeS8aSezML_VZtFS_aWggnYxGqgW3nbLb7nXdv/s320/image046.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404741804718411186" border="0" /></a><br />To freshen up the space, all the trim along with the new woodwork received a fresh coat of pure white paint ( Wife is always right! ) Future minor updates will include a new wash mirror, probably a tall oval one, old laundry prints in frames, and a some sort of curtain divider between the laundry equipment and the washroom space ( for parties and such ) I will post additional images when those amendments arrive.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJW74z06B07A9LV82npFavn3YbxDdJEV6nMB5L7kRt9AIDqBjjeNNm3I6Q6Cr2dXh5p1ihwGIUdyRJiRUzQeGR7zCLgEoc9-3e3xqMkkFuHalgUQDhR_3YK3F-u972Kn9-_0ox0NvVRlHX/s1600/image055.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJW74z06B07A9LV82npFavn3YbxDdJEV6nMB5L7kRt9AIDqBjjeNNm3I6Q6Cr2dXh5p1ihwGIUdyRJiRUzQeGR7zCLgEoc9-3e3xqMkkFuHalgUQDhR_3YK3F-u972Kn9-_0ox0NvVRlHX/s320/image055.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404742888615811346" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaWdo-CGOxCptlShHo2bjwxW6I4uBCnXbufHnRaQYyTzDwJ3xdKaAQcvjmWmRawZ7VKAdGtucAPnbqHA995wwKaCf_0klX863KUONA4JmQaPFYur3tNR-AQZqbl9PewwCv9E0UbiK520A/s1600/image058.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaWdo-CGOxCptlShHo2bjwxW6I4uBCnXbufHnRaQYyTzDwJ3xdKaAQcvjmWmRawZ7VKAdGtucAPnbqHA995wwKaCf_0klX863KUONA4JmQaPFYur3tNR-AQZqbl9PewwCv9E0UbiK520A/s320/image058.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404742892772025090" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHc0wwcDagrvS1m6A71HquTJlVdfGGagaZX8BQ-Apz732NzoHwQWFgO_nFax-R79Pi9hH9FfHAZKq3sF_4H2ZT4m8-506iVGHP2P0A2nyW21-c-QsG3OZJm_eZatZJ_u3XM_KYFA29_d9/s1600/image060.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHc0wwcDagrvS1m6A71HquTJlVdfGGagaZX8BQ-Apz732NzoHwQWFgO_nFax-R79Pi9hH9FfHAZKq3sF_4H2ZT4m8-506iVGHP2P0A2nyW21-c-QsG3OZJm_eZatZJ_u3XM_KYFA29_d9/s320/image060.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404742898795841090" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwzHHcWFLDywnoLSu656whwAVY6m8qwpyCmjR2UqiiQB97eiIpMHyTpVVXXcwuj2MveBLuhanYovfOU2jxPnbZFsqZyjbyiG7kwIB6MYwdxJM8JINrhgiHJmA0JX-itYuhlLharEUfT8E/s1600/image053.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwzHHcWFLDywnoLSu656whwAVY6m8qwpyCmjR2UqiiQB97eiIpMHyTpVVXXcwuj2MveBLuhanYovfOU2jxPnbZFsqZyjbyiG7kwIB6MYwdxJM8JINrhgiHJmA0JX-itYuhlLharEUfT8E/s320/image053.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404742902972483634" border="0" /></a>steve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238710013793994028.post-26122955673145062502009-07-18T12:29:00.000-07:002009-07-26T09:24:17.244-07:00Where are the Woods?<div>It's Wifey. I've hijacked the blog. I know we've been missing for quite while, but we're doing fine. As it always seems to happen as the weather warms we are finding our lives in fast forward.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzItcv3xYsgnqXkjVcvKmeryzNaAFHkv1_B66xuygdnuRIqBVdmS6gHdFgDM77Pm4cxoKsVpYdnulJw-Cz3L0KCH-QbgtfTtGzVXv_a1Gcn4Pwtg6m55mpPG_lkhYYX6dbw6MEecTD_1QF/s1600-h/IMG_3765.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362769962259055474" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzItcv3xYsgnqXkjVcvKmeryzNaAFHkv1_B66xuygdnuRIqBVdmS6gHdFgDM77Pm4cxoKsVpYdnulJw-Cz3L0KCH-QbgtfTtGzVXv_a1Gcn4Pwtg6m55mpPG_lkhYYX6dbw6MEecTD_1QF/s320/IMG_3765.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The month of <em><span style="color:#ff6666;">May</span></em> passed quickly with lots of yard work to bring it up to the standards of a picky, control-freak and a detail-oriented, designer of fine landscape architecture. We're not there yet.... but we're working on it. We had our first house party on May 16th and it was a huge success. We never actually counted the number of guests but various parts of lives were well represented in the attendants. As we had suspected the house and it's layout are great for entertaining. </p><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWm8KQPyxIOw8QlXmC1NvrPdftePrQmvCPlvD85NNScyDmihp8Z4f8wDqTVv-xaO2_ZbVGpvCYYd6VFUbAMO3zBlyFLiZ_eLUKK8uVNuVjSJ4nAR0FPFtDl6LJea9uqvksTf5DANPmondQ/s1600-h/3560360579_6f4269e2ea.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362771246098335794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWm8KQPyxIOw8QlXmC1NvrPdftePrQmvCPlvD85NNScyDmihp8Z4f8wDqTVv-xaO2_ZbVGpvCYYd6VFUbAMO3zBlyFLiZ_eLUKK8uVNuVjSJ4nAR0FPFtDl6LJea9uqvksTf5DANPmondQ/s320/3560360579_6f4269e2ea.jpg" border="0" /></a>We also attending a wedding of our good friend "Pemberton" in Newport on Memorial Day weekend. It was a beautiful day in a lovely setting with an absolutely stunning bride and her groom. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfBGeKVwFoavcmghw7cA34gNo3sGjnlrIas_1FXM-c2kUqD8wOntzX-pt_N0YWTbBcpoY6cOGU_1I3WXQsuoQm5hGNa9hUuPi6TuS1hyYGuAScBvOtxDQavc1P0h6GI2YHdinIGl0iK_0/s1600-h/3560462559_9476f00ae4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362771911004321506" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfBGeKVwFoavcmghw7cA34gNo3sGjnlrIas_1FXM-c2kUqD8wOntzX-pt_N0YWTbBcpoY6cOGU_1I3WXQsuoQm5hGNa9hUuPi6TuS1hyYGuAScBvOtxDQavc1P0h6GI2YHdinIGl0iK_0/s320/3560462559_9476f00ae4.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NSFrHX945WLU9N5g_myqnl-JRaox-WV2jNQQzUTMWJAo91h03xz7IeJFhlDkE6KspxCAPkreYWxOIyDUdxsT5kbT1H1o1U1zQtmPRFmXcNnIacdqNSydveefJW0IaHl07RuD8t_iciPv/s1600-h/3561344222_c303872a67.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362805034584068178" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NSFrHX945WLU9N5g_myqnl-JRaox-WV2jNQQzUTMWJAo91h03xz7IeJFhlDkE6KspxCAPkreYWxOIyDUdxsT5kbT1H1o1U1zQtmPRFmXcNnIacdqNSydveefJW0IaHl07RuD8t_iciPv/s320/3561344222_c303872a67.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVH-q-e04Z96sZ77kGbg_dxB6q-PJpfEHbIzLWTH1C4QVnTFPR1j7DA7RI-g5MpXHcaEE0IkA9c9fjyhFTuUPR6nnFIXBfOluS-UshLLrblToocC571HK3UhTFR34sFbFFSQLslVk1jF-7/s1600-h/n1824748_9430.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362772564068984562" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVH-q-e04Z96sZ77kGbg_dxB6q-PJpfEHbIzLWTH1C4QVnTFPR1j7DA7RI-g5MpXHcaEE0IkA9c9fjyhFTuUPR6nnFIXBfOluS-UshLLrblToocC571HK3UhTFR34sFbFFSQLslVk1jF-7/s320/n1824748_9430.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnf99aoLWhYKgv9XGxeVxXVi7NvOnoTvoE4ylZwlewgLyRgxNDrCBwJMzFzYDC4jf5Z4ME0rs22pYWV0JwUTtfh0RJxXHiEjjOYU5cQnfZiT5TN8oVz4tcYiGU6h5hZZEeCg7-DJBaH4p/s1600-h/3561344222_c303872a67.jpg"></a> We're famous ......<br /><br /><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Had we have known what the weather in June would bring, we probably would'nt have tried so hard to keep up with the lawn. The <a href="http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/19993945/detail.html">greater Boston area </a>(the Northeast in general) had 22 days of rain in June. It was enough rain that the dog smelled moldy, plants were drowning, the grass was mown wet and we finally gave in and just started doing things in the rain for fear one more day inside would cause cabin fever (red rum, red rum, Tobey red rum).<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qO1XHIsICPI8wQgeBs8uoord8t9ffkMSjqMqfQYOplREZx5l5_aElwTkaXltiRf7m5TdL2q5-vs0QiiBm_6fmseK3lsCxocoozb4Z27dakqbR1tll4h_AaZvZv77Yk8r6HwhaFztpg0n/s1600-h/IMG_3778.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362777306889980658" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qO1XHIsICPI8wQgeBs8uoord8t9ffkMSjqMqfQYOplREZx5l5_aElwTkaXltiRf7m5TdL2q5-vs0QiiBm_6fmseK3lsCxocoozb4Z27dakqbR1tll4h_AaZvZv77Yk8r6HwhaFztpg0n/s320/IMG_3778.JPG" border="0" /></a> The highlight of June was dog training. In addition to the Woods missing from the blogging world you might have also noticed that the "Mockador" has also disappeared. Our little rescue dog turned out to be a <em><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">wild monster</span></strong></em> without any manners. She's incredibly fortunate that she was adopted by a man with the patience of Job and a woman who loves dogs. There were definitely days that I threatened to drive her back to Indiana where she came from. As frustration mounted we enlisted the help of <a href="http://www.professionalpetservices.com/">Laurie of Professional Pet Services</a> in Pembroke, MA. </div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbK2YpPlrIc4x1JoOtO0lDbq0QspPfYYiFNj15vkgQYnc0oxQxHAEqtSk73_7BnfT1B0cuVwiDlPMIHinICjxWuck-lMHmNxILGKbokWGrIS3BhykKv64LRVIPIK1NtQ0P-jj1uqirvnlk/s1600-h/IMG_3775.