fleeting thoughts

Ahhh...

...THE DECK IS DONE!!!  Now, time to relax, enjoy it, live a little...NOT!    Nope, get a phone call,  Real Estate Broker tour on Friday...geez, gotta finish the deck ASAP, mow the lawn, spit shine the house, and work a little in between.  Whew!  It's all done!  Took me 8 [yes, I said eight] days to stain the deck, but like I said, "It's BIG!"  10x14 with tons of railing, not to mention the stairs.   Have you heard of "Celebrity Circus" running  on TV?  This was the non-celebrity circus here in West (by God) Virginia.  Hanging over railings, etc, without a ladder tall enough to reach railing posts.  Was tons of fun.  Put in almost nine hours a day each day racing the sun dial (can't stain in full sun or you end up with sticky mess). 

Here are some "Proud Mama" pics:

I know it sounds like I am whining, but I loved every minute of it!  I love to paint.  I think sometimes I missed my calling.  But I do find it incredibly relaxing (believe it or not).  The awning is a "Sunsetter" awning & came with the house.  Next one, if there is one, will be remote controlled!!!  Jamie is about 40 minutes away so I am off to deal with dinner. 

Oh, yes!  I almost forgot.   Going back to work at

 

I start on Monday!  Can't wait!   :)

Still here...

...Image, 3 post in one week!   Been staining the deck since Thursday (today a rain delay, but I still got about 2.5 hours of work done, borrowed a tarp from the neighbors(Thanks to Julia & Thomas) and nailed it in place to protect the section of railing).  Averaging about 8.5 hours per day and can't seem to see the end of the road.  Yikes!  It's a big deck.  Yesterday I had the worst hand cramp from holding the brush for so long.  When I am an old woman, my right hand will be stuck in that position for sure.  I will post pictures tomorrow.  You will then understand. :)

Hey, check this out.  Cowboy Mouth - Jenny Says  Saw this band last month in Norfolk @ the Bayou Boogaloo.  Jamie has always talked about them, and we walked down to see them at Town Point Park.  They rock.  Great (somewhat comedic) songs.  Great beat.  Fred, the lead singer/drummer is fun and they put on a great show!  Going to be in Newport in September if the rents are interested! (Newport Blues Cafe, 9-19-08) 

Start my new job in Chesapeake on the 21st of this month.  Stayed tuned for details on that!

Peace out  & happy Sunday!

Rain, rain, go away...

... OK, I am suppose to be staining the deck and stairs at the back of the house, but the weather has not been cooperating.  So, trying to keep busy, I decided to scrapbook.  (Yippee and about time!)  Shhh, I am suppose to be staining.   I have completed my 1st page in a year and a half.  I have to give credit where credit is due, I totally scraplifted this layout, but it was so inspiring!  (for my creative scrapbooker type friends, check her out!) RitasCottage @ Two Peas In ABucket  Ok here's the inspiration layout by RitasCottage:

and my variation on her design:

and here's a close up shot:

More House Photos...

House 4 Sale...

Moving back to Virginia 2 years ahead of schedule.  Jamie retired from the United States Coast Guard after 23 years of dedicated service to accept a job offer he couldn't pass up.  He is now working back in Chesapeake and I am here keeping house, working part time, and this week I have the awesome job of staining the deck (weather permitting!). 

It seems fitting to post this today, the 2nd anniversary of our move.  We have accomplished a lot in 2 years, yet there was so much more to be done.  I will be adding more before & after pics over the next few days so stay tuned. :)

Update Coming Sooon...

I PROMISE!!! :}

New year, new bath...

Yes, we are still alive.  Been so busy with holidays, work and working on the house.  We just finished our Guest Bathroom and will now start on the Master Bathroom.    I can't find my before pic of the guest bath so I will share the master bath before pic so you can get an idea of the transformation.  Needless to say, honey oak cabinets, buttercream walls and yucky white linoleum.   BLAH!

(click on thumbnails for larger pics)

The walls are painted Clay Ridge from the Seaside Collection at Lowe's.  We painted the oak cabinet Dark Kettle Black.  We were a bit skeptical about doing that, but it's beautiful!  The wood grain shows up and it looks like a factory finish.  The floors are a Brazilian Mahagony Laminate Wood and look so rich (the pics don't do it justice!).  We replace the ugly Hollywood light fixture and all the hardware in the bathroom right down to the toilet handle are now brushed nickel.  We installed a new curved shower curtain rod that gives you 25% more room in the shower.    And we have the one thing that most bathrooms will not have...one very vain cat!

               

          

Helloooooooooooo....

Still breathing...

...life happens way too fast.  Next thing ya know, it's August.  Trying to keep up with a yard, work, etc.  Kylie, (HI my sweet girl if you are reading this, miss you tremendously!) is in New Zealand visiting with her Grandma Jennifer (HI Jennifer, miss you tons and sending gigantic hugs!),  and will be here next week.  I can't wait.  Can't believe she will be starting High School (gulp).  And I can't wait to see the bills from Back to School shopping ( double gulp!)  Just took my Diamondtology Exam so keep your fingers crossed for me, should find out in about 2 weeks if I will become a Certified (or should I say  "Certifiable") Diamondtologist (learn more -> DCA.)  Love my job!  It's awesome.  Never thought I would find something I love as much as AAS, but it's a close second.  To my friends at AAS, MISS YOU ALL SO MUCH!  HI! :)  Jamie is great, enjoying the summer golf league at work.  Got his 1st Hole-in-one last week, but it didn't count!  Doesn't that just figure.  Life goes on...more to come!

Look at my...

...BEAUTIFUL BABY!!!

Isn't she the cutest!  These photos were taken when she was 2 - 3 years old.  I love them all.  Now she's all grow up and more beautiful than ever!!!

Behold, the "Special K" self-portrait!  Absolutely STUNNING!!!

Love and miss my girl, HUGS & KISSES Kylie! XOXOX Mom