During.....

The front entry stairs - concrete base. These will be covered with rock.


Walkway forms for the back sidewalk. This will be colored stamped concrete.


This is the other side of the sidewalk that wraps the house.


Next, is the entry walkway that goes up the hillside from the garage under the house. These are the pads that the big honkin' rock slabs will be mortared onto. The gravel sections will be colored stamped concrete to match the sidewalk.

I can't wait!!!!!! It's a dream come true. Really! I've been visualizing this stage of the project for over a year now.

I'm starting to visualize the next phase....the landscaping. Yeah, buddy. Plants, grass, trees, flowers - my FAVORITE part of home ownership. The gardening!!!! Well, I do like the other puttering too. Decorating. Treasure hunting. Painting. Planning. Shopping. O.k., so maybe that's why the bank "gave" us a 30 year mortgage, 'cause with an older house, it takes that long to do everything!!!!!

BEFORE......

Here are the "before" photos of our soon-to-be completed entry way. Sure, it looks like a mess right now - and has for the last six months or more, but it will be my dream entry way when it's all done. Real ROCK. Beautiful stamped concrete. Rock stair treads. Rock walls. Dark stained shingles. OH yeah....

But, like everything else around this place....it takes time and money....AND a good skill set. Which has been really hard to find around these parts....

Stay tuned, later this week or maybe next, if this heat doesn't break soon, I'll be posting more in progress shots.....

AND some of our camping trip....... Later!

Off to.....?

O.K., so we don't really know exactly where we're off to, but we are off!

Somewhere - West of Grants Pass. A campground near the coast. First come, first served. We'll be camping in the new-to-us motor home. S'mores. Roasted Hot Dogs. Campfire bacon and eggs. Steak and Taters. Yummmmm!!!! Yes, I'll be taking the healthy stuff too, but I'm sure I'll be tasting a bit of the good outdoor-living food as well. I can't go camping and not have the good stuff, now can I?

Plus, I've been really, really, really good and have lost 10 pounds in the last two weeks. Oh, did I not mention, I've been dieting? Well, I have been. My goal is to lose the 15 pounds I've accumulated over the last five years since we moved to Oregon. Fortunately, I've never really had a weight problem, but somewhere around 35 the metabolism seemed to have slowed a bit. Or maybe, I'm just not chasing three boys here, there and everywhere, anymore.....Hmmmmm......

See ya next week!!!! Happy Weekend - early.......

Wishin'. Hopin'. Dreamin'.

Yep. That's right.

Getting the Jones to go somewhere tropical. A secluded beach somewhere with crystal blue waters. Somewhere warm, but not as HOT as it's been here lately. I can handle 80 degrees, but not this stifling, stagnant, hot. True, Grants Pass is an awesome place to be, but the handful of summer days each year that the mercury tops 100 is much too much.

Granted, we lived in the Southern California Mojave desert for a long time, but you get acclimated to the constant heat. This stuff around here is so sporadic, that we never know if it's gonna be 60 or 90! Jeans and jackets or shorts and tees.

So, I'm a Wishin'. I'm a Hopin'. I'm a Dreamin'.

Maybe a trip above the clouds to a tropical paradise....called Maui? Maybe for an anniversary??? Maybe.....???







Hey, Sweetheart....I know we're going camping this summer, but I've got another idea.......

Happy 19th Birthday, Kyle!!!!!

Wow! I can't believe you'll be 19 at 11:30 pm tonight! NINETEEN!!!!

I can't believe it's been that long. That long ago that I was in labor - very fast labor - with you. Bed at 10:30 that night and you were born an hour later. Fast, fast, fast, and you've been headstrong ever since.

Happy Birthday. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday, Dear Kyle. Happy Birthday to you.

---------

I found this little birthday music box a couple of days ago, but it wasn't for sale....yet. I went back again, and it was finally for sale. A REALLY good price too.

I woke up Kyle this morning by putting this on his pillow while he was sleeping. When he realized what was happening, even with the sleep still in his eyes, he gave me his big alligator grin. He is still as cute as ever! True, he is a man now, but he's still my little birthday boy on the 16th of July! That'll never change. AND considering he has spent his last two birthdays on his "personal-independent" summer vacation in California, I'm glad I finally got to see him on his birthday - even if he is at work at his new job until at least 11:30 tonight. Hope he's having fun.

