tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38501194777558676562024-03-12T23:06:09.138-04:00one crazy chickenHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.comBlogger274125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-89889701669234552582013-10-18T19:45:00.000-04:002013-10-18T19:45:22.281-04:00OPEN - Our Last Day in DC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Regardless of our political beliefs, it sure was nice to wake up this morning to the news that everything was OPEN! YAY!!! Our first stop: The Smithsonian Museums. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4zh74b5TAs/UmHDnXp001I/AAAAAAAAEMI/uQFoMfuw1SQ/s1600/_MG_1488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4zh74b5TAs/UmHDnXp001I/AAAAAAAAEMI/uQFoMfuw1SQ/s640/_MG_1488.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">We went to the Air and SPace Museum first and only saw half of it - the airplane half. Brandon loves airplanes, in case you don’t know. He’s a commercial instrument pilot. So we spent a good amount of time looking at the airplanes and airplane history. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zs6FP0Zb9G4/UmHDpen8FrI/AAAAAAAAEMc/2N4floyaMrg/s1600/_MG_1497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zs6FP0Zb9G4/UmHDpen8FrI/AAAAAAAAEMc/2N4floyaMrg/s640/_MG_1497.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm9Rb4nz_C0/UmHDr_k6A0I/AAAAAAAAEM0/bnuA8EBx_90/s1600/_MG_1501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm9Rb4nz_C0/UmHDr_k6A0I/AAAAAAAAEM0/bnuA8EBx_90/s640/_MG_1501.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
In particular, the information about stewardesses/flight attendants always humors me. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ErQ3tPjkmQ/UmHDoPqnq8I/AAAAAAAAEMQ/8r6HEfUP5gE/s1600/_MG_1494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ErQ3tPjkmQ/UmHDoPqnq8I/AAAAAAAAEMQ/8r6HEfUP5gE/s640/_MG_1494.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rTDw8QLWNVs/UmHDpDbKY_I/AAAAAAAAEMY/jlhSNND82wo/s1600/_MG_1496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rTDw8QLWNVs/UmHDpDbKY_I/AAAAAAAAEMY/jlhSNND82wo/s640/_MG_1496.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And this was a poster that the British government posted to help its citizens identify German airships (so take cover) vs. British airships (so don't worry).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJyo6PgB63M/UmHDq4vlb_I/AAAAAAAAEMo/ayaQQkt5HuQ/s1600/_MG_1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJyo6PgB63M/UmHDq4vlb_I/AAAAAAAAEMo/ayaQQkt5HuQ/s640/_MG_1500.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">It was awesome to see the airplanes ... a Messerschmidt 262 jet & ME 109, a Gruman Tiger, and one of my favorites, a Bleriot XI (My fellow Five in a Row friends might know the significance of this). </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">We got to see a fully simulated Airbus 320 take off and landing, although Brandon has experienced a real Airbus 320 landing on our trip to Canada many years ago pre-9/11. It was fun. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">We then headed to the National Museum of American History. This place was great. We didn’t see all of it since this was our last day in DC and we wanted to see as much as we could in our short 1 day that everything was finally open. Some of my highlights were ...</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Brandon pretending to give a speech as president ... here he is behind the podium:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IPjwQfu4PMM/UmHDrsif62I/AAAAAAAAEMw/mKEQ0TLdb6U/s1600/_MG_1502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IPjwQfu4PMM/UmHDrsif62I/AAAAAAAAEMw/mKEQ0TLdb6U/s640/_MG_1502.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And on TV. I love this (although I think he looks a bit like Homer Simpson here). It looks like he's really on TV giving a speech:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4h2fjZ5UHY/UmHDsTv43CI/AAAAAAAAEM4/ZilkQrAjAIo/s1600/_MG_1504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4h2fjZ5UHY/UmHDsTv43CI/AAAAAAAAEM4/ZilkQrAjAIo/s640/_MG_1504.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A cello built in 1701 by Stradivari:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPDs5hJSk_4/UmHDtw9-lVI/AAAAAAAAENI/OiRiHvMS1ss/s1600/_MG_1509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPDs5hJSk_4/UmHDtw9-lVI/AAAAAAAAENI/OiRiHvMS1ss/s640/_MG_1509.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oRAZJD8trbA/UmHDu-y9aNI/AAAAAAAAENM/jqurDjt1FZM/s1600/_MG_1515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oRAZJD8trbA/UmHDu-y9aNI/AAAAAAAAENM/jqurDjt1FZM/s640/_MG_1515.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Kermit D. Frog:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HoDaR3cj_gI/UmHDwGazuEI/AAAAAAAAENc/VFtFv1vNOnw/s1600/_MG_1516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HoDaR3cj_gI/UmHDwGazuEI/AAAAAAAAENc/VFtFv1vNOnw/s640/_MG_1516.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Who remembers working on one of these? I’m raising my hand!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--i5DsyTtPm4/UmHDwFiK6II/AAAAAAAAENY/UlT71k1zBTM/s1600/_MG_1524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--i5DsyTtPm4/UmHDwFiK6II/AAAAAAAAENY/UlT71k1zBTM/s640/_MG_1524.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Dorothy’s slippers:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BBKHZRzKq3g/UmHDzlFGKZI/AAAAAAAAENs/Q7S3Ak0cONg/s1600/_MG_1526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BBKHZRzKq3g/UmHDzlFGKZI/AAAAAAAAENs/Q7S3Ak0cONg/s640/_MG_1526.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The entrance to the Star Spangled Banner (no pictures of the inside as no photography is allowed). Seeing the HUGE original flag that inspired the wonderful poem that became our national anthem was awesome.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X0Ae2huoU5c/UmHDzo2J1aI/AAAAAAAAENo/MDx_A3lW4q4/s1600/_MG_1530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X0Ae2huoU5c/UmHDzo2J1aI/AAAAAAAAENo/MDx_A3lW4q4/s640/_MG_1530.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">And my favorite:</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Julia Child’s kitchen! I was so excited to see this, especially since the Smithsonian website said that this exhibition would be only through August 2013. I just love Julia. And this is the EXACT kitchen that she lived and worked in everyday, save the floor and ceiling (cause they couldn't really move those). Everything is exactly as it was. It’s funny watching home hunting shows and the people just have to have a huge gourmet kitchen. Yet Julia’s kitchen wasn’t some massive gourmet kitchen. It was a nice, normal kitchen and she was very talented. She was able to cook and do her shows from this very kitchen. They had a video running of many, many clips of her shows. I could've watched for hours!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7vtTr_yukiI/UmHDzqUx8SI/AAAAAAAAENw/4yyOy4VTB6Q/s1600/_MG_1531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7vtTr_yukiI/UmHDzqUx8SI/AAAAAAAAENw/4yyOy4VTB6Q/s640/_MG_1531.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ubAyDEMN9rY/UmHD2PnstOI/AAAAAAAAEOA/18msTMiOwgU/s1600/_MG_1534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ubAyDEMN9rY/UmHD2PnstOI/AAAAAAAAEOA/18msTMiOwgU/s640/_MG_1534.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Her cookbooks:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-URoT6BNstXY/UmHD2pkOocI/AAAAAAAAEOE/hnXd7G6HeTg/s1600/_MG_1536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-URoT6BNstXY/UmHD2pkOocI/AAAAAAAAEOE/hnXd7G6HeTg/s640/_MG_1536.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X1z-qavDCcU/UmHD4ZWZaXI/AAAAAAAAEOU/qulO8RgQtCQ/s1600/_MG_1537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X1z-qavDCcU/UmHD4ZWZaXI/AAAAAAAAEOU/qulO8RgQtCQ/s640/_MG_1537.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Afterward we headed to the National Archives. We wanted to see the Charters of Freedom, if we could before we left DC. And we did. And that was very awesome. The original Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights. Words cannot really explain how wonderful these were to view up close and in person. Awe-inspiring.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OJLl6BUtpms/UmHD4fOxv8I/AAAAAAAAEOQ/dXwk73ixnE0/s1600/_MG_1541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OJLl6BUtpms/UmHD4fOxv8I/AAAAAAAAEOQ/dXwk73ixnE0/s640/_MG_1541.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">And this is how I remember DC:</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oC3MFdAVu7c/UmHD42Kx3hI/AAAAAAAAEOY/EH87YmhVwks/s1600/_MG_1539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oC3MFdAVu7c/UmHD42Kx3hI/AAAAAAAAEOY/EH87YmhVwks/s640/_MG_1539.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">It’s a lovely city. I love its energy and excitement. It's clean. And it's large, but there are no sky scrapers. I hope we can come back soon and bring the girls when everything is open (only remind me not to plan a trip when they are planning to vote on a budget!!). There is just so much here that we were not able to see.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Thanks for following our fun! Until next time ... </span></div>
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-77191914093585955342013-10-17T08:01:00.004-04:002013-10-17T08:01:49.279-04:00Fall RV Trip - Day 6 in DCSo today was slow-paced and relaxed, considering that Brandon isn't feeling well. We got a late start and headed to the National Cathedral. It's stunning. I came here once in the 5th grade and I remember how I felt so small. And again, I felt so small today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YphnaVh5AA0/Ul8XZ_aTAkI/AAAAAAAAEJM/LuivpaXK6Sc/s1600/_MG_1448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YphnaVh5AA0/Ul8XZ_aTAkI/AAAAAAAAEJM/LuivpaXK6Sc/s640/_MG_1448.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esTYdfp4T8I/Ul8XaDXo9PI/AAAAAAAAEJQ/qgOw_0g6Ku0/s1600/_MG_1452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esTYdfp4T8I/Ul8XaDXo9PI/AAAAAAAAEJQ/qgOw_0g6Ku0/s640/_MG_1452.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bk9zBANAM_4/Ul8XZ9odQbI/AAAAAAAAEJI/mhgX_ycjImE/s1600/_MG_1455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bk9zBANAM_4/Ul8XZ9odQbI/AAAAAAAAEJI/mhgX_ycjImE/s640/_MG_1455.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0cAmVdkyuQk/Ul8XkG5-S6I/AAAAAAAAEJs/7hebPd0PwMU/s1600/_MG_1456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0cAmVdkyuQk/Ul8XkG5-S6I/AAAAAAAAEJs/7hebPd0PwMU/s640/_MG_1456.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C1bCss8N7eU/Ul8Xj5tKOpI/AAAAAAAAEJo/vmSN2mY5H70/s1600/_MG_1458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C1bCss8N7eU/Ul8Xj5tKOpI/AAAAAAAAEJo/vmSN2mY5H70/s640/_MG_1458.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DiE8EZjxUIg/Ul8Xh6mZMpI/AAAAAAAAEJg/Tyxgj6LfHUg/s1600/_MG_1460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DiE8EZjxUIg/Ul8Xh6mZMpI/AAAAAAAAEJg/Tyxgj6LfHUg/s640/_MG_1460.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4lcCCDFyd0/Ul8XqWwG8hI/AAAAAAAAEJ4/npdVG7hAbh0/s1600/_MG_1463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4lcCCDFyd0/Ul8XqWwG8hI/AAAAAAAAEJ4/npdVG7hAbh0/s640/_MG_1463.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RGLgRAJ4Wqc/Ul8Xqf--C3I/AAAAAAAAEJ8/ZlXEVCRcVgE/s1600/_MG_1472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RGLgRAJ4Wqc/Ul8Xqf--C3I/AAAAAAAAEJ8/ZlXEVCRcVgE/s640/_MG_1472.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And we found these in the gift shop:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qf_iw7yzo-k/Ul8XsJFHUMI/AAAAAAAAEKI/kgXQEZG2Zow/s1600/_MG_1473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qf_iw7yzo-k/Ul8XsJFHUMI/AAAAAAAAEKI/kgXQEZG2Zow/s640/_MG_1473.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Seriously. Really? Darth Vader? Is he the new gargoyle???<br />
<br />
These are from the observation deck:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tU3zAcFgpSI/Ul8XwvttCNI/AAAAAAAAEKY/RLIlZEIxoqM/s1600/_MG_1476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tU3zAcFgpSI/Ul8XwvttCNI/AAAAAAAAEKY/RLIlZEIxoqM/s640/_MG_1476.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMy3mZmtDBI/Ul8XwOQCtGI/AAAAAAAAEKQ/8T2Gq6ii6I0/s1600/_MG_1477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMy3mZmtDBI/Ul8XwOQCtGI/AAAAAAAAEKQ/8T2Gq6ii6I0/s640/_MG_1477.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ohL8jokuZ3w/Ul8XwAhLcyI/AAAAAAAAEKU/eKcljbM9M5g/s1600/_MG_1478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ohL8jokuZ3w/Ul8XwAhLcyI/AAAAAAAAEKU/eKcljbM9M5g/s640/_MG_1478.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oGs12xqsREA/Ul8XyKTyioI/AAAAAAAAEKo/4D_ogT9FqYs/s1600/_MG_1483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oGs12xqsREA/Ul8XyKTyioI/AAAAAAAAEKo/4D_ogT9FqYs/s640/_MG_1483.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Then we headed to Georgetown for lunch and dessert. I had found The Tombs recommended so we went there for some food. It was good, and I liked the atmosphere - rowing oars and paintings and paraphernalia abound. And it's called The Tombs for a reason ... you walk down to go inside, then down again ... then we went down again, feeling like we were in the bowels of the earth.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lMDWQXYZlOI/Ul8aBzb_9zI/AAAAAAAAELU/g5TD4LcLaKU/s1600/photo+(15).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lMDWQXYZlOI/Ul8aBzb_9zI/AAAAAAAAELU/g5TD4LcLaKU/s640/photo+(15).jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FCXRsLITRkQ/Ul8aOVhQ2WI/AAAAAAAAELc/EboYNfUYpTw/s1600/photo+(14).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FCXRsLITRkQ/Ul8aOVhQ2WI/AAAAAAAAELc/EboYNfUYpTw/s640/photo+(14).jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-HCJxtMxxA/Ul8Zj-srZ_I/AAAAAAAAELM/CQHwdyJxwXg/s1600/photo+(13).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-HCJxtMxxA/Ul8Zj-srZ_I/AAAAAAAAELM/CQHwdyJxwXg/s640/photo+(13).jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Then we headed for baked & wired. We were originally going to go to Georgetown Cupcake (i.e. DC Cupcakes on the Food Network), but in my research for lunch and finding GC, I discovered so many positive reviews for baked and wired and so many bad reviews for GC. So baked and wired it was. Goodness at the cupcakes. And brownies. And cookies. And ice cream sandwiches. We settles on ice cream sandwich (similar to a Chipwich, but homemade). And I also couldn't resist a cupcake. So I got one to go.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ElkiMeDEZs/Ul8ZhX-_GeI/AAAAAAAAEK0/LU8B3nljnE8/s1600/photo+(11).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ElkiMeDEZs/Ul8ZhX-_GeI/AAAAAAAAEK0/LU8B3nljnE8/s640/photo+(11).jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilX_L0dmy9U/Ul8ZiXIHZXI/AAAAAAAAELA/_wzX3k1QQNs/s1600/photo+(12).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilX_L0dmy9U/Ul8ZiXIHZXI/AAAAAAAAELA/_wzX3k1QQNs/s640/photo+(12).jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
We were headed to the Newseum, but by the time we got back into the area, it was too late to go there and spend the $$ for admission with only 2 hours until closing. We got so lost. Since we have been here we have driven through this intersection at least 5 times turning around:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NSTTQkv31pQ/Ul8ZiQU3giI/AAAAAAAAELE/PwI6x9Jwzfk/s1600/photo+%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NSTTQkv31pQ/Ul8ZiQU3giI/AAAAAAAAELE/PwI6x9Jwzfk/s640/photo+%252810%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh, we were following a police car and found these license plates humorous. Can you see what it says at the bottom of the tag?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IOLFGErNttc/Ul8efUsJj1I/AAAAAAAAELo/LeY_E6Q7f-w/s1600/_MG_1484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IOLFGErNttc/Ul8efUsJj1I/AAAAAAAAELo/LeY_E6Q7f-w/s640/_MG_1484.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In case you can't read it, it says, "Taxation without Representation." Nice.<br />
<br />
We drove to the National Mall and bought the girls some shirts and hung out on a bench for a while.<br />
<br />
That's when we heard sirens. And then about 10 motorcycles whizzed by, then about 10 police cars, then a black limo, then several armored Secret Service vehicles, then what looked like a SWAT-type vehicle, then more police. They came by some quickly that it was all over before I even had a chance to take a picture. The motorcade was headed from the White House towards Capitol Hill. We can only assume it was a presidential motorcade. It was exciting.<br />
<br />
Then we headed back to the RV because it was too early to eat, but everything else was closed. And with the fact that NOTHING is open anyway, we were growing a little frustrated.<br />
<br />
We watched Back to the Future. I haven't seen that movie in ages. The special effects are stunning! ;)<br />
<br />
I think Thursday will be great... the Smithsonian will be OPEN!! Yes! It's our last day in DC, but at least we'll get to see this.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-70760616815486194202013-10-16T08:26:00.003-04:002013-10-16T10:23:44.780-04:00Fall RV Trip - Day 5 - Washington and Capitol HillThis morning we took a detour to a little town outside of Annapolis. I told you we rented a car, right? Well, Brandon, being ever the entrepreneur that he is, had discovered a boat that he might be able to buy and sell and it just happened to be 45 minutes from where we are staying. So we got up early and drove south towards Annapolis. OK ... the town was called Deen and let me tell you ... gorgeous!! I can see why people want to live here and why it's so expensive.<br />
<br />
We stopped and ate at one of our favorite type of places - a local hole in the wall that serves breakfast. It did not disappoint. I can't even remember the name of it, but it's off the beaten path and perfect.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UyExNJuAKyg/Ul55aF5GhzI/AAAAAAAAEFM/NbsuDx98Hus/s1600/photo+(8).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UyExNJuAKyg/Ul55aF5GhzI/AAAAAAAAEFM/NbsuDx98Hus/s640/photo+(8).jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
We decided to visit Mount Vernon since it was still early in the day. That drive was equally lovely. If you live in Mount Vernon, VA just across the Potomac you are living the dream! At least as far as real estate goes! Interestingly the National Park that we drove through to get to Mount Vernon was closed, but the bikers didn't care - they were going around barricades and biking right in. The government had put up barricades so that you could not stop in your car and see the lovely views of the Potomac. Stupid.<br />
<br />
Contrary to popular reports, the government has not shut down the parking areas at Mount Vernon, but I think everyone visiting DC was there yesterday!<br />
<br />
We started at the Museum because we wanted to learn about George Washington before we ventured onto the property. I didn't know that he fought for the British during the French & Indian War. And that Martha Washington was a widow with children of her own that he raised (they had no children together). And that he had so many slaves - there was a very interesting exhibit in the museum about Washington's dilemma with slavery.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-boajmUi3ZQA/Ul6Bbc31CqI/AAAAAAAAEFc/v8MmqMiQe38/s1600/_MG_1400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-boajmUi3ZQA/Ul6Bbc31CqI/AAAAAAAAEFc/v8MmqMiQe38/s640/_MG_1400.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mount Vernon is just gorgeous! We toured the mansion and it is impressive. Apparently it didn't always look like this. When he inherited it, it was just the middle and one floor with a sleeping loft.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJfGkJBIpE4/Ul6Bb_cK3qI/AAAAAAAAEFg/lDnIHDuHr9Q/s1600/_MG_1401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJfGkJBIpE4/Ul6Bb_cK3qI/AAAAAAAAEFg/lDnIHDuHr9Q/s640/_MG_1401.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After he inherited it and married martha (who had money) and made his own money he added on. Also, he was quite the host as many guests came and stayed in their home. During that time period when one was traveling, one would simply stop at a home to request shelter for the night and the owner of the home would welcome them in and the guest would stay as long as they would like.<br />
