Pumpkin Possibilities

I couldn't resist - and the price was right - so I picked out a pumpkin! This beauty was $3, and I am brainstorming decorating possibilities.  I think I will carve it on Sunday, because it will be fresh for the trick-or-treaters!

I just need to purchase a candle and remember to bring a set of decorating tools home from the office.  I have been saving some newspapers, just for this occasion.  I can already taste the pumpkin seeds - yummy!  I think I will sprinkle some ranch seasoning on some of this year's batch.

Happy pumpkin carving everyone!

Prayers

The world needs more prayers, I tell ya!  Today I learned that one of my good friends endured a serious car accident last night -- along with her parents.  Even more scary was to read about it in the newspaper, and see that there was a fatality as a result of the accident.  Talk about unsettling!  It makes you realize that people your age can disappear, just like that.

Never take a day or person for granted.  Be thankful for all the blessings that you have been given.  Remember to tell people what you want to tell them today - don't wait, because there may not be a tomorrow.

Drama

What a week - and it is only Tuesday!  Work has been quite the adventure, and it does not show signs of letting up anytime soon.  So, this week, I have decided that my job is more like that of a firefighter.  I simply have been spending time trying to put out fires, and have absolutely not gotten one program planning piece accomplished.  I so would much rather do the program planning and teaching part -- that is my all time favorite part of my career.  Nope, not happening right now -- too many drama episodes to count.

Competitive youth events seem to bring out interesting personalities in adults.  I can not quite figure it out.  However, this I have decided to be true, there are more and more incidents of parent meltdown now than when I embarked on this employment adventure 12 years ago.  Why?  What is changing?  Here is praying and hoping that I do not become a victim of parent meltdown some day!!

Photo Challenged

I am really perplexed as to why my trusty Mac will download photos from my camera into IPhoto, but when I open Blogspot to upload photos from IPhoto -- the photos disappear.  It is like they were never downloaded to begin with.  As a matter of fact, my "recently imported" folder does not even register that the photos existed.

So, until I can solve this puzzle, I may not be able to post photos with my blogs. I am hoping (as with all computer conundrums) that it will just fix itself.  Wouldn't that be lovely?  Well, here is hoping the lost photos will soon be found!

Now We're Cooking

Mr. Fixit officially has the cooktop up and sizzling! The wiring was hooked up last night, and we are ready for dinner!  The timing was perfect too -- because I received a phone call that my parents are coming for a quick visit.  Dad is still not able to cut milo -- and rain is in the forecast.  So, it is time for a road trip!  Welcome parents!

Friends for Dinner

I love it when friends come for dinner!  I also just LOVE when friends come to visit!  Since this week was the time for our annual professional conference, many of my work friends were in town.  I thought it would be the perfect time to have them out for dinner.

I made enchilada casserole and a simple tossed romaine salad.  My friends brought bread and fruit and little cakes and whipped topping.  The dinner was quite delightful!  The group took a tour of the house progress, and Mr. Fixit was quite the trooper with the girls' dinner night! 

Thanks good friends for coming to visit!  Please come back really soon?  Ok?  Did I mention that our guest room is ready for folks to come stay? =)

Propane? Anyone?

This is a propane tank.  The propane tank's purpose is to hold propane, until the furnace converts the propane into heat energy.  Propane is an important key to this whole heat process.  Hence, the point for the propane tank, right?

Ok, so on July 29th, we contracted for 500 gallons of propane for the winter season.  Oh, that means we also paid for the 500 gallons of propane.  It is usually cheaper to do this when it is like, oh, 102 degrees, and propane heat is really far from your mind.

So, anyway we ordered propane.  Mr. Fixit hooked the gas line from the propane tank to the house.  So, we are all systems go there.  We are simply missing one important piece to this whole heat formula -- the propane!  Mr. Fixit has called and asked numerous times, where the propane is.  Well, we are still patiently waiting.  Here's hoping that propane will arrive before the first flake of snow flies!

Announcing the Appliance Arrival

The awaited day came!  While I was in Wyoming, the appliances made their debut.  Mr. Fixit came home from work to discover them on the front deck -- ready to be moved into their permanent home.  Hooray!

The fridge was the first candidate.  Mr. Fixit wheeled it into place, and allowed a day for it to settle before plugging it in.  The fridge seems to like the new digs, and I love the spaciousness that it offers.  We have definitely been enjoying the cold goodies too!

Mr. Fixit then installed the stove.  It fits perfectly!  I am quite excited to try it out on Tuesday night, when I will be having some guests over for dinner.

Mr. Fixit spent a good part of today cutting holes in the countertop for the sink and the cooktop range.  They both fit snugly, and will soon be fully installed and ready for use.  The kitchen is coming closer to looking like a finished kitchen!

