Glorious Fall and the art of list making

Well hello there.  I'm feeling quite blessed and ever so thankful today.  We've been experiencing simply glorious fall weather these last couple of weeks.  Our temps have cooled to the 70's by day and lower 40's by night.  Perfection in my book - absolute perfection!!  We're still sleeping with our bedroom window open at night, but it's just the one, not both windows.  We still haven't had a frost, but they're predicting one possibly tonight.  If so, technically we'll be having our first true "Indian Summer" in quite a number of years.  Oh, my favorite time of year!!  It just doesn't get any better than this!!  It's days like these that I'm reminded that we really do live in the perfect place.  

Anyhoo, as you may or may not know...I'm a famous list-maker.  Just ask my husband.  He'll vouch for me.   He may add a few curses here or there, but vouch, he will.  

Ever since my husband's lay-off from work over 2 months ago, my list-making skills have been getting plenty of honing.  Let's just say he hasn't gotten the chance to get bored yet.  So, you take this magnificent fall weather, my habit of list-making, a husband at home during the day while I'm at work, and my "squirreling" tendencies this time of year...he's been one busy feller!  Whew!!! (wipes brow)

So friends, without further adieu...the following pictures represent some of our my hubby's accomplishments so far this season.  He's making a habit out of telling his friends (and anybody else who'll listen) that despite his working harder around home than he ever did at his job, that amazingly enough, his "to do" list just keeps growing...ahem.  

Seriously, the man's imagination is out of control!!

 See those racks on our truck?  My hubby made those out of lumber scraps we had lying around.  All the better to hold more wood dearie.  This is almost a cord of seasoned, cut and split black walnut which we'll be adding to our ever-growing collection of firewood for the winter.  Thank you Craigslist!!  All we had to do was go pick it up and it's ready to burn!!

 This pile already stacked in our woodshed, is maple.  Again, found the ad on Craigslist.  The trees were down in piles and we had to cut to length and split.  Splitting seasoned maple is tough.  But it's all done now. On the opposite wall there is a nicely stacked cord of white oak all ready to burn.  Hmmmm, winter warmth!!  I love it!  We still need to get some fir.  All these other types of wood are hard woods, but you need some good old fir to burn hot and keep the others going.

 That pile of bricks there represents another of my Craigslist finds...vintage bricks awaiting our off the deck patio we're going to build.  I'm still hoping to complete that project before winter, but who knows...

 The newly cleaned and stained deck...we did this last weekend.  I helped, but the credit needs to go to my hardworking husband, who did most of the work.

We've had the natural, aged cedar for so many years, that it was a bit of a shock seeing all this red...it's called "brick red".  I'm not in love with this color, but with time, I think it'll grow on me.  More importantly, it's an oil-based semi-transparent stain that should protect from water and UV rays from the sun.  We get so much enjoyment and use out of this deck, we're hoping it will last for many more years to come.

The natural, aged cedar railings that await staining...so many projects, so little time.  *sigh*  They never do end, do they?

And, finally - my new kitchen counter tops!!!!  I take no credit for this project whatsoever...other than picking the stone from a total of (2) choices, my hubby did all the work.  I stayed out of his way.  I tried to stay out of his way.  Last winter we repainted the kitchen walls, ceiling and cabinets, added new hardware and new curtains...only the flooring remains.  Remember what I said about those projects never ending???

Sooooo much better.  I really do love it!!!  Oh, and my kitchen sink and faucets are new last winter too.  The kitchen sink is actually new to us.  It was a take-out from a kitchen job from a client.  Even the stone was left over from a client's job.

A closer view of my pretty granite counter...Blanco Antiquo.  It has tiny pieces of garnet and shiny, gold veins and some translucent agate type rock that looks like pools.  It's so pretty, and I'm so happy with it!!

The wall above the back splash we (my husband) replaced as well.  This is a porcelain tile from Italy that I found on sale.  I'd actually put this all over the kitchen floor if it was affordable, but I only needed 15 squares...too expensive for the entire space that needs to be re-done.  

One week ago today, Shad had a colic episode.  Thankfully.  So thankfully, he is doing well and seems no worse for the wear.  It was a scary day.  We're so thankful for all the prayers, kind words and warm thoughts.  

Ladde and his beloved "Uncle" Shad sharing supper.  Ladde was so concerned for Shad when he wasn't feeling good, he tried to stand very, very close and would periodically lick Shad's lips.  And some people don't believe that horses can love each other.  I heartily disagree.  I for one, believe they do.

This would have been a beautiful sunset picture minus the power line.  Oh well...it's still beautiful I guess.  We've had so many beautiful evenings lately, perfect for backyard bonfires and friends sitting under the starlit sky...maybe this weekend.  My husband's youngest son Justin and his family will be staying with us for a couple of days.  I'm picturing the campfire, roasting hot dogs, marshmallows and grandkids.

Sounds good.  Oh, and no working on projects this weekend...we're taking a couple of days off to relax and enjoy.

Blessings everyone,
Lorie @ Cingspots