<br />
Forty percent of the items inside the home were owned by Washington, hence no pictures of the inside. The other items are period items of things that probably would have been in the house. Two items that impressed me were: the actual <a href="http://www.mountvernon.org/educational-resources/encyclopedia/bastille-key" target="_blank">key to the Bastille</a> prison (check your French history if you don't know the significance of that) and his presidential chair. The actual one from Philadelphia that he sat in while president.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pSFO1XIS5nc/Ul6B9E70QLI/AAAAAAAAEFs/ap3_K80EDB4/s1600/_MG_1416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pSFO1XIS5nc/Ul6B9E70QLI/AAAAAAAAEFs/ap3_K80EDB4/s640/_MG_1416.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The view from the porch:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SEuEWHumpeU/Ul6B91hj9EI/AAAAAAAAEF0/DrBacImdSqg/s1600/_MG_1419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SEuEWHumpeU/Ul6B91hj9EI/AAAAAAAAEF0/DrBacImdSqg/s640/_MG_1419.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The porch that faces the Potomac:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HynNvEdWGBI/Ul6B9fcrM4I/AAAAAAAAEFw/XaSASwkAbyg/s1600/_MG_1420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HynNvEdWGBI/Ul6B9fcrM4I/AAAAAAAAEFw/XaSASwkAbyg/s640/_MG_1420.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Across the Potomac is a National Park (that's closed). This is exactly how it would have looked to Washington each day, save there would have been many more ships to see back in his day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-njfN22RPoJs/Ul6CA8eknXI/AAAAAAAAEGE/Ua5KMvXuW3A/s1600/_MG_1421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-njfN22RPoJs/Ul6CA8eknXI/AAAAAAAAEGE/Ua5KMvXuW3A/s640/_MG_1421.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A tulip poplar tree that George Washington planted in 1759!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Shw-GllpyoU/Ul6CE7HDZOI/AAAAAAAAEGM/7Y71tN2zj68/s1600/_MG_1422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Shw-GllpyoU/Ul6CE7HDZOI/AAAAAAAAEGM/7Y71tN2zj68/s640/_MG_1422.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
We walked the grounds a bit, but by this time Brandon had begun to feel ill. Poor guy! We found the nearest drugstore and loaded him up on drugs. He's feeling a bit better now.<br />
<br />
So we decided to head for the city again, but this time via Metro. We parked at the station nearest to the campground. Well, we drove around and around the property trying to figure out how to get to the parking deck. The address of the station was the kiss and ride parking, but the parking deck was across the tracks. After reading a map (!!) we found our way through the University of Maryland. We parked and proceeded to try and buy a fare card. HA! It took several times before we realized how to buy a day pass. We felt so stupid.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CBEkr7EACik/Ul6C8rY9DtI/AAAAAAAAEGU/slA0wRwBs60/s1600/_MG_1423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CBEkr7EACik/Ul6C8rY9DtI/AAAAAAAAEGU/slA0wRwBs60/s640/_MG_1423.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fBNP8y56fa0/Ul6C9MKc83I/AAAAAAAAEGc/RW9OpSLWJOk/s1600/_MG_1424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fBNP8y56fa0/Ul6C9MKc83I/AAAAAAAAEGc/RW9OpSLWJOk/s640/_MG_1424.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We hopped on the train and headed south. By the way, these are some dirty trains! I honestly don't remember thinking the subway in NY was so filthy as these trains. Maybe it's the fact that there is carpet on the floor of these trains. Carpet. Really? Whose idea?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wdODxRWqUc0/Ul6C98cYMqI/AAAAAAAAEGk/weVw9sBHHYE/s1600/photo+(9).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wdODxRWqUc0/Ul6C98cYMqI/AAAAAAAAEGk/weVw9sBHHYE/s640/photo+(9).jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
We decided to get off at Union Station to see what we could see. It's mighty impressive. They did have a net up to catch falling plaster from the ceilings while they are in the process of restoration. We had a mini lunch and watched people. It's a busy place! They say that twenty five MILLION people come through there each year. And I believe it. It's the point where all the rail lines converge in the city.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd2gSNSSPNE/Ul6DWgx7hnI/AAAAAAAAEG4/-qCPP8vuZrU/s1600/_MG_1426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd2gSNSSPNE/Ul6DWgx7hnI/AAAAAAAAEG4/-qCPP8vuZrU/s640/_MG_1426.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hw_q1Ufe3O0/Ul6DXy7xgdI/AAAAAAAAEHA/2kBY1OTz8c8/s1600/_MG_1427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hw_q1Ufe3O0/Ul6DXy7xgdI/AAAAAAAAEHA/2kBY1OTz8c8/s640/_MG_1427.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOkeXnBL0Xs/Ul6DVdGKikI/AAAAAAAAEGw/uTl9f0UNWyw/s1600/_MG_1428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOkeXnBL0Xs/Ul6DVdGKikI/AAAAAAAAEGw/uTl9f0UNWyw/s640/_MG_1428.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JxLD3TmPbbM/Ul6DZkI7J-I/AAAAAAAAEHI/zp9YmREdI58/s1600/_MG_1429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JxLD3TmPbbM/Ul6DZkI7J-I/AAAAAAAAEHI/zp9YmREdI58/s640/_MG_1429.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zh43BY_U34E/Ul6DbMUv69I/AAAAAAAAEHQ/PtI1fNkX4r0/s1600/_MG_1430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zh43BY_U34E/Ul6DbMUv69I/AAAAAAAAEHQ/PtI1fNkX4r0/s640/_MG_1430.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jSPCgU6aF70/Ul6Db2tQxvI/AAAAAAAAEHY/tEtBWcB8fzg/s1600/_MG_1431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jSPCgU6aF70/Ul6Db2tQxvI/AAAAAAAAEHY/tEtBWcB8fzg/s640/_MG_1431.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
From there we walked out the front and toward the Capitol. We wanted to see if we could see anything exciting going on. There were reporters waiting:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r0lbWjXCCZI/Ul6DsHv1fAI/AAAAAAAAEHg/piPlZCgZaRQ/s1600/_MG_1432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r0lbWjXCCZI/Ul6DsHv1fAI/AAAAAAAAEHg/piPlZCgZaRQ/s640/_MG_1432.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And a protester:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U9X8m3xZTmM/Ul6D0dQSs8I/AAAAAAAAEHo/OMD5RHQyQYM/s1600/photo+(7).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U9X8m3xZTmM/Ul6D0dQSs8I/AAAAAAAAEHo/OMD5RHQyQYM/s640/photo+(7).jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Although his sign didn't really make any sense. It said, "Living the American dream, just not the one intended for U.S."<br />
<br />
The Capitol is quite impressive up close and in person. It is enormous. Too bad we couldn't go inside!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZQzz8HBvhs/Ul6EZq-8uQI/AAAAAAAAEH4/xeArmLYYhcc/s1600/_MG_1433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZQzz8HBvhs/Ul6EZq-8uQI/AAAAAAAAEH4/xeArmLYYhcc/s640/_MG_1433.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
On the left is the House and on the right is the Senate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTCijjs_Ck0/Ul6EYUGYDBI/AAAAAAAAEHw/1zb18xBmmxs/s1600/_MG_1434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTCijjs_Ck0/Ul6EYUGYDBI/AAAAAAAAEHw/1zb18xBmmxs/s640/_MG_1434.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Looking toward the Senate side.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-plY6y-TN0Hw/Ul6Eapt5FCI/AAAAAAAAEIA/zYtSQclwWx8/s1600/_MG_1435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-plY6y-TN0Hw/Ul6Eapt5FCI/AAAAAAAAEIA/zYtSQclwWx8/s640/_MG_1435.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_NtTBDo7V8s/Ul6Eb5Nb-TI/AAAAAAAAEII/ACAS-kh4epg/s1600/_MG_1436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_NtTBDo7V8s/Ul6Eb5Nb-TI/AAAAAAAAEII/ACAS-kh4epg/s640/_MG_1436.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And so we sat at the park and waited. And we waited. There were many Secret Service vehicles and tons of Capitol Police (complete with M16s!). At one point there was some stirring amongst the reporters and we were so hoping for congress to come out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qV5qFL9_28Y/Ul6EeqPae0I/AAAAAAAAEIQ/0rxbSh_0lHM/s1600/_MG_1437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qV5qFL9_28Y/Ul6EeqPae0I/AAAAAAAAEIQ/0rxbSh_0lHM/s640/_MG_1437.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
But nothing. It began to get dark and we grew weary of waiting and Brandon needed more meds, so we left.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Capitol was lovely at dusk:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ymoVJ9DtRKA/Ul6EfNYYb7I/AAAAAAAAEIY/C1DeQO8NZHU/s1600/_MG_1438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ymoVJ9DtRKA/Ul6EfNYYb7I/AAAAAAAAEIY/C1DeQO8NZHU/s640/_MG_1438.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XJ8FYxUSp9A/Ul6EfFAv1VI/AAAAAAAAEIU/yBwlDKT1uic/s1600/_MG_1441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XJ8FYxUSp9A/Ul6EfFAv1VI/AAAAAAAAEIU/yBwlDKT1uic/s640/_MG_1441.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R2klaf9NIdg/Ul6Eh4ZHhZI/AAAAAAAAEIo/0eHlo5lm40k/s1600/_MG_1446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R2klaf9NIdg/Ul6Eh4ZHhZI/AAAAAAAAEIo/0eHlo5lm40k/s640/_MG_1446.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
I discovered something new on my iPhone ... did you know that in maps when you ask it for directions to a place you can choose driving or walking?? So to find the nearest Metro station, we chose walking and walked right to it! We passed the Library of Congress.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bWbbmnEnm70/Ul6EiPzm37I/AAAAAAAAEIs/tviFBQo1nSc/s1600/_MG_1444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bWbbmnEnm70/Ul6EiPzm37I/AAAAAAAAEIs/tviFBQo1nSc/s640/_MG_1444.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Bow your heads for a moment of silence that I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO VISIT. I'm not bitter. Promise.<br />
<br />
We jumped on the Metro and headed for our dinner destination via a close CVS to buy some more drugs (since I left them in the car). Let me say that although the trains may be dirty, the Metro is super-easy to navigate. It's like MARTA in Atlanta, honestly, only bigger and much busier.<br />
<br />
We made reservations at Founding Farmers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EOM4Gh-b_Jg/Ul6FqJtMJiI/AAAAAAAAEI4/wBmJfbil7tA/s1600/photo+(6).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EOM4Gh-b_Jg/Ul6FqJtMJiI/AAAAAAAAEI4/wBmJfbil7tA/s640/photo+(6).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We tried to get in the night before and they had nothing available. But we called early yesterday and had a dinner reservation for 7:45. This place was jam packed. There were Secret Service vehicles parked outside. There were tourists and locals and professionals and politicians and those who work for politicians. It was awesome. The vibe was extremely lively. And the food. Oh my goodness, no wonder there was nothing available the night before. Outstanding food. We made ourselves sick, again. But this time no dessert was involved. We just couldn't stop eating the wonderful food! They're coming out with a cookbook at the end of the month and I will be buying it!<br />
<br />
We rode the Metro back to our car and I'm sure I fell asleep more than once. We crawled into the bed for another good night's sleep. Brandon slept well, despite not feeling so great. I'm hoping he feels better today!<br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-101995079638465742013-10-15T23:12:00.000-04:002013-10-15T23:12:46.216-04:00Fall RV Trip - Day 4 - Deciding to Go to DCSunday night we watched the new accounts of the veteran's marching in Washington and removing the barricades and dumping them in front of the White House. Although we had originally decided to go to Monticello on Monday (hence we stopped in Richmond, VA), we thought we'd enjoy ourselves more if we just went straight to DC. And so off we went. After we packed up and unhooked, that is. Brandon loves when I take his picture :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3dxLdFa1Pao/Ul38DW0yGbI/AAAAAAAAD94/bW4z-C8oLMA/s1600/_MG_1288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3dxLdFa1Pao/Ul38DW0yGbI/AAAAAAAAD94/bW4z-C8oLMA/s640/_MG_1288.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I had to hold this in the ground with my foot. nice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-whQT7AS20d8/Ul38A6s96wI/AAAAAAAAD9s/FAxwXPVlB7U/s1600/_MG_1289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-whQT7AS20d8/Ul38A6s96wI/AAAAAAAAD9s/FAxwXPVlB7U/s640/_MG_1289.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We headed out early and I remembered the LOVE signs at various spots around Virginia. We decided to stop at the VA Welcome center in Fredricksburg because they have a big one there. So we drove to mile marker 131, where it was supposed to be, but no welcome center. Well, DUH! We were almost to Maryland. It was on the other side of 95. We made a U-turn (which is no small feat in the monster) and headed south to check it out. Yes, my hubby loves me. Virginia is for lovers ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4WN1APkGRNg/Ul38A16x7hI/AAAAAAAAD9o/_fylW7JeWVk/s1600/_MG_1293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4WN1APkGRNg/Ul38A16x7hI/AAAAAAAAD9o/_fylW7JeWVk/s640/_MG_1293.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Then we promptly jumped back in the RV and headed to the nearest Chick-fil-A for breakfast (it was 10:20!). After maneuvering the beast around Spotsylvania, we got back on the road. Yes, it's called Spotsylvania. Then there was another ____sylvania. So I looked up sylvania and it means "place in the woods." Who knew?<br />
<br />
We arrived at our campground - Cherry Hill Park - not too far up the road. It's nice and has its very own Metro bus stop.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxhvT_dK7N4/Ul38-L_DkdI/AAAAAAAAD-I/jSD1MDyUfNM/s1600/_MG_1299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxhvT_dK7N4/Ul38-L_DkdI/AAAAAAAAD-I/jSD1MDyUfNM/s640/_MG_1299.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uwNpS9pAvZU/Ul385pd-aAI/AAAAAAAAD-A/KJV5hIAZfGM/s1600/_MG_1300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uwNpS9pAvZU/Ul385pd-aAI/AAAAAAAAD-A/KJV5hIAZfGM/s640/_MG_1300.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
These are some pictures I took while driving - I was so excited to see the city. And the Pentagon ... it's HUGE! I never knew.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIMWSlW2vVE/Ul39T4Ok3rI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/-0x5GAPW3Gw/s1600/_MG_1298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIMWSlW2vVE/Ul39T4Ok3rI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/-0x5GAPW3Gw/s640/_MG_1298.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The roads here are EXTREMELY busy! And the highways right around the city have all this stonework on the overpasses and guard "rails" (which are not rails at all, but stone walls).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L4oVofEJZTw/Ul39Ry3rwHI/AAAAAAAAD-Q/dkMHZyiiV4M/s1600/_MG_1301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L4oVofEJZTw/Ul39Ry3rwHI/AAAAAAAAD-Q/dkMHZyiiV4M/s640/_MG_1301.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We rented a car (which took forever and I'll spare you the reason why we rented car until tomorrow's post) and made our way into the city.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BtDzUxQs-Pk/Ul397Ju5sjI/AAAAAAAAD-g/RM-QwCjEgXI/s1600/_MG_1303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BtDzUxQs-Pk/Ul397Ju5sjI/AAAAAAAAD-g/RM-QwCjEgXI/s640/_MG_1303.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A67HgPyADUs/Ul398OyybzI/AAAAAAAAD-o/cc3ZQtSONUQ/s1600/_MG_1304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A67HgPyADUs/Ul398OyybzI/AAAAAAAAD-o/cc3ZQtSONUQ/s640/_MG_1304.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Our first stop: Arlington National Cemetery. What a lovely place! And so sobering. And moving.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ud3M0wf8OeI/Ul3-VudPxJI/AAAAAAAAD-4/OF1Ni_bbpX8/s1600/_MG_1306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ud3M0wf8OeI/Ul3-VudPxJI/AAAAAAAAD-4/OF1Ni_bbpX8/s640/_MG_1306.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-akweo0XrQDw/Ul3-bWHbAuI/AAAAAAAAD_E/CEReYz6iijU/s1600/_MG_1307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-akweo0XrQDw/Ul3-bWHbAuI/AAAAAAAAD_E/CEReYz6iijU/s640/_MG_1307.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYyDadYNf04/Ul3-UMPlnLI/AAAAAAAAD-w/IZcEjV4iGG0/s1600/_MG_1308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYyDadYNf04/Ul3-UMPlnLI/AAAAAAAAD-w/IZcEjV4iGG0/s640/_MG_1308.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VGPVJTrU7fw/Ul3-bLW8iqI/AAAAAAAAD_A/F5PVmNPJT0w/s1600/_MG_1315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VGPVJTrU7fw/Ul3-bLW8iqI/AAAAAAAAD_A/F5PVmNPJT0w/s640/_MG_1315.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. And we were fortunate enough that many people left right after and we were able to see a wreath laying ceremony as well complete with the playing of Taps. It was very moving. I know there were tears in my eyes during Taps.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QT1hhm8PaK8/Ul3-br-MlfI/AAAAAAAAD_I/AP5CBGIdRP0/s1600/_MG_1318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QT1hhm8PaK8/Ul3-br-MlfI/AAAAAAAAD_I/AP5CBGIdRP0/s640/_MG_1318.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LMpiwsLWcig/Ul3-iCMN6EI/AAAAAAAAD_o/co9bei3NjiU/s1600/_MG_1327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LMpiwsLWcig/Ul3-iCMN6EI/AAAAAAAAD_o/co9bei3NjiU/s640/_MG_1327.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hus4oyK11dg/Ul3-eQKMu1I/AAAAAAAAD_Y/i5sGChddjxE/s1600/_MG_1329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hus4oyK11dg/Ul3-eQKMu1I/AAAAAAAAD_Y/i5sGChddjxE/s640/_MG_1329.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b4hU7OeT5XM/Ul3-fkH_pmI/AAAAAAAAD_g/5caS-hkAHSA/s1600/_MG_1330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b4hU7OeT5XM/Ul3-fkH_pmI/AAAAAAAAD_g/5caS-hkAHSA/s640/_MG_1330.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GRfr8S0UH4A/Ul3-jlINSOI/AAAAAAAAD_w/Yx9r9uNX47w/s1600/_MG_1332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GRfr8S0UH4A/Ul3-jlINSOI/AAAAAAAAD_w/Yx9r9uNX47w/s640/_MG_1332.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J6Czs2RDUw8/Ul3-krLEqoI/AAAAAAAAD_4/Go6Boq5VZeM/s1600/_MG_1334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J6Czs2RDUw8/Ul3-krLEqoI/AAAAAAAAD_4/Go6Boq5VZeM/s640/_MG_1334.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JFOAfOeVZRg/Ul3-pCfjj7I/AAAAAAAAEAI/tBT6ZC5qZCs/s1600/_MG_1343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JFOAfOeVZRg/Ul3-pCfjj7I/AAAAAAAAEAI/tBT6ZC5qZCs/s640/_MG_1343.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYRz8C36oPI/Ul3-oZmtKQI/AAAAAAAAEAA/iAhkv1550Os/s1600/_MG_1344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYRz8C36oPI/Ul3-oZmtKQI/AAAAAAAAEAA/iAhkv1550Os/s640/_MG_1344.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E1dOtaR08EY/Ul3-oS4iA9I/AAAAAAAAEAE/c4UUa7HcwTI/s1600/_MG_1347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E1dOtaR08EY/Ul3-oS4iA9I/AAAAAAAAEAE/c4UUa7HcwTI/s640/_MG_1347.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eBiu7nAQsuU/Ul3-tuC-6wI/AAAAAAAAEAY/n1KeOsv0Iqo/s1600/_MG_1348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eBiu7nAQsuU/Ul3-tuC-6wI/AAAAAAAAEAY/n1KeOsv0Iqo/s640/_MG_1348.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The cemetery is vast, as you can see from the pictures. The gravestones go on as far as you can see. what an honor to walk among them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PCrRfvJFgzo/Ul3-ziD8VEI/AAAAAAAAEAo/yZPb_RlCRVo/s1600/_MG_1350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PCrRfvJFgzo/Ul3-ziD8VEI/AAAAAAAAEAo/yZPb_RlCRVo/s640/_MG_1350.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SiwY9Mp-nJY/Ul3-yEQQMqI/AAAAAAAAEAg/qSiD0VjVJ5I/s1600/_MG_1351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SiwY9Mp-nJY/Ul3-yEQQMqI/AAAAAAAAEAg/qSiD0VjVJ5I/s640/_MG_1351.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--RRyOi7YBwM/Ul3-0uJbGWI/AAAAAAAAEAw/RbvLhgf4fx0/s1600/_MG_1353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--RRyOi7YBwM/Ul3-0uJbGWI/AAAAAAAAEAw/RbvLhgf4fx0/s640/_MG_1353.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