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362778801118513586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbK2YpPlrIc4x1JoOtO0lDbq0QspPfYYiFNj15vkgQYnc0oxQxHAEqtSk73_7BnfT1B0cuVwiDlPMIHinICjxWuck-lMHmNxILGKbokWGrIS3BhykKv64LRVIPIK1NtQ0P-jj1uqirvnlk/s320/IMG_3775.JPG" border="0" /></a>She and her sister Michelle were not our last resort for the Mockador but they were very close to it. They have a "Dog whisperer" mentality to dog training that allows one on one sessions broken into 4 classes to raise a calm, submissive dog. Today I'm happy to say that while Bella is not yet perfect, I'm no longer thinking of a road trip to the Hoosier state.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfEpuyWW7FCLOQqUrOAqokoyAyJg-PfErGVuGUOquqmrqSstgcjvCBEm0P8ymcEXhhwGzRk-6uqqAzW07iWXnTwyI5J5eK9o1Bwy0o795Is1jtL4FUQlL6lp910Vfv7Q5pKG7MmZbFD30/s1600-h/IMG_3769.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362779546098362834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfEpuyWW7FCLOQqUrOAqokoyAyJg-PfErGVuGUOquqmrqSstgcjvCBEm0P8ymcEXhhwGzRk-6uqqAzW07iWXnTwyI5J5eK9o1Bwy0o795Is1jtL4FUQlL6lp910Vfv7Q5pKG7MmZbFD30/s320/IMG_3769.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><br /><div align="center">"I love my gate!" (thanks Auntie)<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362776797368359058" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHlBdw99unbIMB7dAOfPrq24vQN_XW7jXrQs4C36eR3sUOqiTrNbEPqD8UgHge4GldfeZGITV11Q5FXMmFKd_mavvmc2DULIgDYWk4NhQPup5haxNlnEkI3eE5z4s7YKwAm7UKX7hCail/s320/IMG_3767.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center">"Is there a treat in this for me?"<br /><br />Father's Day weekend found the sisters taking our Dad the Bear for a "Christmas" fishing trip on the <a href="http://www.captbluefin.com/">Sandy B of Gloucester MA</a>. It was one of the rare days in June that the sun shone and we were actually able to head out into the ocean. Although we didn't catch any fish we made memories to enjoy for years to come. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362802270208420418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 215px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHYT2nhxMnKdpGT2nvWo_PCKLtXsgwlOJYizBTmrDEoQGhwQFCV5UhHPLHS3qbG627i4cYkIo20Afd1zNUh2Gj_AHSefY4DIyo8C0gctNO6L77a6EuYwr2_ZtDiwTWe0EuVc5uAZSI-aW/s320/Gloucester_harbor.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>The fog's just lifting. </em><em>Throw off your bow line, throw off your stern. </em><br /><em>You head out to South channel, </em><em>past Rocky Neck, </em><em>Ten pound island. </em><br /><em>Past Niles Pond where I skated as a kid. </em><br /><em>Blow your airhorn and throw a wave to the l</em><em>ighthouse keeper's kid on Thatcher Island. </em><br /><em>Then the birds show up, black backs, herring gulls, big dump ducks and green legged coots. </em><em>The sun hit ya , head North, open up to 12, steamin' now. The guys are busy, you're in charge.</em> <em>Ya know what? You're a goddam swordboat captain!</em><em>Is there any thing better in the world? </em></span><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Sebastian Junger, A Perfect Storm</span></em><br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqk3HRjwlkQxizpnia9dW_bwDr8KsSHWx3nTHMaR9yA9O1P12zXGLBfNx5-Cu7mhvSQNzAtkWdZmTlFFBi02YtlMONclj4c_LUFlR4AM0p5oQBia0c0YklbEBohHyjzTNxjmyMVv-KLcN/s1600-h/IMG_3255.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362787100730208802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 236px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 168px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqk3HRjwlkQxizpnia9dW_bwDr8KsSHWx3nTHMaR9yA9O1P12zXGLBfNx5-Cu7mhvSQNzAtkWdZmTlFFBi02YtlMONclj4c_LUFlR4AM0p5oQBia0c0YklbEBohHyjzTNxjmyMVv-KLcN/s320/IMG_3255.JPG" border="0" /></a>We took our traditional trip to the lake for July 4th weekend. Bella went on her first road trip to meet Sister, TC, EE, TE and the King at my parents cottage. It was a busy weekend filled with a "Flamingo" sighting, a Clarkson reunion, blanket sunbathing, a Mama Ruthie feast to feed the masses and the 4th of July Schamel party. Although the weather was not ideal, "the friendliest boat on the lake" did it's part to make the most of it.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgcrbdyHbzxGjmWdS2_DqlS1t_4N2nHiH5tW4UvEcYrPdGPKtTkQ5qdiNv8fl5ke79I8dMopRbSrLcioe7ux18_wtRhagC62UyyYfyahnLQlzg4EoapehbBKxnhIIBt16YGQkFd9mrtt4/s1600-h/IMG_3368.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362787928439117538" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgcrbdyHbzxGjmWdS2_DqlS1t_4N2nHiH5tW4UvEcYrPdGPKtTkQ5qdiNv8fl5ke79I8dMopRbSrLcioe7ux18_wtRhagC62UyyYfyahnLQlzg4EoapehbBKxnhIIBt16YGQkFd9mrtt4/s320/IMG_3368.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I can't seem to find any other pictures from the weekend- I know it happened, maybe EE can help me out with a link to her photos here.<br /><br /><br />One of the highlights of the party was when my sister decided to break dance. Yep- that's right she was Jenny B from the block.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNebuqPK9ubCf7_nIiNWRlY5_F5NETEX7s-d-ASEqQBpapPuBPAvM0_ZRk9dTzgf9HAIdmkmdQRTjTqHe6fVlndN-_uhMPbO3T0cnOOiUsCc60q25A75JuNssHXTL0_15okWgJpOxt0W8/s1600-h/IMG_3615.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362788542150675090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNebuqPK9ubCf7_nIiNWRlY5_F5NETEX7s-d-ASEqQBpapPuBPAvM0_ZRk9dTzgf9HAIdmkmdQRTjTqHe6fVlndN-_uhMPbO3T0cnOOiUsCc60q25A75JuNssHXTL0_15okWgJpOxt0W8/s320/IMG_3615.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Do we know how to have fun or what?<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKsdzKtOTVNNeWR1LwOcQNXx57ETE4oHrEKyztQ6S8pnxWufwXBd02lJPhXE5euf8JZU84VauhtFgCf6qk7p4IB8jue0TBC7_9QsvL3cb-2pHlRPW85HbespG_rElBxtwFw5BsIDKIAEp/s1600-h/IMG_3372.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362788533382364338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKsdzKtOTVNNeWR1LwOcQNXx57ETE4oHrEKyztQ6S8pnxWufwXBd02lJPhXE5euf8JZU84VauhtFgCf6qk7p4IB8jue0TBC7_9QsvL3cb-2pHlRPW85HbespG_rElBxtwFw5BsIDKIAEp/s320/IMG_3372.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="right"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKsdzKtOTVNNeWR1LwOcQNXx57ETE4oHrEKyztQ6S8pnxWufwXBd02lJPhXE5euf8JZU84VauhtFgCf6qk7p4IB8jue0TBC7_9QsvL3cb-2pHlRPW85HbespG_rElBxtwFw5BsIDKIAEp/s1600-h/IMG_3372.JPG"></a></p><br />That brings us up to now... the entire reason I've hijacked husbands blog- MY TOMATOES!!! Thanks to my Mom's monster garden growing up I've always enjoyed having my own plants in the summer. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6gMEPRAPXpJ_e12vp6yW_LTIOY_KkzZmRxi-fVFtJrl86310Z0CVgZN5E_Ofq2ceHqOtw3WuOcODcb6cNk7tk0QxsdiemCq0DAnX3HCes2rYg83ZSKGUfJ0DrVCxqOcoekvhzJ8LDoB1/s1600-h/IMG_3755.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362790247562820258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6gMEPRAPXpJ_e12vp6yW_LTIOY_KkzZmRxi-fVFtJrl86310Z0CVgZN5E_Ofq2ceHqOtw3WuOcODcb6cNk7tk0QxsdiemCq0DAnX3HCes2rYg83ZSKGUfJ0DrVCxqOcoekvhzJ8LDoB1/s320/IMG_3755.JPG" border="0" /></a>With the addition of the house I've stepped up my usual plantings with Earthbox planters. We'd like to thank "Fred and Wilma" for the very kind gift of 2 EB planters. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckzYyDHiIcWlflM7A-Y5y5MA1KFexQa0aDK5_LB4YQvOaObT9gk2RGXEgd14N2SEH0M_4gQs2SK_vjiM_OT2_NN2DmGbjWD8A-AgWYjWtPAXhU64SyQ6QtY6NolweEUV8V4HH5u9Hnhvb/s1600-h/IMG_3754.