tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70932140951979675572023-11-16T08:04:04.767-05:00Our Big AdventureChronicalling our the adventure of our first house.Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.comBlogger252125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-57097002262839386042014-05-24T13:19:00.000-04:002014-05-24T13:19:37.992-04:00Meet CatherineSo this post is a touch late. But I have a really good reason: writing a blog post is super hard to do while holding a baby.<br />
<img alt="CatherineElizabeth" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Y3z5Y2xyB0mC5OCaieAn5aZ6aUeHnsUX8-5_LSahClJX6npOgLyOqCJviUGyXxgUrHDIU4BL3z-2tEHD7OT8HV7wNj-U8LtOz4sGwmYHfwIKR4CiaDO4zr20912VfEe1ancJ9fU_gG-9//?imgmax=800" height="600" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="CatherineElizabeth.jpg" width="449" />Catherine Elizabeth was born March 20 at 11:25 pm. She weighed in at 4 pounds 14 ounces and was 18 inches long. Little miss impatient was also four weeks ahead of schedule, we are so thankful that although she was scrawny she was healthy and we were home two days later. <br />
<img alt="Hosp" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytJIUW6Ec60v6XjHmmmyhR9YSNbE3KhV5vhRLTxrT8T8gZ0x6yCm_3MuUGXjm0GkfWbJ-T5NOwc1F8elOstfHlUUb3km1MEhF6hw8-9V8R0KQGhK4_htafDk2Q1u-xHbmF7cAX0DZlmfs//?imgmax=800" height="450" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="hosp.jpg" width="600" />We are so in love!!!! But it has been a wild ride when she was around three weeks old she was re-admitted to the hospital for a fever. Now it was not a high fever, just high enough to (according to the paperwork from our pediatrician) require a call to the doctor, on a Saturday. Apparently fevers in babies under two months require a full sepsis workup. Turns out she just had the nasty cold that Bruce had the week before and that I was coming down with. But they keep them hospitalized until all the culture results come back which was two nights. We are thankful it was nothing serious, I can’t imagine what it would be like to have a seriously ill child, my heart would probably break.<br />
<img alt="Weekly photos" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjZG9kD8PqJDT2E_HoWTudeXjlOYdyMPzLHwcjliar_YTLf2OhVoEYY-oxlYThTnDw8zH6jKLuNs6tYEq-lg8nSxcc5TozwXPNvEOeldLAxYF0IT1GvkkTqU1KJdYEBwjsjMpD4d2LL25//?imgmax=800" height="600" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="weekly photos.jpg" width="400" />I have been pretty good about taking a weekly photo of Catherine. We’ll see how that goes when I get back to work in July but we will cross that bridge when we get to it!<br />
<img alt="Week9" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rPYvfhyvzakRqwaYTf99h_FcLkUH5YtvpcrkPgcD2CoYenxDP7IhAqh2dt1WrtkeEgeezDNFesD4Frlmqejyfcn_nBUZL3Ova8PAcBuarvAu1euOIwcO5zC3wVbSc51qP3_XKR35dha3//?imgmax=800" height="600" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="week9.jpg" width="400" />She had her two month check-up this past week and has beefed up to just over nine pounds and is 21 inches long. At nine weeks old she’s just starting to out-grow newborn size clothes! I’m excited about it because everyone has given her so many cute things to wear this summer.Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-13474978982381757372014-02-20T12:30:00.000-05:002014-02-20T12:30:01.445-05:00Seafood Chowder<em>Apparently this is food week.</em> I’ve been on a mission to eat through the random proteins in our freezer. So far I’ve successfully used almost a dozen turkey and beef burgers (tacos and shepherd’s pie) only having actual burgers once, turkey kielbasa (lentil soup), lots of rolls and of course left over home made ice-cream from this summer. Why have I been on this mission? The same reason I’m cleaning and purging around the rest of the house. Getting ready for Baby; I want to be sure I have good go-to meals and meal starters in the freezer and pantry for when I’m to sleep deprived to figure out what’s for dinner (or lunch). There has been a single piece of tilapia floating around in there for months (not sure how I ended up with just one) and I finally figured out what to do with it during last week’s snow storm. Fish chowder! You certainly don’t need to use tilapia, any white fish will do. Also you could just use clams for clam chowder, just fish for fish chowder, leave out the corn if that’s not your thing, customize it for what you like. Recipe below<br />
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<img alt="Seafoodchowder" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgX0-V_uwbsPnCOBSCRmH3YUf4vNfj4ZNEe-yFAAYHEJsNifx_HzmDDLurVX9Uy1tFRAS_7gzD-wL0BP7izA2C6BpFK76O9J0bBONWc9BnS66cpzSGsLQKc1Exl2t2VQ5Atf9JcFiR-ur//?imgmax=800" height="406" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="seafoodchowder.jpg" width="600" /><br />
<br />
<i>Ingredients </i><br />
2 Slices of bacon<br />
1 small onion<br />
1 stalk celery<br />
1TBSP Butter<br />
1TBSP Flour<br />
1C Milk<br />
2C Fish Stock<br />
1 piece white fish<br />
6 large shrimp, peeled and deviened<br />
1 small potato<br />
1C corn<br />
<br />
<u>Instructions</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Cut your bacon into bite sized pieces, let it get crispy in your chowder pot while you mince the onion and celery.</li>
<li>Once crispy remove the bacon to a paper towel, try not to snack on it.</li>
<li>Cook the onion and celery in the bacon fat until soft, then add the butter.</li>
<li>Once the butter is melted whisk in the flour. Allow to cook for 5 - 10 minutes.</li>
<li>Whisk in the milk and bring to a bubble then whisk in the stock.</li>
<li>Add your fish, you can put the whole piece in, it will cook in the chowder than you can break it up with your spoon. The chowder should be at a simmer (medium/low heat)</li>
<li>Poke your potato all over with a fork and microwave it for 3 - 5 minutes to par cook.</li>
<li>Peel and chop the shrimp into bite sized pieces.</li>
<li>Once you can handle the potato peel it then cut into bite sized pieces.</li>
<li>While you’ve been doing all this prep your fish has been cooking and you should now be able to break it up with whatever you’ve been stirring your chowder with.</li>
<li>Add the shrimp, potatoes and corn (I use frozen, toss it right in the pot frozen). And bring back to a bubble (medium heat).</li>
<li>The potatoes will take the longest to cook, check it in 15 minutes once at a simmer, the chowder will also thicken up during this time.</li>
<li>Check for seasoning, I used Lawry’s seasoning salt. You could also use just salt and pepper or Old Bay.</li>
<li>Once the potatoes are cooked and you are happy with the seasoning toss the bacon back in and you’re ready to eat!</li>
</ul>
Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-44684443853784007732014-02-18T12:30:00.000-05:002014-02-18T12:30:03.771-05:00Winter CanningFor many people canning is a seasonal adventure centering around bountiful summer and fall harvests. For me it has always been a year round activity, you might remember that I self-taught pressure canning because our freezer wasn’t keeping up with my desire to use the <em>whole </em>chicken. I’ve also found it to be way more convenient than remembering to defrost or trying to fast thaw sauces and stews. Last week I went on a little canning binge. Blame the snow, something about it makes me want a steamy kitchen.<br />
<img alt="Chicken" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzffyLyA7arAFKE3KOXOPWJk6aYYZl4IFuQ375d0geWvnPSCu6TVdPgmPdW0FEOzf8iSH65dG65oEncfL-hIyyzR0ZTX6lWur_gHGVvHzhyMcedqdqf-37aWp3WjudHujh6Nr2U3k4P1G//?imgmax=800" height="387" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="chicken.jpg" width="600" />I always make double batches of chicken stock, I have a twenty quart stock pot so it makes sense for me to make a double batch and run the canner twice instead of go through the whole process twice as frequently. This time I knew I would be needing a lot of stock for soup I’m planning on making tomorrow so I only canned one batch and stuck the rest in the fridge.<br />
<img alt="Beans" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5CDubnozOC8v47fVDZTrg25n93TDDnu-8IUh0p_4bIhgvEks-FCZz5T08QQcobbeEd7BbP-2ugVLLv_9VlKZJk_u_1BiLOrp6QXRag-hJRB0WklvEKExXPfcUMFGslrAHr2OxmKetO-8//?imgmax=800" height="475" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="beans.jpg" width="600" />It seems that most of the canning blogs (<a href="http://foodinjars.com/2014/02/pressure-can-dried-beans/" target="_blank">this is my favorite</a>) I read have spotlighted canning beans recently. I have canned baked beans and chili with beans in it but hadn’t ever thought to do regular beans. Usually I soak and cook a bag (1lb) of beans and batch freeze most of them for later use. But I’m bad at remembering to defrost. Now you may be thinking <em>Christine, beans are cheap why not just buy cans. </em> Two reasons, first regular cans have BPA as a lining, BPA is nasty stuff and I prefer to keep it out of my food; second one 1lb bag of dry beans costs the same as one organic non-BPA lined can of beans (you can only find BPA free cans in the organic sections) one 1lb bag of beans yields five cans worth of beans for an 80% savings. So I canned eight pints of beans this week too. Having meal components ready to go will hopefully keep us fed well while we are sleep deprived after baby comes!Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-71615288527849294212014-02-13T13:09:00.000-05:002014-02-13T13:09:41.653-05:00Bedroom ArtCheck something else off the list! I finally have all the frames in our room filled. That only leaves the closet makeover before we can really call our room complete. I’m not convinced that the amount of color looks balanced or am I particularly sold with the height of the two pieces over our night stands or if they look quite right any advice please send it my way. But overall I’m pretty happy with everything. <br />
<img alt="Grouping" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOloqiCvMdMZ2jtxcRNLV9Y-2XxcqZSL2Selt3DCcVZgo5rx2fdbZxH8Mh28zf3XffouFQOO5rspHK79N0gNi2LorsZBLxFYJ8eYmTKg2OH1_KuVTf875_LxAmnWZSGLIOMNJJH4WDWcuJ//?imgmax=800" height="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="grouping.jpg" width="600" />The frames are Threshhold from Target, no longer available, they originally had landscape 5x7 mats in them but I had more ideas for 8x10 portraits so I had new mats made at Michaels. The mats ended up negating the fact that I got the frames on clearance, oh well. From left to right the art is: a photo from our honeymoon edited in the <a href="http://www.waterlogueapp.com/" target="_blank">Waterlogue app</a>, <a href="http://kalbarteski.bigcartel.com/product/penguin-love-print" target="_blank">Penguin Love</a>, <a href="http://shop.jonesdesigncompany.com/product/whatever-mustard/" target="_blank">Whatever (painterly)</a>, Our Marriage Prayer (wedding gift).<br />
<img alt="Waterlouge" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fLOgHQ_sUOYPXXmICP-IaeiWzk4fNhrxA0i1utLu38n70DNdKnhp9Iv_BhXVtPadZT94qPDc63kHU2yuahe-ng05GitkOvQu1I-0BWgnaMmqlPhXmRHK8PbZCp5vLf8nT0KfQ2buLw30//?imgmax=800" height="480" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="waterlouge.jpg" width="600" />All the art is special but my own homemade print is my favorite. This app is fairly new and a few of my favorite bloggers have featured it so, I coughed up the $3 and gave it a try. I love it. The quality is great, I printed this on my Canon photo printer on heavy weight card stock and it looks wonderful!<br />