The day was waning and so we made our way into DC to at least drive around and see what we could see.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XEkdIZ2Xsig/Ul3_vI4h6OI/AAAAAAAAEA8/tV6c-x0cSb8/s1600/_MG_1354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XEkdIZ2Xsig/Ul3_vI4h6OI/AAAAAAAAEA8/tV6c-x0cSb8/s640/_MG_1354.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfCtrXLSMoA/Ul3_uvLPmCI/AAAAAAAAEA4/SuIkk8tQ-ig/s1600/_MG_1356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfCtrXLSMoA/Ul3_uvLPmCI/AAAAAAAAEA4/SuIkk8tQ-ig/s640/_MG_1356.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
We decided to stop at the National Mall because, although it was "closed" there were people everywhere.<br />
<br />
And then we saw the World War II Monument and I knew we had to visit. We are both (Brandon much more so than me) World War II buffs because his grandfather fought in Europe for the US.<br />
<br />
We had heard and seen that people were going into the monument even though it was barricaded. And so it was. And so we went in anyway, like many others. In the pictures you can see the barricade and where it was moved to allow entry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KIo0bEy-cxM/Ul4AJ2JWsrI/AAAAAAAAEBY/NGVXFB2gq2A/s1600/_MG_1357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KIo0bEy-cxM/Ul4AJ2JWsrI/AAAAAAAAEBY/NGVXFB2gq2A/s640/_MG_1357.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EfkCA1IgeBA/Ul4AInhG7LI/AAAAAAAAEBM/9Q-lejdWQag/s1600/_MG_1360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EfkCA1IgeBA/Ul4AInhG7LI/AAAAAAAAEBM/9Q-lejdWQag/s640/_MG_1360.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-476dXMRUtbE/Ul4AHwoM-XI/AAAAAAAAEBI/ncE_HFIectE/s1600/_MG_1361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-476dXMRUtbE/Ul4AHwoM-XI/AAAAAAAAEBI/ncE_HFIectE/s640/_MG_1361.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-voEg0agx9pU/Ul4AMTT1a3I/AAAAAAAAEBg/DKat02-iSkg/s1600/_MG_1362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-voEg0agx9pU/Ul4AMTT1a3I/AAAAAAAAEBg/DKat02-iSkg/s640/_MG_1362.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Qs_AurUqKc/Ul4APGlIdPI/AAAAAAAAEBs/F8vhzJhn53Q/s1600/_MG_1363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Qs_AurUqKc/Ul4APGlIdPI/AAAAAAAAEBs/F8vhzJhn53Q/s640/_MG_1363.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hIfq3DdJmYw/Ul4APKPUZaI/AAAAAAAAEBo/5oadAzVn1no/s1600/_MG_1364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hIfq3DdJmYw/Ul4APKPUZaI/AAAAAAAAEBo/5oadAzVn1no/s640/_MG_1364.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8pU4njxEW9Y/Ul4ATvDXaII/AAAAAAAAEB8/v4qNuEJU04A/s1600/_MG_1366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8pU4njxEW9Y/Ul4ATvDXaII/AAAAAAAAEB8/v4qNuEJU04A/s640/_MG_1366.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b0BBUxReX30/Ul4ATa2NWOI/AAAAAAAAEB4/5VKLqX3cPgw/s1600/_MG_1367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b0BBUxReX30/Ul4ATa2NWOI/AAAAAAAAEB4/5VKLqX3cPgw/s640/_MG_1367.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This next display was sobering ... "Here the Price of Freedom". Each star on the wall represents 100 who died. There were 405,000 who died in World War II.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BUGSzetDgtc/Ul4AWcZVqNI/AAAAAAAAECI/M-PAkeKr5Po/s1600/_MG_1369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BUGSzetDgtc/Ul4AWcZVqNI/AAAAAAAAECI/M-PAkeKr5Po/s640/_MG_1369.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ts94bmIFrtY/Ul4AagU-akI/AAAAAAAAECQ/QTaYeneoaig/s1600/_MG_1371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ts94bmIFrtY/Ul4AagU-akI/AAAAAAAAECQ/QTaYeneoaig/s640/_MG_1371.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv5XUcDmMSM/Ul4AbDjstgI/AAAAAAAAECU/jAx6dWJkjzc/s1600/_MG_1372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv5XUcDmMSM/Ul4AbDjstgI/AAAAAAAAECU/jAx6dWJkjzc/s640/_MG_1372.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ddIV7i1Uyzw/Ul4Adr7TEVI/AAAAAAAAECg/zLbSVL8yVgM/s1600/_MG_1375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ddIV7i1Uyzw/Ul4Adr7TEVI/AAAAAAAAECg/zLbSVL8yVgM/s640/_MG_1375.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nnrtlOro1gk/Ul4AdyICTAI/AAAAAAAAECk/V9aADD7bVgs/s1600/_MG_1376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nnrtlOro1gk/Ul4AdyICTAI/AAAAAAAAECk/V9aADD7bVgs/s640/_MG_1376.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Then we decided to make our way to the Lincoln Memorial via the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. That, too, was somber.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nwoOXFMnZHs/Ul4BMCudbvI/AAAAAAAAEC4/iP9XNWioYIg/s1600/_MG_1377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nwoOXFMnZHs/Ul4BMCudbvI/AAAAAAAAEC4/iP9XNWioYIg/s640/_MG_1377.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3t7og3OCJmk/Ul4BMMWW77I/AAAAAAAAEC0/gk4X-R3DRPE/s1600/_MG_1379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3t7og3OCJmk/Ul4BMMWW77I/AAAAAAAAEC0/gk4X-R3DRPE/s640/_MG_1379.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4b8qCJ9saE0/Ul4BMn3QX_I/AAAAAAAAEC8/Xm-S9NrpvvI/s1600/_MG_1380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4b8qCJ9saE0/Ul4BMn3QX_I/AAAAAAAAEC8/Xm-S9NrpvvI/s640/_MG_1380.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cuRtkGQr0w0/Ul4BVAUn_jI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/UnMwKnLdrv8/s1600/_MG_1381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cuRtkGQr0w0/Ul4BVAUn_jI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/UnMwKnLdrv8/s640/_MG_1381.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4dbgWxLVeM/Ul4BU6FD3CI/AAAAAAAAEDM/TlmM_VN8YIo/s1600/_MG_1382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4dbgWxLVeM/Ul4BU6FD3CI/AAAAAAAAEDM/TlmM_VN8YIo/s640/_MG_1382.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jb3VGzEaK5M/Ul4BXuAWrkI/AAAAAAAAEDc/zzXF5y4F4Wg/s1600/_MG_1385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jb3VGzEaK5M/Ul4BXuAWrkI/AAAAAAAAEDc/zzXF5y4F4Wg/s640/_MG_1385.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MY4uWoobbWY/Ul4BdVtulWI/AAAAAAAAEDs/qDudBuOFRRA/s1600/_MG_1386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MY4uWoobbWY/Ul4BdVtulWI/AAAAAAAAEDs/qDudBuOFRRA/s640/_MG_1386.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DBhNc-I2ZhU/Ul4BbmLpSiI/AAAAAAAAEDk/mMQ2rRDW2GY/s1600/_MG_1387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DBhNc-I2ZhU/Ul4BbmLpSiI/AAAAAAAAEDk/mMQ2rRDW2GY/s640/_MG_1387.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Hahaha. More barricades that people moved.<br />
<br />
Onward to the Lincoln Memorial:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bCONdstH28Q/Ul4CIAgG2OI/AAAAAAAAEEA/Uiwjbe_gD5A/s1600/_MG_1388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bCONdstH28Q/Ul4CIAgG2OI/AAAAAAAAEEA/Uiwjbe_gD5A/s640/_MG_1388.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is as close as we could get to Lincoln. People had not moved the barricades here because there were park police. I very much wished someone would start and I think I would have joined right in!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCV5dQwic8o/Ul4CF28evwI/AAAAAAAAED0/L_Tye_pk9cY/s1600/_MG_1389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCV5dQwic8o/Ul4CF28evwI/AAAAAAAAED0/L_Tye_pk9cY/s640/_MG_1389.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yTIJUpycckw/Ul4CHlRaahI/AAAAAAAAED8/8aCkny5SCo4/s1600/_MG_1390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yTIJUpycckw/Ul4CHlRaahI/AAAAAAAAED8/8aCkny5SCo4/s640/_MG_1390.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5FBbnFq0x90/Ul4CLc9rpuI/AAAAAAAAEEM/sLbvczfpEIU/s1600/_MG_1391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5FBbnFq0x90/Ul4CLc9rpuI/AAAAAAAAEEM/sLbvczfpEIU/s640/_MG_1391.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yRtLtAGYrJc/Ul4CM0ZV19I/AAAAAAAAEEU/_P0gqmJZLq4/s1600/_MG_1392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yRtLtAGYrJc/Ul4CM0ZV19I/AAAAAAAAEEU/_P0gqmJZLq4/s640/_MG_1392.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUqBIl-c49w/Ul4COSDjuAI/AAAAAAAAEEc/uPr9m78xRKo/s1600/_MG_1394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUqBIl-c49w/Ul4COSDjuAI/AAAAAAAAEEc/uPr9m78xRKo/s640/_MG_1394.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FPCj7ZyWXAc/Ul4CO5PveUI/AAAAAAAAEEg/C0ZLeKTkmpo/s1600/_MG_1397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FPCj7ZyWXAc/Ul4CO5PveUI/AAAAAAAAEEg/C0ZLeKTkmpo/s640/_MG_1397.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G1FUjSPECjc/Ul4CQ7T6OpI/AAAAAAAAEEs/vWgrqvtxt3I/s1600/_MG_1398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G1FUjSPECjc/Ul4CQ7T6OpI/AAAAAAAAEEs/vWgrqvtxt3I/s640/_MG_1398.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yb5sy4oBCUQ/Ul4CRck8yXI/AAAAAAAAEEw/9KWVgNU1kMY/s1600/_MG_1399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yb5sy4oBCUQ/Ul4CRck8yXI/AAAAAAAAEEw/9KWVgNU1kMY/s640/_MG_1399.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I had heard that the dining in DC is excellent, so we ventured to find a good place to eat. We discovered the Old Ebbitt Grill ... YUM!!! It was very cool inside. It was very Washingtonian. One could imagine important meetings taking place in back rooms in the Old Ebbit Grill, which was established in 1856. The food was great, but the dessert? Well, we made ourselves sick eating a Butterscotch Blondie Sundae. Oh.My.Goodness. Best dessert ever.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1632XkRW9o/Ul4DDOAiXlI/AAAAAAAAEE8/XMLj7W-w4dQ/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1632XkRW9o/Ul4DDOAiXlI/AAAAAAAAEE8/XMLj7W-w4dQ/s640/photo+(5).JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
After that I was so stuffed and so tired from walking a.lot. (the National Mall is huge!) that I was glad we had the car with us and could just jump in and drive to the RV. I promptly fell into bed and slept very well!<br />
<br />
Tomorrow I'll tell you about today ;)<br />
<br />
It's time to say goodnight! Thanks for reading this far :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-23810705204896182082013-10-14T13:05:00.002-04:002013-10-14T13:05:19.833-04:00Fall RV Trip - Day 3 - Leaving NC for VA ... <div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Today was pretty uneventful. But that’s not to say it was a bad day. On the contrary, it was a very good day. We woke to drizzling rain. And I like rain. This was how the RV looked when we woke up:</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N9GCNPL64y8/UltcY-XdzwI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/gh9D48Orws4/s1600/_MG_1285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N9GCNPL64y8/UltcY-XdzwI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/gh9D48Orws4/s640/_MG_1285.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span>What a mess! But the girls are enjoying their accommodations.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">We headed to breakfast at The Farmhouse. Country breakfast at its finest complete with every drink served in a Kerr wide-mouth mason jar. Surprise, we didn’t eat at Cracker Barrel! But this is a local place in Salisbury and it's great.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">We headed back to Brandon’s grandmother’s house and proceeded to hang out. It was a lovely day, so we sat on the front porch (wish I had pictures) and chatted for a couple of hours before we realized we should probably get on the road again. Bummer. We thoroughly enjoyed sitting on the front porch and doing nothing but being a family. I wanted to go into the downtown area and take pictures and see some more things, but it was not to be.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">We packed up the girls as they were heading back home with Brandon’s parents while we were heading north to Virginia. We got on the road with a brief stop in Greensboro, NC for a charging cord for the MacBook. Yes, I left it at home. Yes, they are $80. Yes, we bought one. And then we realized we were hungry and so we ate at Jake’s Diner. It was not bad, but OK diner food.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">It was raining on our drive and got dark long before we reached the Virginia state line, so we didn’t stop at the welcome center to scope out the LOVE sign. Oh well. Maybe we’ll find another one. Supposedly there are several throughout the state. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">We’ve decided to head to Washington DC eventually this week, even with the shutdown. We might rebel and go into the monuments anyway. So if you see us on the news, be sure to let us know. And record it. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">But first we are going to Richmond, VA and Monticello. I’m typing this as we’re driving and we have about 2 more hours until we arrive at the AmeriCamps Campground. They were super nice on the phone, so I hope the campground is good. We’ve been in our fair share of, let’s call them, interesting campgrounds. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Let me just say ... this is the way to travel. Later!</span></div>
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-43333408390445791412013-10-14T08:53:00.000-04:002013-10-14T08:58:56.902-04:00Fall RV Trip Day 2 - SalisburyWe woke up on Saturday to this view:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKMarFLcnOM/UlqOfhzNbHI/AAAAAAAAD5w/SAv3kGAHnhg/s1600/walmart1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKMarFLcnOM/UlqOfhzNbHI/AAAAAAAAD5w/SAv3kGAHnhg/s640/walmart1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Yes, I went out into the parking lot with my PJs on and no shoes and took this picture. It was only appropriate given our location ;)<br />
<br />
It was time to leave Walmart for our destination for the weekend (you can only park in the Walmart lot overnight). We packed up and headed to Dan Nichols State Park in Salisbury. It was very lovely. However. Do you know where Salisbury is located? It's just north of Charlotte, NC. Do you know what is huge in Charlotte? NASCAR. Do you know what weekend it was in Charlotte? Race weekend. Do you know what that means? NO SPOTS ANYWHERE. Yep. lack of planning. Who knew that there wouldn't be camping spots anywhere in Salisbury, NC. Have you ever heard of Salisbury, NC?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUZBnWF5AMA/UlqOwAqFg3I/AAAAAAAAD54/REsG8f4lk2M/s1600/campgroundclosed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUZBnWF5AMA/UlqOwAqFg3I/AAAAAAAAD54/REsG8f4lk2M/s640/campgroundclosed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Fortunately for us, Brandon's dad had already contacted the owner of a trucking company that is right next door to his grandmother's house (we can't get into the driveway of her house with this monster). He agreed to let us dry camp in the lot there. Whew!!<br />
<br />
So this is our spot for the weekend. Isn't it great? It is right next door to everyone, though, so that's a bonus.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cWu3RaOCobE/Ultae-2yQCI/AAAAAAAAD9M/2kGRP462-NM/s1600/_MG_1284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cWu3RaOCobE/Ultae-2yQCI/AAAAAAAAD9M/2kGRP462-NM/s640/_MG_1284.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We went to breakfast at .... if you know me, you know where we ate breakfast! We're on the road, for crying out loud. There's only one place for breakfast when you're on the road as far as I'm concerned. Where do you think we stopped?<br />
<br />
We went back to the house and the kids played while we figured out our plans for the day. They LOVED raking leaves and jumping into the piles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EcVPaP6mAC0/UltVgdBxUFI/AAAAAAAAD6I/ACwPsr5KySE/s1600/_MG_1221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EcVPaP6mAC0/UltVgdBxUFI/AAAAAAAAD6I/ACwPsr5KySE/s640/_MG_1221.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jnSqSQp13L8/UltVlsWSY1I/AAAAAAAAD6Y/SshHW9-1qqI/s1600/_MG_1224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jnSqSQp13L8/UltVlsWSY1I/AAAAAAAAD6Y/SshHW9-1qqI/s640/_MG_1224.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-25oATzcDTqo/UltVjWOfBtI/AAAAAAAAD6Q/3qeMC9kRHWU/s1600/_MG_1225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-25oATzcDTqo/UltVjWOfBtI/AAAAAAAAD6Q/3qeMC9kRHWU/s640/_MG_1225.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pBKpwSf9qXk/UltVvXR31_I/AAAAAAAAD6g/EXsXyqd84zI/s1600/_MG_1228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pBKpwSf9qXk/UltVvXR31_I/AAAAAAAAD6g/EXsXyqd84zI/s640/_MG_1228.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2i1_uXxl9U/UltV9ztu-ZI/AAAAAAAAD6o/2l4gNu6BCCs/s1600/_MG_1229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2i1_uXxl9U/UltV9ztu-ZI/AAAAAAAAD6o/2l4gNu6BCCs/s640/_MG_1229.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RDvqq0VNw4o/UltWB1I5O3I/AAAAAAAAD6w/A_Cq0YuB0z0/s1600/_MG_1232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RDvqq0VNw4o/UltWB1I5O3I/AAAAAAAAD6w/A_Cq0YuB0z0/s640/_MG_1232.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-383nAQThM/UltWEKnUR3I/AAAAAAAAD64/hpix60EUKxM/s1600/_MG_1237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-383nAQThM/UltWEKnUR3I/AAAAAAAAD64/hpix60EUKxM/s640/_MG_1237.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bb0TEdkAXpg/UltWNqH2toI/AAAAAAAAD7A/0amnM_fMO9w/s1600/_MG_1238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bb0TEdkAXpg/UltWNqH2toI/AAAAAAAAD7A/0amnM_fMO9w/s640/_MG_1238.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvjyzCnIihY/UltWUASd0hI/AAAAAAAAD7I/kqQ0tkj6GuU/s1600/_MG_1244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvjyzCnIihY/UltWUASd0hI/AAAAAAAAD7I/kqQ0tkj6GuU/s640/_MG_1244.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pD0wQvJzzV4/UltW2utUVKI/AAAAAAAAD7U/qnNoS9TdIAA/s1600/_MG_1247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pD0wQvJzzV4/UltW2utUVKI/AAAAAAAAD7U/qnNoS9TdIAA/s640/_MG_1247.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6tMrjORI6ZQ/UltXHxheWiI/AAAAAAAAD7c/jEWHlwyMf9o/s1600/_MG_1249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6tMrjORI6ZQ/UltXHxheWiI/AAAAAAAAD7c/jEWHlwyMf9o/s640/_MG_1249.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3dy9pMp1owc/UltXMfGPKlI/AAAAAAAAD7k/Chsz3iDISgo/s1600/_MG_1250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3dy9pMp1owc/UltXMfGPKlI/AAAAAAAAD7k/Chsz3iDISgo/s640/_MG_1250.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jFiX8f3JTRg/UltXgTVfdMI/AAAAAAAAD7s/FqkTd_wpA4c/s1600/_MG_1251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jFiX8f3JTRg/UltXgTVfdMI/AAAAAAAAD7s/FqkTd_wpA4c/s640/_MG_1251.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nyW-pd1R_k0/UltXidHhp4I/AAAAAAAAD70/3P6cc7_NLBg/s1600/_MG_1252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nyW-pd1R_k0/UltXidHhp4I/AAAAAAAAD70/3P6cc7_NLBg/s640/_MG_1252.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Later on that evening Brandon's mom told me that my littlest one asked her to pretend that she (my daughter) was a slave and that Gran was a slave owner. "Now, you tell us what to do, and we'll rake the leaves and then you're not going to like it and you're going to get very angry," she told her. Cute. My little director. I promise, she will be in some sort of profession that allows her to be in complete control.<br />