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362792836719159986" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckzYyDHiIcWlflM7A-Y5y5MA1KFexQa0aDK5_LB4YQvOaObT9gk2RGXEgd14N2SEH0M_4gQs2SK_vjiM_OT2_NN2DmGbjWD8A-AgWYjWtPAXhU64SyQ6QtY6NolweEUV8V4HH5u9Hnhvb/s320/IMG_3754.JPG" border="0" /></a>We have a total of 2 tomato plants, a zucchini and a cucumber set up on the sunny, South side of the house. The staking of the gigantic tomatoes has been an ongoing task as they continue to grow. They're currently taller than my shoulder and covered with tons of flowers and lil' green 'maters. I'm so excited I could burst! I am trying not to love them to death as I wait for them to rippen. At this point it looks like our crop will be big enough to supply the neighborhood and possibly a farmer's market! The zucchini so far is a disappointment- the plant is gorgeous but the zukes seem to be ornamental in size. I've just read up on growing them so I'm going to attempt to employ some patience and wait. Right. The cukes look like they'll be ready in 2-3 weeks with healthy vines.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKtiWaBg3JOc81q5HcMkzMFMswPBsId_GwqngY4IThUOUGeXqXmg7iN03NYYmqJMA_bvLuvUdFzAhwGfjodRHV-dx-AXiKI00gloc40b9bV8gMdIacaP4Z90-ungIuuT1c7J91XrlqPLE/s1600-h/IMG_3752.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362793480423482834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKtiWaBg3JOc81q5HcMkzMFMswPBsId_GwqngY4IThUOUGeXqXmg7iN03NYYmqJMA_bvLuvUdFzAhwGfjodRHV-dx-AXiKI00gloc40b9bV8gMdIacaP4Z90-ungIuuT1c7J91XrlqPLE/s320/IMG_3752.JPG" border="0" /></a>In addition to the veggies I have the usual flower boxes freshly updated with a nice mid-summer selection. I had great pansies (that came from the supermarket-gasp!) that got too leggy in the rain. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3TWchUDEFJ14FSlwC93jBTg692KU-Cvv5f7KIv0BnRoBstAORdJLSjq63IJSa-XBzP-gPpmB4OMrHmea7D4kwKjTMHIyimJB9i70X8S8a2nWcNEEzEVBuxWg3kcwTzA9yf6rqUmwHqaz/s1600-h/IMG_3762.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362800667367712962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3TWchUDEFJ14FSlwC93jBTg692KU-Cvv5f7KIv0BnRoBstAORdJLSjq63IJSa-XBzP-gPpmB4OMrHmea7D4kwKjTMHIyimJB9i70X8S8a2nWcNEEzEVBuxWg3kcwTzA9yf6rqUmwHqaz/s320/IMG_3762.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />I was inspired by the inherited pot of chives from the previous owners and have a little perennial herb garden that hopefully will be in the ground next Spring. That's a list for another day :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><p>That's all for now. I hope this finds all of our friends and followers enjoying their summer. Husband is in Cairo for work this week. I'm hoping that he'll take some pics and update you when he returns. As for me, I might take a swipe at the "Laura Ashley violets" wallpaper in the downstairs bath. Or.... I might just relax. - Wifey</p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggt-saph8BtVweZESzsUrBdqFHsyWf3EKvtcuPvJ7RPKDeDVlFxpQGWn7dBthzpNmcyf-9cmXm5nxjRFM4CfadYY6uEbF2_MsPtGkNQIH34teR9p1hpRBXvb45JGPim4k9H0qY8HngVqVB/s1600-h/IMG_3766.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362794184772306338" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggt-saph8BtVweZESzsUrBdqFHsyWf3EKvtcuPvJ7RPKDeDVlFxpQGWn7dBthzpNmcyf-9cmXm5nxjRFM4CfadYY6uEbF2_MsPtGkNQIH34teR9p1hpRBXvb45JGPim4k9H0qY8HngVqVB/s320/IMG_3766.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2CWSJm_Koe-CunCHVJyxlwCVOA0Y0kNTqTKCxUIC8ewkRPW_Dz158ECuaI0ZjrJoPBKX0p7hLKW2ij6PfaPDOl9cKHtwdkPUOkxffE9WcTvfl9cF97r7ek4zdI7ZzKk50KUU1NyP_qtj/s1600-h/IMG_3772.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362794189614225586" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2CWSJm_Koe-CunCHVJyxlwCVOA0Y0kNTqTKCxUIC8ewkRPW_Dz158ECuaI0ZjrJoPBKX0p7hLKW2ij6PfaPDOl9cKHtwdkPUOkxffE9WcTvfl9cF97r7ek4zdI7ZzKk50KUU1NyP_qtj/s320/IMG_3772.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Our 90 year old neighbor sun worshipping (I've seen her in a bikini- no joke)<br /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgaktJyYJwMhp6AWWnJSzW5Zq9E-hIyKSNMUjphjs_aZjai1P1ahxG4QgC30My_TPnaJNydfvK1c2RKSnEzoWCcY6GVECaN4jTWQPEORyjgYHmI2fi0UAlPcY9PQeNtybD2QxgGrx-igL/s1600-h/IMG_3780.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362794197526304498" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgaktJyYJwMhp6AWWnJSzW5Zq9E-hIyKSNMUjphjs_aZjai1P1ahxG4QgC30My_TPnaJNydfvK1c2RKSnEzoWCcY6GVECaN4jTWQPEORyjgYHmI2fi0UAlPcY9PQeNtybD2QxgGrx-igL/s320/IMG_3780.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><br /><p align="center">green goblin</p></div>steve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238710013793994028.post-33590215970322593742009-05-07T06:54:00.000-07:002009-05-07T07:40:29.789-07:00Small StepsOne of the FIRST items on our "to-do" list was to address the rotted shingle siding on the two small attic dormers of the house. The previous owner, for some unknown reason, decided NOT to have these replaced prior to sell. We did our best to confirm that there was no leaking or severe rot in these areas and began to research replacing / rehabbing these spots.<br /><br />Of course, the purist in me wanted to replace the old cedar-shake siding with a matched material type, which would require standard wood siding maintenance( painting and such ). The location the third floor dormers are a tough one to reach, even for experienced contractors, which I am NOT. So research of an alternative material began. <a href="http://www.certainteed.com/products/vinyl-siding/shake---shingle-siding/310230">Certain Teed</a> has a very high quality polymer "Cedar Impressions" siding which, when employed properly, I think looks very nice. Given the amount of siding being replaced, the location of the siding and the subsequent maintenance ( or lack thereof ), we opted for the Cedar Impressions product. The cost for our job was about the same or a little less than if we used pre-treated cedar siding. We also decided to provide a slight color accent to these dormers; nothing extreme, yet we have been begun to replace and add planter boxes to the house which are painted in a dark blue/ gray. The new dormer color relates to this accent color and we are VERY happy with the results!<br /><br /><br />Here are some shots of the dormers BEFORE.. notice the lack of color and wood rot on the siding, trim and window sills. Also note the odd purple flower boxes with the fake flowers at the front entry ( this shot was taken in early December, the PRIME blooming season for vinyl florescent plants )<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/3215026815_cfd6410648_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 278px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/3215026815_cfd6410648_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3435/3215877006_f9e805d826_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 537px; height: 402px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3435/3215877006_f9e805d826_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now the after shots... New dormer siding, trim and soffits. We also opted on a bit darker, blue / gray accent color, to correspond with the new painted flower boxes. Three boxes are going to be added to the second floor porch this weekend ( we hope )<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3403/3510461902_340b7dc30c_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 482px; height: 721px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3403/3510461902_340b7dc30c_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3509651437_a71752b5d9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3509651437_a71752b5d9.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>We also replaced the dining room light with what we are calling a " house appropriate" light fixture, one that is more along the lines of a craftsman style home. The upgrade in our mind is a great improvement to the already impressive dining room. MUCH thanks to Moms and Pops who were in town for a visit and helped in selecting and installing the fixture.