<img alt="Myside" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMY7MOHulbnDQrzoiWEIeRdN_OngBdAoK-GBzPbIgZki7Ye2FoyRsx-h2_9vUDs3voCYoAYfslo5HhgWbOvLplheWwt4xGrMXalnnQhF9cNyIf8nbJ64yWuZehwi_vRreKdh6LHtEilIM7//?imgmax=800" height="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="myside.jpg" width="600" />I also hung our wedding guestbook canvas, from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TearDropWedding" target="_blank">Teardrop Weddings</a> (doesn't look like they have an active website anymore), over my nightstand. Again I don’t know if it will stay but I felt like we needed some height over the nightstands and I didn’t want to do <a href="http://www.tealandlime.com/2013/11/how-to-coordinate-his-and-hers-nightstands/" target="_blank">this</a>, because we are clumsy and one of them would eventually be broken but maybe it would be nice to have some lamps. I also have a sneaking suspicion that in approximately nine (NINEHOLYMOLYNINE!!!) weeks it will be taken over by middle of the night baby supplies. Yes, the bassinet is already set up, someone in our house doesn’t cope well with change. That someone happens to weigh 102lbs and is very furry, the bassinet has been up since January to help him get used to it being there, in hopes that when there is a tiny human in it, it won’t be so intimidating.<br />
<img alt="Bruces" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSBhH6tRXmvB-fOtKRwKEIFM96jk5JXajtIvQgxuVIWbWNTo9zyub28mC-J897jGoxVBlNDeUFZBjbZFUbMr3JKvtUyE2yHWIwVFLZY1z5a-UpBTMKAtyp77-U27PxsDGnUyx_hlXdBoc//?imgmax=800" height="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="bruces.jpg" width="600" />On the other side of the bed over Bruce’s nightstand I hung art that we received for Christmas from the Canadian cousins, the colors are perfect for the room. Also over on that side is the anniversary art I made for Bruce in May. Again issues with hanging height. But perfect in our room!Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-21881172828021689262014-02-11T12:30:00.000-05:002014-02-11T12:30:00.163-05:00Progress EverywhereWe kept busy this weekend! I had ordered the futon for the office with a sale code at <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Portfolio-Trace-Convert-a-Couch-Sage-Green-Microfiber-Futon-Sofa-Sleeper/5542801/product.html?refccid=NQVTV3TXLU6KSY2KDJDPWDWQC4&searchidx=6" target="_blank">Overstock</a> during the Superbowl while the paint on the basement floor was drying. Sunday Bruce emptied out and took apart his desk. He’d had it for a while and it had moved three times (I’m pretty convinced that particle board furniture has a three time moving limit) and it was time for it to go. His desk-top computer will relocate to the desk in the basement. I emptied my filing cabinet in the fall also is <i>going away</i> and the old school desk went upstairs for storage, it’s a cool piece that we will repurpose eventually. This is what Bruce’s side of the office looked like back in July when I was taking my old desk apart to build the Murphy desk.<br />
<img alt="Officebefore" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymky2jG7mwwKoImE5SnGrVhIwkiRoPpE-JpKgiE2ADVUfTapXKriyVIvvaxMIF6c6K6RSwMh7sGzD7pljU3rZJCUF3q3Vii6x-K15TwmwA-5fJVTF-EAXw4VXhdnCF0xHW3dqMP52Ue-A//?imgmax=800" height="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="officebefore.jpg" width="600" />The futon came after the snowstorm Wednesday and we left it in the garage until Sunday when Bruce took his desk apart and we put it together! That side of the room looks so much more open and I’m sure once the pile of stuff on the desk is put away the whole room will look bigger. It is a big piece of furniture, but we need the office to also function as a guest room and this folds down to a full sized bed. I can't wait to add a few pillows and for the cushion covers to relax a bit after shipping.<br />
<img alt="Couch" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSr8duSm00f0wBfHSAarLUXfjyhtzM-EruT74Q3PPEqvHHfSG4fNShcdrj_FmZv83s5YXEivqxBHxSMLbSUgAi8lP7ow1cmGKI0If-K3-YV8BfYgVYprplOP6Ve7gQEDr3MO5Me7xU-aG//?imgmax=800" height="600" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="couch.jpg" width="400" />This weekend we also moved some of the furniture around in the basement, working on the <a href="http://cmepodolski.blogspot.com/2014/01/basement-adventures-planning.html" target="_blank">Phase Two</a> layout. Here’s what it looked like last winter before we started Phase Two:<br />
<img alt="Basementbefore" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMnRJckcUXloCHuC0E0nkANsl7_K8b0O0vkfKxV2UDdHcVshomrGp0DQUNS1J_S0hhBtVS0-tsKvY03524spz9KHB41j0t5KXy5Cz1A_HegPaOIE0_UELMcRTsJLUODydaRGPqjYokpPW//?imgmax=800" height="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="basementbefore.jpg" width="600" />Here’s where we are now. Don’t let those club chairs fool you, they are heavy, Bruce got them down from the attic yelling <em>Doctor Jones!!! Doctor Jones!!!</em> as if they were the giant boulders chasing him down the stairs. Last night after dinner we just sat down there by the stove and hung out for a bit before starting our chores, it was really really nice. <br />
<img alt="Basement" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeti2Lhsjnp6F5iRHXdNc1PzuPaBGkEZIUyQTKWjfACBCOT38hd9P6BmLrXIsOB5Agoa5tK79ozwiBRqAmMehKTY-hy6s9WgQrYZf7c9ZkljdrnlrJnLcARWwi0tjaonbNlJmZ3YPnKl2//?imgmax=800" height="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="basement.jpg" width="600" />Next is to get the workshop set up so that Bruce can start building the shelving unit for our closet, while he’s doing that I’ll be re-homing everything else that’s stored in the closet in the nursery. He's also working on our taxes and I'm working on filling the freezer and pantry with easy meal options for after Baby arrives. It feels good to get a few things done every week and know that we are definitely making progress!Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-6792393803022456752014-02-06T12:30:00.000-05:002014-02-06T12:30:00.024-05:00Operation Useful StorageThis past weekend while Bruce and my dad were hard at work finishing the basement floor I took on an organizing project in the dinning room. I have a hard time doing nothing while others are in the house working so hard. When my parents were down a few weekends ago I told my mom that I didn't know what to do with my old dishes (she has the same set I was hoping she would want them, but no she also has a ton of dishes!). She suggested I keep them incase we are ever serving more than eight people, good plan. I price shopped around for some cases and found the best deal on Amazon. Each set was $15, I got two. One for my white wicker dishes and one for my Royal China Starburst dishes.<br />
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<img alt="Storage" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtF58trn-X56_mXAI0h8GHT2_O2aUyJ5jF6Af3GTqlad7a08dTJS9UiGnWmuORuqFGaT6cMjE8bT6XIUZsBsMeO4UzCKue3ZFRzDnlmBFUECSzfwMNJMbmOcPsYzQ2eCCdjuzDH386mbrF//?imgmax=800" height="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="storage.jpg" width="600" /><br />
The bottom of the dinning room built-it has been stuffed to over capacity for a while leaving me with no where to keep the large serving piece we use the most because they were just to hard to get out of the pile!<br />
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<img alt="Needsmosthelp" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzbIT3K2akHAKRMBPsdddfWuIHPUL2gNSm9UQ4cLOYV50q29kikLk3NEU3v0P025xx7uJKtQdt_X7MWNau8uWND1Uzwl8daG82PP1Xz0xH_Ws-Twvm83DtD4a3Wf_UGU5Tn1N2uZqc49g//?imgmax=800" height="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="needsmosthelp.jpg" width="600" /><br />
<img alt="Needshelp" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjkfhm2hCEfuSifnlM05qo4U4XBWnNwNZf19Z5vZYfGP6SKcLls_LuNoiskDkf6bJ5AhPHu5HWm2xwafxM06BeZuSXOGrvx47HthSbenvFa8at3Bz2-UDNQigaCGPHq1AMiQmU5c8n1Eh//?imgmax=800" height="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="needshelp.jpg" width="600" /><br />
First I pulled out all the Starburst plates, large dishes, cups and saucers and got them all packed away and labeled.<br />
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<img alt="Away" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJfhR-xsB8Lov0dyyAI13CI4XJ3pwOBkB82opGqFHwf3Yc0G8n-VCre0zPEQGcC_QOpoyf5tsKD5tlN56IdHpKjI7-xOWMGvwA8ZnT5UfIUilwukMEmOu-8FWz9XHiYHiUKGamjpbUJ8P//?imgmax=800" height="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="away.jpg" width="600" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Already much better.</div>
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<img alt="Afters" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXeqAw7T_A2bLckRrx4uDehIycIFbH6goTKpAcIOEAHcSSDBWozFl4sqLvAX9nShPz9Evf0y1zQ3KKmSGTg7xvN8VDbaYdP-VljKKvWyqKzx3ryRzs6UToO2oaUMB9n5t3PApGZCxSRQr//?imgmax=800" height="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="afters.jpg" width="600" /><br />
Then out with the white wicker tea cups. The rest of the white wicker is already in the attic, accept for the dinner plates which are still in our cabinet and are used from time to time.<br />
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<img alt="After" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyyDtYrGC-bq80K0gXZDcst7QE_dugxDpDooiZuv6J_iBoHWA7_2s3pmd731bkGqK6ox430-7LzvA5ZHeiCUFhmKdljZyE_40QmHXdcPvRtSgwmo5yUvG54Q6bgmW9A0r9ebUfJpnoW7Q//?imgmax=800" height="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="after.jpg" width="600" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Looking much better.</div>
<br />
<img alt="Done1" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMpQDoEjLicRdiUBGyrqxlvRA2p5x8PiNuaaU9IwWMw-JP1HnMNgfgLDpd9xNMZ4fb0hPPk8UnGqaVD24D5aAqileZYDzmi7UEuC5sQyP1ow61bENWu3FPXRZ-um_dA82cgLkhLLjWdsW//?imgmax=800" height="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="done1.jpg" width="600" /><br />
A little shuffling around and everything is away, it fits and is accessible! <br />
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<img alt="Done2" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHILkjdp_Y4x5-GizBg3N7pFBoebnmeWlpYRjDk_oazjMKu4cSImQpwl4E8I9yG_yObn-kgJeojXPu9CJ8bAe65eq8SMJEUOSKkGD934ZKM1sdDIlSsDJZgCLuEJbgUVdys3MxNnigSRr//?imgmax=800" height="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="done2.jpg" width="600" /><br />
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<i>The cabinet looks like it's a different color in every picture, I took them on two different days and the sun was setting while I was doing a majority of it!</i>Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-24265641398248631862014-02-04T12:30:00.000-05:002014-02-04T12:30:00.802-05:00Basement Adventures: Drylock<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This part of Phase two is the beastliest! But I'm happy to say that after seriously hard work for two weeks by Bruce and my parents it is finally done!</i></div>
When we moved in our basement was a mess, not only was it full of (mostly) crap, but there were also water issues. During the summer of 2010 I solved the major water issue by filling the holes in the window casings with some Drylok Fast Plug Cement and by cleaning the gutters and adjusting the downspouts. We have a crack near the dryer under one of the windows that will require Fast Plug before painting, we only get a small puddle there when it rains very hard. But the basement was still damp, like damp, cardboard gets soggy damp. Then I saw <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2009/12/tackling-the-basement-done/" target="_blank">this post over at YHL</a>. Problem solved, kind of. You see our nasty walls already had several coats of some type of paint on them, which, was in several stages of peeling off. When the paint peels off you get this wonderful stuff called efforescence, which are salts carried through the concrete with the water. For a long time Bruce thought this was mold, granted, there was plenty of mold growing damp cardboard but it wasn't actually growing on the walls!<br />
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<img alt="Effo" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYopvtXF1Jg2jMIvkSkKJ5mTGUh7OMENB9FFcoRwG9d_X3uFfi3ZGoBycXH7kSqYrHrXNXPuTz_5b394iGNAOMEX5CictAx2C_2DgRy514427c6012a1rVZ8sWX1mmggW5se7l3uXIWmLA//?imgmax=800" height="600" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="effo.JPG" width="492" /><br />
Originally I thought it would be simple, slap some paint on the walls and floor and call it a day. Then I read the UGL Drylok packaging. "If you have existing paint or efflorescence use UGL etch to prepare the surface for painting. Then I read the etch directions ensure that surface is free of dust, dirt and any oils. Now it's a process. First we scraped the walls with wire brushes, trying to get any and all loose paint and concrete away off the walls. <br />
