tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58027904623958632822024-03-22T03:23:21.109-06:00Controlling My ChaosCome watch a control freak attempt to manage the unmanageable.Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.comBlogger641125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-57027735591755296982021-12-24T13:21:00.096-07:002022-11-19T22:59:18.616-07:00Merry Christmas 2021<div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqc1D3OeTBZfnAQJe4cGW0MJ4-mU1WzQRnz6nT6NBhmvjAlumaQakP6arY7rfRPVjBhm_w8n-yvPIJBukGBfYKpclHOPeKw26Xx1i3lLoDKgQzvDpgXuh47fr8qBa9oGB5WgEiFT9QkIupRCJ8OOzzuo3DfKjcyY5LH4FesWR9lPLs4U7WQByXxh3v/s4627/03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2958" data-original-width="4627" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqc1D3OeTBZfnAQJe4cGW0MJ4-mU1WzQRnz6nT6NBhmvjAlumaQakP6arY7rfRPVjBhm_w8n-yvPIJBukGBfYKpclHOPeKw26Xx1i3lLoDKgQzvDpgXuh47fr8qBa9oGB5WgEiFT9QkIupRCJ8OOzzuo3DfKjcyY5LH4FesWR9lPLs4U7WQByXxh3v/s320/03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">We didn't get our Christmas cards out this year. That was on purpose because we didn't have our family pictures taken until a few days ago, so New Year's cards it is! This year has been just as eventful as most years seem to be, although a little less pleasant with COVID and everything surrounding it. We have managed to remain healthy though, so we can't complain.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />Clark (Peanut Head to my faithful readers) and I are empty nesters now and I'm not going to lie, I hate the empty nest. Well I don't <i>hate</i> it, I would just rather have all of my people with me. It's selfish, I know. This last week has been Heaven though because both girls are home and I've been focusing on just enjoying them.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My mom, Julie, moved in with us in June and that has helped me with the transition to an empty nester. It's been a lot of work merging our stuff and making decisions about where to put things and what we should get rid of, but we aren't in a big hurry so we just chip away at it as we have time and interest. In the meantime we have a large container on the property serving as a storage unit for everything mom brought with her. Mom calls it her POD and I call it the dumpster. Mom brought her dog, Pamela, with her, so now we have three dogs in the house. I'm here to tell you that three dogs is a lot of poop. Especially with Bane and his horse sized logs. Pamela settled in pretty quickly and claimed her space. She growls at Gunny and Bane when they go into her end of the house. Gunny just ignores her and does what he wants anyway. Bane doesn't like conflict so his body language telegraphs "Yes Ma'am, whatever you say."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Zoë is living full-time in Pocatello where she is a junior at Idaho State University. She shares a large apartment with three other girls and they each have their own bedrooms. It's a pretty nice set up. She is adulting well and is much more responsible than Clark and I were at her age. Over the summer she started working for Fish & Game as a tech/intern in their habitat department, and she loves her job. She's a Nature Nerd. She fixes fence, puts up fence, weed whacks, chases cows, irrigates, fixes stuff, and sometimes she gets to do cool things with wildlife. Did you know that they make weed whackers that operate underwater?! Zoë already had trailer backing skills when she started this job, but her skills are on point now. She makes me proud.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Annika has had a very exciting year. This time last year we were waiting for a congressional nomination for her application to the service academies and she got three of them. It's recommended that you apply for more than one because each senator and member of congress has a limited number they can give out. That and you don't know who has their ducks in a row, so better to be safe. Shortly after receiving the nominations, she received and accepted an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. The rest of the school year was spent wrapping up senior year courses and other obligations. She spend a lot of hours with the Civil Air Patrol where was was Commander of her squadron, working at Walmart, and taking flight lessons We were hoping that Annika would head to West Point with her pilot's license already completed, but there were many obstacles in her path. The final nail in the coffin was the day of her final flight test, and just days before she was to leave for CBT (Cadet Basic Training which is West Point boot camp), and the plane did not pass inspection. It was a huge let down, but there was no time to dwell on it. She left Idaho Falls for West Point on June 27th and her world changed forever. She survived CBT and her first semester at West Point, and she came home for the first time December 19th. I've been peppering her with questions about her new life ever since. It's going to be hard to let her go with the new year.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I spent another summer working outside in our yard and I shouldn't brag, but I'm getting pretty good with a shovel. Clarkie better not cross me. :) At work I changed schools. Our district opened up a fancy new middle school and I was determined to teach there. Now I'm teaching Pre-Algebra and Algebra to 8th graders. It's my favorite grade and subject. My classroom is beautiful and I have more than three outlets. I haven't tripped the breaker once! My classroom is on the second floor and the flight of stairs is loooooong. More opportunities to trip means I trip more. Tripping going up the stairs is my superpower. Compared to last year, this year is a lot easier, although it's still a lot of work. I like the people I work with and I like my administrators.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Clarkie is still working from home some, but going into the Lab more now. He was one of the first in his group allowed bac</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">k this last year but it depends on what needs done. More than half his department is still full-time teleworking from home. He earned a promotion this year and is training for new positions, so that means more meetings. His favorite. He's working on his interpersonal skills right now because his boss told him he has to stop growling at people and start using his words. He is traveling more than ever and that's good because we need flight miles and hotel credits now with Annie being so far away.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>We're still hard at work on the money pit. We spent most of our late summer and early fall pulling out and relaying the patio at the back of the house so that it slopes away from the house instead of towards it. In other projects, last winter Clark redesigned his closet and made it a lot more functional. All he has left to do now is to add doors to the top to hide all the stuff. Together we redid the laundry room and it is so much more functional because we added upper and lower cabinets as well as a countertop for folding clothes. We also replaced the ridiculous plastic utility sink with a stainless steel sink and cabinet surround. We would still like to add shelving, but that may not happen for a couple years. Next up we have some plumbing and electrical projects to tackle.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />There's never a dull moment here, even without the girls to liven things up. We hope this year was as good to you as it was to us, and we wish you a very happy and healthy new year. Take care.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />Love,<br />Clark, Jill, Zoë and Annika</span></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"></p>Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-8627620609750558092020-12-23T21:33:00.000-07:002020-12-23T21:33:14.444-07:00Merry Christmas 2020<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jvUT4FPjWEC-kBuxANlox52CXVLP4DskzzT10JQSH5uHa82JwrWS7oxRU9XtUOm6dSLDMawXvgPOqIgenX4lQBaz9coMjO85CAUJ_yIbtOSnXQ3AVYd7Egm_5AmtIQfjjxupBHfChFY/s2048/Christmas2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1370" data-original-width="2048" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jvUT4FPjWEC-kBuxANlox52CXVLP4DskzzT10JQSH5uHa82JwrWS7oxRU9XtUOm6dSLDMawXvgPOqIgenX4lQBaz9coMjO85CAUJ_yIbtOSnXQ3AVYd7Egm_5AmtIQfjjxupBHfChFY/w400-h268/Christmas2020.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We’ve almost survived 2020!</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This has been one wild and crazy year, hasn’t it? I’m sure we can all agree that 2020 did not live up to our expectations. Here’s hoping for a much better year in 2021.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-2bba2b70-7fff-fffb-1af2-05493cf5e1b2"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We were never more thankful to be living out in the country than this year. We were able to lay low and keep our minds off the pandemic and all that came with it by occupying ourselves with our bottomless to do list.