<br /><br /><br />The old fixture in all its glory!!! ( We still love all the natural light that we get in this room the majority of the day )<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3215042933_772b66de3d_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 497px; height: 661px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3215042933_772b66de3d_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />And now the new fixture. A bit more appropriate to the style of the home and interior.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3400/3509650697_be353668f3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3400/3509650697_be353668f3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />We are also planting, seeding and cleaning the small landscape... and we are in DESPERATE need of a lawn mower, though Bella Mockadore seems to have no problem eating the grass we do have.<br />Lastly, as stated in an earlier post, we still may attack the downstairs bathroom prior to the big Trifecta Party in mid-May.. yes.. we are a little crazy in our tasks.steve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238710013793994028.post-44082487960796329612009-04-13T07:26:00.000-07:002009-04-21T07:41:22.922-07:00Recession...One of the "simple" and "early" tasks on our update list included minor updates to the upstairs bathroom. We wanted to remove the somewhat dated and misplaced recessed medicine cabinet and replace the system with a more "house appropriate" style recessed cabinet and new vanity light. We happened to find one that we felt was good match at Restoration Hardware. It was also on sale at the time of purchase, which is a bonus! I was pretty sure that my measurements were close enough for the switch, yet after removing the existing cabinet I realized two things.<br />A. The existing cabinet was sung TIGHT between to studs, leaving no room for play on either side.<br />B. The light above the old cabinet is ACTUALLY part of the cabinet, not a separate unit, thus making the height of the system and resulting hole on in the wall larger than I expected.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3406/3215874684_6c96bd2188.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3406/3215874684_6c96bd2188.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3332/3438420482_1ba79ebbfd.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3332/3438420482_1ba79ebbfd.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3342/3438419118_678c9a133d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3342/3438419118_678c9a133d.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>SO... a bit of extra work was needed. difference in width was approximately 1/4 of an inch... it was a bit too much to try to sand down, and not near enough to justify moving the studs. The only remaining option that I could think of ( this being my first time dealing with recessed cabinets) was to create a small notch in the stud to receive the new cabinet. With a new hand saw being the only cutting tool in my possession, I began the tedious and painful process of trying to cut a 1/4 inch notch in a stud. it didn't take too long to realize that better tool was needed. Luckily enough, a good friend and colleague offered me his Sawzall, which reduced my work time from hours to minutes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3632/3438421022_632fe60807.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3632/3438421022_632fe60807.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Once the notch was sufficient, I placed the new cabinet in, added a new cross stud, and patched the excess opening with a small piece of sheet rock.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3589/3438425612_5f58425108.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3589/3438425612_5f58425108.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3554/3438427098_39d2a3c7c2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3554/3438427098_39d2a3c7c2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3656/3437617485_d53c1064d7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3656/3437617485_d53c1064d7.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3616/3438433390_1fbedfb825.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3616/3438433390_1fbedfb825.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The wall paper MUST go, and soon after some patching and sanding, we should be ready for prime and paint. The color we are going with is a slate blue. The finished product pictures should be coming along soon.<br /><br />NEW PICTURES....<br /><br />primed...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3577/3462101177_6db0e1b4cf.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3577/3462101177_6db0e1b4cf.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and painted<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3643/3462917234_456803d304.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3643/3462917234_456803d304.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3462918352_2635ce936c.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3462918352_2635ce936c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3462101405_532417f08b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3462101405_532417f08b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Must admit.. the color is a bit more " green" than we initially anticipated in certain lighting.. but all in all, a great improvement!<br /><br />NEXT - the downstairs bath room / laundry room!!!steve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238710013793994028.post-28194795813143530842009-03-31T19:08:00.000-07:002009-03-31T19:47:59.227-07:00From Lowes to Petco<div>I promised Kate a long time ago that when we had a home and once things got somewhat settled that we could bring a dog into our lives. She has always grown up with dogs while I have never had a pet in my life ( outside of fair goldfish and random minnows I caught in my friends creek). So when she asked me if now was the time for us to FINALLY get a dog, I broke down and said yes. True, we are newly and freshly in our first home and yes there are many projects on our list... but to be fair, there will always be a project on our list.. and I did make a promise.</div><div></div><br /><div>We opted to get our first dog from "Adopt a Lab", an organization that rescues Labradors that have been left behind, many of which are at risk of being euthanized.<br />We went back and forth on whether we should get a puppy or a older, grown dog. When Bella came up available for adoption, we noted that she was supposedly 1 to 2 years old, not quite a puppy, and possibly, hopefully a little more grown. In the end, we wanted to be sure that we were able to leave the dog at home for an extended time while we work.<br />So, Bella arrived on a Saturday afternoon in this:</div><div> </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3402614125_ff9d7247d7.jpg" border="0" /><br />We were quite amazed the she along with 22 other dogs were in this little get up!</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3418/3403424040_919f035939.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>When Bella was finally brought to us, she was FULL of energy and quite confused, after the 17 hour long journey with all her dog palls.</div><div> </div><div>We also quickly determined that she is not a full bred Labrador... but she is, in fact, a Mockadore... a dog that ACTS like a Labrador. We think that she is either a Lab / Beagle mix or a Beagadore, or a Lab / Pit mix or a Pitadore... at any rate, she is mostly Lab and she is all together a cutie!<br /></div><br /><div><div><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3403423724_6dac33f264.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3403423724_6dac33f264.jpg" border="0" /></a> Yet we have a very happy and somewhat tearful Kate.<br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div></div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3619/3403424414_3c6a060432.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Once in the car, she fell asleep and was sweetly ( and somewhat oddly ) quiet the whole trip home.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3577/3403422698_e731759b2e.