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<img alt="Scrape" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTN3afMfuBmBQThCEgecxGYUcFScHN3-0126EMZvArBDdC6Xa08XN-T8jk9kK0sRS9igl4tuCRn_AU4NUakdr0J0VTdvr9X4PBov4kjbDCTvfHinJHqCdsg_dav7-ZyIO51tLoHwxbO4uQ//?imgmax=800" height="428" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="scrape.jpg" width="600" /><br />
Second we cleaned the walls using a mild all purpose soap, we used Mrs. Myers and Lysol, following up by spraying down the walls with water using a pesticide sprayer to make sure we got all the soap off. Using the sprayer also helped get loose sand and grit out of the nooks and crannies of the walls. Bruce and my dad <i>may</i> have found this tedious and just hooked up a hose to the pressure tank on the pump, which, also worked.<br />
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<img alt="Rinse" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2krltC820WRQ73VidzzQjQH1TgUwHXCRjU6RIRLHVx-ZDnnhjiK84gLIltmigyUuURUx_9YeTwpb6WuuPx7biX6LMG1HKfQx3u-8L3j5WhF-UQB3f6A8nagmDMwikp4pnXE65-MoA67n//?imgmax=800" height="600" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="rinse.jpg" width="428" /><br />
Now wet vac up the soapy water and set up some fans, a dehumidifier and crank up the wood stove (if you have one) and wait until everything is dry. Is it dry? Good, now slather on the acid etch, wear a respirator that stuff reaks! Wait 30 minutes. Now rinse off the etch and get the walls nice and dry again. <br />
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<img alt="Vac" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3CKHn5xovWgEdAt2PcZFpg7vC5C_q7z0yvhXkw4lfV60iNLPiNs7V7lHHrPOduLSBJ2NHuRbluigFyYfO7sMSXVvSSSOecMIyijaFxvKEW67FbQO8r-ab19m432GhPHRXTLRp-mEpoCL//?imgmax=800" height="600" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="vac.jpg" width="449" /><br />
Now you can paint, but you can't just roll this stuff on because you cleaned out all those nooks and crannies so buy some cheap paint brushes so you can get the paint nicely into all the nooks and crannies. You'll need two coats to cover the four different colors of paint and bare concrete that are your basement walls. We found that going over everything with a roller helped create a uniform finish.<br />
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<img alt="Paint" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZcjk6HJkebAiiO-2WEJVCriFDs6blKHtROSrUJFcQfzEH2VtCeeUFTY_lYlOVEMUaoLM_oHUtCKZomUrhY8IXfWoWXU1DMaFsNiCnKOXH412bwhl2wWydid_8X_8eN-eQjWJa3fy10pu//?imgmax=800" height="428" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="paint.jpg" width="600" /><br />
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Admire your hard work.</div>
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<img alt="Floor" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC54_YhBSSltp5v0BHoUqgKjicQ4-BZ3-yKKEKIrfAzN1ndrjohgIS_FFPKK1XGUG3-xckO5jVoQaCKgwDkkU_2C5YA4dsI5WNfNWArVPSer2DaqPy9Ouvq9pIO6lLHfmnUPCZXHZ8lr_n//?imgmax=800" height="500" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="floor.jpg" width="600" /><br />
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Repeat for the floors. Admire some more.</div>
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<img alt="Admire" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHoqfvYlg29htfiJ_7qblU5OkkSMV-0EbT82I0F5A1lZD79jyowBc-PJCiZumPoJ9-54m6tGSHvrcV6rIyDyDDJvp54_uOVItcX7kvBZEQMp8KtvuBhA-EFE7_lGyxn7GuSr6LzjIrXrY//?imgmax=800" height="380" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="admire.jpg" width="600" /><br />
We are using UGL latex Drylok on the walls, as of now we have used a total of seven gallons. We're using latex instead of oil because we couldn't be sure what type of paint was already there. On the floors we are using Behr's Garage Floor Epoxy, it does scratch when you're moving large items like book cases so be aware of that, our goal for the floors was to have a uniform color and something that will prevent water from coming up and this, so far, is working pretty good. Also when painting the walls we came down onto the floors about four or five inches out from the wall then went over it with the floor paint, for extra waterproofing around the walls. Now everything looks so fresh and clean, its great motivation to get our work spaces set up so we can get moving on the fun projects to get ready for baby! I can't thank my parents enough for all their help with this HUGE project the only step I could help with was the wall washing and it would have taken Bruce at least twice as long to finish without their help!!!Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-66290438780819269252014-01-31T12:30:00.000-05:002014-01-31T12:30:01.602-05:0029 WeeksWe are officially in the third trimester! I’m still feeling pretty good overall, sure there is a fair amount of heartburn and bending over is a thing of the past, as is sleeping all night long but that’s really not much to complain about. Baby is very active when I’m waking up and going to bed at night and definitely growing!<br />
People always ask about cravings, I haven't really had any. Other than chocolate but that's pretty normal for me even when I'm not growing a tiny human. I try to cook healthy, well balanced meals but again still pretty normal for me, possibly we are eating less vegetarian meals but they are still around in the meal plan. Every night I take my mulit-vitamin and half a calcium supplement (I halved the calcium when started eating more Tums to combat the heartburn!). So I'm happy to report that recent blood work all came back normal. AKA I'm not anemic nor do I have gestational diabetes.<br />
I've been reading about natural childbirth and cloth diapers, we're planning on give both a well educated try, with the full understanding that even the best laid plans can go astray.<br />
So for the next few weeks we'll be chugging along <i>doing stuff</i> around the house before the whirwind of bridal and baby showers and baby prep classes start at the end of February!<br />
<img alt="29wks" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRbBLiHFtnXamXQx575NDfJwcGliowp_pDXoXUZB48CbV4nNxQjKFZTmheEtPvpardHqhvRumIAUJUvCHMxFaWXsQlBg0ShIfpk8nS81rBNPn0rjRX_59OH946CnDzoqqUMlvc8BdVqnJ//?imgmax=800" height="597" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="29wks.jpg" width="448" />Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-54434958223959619972014-01-27T12:30:00.000-05:002014-01-27T12:30:03.991-05:00Basement Adventures: PlanningIt's just one line item on our Big Adventurous List but waterproofing the basement is a huge task with what was a huge post, but I’ve decided to break it down into a few posts. What make this task even more cumbersome right now is that I can't help with much of it <i>AND</i> getting the basement under control is step one in the cascade of events to pull together the nursery before April.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2Jm-At0DM9d2IJ6QkJoGvWuVOvKe8W-IYwOi0O8dRzQpjP5Bt6E29-feq9tVZR1ACiVKaAYKIwtL1Gq0Nm1eDdYp4oStUuSEXsE76NEqoJTHKdumnJsFotBf4i0IohOnRvU8iTYO8t2f/s1600/basement-layout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2Jm-At0DM9d2IJ6QkJoGvWuVOvKe8W-IYwOi0O8dRzQpjP5Bt6E29-feq9tVZR1ACiVKaAYKIwtL1Gq0Nm1eDdYp4oStUuSEXsE76NEqoJTHKdumnJsFotBf4i0IohOnRvU8iTYO8t2f/s1600/basement-layout.jpg" height="322" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the basic layout of things that we can’t move, or at least can’t move with out a lot of trouble. I didn’t include the support columns but they run down the middle of the space the long way, there are a few doubles right in the middle of the house near the furnace. <a href="http://cmepodolski.blogspot.com/2009/11/busiest-weekend-so-far.html" target="_blank"> Phase One</a> of the Basement Adventure was the massive cleaning we did after we moved in.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkzSpTfWiojNm8phw4PQW-0Jj3GK-PRxDTyPgP6mGBhXUuu6Gb2E1V-bM-aEIwHCQMtczSuDtZTqXD4iSuz9TJY9JObzs3mBpmEEza-tO88rNhpys_Zx4TEYKg59Wx6BS1EnU_6axxF8R/s1600/basement-as-is.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkzSpTfWiojNm8phw4PQW-0Jj3GK-PRxDTyPgP6mGBhXUuu6Gb2E1V-bM-aEIwHCQMtczSuDtZTqXD4iSuz9TJY9JObzs3mBpmEEza-tO88rNhpys_Zx4TEYKg59Wx6BS1EnU_6axxF8R/s1600/basement-as-is.jpg" height="322" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the layout of things as they are now(the built in shelving under the stairs is still there somehow the labels got lost!), the wall with the storage shelving on it and the floor from that wall to the bottom of the stairs have already been painted. Those will not move during Phase Two. The other storage shelving was all existing, we kept the best of it and moved everything to the middle of the space to paint/waterproof the walls and the perimeter of the floor. Not included in this layout is furniture that will be part of the Phase two re-arrangement but it has all been moved around for painting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88cwPP02KfSP9y8IKX-v0d17yjo1X68tt_-JxX5Es79juQ96xFKoOjpOEc3kTHx86IBL8eS9a8L4jspzojV3RcltM2mNbK5hCcd8TufBFmB1jcY9pRqehfKJ2y9d8cRDsqoNuD0Ig0HXd/s1600/basement-phase2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88cwPP02KfSP9y8IKX-v0d17yjo1X68tt_-JxX5Es79juQ96xFKoOjpOEc3kTHx86IBL8eS9a8L4jspzojV3RcltM2mNbK5hCcd8TufBFmB1jcY9pRqehfKJ2y9d8cRDsqoNuD0Ig0HXd/s1600/basement-phase2.jpg" height="327" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is how we will hopefully have things arranged at the completion of Phase Two. It will give Bruce a nice open space for his workshop, his many, many tools aren’t on the layout but the will most likely line the short wall. Our wood stove has been a workhorse this winter and running it cuts our oil bill way down but so far we can’t really enjoy it the way we’d like to. But once the majority of the waterproofing is done it will feel safe to bring the old club chairs down from the attic for some comfy seating and Bruce will set up his desktop on the vintage metal desk that has always been down there. The purple box around the washer and dryer area will be the only area un-waterproofed, setting up a finished laundry area will be Phase Three.Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-60201676018667217432014-01-17T12:30:00.000-05:002014-01-17T12:30:00.879-05:00Nursery PlansAs I had mildly alluded to in my <a href="http://cmepodolski.blogspot.com/2013/09/where-we-live.html" target="_blank">Where We Live</a> post back at the end of September I started planning Baby’s nursery months ago! I knew it would be gender neutral and that I didn’t want to go with the jungle theme, not that there is anything wrong with it but I’ve seen it done to many times and wanted something a little bit different. I think I decided on the color palette first, although I could have found the rug first then decided on the color palette; gray, yellow and white with some green. Either way then I came up with “Stars and Moons” that way if the little one is a boy we can take it in a space direction or if she’s a girl we can make it nice and dreamy.<br />
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<img alt="Nursery Moodboard" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMJTjop6Ctt3WG-xQ18B45YIeGwsIgW0MsEaqvLiHWeSjVMpmH1xpz8o3mhU2bPqcB8ZEk6FwMY0BHn8-gPC4g5XmD34fRXEqVUAjesgT1yXCGnYPSiAaeltd9ZEfKs54JPGTWR3mh0qk//?imgmax=800" height="600" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Nursery-Moodboard.gif" width="600" /><br />
The rug is the <a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/colonial-mills-confetti-braided/daisy/108TI39-808R.html" target="_blank">Colonial Mills Natura, Confetti Braided</a> rug and the color is Daisy. I waited and waited for it to go on sale and got it during Cyber Monday(from RugsUSA)! It didn’t come until right before Christmas and because the room really isn’t started yet it’s still rolled up, it seems to have more green in it than I remember but that’s fine.<br />
