tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32072708869499784582024-03-12T19:09:18.431-07:00Margie's little corner of the worldMargiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-34691079994615325882015-09-16T13:39:00.002-07:002015-09-16T13:45:38.394-07:00Our summer adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had such an incredible adventure this summer. In June, just one week after school let out, we flew to Vegas, rented an RV and explored a number of National Parks. </div>
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First we stopped at Zion National Park and stayed at Zion Canyon Campground.</div>
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We spent two days in Zion and hiked the Emerald Pools, Pa'rus and Riverwalk trails.</div>
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The Riverwalk leads to the popular Narrows Trail, which Alan and Jonny were adventurous enough to venture into. The water was SO cold, so Lilly and I didn't venture in. You can rent waterproof shoes, but we didn't plan ahead enough to think of that. Alan also hiked Angel's Landing, which is a very strenuous 4-5 hour hike with steep drop-offs and amazing views. Thank goodness SOMEBODY had to stay with the kids, or he might have talked me into going with him.</div>
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After leaving Zion, we stopped at Kolob Canyon and hiked the Timber Creek trail. Then we drove to Cedar Breaks (10,000 ft), fixed lunch in the RV, and enjoyed the views. The kids even found snow....in June! It was almost too much for my southern kids to handle.</div>
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Then we drove to Bryce Canyon, where we stayed for 3 nights. </div>
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If we had it to do again, we would have stayed 3 nights in Zion and 2 in Bryce.</div>
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Bryce was beautiful, but smaller than Zion. We hiked the Navajo Loop/Queen's Garden trail, and it was much more strenuous than we thought it would be. 3 of us were very crabby. </div>
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Apparently, we hiked the wrong direction. </div>
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The next day we hiked the Rim from Bryce Point to the Lodge, where we ate lunch. It was all downhill so we were much happier hikers that day. We left Bryce Canyon and drove to Moab, Utah, stopping at Capitol Reef for lunch. We stayed at the Moab Valley RV Resort, which had a pool and a playground, which kept the kids occupied. We got up early the next morning and drove into Arches National Park. If you want to hike to Delicate Arch, you have to get there early, especially if you're driving an RV because there's limited parking. We arrived at 8am and were happy we didn't hike in the heat of the day. </div>
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On the way back, we saw these petroglyphs.</div>
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That night we drove to Canyonlands, which is just 30 miles from Arches.</div>
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It's incredible how different Arches and Canyonlands are.</div>
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The park was practically empty late in the day and we went on a very short hike to the Mesa Arch, then drove to Grand View (pictured above). If you're in Moab, be sure to eat at Quesadilla Mobilla. I'm still thinking about how good their quesadillas were.</div>
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After Moab, we drove to Cortez, Colorado, where we rented a car.</div>
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This is the Cortez, Colorado airport. Ticket line on the left, rental car line on the right. There was also a cat in the airport named Mable.</div>
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Then we took the RV and the car to Mesa Verde.</div>
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We camped at Morefield Campground, which was the most primitive (in a good way) campground we stayed in. Deer were roaming around the park. </div>
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At 9pm every night, there was a Ranger Talk at the amphitheater within walking distance of our campsite. On Sunday morning, we attended a church service at the amphitheater.</div>
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The first day we visited the Mesa Verde Museum, Spruce Tree House, Pithouse, Sun Temple, and Far View House/Village.</div>
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On Monday, we went on ranger-led tours of both Cliff Palace and Balcony House.</div>
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At Balcony House, you have to climb a 32 foot ladder to enter.</div>
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If you visit Mesa Verde, be sure to stop at the Visitor's Center to purchase ranger-led tour tickets. It's a 30 minute drive back to the Visitor's Center from Morefield Campground, and another 30 minute drive to the Cliff Dwellings - hence the rental car. </div>
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Sunset at Mesa Verde</div>
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Our kids really bonded on the trip. Much less fighting than at home.</div>
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After returning the rental car and stocking up on groceries, we headed toward Lake Powell, AZ. We stopped in 4 corners, & stood in New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah all at the same time.</div>
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For some reason, I don't have any good photos of Lake Powell. When we were there, we got up bright and early for a slow rafting trip down the Colorado River. It started at Glen Canyon Dam, the second largest dam in the country.</div>
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The weather was perfect until Lake Powell. It was 107 degrees and people can talk all they want about dry heat being preferable to humidity, but I thought it was dreadful. </div>
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On our way back to Vegas we stopped at Best Friend's Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. My mother and Aunt Jessica have supported this organization for years and we were so impressed, we would like to go back to volunteer some day.</div>
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Horse Sanctuary</div>
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We spent one more night at an RV park in Vegas before returning the RV and flying home. </div>
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Best vacation ever.</div>
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<br />Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-35273325971953309182013-05-12T14:40:00.000-07:002013-05-12T14:53:49.348-07:00Mother's Day - settling in<div style="text-align: center;">
January 2013</div>
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This weekend Alan had soil delivered to fill our new flower bed.</div>
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He worked very hard, making many trips from the front yard to the back.</div>
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The kids chipped in too.</div>
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The end result:</div>
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Notice the planter is in the shape of a J for Jonny.</div>
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We went to the Community Garden this afternoon and bought lots of plants. Squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, thyme, basil, peppers, zinnias and geraniums. After they were planted, Alan fired up the grill. We're finally settling in and enjoying our new space. Happy Mother's Day!</div>
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<br />Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-63370513222843866552013-04-23T09:27:00.002-07:002013-04-23T12:49:41.327-07:00Kitchen before & after<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When we bought our house in 2006, the kitchen cabinets were painted with garage floor paint.</div>
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We painted the cabinets and made the best of the awkward layout and minuscule counter space, knowing that people have been cooking with far less since the beginning of time.</div>
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For over six years, I cooked in this kitchen almost every day.</div>
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I knew that SOME day, we would right all the wrongs in this sweet, old house.</div>
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I knew that SOME day, I would have a beautiful, functional space.</div>
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Beyond the kitchen was an old porch that had been closed in to make a laundry room.</div>
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Behind the wall (below) was the original pantry, which housed the water heater and electrical panel.</div>
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The renovation began on January 2nd. The water heater was moved under the house and we updated/moved the electrical panel, so the wall finally came down. Check out the light flooding in from the east side of the house. We only expanded the kitchen 5 feet and the laundry nook another 6.5 feet, but we tripled our counter space. We also added closets, a second bathroom, and a new den off the kitchen. The kids have a room of their own and they no longer have to share a closet and a dresser.</div>
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After 3 months of toaster oven cooking, the cabinets and lights were installed. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd71lCfRiX7gibDNKYi1YbIkYQTPykQ9ph0YbzS_KekqihEbUKZxfk-nXPIQs1g-alc1-zszTx6pUST4St6vZLnon26cvrU6-idrVHBsajZQx7z7XhPuox2aWZAA3GKs_UjuOcfzaRxzTA/s1600/IMG_6636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd71lCfRiX7gibDNKYi1YbIkYQTPykQ9ph0YbzS_KekqihEbUKZxfk-nXPIQs1g-alc1-zszTx6pUST4St6vZLnon26cvrU6-idrVHBsajZQx7z7XhPuox2aWZAA3GKs_UjuOcfzaRxzTA/s320/IMG_6636.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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A week later the countertops arrived. We choose rough honed, black pearl granite </div>
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and for the baking station and bathroom vanity, Cherokee marble.</div>
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Our neighbor, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta-Custom-Playscapes/375783705852307?ref=stream">Matt Donald</a>, designed, built and installed our lovely range hood. </div>