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Zoe came home from college in March and ended up finishing the year online. Annie and I went on spring break and completed the remainder of the school year online. Clark started working at home at the same time and we were all competing for our inadequate internet. The girls and I went back in the fall, but Clark is still working mostly at home. He has been traveling a bit too because the source recovery missions must go on. He is very careful though, and to be honest, Annie and I are the biggest threat to our health as we are around hundreds of people every day, many of them incapable of wearing their masks properly. Everyone hates the masks. We hate the masks. Teaching in a mask and making sure my students wear their masks properly is wearing on my nerves, but it is our reality right now. Complaining about it helps none of us. On that note, I’ll shut up now.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I spent my entire summer working outside in our yard and it was wonderful. Little by little, this place is becoming a home that we love. It’s truly my favorite place to be. Clarkie still regularly exclaims that he hates this *$#@ing place, but we know he really loves it. He has multiple pairs of farm pants to prove it, and so do I. They are my favorite pants and I even wear them to town sometimes. It can’t be any worse than wearing pajamas to Walmart.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I went back to the classroom this fall, and it has kicked my trash. There’s so much stress having to teach in person and make sure everything is accessible online for quarantined and Covid positive students. I just make a to do list each day and get through it, doing what I can with the hours that I have. Many days I fall short, and I don’t beat myself up over it. I’m thankful that I have remained healthy and that I still have a job. I do enjoy the kids. I’m teaching 7th grade math, and there is not a more awkward age than 7th grade, so my entertainment is free.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The dogs are loving Clark being home. With him at home I don’t have to go through the routine of putting the couch screamers on the furniture every day to keep the dogs off. I’m a little jealous, but at the same time I do not want to be teaching remotely. I didn’t expect that we would be able to stay in person, so I am thankful for that. Clark is not traveling as much as he was before March, but we are hopeful that it will pick up after the first of the year. He likes to travel and we like the miles and hotel rewards that he earns.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmoP0Tg7HnzBCtZPS2B2XQ7q68yhRvVioqngieYxWFeGzeFlc196m1QCjp3sIxAM-IHR6H5n2J_YTNRKT6Jl-PrB5XHWye3SuiTIUGSC1G369QnFz5dFMzBRBpb7mW_raHL-fi3DnSk8/s2048/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1519" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmoP0Tg7HnzBCtZPS2B2XQ7q68yhRvVioqngieYxWFeGzeFlc196m1QCjp3sIxAM-IHR6H5n2J_YTNRKT6Jl-PrB5XHWye3SuiTIUGSC1G369QnFz5dFMzBRBpb7mW_raHL-fi3DnSk8/s320/10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p>Zoe bought herself a car in early Spring. It’s a 2011 Nissan Rogue which is an all wheel drive vehicle, so it’s perfect for Idaho winters. She spent her summer working at Cal Ranch and the vet clinic and she was exhausted working every day of the week. I think she has learned her lesson about that. She went back to ISU in the fall and has been home since Thanksgiving. Her finals were online and her spring semester will start mid January. She will be doing a career path internship this semester in a lab with a plant ecologist. Then this summer she has an opportunity to work on a Fish & Game work crew and continue with an internship with them in the fall. On the work crew she will be doing grunt labor like fixing fences, spraying for weeds, planting to reintroduce native plant species, etc.</span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Annika is in the middle of her senior year of high school. The little slacker finally got a job last summer. She works in produce at Walmart where she puts her OCD skills to good use inspecting and discarding imperfect fruits and vegetables. She has had to deal with some disgusting rottage which we quite enjoy hearing about because it causes her so much discomfort. Everything she throws away has to be weighed and logged. It’s awesome.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We are in the stage of wondering where our child will be this time next year. She has her eggs in several different baskets right now. She has active applications with the Naval Academy and West Point and they are progressing. We are waiting for Congressional nominations right now. She also has applications with the Colorado School of Mines and the University of Idaho. The latter two she picked because they have ROTC programs. She seems pretty set on the military and Clarkie strongly suggests that she go in as an officer, nevermind that that’s not what he did, despite his own father’s wishes. He forbids her to go to the Air Force Academy because he says if she wants a business major with a minor in religion she can just go local to BYU. Yes, he is a funny guy. I think it’s a Marine Corps thing. They are very particular about the other branches of the military. The other consideration is that she wants to fly and she will have a better chance at that in the Navy/Marine Corps or the Army.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gunny and Bane are getting on in years. Gunny had a pretty nasty case of pneumonia in the spring and he’s still not 100%. We’ve had many visits to the emergency vet and he is on a steady diet of hot dogs with his various prescriptions. He has turned into my grandparents with his assortment of pills, except that I’m pretty sure they didn’t need hot dogs to choke their medicine down. Baney had a bizarre case of geriatric something something. I can’t remember the technical term and I have no documentation because his care was free at the Emergency Vet Clinic where Zoe works because he has been a blood donor for them. He woke up one day and he couldn’t walk without falling down because his equilibrium had left the building. I’m telling you, it is not possible to carry a 130 pound dog around to do his business. If it weren’t so frightening it would have been comical. Who am I kidding, it was comical, but it was also frightening. After a back door drive up at the clinic, a shot of anti nausea medicine and a few days taking Dramamine he was mostly back to normal. His head is still a little half cocked, but he’s still Baney and we love him. Although he won’t sleep in his bed now because when he was not himself he overshot his bed and clocked himself in the corner where two walls meet. Now his bed is from the Devil and Gunny quite enjoys having choices.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The goats, horses, and chickens are still keeping us from sleeping in too late on the weekends. Oh, and we have kittens! Well, they are cats now, but Zoe found them as kittens in our pasture in June and we had to keep them because destiny brought them to us. Clarkie is super grouchy about excessive cats, so they are barn cats. It’s pretty funny because cats loooooove Clarkie. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Work on the money pit continues. This year we replaced our well pump and our roof. In fact our roof just happened and it was a nail biter. I’m just so glad it’s done.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This thing is too long so I’ll wrap it up. We hope this letter finds you all happy and healthy. Merry Christmas!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Love,</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Clark, Jill, Zoë and Annika</span></p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></span></div><p><br /></p>Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-46219283963587278842020-06-16T18:41:00.004-06:002022-11-19T23:10:54.835-07:00Black Lives Matter Too<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_PR7cskWMZXjEb53xQNARgnvTT856cZQpRlbpFnIqPrCjyxVJyUUV_iPWVKuHQvzEwIqwtoNT1hG6T8bSQrLjYmy0asS4iqXc8QQTememLI8SZzHI2BwKCj1KgnwRsdhbVPBh7EPPwE/s1280/black-lives-matter-5277548_1280.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="1280" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_PR7cskWMZXjEb53xQNARgnvTT856cZQpRlbpFnIqPrCjyxVJyUUV_iPWVKuHQvzEwIqwtoNT1hG6T8bSQrLjYmy0asS4iqXc8QQTememLI8SZzHI2BwKCj1KgnwRsdhbVPBh7EPPwE/w400-h309/black-lives-matter-5277548_1280.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It has been over six weeks since my last post and the world has changed. At the end of May, George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer who knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes. Somebody had the presence of mind to document the whole thing with their phone and it sparked protests and riots across the globe. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAibgMdqbjUxrATBu56YiTxYjnREVrQ4kXnRJFHH7kMNidds1UPY84XZIHnnaqCCR25qkf8MCxyuXYyr1riUNmlD29Azl1udTJ_EMwsZqPV5PMOHFWLletu1OCP-1Sm4_GkjmFtlqar_g/s2293/Black_Lives_Matter_in_Stockholm_2020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1531" data-original-width="2293" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAibgMdqbjUxrATBu56YiTxYjnREVrQ4kXnRJFHH7kMNidds1UPY84XZIHnnaqCCR25qkf8MCxyuXYyr1riUNmlD29Azl1udTJ_EMwsZqPV5PMOHFWLletu1OCP-1Sm4_GkjmFtlqar_g/w400-h268/Black_Lives_Matter_in_Stockholm_2020.