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The crib is from <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/6005135?wmlspartner=qsfL1JANoVU&sourceid=29365928843623264792&oid=223073.1&affillinktype=10&veh=aff" target="_blank">BabyMod</a> sold through WalMart, we looked at so many options then realized that the most important thing to us was how it would be constructed and finished. I got to researching and ended up back at my favorite blog <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2010/02/nursery-progress-crib-notes/" target="_blank">YoungHouseLove</a> and their crib search four years ago and that’s how I got to this company. It is constructed of solid wood, no plywood or particle board that could off gas yicky things and has a non-toxic finish. Win-Win, now if it just wasn't <i>out of stock.</i> I guess it's not a huge deal as the little one will sleep in our room for a while but I'd ideally like the room together before the grand arrival.<br />
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For the walls we will probably go with the same color that is in our bedroom, Gray Owl potentially 50% darker. I’m hoping to do some star vinyl decals on the wall, potentially in some constellations from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127108537/vinyl-wall-sticker-decal-art-seeing?ref=shop_home_active_11" target="_blank">UrbanWalls</a> in gold metallic up towards the ceiling. Then add lots of fun yellow and white accents. We’ll be using a dresser that my parents just picked up from a local consignment furniture shop and are bringing down this weekend. We will secure a changing table pad to the top of it instead of getting a changing table. I think this will give us better storage options and a piece of furniture that will grow with Baby. We are also very lucky to have a rocking chair that has been in Bruce’s family for a few generations made for short people like us!<br />
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For more of what I’m thinking take a peak at the <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/qunchristine/nursery/" target="_blank">Nursery Pinterest Board</a>. But for now here is a list of things To-Do for the Nursery!<br />
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<u>Nursery</u><br />
Save Full Bed (Upstairs for now)<br />
Relocate Bruce's clothes and trash crappy dresser.<br />
<strike>Go through rand</strike>om things stored around the room.<br />
Prime<br />
Paint<br />
Clean and Seal Floors<br />
<strike>Purchase Rug</strike><br />
Purchase Crib<br />
<strike>Purchase Dresser</strike><br />
Secure changing pad to dresser.<br />
Train Kenny to Invitation-Only policy.<br />
Make Cute!<br />
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<i>Before we can take down the bed we need a convertible sofa for the office, before we can get that we need to get rid of Bruce's desk, before we can do that he needs to empty it out.</i><br />
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<i>Before we can relocate Bruce's clothes we need built-ins in our closet, to build the built-ins he needs a finished workshop, to finish the workshop we need to finish waterproofing the wall the work bench is going to be placed against. We're waterproofing this weekend.</i><br />
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<i>Kenny is well trained with Invitation-Only for the basement, the couch and our bed; meaning he only comes into that space when we tell him it is OK or invite him UP (bed/couch). Hopefully this will give us a space to have tummy-time without Kennay in Baby's face! </i><br />
<br />Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-46211152834531235342014-01-15T12:30:00.000-05:002014-01-15T12:30:01.957-05:00Big Adventurous List UpdateLike I said Monday We have been very busy around here. We have gone from one item crossed off to 17.5 items crossed off! Many of these projects deserve their own post, someday!<br />
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<strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our Big Adventurous List</span></span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black;">Before the Snow</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strike><strong>FINISH JETTA</strong> (and probably tidy the garage)</strike></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><strike>Fix flat tire on Snapper</strike></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Get mulch</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><strike>Front wall bed</strike></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><strike>Fix Tractor</strike></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><strike>Check out chipper/mulcher</strike></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Garage door trim</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Replace old garage door</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Finish trim on the garage</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><strike>Replace shingles on the side of the house</strike></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Paint new Shingles</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Paint outdoor breezeway trim/clean up</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Call Dillon roofing about replacing the roof</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><strike>Order firewood</strike></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><strike>Clean chimney</strike></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><strike>Finish painting front door.</strike></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><strike>Build back step</strike></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Replace back gutter</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><strike>Scrap/Donate Passat</strike></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><strike>Scrap/Donate Big Red Truck</strike></span></div>
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<i>This is where we have made the most progress!!! My parents came down for a weekend this fall and we were able to knock out the front wall bed, during which we separated all the hostas that lined the back of the house and planted some of them along the wall in the front yard and planted over daffodil and tulip bulbs. My mom is a trooper, we both got poison ivy in the process! </i><br />
<i>She also finished painting the front door for me that weekend. </i><br />
<i>We decided to wait on the mulch until the spring to make sure that the plants come up, we were afraid the mulch would make them too deep to know when spring is. </i><br />
<i>We also had to put the garden to sleep which took the better part of a weekend that I forgot to plan for.</i><br />
<i>It was sad to see zeePassat and the Big Red Truck go but we scrapped them both, so in the end we made some cash along with significantly lowering out auto insurance.</i><br />
<i>We've been in touch with the roofers, we just need to pull the trigger and commit to an actual timeline, we're lucky this company likes to keep their crew busy and they will do it during the winter.</i><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black;">Breezeway</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">New light box for overhead lighting.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">New window</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Ceiling (bead board) and insulation</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Remove wall heater and install baseboard heater.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Vinyl/snap together floor</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">New doors/windows in the front.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Fix or replace back screen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black;">Kitchen</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Solution for cabinets (repaint/reface/replace)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">New counters</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Solution for dining room/fridge wall.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">New flooring possibly matching/coordinating with breezeway</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">New range hood. (vent outside if possible)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><i>But we did change the flow and look of the room by replacing the table with a hutch giving us more storage space in the process!</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black;">Living Room</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Prime and paint coat closet (smells bad)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Prime and paint</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Hide TV wires</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Hang art.</span><br />
<i>I cleaned tidied the coat closet and added some drawers for better storage and jar of lavender scented baking soda to keep it smelling nice. We'll call it Closet Phase 1.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black;">Master Bedroom</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Built-Ins for master closet</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><strike>Hang a</strike>rt work</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><strike>Find/build new bedside tables.</strike></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Move mirror inside one of the closet doors and put hooks on the back of the bedroom door.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><i>Bruce received great new tools for Christmas and has been diligently working on cleaning the basement to have an area for building the built-ins. They are on the top of his list.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><i>I have hung some art but there is more to do!</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black;">Second Bedroom</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Prime and paint ceiling, walls, trim, closet and radiator.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Decorate</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><i>Stay tuned Friday for an overhaul of this list and potentially a mood board!</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black;">Office</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Finish murphy desk</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Replace paneling with drywall</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Replace Bruce’s desk pullout couch or futon.</span><br />
<i>There has been a lot of cleaning/purging to accomodate the switch from two desks to one.</i><br />
<i>The futon is picked out, I just need to pull the purchasing trigger which seems silly to do unless Bruce's desk is gone!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black;">Basement</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Install hot water heater</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Finish waterproofing <strike>and cleaning out</strike>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><strike>Build a bike rack.</strike></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><strike>Get rid of metal shelving in the basement and move wood shelving together.</strike></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Mount die grinder</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><strike>Make work</strike>shop functional</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Build wood rack</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Lift washer/dryer have defined laundry area.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Define wood stove area (under living room) with old metal desk and seating.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><i>I take very little credit for this. Bruce has been very busy downstairs we are planning a big weekend of working on waterproofing the walls this coming weekend.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black;">Second Floor</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Clean out</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black;">Whole House/Outside Projects</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">Clean/Seal hardwoods.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remove cedar tree and build deck/low patio off breezeway.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remove pine tree by the street.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have stumps pulled or ground down.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