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Next the 3X6 American Olean tile (color: Biscuit) backsplash was installed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGyfAiWgXNW18-x4BPcjwz23D0ZqPeoBEbpAc4s4ip2X4uiBd_e2gIyaVUZthIODBz65K4mXkucu23GJCruBWrxD2x5CPZfzFL2O22InZ0-f9GE-CMvfEOGuDohQbG1AitK4R-Z7EK8im/s1600/IMG_0130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGyfAiWgXNW18-x4BPcjwz23D0ZqPeoBEbpAc4s4ip2X4uiBd_e2gIyaVUZthIODBz65K4mXkucu23GJCruBWrxD2x5CPZfzFL2O22InZ0-f9GE-CMvfEOGuDohQbG1AitK4R-Z7EK8im/s640/IMG_0130.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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On the opposite side of the kitchen is the pantry cabinet, fridge, window seat, baking station, and laundry area. I ordered the baking station and bathroom vanity unfinished. I had pine wood planks installed vertically above the baking station and had them primed and painted.</div>
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The baking station is painted Winter Flannel by Valspar. The color is discontinued, but I had it color matched at Sherwin Williams. </div>
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I had trouble making decisions about paint, so I hired designer <a href="http://sheakdesigns.com/about/">Shea Kelly</a> to help choose the colors for our walls and baking station. It's so easy to mess up paint colors and I was frankly sick of making decisions at this point in the process, so it was well worth the $85. The wall color throughout the entire addition is Farrow and Ball Pale Powder (below) and the trim is Farrow and Ball White Tie.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5C_scgHnPb1PXbAyp2scbVpYPsuDbuNeD6Q3cldMy4O9c8NZMjZ_eq1xpqpDxg_fRvDH9yqDloxzvQ2Kkam6b0WERyBHUo2q_HyIcxT8_lmXzv-FzsE-rBlTg4ySpPkpZSm-5_9Lh8ywY/s1600/IMG_0149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5C_scgHnPb1PXbAyp2scbVpYPsuDbuNeD6Q3cldMy4O9c8NZMjZ_eq1xpqpDxg_fRvDH9yqDloxzvQ2Kkam6b0WERyBHUo2q_HyIcxT8_lmXzv-FzsE-rBlTg4ySpPkpZSm-5_9Lh8ywY/s320/IMG_0149.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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On Friday, our appliances were installed. I was so excited to have a working kitchen, I had trouble sleeping that night.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhv_RTF7z0qElnHyRcroTKZB6lKHiRbGhtBk07M4cW7tz5J1I7E0P82tsqHCa8zsm80FtaZA1wG3vyr_kAmLuThdctHMm4r2cWpTGtlY3WZGAQ_k2LN2kocsj9bbdxZm9gE7Zfp2nP7A6g/s1600/IMG_6757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhv_RTF7z0qElnHyRcroTKZB6lKHiRbGhtBk07M4cW7tz5J1I7E0P82tsqHCa8zsm80FtaZA1wG3vyr_kAmLuThdctHMm4r2cWpTGtlY3WZGAQ_k2LN2kocsj9bbdxZm9gE7Zfp2nP7A6g/s320/IMG_6757.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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I researched appliances for weeks and I finally settled on the GE Cafe dual fuel range, the Samsung french door fridge, and a Whirlpool Gold dishwasher. The range hood insert is a Broan. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLty_2qwZnzleyCYNI6HBfC2DN31vR1MsQ6f-ugHkGsMAkyp2XdIYtpX9dIIbN1pJ7y64QMGmXzWhevRoK1ccbutDP50VoCpHOiyL3yDzNPwlHWBLXiT1FdBsiuoebD0Nio1L4ij_m3TM/s1600/IMG_6759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLty_2qwZnzleyCYNI6HBfC2DN31vR1MsQ6f-ugHkGsMAkyp2XdIYtpX9dIIbN1pJ7y64QMGmXzWhevRoK1ccbutDP50VoCpHOiyL3yDzNPwlHWBLXiT1FdBsiuoebD0Nio1L4ij_m3TM/s400/IMG_6759.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Check out the light fixture above the open shelving. It's from <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod691137">Restoration Hardware</a>. </div>
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I purchased the other schoolhouse fixtures and the globe pendant (below), from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lucentlampworks">Lucent Lampworks</a> on etsy. </div>
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One of my favorite things about our kitchen is the new sink. I choose <a href="http://www.swanstone.com/index.php?prod=129">this baby</a> over a year ago and it's finally home :-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupCuDekSgQrOgYrNpGbR8EWXpfojKxTSC-UropHbUJTnLpfmz6za94RMupAYzqgk0QigvJIMMWXz0J6KEKUMoIHaHWZ6kEAsr063tkGfoIXpSf80DEocgzh_n-4Bq6cYtB_VZzMoT26vX/s1600/IMG_6765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupCuDekSgQrOgYrNpGbR8EWXpfojKxTSC-UropHbUJTnLpfmz6za94RMupAYzqgk0QigvJIMMWXz0J6KEKUMoIHaHWZ6kEAsr063tkGfoIXpSf80DEocgzh_n-4Bq6cYtB_VZzMoT26vX/s320/IMG_6765.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Come by and see the kitchen. I'll cook for you!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMunAgeDmJTo5B6p9aQUWpMe_HopTwwk4YBOQwYe3YAdgsRFs0k5vhYdDrDMReuiMUatbh_C5T5nw2ZhEu3TJaV0SCvhDhEB_4uJP4BclkYI1qhYbtwBVL7ZiiYVO5d_x9vih1ADK3du7/s1600/IMG_6720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMunAgeDmJTo5B6p9aQUWpMe_HopTwwk4YBOQwYe3YAdgsRFs0k5vhYdDrDMReuiMUatbh_C5T5nw2ZhEu3TJaV0SCvhDhEB_4uJP4BclkYI1qhYbtwBVL7ZiiYVO5d_x9vih1ADK3du7/s640/IMG_6720.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<br />Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-61165362248110158672013-04-01T07:32:00.002-07:002013-04-01T07:39:58.503-07:00Christ has risen, the Cardinals won, and the kitchen cabinet cabinets are here!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hallelujah!</div>
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We're one step closer to having a working kitchen.</div>
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The toaster oven is getting old, folks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIdeJEO41ZZ3gZZs9RWdkEquucn6_QuGgtZ127zIMfhJglo_5mA-p2N-sTYfFcLoiJbI8Fy9gY9t-HqnyAuVM1HHCQF_09iyK_qdQF2WbRjZSAfoz0QOZ65escMatZ7PRd9nb2QtKJDtV/s1600/IMG_6614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIdeJEO41ZZ3gZZs9RWdkEquucn6_QuGgtZ127zIMfhJglo_5mA-p2N-sTYfFcLoiJbI8Fy9gY9t-HqnyAuVM1HHCQF_09iyK_qdQF2WbRjZSAfoz0QOZ65escMatZ7PRd9nb2QtKJDtV/s320/IMG_6614.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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The painters have been busy painting the exterior.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SFJXrhq7skXIQNNXoosy88hhoTIzPo5WCsQH5lwtoGZ6x8dqdgU-PeNG6QYmR53xTYMx1yOHdbI-I3PZ2i_82E40QiqoBtikC21RFFUMFU45DnwVmBSrCbu2XJpZb4Ekd-iR-2D-rgA_/s1600/IMG_6613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SFJXrhq7skXIQNNXoosy88hhoTIzPo5WCsQH5lwtoGZ6x8dqdgU-PeNG6QYmR53xTYMx1yOHdbI-I3PZ2i_82E40QiqoBtikC21RFFUMFU45DnwVmBSrCbu2XJpZb4Ekd-iR-2D-rgA_/s400/IMG_6613.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Alan has been planting blueberry bushes</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihk1IERGnLvhKFRpQ221jOugLwJuXtN3uQbrIxMfeSHULlqjWAdoy0U860R5Pn9swPUZ12atUhyphenhyphenRbQCy5igh_wUVQSR64hWdnPP9f4UapUwt_Ooq65Rl67lOi23wTyX4V-vDNpk_tTD2fA/s1600/IMG_6621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihk1IERGnLvhKFRpQ221jOugLwJuXtN3uQbrIxMfeSHULlqjWAdoy0U860R5Pn9swPUZ12atUhyphenhyphenRbQCy5igh_wUVQSR64hWdnPP9f4UapUwt_Ooq65Rl67lOi23wTyX4V-vDNpk_tTD2fA/s400/IMG_6621.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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and grass.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIzcd0jrJKSqdhJ-9tPjiOOZP9yt9n-0s3Z_ZKEZ-Z_r3Sq-OCOBB8G6u4dNJwJw2EKNcmO7i9g_5D_Iae-KklFRtHWieBYaZe-prNV-RcCXHbLzSRjCWRote-kTwvVcI6atea87eaRjl/s1600/IMG_6623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIzcd0jrJKSqdhJ-9tPjiOOZP9yt9n-0s3Z_ZKEZ-Z_r3Sq-OCOBB8G6u4dNJwJw2EKNcmO7i9g_5D_Iae-KklFRtHWieBYaZe-prNV-RcCXHbLzSRjCWRote-kTwvVcI6atea87eaRjl/s400/IMG_6623.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've been ordering light fixtures,</div>
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ceiling fans, and appliances</div>
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Once the cabinets are installed, the countertop guy will measure.</div>
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Our neighbor, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta-Custom-Playscapes/375783705852307">Matt</a>, will build a custom range hood in the next week or so.</div>
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Then, the electricians and plumbers will install the lights, outlets, switches, and plumbing fixtures.</div>
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We're in the home stretch!</div>
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Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-68586597626692602362013-03-13T09:21:00.000-07:002013-03-13T09:31:42.225-07:00BE GONE, enormous return vent!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This return vent has bugged us since the day we bought this house.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6M3Fouvci8O0jyqxz7-M5VSHRmfMqjGhWwUB6jPw__guyq2pM09c7_xtXvIsIFMztVmE9MzoNxvxOm2Hut7v6ROhnJxhXNbMOstSs7m90Ok3a3wUQygVSfOE3H1FGcPzseMXkhA8KhGq7/s1600/IMG_6382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6M3Fouvci8O0jyqxz7-M5VSHRmfMqjGhWwUB6jPw__guyq2pM09c7_xtXvIsIFMztVmE9MzoNxvxOm2Hut7v6ROhnJxhXNbMOstSs7m90Ok3a3wUQygVSfOE3H1FGcPzseMXkhA8KhGq7/s320/IMG_6382.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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It was enormous, hideous, and hurt like hell when you stepped on it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PMyp0iJap_2igzF22qPYaG7Qjb7z1BYGvOw8c6JTMSvscvsgnK1J8QAMIoapCX-7VZ6HB72VyPxHUhto8EocOc-ZJpzmsUZzxlOimHmrAVd5lsPObjBxWFVslwutLgJf0R702JxtW19a/s1600/IMG_6547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PMyp0iJap_2igzF22qPYaG7Qjb7z1BYGvOw8c6JTMSvscvsgnK1J8QAMIoapCX-7VZ6HB72VyPxHUhto8EocOc-ZJpzmsUZzxlOimHmrAVd5lsPObjBxWFVslwutLgJf0R702JxtW19a/s400/IMG_6547.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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When we had the new ductwork installed, the HVAC guys installed a new, </div>
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MUCH smaller return vent.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Fs6UyTcY6huJujcNdEvaiGZwxMw90QZMXiBQEwyRyWcnr-FRpcE9o7Gf9HnWrdRGX19ZfE7qWsTONkQtZkF1GP3OdbCxbKD_f7IBgiVJHvcEOgUHKd2_gWiUW19g1hsD9fN6Qhii3D10/s1600/IMG_6555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Fs6UyTcY6huJujcNdEvaiGZwxMw90QZMXiBQEwyRyWcnr-FRpcE9o7Gf9HnWrdRGX19ZfE7qWsTONkQtZkF1GP3OdbCxbKD_f7IBgiVJHvcEOgUHKd2_gWiUW19g1hsD9fN6Qhii3D10/s320/IMG_6555.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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But we still had to step around this monster for a few weeks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFrFawh940tpRw33hCYQALomkRCH7yhfReEM4jfYRogWIzsU-wbh8asTbkIhq9BGuXRdvVc8trvQRZpviFx5F9ouT9XC2W7T_vqvVKzxYyi1x6JukgbOObOkSsDDvj_1kKx4WP8BOhB29/s1600/IMG_6582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFrFawh940tpRw33hCYQALomkRCH7yhfReEM4jfYRogWIzsU-wbh8asTbkIhq9BGuXRdvVc8trvQRZpviFx5F9ouT9XC2W7T_vqvVKzxYyi1x6JukgbOObOkSsDDvj_1kKx4WP8BOhB29/s400/IMG_6582.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Until yesterday, when the flooring guys finally patched the floor!!!!</div>
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We replaced the old pine floors in our bedroom with white oak,</div>
