Party Pending

Six weeks ago we were told that the living room sheetrock project would commence in about two weeks -- and take about a week to complete.  Well, it has been six weeks; did I mention that?  Two weeks ago, the sheetrock dudes arrived and wrapped our furniture in plastic, and put this protective plastic film over the carpet.  It sorta sounds like someone is having a giant bubble wrap popping party when you walk across it. Anyway, needless to say - the novelty has worn off!

Last week, Mr. Fixit called to check out the game plan.  They would be coming on Monday.  Awesome, my office Christmas party was not scheduled to happen until Friday.  We would still make it!  Well, folks it is Tuesday, and no sheetrock has yet appeared on the living room walls.  Aye.  Mr. Fixit decided to start hanging some of the smaller pieces himself tonight.

I told him that I do not really care that people can view the studs.  That part is not concerning me at all.  My  main concern, I said, was the ridiculous plastic all over the living room.  Seriously, it will be a bit hard to socialize amidst the plastic.  Plus, I still should really drag out a Christmas decoration or two, just to show that we have some holiday spirit for the annual Christmas party!  So, keep thinking good sheetrock vibes, and maybe -- it will be hung before Friday! =)

How Do You Eat?

Today was the Thanksgiving holiday celebration with Mr. Fixit's family.  We traveled North to catch up with his brothers and sisters and their families.  It was a delicious celebration!

Mr. Fixit's five-year-old niece posed a question, as I was nibbling on a snack: "How do you eat if the baby is living in your tummy?"

I responded by asking her if she had ever noticed that she had a belly button.  I said that the baby is attached to the Mommy with an umbilical cord going from the baby's belly to the Mommy.  The baby gets food from the Mommy through this cord, and that is how the baby gets fed.

She exclaimed, "Ew!  The baby is eating the food you already ate?!  That is very ew!!"

Needless to say, I am hoping that the questions do not keep coming -- otherwise I will have to defer all responses to her Mom and Dad!

Family Ties

The best thing about Thanksgiving - to me - is the family!  I do like the food too, but if you didn't have any family to create the delicious dishes with and eat them with, well, it just wouldn't be the same!  We had the traditional turkey day feast: dressing, mashed potatoes, turkey, ham, green bean casserole, corn, jello applesauce, veggie tray, rolls and a lot of yummy desserts!  My Mom made a blackberry pie - which is quite unique to the local Volga-German culture, and two of my sisters made apple, cherry and pumpkin pie.  I brought some sugar cookies for a bit of an appetizer, and the kids enjoyed them for dessert too.  Delicious!

Two of my sisters could not join us this year, so Mr. Fixit and I headed out to visit them both.  They live together, and had a little Thanksgiving celebration with the other residents yesterday.  Mom and Dad were headed west to pay them a little visit, so we were fortunate to be able to tag along.  This photo was taken by Mr. Fixit and us in the local park.  More Thanksgiving family fun is yet to come!

Lil' Peanut

One of my very good friends has been requesting a photo - and well, I finally obliged!  Mr. Fixit is a little camera unsure, so I had another friend snap a shot.  We are 6 months into this process, and the Lil Peanut - as my good friend EM has named the baby, is really growing!

The time is going by fast, and March will be here before we know it.  I told Mr. Fixit that we will have to get serious about getting ready for this baby after the holidays have passed.  In the meantime, the baby room has been painted!

We are brainstorming names, contemplating furniture needs and finishing a house.  Well, Mr. Fixit is definitely working on the house project, and I have been giving him lots of compliments and cooking him lots of meals!

Plastic Wrap

At first when I arrived home last night, it looked like the sheetrock folks had not arrived.  The large sheets of sheetrock were still patiently leaning against the carport wall -- just waiting for their moment of wall attachment!  I entered the door, and encountered this site.