While in Wyoming

This week was quite the traveling one!  I headed to a conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  Wow -- the weather and scenery was spectacular.  No snow to speak of, and lots of beautiful mountains and wildlife to view!  The trip included a family of elk, prong-horned antelope and a herd of bison too.  We even had a chance to take in parts of Yellowstone Park, including Old Faithful!  The week went by quite quickly, and before we knew it, we made it back to Kansas.  Enjoy this photo of the beautiful Wyoming scenery!

Our Little Island

The weekend was filled with family visitors!  We certainly cashed in on Saturday, and the day started at 6:50 a.m. when Mr. Fixit's brother F came to collect the heifers from the pasture.  We weren't quite expecting him that early, but we welcomed him just the same!

We hopped out of bed, and Mr. Fixit went to get the heifers, and I started a quick clean.  We were expecting three sisters and Mom F to come for a visit about mid-morning.  The visits went well, enjoyed some lunch together and headed off to a little party in the city.

So, back to our little island!  I just realized that I have not shown you our wonderful kitchen island!  I am so loving it -- lots!  I posted a pic for you to enjoy as well.  The appliances will soon be delivered.  Then we will shop for some bar stools, and get everything moved into the new kitchen home.  I can hardly wait!

Oktoberfest

I love delicious, yummy, tasty Volga German food!  The stuff I grew up with, and never realized that it was unique -- that is what I am talking about!

Last week I buzzed home for a bit to check out the Oktoberfest festivities.  The weather was beautiful, and the park was filled with craft booths, German music and, of course, FOOD!  My sister and I strolled around the park and scoped out the vendors.  We picked our favorite vendors (good price, and large serving size) before making our purchase.  We each purchased a bierock and green bean dumpling soup.  Heaven.  Yummy.  Oh .... my .... gosh.  I was simply in carb heaven!

My sis also purchased a t-shirt -- every student organization/group was selling one.  They had clever sayings and were in a rainbow of colors.  I opted for just the food items.  Then we gobbled our lunch up before she headed back to work.  I snapped a shot of the Polka band before we left.  I was going to take a pic of my food, but well, I forgot about that as I totally enjoyed every bite!!

Mum's the Word

My perennials have really been going to town lately, and the bees are pretty darn satisfied with the buffet options!  I love mums, and right now, they are quite happy.  I took a photo of my really HUGE mum!  I transplanted this from my in town residence, before I sold it.  Let's just say, this yellow sunshine has made itself at home in its new soil.

I planted the mum last fall -- when I knew that I would be moving.  It grew, and grew, and grew all summer long!  Then, finally, it started setting on buds.  I was a little concerned that it would not bloom at first, but bloom it did!  Take a look at all the flowers!  The entire plant is covered in a crown of yellow.  It smells rather heavenly too.  Hope you are enjoying your own fall flowers!

The Office

Did I mention that the cabinets have arrived??  Well, since the cabinets have arrived, the office desk and cabinets also came too.  Mr. Fixit spent Saturday working on the office.  He set the base cabinets, and then attached the countertops.  The cabinets are securely fastened to the walls and floors.

They were ready for some organization today!  I did a bit of dusting, some sweeping and some scrubbing.  Everything was clean and ready!  So, I filled the drawers, and set items on the desktop.  Some day I need to clean out my file cabinet!  I think that will be a winter project =).  For now, enjoy the picture of the finished office desks.  Mr. Fixit has his own section too!

Painted Pantry

This Sunday was such a beautiful day!  Last night was bell choir and church, so Mr. Fixit and I just stayed home and worked on the house.  I loved not having to go one single place!  So, my first item on the list was to paint the pantry.  The pantry now looks like it belongs with the rest of the kitchen!

Mr. Fixit worked on cabinet setting and wiring some outlets.  I also did a bit of cleaning, lots of laundry and cooked three meals.  Wow, what fun it is to have time to spend at home!  Here is a painted pic of the pantry.  The next adventure will be shelving, a door and trim.  All in good time though!

Magic Carpet

Oh wow!  Oh my -- and thank you so much flooring people - we finally have carpet!!  The flooring guys came and laid our front room carpet now -- and it seriously feels like magic.  The texture is awesome, and it looks fantastic next to the tile.  We both were quite excited to walk on it -- and Mr. Fixit did the first cleaning job!

As a result of our new carpet, our living room is now back to normal.  The sofa and other furniture have been moved out of the kitchen and office.  We now have a spot to chill, and for guests to visit!

Cabinet Assembly in Progress

The kitchen is starting to look like a kitchen!  Well, it has helped that the recliner, coffee table and tv have now been able to be moved to the living room.  The carpet was also laid today - which will be another post!

Mr. Fixit and his friend BW started assembling and hanging the top cabinets.  Careful measuring, stud finding, lots of screws and lots of leveling were needed to do the trick.  I had a bit of supper and watched the action!  Then I had to head to church for bell choir practice.

The photo is where the cabinet progress is now.  The base cabinets need to be attached to the floors and walls, trimming needs to occur and the hardware needs to be attached to the doors.  I am wondering if maybe I can handle the hardware part? =)