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>It's still going on, and protestors have called for police reform. </div><div><br /></div><div>This was not the first time by a long shot, but something about George Floyd's murder is different. It's like the American people have taken notice in a way that they never have before and people are fighting mad. As a country we are divided, although we were divided before this, it is even worse now.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Minneapolis City Council voted to disband its police department and shift funding to social programs in communities of color. People are protesting to defund the police in other places too. Although this is a terrifying time in America, I'm hopeful that this will bring about real change for people of color.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is encouraging to see my white friends and neighbors posting on social media about what they are learning about white privilege and the many things they take for granted that people of color don't have access to. While the awareness makes me hopeful, I still see so much hate and denial and I don't know what I can do about it. I feel helpless and ashamed.</div><div><br /></div><div>I support the Black Lives Matter movement and I hope you do too. </div><div><br /></div><div>Many of the Corona Virus restrictions have eased and countries are opening back up. As a result, infections are up. We're supposed to be practicing social distancing to slow the spread of the virus, but people are gathering in huge numbers to protest. It's difficult to criticize the people protesting for not social distancing when they're the ones out there putting themselves at risk for affecting change.</div><div><br /></div><div><font color="#1e00ff" size="5">Idaho now has 3,540 confirmed cases of Covid-19.</font></div><div><br /></div><div>We don't know yet if we'll be returning to school in person or online in the fall. Peanut Head is still working from home.</div><div><br /></div><div>The bright side is that we are accomplishing a lot by staying at home as much as possible.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eWqFsJpKo0vrhPhqd4wcAReLs16pN-D6IZoIQwd77sk18G8TBCMqMmHhydo_OD93w_MfjoLhJFdE4JAvEUx5R_te7dp57Dto4h5y8MWKBlR6nfpL6mznbz3urVrHyrNnFEWUyEp5Pi4/s4032/IMG_3020.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eWqFsJpKo0vrhPhqd4wcAReLs16pN-D6IZoIQwd77sk18G8TBCMqMmHhydo_OD93w_MfjoLhJFdE4JAvEUx5R_te7dp57Dto4h5y8MWKBlR6nfpL6mznbz3urVrHyrNnFEWUyEp5Pi4/w400-h300/IMG_3020.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We finished planting the garden yesterday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VjeXZ01Q9FF9LeuiX0Lrhcat6NJYN_C6sgqaNBJnwbiLN52G8f61OGhijs_npChrl8AQOSEsOFziI9k5yvMZYQApcgjHVP43CUgwyAKrC8O6vvNq9b4KwMHW46sx67brvcO4zHiFTzA/s4032/IMG_3255.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VjeXZ01Q9FF9LeuiX0Lrhcat6NJYN_C6sgqaNBJnwbiLN52G8f61OGhijs_npChrl8AQOSEsOFziI9k5yvMZYQApcgjHVP43CUgwyAKrC8O6vvNq9b4KwMHW46sx67brvcO4zHiFTzA/w300-h400/IMG_3255.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We spent Memorial Day weekend digging a utility ditch, and the rest of the following week and weekend filling it back in after burying some new utilities. It was a ton of work and I'm so glad it's done.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rbZ_YVLADS0gafukcl-7Ay35r39fKxCGPsd78P-jOwV91zWpQj-mXqO_Vn-Aox17NBM4k76NSvOddmMfKZ61O-qTOcHnagksA4JQ6MtovDWhhNKYWJ_jZjc_G9tWneC26kWn29jP3jg/s4032/IMG_3327.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rbZ_YVLADS0gafukcl-7Ay35r39fKxCGPsd78P-jOwV91zWpQj-mXqO_Vn-Aox17NBM4k76NSvOddmMfKZ61O-qTOcHnagksA4JQ6MtovDWhhNKYWJ_jZjc_G9tWneC26kWn29jP3jg/w300-h400/IMG_3327.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also finished the Lilac Dry Creek bed which I started working on the summer of 2017.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii43uHLDiTuWJvms0VN-pjFo6mlCCHe6puxVS6kLpPnXv1-XC1-aPLIsA5Dlao16X6didRJP0IPeaeMh7MrDUN3CKT0P3ACQI2ZMphV6iL0R3tFvofWhtTBsZr26Mny3KlMjeE_3GSnn0/s4032/IMG_3330.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii43uHLDiTuWJvms0VN-pjFo6mlCCHe6puxVS6kLpPnXv1-XC1-aPLIsA5Dlao16X6didRJP0IPeaeMh7MrDUN3CKT0P3ACQI2ZMphV6iL0R3tFvofWhtTBsZr26Mny3KlMjeE_3GSnn0/w300-h400/IMG_3330.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm so happy with the finished product. I still have some exposed weed cloth because our next big project is to tear the patio out and relay it so it slopes away from the house instead of towards the house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwiqdXBbdwqN8MN9cESIk5XKjoZ6BElywQOJ-rnKckCVzRl9DTqyFqXAtVaKDDUmN5N9TE08btlye_nYO8nCg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's a video of the creek bed with water in it. It's my babbling brook.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4P3cQ3Erfu5EGvni7IRehOG3D2mAAKpH-ygHVEED00YmRsm0Mp3CxcnBApwP4QBCTYArURRloUySRnHgtR5scc4ffWnU3Iyid997dK7yE-Jxl3Bx02DdYhcghWnSBM_HDvCM59tFZu4/s4032/IMG_3349.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4P3cQ3Erfu5EGvni7IRehOG3D2mAAKpH-ygHVEED00YmRsm0Mp3CxcnBApwP4QBCTYArURRloUySRnHgtR5scc4ffWnU3Iyid997dK7yE-Jxl3Bx02DdYhcghWnSBM_HDvCM59tFZu4/w300-h400/IMG_3349.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And last but not least, we put our pool up. We haven't had this set up since we moved here and we have missed it so much. The only problem is that we haven't been able to find the pool filters in any stores in town. In fact, no one is even selling pools right now. The supply chain is seriously disrupted. We were able to buy some on Amazon, but they don't expect them to ship until the end of the month.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In other news, I've accepted a teaching position to teach 7th grade math in the fall. I'm ready to get back into the classroom (crossing fingers that it will be physically in the classroom and not online), and I'm looking forward to spending my days with students again. I've spent a little time in my classroom clearing things out which were left behind and organizing. However, I'm determined not to spend my summer obsessing about making my classroom perfect. It's my disease.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As is typical of teacher summers, I've been scheduling all our yearly appointments and trying to get my ducks in a row. Dentist appointments are not going to happen though, due to the obvious danger for the dental professionals. Hopefully our teeth don't rot out of our heads before we can get back in.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That's my update. I hope we have world peace figured out before my next post.</div></div>Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-59063254841902122172020-05-03T21:09:00.002-06:002020-05-03T21:09:38.671-06:00Stayin' Alive<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgev9a4L1aYX4Bzdno-XYCWNuSy1hpMnKL-7jElfEOa6NT4QZGS-2tMwYnCfv5oE4tPNoKGkk9vKtpyJeH0VF-vuKghdMzwx49SR-B7YqkqeK3cBZ8TrOUhaEX9LDX-kx8L_30h-57sWK4/s1600/43FE081C-5486-46A3-A623-7749CED83EB4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgev9a4L1aYX4Bzdno-XYCWNuSy1hpMnKL-7jElfEOa6NT4QZGS-2tMwYnCfv5oE4tPNoKGkk9vKtpyJeH0VF-vuKghdMzwx49SR-B7YqkqeK3cBZ8TrOUhaEX9LDX-kx8L_30h-57sWK4/s400/43FE081C-5486-46A3-A623-7749CED83EB4.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's been six weeks since we started sheltering at home. We've settled into a routine and often we don't know what day it is. Without the boundaries of a schedule, rushing to and from work five days a week, one day bleeds into the next.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Friday we started phase one of the plan to reopen the state. Churches have been given the green light to reopen with social distancing, but most have opted to wait, possibly until June. Businesses that are open are required to have social distancing protocols in place. Some people are wearing masks and some are not. Probably only 25% are wearing masks. Many people think this is overblown. I think it's more difficult for people to take seriously when they don't live in a densely packed urban area where the virus can travel much faster.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">As of yesterday, Idaho had 2,061 confirmed cases of Covid-19</span></b>. Zoe made the observation that we aren't getting the daily notifications that we used to get. As if this is now just the same ol' same ol' part of our existence.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The stores have toilet paper now, but Kleenex is in short supply and hand sanitizer is still very difficult to find. Also, yeast is hard to come by. Stores are limiting meat purchases to one because several meat packing plants have had major outbreaks. I'm worried about those workers and many others.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWngukeqSLXyUNEEVkVXtnvDLhT0kJdxopHNbumKwq0AcIY1O95cKwU4lsAC8U9mViry5yzaTif3q6BvpESJ1pyhn2OyhLEzFudVaK7XxSlpQy32R5yF-mQBRBsaOIVlVypjFsz8MQMc/s1600/001E7F1C-DFCE-400A-A75A-B079487A036B.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWngukeqSLXyUNEEVkVXtnvDLhT0kJdxopHNbumKwq0AcIY1O95cKwU4lsAC8U9mViry5yzaTif3q6BvpESJ1pyhn2OyhLEzFudVaK7XxSlpQy32R5yF-mQBRBsaOIVlVypjFsz8MQMc/s400/001E7F1C-DFCE-400A-A75A-B079487A036B.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are managing. We got out for another hike last week. We barely made it a mile in before we had to turn around because the trail was snowed in. We will definitely be back to hike this trail when the snow melts. All together this is part of a trail that is over a 100 miles long along an old railroad. What we got to see was beautiful.