<br />
While the kiddos played in the leaves, Brandon and I and Angela and Nathan (Brandon's brother and his wife - our sis-in-law - I hate saying "his wife" - sounds so cold) went on the October Tour. This is a tour of homes they have each year. This is an historic town in NC and the homes are gorgeous.<br />
<br />
We were enjoying our tours and then we came to this house:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VFY67VG8fvU/UltYcGFd6FI/AAAAAAAAD8A/QjDSMUlQ0Sk/s1600/_MG_1271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VFY67VG8fvU/UltYcGFd6FI/AAAAAAAAD8A/QjDSMUlQ0Sk/s640/_MG_1271.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
We call it the happy house. Oh my my my. I really should've taken pictures inside to give you a better idea. Little did I know that it would be the highlight of the day!<br />
<br />
So we go inside (with many other people on the tour) and the owner of the home proceeds to tell us about his home. Nothing in it is original save the front doors because it was butchered up into apartments at one time and then fell into disrepair for some time before he bought it to restore.<br />
<br />
As I was looking around I thought that several of the graphic arts posters on the wall were pretty cool. Until he started talking about them. Oh.my.goodness. Instead of telling us about the house, he told us about every.single.thing. in the house and his collections. And his collections began to reveal something about him. Now, normally we'll go on tours like this and it's obvious when the owners are gay which happens a lot on these type of tours). And that doesn't bother me. But this guy. He was, well, odd. Straightaway we had an inkling that he was gay, but no problem. Until he started to tell us about the Boys D-Lite costumes on the wall that were one time used in Boy Scout camps. And the media room with movie posters where the Brokeback Mountain poster was specifically pointed out. And the working vintage toys (so many of them ... like Michael Jackson's Neverland). It was just kind of odd and I know I cannot communicate to you well just how odd it was.<br />
<br />
When we went into the next room I saw a couple stealthily back their way out of the room and the tour and I wanted to be them. We then went into the kitchen. Which was pretty cool. Until. After we were all in the kitchen ready for the docent to speak, we turned behind us and saw "Wake up GAY in the morning" posters. Several of them. And gay bobby pins. And other gay things. I mean that everything on the wall had the word GAY. It was a whole gay wall. Yes. An entire GAY WALL. I started giggling. Because it was so gay. Gay means happy, right? And then the docent began speaking. And telling about the Boy Scouts cereal advertisements on the wall to our right. And I almost lost it. I found a screen door just to my left and I scurried outside. Angela promptly followed. We were laughing so hard that we couldn't speak. I was trying to tell her that what got me so tickled was that the docents were pointing out EVERY.SINGLE.THING. on every single wall in the house and I wondered if she was going to turn our attention to that wall and point out all the gay collections on the gay wall. And I just got tickled. And you know how it is when you're not supposed to be laughing and then you get tickled.<br />
<br />
We waited on the boys, who stayed on the tour. Go figure. We talked about this all weekend an laughed and laughed. Maybe it's a location thing, but it still cracks me up. We'll never forget the Happy House.<br />
<br />
Then we completed our fall tour and went back home, got cleaned up, and went to dinner.<br />
<br />
Oh, I must share picture of the homes:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fe1B6lXQdnk/UltZGsKfXvI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/EUoWl8IIlVM/s1600/_MG_1257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fe1B6lXQdnk/UltZGsKfXvI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/EUoWl8IIlVM/s640/_MG_1257.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7YZmO6bMGi8/UltZEo0HimI/AAAAAAAAD8I/8TntScI8nIo/s1600/_MG_1263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7YZmO6bMGi8/UltZEo0HimI/AAAAAAAAD8I/8TntScI8nIo/s640/_MG_1263.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-Q5TmCNBbg/UltZFLqKrtI/AAAAAAAAD8M/3z3yTK6a-dY/s1600/_MG_1265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-Q5TmCNBbg/UltZFLqKrtI/AAAAAAAAD8M/3z3yTK6a-dY/s640/_MG_1265.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPzRXtXejNQ/UltZV50Yd3I/AAAAAAAAD8g/-OmWbgnhLyM/s1600/_MG_1268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPzRXtXejNQ/UltZV50Yd3I/AAAAAAAAD8g/-OmWbgnhLyM/s640/_MG_1268.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HywJzsh_lKY/UltZXfIXEgI/AAAAAAAAD8o/Z84t11JuqYs/s1600/_MG_1269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HywJzsh_lKY/UltZXfIXEgI/AAAAAAAAD8o/Z84t11JuqYs/s640/_MG_1269.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o5PeaElrhO0/UltZ76VEF-I/AAAAAAAAD9A/ufFeYSAYVbM/s1600/_MG_1275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o5PeaElrhO0/UltZ76VEF-I/AAAAAAAAD9A/ufFeYSAYVbM/s640/_MG_1275.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ipxc6FxUp-E/UltZ7k6WsGI/AAAAAAAAD88/gOvjtuaHmTQ/s1600/_MG_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ipxc6FxUp-E/UltZ7k6WsGI/AAAAAAAAD88/gOvjtuaHmTQ/s640/_MG_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qtGak46_8Kg/UltZ3jHA1kI/AAAAAAAAD80/bFCg0XMsjug/s1600/_MG_1282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qtGak46_8Kg/UltZ3jHA1kI/AAAAAAAAD80/bFCg0XMsjug/s640/_MG_1282.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Dinner was AWESOME. Some of the best food I have ever had anywhere. And I have eaten a lot of good food. It was called Coopers. Fitting since we have a Cooper in the family (the only boy this weekend - bless his heart) and Brandon's mother's maiden name is Cooper.<br />
<br />
We went home after a long and fun day and slept hard. I'm hoping are able to explore the downtown Salisbury area a bit today before we head off for God-only-knows-where, Virginia.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-19516716741901178652013-10-13T22:07:00.000-04:002013-10-13T22:07:09.817-04:00Fall RV Trip Day 1 - On the WayMy good friend blogs about her RV trips and the posts are always so interesting, so I thought I would give it a try. I can't guarantee that mine will be interesting, but here goes ...<br />
<br />
We are on our way to somewhere in Virginia (it was supposed to be Washington DC, but the <strike>congressmen</strike> babies can't play nice, so we have no idea where we are headed) via a stop in my hubby's family's hometown of Salisbury, NC.<br />
<br />
We checked our youngest out of school on Friday in the Motor Coach (you must say that as my children do - with a thick, snobby British accent) and when I walked inside the principal was standing there and he said, "Show off!" I love him.<br />
<br />
So off he went. Via ChickfilA because I was hungry and in my prepping for the trip I had not eaten all day. Oh, except for a bowl of cereal that I ate slowly while I watched an episode of Breaking Bad while I was supposed to be packing. But I digress.<br />
<br />
So off we went again. We were making great time. I even took a nap ('cause someone who shall remain nameless woke me up at 4 that morning snoring). Then suddenly I awoke because we weren't moving. And we didn't really move much for the next 2 hours. There was a terrible wreck on I-85 ahead of us. People were out of their cars on the interstate and some were even turning around and driving backwards up the onramp to get off the interstate. About 5 ambulances came whizzing by over the course of the traffic. And a firetruck. And when we drove by it was bad. Tractor trailers and an SUV with the top cut off. Praying for this people. It really puts things in perspective when you see something like that.<br />
<br />
So while we were "driving" in the traffic, Brandon and I switched seats (yes while we were driving - it's a fun experience) and I "drove" for a while until the traffic got really moving again. This motorhome is a monster! It's only slightly smaller than the width of the lane. I don't know how people drive these things!<br />
<br />
We finally made it to Salisbury at about 8:30 p.m. We met our family at Longhorn for a much-needed reunion and much-needed dinner. My girls were going crazy - I had not prepared for a 6 hour drive with no stops, no water and no food for them. Oy!<br />
<br />
After dinner were very tired, so we drove to the nearest Walmart, looked for "No overnight parking" signs (which I was sure did not exist there due to the fact that there were several tractor trailers in the lot). So we found a good spot, let out the slides, Brandon and our oldest went shopping for some water (which, no, we did not have any because, no, I had not planned on being on the road 6 hours with no stops), and I settled in for sleep.<br />
<br />
A pretty uneventful trip so far, which is good. But maybe kind of boring too. But day 2 brought up some fun which I'll share later. My Macbook is about to die. I forgot the charging chord. Smart. So if we are able to pick one up later today, I'll add more to this oh-so-exciting series of posts!<br />
<br />
Later! It's time to get everyone up and on the road!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-77486982084289173992013-10-07T16:21:00.003-04:002013-10-07T16:21:33.136-04:00Life and art and flexibility ... I've been itching to begin an art journal. I've been reading about them and learning about different ways to do it. I've tried <a href="http://www.lilblueboo.com/2012/05/turn-a-book-into-an-art-journal-a-tutorial.html" target="_blank">gesso-ing old books</a> and <a href="http://www.lilblueboo.com/2009/07/making-composition-book-art-journal.html" target="_blank">making journals out of composition books</a>. But nothing tickled my fancy. I don't have the patience for having to prepare a book before I can use it. So I just bought this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QpF3mkBYF0s/UlMP8_xgEDI/AAAAAAAAD5M/x1fKnSPXX2U/s1600/mixedmediajournal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QpF3mkBYF0s/UlMP8_xgEDI/AAAAAAAAD5M/x1fKnSPXX2U/s1600/mixedmediajournal.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
It's a <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/strathmore-visual-journals/" target="_blank">Strathmore Mixed Media Visual Journal</a>. The paper is thick and not perforated. It's a Mixed Media book, which means it can handle paints and markers and glues. It's not <i>Multi-</i>media, which I kept saying the other day, which made me sound silly ... and stupid. And I used my handy 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby!<br />
<br />
So yesterday I stared at this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cY6PoFo36qY/UlMQ4L4_6dI/AAAAAAAAD5U/9P47ufZC5NQ/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cY6PoFo36qY/UlMQ4L4_6dI/AAAAAAAAD5U/9P47ufZC5NQ/s640/photo.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
This table is a mess. I love it. It's covered in paint and glue and carvings from the kiddos. Anyway, what we have here is a blank page. Also some crappy little acrylics (not my good ones), some ephemera, a color wheel for inspiration, some sharpies ... glue and gesso and a pallet and brushes. And a blank page. Staring up at me.<br />
<br />
After a little while, and some internet surfing for inspiration, I made this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DNAQRagBeWw/UlMSVwtUTNI/AAAAAAAAD5g/Ovr5SuWJjkk/s1600/img025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DNAQRagBeWw/UlMSVwtUTNI/AAAAAAAAD5g/Ovr5SuWJjkk/s640/img025.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
<br />
It's the first page in my journal. Which I think is entirely appropriate. It's paint and marker and ink and ephemera and torn scrapbooking paper and glue and gesso and <b>FUN</b>. And I like it. It's rare that I like something that I paint right after.<br />
<br />
You know why I like it? God's using it to teach me about being flexible. Yes. A little art journal. If there is one thing that I do not do very well it's this: <i>BE FLEXIBLE</i>. Nope. I'm the opposite of flexible. Let's see ... the dictionary says antonyms of flexible are: <i>rigid, brittle, obstinate, ornery, stern, stubborn, unbendable</i>. Hmmm. Yeah, that's me, alright. Rigid. That's a good word. And unbendable. Yep. Just ask my kids!<br />
<br />
I've known this about myself for some time now. But I haven't changed. But I want to. I <i>need</i> to.<br />
<br />
So back to this art journal. I love it. I can start out with one idea and end with something completely different that I planned. If I don't like how something is turning out, I can change it. What does it matter? It's just a little art journal. It's helping me to think outside the box. And it's helping me to enjoy the process. Enjoy the journey.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Life is pure adventure, and the sooner we realize that, the sooner we will be able to treat life as art.</i> ~Maya Angelou</span></span><b style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #0000ee; font-family: inherit;"> </span></b></blockquote>
Ooo I think I found my next inspiration! And I think I'll get out my good paints next time. Enjoy life, my friends!<br />
<br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border: 0;" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
p.s. a great site for inspiration for art journaling is <a href="http://everyday-is-a-holiday.blogspot.com/p/art-journaling.html" target="_blank">Everyday is a Holiday</a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-26716044510234785022012-10-12T07:58:00.002-04:002012-10-12T07:59:14.618-04:00So I haven't written on here in a while … I just don't' have the time. But I am so excited about my new guitar, and I wanted to post pix …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0TlHxM3KH00/UHgFl7lr4vI/AAAAAAAADkg/n-wINQMTjwo/s1600/IMG_9917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0TlHxM3KH00/UHgFl7lr4vI/AAAAAAAADkg/n-wINQMTjwo/s640/IMG_9917.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KPcuF2b5U1A/UHgFnrobfgI/AAAAAAAADko/FgWP1O78opw/s1600/IMG_9919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KPcuF2b5U1A/UHgFnrobfgI/AAAAAAAADko/FgWP1O78opw/s640/IMG_9919.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kwaqQWRPb34/UHgFpROryzI/AAAAAAAADkw/98PqKV9p1fs/s1600/IMG_9920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kwaqQWRPb34/UHgFpROryzI/AAAAAAAADkw/98PqKV9p1fs/s640/IMG_9920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YUZStVeyFg0/UHgFripvevI/AAAAAAAADk4/zUP4WTkCYC4/s1600/IMG_9921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YUZStVeyFg0/UHgFripvevI/AAAAAAAADk4/zUP4WTkCYC4/s640/IMG_9921.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ON529E0wFAI/UHgFtILWipI/AAAAAAAADlA/SS8OJ2MDZkU/s1600/IMG_9922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ON529E0wFAI/UHgFtILWipI/AAAAAAAADlA/SS8OJ2MDZkU/s640/IMG_9922.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--dt-Omr-D7g/UHgFvGvgjrI/AAAAAAAADlI/8kWZM3riLZ4/s1600/IMG_9923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--dt-Omr-D7g/UHgFvGvgjrI/AAAAAAAADlI/8kWZM3riLZ4/s640/IMG_9923.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X5o_TpUQo6I/UHgFwxoJk-I/AAAAAAAADlQ/92MmLOwR7IU/s1600/IMG_9924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X5o_TpUQo6I/UHgFwxoJk-I/AAAAAAAADlQ/92MmLOwR7IU/s640/IMG_9924.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-85791097476522389212012-04-25T10:16:00.000-04:002012-05-14T09:56:17.712-04:00Stick a fork in me ... in it … in us …Well … I'm done. We're done. The kitchen is DONE! After a lot of hard work, here is the reveal:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pM627IMPPLA/T5gIwAseiOI/AAAAAAAADkE/ZzRIQEVgEfY/s1600/kitchenafter14watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pM627IMPPLA/T5gIwAseiOI/AAAAAAAADkE/ZzRIQEVgEfY/s640/kitchenafter14watermarked.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Remember the before ...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQUApidCixQ/T0L9023QkyI/AAAAAAAADc4/vqybqgRciTw/s1600/IMG_9206web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQUApidCixQ/T0L9023QkyI/AAAAAAAADc4/vqybqgRciTw/s400/IMG_9206web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
My giant chalkboard that I love so …<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E5iTlj7awA8/T5gFbISJYfI/AAAAAAAADgo/T0cnfMutoKs/s1600/kitchenafter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E5iTlj7awA8/T5gFbISJYfI/AAAAAAAADgo/T0cnfMutoKs/s640/kitchenafter1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The laundry nook:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CVEtqNn72RU/T5gFcRM8YGI/AAAAAAAADgw/HQ5o890AEuc/s1600/kitchenafter10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CVEtqNn72RU/T5gFcRM8YGI/AAAAAAAADgw/HQ5o890AEuc/s640/kitchenafter10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
before:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92JrnuNXgQI/T0L92P2mJPI/AAAAAAAADdQ/--TOCo_bM7Y/s1600/IMG_9210web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92JrnuNXgQI/T0L92P2mJPI/AAAAAAAADdQ/--TOCo_bM7Y/s400/IMG_9210web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Orucvwq-D_s/T5gFd7PbXOI/AAAAAAAADg4/BWc0JBtfIgE/s1600/kitchenafter11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Orucvwq-D_s/T5gFd7PbXOI/AAAAAAAADg4/BWc0JBtfIgE/s640/kitchenafter11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z_a57FMYm_E/T5gFfGPmpMI/AAAAAAAADhA/YRxydywL8nE/s1600/kitchenafter12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z_a57FMYm_E/T5gFfGPmpMI/AAAAAAAADhA/YRxydywL8nE/s640/kitchenafter12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The view from the eat-in table:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R01agjwD73U/T5gFgJ982DI/AAAAAAAADhI/b61__xuAX7Q/s1600/kitchenafter13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R01agjwD73U/T5gFgJ982DI/AAAAAAAADhI/b61__xuAX7Q/s640/kitchenafter13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
before:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K5dmjjhSXsU/T0L90rTzURI/AAAAAAAADcw/ItYHNkFz37s/s1600/IMG_9205web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K5dmjjhSXsU/T0L90rTzURI/AAAAAAAADcw/ItYHNkFz37s/s400/IMG_9205web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The sink … oh, how I love thee:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6wbnNdVzvw/T5gFifEirGI/AAAAAAAADhY/7806qFpg4wQ/s1600/kitchenafter15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6wbnNdVzvw/T5gFifEirGI/AAAAAAAADhY/7806qFpg4wQ/s640/kitchenafter15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
before:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xosoRPlCTXI/T0L90MDoFaI/AAAAAAAADco/Sr0dVf_SF5U/s1600/IMG_9204web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xosoRPlCTXI/T0L90MDoFaI/AAAAAAAADco/Sr0dVf_SF5U/s400/IMG_9204web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_NVTq4t0YIA/T5gFjYGAnuI/AAAAAAAADhg/f-MMxURdTX4/s1600/kitchenafter16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_NVTq4t0YIA/T5gFjYGAnuI/AAAAAAAADhg/f-MMxURdTX4/s640/kitchenafter16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5m8vkMovAbw/T5gFkpv_2HI/AAAAAAAADho/tLrDmMOpBpw/s1600/kitchenafter17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5m8vkMovAbw/T5gFkpv_2HI/AAAAAAAADho/tLrDmMOpBpw/s640/kitchenafter17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
before:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QRwtZxyBO3U/T0L93ER6ODI/AAAAAAAADdo/Fn3em2qrDX8/s1600/IMG_9213web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QRwtZxyBO3U/T0L93ER6ODI/AAAAAAAADdo/Fn3em2qrDX8/s400/IMG_9213web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