Aha - the sheetrock guys had been there!  The carpet was covered in a sticky type of thin plastic, so it sounds like bubble wrap when you walk across it!  The furniture had been moved to the center of the room, and covered with painters' plastic sheeting.  Yup, it certainly looked like something big was about to happen!

So, I am anticipating that the walls will be up when I arrive home tonight.  Maybe the taping and the first coat of mudding will be done too.  It will be quite the transformation!  I will have to wait until 9:00 or so tonight to see it, because the my work adventures will be happening late tonight.

Project Pending

The yellow cotton candy substance -- or better known as -- insulation, has its viewing days numbered!  This is because the sheetrock folks are due to arrive on Monday - that is tomorrow!  I have to pinch myself to know that it is real!  The sheetrock, mud and floor covering have arrived.  So, I thought I would give you one more view of the cotton candy living room walls.  I, personally, am ready to deck the walls with some other decoration items!  Check back for progress photos!

Turkey Trot 2010

Saturday was the most gorgeous fall day!  I headed out to Rock Springs with a friend to teach a workshop seminar that morning to a group of teens.  In the afternoon she headed off to teach several workshop sessions for an adult workshop.  I changed into my running gear, and headed down to the gather my registration packet.

Several other co-workers from across the state decided to participate in the Turkey Trot too!  The race was a 5K, and I thought it would be a terrific way to support Rock Springs, and have some running fun too.

I finished the race in 32 minutes and 21 seconds.  So, basically, about 10 minutes per mile.  I was pretty pleased with the time, and look forward to, hopefully, running one more race in December before bidding the fall season farewell!

Program Memories

One of the things that is a part of my career is developing and delivering educational workshops to clientele of all ages.  We, in the business, refer to these educational aspects as "programs."  I had the opportunity to deliver a program yesterday to a senior group in town.  There were about 25 of them, all women, and they offered quite the entertainment value!

Lunch was the first item on the agenda.  They were having some type of apple salad with a mayonnaise type dressing.  It was an interesting tasting recipe, so I waited for the main course.  In the meantime, many of the ladies wanted to learn more about how old I was, where I was from and that sort of information.  They also shared some bits of history about themselves.  Here are some of the facts that I learned:

• The oldest member is 94.
• The youngest member is 63.
• About 30% had hearing aids, and I would guess, about 30% more really needed them too.
• The ladies boxed up the food they did not eat and took it with them.
• Several had diabetes, but forgot about that when the pumpkin pie was served.
• One expressed it was so nice to meet me in person, since she reads my news columns.
• The next month's program is on tying scarfs -- and each person should bring three, of various lengths.

I did present my program, had many questions, and received some comments that just made me smile.  This group broke off from the national organization because they were making them pay too much in dues.  Now they just do what they want to do, Mary told me.  I left a stack of business cards, and bid them farewell.  This is what makes my job memorable and entertaining!

Flooring - In Progress

The carpet in the next door meeting room has really seen better days.  The seam line became more and more evident as bits of carpet continued to unravel.  So, the folks in charge of our work facilities decided that it was time for a floor makeover! 

The new carpet will actually be squares, instead of a full sized piece of carpet.  The thought is that if one piece becomes stained or damaged in some way, it can be removed, and a new piece added in its place.  The carpet is taking on a checkerboard effect, but looks pretty sharp.

The kitchen area, which is part of my office workspace, will receive a tile makeover tomorrow.  It will be super to cook on tile instead of carpet.  I always seem to spill things on the carpet!  So, check back for a finished picture next week!

Pendants, Perchance?

My week has really been nothing but work.  It has been one of those weeks, you know?  A week when you really only see your house long enough to enjoy your bed??  Ok, well, while I have been working, so has Mr. Fixit.  His electrician buddy came over on Tuesday night, and they really went to town in the kitchen!

We now have under the counter lighting, an exhaust hood over the cooktop, a pantry light and the most exciting thing of all --- pendant lighting over the island!  I looooovvveee all the light!  It is so beautiful!  So, this picture is a little peek at the lighting progress.  Upcoming attractions: kitchen plumbing and heat!