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3577/3403422698_e731759b2e.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3434/3402613685_d496201a45.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3434/3402613685_d496201a45.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />And here is the happy couple together, home at last.<br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Well, Bella has some learning to do. She is pretty good in the house. She sits when asked, she is quite lovable and playful, as a lab should be. She was crate trained with her foster parents, so we have a crate for her which she likes quite well. Outside she is VERY, VERY excited and interested to see, smell, and taste everything. She is quite strong on the leash as well.</div><div></div><br /><div>In the end, we think that she will learn very quickly and become a very loving and fun member of the family. And who knows, she may end up helping out with painting some walls!</div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>steve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238710013793994028.post-47577838557620362382009-03-19T17:03:00.000-07:002009-03-19T17:19:49.322-07:00catching up with...I've been told by friends and family that I've been slacking a bit on the blog works.<br />As they all know the best ways of guilting me into action, I've decided to place a few images up of the slight progress we have made.<br />I mentioned before about the small transition of switching the fold-down ironing board in the kitchen into a spice cabinet. Wife took on this task full force and did an excellent job. Previous to her rehab, TE and TC had removed the old ironing board, which was completly unuseable due to the proximity of the kitchen seating island.<br />After a quick trip to our home away from home, ie Lowes, Kate was armed and ready to complete the task.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3622/3368502443_24780bb474.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3622/3368502443_24780bb474.jpg" border="0" /></a> Wife helping to guide EE to the home<br /><br /><div><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3575/3368504135_ce35822d9d.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3575/3368504135_ce35822d9d.jpg" border="0" /></a> EE Excited to see the spice cabinet<br /><br /><div><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3656/3368503323_0d84667293.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3424/3368503595_ea78ae4ea6.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3424/3368503595_ea78ae4ea6.jpg" border="0" /></a> the new cabinet<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3579/3369329056_82f98045ab.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3579/3369329056_82f98045ab.jpg" border="0" /></a> original latch... we think<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3564/3368502721_3d7b00258c.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3564/3368502721_3d7b00258c.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />clean when closed... we still need to do a little sanding to certian exposed wood areas in the house... but that time will come.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div>steve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238710013793994028.post-7461903220204735042009-03-03T08:35:00.000-08:002009-03-03T09:10:38.519-08:00from sandy feet to snow and sleetOne great thing about a trip to Mexico in the depth of February is the escape from the sometimes harsh Northeastern winter.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://z.about.com/d/boston/1/0/z/3/-/-/IMG_6118.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://z.about.com/d/boston/1/0/z/3/-/-/IMG_6118.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>The bad part is the return to multiple feet of snow!<br /><br />We are strongly considering a permanent move to southwesten coast of mexico; with its many <a href="http://www.palapajoes.net/rentals.htm">palaps</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mickdansforth/2785892308/in/pool-realfood">avocados stuffed with shrimp</a>, <a href="http://www.costalegre.ca/images/El_Tabernero_760.jpg">racilla</a> and bogey-boarding. Yes, the temporary departure from the sub-feeezing temperatures to literal weather perfection was wonderful. But we did miss our new home, and have now retruened, trading flip-flops for grotex lined boots; sand pails for snow shovels; and yes it is a bit odd to have a sun-burn while speading salt over icey steps...<br /><br />Below are a few shots from our lovely getaway. Be sure to check out the link to our friends who call <a href="http://stardatejune07.blogspot.com/"><em>Arroyo Seco</em></a> home!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3383/3312064336_b46e5b878b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3383/3312064336_b46e5b878b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Our Casa for the trip<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3455/3312064514_3ec4a6e4d0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3455/3312064514_3ec4a6e4d0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>View of the entryway<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/3312065040_e44288400c.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/3312065040_e44288400c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Beach-Side view of the funky lil' shack<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3579/3312055164_286e0daef2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3579/3312055164_286e0daef2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>View from the lower porch out to the harbor<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3312061470_bb575b3440.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3312061470_bb575b3440.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>T.C. and Big M back from a morning fishing trip with the catch in hand<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3359/3312053378_35d334dc51.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3359/3312053378_35d334dc51.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Ladies on whale / dolphin watch<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3664/3311222795_c7ffb8d665.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3664/3311222795_c7ffb8d665.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Also a great spot to catch the nightly sunset show.. still no <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_flash">Green Flash</a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3506/3312063150_0edb19a0d7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3506/3312063150_0edb19a0d7.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3624/3311232805_9cb66e45e7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3624/3311232805_9cb66e45e7.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>One of our favorite local "Gringo" restaurants... home of the Marta-Ritta!<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /><br />All in all, a great vacation. We can't wait for a return visit!steve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238710013793994028.post-14576675426773436172009-02-12T07:10:00.000-08:002009-02-12T07:16:58.356-08:00... as the dust settles...I apologize about the pause... we have been quite busy arranging and rearranging. Things are becoming a bit "normal" in the new place, though we often feel that we had more time to spend at home...<br /><br />We had our first "guest test" over Super Bowl weekend with around 20 guests over to watch the game (and commercials, of course) which turned out to be a great evening.<br /><br />We have also taken on small weekend projects like switch our old ironing board closet which was in our kitchen into a space closet ( pictures to come soon) and spray painting some lovely gold track light fixtures a more appropriate brushed steel color.