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so they were able to re-use that wood to patch the hallway.</div>
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Eventually the hallway will get sanded too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjDsDkGUvkQsbwMhVjCi2YILjhreK6qBOPWeK9PCtQFHXPFZZ9NqRWIUBKKiaclJgcTuhyphenhypheni6P-oTVN8BRo5-muVnUddgDgBDfHkp6lt4ODGOCJh2nmYZ21VbvkOOUd7keVtc_eFhUa5HN/s1600/IMG_6578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjDsDkGUvkQsbwMhVjCi2YILjhreK6qBOPWeK9PCtQFHXPFZZ9NqRWIUBKKiaclJgcTuhyphenhypheni6P-oTVN8BRo5-muVnUddgDgBDfHkp6lt4ODGOCJh2nmYZ21VbvkOOUd7keVtc_eFhUa5HN/s320/IMG_6578.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Yesterday, they sanded the floors in the kitchen, den, master bedroom and bathroom,</div>
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then stained them and put the first coat of polyurethane down.</div>
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Last week, the custom shower pan was made.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiOhJQ3v0HYxNprWTcTrnb0vSbM0MWJ01GKezR2IPXSXcjNphh2hK3amkd55pua5G8kG_b-83rFo6hZlng30U7wVO-VxHfR5MqSyNxH3YxKd8hXqqDGKnetgcNgvRyYCW3eMEWrgr9CJo/s1600/IMG_6570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiOhJQ3v0HYxNprWTcTrnb0vSbM0MWJ01GKezR2IPXSXcjNphh2hK3amkd55pua5G8kG_b-83rFo6hZlng30U7wVO-VxHfR5MqSyNxH3YxKd8hXqqDGKnetgcNgvRyYCW3eMEWrgr9CJo/s320/IMG_6570.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then, the shower tile went in. Here's a sneak peak. </div>
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I'll show you the shower floor, which is marble hexagon, when I can get a good picture of it.</div>
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The grout I choose is Platinum and I couldn't be happier with it.</div>
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Not too dark, not too light. All the years I've spent on GardenWeb and Pinterest have come in handy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgpI6Y2PNTsJdF8_fWxi7bkPtOM1XUxsctt_4RwPMF4s-ibQqZQz0P8CT3DncezEpdL0sZgSXqWWkLculRoLhLKxNT_8UsId-0dWqRBH_qIJ6YlCpy7Mk1jzEAw4LXWX3x44WB2uEvIct/s1600/IMG_6587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgpI6Y2PNTsJdF8_fWxi7bkPtOM1XUxsctt_4RwPMF4s-ibQqZQz0P8CT3DncezEpdL0sZgSXqWWkLculRoLhLKxNT_8UsId-0dWqRBH_qIJ6YlCpy7Mk1jzEAw4LXWX3x44WB2uEvIct/s400/IMG_6587.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We're still handling living through the renovation pretty well, I think.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbLLamor81xvH5RCFdsDr13OfdzF1P3nxlvLZv4y8zrgxigCpQ2bqrryu-pTekLPE8cFq4iZVUB_SupBTkVxjobssyj_LuT_bTR9Os4K1yUnL9-G4jOU7aB06JVQOmhSV2HrYoSE9YXfp/s1600/IMG_6584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbLLamor81xvH5RCFdsDr13OfdzF1P3nxlvLZv4y8zrgxigCpQ2bqrryu-pTekLPE8cFq4iZVUB_SupBTkVxjobssyj_LuT_bTR9Os4K1yUnL9-G4jOU7aB06JVQOmhSV2HrYoSE9YXfp/s400/IMG_6584.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Except when we're not :-)</div>
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<br />Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-43431370062659707682013-02-28T06:00:00.001-08:002013-02-28T06:07:28.557-08:00Siding and drywall and dust, oh my!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When we left town, the red door was still there.</div>
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When we came back, it was gone.</div>
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They also put up siding the day we left.</div>
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They hung drywall while we were gone.</div>
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Drywall is messy. People warned me, but I had no idea.</div>
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Then they sanded. Oy vey!</div>
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Remember the monster return vent that took up the entire hallway?</div>
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It's going to be SO small now. The floors are being patched today and tomorrow.</div>
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New floors are going in as well.</div>
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Remember our tiny, dark kitchen?</div>
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Remember the wall we were going to take down</div>
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and the laundry room/porch that was going to be demo'd?</div>
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TA DA!!!</div>
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Here's another shot of the future kitchen and den from the dining room.</div>
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Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-45738469417596457222013-02-28T05:33:00.003-08:002013-02-28T05:49:39.387-08:00VacationWe escaped the mess and chaos for an entire week. The kids were off school for winter break, so we headed up to Boone, North Carolina (Go App State!) to stay in a lovely cabin for 3 nights. We spent the rest of the time in Waynesville visiting the grandparents. We spent a little time in Urgent Care with our very sick boy, but still managed to have some fun.<br />
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Sleepy Creek Cabin</div>
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Tubing with her Daddy at Sugar Mountain<br />
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At least there was a comfy leather couch, fireplace, and cable for the sick boy.<br />
Lilly got lots of one-on-one time with Alan while I took care of Jonny.<br />
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They toured the campus at Alan's alma mater.<br />
This picture scares me a little. I can now picture dropping her off at at college.<br />
She turns 9 next week, so she's half way there.<br />
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Al took her to eat at <a href="http://www.propermeal.com/Propermeal/WELCOME.html">Proper</a>, which is located in an old jail.<br />
Alan's friends lived in the building when he was in college<br />
and their names are still carved on the wall.<br />
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Yes, he had a friend named Dink.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43kVkcw_jfPTnhK6Hc2XgFVLS5iTl0oOEgrC5sEoHQpvddVm5Pvru9N1rk6TaBHA1Q8cT7D2cCeuvYlQc-pt6oRz1vP2clZDRdKhlMOhm81sCwv6BHvOnnX8b2_5OhDub3CNVumvi-1bQ/s1600/IMG_0061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43kVkcw_jfPTnhK6Hc2XgFVLS5iTl0oOEgrC5sEoHQpvddVm5Pvru9N1rk6TaBHA1Q8cT7D2cCeuvYlQc-pt6oRz1vP2clZDRdKhlMOhm81sCwv6BHvOnnX8b2_5OhDub3CNVumvi-1bQ/s320/IMG_0061.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Catching up with his old friend, Doc Watson.<br />
Finally, as we were leaving town, Jonny felt well enough to visit Mystery Hill.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1Yx-EwppQ9ZL4PHZ38FArKhoDVU_ZrpL5tgg_CSyVdXAeaDSYZzsEZ5g6TYW098tW_rUnJhgrBKjJqykFxwiHr9rb17VhkGpU7TSkJgDqj3Mm1wnjxuP8ka8D_pNXbI29NDCYmxgRS3g/s1600/IMG_6480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1Yx-EwppQ9ZL4PHZ38FArKhoDVU_ZrpL5tgg_CSyVdXAeaDSYZzsEZ5g6TYW098tW_rUnJhgrBKjJqykFxwiHr9rb17VhkGpU7TSkJgDqj3Mm1wnjxuP8ka8D_pNXbI29NDCYmxgRS3g/s320/IMG_6480.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first smile on Jonny's face after having pneumonia and a double ear infection.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97aEB2d1laJSermdgNKQjUNkOdX6uCvcqefVyxW6qeQ6R4QD5pyRZy_Y_-e1m7e7wwXjX02I0R6nS5gMQfwQ853QgeuWssJ-CxREP1R2Fv3O4W__BgDZJBADISIxqWTMvQyXUBtc1UlgJ/s1600/IMG_6475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97aEB2d1laJSermdgNKQjUNkOdX6uCvcqefVyxW6qeQ6R4QD5pyRZy_Y_-e1m7e7wwXjX02I0R6nS5gMQfwQ853QgeuWssJ-CxREP1R2Fv3O4W__BgDZJBADISIxqWTMvQyXUBtc1UlgJ/s320/IMG_6475.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The crooked house was crazy. It made me kind of dizzy for the rest of the day.</div>
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<a href="http://www.mysteryhill-nc.com/joomla/index.php">Mystery Hill </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy4isfXc816EQ3AgVfNAkbznCEQYcN6rL5WfufR1UDsY2VUFCDLHPhg_PwePkdfcjmip-15QnQ1Zo5sAQgNLXBEvbCpri4nV2ncThidTNwHgcVANribS792sxq5145N5U6Q9QXXNCDq-H/s1600/IMG_6495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy4isfXc816EQ3AgVfNAkbznCEQYcN6rL5WfufR1UDsY2VUFCDLHPhg_PwePkdfcjmip-15QnQ1Zo5sAQgNLXBEvbCpri4nV2ncThidTNwHgcVANribS792sxq5145N5U6Q9QXXNCDq-H/s400/IMG_6495.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Doc Watson</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLC-GK0a0K4k1kiBE_PerE5StYEL3S6v9x84Q85FuGbK182GfjWOanHApAmGjjgb6GeRWxvR2DbAbB65-_kGMpgdRDQabRKrDW-OyBEHRGNg9vIROmMA_rFBQdENWwJD_2JFyLb4Rh2utP/s1600/IMG_6506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLC-GK0a0K4k1kiBE_PerE5StYEL3S6v9x84Q85FuGbK182GfjWOanHApAmGjjgb6GeRWxvR2DbAbB65-_kGMpgdRDQabRKrDW-OyBEHRGNg9vIROmMA_rFBQdENWwJD_2JFyLb4Rh2utP/s320/IMG_6506.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We had to drive up a mountain on our way out of town so Jonny could touch snow.</div>
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Lilly had a great time.</div>
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Jonny? Not so much.</div>
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Me? I was just happy to have a kitchen</div>
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and grateful for antibiotics.</div>
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Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-8998642315396992492013-02-08T10:55:00.002-08:002013-02-09T04:22:59.108-08:00Doors and windows, windows and doors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We moved our front door so our parlor will be a more usable space.</div>
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Do you see the two windows to the left of the door?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UzQn9LKaaBgC1PO59gwKjghOiO0H2V3-m-xjePFcQdxr_UsAlCsBTBfgSEAq_Lxz-5k7oNv2oyjnVo35QO6-iYstQGL93lhwMQ1nV3bNKfxkdYsOr_uTy6hwoYFJa7FMGs3LqDOvb9J1/s1600/IMG_6370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UzQn9LKaaBgC1PO59gwKjghOiO0H2V3-m-xjePFcQdxr_UsAlCsBTBfgSEAq_Lxz-5k7oNv2oyjnVo35QO6-iYstQGL93lhwMQ1nV3bNKfxkdYsOr_uTy6hwoYFJa7FMGs3LqDOvb9J1/s320/IMG_6370.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ta DA! The old door will soon be gone and there will just be a wall of siding there in its place.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHRVcN_ldux-DdkFqe1N31jq9DLJMXnPxhqUVE_Nk8Xt6W39i2ws6yYL4NiApc2ne-GhhfjMmne6dSPdiyVr8D7aNv-QJHlNd_oigVMEyDQgynYUAnWJ2OgS9L4hAKYdQvpHaRoKFCUBv/s1600/IMG_6395-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHRVcN_ldux-DdkFqe1N31jq9DLJMXnPxhqUVE_Nk8Xt6W39i2ws6yYL4NiApc2ne-GhhfjMmne6dSPdiyVr8D7aNv-QJHlNd_oigVMEyDQgynYUAnWJ2OgS9L4hAKYdQvpHaRoKFCUBv/s400/IMG_6395-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We (I) agonized over choosing a door. I didn't want to lose the view from our dining room looking out onto the porch. I like to keep tabs on the neighbors' comings and goings. </div>