New garden fence.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remove “widow maker” branch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paint house exterior.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Replace windows.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Craig’s List/Donate/Trash old furniture with no use.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Replace Front Door</div>
Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-85675648355824929832014-01-13T12:30:00.000-05:002014-01-13T12:30:02.571-05:00Lately<br />
Big things are happening around here. Baby C is coming in April whether or not we are ready!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Announcement" border="0" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY38GQVpZEZSyaWSr4ao525TiKZWkRebHBcnSQEeSWTwvkvvukNub5v7u2kMmJ7SPs1f4RAlw1RU-P4cEB-bXzQvBdkJ2uT9EmrIdwtu_eJ44YUsZ9meM0i8rGDNV-S43vq8h8xxY2dXW3//?imgmax=800" title="announcement.jpg" width="600" /></div>
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Since my last “update” post in October we’ve been busy trying to knock things off the giant list we made in September. I’ll go through that later this week but for now here are a few photo highlights from the past few months.<br />
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<img alt="Canning" border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekzL_YJ6T6LNFs3gScAB58GUudaQ_wv8EaEBK0Cwq5WcRCSjvAz5u9Du87J-TQ-EJ0xUMGCAO1QBZ9Iucr4pkBE0P9tsOENouWUMDYBPibsbTCopGxxczLElZSCreUO_EoW1bkNeb6WTk//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="canning.jpg" width="600" /><br />
Even with first trimester exhaustion I still managed to can more this year than ever, something crazy like three dozen pints and and dozen quarts of tomato sauce, a batch of stewed tomatoes, a batch of chicken soup, a small batch of peach plum ginger jam, apple pie filling and a batch of chili.<br />
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<img alt="Paste" border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTvqcsBWqkjYeE-U_yeYaIlP939ECXKureNcRrKfJb3Uk9yUfAJWfb5XBEB6ryFYkG30I3SQxjSoZ4KOQm5ZdhMXJQdMN6D2fj_04NbYYcVNR_TPR7YJJVwN6iFEMLrCl1DRvoPx_fGOC//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="paste.jpg" width="600" /><br />
I also used the last of our paste tomatoes to make actual paste which I froze in ice cube trays. I has been great for thickening sauces and soups already. I also roasted then froze the last of the cherry tomatoes which I should be able to just thaw and toss onto pasta.<br />
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<img alt="Hutch" border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieY_KuLCi6QbnfI8rO8bk-ISMjd2efmSwGBlXN5kk151gODkB95PPxXhXvsLGMZuaNZ46oElti3caoFrW8xGBUJqJVR9tUGOWBEEuRMIwQpmw3QVAa7TNeSf-M8u4H8tSODrtekCUh8R5v//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="hutch.jpg" width="449" /><br />
This fall we also made a huge goodwill run while cleaning up the basement, while there we found this hutch, it functions so much better in the kitchen than the table (that we never used) did and adds some much needed storage.<br />
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<img alt="Baby" border="0" height="445" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDA0R2jDOADMEt9FL0xRhDQVJwps5aWg8VrI7vMNju5nV3P4M7MLZqZ71X_MjsyEkjk6-_PVu6ubOmpWUEAHYQarRU2wqTOew5gkN1OgOr94rKuYOI0-SoQsYS8KboDNvN5E-CfMoBjEm//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="baby.jpg" width="600" /><br />
We had our anatomy ultrasound. Everything looks good! We decided to wait until Baby C is born to find out if she/he is a she or a he!<br />
<br />
<img alt="Christmas" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_awFyRjnv7UTsvsG52vn9HqNPB8uDId1tnuXRbGOu7LtqrIh7ido0UVSJwoOXb1eL_AY5cO4GHht26jQJHRHOaW0JqRZoFk5MwSwFpHCF4wqh4-OmpXphqmYhwMaJyRPn2GJgFAAOsDml//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="christmas.jpg" width="600" /><br />
I did decorate for Christmas, although for some reason that I can’t remember I tossed some of our window lights at the end of the 2012 season and did pick up replacements until the weekend before Christmas and they never actually made it into the windows. But we got and decorated a tree and most of the rest of the decorations made it up. We made the rounds to see family during the holiday and are so blessed by the love and generosity we receive during the season.<br />
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<img alt="Newyears" border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UAy1ou5a9r4kabrPp8xfKa6OejixvMML_hi0CR-CUFVk9M0rALdmNcFGjYT12Dp74cQdcRz_qve5dAfUXCgnJ4v5zUnDxilEe9qQIkMuEOwFOGXwqllAJrQj8McQdLCIpZO-X__aRz-t//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="newyears.jpg" width="449" /><br />
I’ve been battling congestion for most of my pregnancy but just before Christmas is morphed into a full head cold. Because of that we decided to stay home on New Years Eve this year. We celebrated with lobsters (and oysters for Bruce) then waffles on New Years Day. Although I’ve been relatively quite here we have been very busy not only with Baby C’s impending arrival this spring but we are in four weddings in 2014 so we are gearing up for a busy year! I hope to keep you better informed now that the craziness of the holidays has passed and we’ll have exciting things to share as we get the house ready for Baby.Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-57597565098841733872013-10-01T12:30:00.000-04:002013-10-01T12:30:01.879-04:00Hallway Wrap-UpThis feels like it has been the longest little project, all totaled it has been over a year in progress. In reality there has been one frame waiting for photos sitting in the office since May. You can check out what the front hallway looks like <a href="http://cmepodolski.blogspot.com/2013/04/hallway-adventure-part-1.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://cmepodolski.blogspot.com/2013/05/hallway-adventure-part-two.html" target="_blank">here</a>. There are a lot of doorways in the back hallway; the office, full bath, both bedrooms and the front hallway. This doesn't leave a lot of wall space for hanging.<br />
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<img alt="Hallway1" border="0" height="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8B7MWhzHqL8Jl5ecjClSPL_0ge14mqGCfHyhNGQN6Kvk6pKVkYdDOxfLSeYldPu7-z3TWhX4JPC8jdyNIoFhLhw0Fb_7nLJDBHuuuzXTzeOnersDTRrOD4IMgI0DxCbpTwJ42pH32h4Yd//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="hallway1.jpg" width="350" /><br />
<br />
This is the view from the office, we replaced the existing light because we couldn't find a shade to fit it. The shade that we managed to break about a month after we moved it. We replaced it with a ten dollar fixture from Lowe's that Bruce removed the pull chain from, then I spray painted a bronzy color. I've had that frame since college, I painted that the same color as the light and swapped out most of the photos for some more recent ones. I'd like to find a cute way to frame out the thermostat but I don't think Bruce would go for it.<br />
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<img alt="Hallway3" border="0" height="467" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjknHXFtKFjHd0SM_q98zKXWuN8o-_dsJTqKKQhELlEoM1nrYA89I55YrZFyGtzKki2nkGoIspB5LA8AWc-IHJkd3zZAWyq-wCv5ivlq8yT2rudLcSidYVgezZmPO4diyArnxjzNSG4yy//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="hallway3.jpg" width="350" /><br />
<br />
This is the view from our bedroom doorway. The frame on the right has an antique "pocket book" of Shakespeare's Henry the Eighth that Bruce gave me for Valentines Day a few years ago (an homage to my love of all things Tudor). On the left is a print from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/poppyandpinecone" target="_blank">Poppy and Pinecone</a> on Etsy.<br />
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<img alt="Hallway2" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4NBpfqr9xghdhDUuCqZ1IIBqLzCol3vz_Tds7NuIIqPKQULk7a-1vEb63HOXJekgPRH0QNXHH3j1sj5qKXLNVUmAcffXQLQs6BM90EeN04Hqe_8tW8JhmpCJtg5xCnK5ad3dYf6EMwAx//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="hallway2.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
It is so nice to feel like this space is finally finished! Sorry the photos aren't the best the angles are pretty difficult!Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-46749216417973003042013-09-25T23:10:00.001-04:002013-09-26T12:33:59.721-04:00Where We LiveI almost titled this post "Where the Magic Happens" but I thought that might be a little to MTV <em>Cribs</em>. It was going to be this nice house tour where I used the tripod and took lovely composed photos of our house just after I spent all day cleaning it. But life happens and I didn't clean the whole house and I just grabbed the camera yesterday morning, put up the shades and closed the toilets. As a result the white balance is bad, there are messes and a few photos might even be a little blurry.<br>
<br>
I didn't do the breezeway, it is better than it was but I still can't let you see the utter mess. So into the kitchen.<br>
<br>
<img alt="Kitchen" border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9weA52O8nts60pUmmP-19ofWRR5MoH1z3hmFE0C2PVKdMhKwNaS2yIl1A4cil1LXqEx9Gn-Tma03rJmM4Er4eAqL7qd85CfJUZgQFNtLfOQ8YM5oH2fgfYn1cCdbNOZZ5XjEb49rZmzqv//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="kitchen.jpg" width="373"><br>
We need new counters, something needs to be done about the cabinets and the layout of where the fridge is (which you can't really see) needs work. I love our appliances; particularly the stove, I love that stove. Off the kitchen is the half bath, not much has changed since <a href="http://cmepodolski.blogspot.com/2010/05/half-bath-makeover.html" target="_blank">I finished it in 2010</a>.<br>
<br>
<img alt="Halfbath" border="0" height="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXO1aT-elIDWoL7H7bk4S3fU9UQ-IRQZch0N95vFiINwZxT-Hqbbh3TqCZu4upLe_7PimllmNS8s-Jy6Whw7PQjdZcr9QIUi642vXq0_ilEwoomNp0jv04eLkRsNZCfdwevTkQ3mJARoP//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="halfbath.jpg" width="350"><br>
Now into the office. We are mid-makeover. The Murphy desk needs a few finishing touches, then we need to organize, purge, re-organize, purge, toss the other desk, find a couch/sleeper sofa . . . hence the mess, most of my time in there is organizing and purging.<br>
<br>
<img alt="Office" border="0" height="477" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvX9SmqOoOYZSrk5VxRTLAwjmQ5wSl4sqEEFjKYKF39MkhcvSH-jMIMUsU_6JRQ5uWT7UTmOogPS9qlhVlkCLzasv00hEusxeQzNsCoI7jiuTjKvun7XtxTAkWUEX0iDgyFoKV0yHq6GJt//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="office.jpg" width="492"><br>
I didn't re-photograph the hallways, the back hallway still needs one more frame and these photos of the <a href="http://cmepodolski.blogspot.com/2013/04/hallway-adventure-part-1.html" target="_blank">front hall </a>would be ruined by an 8am photo session. We also haven't done much in the full bath since the <a href="http://cmepodolski.blogspot.com/2009/12/bathroom-reno.html" target="_blank">reno</a> we did right after we moved in. I had one of our favorite photos from our Cape Breton Adventure made as an acrylic print and bought a new (not see-through) shower curtain. You also might notice what looks like a pile under the sink, it is actually a square wire basket to catch laundry, honestly one of my favorite things. It doesn't take up much room visually when empty (helping to make the room look bigger) and corrals the laundry during the week.<br>