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhExp3SE1N5BcMiiF5yZ06u-SkJuI5ELSBkjevnW2FxseuBpM4ocFAHrhn3IoRxtPPSv2zhywZOdzBh9nN6FiJwfjM-vTFl7peUnAXBaxunK84yhqm-0-A0fNehyZwCp3AuQL6GY9Q7fs/s1600/F678FC3B-4A52-4E7B-BA78-89057C901AA6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhExp3SE1N5BcMiiF5yZ06u-SkJuI5ELSBkjevnW2FxseuBpM4ocFAHrhn3IoRxtPPSv2zhywZOdzBh9nN6FiJwfjM-vTFl7peUnAXBaxunK84yhqm-0-A0fNehyZwCp3AuQL6GY9Q7fs/s400/F678FC3B-4A52-4E7B-BA78-89057C901AA6.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Baney is really loving the hikes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ti2LHqjurNl6pN-ikayTFymQNS_2a9K0inDWdoy2VQU0UxeIW_j3H5MzhVmwAOTRVtqOT95aGiBEXrGZaFgObh-s9MkZ73A9tC5UaGCN4qz787KUpxHqoTyB9jqaGvZe7BjzE_ai6BQ/s1600/53710E4B-98B2-4515-9081-D2EAB2895DD0.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ti2LHqjurNl6pN-ikayTFymQNS_2a9K0inDWdoy2VQU0UxeIW_j3H5MzhVmwAOTRVtqOT95aGiBEXrGZaFgObh-s9MkZ73A9tC5UaGCN4qz787KUpxHqoTyB9jqaGvZe7BjzE_ai6BQ/s400/53710E4B-98B2-4515-9081-D2EAB2895DD0.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The weather has turned and we have had some very nice days. Our pasture is starting to green up, so we have to monitor Pudgy PJ's intake now because he'd eat grass until he tipped over if we let him. Then he'd probably side chew the grass from his reclined position.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDK1_NpsbOdAPwdve6JUv6fShbG5q_5Kbqruyb_meX1yf1Dd1lPlWjuZlYub6i1JF1rhS_kDwFutdMsHN6GOhpWPtc_K_dl8UPae1BdQwT4ueaHJoci6pEzXrF8lFoXc-SeRLnnT62O5M/s1600/2B3C06D6-39A9-4EE7-B5C9-423E5BCEE7CB.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDK1_NpsbOdAPwdve6JUv6fShbG5q_5Kbqruyb_meX1yf1Dd1lPlWjuZlYub6i1JF1rhS_kDwFutdMsHN6GOhpWPtc_K_dl8UPae1BdQwT4ueaHJoci6pEzXrF8lFoXc-SeRLnnT62O5M/s400/2B3C06D6-39A9-4EE7-B5C9-423E5BCEE7CB.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We finished widening the driveway and we're pretty happy with the way it turned out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8aeMCaO8a6vKfT-MhUSqUv1EeT-ik445ucWzzmNkJE4aG0V5d9WJ7KVfjyLe7LKIN6EAl5fbXovUWKaGIX2alHdhEmXIKE40b9N9WlrZctgfc7RLoOjcI4LJUXoG03moGBSFAps8nzM/s1600/20C764D0-BE3E-4210-A38D-F5252A5E691C.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8aeMCaO8a6vKfT-MhUSqUv1EeT-ik445ucWzzmNkJE4aG0V5d9WJ7KVfjyLe7LKIN6EAl5fbXovUWKaGIX2alHdhEmXIKE40b9N9WlrZctgfc7RLoOjcI4LJUXoG03moGBSFAps8nzM/s400/20C764D0-BE3E-4210-A38D-F5252A5E691C.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Peanut Head is happy that he can pull straight out of the garage now.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyx4C6JmXl4KqnMB9JiHG4ChHeQ6daPoM1DKiZskTACSTWnnn0fa7VQpk1wiQNZE9uMpPqVNsT_IGUF5obBXKkR-leU5FWEDOV198fooy3cpDi0ognySjYgn-09ebcmgglBHh42n3trtA/s1600/7EDC11CD-6631-427F-958D-97272680FE3F.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyx4C6JmXl4KqnMB9JiHG4ChHeQ6daPoM1DKiZskTACSTWnnn0fa7VQpk1wiQNZE9uMpPqVNsT_IGUF5obBXKkR-leU5FWEDOV198fooy3cpDi0ognySjYgn-09ebcmgglBHh42n3trtA/s400/7EDC11CD-6631-427F-958D-97272680FE3F.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When the weather is nice Zoe tries to work in riding breaks. PJ needs the exercise too. This picture makes me laugh because I have to ask "Who is the horse here?" She explained that she likes to work them in the round pen first, and she doesn't like them to cool down when she has to walk them back to the hitching post to tack up. She's so considerate.</div>
<br />Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-62467202223575151782020-04-27T18:56:00.002-06:002020-04-27T18:56:12.984-06:00Farmhouse Love Episode #15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM299GQiLF1ZU25D33fO_sbq77t8SQ2Phq0i5A4IcI5GRCZdvCxMu89tj7V8p_DQxdAGp-DCATgRRMREl-8olWdT1sAVE9vp3bICUegHxcpoB0OuIrk_rryWb3XnR561l6lNC2TpQlxjc/s1600/Bed2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1568" data-original-width="1600" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM299GQiLF1ZU25D33fO_sbq77t8SQ2Phq0i5A4IcI5GRCZdvCxMu89tj7V8p_DQxdAGp-DCATgRRMREl-8olWdT1sAVE9vp3bICUegHxcpoB0OuIrk_rryWb3XnR561l6lNC2TpQlxjc/s400/Bed2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am a wee bit behind on my Farmhouse Love posts. Mainly that's due to several rooms not being 100% finished, and me not wanting to show them until they are perfect. Well, this house has a long road to go, and it is constantly evolving, so I just decided to post what I have and then when/if I make updates, I can share them then.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our master bedroom is one of the last rooms I chose to paint because people don't see it like they do other rooms in the house. I have been itching to paint it since we moved in, but the same can be said about every other room in this house, so it had to wait for its turn.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Before I show you the rest of the after pictures, I'm going to show you what we started with.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBv_WE4gRe2rZZKymEfYBYn0IKytxluYU_3ZpqM4bf-efnqIAkwlylK0de0kB8QA4bcdmCCBF2jMWcKeYdiHQrAt3SAEteBO5hQlBTGrx7icn1hVb2fLd9clRhzw6-dNCmKNrD0NJV3Ko/s1600/Master+Bedroom+Wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBv_WE4gRe2rZZKymEfYBYn0IKytxluYU_3ZpqM4bf-efnqIAkwlylK0de0kB8QA4bcdmCCBF2jMWcKeYdiHQrAt3SAEteBO5hQlBTGrx7icn1hVb2fLd9clRhzw6-dNCmKNrD0NJV3Ko/s400/Master+Bedroom+Wallpaper.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We looked at this house on two separate occasions, a few weeks apart. The first time we came this is what the master bedroom looked like. The owners were obviously in the process of stripping the wallpaper. If I had to date this room, I would say late 80s, early 90s. What do you think?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIZWANbs8J5RrYvz_gMXlOniitYNd1jsLtBZvtf1xxUfz5TIY9SNiYG_cF5WJB2rwa7g4GinWZ675ENQlZhRvTZTNoUCOnv1-fOaKHMKiF43KMfLIAjWSKv2YeBUVvdASBalrLNIM2yQ/s1600/Master+Bedroom+Closet+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIZWANbs8J5RrYvz_gMXlOniitYNd1jsLtBZvtf1xxUfz5TIY9SNiYG_cF5WJB2rwa7g4GinWZ675ENQlZhRvTZTNoUCOnv1-fOaKHMKiF43KMfLIAjWSKv2YeBUVvdASBalrLNIM2yQ/s320/Master+Bedroom+Closet+%25232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When we came back the second time, it had fresh paint. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aqegMGSQKogKK90Ptw5O2g2f6y83Ooc5zrGXZ3G2d5eFW3G-g4RcwFEsubHNrIsmHKcntlQ8s5UaRvaI7VQcX5-TNK0nGiS362-f_rknzELSLTjiQJpTkpQZzMzhdwtGY1SAsiPlhNU/s1600/IMG_1535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aqegMGSQKogKK90Ptw5O2g2f6y83Ooc5zrGXZ3G2d5eFW3G-g4RcwFEsubHNrIsmHKcntlQ8s5UaRvaI7VQcX5-TNK0nGiS362-f_rknzELSLTjiQJpTkpQZzMzhdwtGY1SAsiPlhNU/s320/IMG_1535.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What we didn't know is that they mostly painted over the wallpaper they weren't able to strip, and even covered some of it with drywall mud. It was a hot mess.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBHhNAkU2BIfXobogroVpTd-YSJUqViBir17ALykuBbWGJY6qVmU8yBw_eqY103HHVW-A0CVpNX8MwzzI1tZLp6HIL6aKOU-lRJHka1VZfUAbIxZyX9oTdJSdGAezkCFBzLG5c_vr0Y8/s1600/Master+Bedroom+Walk-in+Closet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBHhNAkU2BIfXobogroVpTd-YSJUqViBir17ALykuBbWGJY6qVmU8yBw_eqY103HHVW-A0CVpNX8MwzzI1tZLp6HIL6aKOU-lRJHka1VZfUAbIxZyX9oTdJSdGAezkCFBzLG5c_vr0Y8/s320/Master+Bedroom+Walk-in+Closet.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The master bedroom has two closets on opposite sides of the room. This one is mine.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6R6tXLBWiCZi3lwVVtRJ_0XfjCha1sfg6nVLT0sr_doP49EKK1FCBAonmgkEFccRHBTEbTWcRXQwjLazm-QG6hQFBvaMA-0H_OvR-AbGyPCcY-CBhHxrHn0YzatfS_yAJ2DorDZh7x1Q/s1600/Master+Bedroom+Window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6R6tXLBWiCZi3lwVVtRJ_0XfjCha1sfg6nVLT0sr_doP49EKK1FCBAonmgkEFccRHBTEbTWcRXQwjLazm-QG6hQFBvaMA-0H_OvR-AbGyPCcY-CBhHxrHn0YzatfS_yAJ2DorDZh7x1Q/s320/Master+Bedroom+Window.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This bay window is nice. On move in day an observant friend noted that this room likely used to be a garage. It makes sense because the floor is concrete and it steps down from the rest of the house. This window was probably where the garage door was.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UW7DU1Kt3bcoKOtP8mgwuXcYixx10Ir4A9F0ruFF7mzAfx6C2Oe058EQM9VwoG9j57sXaXi3304rD3Au_my0vevRhivOHWknk1vxDVTv-S8gnl5nxNlx124I37rRqjOMnf32TYxPZZQ/s1600/IMG_2003.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UW7DU1Kt3bcoKOtP8mgwuXcYixx10Ir4A9F0ruFF7mzAfx6C2Oe058EQM9VwoG9j57sXaXi3304rD3Au_my0vevRhivOHWknk1vxDVTv-S8gnl5nxNlx124I37rRqjOMnf32TYxPZZQ/s320/IMG_2003.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is Peanut Head's closet, with these odd little Hobbit drawers underneath it. The drawers are deep, very heavy, and not equally spaced apart. They make me twitchy.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGn9i9FJhxvBytQaJLvANcz3nJwZo-ylMnyYqjxw9ctn4RjDLiGD_Sp85TFg9m3qXATWk4R9KDo3CQgs51uaSzuDO-EOINRfsTkaxK-A1AsebmXlesDG4Xox900qyVLe8Ms4xgVIzzxA/s1600/IMG_2005.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGn9i9FJhxvBytQaJLvANcz3nJwZo-ylMnyYqjxw9ctn4RjDLiGD_Sp85TFg9m3qXATWk4R9KDo3CQgs51uaSzuDO-EOINRfsTkaxK-A1AsebmXlesDG4Xox900qyVLe8Ms4xgVIzzxA/s320/IMG_2005.