vintage aprons:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGKID6PpDbo/T5gFln4oonI/AAAAAAAADhw/ewpRhMOH4lA/s1600/kitchenafter18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGKID6PpDbo/T5gFln4oonI/AAAAAAAADhw/ewpRhMOH4lA/s640/kitchenafter18.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UEPvGW4B8lw/T5gFmw5z0YI/AAAAAAAADh4/6wT2Je6Jk50/s1600/kitchenafter19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UEPvGW4B8lw/T5gFmw5z0YI/AAAAAAAADh4/6wT2Je6Jk50/s640/kitchenafter19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
before:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIwcqaI7Rb8/T0L93j-wN_I/AAAAAAAADdw/3CO25SL2130/s1600/IMG_9214web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIwcqaI7Rb8/T0L93j-wN_I/AAAAAAAADdw/3CO25SL2130/s400/IMG_9214web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlrZirmR56w/T5gFnwlEqHI/AAAAAAAADiA/ldXxZ3oucsM/s1600/kitchenafter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlrZirmR56w/T5gFnwlEqHI/AAAAAAAADiA/ldXxZ3oucsM/s640/kitchenafter2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Keep calm … carry on:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5jK_XKh2ECU/T5gFpAaD2BI/AAAAAAAADiI/foY_4IwMfEg/s1600/kitchenafter20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5jK_XKh2ECU/T5gFpAaD2BI/AAAAAAAADiI/foY_4IwMfEg/s640/kitchenafter20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5jZ3DV770e0/T5gFqmp1IaI/AAAAAAAADiQ/6oiR3ryHSOw/s1600/kitchenafter21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5jZ3DV770e0/T5gFqmp1IaI/AAAAAAAADiQ/6oiR3ryHSOw/s640/kitchenafter21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
before:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RExo42Asqw/T0L915jfp7I/AAAAAAAADdI/o1CZFEgJ0hs/s1600/IMG_9208web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RExo42Asqw/T0L915jfp7I/AAAAAAAADdI/o1CZFEgJ0hs/s400/IMG_9208web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tyP6tKXLGHM/T5gFsYK99PI/AAAAAAAADiY/lC0sRm85LDA/s1600/kitchenafter22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tyP6tKXLGHM/T5gFsYK99PI/AAAAAAAADiY/lC0sRm85LDA/s640/kitchenafter22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I still don't know where I am going to put this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qKgIdI2Xo1s/T5gFtvvfyhI/AAAAAAAADig/k-7fvJKowpg/s1600/kitchenafter23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qKgIdI2Xo1s/T5gFtvvfyhI/AAAAAAAADig/k-7fvJKowpg/s640/kitchenafter23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Mail box (it actually holds receipts):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n0IbN0jjWbU/T5gFuUgNgoI/AAAAAAAADio/7Co4xEK_Yjk/s1600/kitchenafter24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n0IbN0jjWbU/T5gFuUgNgoI/AAAAAAAADio/7Co4xEK_Yjk/s640/kitchenafter24.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--04ZwPPWTsg/T5gFvh8AlKI/AAAAAAAADiw/XYv5C_ahh-Q/s1600/kitchenafter3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--04ZwPPWTsg/T5gFvh8AlKI/AAAAAAAADiw/XYv5C_ahh-Q/s640/kitchenafter3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I love light … I lOVE light!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SX5KnfKP6M8/T5gFwjr-TTI/AAAAAAAADi4/_9X62Grik0Y/s1600/kitchenafter4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SX5KnfKP6M8/T5gFwjr-TTI/AAAAAAAADi4/_9X62Grik0Y/s640/kitchenafter4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqBSk-zKCBM/T5gFxTmwy2I/AAAAAAAADjA/cxRxck9ICC8/s1600/kitchenafter5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqBSk-zKCBM/T5gFxTmwy2I/AAAAAAAADjA/cxRxck9ICC8/s640/kitchenafter5.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
*sigh* :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QochbPZ4PHQ/T5gFyZ1xbaI/AAAAAAAADjI/TSyWDhyQLAw/s1600/kitchenafter6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QochbPZ4PHQ/T5gFyZ1xbaI/AAAAAAAADjI/TSyWDhyQLAw/s640/kitchenafter6.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
before:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y7_LHzEVfsg/T0L91X55_QI/AAAAAAAADdA/LBMNxv1sTT4/s1600/IMG_9207web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y7_LHzEVfsg/T0L91X55_QI/AAAAAAAADdA/LBMNxv1sTT4/s400/IMG_9207web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Amazing how this opens up the space:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y8mBVA8ZQd0/T5gFz_5uktI/AAAAAAAADjQ/Od8FAZK2Glc/s1600/kitchenafter7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y8mBVA8ZQd0/T5gFz_5uktI/AAAAAAAADjQ/Od8FAZK2Glc/s640/kitchenafter7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Door pulls and hinges:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2vgwUu4aogw/T5gF1dczAXI/AAAAAAAADjY/8QMOFWjAJz4/s1600/kitchenafter8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2vgwUu4aogw/T5gF1dczAXI/AAAAAAAADjY/8QMOFWjAJz4/s640/kitchenafter8.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Drawer pulls:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl31WEkasro/T5gF2b3etXI/AAAAAAAADjg/M_nf52iCmog/s1600/kitchenafter9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl31WEkasro/T5gF2b3etXI/AAAAAAAADjg/M_nf52iCmog/s640/kitchenafter9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Subway tile:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GKzOCFDczb4/T5gF8I0BASI/AAAAAAAADjo/ei2VB23WeOU/s1600/gracecooking25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GKzOCFDczb4/T5gF8I0BASI/AAAAAAAADjo/ei2VB23WeOU/s640/gracecooking25.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Antique chrome bread box:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v7jN8DPQf6M/T5gF9B7h6xI/AAAAAAAADjw/o06wKl0Caks/s1600/gracecooking26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v7jN8DPQf6M/T5gF9B7h6xI/AAAAAAAADjw/o06wKl0Caks/s640/gracecooking26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The actual mail holder:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6v_WwykyASs/T5gF-U7261I/AAAAAAAADj4/ccLzUv_KzeY/s1600/gracecooking27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6v_WwykyASs/T5gF-U7261I/AAAAAAAADj4/ccLzUv_KzeY/s640/gracecooking27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was … fun?? Sort of, sort of not. Glad it's done. Next project please! ;)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-26712222715891634302012-02-20T21:24:00.001-05:002012-02-20T21:27:12.849-05:00We've Only Just Begun ...… to live … white lace and promises …<br />
<br />
I like that song. I like the Carpenters. But this post is not about that song, nor about The Carpenters. It's about my kitchen and we've only just begun!<br />
<br />
Since this is going to be a loooooooooooooooong process, I'm gonna share in stages. I don't think there will be one final reveal as I am just too darn excited to hold it all in as we go.<br />
<br />
So here is our kitchen when we started. I decided not to clean up my kitchen when I took these - this is it in all it's glory as we were beginning the process.<br />
<br />
The view from the sink:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xosoRPlCTXI/T0L90MDoFaI/AAAAAAAADco/Sr0dVf_SF5U/s1600/IMG_9204web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xosoRPlCTXI/T0L90MDoFaI/AAAAAAAADco/Sr0dVf_SF5U/s640/IMG_9204web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The view from the eat-in area:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K5dmjjhSXsU/T0L90rTzURI/AAAAAAAADcw/ItYHNkFz37s/s1600/IMG_9205web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K5dmjjhSXsU/T0L90rTzURI/AAAAAAAADcw/ItYHNkFz37s/s640/IMG_9205web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The kitchen:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQUApidCixQ/T0L9023QkyI/AAAAAAAADc4/vqybqgRciTw/s1600/IMG_9206web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQUApidCixQ/T0L9023QkyI/AAAAAAAADc4/vqybqgRciTw/s640/IMG_9206web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The floors:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y7_LHzEVfsg/T0L91X55_QI/AAAAAAAADdA/LBMNxv1sTT4/s1600/IMG_9207web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y7_LHzEVfsg/T0L91X55_QI/AAAAAAAADdA/LBMNxv1sTT4/s640/IMG_9207web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The eat-in area:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RExo42Asqw/T0L915jfp7I/AAAAAAAADdI/o1CZFEgJ0hs/s1600/IMG_9208web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RExo42Asqw/T0L915jfp7I/AAAAAAAADdI/o1CZFEgJ0hs/s640/IMG_9208web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The laundry closet:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92JrnuNXgQI/T0L92P2mJPI/AAAAAAAADdQ/--TOCo_bM7Y/s1600/IMG_9210web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92JrnuNXgQI/T0L92P2mJPI/AAAAAAAADdQ/--TOCo_bM7Y/s640/IMG_9210web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The door to the backyard:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TP925TRiTk8/T0L92vfY3zI/AAAAAAAADdY/yIpPA7HoxEM/s1600/IMG_9211web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TP925TRiTk8/T0L92vfY3zI/AAAAAAAADdY/yIpPA7HoxEM/s640/IMG_9211web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The table:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-teSYfLuCpkY/T0L92-k8TEI/AAAAAAAADdg/WwtzuOzn5Os/s1600/IMG_9212web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-teSYfLuCpkY/T0L92-k8TEI/AAAAAAAADdg/WwtzuOzn5Os/s640/IMG_9212web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The kitchen stove:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QRwtZxyBO3U/T0L93ER6ODI/AAAAAAAADdo/Fn3em2qrDX8/s1600/IMG_9213web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QRwtZxyBO3U/T0L93ER6ODI/AAAAAAAADdo/Fn3em2qrDX8/s640/IMG_9213web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The faucet:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fHOkr-CMIa8/T0L939mU7II/AAAAAAAADd4/GFUoiGmeDaI/s1600/IMG_9215web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fHOkr-CMIa8/T0L939mU7II/AAAAAAAADd4/GFUoiGmeDaI/s640/IMG_9215web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Aaaaaaaand here we go! Ripping up the vinyl:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1UnlINRKps/T0L94iJIioI/AAAAAAAADeA/FqFdFhLThTA/s1600/IMG_9233web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1UnlINRKps/T0L94iJIioI/AAAAAAAADeA/FqFdFhLThTA/s640/IMG_9233web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
That vinyl stunk!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jlSJTV4OMyU/T0L94yD_rPI/AAAAAAAADeI/fWMjXQmrk4A/s1600/IMG_9234web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jlSJTV4OMyU/T0L94yD_rPI/AAAAAAAADeI/fWMjXQmrk4A/s640/IMG_9234web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And it was messy:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-es8Jq-s15mM/T0L95d3gujI/AAAAAAAADeQ/FiobVfXl-ns/s1600/IMG_9235web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-es8Jq-s15mM/T0L95d3gujI/AAAAAAAADeQ/FiobVfXl-ns/s640/IMG_9235web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The bare floors:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8x05NksD7gQ/T0L954GXUtI/AAAAAAAADeY/gs2V5zKZ_Hk/s1600/IMG_9236web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8x05NksD7gQ/T0L954GXUtI/AAAAAAAADeY/gs2V5zKZ_Hk/s640/IMG_9236web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
No stove!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mEBTBakrDDc/T0L96bFgPmI/AAAAAAAADeg/_kSjN6VfXp4/s1600/IMG_9237web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mEBTBakrDDc/T0L96bFgPmI/AAAAAAAADeg/_kSjN6VfXp4/s640/IMG_9237web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Wowzers at the mess!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMcU5iWpFio/T0L97F0lRyI/AAAAAAAADew/Jtvqm9jLKbI/s1600/IMG_9239web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMcU5iWpFio/T0L97F0lRyI/AAAAAAAADew/Jtvqm9jLKbI/s640/IMG_9239web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The eat-in area and the laundry closet:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zXH-Ojwt0_I/T0L97raUi5I/AAAAAAAADe4/NzTsL5emkMQ/s1600/IMG_9240web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zXH-Ojwt0_I/T0L97raUi5I/AAAAAAAADe4/NzTsL5emkMQ/s640/IMG_9240web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The bare floor again … not sure what the deal is with that stain:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ixxOwGq7xq4/T0L97_nrViI/AAAAAAAADfA/lXVi6cN8fXg/s1600/IMG_9241web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ixxOwGq7xq4/T0L97_nrViI/AAAAAAAADfA/lXVi6cN8fXg/s640/IMG_9241web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IXAU5zmBxkA/T0L98vuE2cI/AAAAAAAADfQ/nT6e7tjuOJg/s1600/IMG_9243web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IXAU5zmBxkA/T0L98vuE2cI/AAAAAAAADfQ/nT6e7tjuOJg/s640/IMG_9243web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Late the same night that ripped out the vinyl and moved out the appliances I thought it best to go ahead and paint the laundry closet. I ♥ it! The color is Behr Fresh Water:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-svidxAxbzBw/T0L988qslnI/AAAAAAAADfc/264NZolts3k/s1600/IMG_9244web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-svidxAxbzBw/T0L988qslnI/AAAAAAAADfc/264NZolts3k/s640/IMG_9244web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Oooooo ♥ this blue … it's 2 shades darker than the kitchen walls will be:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBNNHsBjQzI/T0L99tXmGcI/AAAAAAAADfk/M0ZN1tQ02t8/s1600/IMG_9245web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBNNHsBjQzI/T0L99tXmGcI/AAAAAAAADfk/M0ZN1tQ02t8/s640/IMG_9245web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's time for the tile to go in:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTxTbjQINtw/T0L9-JhDzfI/AAAAAAAADfw/REvmyXycBUc/s1600/IMG_9246web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTxTbjQINtw/T0L9-JhDzfI/AAAAAAAADfw/REvmyXycBUc/s640/IMG_9246web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RSa1S0Ko-44/T0L9-YXbJiI/AAAAAAAADf8/GYpnDUIqxwY/s1600/IMG_9247web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RSa1S0Ko-44/T0L9-YXbJiI/AAAAAAAADf8/GYpnDUIqxwY/s640/IMG_9247web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I must confess that I did not install the tile. It is done now and it looks LOVELY. I adore it. Alas it's time for bed and I have so much more to share! Tomorrow then …<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-42191695204452516112012-02-11T10:42:00.000-05:002012-02-11T10:42:53.481-05:00Valentine's Day Mix TapeEach year I make a mix tape for my hubby for Valentine's Day. Ok, ok … so it's not really a mix tape. It's a CD that I make from iTunes. But if I could make a mix tape, I would. I ♥ old school stuff like that. Maybe I need to buy a boom box, a ghetto blaster, or just a tape recorder … remember those?<br />
<br />
I remember making mix tapes for him back in the day when we were just dating. One tape I distinctly remember I made when we were struggling in our relationship and it had "Best of My Love" by The Eagles on it. To this day whenever I hear that song I get all warm and fuzzy thinking about our relationship and all we've been through. Saying that just makes me giggle for some reason. Oh well, it's true ♥<br />
<br />
So here I am in the middle of making this year's mix "tape" … and I made a cool cover for it and I wanted to share:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0C-0XA-VxiE/TzaJ-nVAc4I/AAAAAAAADcc/7sTEPTD1to8/s1600/2012mixtape2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0C-0XA-VxiE/TzaJ-nVAc4I/AAAAAAAADcc/7sTEPTD1to8/s640/2012mixtape2+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I ♥ that cover with the mix tape. It makes me :) … since I can't make a real mix tape, this cover that I <i>can</i> make will do.<br />
<br />
Each year the songs on the mix tapes range from country to jazz to cheesy 70's love songs … whatever means something to me that year. This year the CD contains some Blake Shelton, Aretha Franklin and Queen, to name a few. Last year it contained Alicia Keyes, Paul McCartney and Seal, among others. And the year before that the tape had songs from The Cure, The Beatles and Etta James. This is something my hubby looks forward to each year. And each year I look forward to creating it.<br />
<br />
Happy Valentine's Day<br />
<br />
♥<br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-65783829265444387472012-02-09T09:45:00.003-05:002012-02-09T09:45:34.031-05:00so much to doI decided to make a list last night of all the things that need to take place in order for the kitchen to be complete. Oy. It's a long list and doesn't even include all the the things I want to do to the pantry!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kD1aB4E4XN8/TzPb6GjygOI/AAAAAAAADcM/HC8yCktgrJc/s1600/kitchenrenolist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kD1aB4E4XN8/TzPb6GjygOI/AAAAAAAADcM/HC8yCktgrJc/s1600/kitchenrenolist.jpg" /></a></div>
I guess we should get started! We're waiting on the countertops to be made and installed, so no control there. And the floors should go in at the end of next week, so there's A LOT to do next week as far as getting the kitchen ready for that. But in the meantime this list looms over me. I guess I should get to work doing <i>some</i>thing …<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-10103303619415833062012-02-02T12:06:00.003-05:002012-02-02T12:10:21.163-05:00Reading Room RevampI still don't know what to call this room. The Former Dining Room? The Library? The Reading Room? How about the Book Room? I kind of lean towards the latter because it sounds less-pretentious to me than the others. Well, other than The Former Dining Room. That just sounds stupid.<br />
<br />
Since we will soon be installing new floors in the kitchen, we thought we should just continue the floors that are in the Living Room and the Foyer into the Book Room. There I said Book Room. So it is. But I digress … We contacted the place that installed our floors to buy more flooring and they had to search their warehouses. But they found some for us. This is what the floors look like in the Living Room and Foyer:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJEPBUEX1sA/TyrB-amdPaI/AAAAAAAADb8/-jQGUHGAfNM/s1600/floorsweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJEPBUEX1sA/TyrB-amdPaI/AAAAAAAADb8/-jQGUHGAfNM/s640/floorsweb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I did a little research, watched a few videos and thought that it might be a job that my Dad and I could tackle together. It's a small room, a square, with just 1 door jamb to concern us. How hard could it be?<br />
<br />
Sunday evening Hubby and I ripped out the carpet. What glorious fun it is to rip out carpet. Although it's quite nasty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L34F0GNcUQE/Tyq8LxyXDII/AAAAAAAADZo/EhqOX7G5h_w/s1600/IMG_9157web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L34F0GNcUQE/Tyq8LxyXDII/AAAAAAAADZo/EhqOX7G5h_w/s640/IMG_9157web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Brandon digging carpet tack strips out of the slab. Niiiiiice holes that they leave in the foundation!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zPbX0cM7JGM/Tyq8MTQemGI/AAAAAAAADZw/bxZ89S3uRbw/s1600/IMG_9158web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zPbX0cM7JGM/Tyq8MTQemGI/AAAAAAAADZw/bxZ89S3uRbw/s640/IMG_9158web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yg18x3CDs3U/Tyq8NLBndSI/AAAAAAAADZ4/DAR6Qng4Ai0/s1600/IMG_9160web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yg18x3CDs3U/Tyq8NLBndSI/AAAAAAAADZ4/DAR6Qng4Ai0/s640/IMG_9160web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h0J51Ai6fkQ/Tyq8RDDCAgI/AAAAAAAADaA/32DrkzaqmTQ/s1600/IMG_9161web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h0J51Ai6fkQ/Tyq8RDDCAgI/AAAAAAAADaA/32DrkzaqmTQ/s640/IMG_9161web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And me … sanding the edge of the stairs …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E9uhzL-9kY4/Tyq8R3uEqcI/AAAAAAAADaI/7ekOpj3eWzY/s1600/IMG_9163web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E9uhzL-9kY4/Tyq8R3uEqcI/AAAAAAAADaI/7ekOpj3eWzY/s640/IMG_9163web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My Dad came over Monday morning and we commenced to attempt to kill our bodies that day. Let me just say that, yes, it was fairly simple. But no, it was NOT easy. I have no pictures of the actual installation process because we were rolling through and didn't want to stop even to eat or get a drink of water … we just wanted it done!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LFgxWMpQ-0M/Tyq8SYmMpMI/AAAAAAAADaQ/o5UHcFgHRHk/s1600/IMG_9164web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LFgxWMpQ-0M/Tyq8SYmMpMI/AAAAAAAADaQ/o5UHcFgHRHk/s640/IMG_9164web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Here are the floors after we finished. They looked great, even with the spacers and no quarter round moulding yet.<br />