<br>
<img alt="Bath" border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_MeLd9S6cVTZUX3EXh9aoRDBME5Ft_JxojXsxPJJ5KVhYZpXVmoENme_-5Wk4Tnjki8JMRQDCJtOYYBXVKHFg7dIRPLbuL9tkRkcUh8pe-379oYj6ZKe0y7nNMY9TxUT7_d6oSd-A9lb//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="bath.jpg" width="500"><br>
Since the last master bedroom update, we've hung new curtains and some artwork. I just hung those faux pewter frames this past weekend and the hangers on the back are irregular so they look pretty wonky right now, they also don't have anything in them, still working on that. The other print I made for Bruce for our anniversary, it has lyrics from our wedding song over the infinity symbol.<br>
<br>
<img alt="Bed" border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxIHaDEuEeqJAtJ5Bykn1Bdx-N3Xdgq8qrmxUnWJI_sDBVMBvr9rR4vdf3XnyKGRJB5agb20arszye6REqZq_8dQDCY8H6n7ffR8ToOeWYZ8wPjga54Vvl2mvgGHCSunO9PTJ1ECIT62m//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="bed.jpg" width="369"><br>
There isn't much to say about the guest room, Bruce gets ready for work in there hence the ironing board. It is kind of the catch all for lost things, including furniture. There are plans, that's all I am going to say about this room for now.<br>
<br>
<img alt="Guest" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibx-cfPX8mfNh99_lehCEgckKuitORzSqDrx4b8KIGNgovhK0ZMlNBRdgifYqqpJtgMkQGrXt1NsIHRqTOe7yYuEh-skavtrfFOKP9QDZGKngGrZqI7yXCmCaqVzHP1noOXQBncpUy69u4//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="guest.jpg" width="500"><br>
Last the living room. We tossed the big couch in July when the dumpster was here. The speakers have moved to the basement (another home for lost furniture) and we decided that we like the room better with out a big coffee table.<br>
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<img alt="Living" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFostMsslloWgS9W6dyRZm_C27YC2_WgBhX-sp1AFRy5gVoqPkdtjiJ1UDqmGUW62QZcE6mUwK71er4Y5bJ-fHIRFjCaldQFVqeExuwi25d7U0Zl7zDKpFyxjwv0wx-mYTj15r2PQk30Q//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="living.jpg" width="500"><br>
The <a href="http://cmepodolski.blogspot.com/2010/07/dining-room-make-over.html" target="_blank">dining room </a>decor hasn't really changed since I "finished" it. There still isn't any art on the walls but I have fun in here with seasonal decor. Right now I'm in between summer and fall, so there's nothing.<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUP7fUUJbIMdYTLNKkRhSo2rQddTDBOMtXFJkhfflnkXQ91eeP_hM_i2ol2XKc0UzDN9mtBU4sFZIjQYVKf0scXMNPfWEK_zmdp4Qpq-_v9LEw8zXlIK-B3wKMAtyfPSmvGYJxtQOfbTZ/s1600/dining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUP7fUUJbIMdYTLNKkRhSo2rQddTDBOMtXFJkhfflnkXQ91eeP_hM_i2ol2XKc0UzDN9mtBU4sFZIjQYVKf0scXMNPfWEK_zmdp4Qpq-_v9LEw8zXlIK-B3wKMAtyfPSmvGYJxtQOfbTZ/s1600/dining.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
So that's what we're living in every day. Yes, I make the bed every morning that way at least if the rest of the place is a disaster the bed looks nice. Since I took the photos I've already cleaned up my desk so you can see the top of it again.Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-88019890055988788642013-09-24T12:30:00.000-04:002013-09-24T12:30:00.496-04:00Adventures in RoofingJuly first we started our Big Roofing Adventure, it also was the start of a huge heat wave, perfect for roofing. The dumpster was delivered, oh so exciting. But the first thing that went into it was not roof related, it was our big broken recliner couch! (More on that in another post).<br />
<img alt="Dumpster" border="0" height="467" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSb1WhRQCjTvL9IL-GxMe4QKSSPz7-PnrcIbG0SXPt0TFpsBXbZv4lxP2bdRiHwcBn-jwVlXb12AoqmCx3luPU9HKqIMEh5i2mOr9lUlW92WYXk5W5ultmm0_JF-i6eoJt-ylf5FBv5bJ//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="dumpster.jpg" width="350" /><br />
July third we spent three hours at Home Depot, then got up the morning of the fourth sometime entirely too early. Bruce's parents arrived and work began, Bruce's parents were present for 95% of this roofing adventure and their help was invaluable. Looking back now the days seem to run together, but I know that we collapsed after dinner.<br />
<img alt="Strip" border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrFSXc6Ez8LztTUHXW2cfPsh87U5dde9GWtjgQZZtNIJplF9hUIFXS3nM_01WnJi5dYqGXZj6qmXINvF-u_5JB7z9VYhapLVtOWS2AY4a2ey_dxSDUvyiv6dbDVTmsc3pzAfuTOxlEAun//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="strip.jpg" width="500" /><br />
Many of the joists on the back of the breezeway needed to be reeinforced and all the plywood needed to be replaced. We knew that we would need to replace the plywood but not the joists. We didn't even have the right size boards so Bruce and his dad had to rip 2x8's down to 2x6 which added significantly to our timeline.<br />
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<img alt="Off" border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYrg3tQj9IyZLEs31Wwinn6W3KKqIa0_DeKquG2ML7P2jn5ZohQhkWSU0a4FdeYrzv9U-YcXS2IKxup6-Sh3eQcE-0u2Mc8GB9gmt_2qmrHDJJ5i1fWHoieFOz1HQDfLlptmBUelZPCjV//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="off.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<img alt="Rafters" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknqTpEilPUnguHdkkOOd3PAXNedy2KVe1GBrwZ80fLpL1FhsXkeKD5EVWe3S0vvdFiLg2UrMocmlcI1ytGal_7W3lXn61Xq_vUjwhCnx0RzIrJ6lcsEDJ_L3PHvLOUYl8-1tlPifysSbg//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="rafters.jpg" width="500" /><br />
Our friend Jon came down on Saturday and Sunday of 4th of July weekend and his help was also invaluable. And even I (not a big fan of heights or a person who functions well in the heat) got up on the roof to assist laying the flat roof. Kenny was the spotter while we were all on the roof.<br />
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<img alt="Flat1" border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Z-ONZVxWcK2x_NPyWZJXrE8X7yG3VOQREPzKOyxPXPGMBtvlgisVtqJhokG1-JlALYMB4G5Mt_byhNYCQb29neXiSZjG1j6vL5ZDlwqHLJaWeUaDXM-vmZGDFrWypManW3Oo1x1CCxtX//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="flat1.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<img alt="Watchdog" border="0" height="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWu60jaLktPKH6vnEzs0_OoEPQXjIsbTtQmAT0OgaNiyFO5lQx3evTocJyHKEKWyLyC-UwoqfYE4Mm7AyQxhu9k5OAmSgPzsqnljYsFENj6JCuW9YrV5mYrvv7dRde2AylzDlr7mHtkBWo//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="watchdog.jpg" width="350" /><br />
By the end of the day Sunday all the roofing felt was down (making the roof water proof) some of the front was done and the flat roof was done (the hardest part.) <br />
<img alt="Paper" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqJ5gmh-W3hE0bV3Y0t-D8RjEOHVU37SlD-B1n13XLaiWc-1_fQMW65nWVLX_AkJRxEF_fRkNbSeVnRwBmmsaakEGUO6dS266AUJ6aExGFUFalZFchP2ria9Jjcy7-nb-9ONgUB6tSv6g//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="paper.jpg" width="500" /><br />
Have I mentioned yet that it was 102 degrees while they/we were up on the roof. It was so hot that the special tar for the flat roof wouldn't set and it was sliding under our feet as we were trying to lay it. You might notice in some of the photos that Bruce is wearing a big straw hat, i bought that while we were in Jamaica on our honeymoon. I also implemented frequent water/gatorade breaks and kept frozen wash cloths in the freezer that we rotated into the cooler and luckily no one had heat stroke. There was also a lot of 50 spf.<br />
<img alt="Heatstroke" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYfgcKu12i5qy30YdAuDSRzzD3d2f7p2Z0ajmxR1xCqAAdJ3I0dFs18E1F1M4axWFnhSF91AEirLYFuyTP0P2NqyJPOzJstn-ZKxHQu8_SQ6opsDehfptcF-ZA8JMVHDEfb8431D641qv//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="heatstroke.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
We both took Monday off. I would love to say that we spent quality time together but I can't. We went back and forth about calling someone to finish the job it was unpleasant but we worked through it and were fine by bedtime. Bruce called for an estimate but after looking at the few rows of finished front shingles for the rest of the week we made some command decisions. We returned the original 3 tab shingles and got architectural shingles, they look no different once they are on but they are much easier when there is a lot of cutting involved and our roof has <strong>a lot </strong>of cutting involved. Then into the dumpster went the first few rows on the front, replaced with the new kind of shingles. Then we (and by we I mean Bruce) decided to do both sides of the garage. Initially we were only going to do the side of the garage that meets the breezeway, but we decided that we had enough materials and still had the dumpster so we should just go for it. So Jon came back and helped to strip and felt the far side of the garage. We emptied a few more things out of the dumpster and called the company to come take it away. The dumpster was hauled away on Monday July 22.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Boysgarage" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IdeM1KtsCx5Q6aYLoRhxtKOEHwAJtF1cBzRudLwbb6ojr1a_qntDkF2bRPvEyOkuTjkUpk9e0JXd2YgyVtMUy7onRMsWKSxSMS4y75w9kEwfw-ISFKz6LtGktu_Es_YIG7aD7jDA6VrP//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="boysgarage.jpg" width="500" /><br />
Like I said before the timeline is a little hazy Bruce's parents came back the first weekend of August (I think Sunday) and they got all the shingles laid on the far side of the garage. The rest of the shingles Bruce did after work. The breezeway peak is done and vented, so all that is left is to finish the garage peak.<br />
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<img alt="Insta" border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_XxDWSLhvV7WkNUcm9lU32v96bedDCGyXu7vKjaXtiSasvh0OsJ1-jrFOaQD4BQaoARae3uVAcsfCsOXNgKwhWgPcG6uJsiQfxRQ-yQ4p-w0VePaIWCanm5uIc_vJupItwhzHS6Bfy_T//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="insta.jpg" width="500" /><br />
Now to finish the inside. :-) Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-32409331237515150802013-09-19T12:30:00.000-04:002013-09-20T11:43:32.492-04:00Long Over-DueSo Tuesday's post was obviously very very long overdue. Opps! A Few weekends ago we sat down and put together a list of all the things we need to do around the house; for right now, for the near future and for what we think should be done for re-sale. It is big and scary and we kind of put it together and ignored it for a little bit. Not to say that we haven't been chipping away at it. But it has sat over on Google Drive barely organized for ten days. Earlier this week I gave it some attention. I mentally divided it into two major categories: This year's outside tasks and everything else. Then I organized everything else and semi-prioritized our fall list. So here it is:<br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our Big Adventurous List</span></span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Before the Snow</span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">FINISH JETTA</span></strong><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"> (and probably tidy the garage)</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Fix flat tire on Snapper</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Get mulch</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Front wall bed</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Fix Tractor</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Check out chipper/mulcher </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Garage door trim</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Replace old garage door</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Finish trim on the garage</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Replace shingles on the side of the house</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Paint new Shingles</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Paint outdoor breezeway trim/clean up</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Call Dillon roofing about replacing the roof</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Order firewood</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Clean chimney</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Finish painting front door.