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That sounds a little creepy, but whatever. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWx1eX_YRqBf1hYE87w2FzbzE9bqxNKRmyzeYVcQqx0rOGfqIVUEgVsMesgeZU8dLkkjMEKPWc0n_OfFh44LaiYtZYg0iOrOdW-ugNYXjr2keI0P-1EalZdWUhaNrDWeJhtmOO5mVvPCOc/s1600/IMG_3259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWx1eX_YRqBf1hYE87w2FzbzE9bqxNKRmyzeYVcQqx0rOGfqIVUEgVsMesgeZU8dLkkjMEKPWc0n_OfFh44LaiYtZYg0iOrOdW-ugNYXjr2keI0P-1EalZdWUhaNrDWeJhtmOO5mVvPCOc/s320/IMG_3259.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Even with sidelites, it would drive me crazy to not be able to see through the new door.</div>
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SO, I choose this door</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOrcOAHKSU5iCUq5ftM8axOPyX0LPWAUW69lF8cvXAseyzNWbtgitlNB2vge2tK-vl9qSODXNdhVbqFfSDYpZwBGqykMtiQd-Xr2vARdB59z9gU62Mx1hqsueUQn1lPpbKM_lSJ23OHVZ/s1600/IMG_6426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOrcOAHKSU5iCUq5ftM8axOPyX0LPWAUW69lF8cvXAseyzNWbtgitlNB2vge2tK-vl9qSODXNdhVbqFfSDYpZwBGqykMtiQd-Xr2vARdB59z9gU62Mx1hqsueUQn1lPpbKM_lSJ23OHVZ/s320/IMG_6426.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Yep, that's a LOT of glass. I had buyer's remorse for a minute (doors are expensive),</div>
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but I figure you can always hang up a curtain for privacy.</div>
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I probably would have made a different choice if our front door looked into a private area of the house, but it's just a dining room and kitchen. We're usually dressed in there.</div>
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Anyway, we relocated the dining room windows to the new bathroom,</div>
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and reused our bedroom windows in the new den.</div>
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Our new outswing patio doors have been installed (view from the future kitchen)</div>
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We only had to order 3 new windows for the entire addition. </div>
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Now, what color should we stain the mahogany door and sidelites? I'm thinking dark.</div>
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Or maybe I should paint the sidelites cream like the trim and just stain the door?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDewEtfTVA455Z8wpPHM7-xEFc8y28WUvjw1svLGVVZ21ni7SaFpmeAVVz7pa1bactgHGAzerAuRUMly-anNAioliJ34gaYnef9D7_tDcPIDcl-iIFWWQxjl-gsxN4ntHk76oeWfUKDJz4/s1600/IMG_6424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDewEtfTVA455Z8wpPHM7-xEFc8y28WUvjw1svLGVVZ21ni7SaFpmeAVVz7pa1bactgHGAzerAuRUMly-anNAioliJ34gaYnef9D7_tDcPIDcl-iIFWWQxjl-gsxN4ntHk76oeWfUKDJz4/s320/IMG_6424.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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So many decisions to make every.single.day!</div>
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<br />Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-34264917057839803632013-02-03T15:25:00.000-08:002013-02-04T03:34:04.308-08:00It's hot up in here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our furnace has gone to scrap metal heaven. It was only 17 years old,</div>
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but the ductwork was MUCH older than that.</div>
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It was warmer in the crawl space than in the house.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkSF1UrxseM76GtskUgkTopsYr7DNj7jBpk1tg1Kf1g1iIG-LHaiz2tjGR3pPmOFEwcVbn-hZNiWUAe6Ty9Bwws5UjDbb9btaeiJ9NDzjB37YDotB1Leryh2lYm8LIcgv3jQGlASPM6xH/s1600/IMG_6363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkSF1UrxseM76GtskUgkTopsYr7DNj7jBpk1tg1Kf1g1iIG-LHaiz2tjGR3pPmOFEwcVbn-hZNiWUAe6Ty9Bwws5UjDbb9btaeiJ9NDzjB37YDotB1Leryh2lYm8LIcgv3jQGlASPM6xH/s400/IMG_6363.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We now have a 90% efficient furnace,</div>
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all new ductwork,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblJypvPQYirgO8eXr4REpNbxrr3arf24iYhGwHneKkoHl6TtrL6mXjFc7fW4OEBNjVeUYLmQBKFEdpk3jlq6afi98Pe3dMK5NSApPGR85er0gdkhtpDfDiEutEpvTbK55zSq8mitXIDW8/s1600/IMG_6379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblJypvPQYirgO8eXr4REpNbxrr3arf24iYhGwHneKkoHl6TtrL6mXjFc7fW4OEBNjVeUYLmQBKFEdpk3jlq6afi98Pe3dMK5NSApPGR85er0gdkhtpDfDiEutEpvTbK55zSq8mitXIDW8/s640/IMG_6379.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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and 4 new return vents!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_0Wxe16pgHM4IjvpolrFB6tT57AVbR3aFvN8G-D3lvmgd4PACA05Z7QKAHuM_1W3wLSkwn9V0XszYKDsw_6zQnswBxnbTVDT27qIZ6sDsQTWrPsC94O9Bp0pKmg_2UTBRmldTb-ESOwZ/s1600/IMG_6372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_0Wxe16pgHM4IjvpolrFB6tT57AVbR3aFvN8G-D3lvmgd4PACA05Z7QKAHuM_1W3wLSkwn9V0XszYKDsw_6zQnswBxnbTVDT27qIZ6sDsQTWrPsC94O9Bp0pKmg_2UTBRmldTb-ESOwZ/s320/IMG_6372.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The REALLY great thing is that we only paid for an 80% efficient furnace,</div>
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but got a free upgrade when they discovered the 90% efficient one </div>
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was going to be easier to install due to our setup!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1sRDP9bfgDWE3LLX6D-DPNeMyticbQnklHTI1zCd8u7r0mtFxYl-Z4vlyKNqHxFXA-tvacmR3MxhGplUrVCobs8Y_yZKLPJvKcETWOtwCAYsIYG_sLi1_qWLtDlDO6WoMCxQYb3NPO48/s1600/IMG_6384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1sRDP9bfgDWE3LLX6D-DPNeMyticbQnklHTI1zCd8u7r0mtFxYl-Z4vlyKNqHxFXA-tvacmR3MxhGplUrVCobs8Y_yZKLPJvKcETWOtwCAYsIYG_sLi1_qWLtDlDO6WoMCxQYb3NPO48/s320/IMG_6384.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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This old house has never been so warm, or so quiet. You can't even hear the furnace when it's running.</div>
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It feels like a newly built home and we haven't even re-insulated yet.</div>
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We also got a new air conditioner.</div>
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August in Georgia?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdR6X3YURd7DXAuUNrEiHoc7FjbtfgD55Ww8S5XAHWGJmmWd6xTVjBr0Ty-6NbnsuUjOH5TdP_7WDR3Bj7iNhwY4o1bbSP6AbEO_AQuQ8aObE-i3-RQ2NngqTmwcPill45aT0DnEkxlu6b/s1600/IMG_6376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdR6X3YURd7DXAuUNrEiHoc7FjbtfgD55Ww8S5XAHWGJmmWd6xTVjBr0Ty-6NbnsuUjOH5TdP_7WDR3Bj7iNhwY4o1bbSP6AbEO_AQuQ8aObE-i3-RQ2NngqTmwcPill45aT0DnEkxlu6b/s320/IMG_6376.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bring it on.<br />
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Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-48515667878062506902013-01-30T05:46:00.000-08:002013-02-03T15:27:55.993-08:00Chaos, but good chaos.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Welcome to our chaos.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKYJCtNcEgJSXJt8u3ReY01Zzi0WDdQ_aOHHQGTXZJsIFumWUYJiJXVvIyDKeMtydmEGC6LIEvPCqqMMe7Hq1BajL6KDZH9VB9kOhyphenhyphenDq72ovITIdazIt2pWwfLqYMg2WhD_VkBK8zatYo/s1600/IMG_6339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKYJCtNcEgJSXJt8u3ReY01Zzi0WDdQ_aOHHQGTXZJsIFumWUYJiJXVvIyDKeMtydmEGC6LIEvPCqqMMe7Hq1BajL6KDZH9VB9kOhyphenhyphenDq72ovITIdazIt2pWwfLqYMg2WhD_VkBK8zatYo/s400/IMG_6339.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We have a new roof! We choose Landmark's Sunrise Cedar architectural shingles. </div>
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I'll post better before and after pictures soon. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTP3bEjlZdz57v_QyoYm3ZWJIaq_wU9b-eC9mYtiAGmwBty8tx4zZJlj4Xgaw4yqcePn2SVa2KFds07xk7OYoMhet2x4Zi2lbucoYcFMTngrs-pRQmiyxNjA1is1ctcbfDQxxDZzKVi-K/s1600/IMG_6359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTP3bEjlZdz57v_QyoYm3ZWJIaq_wU9b-eC9mYtiAGmwBty8tx4zZJlj4Xgaw4yqcePn2SVa2KFds07xk7OYoMhet2x4Zi2lbucoYcFMTngrs-pRQmiyxNjA1is1ctcbfDQxxDZzKVi-K/s400/IMG_6359.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Below is our bedroom. They opened it up yesterday to the addition, so I had to move our mattress to the den and remove everything from my husband's closet.</div>
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I don't have a closet in our bedroom yet, which actually worked in my favor this time.</div>
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Alan's clothes currently qualify for refugee status. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZtldUKC54DY_WE1Oz360GeImpMZCrhizkcspJrDCd-urk9w5h1OSFH-D-gtNRgAWajUgCiA0e6R0yB-8XgUMRE5WXqEPpH0Mkbj_ctv_HuruA4CYZbx74Jc0K534blcDtJ-vLQvEQQpx/s1600/IMG_6349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZtldUKC54DY_WE1Oz360GeImpMZCrhizkcspJrDCd-urk9w5h1OSFH-D-gtNRgAWajUgCiA0e6R0yB-8XgUMRE5WXqEPpH0Mkbj_ctv_HuruA4CYZbx74Jc0K534blcDtJ-vLQvEQQpx/s400/IMG_6349.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Alan said our house looks like an episode of hoarders now. </div>
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We went from 1250 square feet to what feels like a studio apartment.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMsBvDgzE27rza15seTCwLBsW81oNpoKJd5J7YEdqsLGqWdbv6olDLxUjr6cwUYJ5Z2SYd5FIdOSI6Rdr0irmILUwi0BgzdXCO4egr28ni6-idASBem8cIZtIsHX9p9zx6M3Kujbl-rC2/s1600/IMG_6346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMsBvDgzE27rza15seTCwLBsW81oNpoKJd5J7YEdqsLGqWdbv6olDLxUjr6cwUYJ5Z2SYd5FIdOSI6Rdr0irmILUwi0BgzdXCO4egr28ni6-idASBem8cIZtIsHX9p9zx6M3Kujbl-rC2/s400/IMG_6346.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Welcome to our den/bedroom/office/closet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQfgB9m7eKmpHGdVKBeq-eYAledvMnHcYI33qSYMKuxoRZlez24aEJA4Xg_OtmOFxKOtEjoCuHkMMppOpWnMDhwhnSa2VFC1_Ks6U7cYmsRLtX-KlAPOno77ZrOYfkOMHrEKIco3dy8Po/s1600/IMG_6343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQfgB9m7eKmpHGdVKBeq-eYAledvMnHcYI33qSYMKuxoRZlez24aEJA4Xg_OtmOFxKOtEjoCuHkMMppOpWnMDhwhnSa2VFC1_Ks6U7cYmsRLtX-KlAPOno77ZrOYfkOMHrEKIco3dy8Po/s400/IMG_6343.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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CJ is saying, "What the ....?!"</div>
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<br />Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-26081403857193951572013-01-25T10:42:00.001-08:002013-02-03T15:28:37.055-08:00Progress!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There's a four-year-old boy in our house who sits at the window for hours on end </div>
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like he's watching an exciting, action flick.</div>