<br />
The next day my Dad called me and asked me if I was as sore as he was. My answer? YES!!! I could hardly roll out of bed the next day. This "little" project surely had me feeling all of my 40 years. I guess it was all the time spent on our hands and knees (yes, we had knee pads, thank God!) and then getting up to make cuts, then back on our knees … over and over and over. All.Day.Long.<br />
<br />
But it's done now. We did it, and did it well, I might add, and it looks fabulous!<br />
<br />
Oh, I went to the bathroom later that evening and found this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Rkh1G0wjhA/Tyq8S7dI84I/AAAAAAAADac/5uMX7rS6d28/s1600/IMG_9166web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Rkh1G0wjhA/Tyq8S7dI84I/AAAAAAAADac/5uMX7rS6d28/s640/IMG_9166web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Ha … my silly Dad. He left me a quarter ♥<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dGLMXgDwRzI/Tyq8UWzF73I/AAAAAAAADak/K30vBEE4xNA/s1600/IMG_9170web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dGLMXgDwRzI/Tyq8UWzF73I/AAAAAAAADak/K30vBEE4xNA/s640/IMG_9170web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So here is the completed room, ready for everything to move back in …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-umfxo-9Z_ZQ/Tyq8Ur4GCSI/AAAAAAAADas/12u-0f6M7lo/s1600/IMG_9173web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-umfxo-9Z_ZQ/Tyq8Ur4GCSI/AAAAAAAADas/12u-0f6M7lo/s640/IMG_9173web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zmSxJ1cPzKo/Tyq8VA1vUzI/AAAAAAAADa0/rV-08FAleTw/s1600/IMG_9175web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zmSxJ1cPzKo/Tyq8VA1vUzI/AAAAAAAADa0/rV-08FAleTw/s640/IMG_9175web.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And with everything moved back in …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iE4jwttdYzs/Tyq8Wzg42LI/AAAAAAAADa8/6SMnDNNx4dE/s1600/IMG_9186web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iE4jwttdYzs/Tyq8Wzg42LI/AAAAAAAADa8/6SMnDNNx4dE/s640/IMG_9186web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is what the room looked like before the floors (well, and before the books and curtains and light and stuffs):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LYW-mPUMjmo/Tyq-tHIaclI/AAAAAAAADb0/xisc_yOK7ws/s1600/readingroom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LYW-mPUMjmo/Tyq-tHIaclI/AAAAAAAADb0/xisc_yOK7ws/s640/readingroom2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
What a difference the floors make!<br />
<br />
My shelves ♥ …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aabR7wvcRek/Tyq8XhtGRtI/AAAAAAAADbE/C86J84uMAqI/s1600/IMG_9187web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aabR7wvcRek/Tyq8XhtGRtI/AAAAAAAADbE/C86J84uMAqI/s640/IMG_9187web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My books ♥ … I collect antique books … but not just any antique book!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zr4cK3b3HHA/Tyq8YKpd_AI/AAAAAAAADbM/TJbAMKD1oaA/s1600/IMG_9191web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zr4cK3b3HHA/Tyq8YKpd_AI/AAAAAAAADbM/TJbAMKD1oaA/s640/IMG_9191web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My antique cameras ♥ (that all still work!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-InHVT-rEsDQ/Tyq8YuqTwLI/AAAAAAAADbU/TIgN2g6_vcE/s1600/IMG_9196web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-InHVT-rEsDQ/Tyq8YuqTwLI/AAAAAAAADbU/TIgN2g6_vcE/s640/IMG_9196web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
One of my favorite additions to the room … Brandon's grandfather's tube radio ♥ … we sent it off to have it refurbished and it works good.as.new.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-33kq0cWo7IM/Tyq8ZBRUxfI/AAAAAAAADbc/BHFyq2Hj8yQ/s1600/IMG_9197web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-33kq0cWo7IM/Tyq8ZBRUxfI/AAAAAAAADbc/BHFyq2Hj8yQ/s640/IMG_9197web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now begins the kitchen adventure. I don't know if I should be excited or sacred. I hear it's a little of both. Stay tuned.</div>
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-43200293740628769932012-01-28T11:34:00.004-05:002012-01-28T11:34:53.673-05:00Hot WaterI made a sign this morning for the new Powder room. I still am in ♥ with this room:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oz86OsElX6E/TyQii4JkWBI/AAAAAAAADY4/rokIYtAlh30/s1600/IMG_9131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oz86OsElX6E/TyQii4JkWBI/AAAAAAAADY4/rokIYtAlh30/s640/IMG_9131.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I have been wanting to make a Hot Water sign for the room since I saw this inspiration photo:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J3zTi2909RM/TyQjB4X1eYI/AAAAAAAADZA/28RcM7B6EH0/s1600/100110Hayes_17_rect640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J3zTi2909RM/TyQjB4X1eYI/AAAAAAAADZA/28RcM7B6EH0/s640/100110Hayes_17_rect640.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://gallery.apartmenttherapy.com/photo/susan-ryans-less-is-more-farmhouse-tour/item/183605" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">photo source</span></a></div>
<br />
So I finally made one this morning and this is how it turned out:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sW5wE_aK0Ts/TyQjKu8H1bI/AAAAAAAADZI/1MsLjYRpMRM/s1600/IMG_9146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sW5wE_aK0Ts/TyQjKu8H1bI/AAAAAAAADZI/1MsLjYRpMRM/s640/IMG_9146.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LASSjs1c6G8/TyQjLOTnouI/AAAAAAAADZQ/dd7HcSW2RPo/s1600/IMG_9147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LASSjs1c6G8/TyQjLOTnouI/AAAAAAAADZQ/dd7HcSW2RPo/s640/IMG_9147.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LRcW0Jj15N8/TyQjLXKjXII/AAAAAAAADZY/7Kzh24as-W0/s1600/IMG_9149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LRcW0Jj15N8/TyQjLXKjXII/AAAAAAAADZY/7Kzh24as-W0/s640/IMG_9149.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DcIcvM0_LGI/TyQjLj20eCI/AAAAAAAADZg/gbtZgFEPm9U/s1600/IMG_9152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DcIcvM0_LGI/TyQjLj20eCI/AAAAAAAADZg/gbtZgFEPm9U/s640/IMG_9152.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I ♥ it! It just adds more more touch to the room that I adore. My 6-year-old thinks I'm serious that she's going to have to pay me for hot water, soap and towels ♥<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-51145326850896442012-01-22T20:25:00.001-05:002012-01-22T20:25:43.231-05:00Powder Room Done: check!Oh my. It looks fabulous. To us, anyway. We worked hard all of yesterday and today, and we are finally finished. And what a great feeling it is! I feel like we have really accomplished something. The final stages …<br />
<br />
Here is hubby trying to figure out what that hole is for. Just kidding … I really don't know what he is thinking right there:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2NjaXKxQWNA/TxyzYsxz_UI/AAAAAAAADVo/pDJclKb27AU/s1600/IMG_9113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2NjaXKxQWNA/TxyzYsxz_UI/AAAAAAAADVo/pDJclKb27AU/s640/IMG_9113.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is the new toilet dry-fitted in the room :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVvSGCsoUMs/TxyzZKacM3I/AAAAAAAADVw/2ttxg_uwhKM/s1600/IMG_9114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVvSGCsoUMs/TxyzZKacM3I/AAAAAAAADVw/2ttxg_uwhKM/s640/IMG_9114.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And we have a working toilet with no leaks!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E9YA9MEWrNw/TxyzZTvQ2UI/AAAAAAAADV4/CKO0KujqKLs/s1600/IMG_9115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E9YA9MEWrNw/TxyzZTvQ2UI/AAAAAAAADV4/CKO0KujqKLs/s640/IMG_9115.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Here Brandon is cutting the bolts to the right length … love the Dremel tool!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHIJduelzYk/TxyzZhugCGI/AAAAAAAADWA/UWsJeEDmB0I/s1600/IMG_9119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHIJduelzYk/TxyzZhugCGI/AAAAAAAADWA/UWsJeEDmB0I/s640/IMG_9119.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Dry fitting the sink … it's starting to look like I envisioned!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7MPqKAjdFA/TxyzZ4L4mzI/AAAAAAAADWI/Fhu93YqIXUA/s1600/IMG_9120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7MPqKAjdFA/TxyzZ4L4mzI/AAAAAAAADWI/Fhu93YqIXUA/s640/IMG_9120.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh, behold the beauty of polished chrome! By the way, the faucet and sink came together from the Atlanta Re-Store :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--dBs_OAfJaI/TxyzZ8ogP5I/AAAAAAAADWQ/9LKPZxkBvtA/s1600/IMG_9121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--dBs_OAfJaI/TxyzZ8ogP5I/AAAAAAAADWQ/9LKPZxkBvtA/s640/IMG_9121.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Another shot … I adore this faucet!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3ex9wLA12Y/TxyzaA4VRhI/AAAAAAAADWY/Q0dzAJM_s-s/s1600/IMG_9122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3ex9wLA12Y/TxyzaA4VRhI/AAAAAAAADWY/Q0dzAJM_s-s/s640/IMG_9122.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And again … did I tell you I love this faucet??<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s3GHhJyMrQY/TxyzaSRC4wI/AAAAAAAADWg/BR_eTA-ZAd0/s1600/IMG_9123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s3GHhJyMrQY/TxyzaSRC4wI/AAAAAAAADWg/BR_eTA-ZAd0/s640/IMG_9123.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Brandon doing plumbing work with his one good arm … he amazes me … ♥<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HtoJobRlI8I/TxyzatXkkSI/AAAAAAAADWo/mgA0Giafg5A/s1600/IMG_9124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HtoJobRlI8I/TxyzatXkkSI/AAAAAAAADWo/mgA0Giafg5A/s640/IMG_9124.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Working on the sink plumbing while the paparazzi attacks …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IBENvuBO2l0/TxyzbGT7q0I/AAAAAAAADWw/J5Un-z4pwic/s1600/IMG_9126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IBENvuBO2l0/TxyzbGT7q0I/AAAAAAAADWw/J5Un-z4pwic/s640/IMG_9126.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh, and I bought a new door knob to replace the old brass one. This was the first time I've ever put one in and I am thinking, "Why have I not done this before now?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MFR9pzZdo4/TxyzbZNRpXI/AAAAAAAADW4/Og3DPWxLuxg/s1600/IMG_9128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MFR9pzZdo4/TxyzbZNRpXI/AAAAAAAADW4/Og3DPWxLuxg/s640/IMG_9128.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
WATER!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-slOpNGoH2x8/TxyzbsTlcxI/AAAAAAAADXA/wlOpFXwNYZU/s1600/IMG_9129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-slOpNGoH2x8/TxyzbsTlcxI/AAAAAAAADXA/wlOpFXwNYZU/s640/IMG_9129.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And … here is the bathroom … </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g6ZUIFZKESA/TxyzcCgXNcI/AAAAAAAADXQ/DpLSKkJA3YA/s1600/IMG_9131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g6ZUIFZKESA/TxyzcCgXNcI/AAAAAAAADXQ/DpLSKkJA3YA/s640/IMG_9131.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And the medicine cabinet …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-acHD1Ofvk6g/TxyzcQN-XCI/AAAAAAAADXY/-vkOkpnKhCY/s1600/IMG_9132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-acHD1Ofvk6g/TxyzcQN-XCI/AAAAAAAADXY/-vkOkpnKhCY/s640/IMG_9132.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And the sink …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0hXzgZcjDE/Txyzcq7WXGI/AAAAAAAADXg/g7yQ0ipkc6s/s1600/IMG_9133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0hXzgZcjDE/Txyzcq7WXGI/AAAAAAAADXg/g7yQ0ipkc6s/s640/IMG_9133.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And the toilet …<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VNE2D4UlNww/Txyzc80tOPI/AAAAAAAADXo/kjZdViSAro4/s1600/IMG_9134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VNE2D4UlNww/Txyzc80tOPI/AAAAAAAADXo/kjZdViSAro4/s640/IMG_9134.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And that lovely sink again (sorry, can't help myself!) …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1F3GV3yFQA/TxyzdJqJKNI/AAAAAAAADXw/s0mHTqCISh4/s1600/IMG_9135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1F3GV3yFQA/TxyzdJqJKNI/AAAAAAAADXw/s0mHTqCISh4/s640/IMG_9135.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The view into the bathroom from my couch ♥</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AzckJWydPQI/TxyzdglU_eI/AAAAAAAADYA/pp8kVpplf4A/s1600/IMG_9140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AzckJWydPQI/TxyzdglU_eI/AAAAAAAADYA/pp8kVpplf4A/s640/IMG_9140.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I can't believe it, so another shot …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cccydzhAk4U/Txyzd24d3qI/AAAAAAAADYI/Vvujc2NUuHk/s1600/IMG_9141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cccydzhAk4U/Txyzd24d3qI/AAAAAAAADYI/Vvujc2NUuHk/s640/IMG_9141.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The towel ring and towel (World market ♥)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y0SwkKj60_8/TxyzeEKD0ZI/AAAAAAAADYQ/ajToXeu6o-o/s1600/IMG_9142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y0SwkKj60_8/TxyzeEKD0ZI/AAAAAAAADYQ/ajToXeu6o-o/s640/IMG_9142.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And chrome toilet paper holder …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBTlv2BzfwM/TxyzeVjf4MI/AAAAAAAADYY/KY_OVCLN_vc/s1600/IMG_9143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBTlv2BzfwM/TxyzeVjf4MI/AAAAAAAADYY/KY_OVCLN_vc/s640/IMG_9143.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Ahhhhhhhh … I just ADORE it! ♥<br />
<br />
Here is the before:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fGJbv-xqI2I/Txy1uT3cdeI/AAAAAAAADYk/c5RB5K2ltAE/s1600/IMG_8931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fGJbv-xqI2I/Txy1uT3cdeI/AAAAAAAADYk/c5RB5K2ltAE/s640/IMG_8931.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yU9mgTBIrZk/Txy1uj3jNdI/AAAAAAAADYs/wMefe-IchRQ/s1600/IMG_8943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yU9mgTBIrZk/Txy1uj3jNdI/AAAAAAAADYs/wMefe-IchRQ/s640/IMG_8943.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And the after:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cccydzhAk4U/Txyzd24d3qI/AAAAAAAADYI/Vvujc2NUuHk/s1600/IMG_9141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cccydzhAk4U/Txyzd24d3qI/AAAAAAAADYI/Vvujc2NUuHk/s640/IMG_9141.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0hXzgZcjDE/Txyzcq7WXGI/AAAAAAAADXg/g7yQ0ipkc6s/s1600/IMG_9133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0hXzgZcjDE/Txyzcq7WXGI/AAAAAAAADXg/g7yQ0ipkc6s/s640/IMG_9133.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Amazing transformation, no? Yes!! ♥ … Now it's on to renovate the kitchen :)<br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-33523629908038886802012-01-21T17:00:00.000-05:002012-01-21T17:00:02.513-05:00White and BrightBecause the powder room (as I now call it since it will, indeed, be one) is a small room with no windows, I decided that I wanted the walls to be white and bright. All color in the room will come from art and accessories. I'm not afraid of color, I just didn't want any on the walls.<br />
<br />
So it was time to putty holes and caulk cracks and paint. First, let me say that this stuff is fabulous for filling in nail holes:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ggsk5KjqmjU/Txqyz9BOSnI/AAAAAAAADUM/k1OeW4GDLw4/s1600/IMG_9088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ggsk5KjqmjU/Txqyz9BOSnI/AAAAAAAADUM/k1OeW4GDLw4/s640/IMG_9088.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Caulking …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JhXDglN9UI/Txqy1_6EtwI/AAAAAAAADUU/FGmnhry3sRc/s1600/IMG_9096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JhXDglN9UI/Txqy1_6EtwI/AAAAAAAADUU/FGmnhry3sRc/s640/IMG_9096.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJ_VTH3MeH8/Txqy2X9cN2I/AAAAAAAADUY/QpD_grcPeQM/s1600/IMG_9097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJ_VTH3MeH8/Txqy2X9cN2I/AAAAAAAADUY/QpD_grcPeQM/s640/IMG_9097.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And now it's time to paint. First coat of 3 of primer … Kilz 2 Latex Primer in case you want to know …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DA6tLi35rqM/Txqy2t7FRBI/AAAAAAAADUk/meV5EUIkkvY/s1600/IMG_9100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DA6tLi35rqM/Txqy2t7FRBI/AAAAAAAADUk/meV5EUIkkvY/s640/IMG_9100.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HURSniCEFYc/Txqy3Jg2ctI/AAAAAAAADUs/N8TkzDA2FNk/s1600/IMG_9103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HURSniCEFYc/Txqy3Jg2ctI/AAAAAAAADUs/N8TkzDA2FNk/s640/IMG_9103.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TslgyrHG0PE/Txqy3Yw3iKI/AAAAAAAADU0/rwXuWj_C4Bk/s1600/IMG_9104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TslgyrHG0PE/Txqy3Yw3iKI/AAAAAAAADU0/rwXuWj_C4Bk/s640/IMG_9104.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Primer is done … time for paint:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zoIXcHMMb0/Txqy351g9yI/AAAAAAAADU8/PSuWnjKgWUU/s1600/IMG_9105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zoIXcHMMb0/Txqy351g9yI/AAAAAAAADU8/PSuWnjKgWUU/s640/IMG_9105.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Paint is done …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_YwkpVED8Lc/Txqy4HtR6OI/AAAAAAAADVE/a45qZMyJISk/s1600/IMG_9108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_YwkpVED8Lc/Txqy4HtR6OI/AAAAAAAADVE/a45qZMyJISk/s640/IMG_9108.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9NJHI0LpkXM/Txqy4lsENeI/AAAAAAAADVM/_QJLVSPki7Y/s1600/IMG_9109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="606" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9NJHI0LpkXM/Txqy4lsENeI/AAAAAAAADVM/_QJLVSPki7Y/s640/IMG_9109.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Time for installing the toilet and the sink!<br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-11976912180499585292012-01-21T15:00:00.000-05:002012-01-21T15:00:00.989-05:00Baseboards and quarter round and a light … oh my!This bathroom renovation got stalled for a bit when hubby had shoulder surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. Ouch! I didn't do too much work that week because I didn't want to disturb his resting. But once he felt better I decided it was time to cut and install the baseboards and shoe moulding … all by myself. I love to work with my Dad, but I wanted to do it myself. So I did.<br />
<br />
The baseboards worked out great - I learned from my Dad how to measure and transfer the markings to the front of the boards so that I could cut them with my compound miter saw ♥ and the backs would be the right length. I used one of my newest tools - <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware-Hand-Tools-Measuring-Tools/h_d1/N-5yc1vZar8i/R-100353834/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053" target="_blank">the rafter angle square</a>. We did it this way because the of the shape and size of the moulding pieces. By the way, when I received my compound miter saw as a gift on my birthday a couple of years ago, my nephews didn't believe that gift was for me. :)<br />
<br />