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Therefore, I covered them with drywall.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgHj7_Z69XXg7Y0JfdpWxyeGzK2tz3_URX0ZBk38Bv9zNRP5PUk8g_lcnxsmedQ2h0G6FefJjYq8zykWmZhRLLZPXW1ucyOiP4iqQrtlH1UIO-sVeWyEFB0YmtoDtcJP0VtAVFz6JJVc/s1600/IMG_2215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgHj7_Z69XXg7Y0JfdpWxyeGzK2tz3_URX0ZBk38Bv9zNRP5PUk8g_lcnxsmedQ2h0G6FefJjYq8zykWmZhRLLZPXW1ucyOiP4iqQrtlH1UIO-sVeWyEFB0YmtoDtcJP0VtAVFz6JJVc/s320/IMG_2215.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now we can scarcely tell they ever existed. 😊</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started painting the ceiling and walls last May, and once we had consistently nice weather, I dropped the project like a hot potato.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6G1cyHZmWgJtjflC7XCD2sQItOFjJp64KIpX5eKS5YJ4BZ2zH3m-ntwhoFkKBK_Wu9ctRhkdI1M7ekuAPbpuQdYsupB_dAz0ZP1dLPa1Z8Lc8KhFwW2JFkFuMqmO5E96OdyX1zfauLo/s1600/IMG_2182.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6G1cyHZmWgJtjflC7XCD2sQItOFjJp64KIpX5eKS5YJ4BZ2zH3m-ntwhoFkKBK_Wu9ctRhkdI1M7ekuAPbpuQdYsupB_dAz0ZP1dLPa1Z8Lc8KhFwW2JFkFuMqmO5E96OdyX1zfauLo/s400/IMG_2182.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I picked it up again in October, at Peanut Head's insistence. I had been pinning faux brick walls on Pinterest for the last year or more, and Peanut Head went along with my crazy plan. He usually does, even when he thinks I'm cray cray.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We started by putting up these 4' x 8' panels which we found at Lowe's for $35.98 each. We used four panels for this wall, and they were a gigantic pain in the rear end to put up. After reading various tutorials, we went with the suggestion to cut out the half bricks on the ends. It's not a super precise process, so there was a fair amount of cussing involved. Peanut Head has a potty mouth.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once they were all cut to fit, we slapped them up with some Liquid Nails and drywall screws. Some of the screws were removed once the adhesive dried.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-WLeN9PW7c-j3fJ4URb3rDwJAsURkw7k1ucgjit7LT8qkRSaaAFLhRBo_qv7oYMorDa_wNq9WW2NgvQHbzg6ba4F2Z6R8s6dwR0d2n_afjXHYAGCFlhwDPPMk8qDOEe_nzlLwFgXtgU/s1600/59158531514__F8F653EE-E835-4779-A5D8-574B6EE7C27F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-WLeN9PW7c-j3fJ4URb3rDwJAsURkw7k1ucgjit7LT8qkRSaaAFLhRBo_qv7oYMorDa_wNq9WW2NgvQHbzg6ba4F2Z6R8s6dwR0d2n_afjXHYAGCFlhwDPPMk8qDOEe_nzlLwFgXtgU/s400/59158531514__F8F653EE-E835-4779-A5D8-574B6EE7C27F.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next step was to come in with drywall mud and a drywall taping knife to apply a German Schmear. It took a few evenings, but not near as long as it took me to retexture all the walls from the bloodbath that removing the wallpaper was.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I will say I was happy to have that nasty green carpet as a drop cloth. I was not careful at all.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpGhmfJumKm6fwde7NW3yq6cXGDnL10vHZG6O0-5o0M2IMsza-fq7yAss8sd6DmnvsXiIPy8t9IsXjMuoPG6IQeIfDEwFThTkbGIv6wNBMr74L1cJI3auE9_OqSpiTC0nQXrUiyI2sfE/s1600/IMG_2201.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpGhmfJumKm6fwde7NW3yq6cXGDnL10vHZG6O0-5o0M2IMsza-fq7yAss8sd6DmnvsXiIPy8t9IsXjMuoPG6IQeIfDEwFThTkbGIv6wNBMr74L1cJI3auE9_OqSpiTC0nQXrUiyI2sfE/s320/IMG_2201.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once everything dried, I sealed it all with a coat of watered down white paint. You can use a clear coat, but I was worried it might yellow over time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also, I caulked the corners and where the paneling met the ceiling for a cleaner look.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After this wall was done, we ordered carpet. That was in November.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKgiR219gXe_QmVMc0f6zgjdAJvvOFVIOfoZ1YzJXDAWS9T47OR-5qIAorhfSDOd1SWpyec-ov5XlD_Y1kDrNCiZqXyobQsY4YSa6_Wbb6fwUnUdWEyhs7p-Xj0xbcXZSlx_alsP0Nds/s1600/IMG_2220.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKgiR219gXe_QmVMc0f6zgjdAJvvOFVIOfoZ1YzJXDAWS9T47OR-5qIAorhfSDOd1SWpyec-ov5XlD_Y1kDrNCiZqXyobQsY4YSa6_Wbb6fwUnUdWEyhs7p-Xj0xbcXZSlx_alsP0Nds/s400/IMG_2220.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Throughout this past year working on this room, I was always working on something to go with my final vision. One of those things was to make a half dozen or so dog bed covers. The dog beds get stinky and dirty so fast that I wanted to have a quick way to change out clean covers, so I started making very simple covers using this <a href="https://tatertotsandjello.com/how-to-make-10-minute-pillow-covers-for-spring/" target="_blank">10-Minute Pillow Cover tutorial</a>. The only change I made was to add an opening for the handle of the dog bed for easier moving.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm not ashamed to admit that I've been a pillow cover making fool this past year. After my first cover I was hooked because it's an easy way to change your pillows without having to store a bunch of pillows. Of course we still have more pillows in the house than Peanut Head would like. What is it about men and pillows? I love my pillows.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLSyiJjMOHiUMdox7g5JsxULpRJ52osrRsZYNDpX3ps7rK6oagflT06E00nVgCeTSZH4WadjRd6WE513qvF3Z66OuuuEzR8t_qtm-rcWYqiVTM7UPfDA8At8epekN3swhE9Fces5Z1ZM/s1600/IMG_2224.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLSyiJjMOHiUMdox7g5JsxULpRJ52osrRsZYNDpX3ps7rK6oagflT06E00nVgCeTSZH4WadjRd6WE513qvF3Z66OuuuEzR8t_qtm-rcWYqiVTM7UPfDA8At8epekN3swhE9Fces5Z1ZM/s400/IMG_2224.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the making of so many dog bed covers I decided that I really like fleece for the covers. It's super easy to work with and it still looks nice after washing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yqlciccQ7ma82YAu0Nt3cPfKeyIZ1MuF4oWhJQY2-dXjDntFUfaRqdfwVmlteXadBXFY5sYgwZPL2VxCWfBKAn0Agq_0cGtt8sunBJUt7hWbURqQSnfm0l9kMjTqKkb6-JmDv3hV7Dw/s1600/IMG_2728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yqlciccQ7ma82YAu0Nt3cPfKeyIZ1MuF4oWhJQY2-dXjDntFUfaRqdfwVmlteXadBXFY5sYgwZPL2VxCWfBKAn0Agq_0cGtt8sunBJUt7hWbURqQSnfm0l9kMjTqKkb6-JmDv3hV7Dw/s400/IMG_2728.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Plus, it's soft like my babies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHnxxaoF_MOvPOk7nqO1LSG2R3dc3Uqe8s28svjPIU5cVtKd5dEiUv8TVer5fAZWvw1XoxQqau2eiNjvItrG_dkkcYGnlLutXj49AEVlzMxCdGvZTTuvfpCMB_ri-EPXUCEgxehvhOrM/s1600/DSC_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHnxxaoF_MOvPOk7nqO1LSG2R3dc3Uqe8s28svjPIU5cVtKd5dEiUv8TVer5fAZWvw1XoxQqau2eiNjvItrG_dkkcYGnlLutXj49AEVlzMxCdGvZTTuvfpCMB_ri-EPXUCEgxehvhOrM/s400/DSC_0144.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This one isn't fleece, but I fell in love with the pattern and the color is the exact shade of yellow that I wanted for my accent color in this room.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__TEjAzOATvbLNrjQIqUA2r2FmzvsL8HlqDZMbnJZKbMIzeN4D2G8hn9vlAMsidxRoiK6LyTdSAxgqnKagywAQPkNGnH06DJPLinCfI808Zlv6cFdjwvFQSYvhYgGFTmWUqSEZugcCSI/s1600/IMG_2281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__TEjAzOATvbLNrjQIqUA2r2FmzvsL8HlqDZMbnJZKbMIzeN4D2G8hn9vlAMsidxRoiK6LyTdSAxgqnKagywAQPkNGnH06DJPLinCfI808Zlv6cFdjwvFQSYvhYgGFTmWUqSEZugcCSI/s400/IMG_2281.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also refinished our dressers and nightstands. This particular dresser was a hand me down, and although I don't love the way it looks, the drawers open and close like butter. It's hard to find good quality dressers with drawers that open and close smoothly.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2_sZbIwaV77MVVYLBRDrUZsLgZwxbS6uGD_K63MnAgk0uc_YtvHW6JdHXX0mine_VW3Q_5APQB1tA7UBN5kCSF4_r-Fnip_1UoXL6D1bUkXLiCwsNQo8jAswAMNIB4R3r1F3OANV1KE/s1600/DSC_0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="1600" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2_sZbIwaV77MVVYLBRDrUZsLgZwxbS6uGD_K63MnAgk0uc_YtvHW6JdHXX0mine_VW3Q_5APQB1tA7UBN5kCSF4_r-Fnip_1UoXL6D1bUkXLiCwsNQo8jAswAMNIB4R3r1F3OANV1KE/s400/DSC_0140.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I painted it with some cabinet paint and put some drawer pulls on it and it's a completely different dresser.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57BZLYO_pPbgjUqN9tmoZLjDghJdsWfzm6kmMEQ31L4i_Kw2STvDTpLU6-Spu3-035VxrrzPFkIxD4OJPcWK0WeSnLYPajyh4glOkRojy60GbMVwLGfl5YsYdKAoIeTSf3D1Xv_NSMIc/s1600/71F42677-0DA9-448D-802A-5DB8924B74E8.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57BZLYO_pPbgjUqN9tmoZLjDghJdsWfzm6kmMEQ31L4i_Kw2STvDTpLU6-Spu3-035VxrrzPFkIxD4OJPcWK0WeSnLYPajyh4glOkRojy60GbMVwLGfl5YsYdKAoIeTSf3D1Xv_NSMIc/s400/71F42677-0DA9-448D-802A-5DB8924B74E8.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've started folding all my clothes with the Marie Condo method and I will never go back. It's so easy to find what I'm looking for, and my drawers are never messy. I still think Marie Condo is a little whackadoodle, the way she talks to inanimate objects, but she nailed this folding method.