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He even prefers watching the crew work over playing with legos or watching the Wild Kratts, </div>
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and that's really saying something.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsV4m4wKX7tPq3qNVbynafrl6l-N_sDejfVpvWVM7aUUHCte98c_baMqkF-XtAoYqvRDNxkETmJG56IAEubtd7WMNY8u7qS4RTTC9fwIC2_YBClwd8CEaihQmBAv42liALm3jOVJo3FZFw/s1600/IMG_6301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsV4m4wKX7tPq3qNVbynafrl6l-N_sDejfVpvWVM7aUUHCte98c_baMqkF-XtAoYqvRDNxkETmJG56IAEubtd7WMNY8u7qS4RTTC9fwIC2_YBClwd8CEaihQmBAv42liALm3jOVJo3FZFw/s400/IMG_6301.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Sometimes his sister joins him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0hEU1nkOvkMdME5GVVIhg0cxDlKTnHm8YvCfNDIIpUQ5CcO1ZZLBHxw3mcHSbQhPXqEf6fWQWLID8QlA5UElfK42e07mkPEt4aH2P_s2IbhCIC8Ha3QKIyUCpK4V6dm55qpoT3WjGaEW/s1600/IMG_6284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0hEU1nkOvkMdME5GVVIhg0cxDlKTnHm8YvCfNDIIpUQ5CcO1ZZLBHxw3mcHSbQhPXqEf6fWQWLID8QlA5UElfK42e07mkPEt4aH2P_s2IbhCIC8Ha3QKIyUCpK4V6dm55qpoT3WjGaEW/s400/IMG_6284.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Sometimes he has the place all to himself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPbOUj_wzPFP_Ihz_3pB8aPzRb_cKwvKAciZtUwQebcDJKTRFmyEAl6pc-YbyxFZDrlzrPAYw0YnRMkrQIOzCeZl-FRI9lUKUd2kjO19slkez0pynE1BATjNM69Z3F9d6O7yjhaw7M8MK/s1600/IMG_6302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPbOUj_wzPFP_Ihz_3pB8aPzRb_cKwvKAciZtUwQebcDJKTRFmyEAl6pc-YbyxFZDrlzrPAYw0YnRMkrQIOzCeZl-FRI9lUKUd2kjO19slkez0pynE1BATjNM69Z3F9d6O7yjhaw7M8MK/s400/IMG_6302.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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And this is what he's been watching.</div>
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I should create a flip book of the process.</div>
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Check out the siding. Now you see it,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLk0XRomfagFOIK1VIZs5S53sNiOGRpdUqT8M-EzmVOW6LBQz5QFcKPamLdeMEQy89bi4n2JdlZS9Q_FHtwfzN5l8wyh8YjCa_c93QgFqsu4PjwkFsUEOneTrG-z-C9Sq5ShoyTOjIVVcD/s1600/IMG_6289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLk0XRomfagFOIK1VIZs5S53sNiOGRpdUqT8M-EzmVOW6LBQz5QFcKPamLdeMEQy89bi4n2JdlZS9Q_FHtwfzN5l8wyh8YjCa_c93QgFqsu4PjwkFsUEOneTrG-z-C9Sq5ShoyTOjIVVcD/s400/IMG_6289.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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now you don't.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhb5JkKu10gBuowGKN4orinscugDuqHv6L4g-54ucpWsnKWtXgM4OfgiLfhrCYebQm2krL0YqqtX4E0jt2q8N86-0x8zFJU-rGEQYQnETkcO1K3-kV84we5FzzD4vUjUJDJ7dLIHvBQ6b/s1600/IMG_6295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhb5JkKu10gBuowGKN4orinscugDuqHv6L4g-54ucpWsnKWtXgM4OfgiLfhrCYebQm2krL0YqqtX4E0jt2q8N86-0x8zFJU-rGEQYQnETkcO1K3-kV84we5FzzD4vUjUJDJ7dLIHvBQ6b/s400/IMG_6295.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The walls go up and the dormer comes down. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIppABppubTjxpV6Ww_C1uzusMJaDlTB6FdI675AsN7B3UJWZE7HwM6Coln2kPaCWaisHG2q0dGUxZv3efwMVOAHZ88ZTw8uRBohxkDRMsDjcxkd45iHSK8C98UXyy2JThASXAS-DLlLX/s1600/IMG_6314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIppABppubTjxpV6Ww_C1uzusMJaDlTB6FdI675AsN7B3UJWZE7HwM6Coln2kPaCWaisHG2q0dGUxZv3efwMVOAHZ88ZTw8uRBohxkDRMsDjcxkd45iHSK8C98UXyy2JThASXAS-DLlLX/s400/IMG_6314.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkr42Cg0L-Z253cNyRt6Ge230fpkbq6qz2FgDaLB3Y_UUiblKz5iu9zOJl0Gqa9Y3vXEubqEIiApi87obUHDhVEusGf0arkXdVyQapvEKwuQVytMdj7lcWAKI-KtLw9Wkyj4YhAZxvduk/s1600/IMG_6328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkr42Cg0L-Z253cNyRt6Ge230fpkbq6qz2FgDaLB3Y_UUiblKz5iu9zOJl0Gqa9Y3vXEubqEIiApi87obUHDhVEusGf0arkXdVyQapvEKwuQVytMdj7lcWAKI-KtLw9Wkyj4YhAZxvduk/s640/IMG_6328.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Ta da! We have a roof.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVI5GvcnYVjDpK6nEX6BoL0D8vW1YRv4Cdv5La-oATsM69yYmLuGrki8dsMALHO58N7LFtoyW2oKNoe3oU5N2qMQ51pahud9c6X-kW_dPgD3xqClnBIuLfATF_MWdb_tjHF_euLO8iQfgH/s1600/IMG_6336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVI5GvcnYVjDpK6nEX6BoL0D8vW1YRv4Cdv5La-oATsM69yYmLuGrki8dsMALHO58N7LFtoyW2oKNoe3oU5N2qMQ51pahud9c6X-kW_dPgD3xqClnBIuLfATF_MWdb_tjHF_euLO8iQfgH/s640/IMG_6336.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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On Monday, the shingles arrive. </div>
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The plumbers and electricians are also going to rough-in the plumbing and electric</div>
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....whatever that means. </div>
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Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-48647934512524325042013-01-17T06:22:00.000-08:002013-01-17T07:51:36.902-08:00Rain, rain, go away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yes, we need the rain, but it sure is <b>s l o w i n g</b> construction down. On Monday, the city approved the foundation and gave the go-ahead to start framing, but it has rained every day since. In between storms, the masked asbestos removers did manage to suit up and take down the siding on our dormer. In the next week or two, that dormer will be removed entirely, the addition will be framed, the roof will be replaced, and the new insulation will go in. Hallelujah!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRZ-SttPKIrKXJOY_CAa5mjYC-TfXEbPW9IRrsOzqQL1P3amr1pJ1z8Gj_4QmTdcgeB8uXapY-mP93qrfgxBLetPSIXNzfJSlAqbeUbl4P6UlFzl6aDcwqxFqddjfy6vFVhCzknp3TWbQ/s1600/IMG_6266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRZ-SttPKIrKXJOY_CAa5mjYC-TfXEbPW9IRrsOzqQL1P3amr1pJ1z8Gj_4QmTdcgeB8uXapY-mP93qrfgxBLetPSIXNzfJSlAqbeUbl4P6UlFzl6aDcwqxFqddjfy6vFVhCzknp3TWbQ/s320/IMG_6266.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can see from this angle what horrible shape our roof and gutters are in. I'm almost as excited about getting a new roof as I am about the second bathroom. Every time it rains, my husband grumbles about the inoperable gutters and I say a little prayer that the roof won't leak. Maintaining an old house has certainly been a lesson in patience. I'm the kind of person who files taxes in February. You know the blood test they require to obtain a marriage certificate in Georgia? I had to take it twice because I took it too early the first time. People assume living through a renovation is maddening, but waiting for six years to begin it was far worse.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEI1_f_J9_2SyvKtVI9oPWx2anerP93vrnzzJGtuaZI-_ZdQ8j90TS6DqgQAQxdq0j3MzNikbcKTV4ajXLDCyDi1FIqZEKy8dismpHL11yfxagcOxDcjLVwVjzqlYdd7yRrPeUh22hYvK4/s1600/IMG_6268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEI1_f_J9_2SyvKtVI9oPWx2anerP93vrnzzJGtuaZI-_ZdQ8j90TS6DqgQAQxdq0j3MzNikbcKTV4ajXLDCyDi1FIqZEKy8dismpHL11yfxagcOxDcjLVwVjzqlYdd7yRrPeUh22hYvK4/s320/IMG_6268.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In sunnier news, our talented neighbor, Matt Donald, used one of our old kitchen cabinets to make a <a href="http://www.littlefreelibrary.org/">Little Free Library</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9ayMBkypwo9TVfXqfF5hqrZXsLjrj_1cOZUqGBJWs2ADAK-U0EIDlD_kIyGf_ETkwf9NyYi3vmBJ3u8_5lcsPnYb-c8cBEovUY1ooew6cCQoEOR3bHM5Do39DPHXHU2X8RhlmPD-9Bzz/s1600/IMG_6255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9ayMBkypwo9TVfXqfF5hqrZXsLjrj_1cOZUqGBJWs2ADAK-U0EIDlD_kIyGf_ETkwf9NyYi3vmBJ3u8_5lcsPnYb-c8cBEovUY1ooew6cCQoEOR3bHM5Do39DPHXHU2X8RhlmPD-9Bzz/s320/IMG_6255.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RHawqY9oa-ynNjA5wNqNy60HfNb1XmuenWen2-zm9yy2pPK4GY9HFDg3p3wbpnMM8DXKMELiczGupUotBK5B3IbZ7pa7YbbUNyEI9kL_Ny1MwsKPXIXawqUYraW4R00VruQX2RNt_B3o/s1600/IMG_6259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RHawqY9oa-ynNjA5wNqNy60HfNb1XmuenWen2-zm9yy2pPK4GY9HFDg3p3wbpnMM8DXKMELiczGupUotBK5B3IbZ7pa7YbbUNyEI9kL_Ny1MwsKPXIXawqUYraW4R00VruQX2RNt_B3o/s400/IMG_6259.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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He also designs and builds these incredible custom playscapes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PiFARRcvfdT_eeFwh25XiB8-FjYiTAAwqO_mejGia9lGDoQiOnOYtFuUGXK-iBlH_JWSQneO1ncYMcPC6CaKVXrGD7mkBvt36rEdw5-Of7SSs1R66XscLEozNzqUI3qCjBSCVXpZh0jp/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PiFARRcvfdT_eeFwh25XiB8-FjYiTAAwqO_mejGia9lGDoQiOnOYtFuUGXK-iBlH_JWSQneO1ncYMcPC6CaKVXrGD7mkBvt36rEdw5-Of7SSs1R66XscLEozNzqUI3qCjBSCVXpZh0jp/s640/photo.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Castles, ships, you name it, he can build it. He even designed two separate playscapes for next door neighbors which were connected by a bridge. That's some serious togetherness. I think I would need a drawbridge to maintain some boundaries, but I'm sure Matt could build that too.<br />
You can contact him at mdonaldclc@gmail.com.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9QdXJmFArd4egXXpJGErmo2Eie2FeUQlUI6MvjVPU4qSFgoUvRdLMDP6csJX_lX8RG5VlssqQWRRE5vjty3rY9RoTRCbMxb64gAfXUDdeYXlwTmkwGd9WRfLmxRI88NpbMsV2Ur8ABbW/s1600/IMG_6272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9QdXJmFArd4egXXpJGErmo2Eie2FeUQlUI6MvjVPU4qSFgoUvRdLMDP6csJX_lX8RG5VlssqQWRRE5vjty3rY9RoTRCbMxb64gAfXUDdeYXlwTmkwGd9WRfLmxRI88NpbMsV2Ur8ABbW/s400/IMG_6272.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-27346824542435393592013-01-11T06:16:00.002-08:002013-01-11T06:16:47.229-08:00the foundation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's funny to me how little most of us know about construction.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGQCmCepFJf2HN-PNhsX05J_d7yCzbLmzkRSQ6D68put_onEuLvEOnBOuOtMghO9w-vPe7eqYmmLWjMGlSWmfaPYahmbJtf2H2IhwvPK0u4U3VVeOVo-7z0QXA24nYqo2R6WAPN2DoR_5/s1600/IMG_6222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGQCmCepFJf2HN-PNhsX05J_d7yCzbLmzkRSQ6D68put_onEuLvEOnBOuOtMghO9w-vPe7eqYmmLWjMGlSWmfaPYahmbJtf2H2IhwvPK0u4U3VVeOVo-7z0QXA24nYqo2R6WAPN2DoR_5/s320/IMG_6222.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I figured they'd have to take down our privacy fence in order to get the proper machines into the back yard to build the foundation.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z1F6QXqkfWAXhvKTrasYM6oiQC3cPvv3Bjt-sqi2syJvzXQFwPp0kW09U5Ih8t99U-zp34eCPGlenaikWqGucl-lMQjCev3fsdwOgaaRqdPCPUHezPcbk5iorSkgmrLiD46_gC9zG9-i/s1600/IMG_6224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z1F6QXqkfWAXhvKTrasYM6oiQC3cPvv3Bjt-sqi2syJvzXQFwPp0kW09U5Ih8t99U-zp34eCPGlenaikWqGucl-lMQjCev3fsdwOgaaRqdPCPUHezPcbk5iorSkgmrLiD46_gC9zG9-i/s400/IMG_6224.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Oh, a hose! That makes sense. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTAN43aP1OecLZzlhWHpR30xgcSY2MNUZAM_md4vsr9EOWzszHm0Rfck08H7sViUh83MplZHI1HBwdNQc_N16huq6oquxzDn-RceUKhJ8CTxnBaFFuzK2X-CGWz3Ia4Ykq4DmMp1ExfU8/s1600/IMG_6226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTAN43aP1OecLZzlhWHpR30xgcSY2MNUZAM_md4vsr9EOWzszHm0Rfck08H7sViUh83MplZHI1HBwdNQc_N16huq6oquxzDn-RceUKhJ8CTxnBaFFuzK2X-CGWz3Ia4Ykq4DmMp1ExfU8/s400/IMG_6226.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Watching the kids put their hands in the cement made me feel sentimental. </div>