<br /><br />A few boxes still linger in odd rooms, but for the most part we are all moved in and loving the home!steve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238710013793994028.post-72552047298107961502009-01-28T10:01:00.000-08:002009-01-29T11:09:40.986-08:00Home Sweet Home - Spoiler Picturesok.. this post is a bit out of order, but to the friends and families who don't have the opportuntiy to swing by the new place in person, we wanted to post some "after" pictures of the three projects we took on during the week between closing and the move.<br /><br /><br /><br />Master Bedroom.<ul><li>Stripped wallpaper</li><li>Patched, primed and painted walls and ceiling</li><li>Repaired window sill and base trim</li><li>Removed purple carpet</li><li>Had floors sanded and sealed</li><li>Purchased our first bed room set ( which we LOVE ), yes we are grown up now</li></ul>Before:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/3215015295_a81f629e9f.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/3215015295_a81f629e9f.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/3215903378_c6cc97c672.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/3215903378_c6cc97c672.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Empty room and new floors:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/3236458125_4aed8a38cb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 222px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/3236458125_4aed8a38cb.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3497/3236443989_aba93e9a40.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3497/3236443989_aba93e9a40.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After!:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3301/3236437311_d9e208882c.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 176px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3301/3236437311_d9e208882c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/3226846966_4bd64f2d4a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/3226846966_4bd64f2d4a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3494/3226847038_27bd5cabe8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3494/3226847038_27bd5cabe8.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Yes, that's the same room. I apologize for the blurry quick pictures... still shaking with excitement. I will take some better pictures and post them soon.<br /><br />Guest Bedroom<br /><ul><li>Stripped wallpaper - the dreaded balls<br /></li><li>Patched, primed and painted walls </li></ul>Before:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3480/3215012349_60cc927ca7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3480/3215012349_60cc927ca7.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Empty room:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3103/3236458679_b17a7cccbe.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 160px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3103/3236458679_b17a7cccbe.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />After:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3110/3236437625_205659dfea.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 211px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3110/3236437625_205659dfea.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3497/3226847212_b50d6a2977.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3497/3226847212_b50d6a2977.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Yes, that's the same room too! The color of the room is "Cake Stand Blue" and seems to shift hues during the day; the afternoon light during this time of the year makes the room look very blue, but all shades are very peaceful yet modern. We wanted to make a space where our guests could get away and feel like they were on a mini-retreat. We are planning on painting the trim a light, white color ( not true white )<br /><br /><br />China Cabinet:<ul><li>Patched, primed and painted walls</li></ul>Before:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/3215048771_8da094acd3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/3215048771_8da094acd3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Yes.. that is green... an odd green at that.. not quite the best hue to go with the ultra red dining room walls<br /><br />After:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3114/3226943000_f75e03faee.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3114/3226943000_f75e03faee.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3495/3226942672_96e42a4c41.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3495/3226942672_96e42a4c41.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The color we chose is Skeleten Key, which is a VERY light silver blue, matching the trim of the wedding china. Thanks to Momma Bear for organizing the china cabinet Perfectly!<br /><br />So.. that's the mini spoiler.<br />Much thanks again to ALL of our families and freinds for all their help and support!<br />More to come!steve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238710013793994028.post-32476385458264487032009-01-28T09:43:00.000-08:002009-01-30T13:43:09.639-08:00Moving Day - Part oneIt has arrived!<br />After a frantic week of boxing, organizing, taping, packing and plastic wrapping ( Sister wins for supplying us with <a href="http://store.uhaul.com/Protective_stuff/Moving/Movers_Stretch_Plastic_Wrap">plastic wrap</a>) at our "old" apartment, and stripping, patching, priming and painting at our new home we have reached the fateful move date.<br />Our <a href="http://www.michaelsmovers.com/">movers</a>, who we had used in two previous moves, arrived at our apartment on a Saturday morning , faced with unloading a third floor apartment filled with at least 60 packed boxes, furniture and a piano ( on the first floor ).<br />Thanks to wifey to sequestering excellent boxes from her place of business!<br /><br />Within 6 hours, the apartment was loaded in the truck, transported to the new home and unloaded!<br /><br />They do an amazing job!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3236442471_93d707898d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3236442471_93d707898d.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3236442569_3192189bd8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3236442569_3192189bd8.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3303/3236442655_08751eedfb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3303/3236442655_08751eedfb.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Not part of the moving crew - more part of the organization team Auntie and Remote swooped in and tackled an appropriately pink tagged kitchen<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/3236442361_a8f5a4f059.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/3236442361_a8f5a4f059.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />By the end of the day, the majority of the boxes were empty and broken down. A well deserved rest and meal in our new dining room was had by all!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/3237284876_17b01969ed.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/3237284876_17b01969ed.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Sorry about the chew shot wifey....steve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238710013793994028.post-38520512594800298542009-01-25T14:57:00.000-08:002009-01-25T15:23:22.265-08:00ReHab Part Three - No More Balls<div><div>With the Master Bedroom well underway, we ( and by "we" I mostly mean Sister) took on the task of ridding the future guest room of the youth sports wallpaper. It wasn't as high quality as the paper in the Master Bedroom; something more akin to contact paper unfortunately. The task was a hard one, but Sister, T.C. Wifey and I succeeded in the end.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3426/3215898066_02cef8053e.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3427/3215047741_b54c9175e5.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><p>The balls slowly disappear - with the help of some elbow grease, the help of the <a href="http://www.easy2diy.com/cm/easy/diy_dv_xml_index.asp?page_id=35873810">Zinsser PaperTiger</a> and a little more elbow grease, progress was made.