Thursday, October 4, 2012

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

12 comments:

Oak Creek Ranch said...

Enjoy your weekend. Maybe you can make the grand kids pancakes in that gorgeous kitchen. I love your granite. We burn avocado wood here.

Michelle said...

Hopefully the grandkids will be good so you don't have to roast them. ;-)

Sherry Sikstrom said...

Wow he has been busy! That Honey do list was a biggie! So glad Shad is doing well, and it seems to me your hubby is a handy guy

Grey Horse Matters said...

Everything looks great! Love the countertop. Somebody really has been a busy guy and I'm sure he owes all the credit to your lists.

The weather and the weekend coming sound wonderful. Maybe there will be enough hot dogs and marshmallows so you won't have to roast the grandkids!

So happy that Shad is back to his old self. I do believe horses can love other horses and get very attached. I've seen it happen.

C-ingspots said...

LOL!! Michelle only says that because she's met my grandkids!! Well, the boys anyway - they're definitely "all boy"!

RURAL said...

I am so glad to have a update on Shad, poor baby...glad to hear that he is feeling better.

Oh, and the fuzzy edges? Picasa vignette that's all...it's easy.

And Picasa is a free download, have fun.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

Mary said...

Boy! You have one very productive hubby1 good for him, and good for you too. Your kitchen looks so so nice. I could definitely cook in there! I am glad you get a little break...well at least not a bunch of honey do's anyway. I love the sunset picture, lovely!

Heather said...

Just popped on over from Muddy Boot Dreams... I am so glad your Shad is doing better... as a fellow animal lover (oh and dreamer and realist too, lol) yes, horses (and all animals) can love each other, have feelings, and are intelligent... many people just don't pay enough attention to realize it.

Paint Girl said...

So happy to hear Shad is doing well! Always so scary when that happens!!
Your hubby sounds like me! Since I retired I have been busier now then when I worked full time!! I never find enough time in a day to get it all done! That is fantastic how much he has done (and you!) Love the counter tops! We went through an entire home remodel last year and had to move everything out of the house... that was a nightmare, but so worth it in the end!

Cindy Garber Iverson said...

I'm so happy Shad is better. Such a scary episode it must have been. I'm thrilled that your prayers were answered.

I have to admit I'm a bit envious of your wonderful woodpile! So awesome! Come winter around here (it waits until December to get cold here) I will be thinking of your glorious selection of hardwoods to burn.

Cindy

Jenn said...

Love, love, love your countertops! My husband has been laid off since the end of June and I've kept him very busy with my list-making...he said he's worked harder not having a job than he did when he was employed. :)

So glad Shad is feeling better. And I agree with you 100%...animals do feel love. I have no doubt about that.

Anonymous said...

Online Games are enjoyed by a variety of people. People enjoy online games for a variety of purposes including losing weight and relaxation. Figure out how you can have the best time gaming by using the article that follows.

Think about letting your kids computer game on consoles instead of on computers. A computer is usually connected to the Internet, which can put your children at risk for having problems with others online and viewing materials that they are not ready for. A games ps3 offers a more protected environment for their video game experience.

Are your kids' games age appropriate? This means you're going to need to look at the warnings on the backs of the games to figure out if they're a good fit for your kids. There are many games that actually promote violence; these you may need to steer clear of.

Play in single player mode first. If you are not doing well by yourself, you will get demolished when playing with other people. If you find the game too challenging, make a trade for something you like more. Avoid wasting your time when it comes to online gaming.

There are several websites that you can visit to determine if a game meets certain requirements for the computer. After you download it, it will say whether you have the necessary requirements for that specific game. If you don't like downloading things, bear in mind that you could just get the information and then delete the download.

If you are frustrated, give the game a break for awhile. Often, you will not be at the top of your game, as you may want to choose another time to try to beat it. Don't sit there and get angry or frustrated when you should be having fun instead.

Keep your children safe in terms of online gaming. Pay attention to the people they play with. Some people use online gaming in order to manipulate young children. It is important to protect kids when they are gaming online by being aware of whom they are playing with.

You can sell your old computer games with the use of online ads. EBay is a tool that you can use to get your games on the market, but don't use it first. Sometimes there can be issues with shipping when selling from eBay, but if you understand what you are doing, it is a great way to sell your games. Try Craigslist, or use the marketplace app on Facebook.

Use the subtitle feature. Is it the cast that the dialogue of the game is hard to understand because of all the gunfire and music? Check in the menu for a subtitles option. This can usually be found in the audio section of the game. You can generally find a setting here to toggle subtitles on and off.

If possible, try games out before you buy them at your local library. Most public libraries offer video games that can be checked out for free. The library usually has game titles for all different systems, so simply call ahead and see if they have the title you want.

Figure out how to operate the safety and parental controls of any gaming system that comes into your home. You can likely make adjustments that keep kids from viewing mature content. Some allow each gaming profile to be customized separately, allowing adults to enjoy games not meant for younger audiences.

There, you should now be able to start getting more out of your gaming experience since you've read this article. You will be able to make your competition quake with fear since you now quite a bit more about gaming. Just knowing a little bit can get you far in the world of gaming, even if it's just a hobby.