Saturday, August 31, 2013

Things I saw in the mountains...

Ugly
Pretty
Perfect
Scary
Our new lamp project required two ladders and a table.  This area has always been a source of concern for me.  I really love and have a need for all things symmetrical.  It is finally happining here.
Lined up with the south windows - check.
Lined up with the east windows - check.
This light fixtures has improved all things symmetrical here,.
"Down Under" the trailer is unloaded and preparations for organization are underway.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

A professional look.

My husband, the perfectionist, and the "little mixer that could".
We went to town this morning, bought more materials and spent the day completing this project to his specs.
His desire is for a better looking finished product than the concrete guy we hired was able to provide. 
Mission accomplished.  It really looks great.  

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Moving in is my favorite part of any project.

An idea has struck.
Obviously the rocks are far too white because of the white dust from the crusher, so to see the color better, Mickey rinsed them.  Yes, this is much better.  We really need rain and it will wash our rocks for us.
Moving in.
We found a pretty good place for the smokers, but it is subject to change.
Now, if only we had grandkids here to build a fire from this stack of wood for the fire pit!  We really miss those kids here in the mountains.  Maybe next summer.
Spreading rock below will help keep the concrete white.


Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Busy People!

It was a one day project.  We haven't seen many of those lately.
A load of crushed rock was delivered.  Dump it there!
Mickey and the bobcat went to work spreading the gravel.
It is a little too white, but should get some color in it after a good rain washes off the dust.  And there was lots of white dust!
We placed our leftover flagstone in this area for campfire enjoyment.
The area will also double as space for extra parking.
And it will be a great place for evening campfires, hot dogs and s'mores.  Yummm!  Come on up and join us.
There are other plans for this area in the works.  I will keep you posted.



Monday, August 26, 2013

A Day of Purging

We spent the day purging boxes using the shredder and a fire.  The shredder is used up, but the chimenea is still good.  There was a lot of paper from the last 43 years!
We felt a great sense of freedom for ourselves and our kids.  With that behind us, we were looking forward to grilled chicken for dinner.
Can you see the bear?  When we saw him he was between the hot tub and the house.
Apparently he smelled the chicken that was on the grill.  Fortunately, he didn't get there.
He went on his way leaving the chicken on the grill for us.  We were glad because our chicken fajita salad wouldn't have been the same without it.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Ruidoso, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Home

After a couple of days in Ruidoso helping my brother-in-law and sister-in-law with their move 🚚, we headed home through Albuquerque and Santa Fe to do a little shopping.  Having never travelled this way, we took a little time to enjoyed the scenery.
The Valley of Fires Recreation Area just East of Carizzozo is a fascinating lava formation.  http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/roswell/valley_of_fires.html
There is a hiking trail down there that is certainly interesting.  We really must come back here to check it out!
Along the side of the road on Hwy 380.

It was a nice drive and we stopped to photograph the flowers.  There were no roses to smell.🌹

This evening, back in our mountains, we were invited to a happy hour with several neighbors.  It was really a fun evening.  Many thanks Sue and Charlie!

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Carpet for the stairs.

The first time that I saw this was at a neighbor's home in Amarillo and I loved it.  Mickey was the general contractor for her remodel.  

We made the purchase more than a month ago and waited for an experienced carpet layer to do the job.  My antelope print carpet was installed on our stairs Wednesday.
I am happy with it.

The Pour

Ready?
Or not?
Here it comes!
Down the shoot.
And the work begins.  The thing about pouring concrete is that it is heavy and has to be moved after it is dumped.
Here is slope on the left and a level step on the right, providing an area for storage and an interesting form set.
It appears that the truck is a little close, actually within inches of the deck.  It was very visible from my perspective above it all.  The photographer has this kind of advantage.  The tree limbs?  We didn't ask, but we know that our power line remains unscathed.
He is done and out of here.
The thing about finishing concrete is that when it begins to set up, it does so quickly.
Here is the finishing process.
At the end of the day, it was nice to sit on the front deck and enjoy a cool, mountain shower.




Friday, August 16, 2013

Outside and Inside


Outside our back door this morning, the blue jays were calling.
Corn was needed.
Outside below the deck, Mickey prepared for the upcoming pour.  Notice the knee brace.  I hope that tomorrow a back brace Is not needed.  The good news is that he hired a concrete finisher, who will be here on Tuesday morning to pour.
Inside the closet, the new hangers have arrived.
I love the totally organized look.
Close up.
And personal.
Inside the living room is my newest basket addition, earned with my sales this year.  The sunflowers were perfect in it to add some color to the mantle.
Outside tonight is a beautiful moon.