Our Spring/Summer Project

Easter weekend some of our grandkids arrived with their parents in tow. John and I decided to surprise them with a Tuff Shed we bought to be both a 'playhouse' and outdoor workshop for me.

This is how it started out.  The little girls kept running out to watch it's progress.  Our three year old granddaughter asked   "When are you big boys going to be done making this.?"  It was so cute.

It was fun to see what it was going to look like all done.

This was the end result. 

 

I have two shelves for storing my junk stuff and tools.  On the opposite wall they built in two bunk beds that can later be used for storage.   

  I had them install a dutch door so the kids could close the bottom part and and leave the top open.
Here is Lauryn, cousin Nai'a, sister Sydne, sister  Rylee and cousin Elijah.  They all love this.
                              
The girls wanted to call it the CLUBHOUSE so that is what it is.  I spent a while painting the outside and found some fun things at the thrift store to enhance the outside.

     
 Here five sisters/cousins: Sydne, Nakiah, Rylee, Lauryn and Tovi Joi are painting the one wall in place( and themselves and the floor  ";).  The final coats were blackboard paint.  We still have the rest of the walls to finish, but all the electrical wiring is done.  Now we will have to finish in the early spring.

We did have two 'girls'  nights' and slept our here this summer.  Lauryn and Rylee decided there were  'three' bunks and and the bottom was the floor.  I made foam mattresses for all three beds and cute pillows.  Will update pictures this next spring on this great project.  Oh  yes--we also are plugged in for cable if I want to have a small tv when working out here.

Our Newest Addition

Our newest member to our household is our little Shelka.  She really belongs to our youngest, Brianna and her family...Jason, Nakiah and Tovi Joi.  In August they relocated from Kodiak, Alaska, to  South America---Ecuador!!   They have a three year committment to teaching in an international school.  Unfortunately they were unable to take Shelka with them at the time.  As it is a very long, frightening flight in cargo and too expensive for us, she is making a temporary home with us.

She will either go with us next summer or with her family if they come to visit then.  

 

She loves licking on ice cubes and whines when I use the icemaker to fill a cup.  She has to have her own cube!!!

 

She has quickly wormed her way into our hearts.  She especially gives me joy and companionship when I am home and not feeling up to going out.  Our other babies, callie and mato, the cats  still don't want a thing to do with her.

 

She has to ride in the car whenever I go somewhere.  I do take her if I am running quick errands.  When we can't take her, she lowers her head and tail and sulks off.  It feels like leaving one of our own kids behind!!

Here you can see the front of the house all decked out for halloween.  Shelka is not a bit afraid of the big spiders...I hate spiders but love these things...go figure.

Okay Nakiah and Tovi---Oma and Opa are taking very very good care of Shelka.  She has taken over the bed at night and watches all the other houses on the street.  Of course she wants to herd the cats and they still won't have any thing to do with her.  But mato and callie will let her get within a foot before they start hissing and swiping at her.

Serene In The Northwest

 

 

Unlike our friends and family on the East Coast, we are enjoying balmy fall weather with occasional rainstorms.  We send out prayers for all of those who are going through the many hardships during this Storm SANDY.  May God keep you all safe.


It has been more than a year since I last posted.  I went to school for five quarters and absolutely loved it.  Not only did I enjoy being back in the academic classroom, I fell in love with my art classes.

For not having any art since grade school I felt like a kid in a candy store.  I have learned so much about design and basics of art as well as much more about myself.  Interacting with all the young and some older students brought me much joy.
 Unfortunately my RSD flared in the spring when I broke my big toe stepping into a fence post hole.
I reinjured the same foot in July. That kept me sidelined for 6 months on crutches and I was unable to attend school this fall quarter.

I have vowed to work on art of some sort EVERY DAY.  That is a tall order, but I am making it happen.

In the next post I will bring you up to date with my spring and summer projects.
AM so glad to be back.  Hope you stay and visit often
catiean