A Visitor

Today started off on a running foot, and I anticipated the busy day, so I headed into the office a bit early.  You see, I am currently battling two adventures on the work front, and I received new correspondence on each today.  The new correspondence then required new plans and action on my part - which then takes time and energy of other professionals too.  Sounds complicated, right?

Well, I was delighted to get an email message from a friend, in the midst of all of this.  She is coming for a visit, and would like to stay for a couple of days!  Hooray!  So, I look forward to a little work distraction later in the week, with a visit from a good friend.

On another note, the retail therapy with yesterday's friend was quite therapeutic too!  I highly recommend this remedy! =)

The Next Project

I was in the cleaning mode today, so I thought I would get my office organized and a few files cleaned.  The project took several hours, but I now know where all of my office resources and supplies have landed.  Oh, and I think I don't need to buy anymore birthday cards for awhile -- I am quite stocked!!

While I was working upstairs, Mr. Fixit was working on plumbing in the basement.  His project today was to install the sewer line in the new part of the house, and tie it into the old part of the house.  He was also busy adding insulation to the attic, basement floor joices and around windows.  Then as the day drew to a close, Mr. Fixit carried a box upstairs.  I snapped a shot of the box, so you can contemplate what the next project adventure might be!

Picture Perfect Pantry

Mr. Fixit has been the shelving mastermind!  He created the best pantry -- ever!  He added reinforcements to the walls, and hung wire shelves.  They are quite secure!  I am also excited that the shelves are wire, because they will not collect dust.  Believe me, there is more dust hanging out in the country than one can even imagine!

So, since the weather had a touch of winter chill today, I decided that I would get my eager pantry stocked.  I transferred canned goods, boxes, baking supplies, some small appliance items, re-useable shopping bags and a bit of other items from my bathtub/shower storage space in the old kitchen.  I must say -- that room is looking more and more ready for the bathroom renovation project =)  I think that project is moving up on Mr. Fixit's "Project Priority List."

The next step is plumbing installation in the kitchen.  Then I will be ready for you to come over for a baking party!  I am dreaming about cookies as you read this!

Sound of Music

I caught a snippet of the "Today" show, and wished that I was home for the later segments because the Vantrapp family was visiting!  Can you believe that it has been 45 years since the "Sound of Music" was created?  This movie/musical --- hands down -- is my absolute favorite movie of all times.  I love it, and I really love it a lot!

After the drama of today, otherwise known as work, I could not help by wonder how delightful it would be to skip across the Swiss Alps singing "The Hills are Alive."  This location, I am convinced, is far away from cranky and demanding adults.  Why, I would be willing to bet that, cell phone reception does not even exist at that location.

I am doubly excited that "Sound of Music" is 45 years old, because I also heard them say on tv -- that the movie will be coming out on DVD!  I certainly hope I can get a copy, because I think it will hold up better than my VHS tape has.  So, to finish off my day, I have decided to end it on a sweet note, by drinking some "Swiss Miss" hot chocolate.  It is probably the closest I can get to the Alps!  Cheers!

Road Makeover

While visiting Mr. Fixit's Mom, we discovered that 3rd Street was experiencing quite the makeover.  About 8 blocks worth of a makeover!  The street still has original brick pavers, but their life had just about ended.  The city decided to upgrade to concrete.

One of our younger nieces and I took a short walk down the road to investigate the progress.  One side was completely poured and formed.  It was dry enough to walk on, so I couldn't resist walking out and snapping a shot.  We could not believe the size of the huge "nails" or spikes used to form the curbs and corner concrete sections.  We both decided that it will be quite fun to walk back down and check it out over the Thanksgiving holiday!

Things I Have Learned #1

"People only ask for a second opinion, because they do not like the first."
~Me

Have you ever noticed this to be true?