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Our house was built 90 years ago by the Dukes family.</div>
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They had a radio and a piano. 4 boys shared a room. This was just the way things were.</div>
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The house must have seemed bigger without a fridge, dishwasher, tv, stereo, computer, washer & dryer. They had 5 children, some born in this very house. </div>
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They lived here for 47 years. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PKwz9R-B74VrpqwlfgnRemjYwOWlqpXN6SnmLwJA1w4Q_NC26YdenWqc_p0LexZeBU9bvhBbCBF-R1TOTWV27hoQOnJFqD8tzJGK2vCMcf1o2Rgmfanz7EFgVOcaJ2m1_59zvcRgGoaq/s1600/IMG_6229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PKwz9R-B74VrpqwlfgnRemjYwOWlqpXN6SnmLwJA1w4Q_NC26YdenWqc_p0LexZeBU9bvhBbCBF-R1TOTWV27hoQOnJFqD8tzJGK2vCMcf1o2Rgmfanz7EFgVOcaJ2m1_59zvcRgGoaq/s320/IMG_6229.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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One day the cinder blocks were delivered to our front yard.</div>
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I went to a friend's house to do laundry and when I got back they were all in the back yard.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxtT1yW-DTymPgvpfPENZ_pm2Dfc9I8yOwcQy9Z9-XtK37M7V71Rv7ToSpb7zV5isGEGoPJl2ofYSJS80S91kUBajw8zScC6SBPr_miVczJn_Z2hJr6Cyf6mRa5Qfe3JH57jFlC02D2An/s1600/IMG_6235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxtT1yW-DTymPgvpfPENZ_pm2Dfc9I8yOwcQy9Z9-XtK37M7V71Rv7ToSpb7zV5isGEGoPJl2ofYSJS80S91kUBajw8zScC6SBPr_miVczJn_Z2hJr6Cyf6mRa5Qfe3JH57jFlC02D2An/s400/IMG_6235.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The next day the foundation was almost complete.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oDZjfarqG-1RXr-ZBN1Fb_zOKMLfH2wNbhZNHl0DKCsjT3PoOHVxnQ8WWD7xqFgWJOaXycMks7kHxqj_gdFE_nsBOTMie2CHSPxoCYWWbxE9wOVfbHD1GBxbr2Gsrq_9xIZIfBjxgpGs/s1600/IMG_6240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oDZjfarqG-1RXr-ZBN1Fb_zOKMLfH2wNbhZNHl0DKCsjT3PoOHVxnQ8WWD7xqFgWJOaXycMks7kHxqj_gdFE_nsBOTMie2CHSPxoCYWWbxE9wOVfbHD1GBxbr2Gsrq_9xIZIfBjxgpGs/s320/IMG_6240.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's like magic. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pO3wQULJB17kFnk0fAdScJbt4YGODqCw3nKc1pmfhenMAFL1tgNIhJ527paJLevIIvRhhyphenhyphenkRklQvy6dJFvw1Xx1nOrJjWAK3Q571jOpPPtR8XCziRMmPfaJ6vcQHrpOcCV6fDxypyCeC/s1600/IMG_6241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pO3wQULJB17kFnk0fAdScJbt4YGODqCw3nKc1pmfhenMAFL1tgNIhJ527paJLevIIvRhhyphenhyphenkRklQvy6dJFvw1Xx1nOrJjWAK3Q571jOpPPtR8XCziRMmPfaJ6vcQHrpOcCV6fDxypyCeC/s400/IMG_6241.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-76266529887758264812013-01-08T08:33:00.000-08:002013-01-08T12:44:01.340-08:00Pit Stop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Alan was standing in front of our house on Saturday when a man in a three-piece suit walked across the street and made a pit stop in our port-a-john. As he left, he smiled and tipped his hat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBtk8Pt9L9KI3YBsO8EZ3WM1-Kvh2QBA_GI2S6IV-0NW_jGwWG0RtVq6RtzqtKBK3igPXat8oxwGe2izYToUSQ22YTz4Imbeo0N9lmqKLuM6pCt7DP3VXy5yRSiRoapuDRgvjWRxHsy4Q/s1600/IMG_6219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBtk8Pt9L9KI3YBsO8EZ3WM1-Kvh2QBA_GI2S6IV-0NW_jGwWG0RtVq6RtzqtKBK3igPXat8oxwGe2izYToUSQ22YTz4Imbeo0N9lmqKLuM6pCt7DP3VXy5yRSiRoapuDRgvjWRxHsy4Q/s320/IMG_6219.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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He's not the only one. A neighbor watched a bus stop out front and the driver hop off and use it. </div>
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Maybe we should put some reading material in there to make people feel more at home.</div>
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The kids are having a blast in the back yard. They'd be perfectly happy if we just left the trenches, holes, and piles of dirt out there and forgot about landscaping altogether.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXA7r-2GqAGZmmZH8xHLfVZBuVJLo192xCpYMmZZ7eXoP6Lywn5LW-h_p4LQdmwQslaGxCcDAvmKn14RnaqjXnawupNuiXOSY1NKPRvO67e8DZITZaciD2qdD5TZsCuF1aagYVQynEHCK/s1600/IMG_6207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXA7r-2GqAGZmmZH8xHLfVZBuVJLo192xCpYMmZZ7eXoP6Lywn5LW-h_p4LQdmwQslaGxCcDAvmKn14RnaqjXnawupNuiXOSY1NKPRvO67e8DZITZaciD2qdD5TZsCuF1aagYVQynEHCK/s320/IMG_6207.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nSkYtibj9FHALDYHD8FpHdBVombXTaliCrK3-AIaap-dl2QMgs8yqdwQNJnhd4unPSp2WIajMpUJnZ9HXX53drY91_QOi6-uQO8zAuF2DGYJ3AsghkM1ubboGv70tH8jCEqz1TRzT4cw/s1600/IMG_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nSkYtibj9FHALDYHD8FpHdBVombXTaliCrK3-AIaap-dl2QMgs8yqdwQNJnhd4unPSp2WIajMpUJnZ9HXX53drY91_QOi6-uQO8zAuF2DGYJ3AsghkM1ubboGv70tH8jCEqz1TRzT4cw/s320/IMG_0018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The foundation guys are making a lot of progress and we should get the o.k. from the city to pour the cement in the next day or two.</div>
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The picture above gives you some perspective. The large part of the addition on the right will be the expanded kitchen and new den. The smaller part in the middle will be the new bathroom off of our bedroom. I guess I could have saved thousands of dollars and just ordered a port-a-john instead of building a second bathroom. Apparently they're all the rage.</div>
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<br />Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-37352183393363115162013-01-05T05:45:00.001-08:002013-01-05T09:17:25.882-08:00The yard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlY2M1ebCYrgIndUJ2va4AYHihHqkynq8_ZR9DHFV6E_EY77zZE229xDmsLVL5EGjFpRRJ93M8fFA3tSPi_Bk9UDgOxUnSn9nkfUIZzKzKlPGZ0Aw8N9es4NXGtxS0_5_KMf5tfpHznJB/s1600/DSC02093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlY2M1ebCYrgIndUJ2va4AYHihHqkynq8_ZR9DHFV6E_EY77zZE229xDmsLVL5EGjFpRRJ93M8fFA3tSPi_Bk9UDgOxUnSn9nkfUIZzKzKlPGZ0Aw8N9es4NXGtxS0_5_KMf5tfpHznJB/s640/DSC02093.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For 6 years, we've had this enormous koi pond right in the middle of our back yard. To the DINKS* who installed it over 10 years ago, I'm sure they considered it a focal point, a relaxing retreat, a place to unwind with an adult beverage after a long day at the office. To a mother of two young kids, it felt more like a gigantic, dark oval of death. For my husband, it was a time-consuming hobby he unwillingly inherited. Still, we kept it all these years because everyone else seemed to love it, including the kids. Plus, we had already spent so much time and money on it, buying koi food, algae control concoctions for maintaining the proper pH balance, replacing the broken pump, and regularly adding enough fresh water to hydrate a village in Ethiopia. Alan spent an entire day every spring emptying the pond and cleaning it with a pressure washer. Every time we left town, we had to ask our kind neighbors to "fish-sit" (say that 3 times, fast). </div>
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Then there was the stress of having children running around a drowning hazard. We bought the house when Lilly was 2 and I never left her alone in the yard. She's such a cautious child that she didn't venture too close. When Jonathan came along and started sprinting at 10 months, it was clear that he was determined to swim in the pond at least once. He was so fast, and so daring, I had to be hyper-vigilant at all times. His friends were just as adventurous; top-heavy boys climbing on the rocks, leaning over the pond and trying to pet the fish. </div>
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I'm happy to report that after six years, two months, and nine days, the pond is finally gone! There were a few close calls, but no child fell in the pond. The fish were returned to the home's previous owners, who were happy to take them off our hands. The kids will soon be able to play in the yard unchaperoned. </div>
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Jonny can FINALLY play in the pond.</div>
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Alan is going to re-use all the rocks to build a fire pit and rock wall once the addition is done.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MwBS5Wg96rFEcJ-d_IArWGUbWCQsLILbWilTOjvfCjZPetnsXUBrWfAqsQU58_ALK1GIVlKzvPuLuOZaBBuq4l1OL_Zv0eMV9gejwBc3I4gZMYxgGnpD6_uav0stRfMDJYlAHUDDa1SE/s1600/IMG_6155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MwBS5Wg96rFEcJ-d_IArWGUbWCQsLILbWilTOjvfCjZPetnsXUBrWfAqsQU58_ALK1GIVlKzvPuLuOZaBBuq4l1OL_Zv0eMV9gejwBc3I4gZMYxgGnpD6_uav0stRfMDJYlAHUDDa1SE/s640/IMG_6155.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yesterday, they started digging for the new addition</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRm8IGgKDKhLSa1cxpx2hCKGCmtW5BgPVE4bThs_fP2XCiGA7SzWB9JTy46-UM5vp35Rzta9hJcY9PfasK8iGHZbQuLIHDgzXCwt-4U_HrtRxJIRbbcQkoFMvOjJsnGh0i7mBn3wKSDg2J/s1600/IMG_6183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRm8IGgKDKhLSa1cxpx2hCKGCmtW5BgPVE4bThs_fP2XCiGA7SzWB9JTy46-UM5vp35Rzta9hJcY9PfasK8iGHZbQuLIHDgzXCwt-4U_HrtRxJIRbbcQkoFMvOjJsnGh0i7mBn3wKSDg2J/s400/IMG_6183.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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and they filled the old hole where the pond used to be with the dirt.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibE0tpgQRRdOJGkoiQq_QclJoiglqHH7ptNHh39KP3QC4SxdK1RTMsKhN-zvPfOWPwXx5_H84Ki37CuqN7Sh2ESduEOxDFRU_BeJAD7t3oZa9tA_2N-0iHaIbe53HypzOW6SS4Uz4eSKwP/s1600/IMG_6185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibE0tpgQRRdOJGkoiQq_QclJoiglqHH7ptNHh39KP3QC4SxdK1RTMsKhN-zvPfOWPwXx5_H84Ki37CuqN7Sh2ESduEOxDFRU_BeJAD7t3oZa9tA_2N-0iHaIbe53HypzOW6SS4Uz4eSKwP/s640/IMG_6185.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It has to look worse, before it can look better, right? </div>
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<i>* DINKS - dual income, no kids</i></div>