So since the baseboards worked out well I wanted to finish up and do the shoe moulding. Confession time - I though that I had to cut them the same way that I had cut the baseboards and trim. So I proceeded to measure and transfer my markings. Little did I know that you don't have to cut shoe moulding that way. It just sits upright in the saw and I could just cut it at a basic 45° angle. There's no need to measure on the back and then transfer the markings onto the front so you'll know where the blade needs to cut through the front so that the 45° angle cut makes the back the right length. Did I say that right? I think that made no sense. Anyway … I proceeded to ruin ➂ 8' lengths of shoe moulding before I called my Dad and he set me straight. The next day we went to Lowe's (because my favorite store - Home Depot - doesn't sell 8' lengths of primed quarter round!) to buy more.<br />
<br />
Then Brandon was talking to a fried of his who used to be a contractor and he told Brandon that I need a coping saw and I could <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6bl2JK1OU4" target="_blank">use it like this</a> to do trim. Yes, I believe that I do need one :) … lesson #124 learned on this project!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-suBc5F9bQKE/TxquDCXiEVI/AAAAAAAADTU/K09ZlbWWACQ/s1600/IMG_9076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-suBc5F9bQKE/TxquDCXiEVI/AAAAAAAADTU/K09ZlbWWACQ/s640/IMG_9076.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wAlO3jv_QHI/TxquDtQmFMI/AAAAAAAADTc/zWo9ICbcfAU/s1600/IMG_9077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wAlO3jv_QHI/TxquDtQmFMI/AAAAAAAADTc/zWo9ICbcfAU/s640/IMG_9077.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dl54Sk7Hj50/TxquEMbuY1I/AAAAAAAADTk/rQFZS2F2V1Y/s1600/IMG_9078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dl54Sk7Hj50/TxquEMbuY1I/AAAAAAAADTk/rQFZS2F2V1Y/s640/IMG_9078.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m3457gAhii8/TxquEvjaFrI/AAAAAAAADTs/GNhKEKwgDNg/s1600/IMG_9085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m3457gAhii8/TxquEvjaFrI/AAAAAAAADTs/GNhKEKwgDNg/s640/IMG_9085.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh, here's a lovely picture of my new favorite power tool:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ohc-XyIOmLI/Txq0ZjaLCyI/AAAAAAAADVc/8Ks4dZhBh1Y/s1600/IMG_9087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ohc-XyIOmLI/Txq0ZjaLCyI/AAAAAAAADVc/8Ks4dZhBh1Y/s640/IMG_9087.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
That's my air compressor and a brad nailer (for use on the quarter round).<br />
<br />
Baseboards done: ✓<br />
<br />
Oh, I almost forgot … when we went to buy the quarter round we also picked up a light for the room:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--D4Tmu_8CAM/TxqvofJbYwI/AAAAAAAADT8/PQruvGPDg-A/s1600/IMG_9094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--D4Tmu_8CAM/TxqvofJbYwI/AAAAAAAADT8/PQruvGPDg-A/s640/IMG_9094.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
It's difficult to see in that picture, but it looks like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c3FwEP0OTWQ/TxqwIxM9leI/AAAAAAAADUE/G7JGaM6XMAY/s1600/748119022697lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c3FwEP0OTWQ/TxqwIxM9leI/AAAAAAAADUE/G7JGaM6XMAY/s1600/748119022697lg.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_277047-60051-FL0110_4294857049+5003697_4294937087_?productId=3378610&Ns=p_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl_15%2B25_4294857049%2B5003697_4294937087_%3FNs%3Dp_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr%7C0%7C%7Cp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=$15%20-%20$25" target="_blank">photo source</a></span></div>
<br />
Remember this is the original light:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u_9q-_vqY-4/TxqWeRQ2_dI/AAAAAAAADKY/wSxKkA4T1Wk/s1600/IMG_8942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u_9q-_vqY-4/TxqWeRQ2_dI/AAAAAAAADKY/wSxKkA4T1Wk/s640/IMG_8942.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And this is the new one:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hi3ZF-0teio/Txqvnwu1QEI/AAAAAAAADT0/TQUcqc8yU5Q/s1600/IMG_9090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hi3ZF-0teio/Txqvnwu1QEI/AAAAAAAADT0/TQUcqc8yU5Q/s640/IMG_9090.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Not only do I love the look of the new fixture, but it gives off tons of light with only 1 lightbulb! The space now feels bright and less like a dungeon.<br />
<br />
Next stop: caulking and painting!<br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-35327464552589435482012-01-21T13:00:00.000-05:002012-01-21T13:00:01.739-05:00Hexagon MadnessIf there is one thing hubby and I knew that we wanted in the new bathroom it was an antique-style floor. It's such a small room that we knew we could play around easily with whatever tile we wanted. We both adore old tiled floors and hate to see them ripped out of homes being renovated. A few of the houses we looked at prior to our decision to stay where we are had tile floors from the 60s and 70s. I'm a sucker for funky tile. I toyed around with different ideas, from Moroccan tile to penny tile to hexagon tile with cool patterns. In the end we decided that we wanted to stick with something nice and timeless, but interesting and beautiful. We chose hexagon porcelain tiles.<br />
<br />
And who knew what a process it would be to find them?? We decided to venture out to buy them on New Year's Eve day. EVERY tile store was closed. You can't get these just anywhere - you have to go to a good tile store. So we ended up having to wait until the following Monday.<br />
<br />
Aren't they lovely?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fK0bENMcWFQ/TxqgESW7k3I/AAAAAAAADPw/w8sWoEQgXZ4/s1600/IMG_9007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fK0bENMcWFQ/TxqgESW7k3I/AAAAAAAADPw/w8sWoEQgXZ4/s640/IMG_9007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qySWhG51TeI/TxqgEwo5NwI/AAAAAAAADP4/fVnzAiNbcJ4/s1600/IMG_9010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qySWhG51TeI/TxqgEwo5NwI/AAAAAAAADP4/fVnzAiNbcJ4/s640/IMG_9010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I began to dry-fit them that night. What an adventure that was! It took me several hours between fitting them in the room and figuring out what pattern I wanted. I chose something classic and not too busy for my eyes in the end.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U5UjxwPBiec/TxqgFXW676I/AAAAAAAADQA/_icLgWiBTUg/s1600/IMG_9011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U5UjxwPBiec/TxqgFXW676I/AAAAAAAADQA/_icLgWiBTUg/s640/IMG_9011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is the floor dry-fitted. Each 12"x12" sheet of hex tiles is labeled so that I will know which sheet goes where. Not only are they labeled with a number, but those numbers all face in a certain direction so that I will know which direction the tiles are to be laid … you see, the sheets can only go in one way and I want to be sure that I start out and stay in the proper direction …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFOeVDJR9dk/TxqgF-ae8NI/AAAAAAAADQI/o5B13q2Aioc/s1600/IMG_9015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFOeVDJR9dk/TxqgF-ae8NI/AAAAAAAADQI/o5B13q2Aioc/s640/IMG_9015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7HMcEN8mV0E/TxqgGAL53II/AAAAAAAADQQ/or16X2sumLg/s1600/IMG_9018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7HMcEN8mV0E/TxqgGAL53II/AAAAAAAADQQ/or16X2sumLg/s640/IMG_9018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Mess. But it's time for bed!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FkJsZj_cQwg/TxqgGviXZrI/AAAAAAAADQY/stRB0_EZuSc/s1600/IMG_9025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FkJsZj_cQwg/TxqgGviXZrI/AAAAAAAADQY/stRB0_EZuSc/s640/IMG_9025.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
One more look at the dry-fitted floor before I dive in and lay the tile. Boy, was I scared!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xKQw7ZbIEAo/TxqgHGkNZII/AAAAAAAADQg/Fv0e-h1MEjU/s1600/IMG_9030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xKQw7ZbIEAo/TxqgHGkNZII/AAAAAAAADQg/Fv0e-h1MEjU/s640/IMG_9030.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tHlmmHv3VzI/TxqgHhpK-5I/AAAAAAAADQo/IeN67HGoxaA/s1600/IMG_9031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tHlmmHv3VzI/TxqgHhpK-5I/AAAAAAAADQo/IeN67HGoxaA/s640/IMG_9031.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Alright … here are the sheets laid out on my table in order and by row. On the far end of the table is the last row in the room.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BbW2HLIOyak/TxqgINK6wJI/AAAAAAAADQw/MtGuRVJecmg/s1600/IMG_9034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BbW2HLIOyak/TxqgINK6wJI/AAAAAAAADQw/MtGuRVJecmg/s640/IMG_9034.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And here we go … no time like the present, just dive in and do it! I watched a few videos on You Tube and especially like the ones on <a href="http://www.askthebuilder.com/videos.shtml" target="_blank">Ask the Builder</a> - he knows his stuff and his videos about mixing thinset were very helpful.<br />
<br />
Oh, I almost forgot. We rented a nice tile saw from Home Depot and it was fabulous! I really, really loved that thing! You can't cut yourself, so you can hold these tiny tiles right up to the blade and get them cut exactly the way you want them. I loved using it. I need one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PmjcArXABAk/TxqgIkr2nxI/AAAAAAAADQ4/3yQVont8DlQ/s1600/IMG_9035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PmjcArXABAk/TxqgIkr2nxI/AAAAAAAADQ4/3yQVont8DlQ/s640/IMG_9035.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And it's done!! Oh my goodness this was SOOOOO difficult to do! When I was finished I felt like I could do anything! I mean, seriously, I've never laid a tile floor in my life, so let me choose the most difficult tile I can and try it. Well, I must say it worked out well!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MywcIXXjREM/TxqgJATOFmI/AAAAAAAADRA/hFtUgCtwnjc/s1600/IMG_9039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MywcIXXjREM/TxqgJATOFmI/AAAAAAAADRA/hFtUgCtwnjc/s640/IMG_9039.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
♥<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eGgl5UsSKf0/TxqgJit6nTI/AAAAAAAADRI/PkRA2h64sCI/s1600/IMG_9041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eGgl5UsSKf0/TxqgJit6nTI/AAAAAAAADRI/PkRA2h64sCI/s640/IMG_9041.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The next morning I had to get in there and clean up a few areas where thinset had come up between the tiles so we could grout. That was fun! No, it wasn't. Since these are 1" hex tiles, the only way to do that is to get on your hands and knees with a utility knife and carve the thinset out. I was glad there were just a few places where it had come through.<br />
<br />
TIP: when laying small tiles use a trowel with a ¼-inch notch. Otherwise, you will have way too much thinset. Thankfully, I knew this ahead of time thanks to a friend who was once in the tile business - I must say that never once in all my reading and research did I come across this information!<br />
<br />
Once I got a little too ambitious and popped out a tile. I cried. But Brandon quickly and calmly told me to just mix up a little thinset and lay it back into place. So I got myself together and I did just that. And I found 2 other tiles that were not even set, so I laid them back in place as well. Then when I was vacuuming up the debris from the dried thinset that I had carved out and when I looked down that shop vac had sucked up 2 more tiles that were not set. I wish I could somehow describe the look on my face. It was something like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ar7E8xCiEjE/Txql0UNJHGI/AAAAAAAADTM/NpjCPR6ym9o/s1600/surprise.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ar7E8xCiEjE/Txql0UNJHGI/AAAAAAAADTM/NpjCPR6ym9o/s1600/surprise.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mothernurturedenver.com/?p=185" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">photo source</span></a></div>
<br />
But I didn't cry this time. I just set new ones in place and went about my work. And then I was done and ready to grout. Well, after waiting for 12 hours for the newly-laid tiles to set …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MhL3ENeT--k/TxqgJytouLI/AAAAAAAADRQ/fycRp4QvtCM/s1600/IMG_9044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MhL3ENeT--k/TxqgJytouLI/AAAAAAAADRQ/fycRp4QvtCM/s640/IMG_9044.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Left-over tiles …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GbRp3y_5ziQ/TxqgKa7hllI/AAAAAAAADRY/r87LX8YyoZU/s1600/IMG_9045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GbRp3y_5ziQ/TxqgKa7hllI/AAAAAAAADRY/r87LX8YyoZU/s640/IMG_9045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I do just ♥ them!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TBCO2VkzyNg/TxqgLOuulaI/AAAAAAAADRg/8mgYxgAcwAw/s1600/IMG_9046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TBCO2VkzyNg/TxqgLOuulaI/AAAAAAAADRg/8mgYxgAcwAw/s640/IMG_9046.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My homemade wood black that I used to make sure all the tiles were consistently set and level. It's a just a 12" 2x4 covered with an old rag. It worked nicely.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1qt6FvGZbLM/TxqgLucM-pI/AAAAAAAADRk/OM5JufdtRfI/s1600/IMG_9048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1qt6FvGZbLM/TxqgLucM-pI/AAAAAAAADRk/OM5JufdtRfI/s640/IMG_9048.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Cleaning up the mess …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dx6kL_vrKY0/TxqgMGZE16I/AAAAAAAADRw/nhjdn-SKNdQ/s1600/IMG_9050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dx6kL_vrKY0/TxqgMGZE16I/AAAAAAAADRw/nhjdn-SKNdQ/s640/IMG_9050.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And now it's time to grout. We started this process after the girls went to bed on a Saturday night. Brandon wanted to get this part done before his shoulder surgery the following Monday morning.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnS9K5tum5c/TxqgMngEs_I/AAAAAAAADR4/pT7sV8rXD7g/s1600/IMG_9056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnS9K5tum5c/TxqgMngEs_I/AAAAAAAADR4/pT7sV8rXD7g/s640/IMG_9056.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Ooooo what mess!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-zq_SzQaAQ/TxqgND1b3uI/AAAAAAAADSA/lqlwKlcdxtc/s1600/IMG_9059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-zq_SzQaAQ/TxqgND1b3uI/AAAAAAAADSA/lqlwKlcdxtc/s640/IMG_9059.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sePs9Y_V0E4/TxqgNkCq4RI/AAAAAAAADSI/MJ-5qZvdtR4/s1600/IMG_9063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sePs9Y_V0E4/TxqgNkCq4RI/AAAAAAAADSI/MJ-5qZvdtR4/s640/IMG_9063.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The first cleaning after grouting. It took several cleanings …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tdh7Cf3Tb1E/TxqgOJLAOZI/AAAAAAAADSQ/egtu00fnP8g/s1600/IMG_9064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tdh7Cf3Tb1E/TxqgOJLAOZI/AAAAAAAADSQ/egtu00fnP8g/s640/IMG_9064.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's starting to look nice …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8bwUmwBHZpA/TxqgPACtp_I/AAAAAAAADSc/SvfD9C8UzeE/s1600/IMG_9068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8bwUmwBHZpA/TxqgPACtp_I/AAAAAAAADSc/SvfD9C8UzeE/s640/IMG_9068.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
And the finished floor:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NUs9CWpGDgU/TxqgRg_s_9I/AAAAAAAADS8/wvLVuCLTk58/s1600/IMG_9080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NUs9CWpGDgU/TxqgRg_s_9I/AAAAAAAADS8/wvLVuCLTk58/s640/IMG_9080.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh my goodness … ♥♥♥ !<br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-87713489237092387962012-01-21T11:00:00.000-05:002012-01-21T11:00:08.894-05:00Beadboard in the BathroomHubby and I decided we wanted beadboard on the walls in the bathroom. Before I started the this project, we also wanted them in the kitchen. We have since nixed that idea. Yes, they are lovely, but such a pain to install and paint. But enough about that, back to the bathroom …<br />
<br />
My sweet Dad came over and helped me with the beadboard and moulding. I honestly don't know what I would do without him! He knows so much and I know so little. There were so many things that he thought of that I did not.<br />
<br />
First thing, though, was that we had to cut the panels down 4 inches because I forgot to factor in the moulding when I was thinking about how high I wanted the beadboard to go. oops! Thanks, Lowes, for the free cuts, but I needed them at 38" and not 42". Oh well … I learned many things along the way :)<br />
<br />
Like … the need for a paneling blade on your circular saw. Here is my Dad switching out his old paneling blade for a new one. Funny … I asked him if he wanted me to buy one for my Skil saw and he said no, that he would get one for his. Any excuse to buy new tools …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBvDbg5nSPQ/TxqbQ6qIqXI/AAAAAAAADMs/0VA9LMVUYtU/s1600/IMG_8972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBvDbg5nSPQ/TxqbQ6qIqXI/AAAAAAAADMs/0VA9LMVUYtU/s640/IMG_8972.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Mmmm … I do love the smell of sawdust …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZSoBktgoYU/TxqbRGrp1tI/AAAAAAAADM0/DtNgeNniqSo/s1600/IMG_8973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZSoBktgoYU/TxqbRGrp1tI/AAAAAAAADM0/DtNgeNniqSo/s640/IMG_8973.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My makeshift workbench …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YLpw1IMUecA/TxqbRuaWTgI/AAAAAAAADM8/vYzOPN97Af4/s1600/IMG_8974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YLpw1IMUecA/TxqbRuaWTgI/AAAAAAAADM8/vYzOPN97Af4/s640/IMG_8974.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And my Dad's ancient Black and Decker circular saw. But it was made back in the day when Black and Decker actually made decent tools, so it still works well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C59KWsnXFWQ/TxqbSJ5NgxI/AAAAAAAADNE/QRcIS-bB4xA/s1600/IMG_8975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C59KWsnXFWQ/TxqbSJ5NgxI/AAAAAAAADNE/QRcIS-bB4xA/s640/IMG_8975.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Beadboard waiting to be cut …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HQaCFivixx0/TxqbSVmer5I/AAAAAAAADNM/pNnnm5z8rCA/s1600/IMG_8977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HQaCFivixx0/TxqbSVmer5I/AAAAAAAADNM/pNnnm5z8rCA/s640/IMG_8977.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh, and I ♥ this … marking the wood with my Hello Kitty pencil … this just makes me :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Xwr6-jRAbg/TxqbS4BDoiI/AAAAAAAADNU/poRUQ-BvkNo/s1600/IMG_8978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Xwr6-jRAbg/TxqbS4BDoiI/AAAAAAAADNU/poRUQ-BvkNo/s640/IMG_8978.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-sOW1Wh0dk/TxqbTe13xmI/AAAAAAAADNc/AYwNXi8OFkc/s1600/IMG_8980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-sOW1Wh0dk/TxqbTe13xmI/AAAAAAAADNc/AYwNXi8OFkc/s640/IMG_8980.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's time to put the beadboard on the walls … with some help from construction adhesive!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B4enEj9lJZA/TxqbT5EVv5I/AAAAAAAADNk/WfmFawAtjlg/s1600/IMG_8981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B4enEj9lJZA/TxqbT5EVv5I/AAAAAAAADNk/WfmFawAtjlg/s640/IMG_8981.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A sneak peek at our awesome sink from the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store in Atlanta …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4stHBmMnR58/TxqbUBxFLwI/AAAAAAAADNs/o_XROd9k0pY/s1600/IMG_8983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4stHBmMnR58/TxqbUBxFLwI/AAAAAAAADNs/o_XROd9k0pY/s640/IMG_8983.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Alrighty … holes are drilled for the plumbing … it's time to get this done!