</p><p>We also learned that the walls in this back bedroom are NOT plaster, but drywall - leading us to believe that this portion of the house is an addition to the original home</p><p>In the end, the paper came down, and with a little patching and scrapping, the balls were no more.</p><p> </p>steve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238710013793994028.post-6147568909935387592009-01-22T09:41:00.000-08:002009-01-22T10:15:34.833-08:00ReHab Part Two - Master BedroomGiven the somewhat tight timetable for prepping portions of the home prior to major moves and deliveries, added with that special " first-time-home-owner's-zest" we dove headlong into removing the old and bringing in the new!<br /><br />The first priority was to strip the wallpaper from the Master Bedroom, prep the walls to receive primer and paint and remove the carpet so that the floors could be sanded and sealed.<br /><br />Due to the age of the home, we did not know what to expect beneath the wallpaper. We were not even sure what the age of the paper was. And some cases in homes like these, it's the only thing holding up the old horse hair plaster walls.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3101/3215894484_217d257b3a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3101/3215894484_217d257b3a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Armed with a spray bottle of <a href="http://www.zinsser.com/product_detail.asp?productid=17">Zinsser DIF Wallpaer Stripper </a>and a very weak Piranha wall paper scorer, we began the work of removing the paper. After a somewhat painful learning process on one portion of the wall, we learned that the high quality, thick vinyl paper did not need to be scored. Wetting down the vinyl portion of the paper along a seam line allows the first portion of the paper to peal off quite easily, leaving the paper backing which is glued to the wall. Applying copious amounts of diluted stripper to the paper back, letting is sit for about 5 minutes, then scrap / pealing the paper back from the wall completed the process. We were quite pleased to find that the majority of the plaster walls were in excellent condition, with a few structural / settling cracks at the corners.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3466/3215045345_4d9a5a77cf.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3466/3215045345_4d9a5a77cf.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />We also did some primary investigation of the wood floors beneath the beautiful purple carpet. The floors are fir, and the floor in the Master Bedroom had been stained. There were a few furniture scratch marks in the center of the floor, possibly from an earlier bed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/3215046187_b88c85511e.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/3215046187_b88c85511e.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />During the stripping process, we noticed some settling in the window frame; the sill had fallen away from the rest of the frame. Now, not being from the "half-cheeked camp" of doing things, we decided to attack the problem with full force. what was exposed was a bit more work than expected...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3456/3215045773_4b7b8a8cc6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3456/3215045773_4b7b8a8cc6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The plaster had eroded away quite a bit, leaving the trim piece hanging on loosely. We also noted a decent air gap under the frame. Air is not necessarily a bad thing, and the area seemed quite dry, no wood rot, but the size of the gap was a bit worrisome. We decided to fill the gap a bit, leaving some room for air to circulate, patching the busted plaster, and reattaching the sill and trim correctly.<br /><br />Once we reach completion of stripping and filling , we are planning to paint the room a simple, "Oatlands Subtle Taupe", nothing too strong. Stately and calm.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/3215896118_74b8c84ea1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/3215896118_74b8c84ea1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>steve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238710013793994028.post-4344527648975815062009-01-22T09:13:00.000-08:002009-01-22T09:29:34.295-08:00First VisitorsOutside of the previous owner dropping by to pick of some items he forgot, or the fuel oil guy pitching a pretty good deal to the new home owners, our first <span style="font-style: italic;">official</span> guests were the "E's" including E., T. and the King. Also ever present in the new home are Sister and T.C., offering support, encouragement, and ready hands to help us out in every possible way!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/3215046843_44493becb1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/3215046843_44493becb1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The King overseeing the action<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3403/3215899958_43693b4d7e.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3403/3215899958_43693b4d7e.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Sister braving the elements ( yes, just over 18 inches fell during weekend of our first works in the house. Stripping wallpaper plus shoveling snow equals "what muscle group is that and why is it screaming at me?!?!?")<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3328/3215896830_aefc00ddc7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3328/3215896830_aefc00ddc7.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />T. contemplating<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3126/3215896696_4ed6012eae.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3126/3215896696_4ed6012eae.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>E. ever smilingsteve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238710013793994028.post-4653769408475632882009-01-21T06:39:00.000-08:002009-01-21T09:31:25.816-08:00ReHab Part OneNot that the house needs any work at all to be livable, there are a few areas we want to upgrade and spruce up a bit. The majority of the work is located on the second floor in the bed rooms. Here is a picture of the "Master" bedroom... ( not quite sure what makes it a Master, as it is not <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> much larger than the second bedroom)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/3215010445_ee3b5d0d88.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/3215010445_ee3b5d0d88.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3465/3215865364_5a7e61f54d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3465/3215865364_5a7e61f54d.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />As you can see, we have a lovely vertical patterned wallpaper with a somewhat simple floral pattern matched with purple wall-to-wall carpet ( which we imagine finds its inspiration from the stained glass window color)<br /><br />The other room in question is the "third" bedroom, which we plan to convert to the first guest room ( and future baby room - parents, if you are reading, don't faint... no, we are not pregnant yet... just planning ahead for the future). This room was the previous owner's young son's room as you can see from the themed wallpaper.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3480/3215012349_60cc927ca7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3480/3215012349_60cc927ca7.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Yes, yes... the footballs, soccer balls and even the baseballs have to go.<br />Another short-list item is to paint the interior of the china cabinet, as we want a fresh, clean space to place our wedding china which has YET to see the light of day.