Oh what fun it is to be a mom. A mommy. A mama. Yep, that's me. And I'm happy!!!!

I Kid You Not!

You know how a song can bring back a memory of a time? Or how a scent can remind you of something good?

Well, today while driving to work in my Jeep, I looked down at my little lunch box sitting next to me and had an immediate smell of warm bologna & cheese sandwiches and potato chips! I kid you not!!! A sensory flash back of that familiar smell of my lunch box when I was a kid. Do you remember that smell too? The one of the sandwich that was now warm from those hours sitting in the box waiting for lunch time?






I'm sure this lunch box hasn't been used for several years. It's dated 1973! AND this was the first time I used it. Normally, I'll put my lunch/snacks in a paper bag, but today I saw this sitting on the shelf and thought what the heck. I'll use it.

So there it is. What do you use as a lunch box? Or do you eat out every day?

Oh, and the last photo is my ANDY with the box....

I have to admit, as a kid, I was never much of an Andy and Annie fan. I was more of a Mrs. Beasley type. Remember her? She was an older woman with the blue polka dot dress and glasses. Never had one, but always wanted one.

Any who, it wasn't until I bought my "torn-necked Andy" that I began to appreciate him. Then I found the lunchbox. They will rotate into the Red, White and Blue guest room, which is now on hold. Kyle is living in that room now.....I've got too much on my plate to do that now anyway. Plus, I'm glad he's home!

Just as a footnote to yesterday's post. Last night, I was reminded that Kyle will be starting his job this week on his birthday AND A.J. starts his job on his birthday the following week. Wow! What a coincidence....

Work Boots.

Here is a picture of a pair of old, dusty work boots that I snagged from an old, local sawmill that closed down several years ago. I plan on re-purposing them into something fun for the garden. BUT, before all that fun, I just wanted to share.

You see, this old place was kind of like visiting a ghost town. Not that it was haunted or anything, just lots of dusty machines and tools. A large silent space, with huge beams way up high. Devoid of any life, well except for an old owl that has lived in the rafters since it was a baby. (I was told that by my "tour" guide who allowed me to salvage a ton of goodies. He was one of the original mill workers and had lots of stories to tell of "back in the day when", before the mill shut down and he watched so many of his friends and co-workers leaving after so many years). Much like we are seeing across the country right now.

This place was desolate and long on shadows. Doors creaking in the wind. Dust. Dust. And more dust.

Then, I saw these boots. Just laying there. I couldn't help but feel a little emotional. Had these belonged to a worker, once upon a time? Who was he? What was his occupation there? Why did he leave them behind? Where is he now?

Oh, if walls could talk.

Anyway, this is how I found them. All covered with dust in the shadows. I loved the composition.

On the other hand, speaking of work boots, Kyle just got a job at one of the local movie theaters. He starts Thursday. This should be a fun job for him, until he goes off to film school. AND A.J. starts his first job on the 23rd at the Dairy Queen on our side of the River. Whoo Hooo! Way to go boys! Congratulations. Appreciate your new-found jobs, work hard and wear out those work boots!!!!!

Busy Weekend.

It was a busy weekend. Lots to do. Lots done.

Learning to ride an off-road motorcycle. Falling. Bruises. Laughing. Encouragement. Fun. Sanding. Staining house shingles. Dishes. Laundry. Napping. Aching. Complaining. Dieting. Shopping. Walking. Blogging. Watching T.V. Reading. Planning. Playing. Visiting. Anticipating. Calling. Texting. Driving. Resting. Hugging. Making lists.

Good Night.

More Rusty, Crusty, Dusty....

Not sure why I am drawn to these sorts of things, but I just love this old rusty, crusty, dusty cart and wheel.

Out on a buggy ride, we took this photo.

Reminds me of something you'd see under the ocean. Kind of like those "behind-the-scenes" Titanic photos.