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Build back step</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Replace back gutter</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Scrap/Donate Passat</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Scrap/Donate Big Red Truck</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <!--[endif]--></span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Breezeway</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">New light box for overhead lighting.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">New window</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Ceiling (bead board) and insulation</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Remove wall heater and install baseboard heater.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Vinyl/snap together floor</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">New doors/windows in the front.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Fix or replace back screen.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Kitchen</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Solution for cabinets (repaint/reface/replace)</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">New counters</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Solution for dining room/fridge wall.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">New flooring possibly matching/coordinating with breezeway</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">New range hood. (vent outside if possible)</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Living Room</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Prime and paint coat closet (smells bad)</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Prime and paint</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Hide TV wires</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Hang art. </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Master Bedroom</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Built-Ins for master closet</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Hang art work</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Find/build new bedside tables.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Move mirror inside one of the closet doors and put hooks on the back of the bedroom door.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Second Bedroom</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Prime and paint ceiling, walls, trim, closet and radiator.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Decorate</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Office</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Finish murphy desk</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Replace paneling with drywall</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Replace Bruce’s desk pullout couch or futon.</span></div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Basement</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Install hot water heater</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Finish waterproofing and cleaning out.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Build a bike rack.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Get rid of metal shelving in the basement and move wood shelving together.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Mount die grinder</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Make workshop functional</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Build wood rack</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Lift washer/dryer have defined laundry area.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Define wood stove area (under living room) with old metal desk and seating.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Clean out</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Clean/Seal hardwoods.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Remove cedar tree and build deck/low patio off breezeway.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Remove pine tree by the street.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Have stumps pulled or ground down.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">New garden fence.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Remove “widow maker” branch.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Paint house exterior.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Replace windows.</span></div>
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Craig’s List/Donate/Trash old furniture with no use.</div>
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Replace Front Door</div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Of course looking at this made me realize that the project list over on the sidebar needs seriously to be updated. So I've given each of these categories their own spot on the list so we can all keep track of the progress around here.</span></div>
Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-26992075286409083382013-09-17T12:30:00.000-04:002013-09-17T12:30:01.504-04:00Adventure to Cape BretonBack in June Bruce and I drove to Cape Breton with my mom for a week. My aunt passed away in the spring and wanted her ashes scattered where she and my mom spent their summers as children. So off we went. We left bright and early on a Saturday morning back in June It is about a twenty hour drive from my parents house to Glace Bay on Sunday afternoon (where we were staying with family) and we have usually done this drive over two days. On the way up we stayed in Moncton, New Brunswick and on the way back we stayed outside Bangor, ME; honestly we didn't do much sight seeing while in those two places after spending 10+ hours in the car.<br />
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<img alt="Route" border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fW2MVTdhCc2VYc-KqQpZKyYMezH-13wJy3NKmhKAOcQu8OTCFw0x8TB-Ct2PTAFNKjiZF7QiF1W88BlalfB0kMHBkyBYdBj1iWYqEym_yJnYSPcwE59hT7WasRbuQQilmnubxyPOi916//?imgmax=800" style="border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="route.jpg" width="500" /><br />
We did however do a little bit of sight seeing while in Nova Scotia and lots of visiting (in true Christine fashion I forgot to take any photos of people). Tuesday I could not be convinced to get back into a car. But Wednesday Bruce and I were off to drive the Cabot Trail. I encourage you to go to Nova Scotia, enjoy the scenery and partake in the amazing treats the province and especially Cape Breton have to offer.<br />
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<img alt="Ameboa" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedPJrlH0c9zaWt7LJ4yv5j-tzuN-rjwNBqkzY9bmOX8qSoIxkasxBsh41mwQrxNWZ36DHV31eVdDXUGbcKyREgsItNNbYaqYPeRiMv3HdYQkhY1_XlJmIZAOO4x5gzpZYRuDM6hqFufnj//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="ameboa.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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<img alt="Cabottrail" border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhN_ZYlFBzXdrKGoOSXvLNYR3Z1TACfD5KrXAOGbD9f6qHP1joSqQrJQ3x55Oi2l88VqCvWfkGRKhFkxKVpIM7vTwyVgM6qOFp6MMzKDTHWQbLV8AD8ETw9cZYWgDiYZ0i3Mj1P-Pg6nec//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="cabottrail.jpg" width="500" /><br />
We left Glace Bay and drove to Baddeck, picked up some maps and took some photos of the Bra's 'dor Lakes and the Schooner Ameboa which gives tours. At some point while chasing the Ameboa to take photos Bruce remembered that he really enjoys photography and confiscated the DSLR, so the photo credits in the post all go to him (unless he's in the photo).<br />
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<img alt="Photog" border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwasou46jvsmDM2EHwHLZvIx6t2Ss6T9jvEMXH8elkFIim_rtMc6xGQsxHwcfyp4NPpxRBgje5t2ujE5Wsy3p8EALUayhSrTzgadSWYCqIj1odr4PQXOqctDw9p-CBn3hc7MiqzrMjSod//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="photog.jpg" width="500" /><br />
From Baddeck we drove to Cheticamp where we had lunch which was excellent. It was rainy when we left Glace Bay but just as we got to the coast it cleared up and the weather was beautiful, as was the scenery. Then headed into the provincial park.<br />
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<img alt="Cheticamp" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jH3jbhE2mxvsxO0dPnlKV97jK19ShYirf8gKXRdYQb-InjvUEtKhwjYWbcuFixZXvNXqKmIetPE6-K4_uoaeEBRJ0yd23XBF44Z4Cms7bJ26CoIbYB_mhdaVxXKtTZaz_O0QyBmSflqb//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="cheticamp.jpg" width="500" /><br />
We stopped at pretty much every "scenic overlook" so I apologie for the photo-dump. We also saw a bear cub crossing the road but I couldn't get the camera up to take a photo of it, You'll just have to take my word for it.<br />
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<img alt="Beachroad" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPKIVA4YL0hOSom9gi6JJ_5p4V-QhaRdl30-PU_WOjLotKgyMy3p461LT_K1Olz0HSN-hpzojxC3OA8F1QKPNHSWqTBlfJ_F_vA7bkredasV-waavyLMgoWy7vX-xwf7VcOsJnFcn4vqQ//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="beachroad.jpg" width="500" /><br />
We stopped at MacIntosh Falls for a short hike. It was around two miles total and flat, it was a great time to get out of the car and get some blood flowing back in our legs! There are many great places to hike around the park, with difficultly levels for everyone.<br />
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<img alt="Hike" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWDRvHdDwmpbW3lPYKSmbr4bXCPUUr2EV8aIYhryjxFXIPmS3zSUGMaruZx2vFJrMvd2OI8mIt63FXO5dRDnghzACEKPfTp9_3Lxsb9b2EennYGEWDvVFRM9ICvMRsdlrV17JUBCdHiGO//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="hike.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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<img alt="McIntoshFalls" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlXoJdwcmYKioIIxXcbRleR_35i-BuVjTTXYXlVdGUyGcv2PL3ZnI4cqSHKf2-81mchsXACOYTmD6P4scr2ZyJgK00kQI58PVb9oR0700yi7udpKsbDVGMFyTcV2qPdDgR3YSYUb48Hzy//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="McIntoshFalls.jpg" width="500" /><br />
From there we drove to St.Ann's for dinner. Now if we had wanted to we could have taken a short ferry and maybe cut down on our driving but we really wanted to complete the whole Cabot Trail and we would have missed the very end by taking the ferry.<br />
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<img alt="Road2" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhiy45nEyXBE-4ou-UPbu9cP8phQpoCnUE9D2aDA__Munn0hJ7ULXtMR5m34y-SzxheGlb1b1VLizCMsn8kArihwyTCMJ26wBaJdvFZ_mekH-h3A-dlSz8j-0OklfbmHrTIv1hCG8HYq0//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="road2.jpg" width="500" /><br />
We got back to Glace Bay just in time to watch the Bruins game. It was another 10 hour day in the car but it was definitely worth it! Thursday night we had an amazing lobster dinner, which I failed to take any photos of because I was way to busy eating it! Friday we climbed back in the car for the long drive home. Saturday we stopped in Freeport and did some shopping, we got some great deals at the L.L.Bean and Northface outlets.<br />
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<img alt="Us" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6byOO1vPYjcp9QkQJI67fzdSECUg2frP2CRxL66LpStR3WlaETttJAZKJCLcWKaoDzn6TUXQAmkFhZQDLPnp8YLR9jjg3a8mGVuZbB7xiuSsomDsON1rpH0LYB6Ow9ozpJaNICaTvBYd//?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="us.jpg" width="500" /></div>
Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-2320893959443402182013-08-04T23:56:00.001-04:002013-08-08T13:57:38.357-04:00Because July was Crazy.<div style="text-align: center;">