<br /><br />In summary, the task list we gave ourselves which needs to be completed in 7 days ( while packing the old apartment and working during the day) includes:<br /><ul><li>Strip wallpaper, patch, prime and paint the Master Bedroom</li><li>Remove carpet and have floors sanded and sealed<br /></li><li>Strip wallpaper, patch. prime and paint the Guest Bedroom</li><li>Patch, prime and paint the china cabinet</li></ul>Yes folks, it's going to be a fun filled week of aches and pains in parts of our bodies that we had NO idea even existed. But, as the work began, we found that Champagne - the power drink of New Home Owners everywhere- makes the work go by much quicker. We are truly locked and loaded to take on the challenges!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3399/3215045399_9517fe5b93.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3399/3215045399_9517fe5b93.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RA8FFBmbAwFSxti7GgtHwMBDcjzrJsLaN9YzYJeibeHIHh7vr5r0VSrg8nZtpTR-8YTnFC8AC8t0DfgzjrnO8IEAJOdVF5QuSw_Ci_lQ24shdcni8RuFc7RUCMYOSkLQ3LvvXd9LsNbC/s1600-h/IMG_6335.JPG"><br /></a>steve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238710013793994028.post-90317995523718071812009-01-20T13:54:00.000-08:002009-01-21T09:41:08.080-08:00Instant ComfyI have to admit, given the somewhat somber exterior and the homes proximity to a commuter rail line, we had some initial trepidation in going to the first open house. Once we got inside the home, I think we were both sure that this was going to be our first place. After spending some time, noticing that the rail line was not <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> audible, and seeing the opportunity present in the space, we were set to make an appropriate offer which was quickly accepted. The overall process was very smooth ( specters of our first home purchase attempt jump up here, thank you Tula for not being so helpful)<br /><br />At any rate, here are some images of the home upon first visit. The original home owners furniture and decorations are shown here ( not quite our taste )<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3442/3215877974_d1ee7e9278.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 269px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3442/3215877974_d1ee7e9278.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Living Room with knee-wall columns - fir hardwood floors throughout. Old "Rococo" Radiators through the house too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3479/3215027129_32ecec9d30.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 154px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3479/3215027129_32ecec9d30.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Dinning Room - faux fireplace - built in china cabinet<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3526/3215861802_a29ca4f2f2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3526/3215861802_a29ca4f2f2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Somewhat dated but very usable "European kitchen"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3472/3215013401_9355b8b28b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3472/3215013401_9355b8b28b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Stained glass detailing. The house has four stained glass windows<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3466/3215027195_f1828ac5ef.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 186px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3466/3215027195_f1828ac5ef.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Foyer and stairs.<br />Upstairs are three bed-rooms and one of the two baths... also a walk up attic.<br /><br />More pictures to follow soonsteve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238710013793994028.post-31352744888361444052009-01-20T13:45:00.000-08:002009-01-20T13:54:21.722-08:00Welcome HomeIt's a little difficult to really belive that our new home is actually OURS! All of our love to familiy and friends for amazing support to get us to this point... now, I guess, the fun begins.<br /><br />After closing in the home office of our attorney at 9:00 am on a Friday, we headed to the town center for a celebratory brunch before heading to the house<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMMM-2-pdXRKLEU1_9_PjsDhtIjltvP32HwDNKvyZMt-NKQeUBFH7qjBkiusWZuq2vb2WQWaWIh6ix9ltvZaAU6CnL62FsG4HZNb74R4NYstm-My25gzHUEzZZuTJR61xIvq9W7Q5qIxn/s1600-h/IMG_6294.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMMM-2-pdXRKLEU1_9_PjsDhtIjltvP32HwDNKvyZMt-NKQeUBFH7qjBkiusWZuq2vb2WQWaWIh6ix9ltvZaAU6CnL62FsG4HZNb74R4NYstm-My25gzHUEzZZuTJR61xIvq9W7Q5qIxn/s320/IMG_6294.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293496450205894402" border="0" /></a>Town Center<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFK337EjRrzUY3fIhbD3WUpaIOQ6WYgZI9c7xRc-yaQcBRrZi1LAKQ9w2HIY-piIkDrmb0dyRak1J6ju_m7rZt3yqELkJCXyoFj8etb0m6_8CDW7yVT1PEQlDgcd_Fj5rn6xk-a4GywTm/s1600-h/IMG_6295.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFK337EjRrzUY3fIhbD3WUpaIOQ6WYgZI9c7xRc-yaQcBRrZi1LAKQ9w2HIY-piIkDrmb0dyRak1J6ju_m7rZt3yqELkJCXyoFj8etb0m6_8CDW7yVT1PEQlDgcd_Fj5rn6xk-a4GywTm/s320/IMG_6295.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293496449310510210" border="0" /></a><br />Standing outside of a local diner<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPubYq_D-YmYcLkxkvfLig5FoSLhtxycBMMy8cYOr5m6QBICKygLp2yU6cm_OhJ00MJWPYYZVzKRQj55pS_xZ2GvFQMI_nAYPVMU3fDw0EjWiqbX2WXsLgpfFyH2fHp06jKvA8n14i8ozG/s1600-h/IMG_6293.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPubYq_D-YmYcLkxkvfLig5FoSLhtxycBMMy8cYOr5m6QBICKygLp2yU6cm_OhJ00MJWPYYZVzKRQj55pS_xZ2GvFQMI_nAYPVMU3fDw0EjWiqbX2WXsLgpfFyH2fHp06jKvA8n14i8ozG/s320/IMG_6293.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293496445135878626" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Oh, that lovely sold sign...<br /><br />So, we venture into our new home with the hopes an ambitions of the new year!<br />The next post will show some images from the interior!steve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238710013793994028.post-19695400528827638702009-01-12T15:54:00.000-08:002009-01-12T16:05:10.555-08:00Our First Home<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUAQaGxQX6W9horely5Bk-Oy6uDUDiPVG68JtltwVcp1O_hFIE5qJ7Ty2_ARMcsdzs1-b5-Ez2Ko3IbWew7IT2fWVsU9MU0TxeqkEOeBE5352y9IRdRYOL_S-MyQJVN3QN694NMH76sjE/s1600-h/house_back2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290562081400125954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUAQaGxQX6W9horely5Bk-Oy6uDUDiPVG68JtltwVcp1O_hFIE5qJ7Ty2_ARMcsdzs1-b5-Ez2Ko3IbWew7IT2fWVsU9MU0TxeqkEOeBE5352y9IRdRYOL_S-MyQJVN3QN694NMH76sjE/s320/house_back2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWExvmewIPjYlO82OsXGTH_2CiEtdpcmUCqJxeV-zOE9ugvisU1LbEof-8zFZG3_dtgkiXKYUzQHsQX3owq3THqx_hxlceaIGifnkJl1FqpraQJmWHhSC4aX88_nw7v4ViNusKgH2yoYfe/s1600-h/house_front_right.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290562075116592402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 149px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWExvmewIPjYlO82OsXGTH_2CiEtdpcmUCqJxeV-zOE9ugvisU1LbEof-8zFZG3_dtgkiXKYUzQHsQX3owq3THqx_hxlceaIGifnkJl1FqpraQJmWHhSC4aX88_nw7v4ViNusKgH2yoYfe/s320/house_front_right.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Hello all and welcome to our first home.<br /><br />I choose to start a little blog about our handsome 1915 American Foursquare because after I found out that we were indeed going to own a home of this type - I furiously began searching out info and history of such homes... The most interesting and useful information came from other home owners sharing their trials and tribulations / loves and losses with their homes; most being first time home buyers...<br /><br />So, as a matter of “giving back" I decided to log the adventures that me and my wife have in our lovely new nest. I make early apologies for my tardiness in posting, but I hope in the end this little slice in the megabyte pie of blogging finds itself to be slightly useful and a tad entertaining.<br /><br /> Accompanying this post are a few images of our new abode.</div></div>steve & katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557815496251773803noreply@blogger.com4