Work Day

Mr. Fixit and I had a lovely car ride to his family home area - and the weather was simply beautiful!  His Mom prepared lunch: meatballs, scalloped potatoes, peas, rolls, bread, (and for the guys) liver and onions and gravy.  Dessert was a cherry cake or pumpkin pie.  It was all scrumptious!

After lunch, Mr. Fixit and two of his brothers set to work outside.  They worked at removing two tree stumps, cleaned out gutters, raked leaves, sorted and organized two garage areas and made sure the yard was ready for winter.  It was a full day!

I couldn't resist snapping a shot of the crew in action.  Thank you Mom for a delicious lunch and wonderful hospitality!  Have a terrific week!

Rocks, Paper, Glue

I took on a little babysitting gig today for a friend's two delightful daughters!  Dad had a day of work ahead of him, so we had a day of fun planned.  Mr. Fixit delved into his projects, and we set off for a nature hike in the pasture!

It was quite windy today, and we each had a zipper bag, ready to collect our nature items.  We were collecting items for a nature collage.  We talked about things we could glue to our papers, and things that we could not.  I think the rock detail got lost with little "A."  She collected a sackful of rocks, instead of plants!  So, I gathered a few extra things.

The bonus was that I finally got my craft stuff unpacked.  So, I had sequins available to add to the artwork, and each person had her own glue bottle.  Double bonus!  Soon, my young charges decided it was quite fun to squirt lots of glue and pile sequins onto the paper.  Well, needless to say, we certainly were successful at cleaning out my art supplies and using up old glue!  The artwork will be delivered to the artists soon -- we are waiting patiently for the glue to dry =)

In the Game

Mr. Fixit and I had the awesome opportunity to watch a women's basketball game where our college, FHSU, played against Kansas State University.  What was even better about it, was the we knew one of the FHSU players - a neice of one of my good friends.  I made signs to, of course, cheer on our favorite player and her team.  A number of her family members were present and were terrific cheer leaders too!  The girls played hard, but did not get the victory.  Keep up the hard work Tigers!

Hosta Haven

I love plants, and thankfully, so does Mr. Fixit!  He has been pretty accommodating when I have said things like, "So one of my co-workers has some tree saplings that we could have," or "A bicycle rack is being installed at work, and we need to find a home for some hosta plants."

This week was operation relocate hosta plants!  I transported several five gallon buckets to the office, and the digging commenced.  The plants were quite large, so I had room in the two buckets, plus one adopted box, for seven very, large-sized plants.

I loaded them up, and hauled them home.  Mr. Fixit and I expanded our hosta bed, and we are quite excited for them to begin a new year of growth next spring.  The plants may only be here temporarily though, because it is highly likely they will be transplanted to a new work landscape project next spring.  So, we are going to enjoy our visiting plant guests, while they are here!

Halloween Fashions

I set up my Halloween treat distributing station at my good friend's house in the city.  You see, people don't really venture out to the sticks to collect Halloween goodies!  I took photos of my favorite guests, so you can enjoy the costumes too.  I had a green crayon (my totally favorite color), a poodle skirt theme, diner waitress, a witch and Ariel.  There were about 60 visitors in all.  Thanks for coming to visit!  Oh, and my glow bracelet was still working yet this morning - and I am munching on a few left over fruit roll-ups.  I think it was a yummy evening!

Pumpkin Emoticon

I found a fun -- and easy pattern -- for my pumpkin carving!  It was the wink emoticon!  I traced the design onto my pumpkin, and carved away.  I should have placed the design on sideways, but had it traced before I realized my directional error.  So, my one eye looks like a nice eyelash instead.  I decided that this simply added conversation and originality to my pumpkin!  I also did not have a candle, so I used some glow bracelets to light the pumpkin instead.  It worked ok; I would have liked it to be brighter, but it was a fun experiment just the same.  Happy Halloween everyone!