Because we are a little crazy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SERIOUSLY you guys! What is going on around here!?!</td></tr>
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<i>We'll re-do the breezeway roof over the fourth of July holiday</i> Famous last words. It's almost done. <i> While you do that I'll paint the front door, we should build a 'Murphy desk' from the free Expedit TV system we got, I'll re-seal the floors. </i>More Famous last words, the desk is done but not organized and with no system to hold it up, there will be a tutorial someday; it will be great. The front door still needs another coat of paint and only the living room floors are sealed. Chole the chinchilla has conjuctivitis because she had been in the basement since March, well either that or she needs a CT scan to see if she needs a root canal (are you kidding me!!!). Last weekend we spent with friends and family for my big 3-0 it was great, almost as great as the Saturday of fouth of July weekend would have been if Bruce had been with me. This weekend I made fresh pasta and ribs. I cannot say that we have not been productive. But I can say that this is the first year since 2003 that I have missed all the NSW planning meetings and have not visited camp at all and I can say that this is one of the first "first weekend of August" that I have missed in a long time. And I have been prickly (to quote Bruce), in a definet funk, but now I'm getting out of it and there are new posts in the works.<br />
<br />Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-56988943106799827702013-07-01T22:10:00.000-04:002013-07-01T22:10:21.941-04:00June Wrap-UpJune was crazy busy. This is my google calendar, it has everything on it, see any empty days in June? Me either.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyRERd_OdFfuz8h7tg1PYSTU4z1v4EgkhSJw-NNNBdzqdCHTB0DyT2dP5VkFU6j4xqmm79H_wbXfAIa1PzEpxCLGZnmv75io1FwNnHt-G2fapA3YUFoNYhCfGMY3gZn5A5UheGlMVCeEC/s1160/Screen+shot+2013-07-01+at+10.03.26+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyRERd_OdFfuz8h7tg1PYSTU4z1v4EgkhSJw-NNNBdzqdCHTB0DyT2dP5VkFU6j4xqmm79H_wbXfAIa1PzEpxCLGZnmv75io1FwNnHt-G2fapA3YUFoNYhCfGMY3gZn5A5UheGlMVCeEC/s640/Screen+shot+2013-07-01+at+10.03.26+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bruce has a big project planned for long weekend, so hopefully I'll get lots of little projects done and post about them when they are done.Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-29363330828338279652013-06-27T12:30:00.000-04:002013-06-27T12:30:02.958-04:00Pride and Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am not alway proud of our country, nor am I always hopeful. But this week I am. </div>
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I took for granted that Bruce and I went to town hall, got a marriage license and tied the knot last year and filed our taxes together this year. Everyone should have that right. I also believe in the separation of Church and State. I do not think that our country will ever force your pastor, rabbi, priest, imam, bishop, witch doctor, instrument of God (or whatever else you'd like to call them) to do something against their/your theology. That is what makes this country great. So this week I am proud and I am hopeful.</div>
Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-15069558480225726922013-06-24T19:10:00.000-04:002013-06-24T19:10:06.324-04:00Heat Wave<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_2JzwqNnfGQ8mFquABJM8o49hOgvkgeuSjGYtNiyLwPF39HbC80OGHdfI1k0BLy-5KdXguGXncW8bAzCFaCvpv7x9JxOz71vn9orTKko48q-ZuCv8QiGy4HSHziXnOrgLcpSAvMwl0pN/s640/blogger-image-1497105590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_2JzwqNnfGQ8mFquABJM8o49hOgvkgeuSjGYtNiyLwPF39HbC80OGHdfI1k0BLy-5KdXguGXncW8bAzCFaCvpv7x9JxOz71vn9orTKko48q-ZuCv8QiGy4HSHziXnOrgLcpSAvMwl0pN/s400/blogger-image-1497105590.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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We just got back to our house yesterday afternoon. Priority number four was to get the air conditioners into the windows! </div>
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We took so many photos on our trip it's going to take me a little while to weed through them but I wanted to let you know that we are back at the homestead for a little bit so keep your eyes peeled for some new posts!</div>
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Were you wondering what priorities one through three were? Unpack, tidy the house and get propane (for the grill because I do NOT want to turn on the stove or the oven in this heat!</div>
Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-18611712390713088302013-06-11T12:30:00.000-04:002013-06-11T12:30:00.848-04:00Silence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQQ5RvEzxcEvbxhgmx4H6uIrd0qRbuXdCL30BU4n42TSmGQlU6VkuJFjupYDt9zJQQNP55cZR-9oUUSowMh42AGdcvwcKS3kgyr8RfYa-ro8FrJADkfsfys1R0f0ICAx0jGonGuTzYf5g/s1600/view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQQ5RvEzxcEvbxhgmx4H6uIrd0qRbuXdCL30BU4n42TSmGQlU6VkuJFjupYDt9zJQQNP55cZR-9oUUSowMh42AGdcvwcKS3kgyr8RfYa-ro8FrJADkfsfys1R0f0ICAx0jGonGuTzYf5g/s1600/view.jpg" /></a></div>
No, nothing is wrong, I've just been very very busy. Every year my boss is the co-organizer for a large workshop at our university and my job title changes from research assistant to workshop coordinator. This involves some catering, some schmoozing of vendors and speakers, generating ID's, etc. . . It also means I may or may not have had wine and pepperoni and cheese for dinner more than once. It's a welcome change of pace and a very welcome return to normalcy when the week is over. Then Bruce and I packed up Friday afternoon and went to Newport for the weekend. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7zyjBH0G43Xp9GhxgR27R12jtIj-a7RuhJBXWbnqveSZqyykr2SmavEJi_vwyPYRZFr6oUuG_VWNpS7i4VAfh9hQGEPUnttXZRkyhg98CZ2iJf1c8OugQMoOVbchfLp8st_xNdH-h-84/s1600/snacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7zyjBH0G43Xp9GhxgR27R12jtIj-a7RuhJBXWbnqveSZqyykr2SmavEJi_vwyPYRZFr6oUuG_VWNpS7i4VAfh9hQGEPUnttXZRkyhg98CZ2iJf1c8OugQMoOVbchfLp8st_xNdH-h-84/s1600/snacks.jpg" /></a></div>
My parents sent us some snacks, we ate some great food, did some shopping and celebrated the wedding of a friend.<br />
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We also slept in! We're leaving Thursday for ten days but I hope to take lots of photos while we are away!</div>
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Also I am soooo bad at taking photos of myself, but I did take all these photos with my iPhone.Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-51084908207801228252013-05-29T12:30:00.000-04:002013-05-29T12:30:01.453-04:00Hallway Adventure: Part TwoGetting this hallway finished is taking forever, but I've made a little more progress. Bruce asked me when he came in if this was my "decorating hallway". Also known as one of the only places in the house that is truly finished. I proved him wrong by hanging our anniversary art in <i>*gasps*</i> the bedroom.<br />
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I'm so happy with the way it came out.</div>
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We replaced our circa 1970 doorbell with pretty white one. The bud vases are from CB2, they are just on nails that I painted with the wall color so the vases look like they are floating on the wall.<br />
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My mom brought home some vintage (looking?) keys from my late aunt's house and I snagged them. Then I took the glass out of a regular 8x10 frame, punched two holes in the back and a piece of white card stock then attached the keys with some floral wire.Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-73099255369696864162013-05-28T12:30:00.000-04:002013-05-28T12:30:02.348-04:00Adventures in Gardening: Progress UpdateWe last left off <a href="http://cmepodolski.blogspot.com/2013/04/garden-progress.html" target="_blank">here</a>, I had "potted up" all the squashes and restarted the peppers. Right before Mother's Day I "potted up" all the tomatoes and last week I ordered peppers from <a href="http://www.burpee.com/" target="_blank">Burpee</a> because my little baby seedlings won't be ready until August at the rate they are going. I have to say that Burpee's Mix and Match plants are great, Burpee has perfected shipping live plants. I planted beans at the beginning of last week before the rain so hopefully with some heat this week they'll come up. The peas are looking great and loving the new trellis. I planted salad greens in all four short rows around the trellis but only this side came up.<br />
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Don't mind the weeds, it's so much better with the mulch this year than without like previous years. The garlic is huge, so I hope it's a sign of good things to come. The onions look ok and I think they will do as well as they did last year.<br />
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We've had some monster asparagus but not a lot of them. I'll have to research if they need to be separated.<br />
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I got the winter squashes: spaghetti, butternut (x2) and acorn, hardened off over the past three weeks and finally into the ground on Memorial Day. I ordered bush variety instead of vines this year and I'm hoping I'll get more than one fruit from each.<br />
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I also built a trellis Memorial Day for my cukes, summer squash and zucchini. The cucumbers and summer squash were hardened off with the winter squash and went into the ground the same day. My zucchini seeds never germinated so I picked up a plant at Home Depot.<br />
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The tomatoes have been hardening off for just over a week, they were in the breezeway for the first week (acclimating to temperature and light changes) and Memorial Day I moved them all outside. I hope to get them in this weekend with the peppers.<br />
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Things are looking good!</div>
Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093214095197967557.post-60919988982318218512013-05-27T21:50:00.002-04:002013-05-27T21:50:41.249-04:00Our Wedding Adventure: One YearI had a plan to do a big photo heavy post with all my favorites that Jess took. Then life happened. I had a crazy week at work, the Bruins are in the play-offs and did I mention work is crazy. I haven't had time to resize a bunch of photos but this is my absolute favorite.<br />
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June is going to be very busy for us so for the holiday weekend we opted to stay home and have a quiet weekend (I also had to run in to the lab both Saturday and Sunday.) I made stock and caught up on laundry, Bruce cleaned the garage and worked on our cars; we watched the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indy 500 and then the Coke 600. Bruce's brother Tim came for very late dinner Sunday nightToday we worked outside around the yard and garden. We ate wedding cake that my mom perfectly froze and my cousin Dan brought to us last weekend.<br />
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This photo shows our hard work today, no make-up, dirty, and a little paunchy from a few to many beers and burgers lately. I picked a poorly lit spot, Bruce is anti-posing for photos, I had the ISO up to high so it's pixely and out of focus, and my remote battery was dead so I had to set the timer and run. But it's us on our anniversary. Bruce gave me a Pandora charm, a new cross necklace and a Wonder Woman apron. I made a print for our bedroom with the lyrics from our wedding song. And we're spending the weekend in Newport in a few weeks which will be awesome and I'll be less of a stress-ball. Hopefully I'll be back later in the week with fun house/garden stuff!Our Big Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02247358908420632994noreply@blogger.com0