I think I was born in the wrong era. But I'm sure if I was born way long ago, I wouldn't appreciate the vintage nature of all these things, because they would just be part of the daily grind. Kind of like now. Go into any antique store, and even the things from our 70's and 80's childhood are considered vintage now. Say, the metal batons with those white rubber tips. Or the Six Million Dollar Man dolls, with the "bionic" eye.

It just seems that all the "old" things were built better. Not so much like now, where all things we buy seem to have a short lifespan. Way too temporary. What's with that? The whole world seems to be screaming GO GREEN, yet most things in the stores are cheap, mass produced and imported.

I certainly appreciate Made in the USA. Especially, the REAL stuff from times past. Just makes me warm and fuzzy thinking about re-using and re-purposing.

Especially the older furniture with dove-tailed drawers, not the glued and stapled together particle board. Or, as one customer service individual from a cabinet shop/furniture store told me recently, "that's made from furniture-grade MDF". Really? Furniture-grade MDF? Wow! One drip of water and it's over. MDF will swell up and be really ugly. Sure, MDF is heavy, if not heavier, than solid wood. But really?

I'd rather find something sturdy and used, and give it a new life.

I'll get off my soap-box, but just, please, before you run out and buy another table, chair, bench or cabinet from one of the big box stores, consider looking at the second-hand stores, the recycling centers, or a local habitat for humanity reseller, for a good bargain. You'll appreciate it more in the end. Plus, it's good for the earth, it's good for your community, and your pocketbook will thank you! AND when you add your personal touch to the item, it will be an original!

Seven 7.

Can you believe it's July 7th already?

Where do the days go?

Seems they just fly by. As always, too much to do and not enough time to get it all done. Why is it that way? Why is it that some people have more time on their hands than they know what to do with, and Phillip and I each have 3 or 4 plates going at any given time. Are we too goal oriented? Afraid to really relax? Or just neurotic?

Sometimes I wonder.

What would our lives be like if we were to just settle in and let destiny determine our direction?

What if we had a new house on a cul-de-sac with a fully landscaped lot? Would we be content and relaxed? NOPE. Had that. Still needed to repaint. Still needed to change up the landscape. Still felt the need to build a wall to make an office. Why do we always have to be on the go? Doing. Doing. Doing.

I guess we'll NEVER be DONE, no matter where we are or what has already been done - to the house - to the yard - to the vehicles - to the business.

Oh, well. I guess we'll stop - when pigs fly!
Until then.....

Avocado Green...

Update: Feature Article in Somerset Home 5

- August 2010 -

Title: Wish, Dream, Create Mail Caddy

Not anymore!

This baby got a make-over!

Just goes to show, that even the ugliest of ducklings
can become swans with a little love.
 

For a little "this & that" in the house or office.

 

Start with a solid wood piece. Add a little paint. A few rub-ons. Some bits and bobs. And some vintage book pages. Distress a bit. VOILA!

Now I just need to find the right venue to sell my one-of-a-kind goodies. 

Etsy? Savannah Faire? Christmas Bazaar's? HELP!!!!!

In the meantime, I'm off to Janice's today, 

to create a Cinderella Costume Bag - like no other!!!! Later.

Joining one last White Wednesday party for 2011

A Hair Pin Idea......

Update:  Featured in the Gallery Section of Somerset Home 5
- August 2010 -

Title: Forming A Friendship

So, last weekend on retreat with the girls, one of my take-along projects was a papier mache bodice on a wooden stand. I had purchased this on one of my jaunts some time ago with the idea to decorate it somehow.

Well, this is what that somehow became. I began by dry brushing it with some cream acrylic paper paint. Next, came the torn pages from a vintage book - another find. Then, I fashioned her skirt out of some old hair pins - of course, what else do you do with a box of old hair pins bought second-hand?

Add some pearl beads. Then, the bodice from a mix of vintage buttons - bought from my friend Janice at a yard sale way before I REALLY knew Janice. A few more embellishments, including accordion folded music notes from another old book. A bit more paint, ribbon, metal bits and brads AND VOILA!