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aaj1cstNpVI/TxqbUihME3I/AAAAAAAADN0/ZYlNJqeTaEo/s1600/IMG_8984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aaj1cstNpVI/TxqbUihME3I/AAAAAAAADN0/ZYlNJqeTaEo/s640/IMG_8984.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Stuff …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3gwVtoaWTE/TxqbU23MN6I/AAAAAAAADN8/pT3sVeJj1b4/s1600/IMG_8985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3gwVtoaWTE/TxqbU23MN6I/AAAAAAAADN8/pT3sVeJj1b4/s640/IMG_8985.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My Dad tapping in some finishing nails that didn't quite sink all the way in with my, ahem, pink hammer :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DgFcMJEy2CM/TxqbVZDcssI/AAAAAAAADOE/xJD3bjsb_oQ/s1600/IMG_8987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DgFcMJEy2CM/TxqbVZDcssI/AAAAAAAADOE/xJD3bjsb_oQ/s640/IMG_8987.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And here is me with my favorite new power tool (apologies to my trusty drill) … my finishing nailer! ♥<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e4bttOG1Dic/TxqbV0YTYNI/AAAAAAAADOM/WflG1H2AqOg/s1600/IMG_8988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e4bttOG1Dic/TxqbV0YTYNI/AAAAAAAADOM/WflG1H2AqOg/s640/IMG_8988.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And testing the outside cut off spigot to make sure we can access it …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sGyuq5JtatA/TxqbWa5ah2I/AAAAAAAADOU/Nc2ZL03Kx6I/s1600/IMG_8989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sGyuq5JtatA/TxqbWa5ah2I/AAAAAAAADOU/Nc2ZL03Kx6I/s640/IMG_8989.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My cool Dad getting the beadboard ready …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nvG9bErDJ9M/TxqbWgDL_LI/AAAAAAAADOc/NzraLW6RGDI/s1600/IMG_8990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nvG9bErDJ9M/TxqbWgDL_LI/AAAAAAAADOc/NzraLW6RGDI/s640/IMG_8990.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He's taking his Dremel tool and sanding away all the rough edges on the overlaps and underlaps …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PGVo2k8fYGA/TxqbXdqmyvI/AAAAAAAADOo/KmNYbYzU3t0/s1600/IMG_8991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PGVo2k8fYGA/TxqbXdqmyvI/AAAAAAAADOo/KmNYbYzU3t0/s640/IMG_8991.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I thought I might try it … I need one of these!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQ-wcXGuRIU/TxqbYKD-V3I/AAAAAAAADOw/z65kyqmlffA/s1600/IMG_8994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQ-wcXGuRIU/TxqbYKD-V3I/AAAAAAAADOw/z65kyqmlffA/s640/IMG_8994.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Awesome … the beadboard is up!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PydL0NIvOBU/TxqbYo6svJI/AAAAAAAADO4/XMejYQmnrXY/s1600/IMG_8995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PydL0NIvOBU/TxqbYo6svJI/AAAAAAAADO4/XMejYQmnrXY/s640/IMG_8995.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The holes we drilled are perfect (of course … if you know me and my Dad, you would never doubt that!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ0EpDFumsE/TxqbY7QLW0I/AAAAAAAADPE/lS3dVgtAYfo/s1600/IMG_9002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ0EpDFumsE/TxqbY7QLW0I/AAAAAAAADPE/lS3dVgtAYfo/s640/IMG_9002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And on to the moulding … oh, how I ♥ this moulding! It was expensive, but very worth it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uz1ad5XDiPI/TxqbZg8pSlI/AAAAAAAADPM/N6mDoXY4fG8/s1600/IMG_9003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uz1ad5XDiPI/TxqbZg8pSlI/AAAAAAAADPM/N6mDoXY4fG8/s640/IMG_9003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EVWe5bjwdPs/TxqbZxmEamI/AAAAAAAADPQ/yZ7wOaxqG44/s1600/IMG_9004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EVWe5bjwdPs/TxqbZxmEamI/AAAAAAAADPQ/yZ7wOaxqG44/s640/IMG_9004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And now the room is ready for a new floor!<br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-5659736978621616362012-01-21T05:57:00.002-05:002012-01-21T06:16:44.191-05:00Bathroom Demo!Hubby and I have been discussing remodeling our bottom floor for some time now. We thought there was a possibility of buying a house sometime in the near future, but we have since realized that the wisest thing is for us to stay put and love the house we're in. So a few weeks ago I got a wild hair and decided it was time to start the renovations. And I proceeded to demo (demolish, not demonstrate!) our half bath …<br />
<br />
I wanted to document the entire process, so here are pictures of the before:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Egz7Bn-8VhY/TxqWctKBVwI/AAAAAAAADJ4/_FGeLwfcl5E/s1600/IMG_8931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Egz7Bn-8VhY/TxqWctKBVwI/AAAAAAAADJ4/_FGeLwfcl5E/s640/IMG_8931.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RqTrmrdg6M4/TxqWczdQsQI/AAAAAAAADKA/dGQC_AM83C8/s1600/IMG_8936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RqTrmrdg6M4/TxqWczdQsQI/AAAAAAAADKA/dGQC_AM83C8/s640/IMG_8936.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iy3W6BRvKAo/TxqWdSn7GwI/AAAAAAAADKI/_xHQ5PUEqwg/s1600/IMG_8940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iy3W6BRvKAo/TxqWdSn7GwI/AAAAAAAADKI/_xHQ5PUEqwg/s640/IMG_8940.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PtnpMX4Nwzg/TxqWdwMLHTI/AAAAAAAADKQ/G15dW-mmn5w/s1600/IMG_8941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PtnpMX4Nwzg/TxqWdwMLHTI/AAAAAAAADKQ/G15dW-mmn5w/s640/IMG_8941.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u_9q-_vqY-4/TxqWeRQ2_dI/AAAAAAAADKY/wSxKkA4T1Wk/s1600/IMG_8942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u_9q-_vqY-4/TxqWeRQ2_dI/AAAAAAAADKY/wSxKkA4T1Wk/s640/IMG_8942.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lNE5gkkjcr4/TxqWekS0gLI/AAAAAAAADKg/u9xvabaK8IU/s1600/IMG_8943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lNE5gkkjcr4/TxqWekS0gLI/AAAAAAAADKg/u9xvabaK8IU/s640/IMG_8943.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And now I have begun the process:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1bk0lFxllw4/TxqWfKsmQEI/AAAAAAAADKo/1RZmGA5GLYA/s1600/IMG_8946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1bk0lFxllw4/TxqWfKsmQEI/AAAAAAAADKo/1RZmGA5GLYA/s640/IMG_8946.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
First, the baseboards had to some off the wall:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkKOOH1A6v0/TxqWfdJc3iI/AAAAAAAADKw/qX08ft1HAME/s1600/IMG_8950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkKOOH1A6v0/TxqWfdJc3iI/AAAAAAAADKw/qX08ft1HAME/s640/IMG_8950.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Yes, that is a pink hammer. A loooooooong time ago, when I didn't know any better, I asked for a pink tool set. Yes, they are crappy tools, but this hammer serves its purpose :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K0_Kgr159VA/TxqWfvB0LqI/AAAAAAAADK4/4i9K1qQqeNE/s1600/IMG_8951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K0_Kgr159VA/TxqWfvB0LqI/AAAAAAAADK4/4i9K1qQqeNE/s640/IMG_8951.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Baseboards gone: ✓<br />
<br />
Now to remove the toilet:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AowRHxY-5bU/TxqWgOTpIgI/AAAAAAAADLA/gy8CWotee6w/s1600/IMG_8952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AowRHxY-5bU/TxqWgOTpIgI/AAAAAAAADLA/gy8CWotee6w/s640/IMG_8952.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QPu5IkNidk4/TxqWgaxxteI/AAAAAAAADLI/YM1YTWOiWvA/s1600/IMG_8954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QPu5IkNidk4/TxqWgaxxteI/AAAAAAAADLI/YM1YTWOiWvA/s640/IMG_8954.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Toilet gone: ✓ It was surprisingly simple and easy!<br />
<br />
Now to remove the cabinet and sink. Boy what a project that was! It was wedged in there well! Remember, I've never done anything like this in my life! I finally got it out and I must say, it was quite cathartic … I thoroughly enjoyed the process :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DXH9BJBdCzY/TxqWg51mZWI/AAAAAAAADLQ/tQRfpzbdhPM/s1600/IMG_8955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DXH9BJBdCzY/TxqWg51mZWI/AAAAAAAADLQ/tQRfpzbdhPM/s640/IMG_8955.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Sorry for the crappy picture, but I wanted to show you the room sans toilet and cabinet/sink.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0TF5-XUZPK4/TxqWhV4awqI/AAAAAAAADLY/iRZ8vi-vnJQ/s1600/IMG_8956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0TF5-XUZPK4/TxqWhV4awqI/AAAAAAAADLY/iRZ8vi-vnJQ/s640/IMG_8956.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Cabinet and sink removed: ✓<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uMCeciFMbA/TxqWiH3U9RI/AAAAAAAADLo/gx4tx53JcSA/s1600/IMG_8959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uMCeciFMbA/TxqWiH3U9RI/AAAAAAAADLo/gx4tx53JcSA/s640/IMG_8959.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VAM8xG3xDYA/TxqWhmhQpxI/AAAAAAAADLg/thNGo9PREtI/s1600/IMG_8958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VAM8xG3xDYA/TxqWhmhQpxI/AAAAAAAADLg/thNGo9PREtI/s640/IMG_8958.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh, and there's my trusty drill. I ♥ it so :)<br />
<br />
Now … it was time to remove the mirror. It wasn't a big mirror, but it was glued to the wall. And we were working in a small space. And we did something really, really stupid to remove it from the wall. We taped it up and proceeded to break it. Yes, yes … stupid. But kind of fun. Don't worry, we'll remove all the other mirrors in our house the right way :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gl1cgHdh0Xo/TxqWij2ziSI/AAAAAAAADLw/cXyO_9JQczs/s1600/IMG_8962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gl1cgHdh0Xo/TxqWij2ziSI/AAAAAAAADLw/cXyO_9JQczs/s640/IMG_8962.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-holKtLGiRzI/TxqWjFp9hkI/AAAAAAAADL4/O29UG-WCH1o/s1600/IMG_8966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-holKtLGiRzI/TxqWjFp9hkI/AAAAAAAADL4/O29UG-WCH1o/s640/IMG_8966.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Mirror gone: ✓<br />
Floor gone: ✓ oooo that was fun to rip up and remove!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4Ti9J0RpRw/TxqWjZk4PhI/AAAAAAAADMA/qnkycuBeXQg/s1600/IMG_8971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4Ti9J0RpRw/TxqWjZk4PhI/AAAAAAAADMA/qnkycuBeXQg/s640/IMG_8971.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The bathroom is demo'd and ready for a renovation …<br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-6455838462395915042011-12-24T07:16:00.000-05:002011-12-24T07:16:49.257-05:00Neighbor Gifts and Homemade BowsI am officially done with gifts … other than frosting my yummy chocolate cake for my family for Christmas day! But I wanted to share my neighbor gifts with you …<br />
<br />
I saw <a href="http://oneofakindgiftideas.blogspot.com/2009/08/neighbor-christmas-gift.html" target="_blank">this idea</a> on Pinterest. I ♥ Pinterest! I knew I wanted to do this, so I found some HoHos and Ding Dongs and went to work. I made my own bows from magazine pages (again, I found <a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/133668/read-wrap-recycle-make-bows-magazines?czone=holiday/marthas-easiest-christmas/holiday-shortcuts&center=856334&gallery=856466&slide=276003" target="_blank">the idea here </a>on Pinterest … did I mention that I ♥ Pinterest??).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QJNRpq6rYjI/TvTa7lQmzdI/AAAAAAAADJE/gYgfjS-sq30/s1600/IMG_8774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QJNRpq6rYjI/TvTa7lQmzdI/AAAAAAAADJE/gYgfjS-sq30/s640/IMG_8774.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
My homemade bows - aren't they great?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NnIpIjyDUJY/TvTa9Rhfi8I/AAAAAAAADJM/ntNL0Z3eZF4/s1600/IMG_8775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NnIpIjyDUJY/TvTa9Rhfi8I/AAAAAAAADJM/ntNL0Z3eZF4/s640/IMG_8775.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2wN9JeRLl_Q/TvTa_dYtvRI/AAAAAAAADJU/OSYl0P3XBM4/s1600/IMG_8776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2wN9JeRLl_Q/TvTa_dYtvRI/AAAAAAAADJU/OSYl0P3XBM4/s640/IMG_8776.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kpN3Rc1pOPc/TvTbAoyvuzI/AAAAAAAADJc/pp3zHBfJ9zc/s1600/IMG_8777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kpN3Rc1pOPc/TvTbAoyvuzI/AAAAAAAADJc/pp3zHBfJ9zc/s640/IMG_8777.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tCNJpiEgMiI/TvTbBkOAfgI/AAAAAAAADJk/C32NCGQICVA/s1600/IMG_8778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tCNJpiEgMiI/TvTbBkOAfgI/AAAAAAAADJk/C32NCGQICVA/s640/IMG_8778.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2FHRqlh9HsU/TvTbCsi-CFI/AAAAAAAADJs/pL_oNF17Ow8/s1600/IMG_8779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2FHRqlh9HsU/TvTbCsi-CFI/AAAAAAAADJs/pL_oNF17Ow8/s640/IMG_8779.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These make me smile … I love how they turned out :) … and the bows … well, I just ADORE them … I think there will be more of those to come!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
HO HO HO from this Ding Dong!! I hope that your Christmas is filled with the JOY that only Jesus can bring!</div>
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-29497117352246706642011-12-11T15:55:00.001-05:002011-12-11T16:10:40.373-05:00Chocolate Crazy CakeDo you know about the 5 love languages? I don't know much … never read the book, but I think that food should be one of them! I ♥ to cook and bake for the people that I love.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow is the Christmas brunch for the sweet ladies that I work with at church. And I signed up for the chocolate dessert. Oh yes!! I knew immediately that I wanted to bring a dessert. I rummaged around on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> until I came across what looked to be <a href="http://thenonpareilbaker.blogspot.com/2011/09/chocolate-cake-with-cream-cheese.html" target="_blank">a terrific cake recipe</a>.<br />
<br />
I made it …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NP3QYG_UYDo/TuUaXeIV5BI/AAAAAAAADHk/N6Nla3EHBr4/s1600/IMG_8636chococake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NP3QYG_UYDo/TuUaXeIV5BI/AAAAAAAADHk/N6Nla3EHBr4/s640/IMG_8636chococake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJRvBB5zjuU/TuUaf3ti5-I/AAAAAAAADHs/60vXEAhx2Sc/s1600/IMG_8637chococake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJRvBB5zjuU/TuUaf3ti5-I/AAAAAAAADHs/60vXEAhx2Sc/s640/IMG_8637chococake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I know it's been a good day in the kitchen when my KitchenAid is covered with sugar!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wgyzB352vxc/TuUaumNC4nI/AAAAAAAADH8/oLLHKL7nJxQ/s1600/IMG_8649chococake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wgyzB352vxc/TuUaumNC4nI/AAAAAAAADH8/oLLHKL7nJxQ/s640/IMG_8649chococake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SUxyoW74vdI/TuUa3E-jhlI/AAAAAAAADIE/YmtlMXEWpL0/s1600/IMG_8654chococake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SUxyoW74vdI/TuUa3E-jhlI/AAAAAAAADIE/YmtlMXEWpL0/s640/IMG_8654chococake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RtIcS3vvuek/TuUbDJrzdhI/AAAAAAAADIM/aXkvl2hqsUk/s1600/IMG_8656chococake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RtIcS3vvuek/TuUbDJrzdhI/AAAAAAAADIM/aXkvl2hqsUk/s640/IMG_8656chococake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kOoOF0C15Ac/TuUbLH1QA0I/AAAAAAAADIU/FKi_c8arQq0/s1600/IMG_8659chococake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kOoOF0C15Ac/TuUbLH1QA0I/AAAAAAAADIU/FKi_c8arQq0/s640/IMG_8659chococake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b4CBR_3nivo/TuUbXbP4fcI/AAAAAAAADIc/2eQu8BMLgX4/s1600/IMG_8660chococake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b4CBR_3nivo/TuUbXbP4fcI/AAAAAAAADIc/2eQu8BMLgX4/s640/IMG_8660chococake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83mCE4RonpU/TuUbhvKFiyI/AAAAAAAADIk/7pRYvlwE47o/s1600/IMG_8661chococake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83mCE4RonpU/TuUbhvKFiyI/AAAAAAAADIk/7pRYvlwE47o/s640/IMG_8661chococake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OF7-jxCTHrc/TuUbodjYQjI/AAAAAAAADIs/k0yJMoFPiF8/s1600/IMG_8666chococake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OF7-jxCTHrc/TuUbodjYQjI/AAAAAAAADIs/k0yJMoFPiF8/s640/IMG_8666chococake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLt8J_bxK_Y/TuUbwftEa3I/AAAAAAAADI0/63srLydwD9M/s1600/IMG_8671chococake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLt8J_bxK_Y/TuUbwftEa3I/AAAAAAAADI0/63srLydwD9M/s640/IMG_8671chococake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Mmmm … does that look heavenly? Or maybe sinful. Either way I know it's going to be gooooooood!! Devils food cake separated with creme cheese frosting covered with chocolate buttercreme frosting with chocolate chips and creme cheese frosting rosettes! I absolutely cannot WAIT to eat it!! I'll let you know how it tastes tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Since this is how I show my love … Merry Christmas to my GraceKidz family! ♥<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-53230361249474262422011-12-01T17:36:00.001-05:002011-12-01T17:36:07.077-05:00I think …I think that I will redesign my blog …<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850119477755867656.post-14218192168676949022011-09-21T23:19:00.000-04:002011-09-21T23:19:13.891-04:00I am an artist …Grace LOVES to paint and draw and color and do anything artsy. She wanted to paint last weekend and so I indulged. And I took these photos of her (and her paintbrushes) …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xhmMohOu0NQ/TnqURC6nJVI/AAAAAAAADGA/7Oe65uYrvyo/s1600/IMG_7557+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xhmMohOu0NQ/TnqURC6nJVI/AAAAAAAADGA/7Oe65uYrvyo/s640/IMG_7557+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-muoOEQ8mLE0/TnqUUVOQjQI/AAAAAAAADGE/X_FXoz_CNiA/s1600/IMG_7558+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-muoOEQ8mLE0/TnqUUVOQjQI/AAAAAAAADGE/X_FXoz_CNiA/s640/IMG_7558+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VWKDiGK2-3U/TnqUZ6dxGiI/AAAAAAAADGI/HoDG4J4ftYU/s1600/IMG_7560+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VWKDiGK2-3U/TnqUZ6dxGiI/AAAAAAAADGI/HoDG4J4ftYU/s640/IMG_7560+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-tcsxhfG0o/TnqUeYfIR1I/AAAAAAAADGM/8ynfWfQwDiE/s1600/IMG_7561+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-tcsxhfG0o/TnqUeYfIR1I/AAAAAAAADGM/8ynfWfQwDiE/s640/IMG_7561+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tiUgkCqATgY/TnqUmG0kK3I/AAAAAAAADGQ/CeEdwbpphgo/s1600/IMG_7563+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tiUgkCqATgY/TnqUmG0kK3I/AAAAAAAADGQ/CeEdwbpphgo/s640/IMG_7563+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeGL9IE4XJ0/TnqUsBvkArI/AAAAAAAADGU/Q2QTla5_P_Y/s1600/IMG_7564+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeGL9IE4XJ0/TnqUsBvkArI/AAAAAAAADGU/Q2QTla5_P_Y/s640/IMG_7564+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5aubGk19_IA/TnqUxzQulUI/AAAAAAAADGY/sB0dkRT7Szk/s1600/IMG_7565+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5aubGk19_IA/TnqUxzQulUI/AAAAAAAADGY/sB0dkRT7Szk/s640/IMG_7565+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6j8wp16XCeg/TnqU3d3-UOI/AAAAAAAADGc/mRkEiTEqp30/s1600/IMG_7566+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6j8wp16XCeg/TnqU3d3-UOI/AAAAAAAADGc/mRkEiTEqp30/s640/IMG_7566+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iARcUMYzaSA/TnqU-Ytxc7I/AAAAAAAADGg/KXWQBXGvQA8/s1600/IMG_7567+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iARcUMYzaSA/TnqU-Ytxc7I/AAAAAAAADGg/KXWQBXGvQA8/s640/IMG_7567+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7rjHunK5Iqg/TnqVFXY2aNI/AAAAAAAADGk/g905VQbSoTY/s1600/IMG_7569+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7rjHunK5Iqg/TnqVFXY2aNI/AAAAAAAADGk/g905VQbSoTY/s640/IMG_7569+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f6/murraygal51/crazysiggy.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09706789859711612387noreply@blogger.com0