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Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-65723365884992464962013-01-03T09:28:00.002-08:002013-01-03T17:29:10.750-08:00Kitchen demo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bye-bye cabinets!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhev49JtSjvauSBc0SPraAsA9AhRoxBYAqKdFHmgpnY-HasfpMPhJ735rwZ1V_OmhwC6OzjeuWNmODe8NGRlGNGIEjwiVwiTrf__QFESgOooEUBUZhP-w5G2zKEoI1vItIFlH8FRst5ln_5/s1600/IMG_6157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhev49JtSjvauSBc0SPraAsA9AhRoxBYAqKdFHmgpnY-HasfpMPhJ735rwZ1V_OmhwC6OzjeuWNmODe8NGRlGNGIEjwiVwiTrf__QFESgOooEUBUZhP-w5G2zKEoI1vItIFlH8FRst5ln_5/s400/IMG_6157.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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Adios black, laminate countertops and tiny, shallow sink!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHfv1D_FaWo8vlaBmQS_1641YIsnL2ZkJmvVD3hzVaEDpXucUdjzSILLARgyYuxc631hbDLZleQZ5frjaMGnzfgAWC0CaPT7WAKw5RYYBtdFj5ug7BNIFKjG_LRcPO7UdINEJTG4Vd58b/s1600/IMG_6164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHfv1D_FaWo8vlaBmQS_1641YIsnL2ZkJmvVD3hzVaEDpXucUdjzSILLARgyYuxc631hbDLZleQZ5frjaMGnzfgAWC0CaPT7WAKw5RYYBtdFj5ug7BNIFKjG_LRcPO7UdINEJTG4Vd58b/s400/IMG_6164.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Sayonara black and white tiles which show every single speck of dirt, dust, and dog hair!</div>
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HELLO plumber, who is saving me from washing dishes in the bathtub for 3 months!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUIvKVMrQSw-CHy1jpNB9Aevu1DPQoimH6zEEKEclddUtgAQDBfp33_3qGZw5I2EAzanzeO20GcpLJH4e6CsVTELUmOf9nRbjxekjT09GRHZC1ZYkThVF8dqWUyeJAOb-mY8ucax1hSFEF/s1600/IMG_6175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUIvKVMrQSw-CHy1jpNB9Aevu1DPQoimH6zEEKEclddUtgAQDBfp33_3qGZw5I2EAzanzeO20GcpLJH4e6CsVTELUmOf9nRbjxekjT09GRHZC1ZYkThVF8dqWUyeJAOb-mY8ucax1hSFEF/s400/IMG_6175.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There's now a utility sink in my dining room,</div>
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microwave,</div>
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coffee maker, </div>
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slow cooker,</div>
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toaster oven,</div>
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VitaMix blender,</div>
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electric skillet,</div>
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and electric wok.)</div>
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It's actually much nicer than my old kitchen sink.</div>
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The plywood is covering the door to the kitchen,</div>
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so most of the mess will now be contained outside our living quarters.</div>
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For a few weeks, anyway.</div>
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Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-76018780714738605512013-01-02T08:22:00.002-08:002013-01-03T17:24:39.106-08:00Sneak Peek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvprCoTf4op0K-G4Vg1tD68nCQZNrwqhVEnZ27gIopmQnGQs5apfnx7ybSJ2tNwmF6esudNuXacwmota3p0V6R00FLvaa89-sSMPLxFU_F3gD4NMBfqkkTO9AXG396altkjzpPF7ciAdmy/s1600/IMG_6141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvprCoTf4op0K-G4Vg1tD68nCQZNrwqhVEnZ27gIopmQnGQs5apfnx7ybSJ2tNwmF6esudNuXacwmota3p0V6R00FLvaa89-sSMPLxFU_F3gD4NMBfqkkTO9AXG396altkjzpPF7ciAdmy/s400/IMG_6141.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is what the back of our house will look like after the addition, drawn by our fabulous architect, <a href="http://www.tkarchitectsllc.com/contact.html">Michelle Krahe</a>. On the right, is our new den, which is right off the newly expanded kitchen. The middle section is our new bathroom, which is off our existing bedroom. On the left is our existing den, which is the room with 7 lovely windows (3 on the back, 4 on the side). I was determined not to change this room just for more square footage. It will soon be Jonny's room.</div>
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Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-82536029796265044752012-12-31T16:33:00.000-08:002013-01-03T17:24:30.906-08:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;">“The chief beauty about time</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;">is that you cannot waste it in advance.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: block; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;">The next year, the next day, the next hour are lying ready for you,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: block; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;">as perfect, as unspoiled,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: block; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;">as if you had never wasted or misapplied</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: block; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;">a single moment in all your life.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: block; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;">You can turn over a new leaf every hour</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: block; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;">if you choose.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: block; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;">- Arnold Bennett</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwN9SNqkwFSzvalVMtuIgxlzyNIKgMqduYauzbVlapZBuyaSKSfUNeNCmEzJGh4SOQAfoqtE59ADaXk2-GmWEoQ9iIE_eBCqQzCR6Jo176vHuo7E-9BxVorfhKBeW4tQ9_mRPzEer3Prf/s1600/EU8C5462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwN9SNqkwFSzvalVMtuIgxlzyNIKgMqduYauzbVlapZBuyaSKSfUNeNCmEzJGh4SOQAfoqtE59ADaXk2-GmWEoQ9iIE_eBCqQzCR6Jo176vHuo7E-9BxVorfhKBeW4tQ9_mRPzEer3Prf/s400/EU8C5462.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;">photo by Kenzi Tainow Photography</span></div>
Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-7004860812423421702012-12-28T05:21:00.000-08:002013-01-03T17:24:46.909-08:00Before and Afters 2006I was looking for "before" pictures of our deck and I found photos of the house when we first bought it in 2006. One of the first things we did was paint the exterior.<br />
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September 2006</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYg7CA7ksGZ8X977CX147l7d4xcZ_S0ahQxQqGKNGM6vN_UZlsU2IqBSDAUV-0Zl2Nkd59RKjeffdFFsCz5AkW6QVcmPmYKQJzy9xiq463OYMWNFGmGQ3dJGQxuPDqANbSaKbxwetae8KH/s1600/DSC00093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYg7CA7ksGZ8X977CX147l7d4xcZ_S0ahQxQqGKNGM6vN_UZlsU2IqBSDAUV-0Zl2Nkd59RKjeffdFFsCz5AkW6QVcmPmYKQJzy9xiq463OYMWNFGmGQ3dJGQxuPDqANbSaKbxwetae8KH/s400/DSC00093.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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October 2006</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wcxoKtLAYjjXghs7u7efIBIgzX3R4FJ7iNrdRnu-JSHGDQjVuHIAKcdnAPAM8QDMVbn0TvY2hoZ2pR4LMuB-i0ZzNYKIB7hiYs2YuHH7SgcUHo01PIZL9RIQXB7Xai5-Is7CJHEe6pgn/s1600/DSC00113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wcxoKtLAYjjXghs7u7efIBIgzX3R4FJ7iNrdRnu-JSHGDQjVuHIAKcdnAPAM8QDMVbn0TvY2hoZ2pR4LMuB-i0ZzNYKIB7hiYs2YuHH7SgcUHo01PIZL9RIQXB7Xai5-Is7CJHEe6pgn/s320/DSC00113.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Before paint</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURNMj-BrRCXompt5k1kLi_uq15-U9E5ZWBRHSpEi-aXUCoVkSCSTHuViGzp1WhNoIco3Q8uOOxDXp6QIUfnxQwgFZgTdOlLEW7Y8bdyybug0D_xFinvbxWZqt30aRvSGVv3Ay8cHNeP82/s1600/DSC00095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURNMj-BrRCXompt5k1kLi_uq15-U9E5ZWBRHSpEi-aXUCoVkSCSTHuViGzp1WhNoIco3Q8uOOxDXp6QIUfnxQwgFZgTdOlLEW7Y8bdyybug0D_xFinvbxWZqt30aRvSGVv3Ay8cHNeP82/s400/DSC00095.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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After </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSF0jD-VF5ZKI1YhMjs6syKTFh97GvZGJiHDQeKx05UHLweGOBFEuiNfIBT_0yzXFFhi4fQYLb5DDyu_hgeRTicSAjF5jEOhGML4Y8zn43QrxGQrIql-DBPDulKaBnPI7vDu4ymtgmsKD/s1600/DSC00116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSF0jD-VF5ZKI1YhMjs6syKTFh97GvZGJiHDQeKx05UHLweGOBFEuiNfIBT_0yzXFFhi4fQYLb5DDyu_hgeRTicSAjF5jEOhGML4Y8zn43QrxGQrIql-DBPDulKaBnPI7vDu4ymtgmsKD/s320/DSC00116.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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2012 Bye Bye, Deck!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOcfgFpSiUcbzjQ-5bZDbDy39P6td-piQigPyyAtsF0WXBLlO4GboGoFlTKF4FYF-GcKPXKIS8TtKtg5Q1aHvIOotLduoqjC0sMAMZ0dIkMIMYbCjYIwulS-kcvrhLpUaG8RypjPt98W9/s1600/IMG_6138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOcfgFpSiUcbzjQ-5bZDbDy39P6td-piQigPyyAtsF0WXBLlO4GboGoFlTKF4FYF-GcKPXKIS8TtKtg5Q1aHvIOotLduoqjC0sMAMZ0dIkMIMYbCjYIwulS-kcvrhLpUaG8RypjPt98W9/s320/IMG_6138.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hello soon-to-be addition!</div>
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<br />Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-70559419564247924752012-12-27T12:04:00.002-08:002013-01-03T17:24:53.583-08:00The adventure begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today the dumpster, the port-a-pot, and the sign arrived.</div>
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Hello Struby Construction!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgax4MJTylagvTVXJc4V3Qws66xUgFvQ7KMAWukZ2YH59ACgA9uRQhzliIyw9_QpN4qsEW5LA55TO5u8XoCp_OTusx6uPMvn28okG7PxyjARKtqHOuUEtTJ-NdDxNlJJBTA47e4lUQRUnjz/s1600/IMG_6139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgax4MJTylagvTVXJc4V3Qws66xUgFvQ7KMAWukZ2YH59ACgA9uRQhzliIyw9_QpN4qsEW5LA55TO5u8XoCp_OTusx6uPMvn28okG7PxyjARKtqHOuUEtTJ-NdDxNlJJBTA47e4lUQRUnjz/s400/IMG_6139.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bye, bye old deck.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJBVNSz8hxUW5z_XX0WrjpX6eQ6col4Rnj7HCU2Due3WD3t1hG6b1ljg37gin5tZKJqbmfVXdNTT9uyN_K0tvJ0l-lgfiEJsLihdI42Lv8F-SrpM-rcjqLssvjhZLPKybzrIId4VHJ8uI/s1600/IMG_6131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJBVNSz8hxUW5z_XX0WrjpX6eQ6col4Rnj7HCU2Due3WD3t1hG6b1ljg37gin5tZKJqbmfVXdNTT9uyN_K0tvJ0l-lgfiEJsLihdI42Lv8F-SrpM-rcjqLssvjhZLPKybzrIId4VHJ8uI/s320/IMG_6131.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Day 1 - deck demolition</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOcfgFpSiUcbzjQ-5bZDbDy39P6td-piQigPyyAtsF0WXBLlO4GboGoFlTKF4FYF-GcKPXKIS8TtKtg5Q1aHvIOotLduoqjC0sMAMZ0dIkMIMYbCjYIwulS-kcvrhLpUaG8RypjPt98W9/s1600/IMG_6138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOcfgFpSiUcbzjQ-5bZDbDy39P6td-piQigPyyAtsF0WXBLlO4GboGoFlTKF4FYF-GcKPXKIS8TtKtg5Q1aHvIOotLduoqjC0sMAMZ0dIkMIMYbCjYIwulS-kcvrhLpUaG8RypjPt98W9/s400/IMG_6138.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Next up - the laundry room and kitchen!</div>
Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-21874773246754747742012-12-26T07:58:00.000-08:002012-12-27T13:33:23.396-08:00home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1O0r04YtHgyGE4N4w30j8-J-h19jwBwcawmGzJ4DP86Ut4Y1amGtqt3AhqB7unHjP0fCoam4yT3s1u3rBLND9zPCIxk7XUWisPUnn0MXRaC37wx04Af-nQZPce9w-ZzJnDSqhdhdJ8wjo/s1600/photo-17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1O0r04YtHgyGE4N4w30j8-J-h19jwBwcawmGzJ4DP86Ut4Y1amGtqt3AhqB7unHjP0fCoam4yT3s1u3rBLND9zPCIxk7XUWisPUnn0MXRaC37wx04Af-nQZPce9w-ZzJnDSqhdhdJ8wjo/s320/photo-17.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I love our little house, but I'm not crazy about only having one bathroom. The original owners who built our bungalow in 1922 had five children. That's seven people sharing one bathroom. They eventually installed a half bath in the attic, climbing a ladder to get there. They owned this house for 47 years and I hope to be here just as long, but not with one bathroom.<br />