Too much fun!

ps. this little lady will take up residence in my friend Kay's home.
Remember, Kay? She is the one that "went" to Kauai
with Phillip and I earlier this year.
http://patinamarie.blogspot.com/2009/03/aloha-day-1.html
Just another one of my hair-pin ideas! :)

**Thanks, Kay, for supporting my re-purposing and junkin' adventure!!! I will get her to you the next time I see you.

Stay tuned. Tomorrow, I will be posting another project that began life as a wonderfully, vintage AVOCADO GREEN...... just you wait!

Joining one last 2011 White Wednesday party

Happy 4th of JULY!!!!

July proves to be a very celebratory month for our family and AMERICA!

July 4th. Kyle's birthday. A.J.'s birthday. Our wedding anniversary. One of my sisters wedding anniversary. Busy, busy, busy.

And, yet, relaxing too! By the time July rolls around, we are in the full swing of Summer around these parts. The weather heats up. The ice maker runs non-stop. The air coolers get switched on. Watermelon. Popsicles. BBQ. Cold salads - potato and macaroni. Shakes. Ice Cream. River Fun. Camping.

Oh, you just gotta love all the joys of Summer. When I found this book, I just fell in love with the title - Canoe Boys and Campfires. Seemed like a good fit for our house - near the river and full of boys! A fun, vintage, summer read.

I also love RED, WHITE and BLUE! Mostly the vintage stuff. But mostly, I love our FLAG. Something about it just makes me well-up every single time it passes by in a parade or is being saluted in public. Sometimes that raw emotion surprises me. So, if you get that way too, I suggest you wear your sunglasses - like I do!

So, to all my friends and known visitors - in California, up in Washington, back in Kentucky, here in Oregon - and to all those other anonymous "visitors" in blogland - have a safe, happy, and stress-free weekend celebration! Enjoy the "goodies", act like a kid, and let out an oooohhh and an aaaahhhhh at the fireworks!

The Willows Bed and Breakfast

My apologies for making you wait for my BRAG from my last buggy post, but I was out of town having some fun with the some of the girls up in La Pine, Oregon the last few days. Kristin, Melissa, Judy - we missed you! I'll be posting some of my projects later this week.

So anyway, the next stop on our buggy trip was to The Willows - Central Point.

This place was GORGEOUS! Not the sort of place you get to tour everyday. The place really had a East Coast feel to it. The owners have done a TON of work to the place. The grounds were to die for and the inside made me croon and want to move right in!

Here are some pics. Enjoy!!!
Here is a photo of the original property and house. It used to be something like 1000 acres or something unimagined today. Another family member owned the adjacent huge parcel too. You can see the table rocks in the background. Of course they are still there, but now the property has been split up into a bunch of homesites and only a few original homes, barns and carriage houses exist. Cool!

This is the view from the front porch. The owner shared that there used to be an annual "best view" contest and they won almost every year, hands down. So, they were finally asked not to participate because it was "no contest".


Here is our buggy and the view again.


This is the front of the house.




These elm trees are enormous! The owner said they are some of the few in the Valley that survived the elm disease that spread throughout the area years back, because they were so far elevated up in the foothills. Can't you just imagine sitting in these chairs?


This is the first room we saw when we entered the house. Wow! Phillip even commented that the windows were SO clean that it looked like there was no glass in them. The owner said they try really hard to keep the windows spotless, but that it seemed like every time they had just been cleaned, the birds ran into them and made them dirty again. Must be Murphy - like when you wash your car!???

Another sitting room view.


A beautiful fireplace.


Hallway & a set of stairs.


One of the original doors in the house. Look how thick it is. They don't make them like that anymore.



This is the most beautiful kitchen ever! My dream kitchen even!


The biggest solid butcher block I've ever seen in person.


Check out this cool faucet. Not like the ones they sell at Lowe's or Home Depot, that's for sure.

Another sitting room.

This radiator is huge!





The butler's pantry right off the kitchen. Yes, it was heaven!!!

If you ever get a chance to visit, this is a must see! They even do cooking classes year round with fun themes like cake and cookie decorating, full course meals with wine, and even couples and corporate events. Weddings too. Just imagine.....

http://www.thewillowsbedandbreakfast.com/