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Mr. Dukes, the original owner's son, was born in Lilly and Jonathan's bedroom in 1923. We recently gave him a tour of the house and he confirmed that not much has changed. Our water heater is located where the kitchen pantry used to be and a small back porch has been closed in to house the washer and dryer. When we moved in 6 years ago, we bought new windows and had the exterior painted. Besides painting the bedrooms and kitchen cabinets, we haven't done much else but dream about what we'll someday do.<br />
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Our house turns 90 years old this year. To celebrate, we're going to give the old girl a facelift. People in our neighborhood tend to go up, adding an entire second story to their homes, but we're doing a much more subtle addition. We love the character of our house and want to preserve all of its charming elements. For example, one of our bedrooms, which we currently use as a den, has 7 beautiful windows, and I'm not about to lose 3 of them just to have a bigger house. Case in point:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8Mq7q7c9mXHubbDz9xlVU1mbKe0DhEZPbieaT2zsTKpSldrxdi-rcMgCj6eHg-q0k8-TwT2An6cXtmsFOeHpbXiYR44yU1Q5wRtMXs6O1JCKNcG3g4vaCh6cC927qVS2p59-cIv4DJrT/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8Mq7q7c9mXHubbDz9xlVU1mbKe0DhEZPbieaT2zsTKpSldrxdi-rcMgCj6eHg-q0k8-TwT2An6cXtmsFOeHpbXiYR44yU1Q5wRtMXs6O1JCKNcG3g4vaCh6cC927qVS2p59-cIv4DJrT/s320/photo-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I wrote my bungalow a love letter, pointing out all of its attributes. Then I focused on what wasn't working:<br />
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the tiny, dark, dated kitchen (9' 4" X 9' 8"),<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_HaICIAMis5s4TkNJ-lPXJYDZgt6SeNWoEPfohYeQXrorOlOM5JU8oBGbbp3UajrU11Q7NjKFWrkreFmUc2gxJfWW1yYMRjeSrF80xKIO-tJsChWttvms-mMA2Ycls9ZbiAUyVTlZmqE/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_HaICIAMis5s4TkNJ-lPXJYDZgt6SeNWoEPfohYeQXrorOlOM5JU8oBGbbp3UajrU11Q7NjKFWrkreFmUc2gxJfWW1yYMRjeSrF80xKIO-tJsChWttvms-mMA2Ycls9ZbiAUyVTlZmqE/s320/photo-2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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the uninsulated porch turned laundry room (p.s. that wall is coming down!),<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtnJMiVeQeqHy_eXy824hZ1ECYWv76Btlt0uLc4y0OUTHLwMR4ptjEUvvMFt4etldvcI0o451da1WaGsVj2K-u7ql-uFkFSJJcfxiLidOsbDy__e4iXrN2q0A09QQbMXA3Oh4rDkEnntO/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtnJMiVeQeqHy_eXy824hZ1ECYWv76Btlt0uLc4y0OUTHLwMR4ptjEUvvMFt4etldvcI0o451da1WaGsVj2K-u7ql-uFkFSJJcfxiLidOsbDy__e4iXrN2q0A09QQbMXA3Oh4rDkEnntO/s320/photo-3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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the pantry turned water heater closet (I can't believe I'm posting this mess),<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_sZH34V7TN7ConMGYzdnztaJKGgF2DJQ5wgiXw8unJjdaBF3X4Tp__ZjX7BwNlf4jLq4QcAAiAUkHIyndpwjKm9LKinpPcHRxX2CgaSMmTnO1vyFqWGeyQXnNYCpxjbf7ZvACZ9aHFJQ/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_sZH34V7TN7ConMGYzdnztaJKGgF2DJQ5wgiXw8unJjdaBF3X4Tp__ZjX7BwNlf4jLq4QcAAiAUkHIyndpwjKm9LKinpPcHRxX2CgaSMmTnO1vyFqWGeyQXnNYCpxjbf7ZvACZ9aHFJQ/s320/photo-5.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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and the makeshift closets in our bedroom (this is Alan's closet, my closet isn't even IN our room).<br />
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Our son and daughter have to share a room, which worked well for the first 4 years of his life, not so well now that she's 8. While we're expanding the kitchen and adding a bathroom, we decided to add a bright, airy den off the kitchen. I hired a fabulous architect, <a href="http://www.tkarchitectsllc.com/contact.html">Michelle Krahe</a>, who helped create a plan that will enhance the charm of our house and serve our family for decades to come. She came up with the brilliant idea to move our front door, making our long, narrow living room a much more usable space.<br />
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We're only adding 285 square feet, so in the end our house will be 1575 square feet - perfect for our family of 4. I believe 400 square feet per person is about right for us. It's not a tiny house, for sure, but it's not a monstrosity either. We're also going to get a new roof, gutters, air conditioner, furnace, and re-insulate the attic and floors. There will be a root cellar under the new addition, which will house our water heater, bikes, and maybe an additional chest freezer. We hope to get started by the first of October. I promise to post lots of pictures!<br />
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<br />Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-28114028848296058042012-12-12T07:56:00.000-08:002012-12-13T10:57:55.724-08:00Sufjan Stevens Come Thou Fount of Every BlessingIf you don't already own <a href="http://asthmatickitty.com/merch/songs-for-christmas/">Sufjan Stevens' Songs of Christmas</a> box set, buy it immediately. That is all.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DJ6H-TZTrMs" width="560"></iframe>Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-16490156102855247132012-12-04T08:38:00.002-08:002012-12-04T08:38:16.232-08:00Pomegranates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQmTF0fIwfcQ4E2Ut_vqDxMPw7jm9xDvx8ghh7fCHP84-8jyhKDWVhDNf5-MiD0J9y_OkEH8eMIK9fJFcfn-NYzrOdomlvVr32916WCfP_fj1DUuRJMgcNuU9gcGWHceEXc32AmGQFvSM/s1600/IMG_6088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQmTF0fIwfcQ4E2Ut_vqDxMPw7jm9xDvx8ghh7fCHP84-8jyhKDWVhDNf5-MiD0J9y_OkEH8eMIK9fJFcfn-NYzrOdomlvVr32916WCfP_fj1DUuRJMgcNuU9gcGWHceEXc32AmGQFvSM/s400/IMG_6088.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Have you kissed a pomegranate today?</div>
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Check out all of the pomegranate possibilities on <a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/pomegranates/">simplyrecipes.com</a></div>
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How about <a href="http://www.eatliverun.com/pomegranate-sangria/">THIS</a> for a Christmas beverage?</div>
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Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-27451271852291314822012-12-01T12:18:00.000-08:002012-12-01T12:19:07.284-08:00Winter's best in show<br />
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“Ripe fruit is nature’s candy.” My friend, Caroline VanZandt, used to say that with such enthusiasm, like she really believed it. Now I believe it too. She would also eat just one hershey’s kiss when she wanted something sweet. One! This is the same girl who would take a 3-hour spin class before working an eight-hour shift at CNN. Today, <a href="http://teambeachbody.com/fitwithcv">she’s a fitness coach with Team Beach Body</a>.<br />
Somehow, I’m not one bit surprised .</div>
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Here’s to winter’s candy:<br />
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Satsuma Mandarins – sweet, free of seeds, and easy for kids to peel. My family goes through 3 pound bags of these gems SO quickly.<br />
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Pears, glorious pears. Here we have our favorite, the Comice Pears. They get their name from the French term <em>Doyenne du Comice</em><em>,</em> meaning, “top of the show.” Fitting, right? They’re so juicy, so sweet, and winter is their peak season, so stock up now. Wait until they’re a little bit soft and eat them alone or put them on a salad.<br />
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Add pomegranate arils, toasted pecans, goat cheese, lemon vinaigrette,<br />
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Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207270886949978458.post-12107383438108207762012-11-28T05:08:00.000-08:002012-11-28T05:39:37.230-08:00Everything tastes better with Kim Chi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Alright, I suppose it wouldn’t pair well with ice cream, though I DID just discover a recipe for sweet potato and kimchi pancakes, so it’s not completely out of the question. If you don’t know what Kimchi is, you’re in for a real treat! Kimchi is a Korean dish made of vegetables, typically cabbage and radishes, which are salted, seasoned, and stored in sealed containers to undergo lactic acid fermentation. You can purchase Kimchi mild or spicy, or you can make it from scratch if you’re adventurous like that. Think sauerkraut, only much, much yummier.<br />
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Don’t let the word ‘fermentation’ scare you. Humans have been fermenting food for thousands of years and you’ve probably been enjoying fermented beverages since you <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">were a teenager</span> turned 21 years old. Beer, wine, yogurt, chocolate, vanilla, kombucha, kefir, tabasco, miso, creme fraiche, and vinegar are all fermented products. To read more about the health benefits of fermented foods, read <a href="http://www.wildfermentation.com/books_wildfermentation.php"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Wild Fermentation by Sandor Katz</span></a>. An excerpt from the book can be read <a href="http://www.chelseagreen.com/content/cultural-rehabilitation-the-health-benefits-of-fermented-foods/"><span style="text-decoration: none;">here</span></a>. Sally Fallon’s <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00276HAWG/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0967089735&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1GZS4NENSVKK5M7HPDZ5"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Nourishing Traditions</span></a> also has a chapter on fermentation.<br />
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You can eat Kimchi as-is, use it to make a <a href="http://www.grist.org/article/2010-01-12-winter-cold-spicy-kimchi-stew/">stew</a>, <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2009/12/kimchi-quesadillas-kogi-bbq-mexican-korean-recipe.html">Kimchi quesadillas</a>, or <a href="http://rasamalaysia.com/kimchi-fried-rice/">fried rice</a> (as pictured below). My very favorite recipe of all is <a href="http://www.cookusinterruptus.com/be-bop-breakfast-4136-169.html">Cynthia Lair's version of Bebimbap breakfast</a>. Everything Cynthia touches turns to gold. Try it! You won’t regret it.<br />
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<br />Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717994566110777844noreply@blogger.com0