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When Peanut Head goes out of town, or Stinkerbell goes to one of her various Civil Air Patrol camps, I sneak into their drawers and Marie Condo fold everything. They don't appreciate it, but it calms me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDm5FJhww0UPyRQ8UOvPTOj8sdpUxjdytk9rg223lzHGgmBns6cVeu8t7DO7pDeV-txSdg-jtKKHDtbQ-d7hh88O0fXOeOWd8kbGzoCpwaGcOXbj74Uufww9UJutvQ1pTEBvMGXAZrrz8/s1600/IMG_2468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDm5FJhww0UPyRQ8UOvPTOj8sdpUxjdytk9rg223lzHGgmBns6cVeu8t7DO7pDeV-txSdg-jtKKHDtbQ-d7hh88O0fXOeOWd8kbGzoCpwaGcOXbj74Uufww9UJutvQ1pTEBvMGXAZrrz8/s400/IMG_2468.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I don't have a before picture, but I painted this dresser and the hardware, distressed it, and added some trim and decorative accents. I've had this dresser since I was in high school. It even survived a house fire back in 1984. It used to have a mirror, but that didn't survive the fire. I've been looking for a mirror for it ever since and I finally found one at a consignment shop.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigL_j80fwisft0CfTz5Ch8nOKZAuMzETW4G-3hF7-ZJRkmfb-tZ6NLQaxnU0S9_07ce1ueXU7hiS2B2YqkKvvNCKZXOrX12E28xUEV9GYRZyILaDqYjyRvpkpWhZVu-sCqsbHQQhPp11g/s1600/DSC_0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigL_j80fwisft0CfTz5Ch8nOKZAuMzETW4G-3hF7-ZJRkmfb-tZ6NLQaxnU0S9_07ce1ueXU7hiS2B2YqkKvvNCKZXOrX12E28xUEV9GYRZyILaDqYjyRvpkpWhZVu-sCqsbHQQhPp11g/s400/DSC_0139.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Isn't it beautiful? It's larger than the dresser itself, and it probably weighs more too, but it's perfect. I didn't change anything about the mirror. I fell in love with it and I painted the dresser to match the mirror.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEi699rqtaj-YlG8U-c3Pu-jP3C20jWg_Pgd952Hh-tHYl7xsHXtlKw5E6lG7vf3RtlxpxWtOuQGTllGrrNSwB8zNPy75cyxoNXBqWPL5e730CzyIhBXf5IfhEbyvx1FaCDhQexG7Gyw/s1600/DSC_0151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEi699rqtaj-YlG8U-c3Pu-jP3C20jWg_Pgd952Hh-tHYl7xsHXtlKw5E6lG7vf3RtlxpxWtOuQGTllGrrNSwB8zNPy75cyxoNXBqWPL5e730CzyIhBXf5IfhEbyvx1FaCDhQexG7Gyw/s400/DSC_0151.JPG" width="280" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The previous owners left this shelf unit in my closet when they moved, but it needed a little TLC. Even though it's basically particle board with a laminate coating, it took regular latex paint just fine. A couple coats of paint and some contact paper and I was pretty happy with the result.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRaNyscItQJm-_VFR9BzJgmQJZpOrnGZZIahv27VixL7f2wb61XZSpSQA-8oJnfGdjs4LvJO1EMpT7iks1rAOS-eknxmzj8fSwmnNZaCEjAlzafMGfW6d7dO138Iqz501MC7Jt67fg5k/s1600/DSC_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRaNyscItQJm-_VFR9BzJgmQJZpOrnGZZIahv27VixL7f2wb61XZSpSQA-8oJnfGdjs4LvJO1EMpT7iks1rAOS-eknxmzj8fSwmnNZaCEjAlzafMGfW6d7dO138Iqz501MC7Jt67fg5k/s400/DSC_0150.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This area for my jewelry isn't finished yet. I want to make an earring holder and I haven't gotten around to it yet.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKidLtKKubigShB4HO_tnjCW5x8XO7wl1WoA8zYdxwqQxKJfWjTHEZbINdBcGOPC_lWqN0pHs66zemHxZp4mfbf9mhn6Euhyphenhyphen9r1WyDwHtluWRs2L28Ecf71SK44yAMRyXUgT_HZboxIX4/s1600/DSC_0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1346" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKidLtKKubigShB4HO_tnjCW5x8XO7wl1WoA8zYdxwqQxKJfWjTHEZbINdBcGOPC_lWqN0pHs66zemHxZp4mfbf9mhn6Euhyphenhyphen9r1WyDwHtluWRs2L28Ecf71SK44yAMRyXUgT_HZboxIX4/s400/DSC_0156.JPG" width="336" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After the carpet was installed, it took awhile for Peanut Head to start on the trim. Neither one of us was in a hurry as there is always something to be done around here. He even made my closet door look like a little barn door.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4P0vnRBNaKBk559DhrItJ-NUtt_zvUKHi8UFXC-Am1pj-5vvMJdnMUg5spCwTIfmU6E0QgzuuXMANNuliuSxVxAL8vnOQcoPrJDKG-gEkW940PrB1xaukHctOumbpqiqQaoea9Ux3yCE/s1600/IMG_3018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4P0vnRBNaKBk559DhrItJ-NUtt_zvUKHi8UFXC-Am1pj-5vvMJdnMUg5spCwTIfmU6E0QgzuuXMANNuliuSxVxAL8vnOQcoPrJDKG-gEkW940PrB1xaukHctOumbpqiqQaoea9Ux3yCE/s320/IMG_3018.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We've had these mission style nightstands since the late 90s, and they needed a little refreshing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnd26jSiD60KlGZhC6RsefCSJ7FjhR6qJZ4YyCZrYvtbnUrSmfHWTfcso-iTMiqCjGoAP0nLHXTIYtR1smDNzy-IIpWlMQCoawe2OGbD6rOb72ZcGnOX47qbA8qmtyULe-oYngv401CY/s1600/Bed3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnd26jSiD60KlGZhC6RsefCSJ7FjhR6qJZ4YyCZrYvtbnUrSmfHWTfcso-iTMiqCjGoAP0nLHXTIYtR1smDNzy-IIpWlMQCoawe2OGbD6rOb72ZcGnOX47qbA8qmtyULe-oYngv401CY/s400/Bed3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I painted them and added new knobs. Each nightstand has nine knobs, so I just went with a cheap contractor's pack of knobs and they look just fine.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9NfZQsEpu5_KRb_qC-k-kV3PTEDeQHUlf9r9R1N-apwKsDjc3Tuc46B1buV2wJmWpF_MsNPx63W_jNrEjBjnF19AVQrdn71vSnjEQBIn8p_NLsCN-Bd0fKSmtZytHl5lmPFH8EekVOo/s1600/DSC_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9NfZQsEpu5_KRb_qC-k-kV3PTEDeQHUlf9r9R1N-apwKsDjc3Tuc46B1buV2wJmWpF_MsNPx63W_jNrEjBjnF19AVQrdn71vSnjEQBIn8p_NLsCN-Bd0fKSmtZytHl5lmPFH8EekVOo/s400/DSC_0147.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is Peanut Head's closet and it still needs a major overhaul, but he ran out of winter days to work on it. That is not a problem. Ain't no one ever complained of running out of winter in Idaho. He'll get to it next year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He did make this little hook board to hang his farm pants on instead of laying the nasty, dirty things on the window seat all the time.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRY0P1FB3_6qi8UiPm9ViHzsH37ew-TXHtgETR-tbWQtCl2CfWh2hcz1tNrGE5fogFA538lE1xyHdjJmTH5RjPa19u-eIU2QeaUe3qV2XR34cl04QM7ZZfiEwbZLXnG8E0v_LS92ud1c/s1600/DSC_0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRY0P1FB3_6qi8UiPm9ViHzsH37ew-TXHtgETR-tbWQtCl2CfWh2hcz1tNrGE5fogFA538lE1xyHdjJmTH5RjPa19u-eIU2QeaUe3qV2XR34cl04QM7ZZfiEwbZLXnG8E0v_LS92ud1c/s400/DSC_0138.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It took me awhile to get things hung on the walls. I think that's one of the hardest decisions to make in a room because it takes some playing around with and <i><span style="font-size: large;">holes</span></i>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2TZJEGAjTAiZp8LNToAuK9Q8TD-q3-ocDZHyVp0BrSy-QITeXa0y6aLq_PI89LPDkIT1Z1cVqAy7crVRKYtstuB2K0-mPqaYwQbFaNc0Lm4KMSCPZiJnWkFcj8RYNVBoSUcTCllb_74/s1600/DSC_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2TZJEGAjTAiZp8LNToAuK9Q8TD-q3-ocDZHyVp0BrSy-QITeXa0y6aLq_PI89LPDkIT1Z1cVqAy7crVRKYtstuB2K0-mPqaYwQbFaNc0Lm4KMSCPZiJnWkFcj8RYNVBoSUcTCllb_74/s320/DSC_0142.JPG" width="307" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's our new and improved window seat. You know I bought some pillows for it and made some new covers for them, don't you?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also ordered cushions from <a href="http://patiolane.com/" target="_blank">Patio Lane</a> and I love them. They're made with Sunbrella fabric so they won't fade and they have zippers! Now I can take the covers off and wash them. That makes me happy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The folks at Patio Lane were super nice to work with and they called me when they had questions and to let me know when they shipped. I wasn't paid to say any of that either.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMS58GlGYdrfI62qkfFY-51nibAGDu_NgV4u-VYGy4LdfdiKYcsw6I4cKd8b9X08IOzMGuqfHvhaptQbyHowMObCUXSC0pv2X5Gdlu6eICuz9ftETlvwjQczRHEPNnjYSGaM-0vsKxOas/s1600/Bed1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1600" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMS58GlGYdrfI62qkfFY-51nibAGDu_NgV4u-VYGy4LdfdiKYcsw6I4cKd8b9X08IOzMGuqfHvhaptQbyHowMObCUXSC0pv2X5Gdlu6eICuz9ftETlvwjQczRHEPNnjYSGaM-0vsKxOas/s400/Bed1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The buffalo check bedding came from Bed, Bath, & Beyond and the grey quilt came from <a href="https://www.potterybarn.com/products/velvet-medallion-coverlet-quilt-sham/?pkey=s%7Cmedallion%20quilt%7C16" target="_blank">Pottery Barn</a> before it was on sale. I actually got it for my birthday over a year ago, and I stored it in my closet until we had the new carpet installed. Originally I had them switched so the buffalo check quilt was folded at the foot of the bed, but the grey quilt is slippery because the fabric is velvety. We'd be sleeping at night and the buffalo check quilt would just slide right off the bed like it was catching a wave. Not fun in winter.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqY_Vw1WFMum9eMBZ7aNeRFcj9QicoKXOhaIQI6pMLDVzsm5OwYuOQkUbdCwRvOUjMG_JfC3g55YB1ZfG2tN79XMXQT7PQPCrtIUjCxu2rZl2GdV8UdfzU9ACX-nEutDPp2guB8QQkkw/s1600/Bed4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqY_Vw1WFMum9eMBZ7aNeRFcj9QicoKXOhaIQI6pMLDVzsm5OwYuOQkUbdCwRvOUjMG_JfC3g55YB1ZfG2tN79XMXQT7PQPCrtIUjCxu2rZl2GdV8UdfzU9ACX-nEutDPp2guB8QQkkw/s640/Bed4.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I made the <a href="https://www.biscuitsandburlap.com/diy-bedskirt/" target="_blank">bed skirt</a> using another Pinterest tutorial, and yes, I made some more pillow covers. Peanut Head complains when he has to take them off the bed at night, but we're not super dependable about making our bed every day, so he doesn't complain <i>that much</i>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I still need to post about our home gym and our living room which are also mostly finished, so look out for those soon.</div>
Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-38149197789203291502020-04-22T21:22:00.001-06:002020-04-22T21:22:18.110-06:00Hello Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxz4XSbyPsdtaRSiXbQjY-dH1F2KUD9SZ4Mld6fNX4-Wzm3K5HJLEJNVClnJTgjGXLWMvRKX3NolM0zYDMzXWGRVuWMifXaAU-223ifP-6MKYOdAd4Oz2PrsFMAXb15iB131aHdK2-Gg/s1600/3ie8nwcrRRCQnlQ5bXrX0Q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxz4XSbyPsdtaRSiXbQjY-dH1F2KUD9SZ4Mld6fNX4-Wzm3K5HJLEJNVClnJTgjGXLWMvRKX3NolM0zYDMzXWGRVuWMifXaAU-223ifP-6MKYOdAd4Oz2PrsFMAXb15iB131aHdK2-Gg/s400/3ie8nwcrRRCQnlQ5bXrX0Q.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
We've had a couple very nice spring days recently. Saturday and Sunday were glorious and I was outside the entire weekend. The sunshine really helped my mood.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Idaho currently has 1,802 confirmed cases of Covid-19</span></b>. We're hanging in there, not increasing exponentially. We're still under a Stay at Home order until May 1st to slow the spread. We are expecting that things will not just <i>go back to normal.</i> We're going to be fighting this virus throughout this year and into the next until we have a vaccine. People are getting anxious and restless. Many people are in trouble financially.<br />
<br />
The girls are <i>not</i> enjoying doing school online. It's boring and difficult to focus, and it's definitely not easier. If anything, it's more difficult. They will not be going back for the remainder of this school year. There are whisperings of universities not opening again until 2021.<br />
<br />
It's easy to forget there is a pandemic going on when we don't live in town. We tend to be homebodies anyway, so weekends at least, are very normal for us. We're always working, working, working on the farm, and we tend to not drive into town unless we have to. The big difference for us is that we are now working from home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobqN3tCN2wq1utNbcFHGXq-7_BGCa01XNaosmCx9Gq-2hWeaT-qzrETGgV2UB-aR6o_Nl0E7TV_Jm3RbfsMrt8Hojj1CsAEpXzy-xJX49hEZKt0SXFDWDLvU3fZyUhJKt7nD3_BYdX0Q/s1600/4JWS1JIXSXeMnBmRxelcBA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobqN3tCN2wq1utNbcFHGXq-7_BGCa01XNaosmCx9Gq-2hWeaT-qzrETGgV2UB-aR6o_Nl0E7TV_Jm3RbfsMrt8Hojj1CsAEpXzy-xJX49hEZKt0SXFDWDLvU3fZyUhJKt7nD3_BYdX0Q/s400/4JWS1JIXSXeMnBmRxelcBA.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We got out for our weekly hike, and this time we went to Craters of the Moon. It's closed to traffic, but you can hike four miles in on a paved road to get to the hiking trail Peanut Head picked.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We did.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebQjpXlp1_EH4TKmgqPl_hH5nM42IP26T0qniTs_ZpfXxsZsG5Vw1l5xy2UDUWTpUxlZlhgbNC6X3ZiDl_g7SU2HFfOWFSi1gM4Yy3b9QsaWD-4VMu8pA271gWi2YTVwiZM3LwgIU3yM/s1600/hMIszU%252BpRjSyGrj6PbzaKw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebQjpXlp1_EH4TKmgqPl_hH5nM42IP26T0qniTs_ZpfXxsZsG5Vw1l5xy2UDUWTpUxlZlhgbNC6X3ZiDl_g7SU2HFfOWFSi1gM4Yy3b9QsaWD-4VMu8pA271gWi2YTVwiZM3LwgIU3yM/s400/hMIszU%252BpRjSyGrj6PbzaKw.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some spots were snow covered, but it was mostly passable. Not like last week.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeaYq1J-GQFbdp9Gnfd5jRD8kCL7-OjQKlM0GwR1YMvMgYS1FGAZH_CRgHlubDu_X8JuYr366bMKGUwT05mbvWmgH9T1AR9KX4y0YIRT6h1EyyhoEEh2w7V__UBrEy2FcbcxkuM2JYvg/s1600/MTfbk%2525UdTKa4WKJxd7hvRA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeaYq1J-GQFbdp9Gnfd5jRD8kCL7-OjQKlM0GwR1YMvMgYS1FGAZH_CRgHlubDu_X8JuYr366bMKGUwT05mbvWmgH9T1AR9KX4y0YIRT6h1EyyhoEEh2w7V__UBrEy2FcbcxkuM2JYvg/s400/MTfbk%2525UdTKa4WKJxd7hvRA.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once we got to the trail, Baney and I said good-bye to our sweet family and hobbled back to the car.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39X-qqMAF1oAM3JhiPrL9-QfwTuoe2POikr7cRfEQKoE8fAleF3QMUl9-yRt1XhnntitS8V2N5uf8Kw3X9w8yewfzR2RObTptX6EzWUGaEbh0xHwByWh8g_8qh-5S4WF1KtrWAXYT514/s1600/HKJi%2525sgYS4qNVrFOTFW5yA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39X-qqMAF1oAM3JhiPrL9-QfwTuoe2POikr7cRfEQKoE8fAleF3QMUl9-yRt1XhnntitS8V2N5uf8Kw3X9w8yewfzR2RObTptX6EzWUGaEbh0xHwByWh8g_8qh-5S4WF1KtrWAXYT514/s400/HKJi%2525sgYS4qNVrFOTFW5yA.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm so glad I didn't go all the way with them. My portion of the hike was 8 miles and they went 13 miles. I went to bed at 8 p.m. that day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeTpr5YgNx2Y3B0D8FB2oy2CaHCHkJfr8CmCXYxFbqqJNomU2IaC5VIyry4KuB43EAGopu9VTmw9888fHk3zc1NrIH3hYYFKF0FSSz0kfNg_gJbH5-brIOdIL-4OaHKnZNo70_h3Cw1c/s1600/PKzpNCXUTy%252BSJSmYzq46gQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeTpr5YgNx2Y3B0D8FB2oy2CaHCHkJfr8CmCXYxFbqqJNomU2IaC5VIyry4KuB43EAGopu9VTmw9888fHk3zc1NrIH3hYYFKF0FSSz0kfNg_gJbH5-brIOdIL-4OaHKnZNo70_h3Cw1c/s400/PKzpNCXUTy%252BSJSmYzq46gQ.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's my secret to get Baney to look into the camera when I'm trying to get a selfie with him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoegPFsk87ZiBn6-dvGMgRpm-EPeUu0sWN9X6L3YDvg53YGMxr8LmF_55qkQ54621V3Po2HwyHZMxWh89s9IqKcCgv7KL7szcaefjODwvW8PlWcKHIbTO6jcBIa4ufR8Zl7PE9aRxH2qc/s1600/z4VJm6ehSb6%252BWTTAs0eu4Q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoegPFsk87ZiBn6-dvGMgRpm-EPeUu0sWN9X6L3YDvg53YGMxr8LmF_55qkQ54621V3Po2HwyHZMxWh89s9IqKcCgv7KL7szcaefjODwvW8PlWcKHIbTO6jcBIa4ufR8Zl7PE9aRxH2qc/s400/z4VJm6ehSb6%252BWTTAs0eu4Q.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's another project I started at the "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Farm." We have wanted to do something about widening our driveway since we moved into this house because our driveway is not as wide as the garage. That means that when Peanut Head pulls in and out of his side of the garage, he has to drive on part of the lawn. The current driveway was the width of the old garage which is now our master bedroom. I think. I'm speculating, but all the clues point to that explanation. Sort of. There are <i>a lot</i> of things about this house that don't make any sense at all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduEUai1q2jeCFVxvCdQfHDfCN-F7haFjGC9UN38bbX0cvrSRDR_7G6zJU0SxESSFH30aw1lycLGPYmQgwfc6irwQ_kIq_BxuQ81g69Du38VtwZXU-Wf6946GSaLiNJlxVjriCgse0CsE/s1600/K7ODBGKzRzeqeDBG44FiLw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduEUai1q2jeCFVxvCdQfHDfCN-F7haFjGC9UN38bbX0cvrSRDR_7G6zJU0SxESSFH30aw1lycLGPYmQgwfc6irwQ_kIq_BxuQ81g69Du38VtwZXU-Wf6946GSaLiNJlxVjriCgse0CsE/s400/K7ODBGKzRzeqeDBG44FiLw.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Peanut Head used the walking tractor to till most of the grass we need to remove, but we had to do the edges by hand. Well, with a shovel.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhDOFoEa3spq0BwyXvonCdf7qj7IDPuXp8vMVzs9shuQP0Qu1oUIjz4TYqsAyPABC0eLzOiD2b5TzOpRe5npoj1Rvylq5MNwbqeqkKjoxa2_2wMgcRnqbxq3bjR8PQJMinBrt11AIo_0/s1600/nUQTY0S1SHKgOtVh2qOwdQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhDOFoEa3spq0BwyXvonCdf7qj7IDPuXp8vMVzs9shuQP0Qu1oUIjz4TYqsAyPABC0eLzOiD2b5TzOpRe5npoj1Rvylq5MNwbqeqkKjoxa2_2wMgcRnqbxq3bjR8PQJMinBrt11AIo_0/s400/nUQTY0S1SHKgOtVh2qOwdQ.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This picture is looking out of the garage from inside so you can really see how narrow the driveway is compared to the garage.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYzKvV_DdVneq0-s-yG6-FQ7apIqeKE_Pn3KrNPcvv_EjI0xO99HXzAzabRVUlr_OkWaBmEuLmdbTB0BX9uphIUQQo1VCX9oUpb6VVfUZB8BylcI36k4hfR3OpG9_UdtE73tLlGSc-vM/s1600/CGw6jV2CQ323qzQhaagY4Q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYzKvV_DdVneq0-s-yG6-FQ7apIqeKE_Pn3KrNPcvv_EjI0xO99HXzAzabRVUlr_OkWaBmEuLmdbTB0BX9uphIUQQo1VCX9oUpb6VVfUZB8BylcI36k4hfR3OpG9_UdtE73tLlGSc-vM/s400/CGw6jV2CQ323qzQhaagY4Q.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Peanut Head is going to level those red pavers as the new edge of the driveway, and we will fill the rest in with gravel. At some point we may cover it with asphalt or concrete, but for now we're going to do this because it's cheap and we already have the gravel.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WJ6rPnmUFarlBTwcytK14AtYsHwYiz03QakfjGSWhInMIYImYBPoRwl1aBtvBVKD32D50SHsBOE1l3enehzBOyueBGG88FW9geDuMZgiACZPtTs8lZkuj3GqR6NnYn9EMtTEwibTEjw/s1600/xJ%252BSR6t0TdmkmvKWruVsnw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WJ6rPnmUFarlBTwcytK14AtYsHwYiz03QakfjGSWhInMIYImYBPoRwl1aBtvBVKD32D50SHsBOE1l3enehzBOyueBGG88FW9geDuMZgiACZPtTs8lZkuj3GqR6NnYn9EMtTEwibTEjw/s400/xJ%252BSR6t0TdmkmvKWruVsnw.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were also able to work in another planting area and round out the lawn with another mowing strip. I planted a rose bush for now, but I'd like to add some bulbs as well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's not finished, but I'm hoping it will be finished by the time I do my next post. That will depend largely on the weather. Stay tuned.</div>
Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-20898346944159978772020-04-12T15:53:00.002-06:002020-04-22T20:08:17.519-06:00Out With the Old and in with the New OCD Easter Bunny<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RG0T_srcFpcZ995P5-AiOQhAZ4rKci-U7M0pbA11erbtdb-l1GuAS6v1nZh2n8HXKZwenMKrhKghFg8iRzlaMwc21Ka8B0ECKIcb7NsUM-N7cL8CWu3xyhshCiWaRlJme2ype1DO58w/s1600/IMG_3014.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="1600" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RG0T_srcFpcZ995P5-AiOQhAZ4rKci-U7M0pbA11erbtdb-l1GuAS6v1nZh2n8HXKZwenMKrhKghFg8iRzlaMwc21Ka8B0ECKIcb7NsUM-N7cL8CWu3xyhshCiWaRlJme2ype1DO58w/s320/IMG_3014.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've had serious problems with our Easter Bunny in the past. I first documented those problems back in 2009 when <a href="https://www.controllingmychaos.com/2009/04/its-so-hard-to-find-good-help-these.html" target="_blank">the Easter Bunny completely failed to come</a>. Then in 2011 <a href="https://www.controllingmychaos.com/2011/04/blue-thunder-easter-bunny-and-other.html" target="_blank">Stinky started to ruin the magic</a> with her skepticism. Finally, in 2012 Zoe learned that <a href="https://www.controllingmychaos.com/2012/04/extreme-sport-of-lying-to-my-offspring.html" target="_blank">I am a Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But now, for 2020, I think we've finally found an Easter Bunny we can rely on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's Stinkerbell. Last night she came into my bedroom with the Easter baskets in tow. She proceeded to fill the baskets with grass and then she went to my super secret hiding spot in my closet and pulled out all the Easter goodies. Too many of them. Peanut Head goes a little overboard when he buys candy. 😉</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I didn't stop her because why? I'm always frantically putting the baskets together last minute anyway, and she looked like she wanted this thing to go off without a hitch. So okay, knock yourself out, Sister.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4H62oQhVDIl-WJfu24bNtb8kcIuKbq-q0c4qnisDvn4me9A3nz-uRU_cjcmLCAFy2wWRqBkWYIEmcVZrHaqPuxcvmrme9ku2f13_1kUaG_7kDKCDpOYkQ0Mwj4IBGe_ZtrcQTU6i9gT4/s1600/IMG_3015.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4H62oQhVDIl-WJfu24bNtb8kcIuKbq-q0c4qnisDvn4me9A3nz-uRU_cjcmLCAFy2wWRqBkWYIEmcVZrHaqPuxcvmrme9ku2f13_1kUaG_7kDKCDpOYkQ0Mwj4IBGe_ZtrcQTU6i9gT4/s400/IMG_3015.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>"I'm not going to put the jelly beans in the grass like you always do, Mom. That's gross."</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Really? That's the way the Easter Bunny has always done it, but whatever, this is her gig now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I sort of love the way that she put the jelly beans in their own baggies. 💕</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So today is Easter. It's not a normal Easter, obviously, but it's by no means a bad Easter. We aren't having our usual friends over because of the Shelter in Place, but it's okay. We're together and that's what matters. I have a ham in the oven, and we're just keeping it low key.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've been sheltered in place for three weeks now, going out only for supplies. <span style="color: blue;"><b>Idaho had 1,407 confirmed cases of Covid-19 as of the end of the day yesterday</b></span>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We went to Sam's Club yesterday to pick up goat cheese. Stinkerbell is turning 17 this week and she requested a cheesecake for her birthday instead of the usual chocolate cake. I have an awesome recipe for <a href="https://www.controllingmychaos.com/2010/09/lemon-shortbread-cheesecake.html" target="_blank">cheesecake with a lemon shortbread crust</a> using goat cheese as well as the usual cream cheese. It might sound weird, but it is <i>AMAZING</i>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So we grabbed the goat cheese at Sam's Club and we were walking away when we saw this gigondo bottle of hand sanitizer, locked down with a cable to the sink unit. That's how bad the crazies have gotten I guess.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Hm45TZHs4bAhzCPlVkM0iPLnaWXoWemG4ikuDCsTHbEWh2PBnl8VRk814JJQ0SbzFpC3AytRA2Ayg_wMhWNo8Je0PrEogAl-c-OxZsht6uljZ3XStydVPtOcPGZ5N-fvuj3tGHNYJA0/s1600/IMG_3010.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1372" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Hm45TZHs4bAhzCPlVkM0iPLnaWXoWemG4ikuDCsTHbEWh2PBnl8VRk814JJQ0SbzFpC3AytRA2Ayg_wMhWNo8Je0PrEogAl-c-OxZsht6uljZ3XStydVPtOcPGZ5N-fvuj3tGHNYJA0/s400/IMG_3010.jpeg" width="342" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday I read an article in the CNN Business section titled "Walmart CEO says we're in the 'hair color" phase of panic buying." No lie. I have been seeing and hearing a lot of commercials for hair color, and it's about that time when people are starting to need their grooming appointments.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can already see it in the Zoom work meetings. We're all devolving from perfectly presentable people into Muppets. Men are growing facial hair and people are willingly exposing their poor fashion choices. We're all covered in dog hair and we don't care. Not only will 2020 be remembed for the Great Toilet Paper Shortage, but also the No Dress Code Enforced period. I'm still wearing jeans everyday, but I feel like I could be on a slippery slope. Like, I don't even have enough sweatpants to properly capitalize on this opportunity.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I know that some of the online meeting platforms have a feature where you can blur out the background, but we need one that will blur us out and bring the background sharply into focus. Can the IT guys get on that?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmPSbu4yuomxDeeT4cEDGL_aNp09bnYDbon1dBBb-X4bM5XBNobc4OuVvotRFNV1sEJ1B09IyB_ZW7JZ7z7YONM-raX_yj535n6vcY70bPHpISWs2I6f6ttXZxNYw3bzrcz-s1UhV-vM/s1600/FA4B39A4-460B-4EF5-8D01-9BAA42545EDB.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmPSbu4yuomxDeeT4cEDGL_aNp09bnYDbon1dBBb-X4bM5XBNobc4OuVvotRFNV1sEJ1B09IyB_ZW7JZ7z7YONM-raX_yj535n6vcY70bPHpISWs2I6f6ttXZxNYw3bzrcz-s1UhV-vM/s400/FA4B39A4-460B-4EF5-8D01-9BAA42545EDB.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In other news, Spring has moodily arrived. We had a few really nice days this week and I accidentally took a few longer than normal lunches. This was my hibernating strawberry patch.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqfuhsARI7bQrn1Q8WBaLZpgPPnnvH8X9d9lApePIcKXuInG58gaDe9BRWDQqL7qSDXSfD5SqCSi28-Z0aKhPmCDGB5U4MSKAdm4s0v_04jD401srHD_ye37ZauL4QQhTe24hSfSREdk/s1600/550D181F-D7D3-4F3C-A9C2-930BDB94FFD9.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqfuhsARI7bQrn1Q8WBaLZpgPPnnvH8X9d9lApePIcKXuInG58gaDe9BRWDQqL7qSDXSfD5SqCSi28-Z0aKhPmCDGB5U4MSKAdm4s0v_04jD401srHD_ye37ZauL4QQhTe24hSfSREdk/s400/550D181F-D7D3-4F3C-A9C2-930BDB94FFD9.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is it after my long lunch hour removing the mulch. My next task here is to move them to the new beds that Peanut Head made for them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLFP9SQs-BIxkF7ua0XoA_9O9jHQ6zpZqIGwRiUQ4lu4iPHRY8nUeO_op6O6Cw0fk1_QOS2Uz_VCQvVcPt3E-Tcu3-A2jO7eY_BfZzcYfnNeES8jY0XRmEKzqlmKvofJktB4mgNXYyn4/s1600/00048D6D-509E-4D68-A10F-27C82076435F.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLFP9SQs-BIxkF7ua0XoA_9O9jHQ6zpZqIGwRiUQ4lu4iPHRY8nUeO_op6O6Cw0fk1_QOS2Uz_VCQvVcPt3E-Tcu3-A2jO7eY_BfZzcYfnNeES8jY0XRmEKzqlmKvofJktB4mgNXYyn4/s400/00048D6D-509E-4D68-A10F-27C82076435F.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Right here. It's not happening for a few days because Spring is having a fit right now and I'm a weather wimp.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGHNWt65l7srX6pL27_zdNiIC4J6UwqUMtxuPvbHgqFXhVI4Nv-ya-kvMZMwQ5kU016e2D0CSi7xKrgWfGt8Zul3EJgqHy3QaN_ttlIgsIdeUSxsQmRb0dN1WQhughP06gWTI-DpaK_k/s1600/0D577E5B-6C2A-4657-8C38-0EF7815C39D8.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGHNWt65l7srX6pL27_zdNiIC4J6UwqUMtxuPvbHgqFXhVI4Nv-ya-kvMZMwQ5kU016e2D0CSi7xKrgWfGt8Zul3EJgqHy3QaN_ttlIgsIdeUSxsQmRb0dN1WQhughP06gWTI-DpaK_k/s400/0D577E5B-6C2A-4657-8C38-0EF7815C39D8.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Peanut Head has been rearranging planting beds so he can fit some more in the garden. I feel like we might actually be ready to plant on time this year instead of last minute like our pants are on fire. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh, that's another thing. Seed companies are overwhelmed and they can't keep up with the demand. It seems everyone wants to plant a garden this year. You can't complain about that. Gardens are awesome.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiE-3_Z1bErI1pbmgpgG_DxQdjfIDBUSRuLQ9h0bnGyMDkkSIfaDG8KXJ17BK_YRMhvZY4YfElGUo16OEo43nbXCT0-zYG0WRpL3Bq2ksZA0HsORRmk1dx_TLE_epPOhl3g3r3vFVrGE/s1600/66AFB34A-7040-4DF6-9E26-725A61714049.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiE-3_Z1bErI1pbmgpgG_DxQdjfIDBUSRuLQ9h0bnGyMDkkSIfaDG8KXJ17BK_YRMhvZY4YfElGUo16OEo43nbXCT0-zYG0WRpL3Bq2ksZA0HsORRmk1dx_TLE_epPOhl3g3r3vFVrGE/s400/66AFB34A-7040-4DF6-9E26-725A61714049.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Baney likes to hang out with me when I'm working outside. I like how he's using one of my bricks as a pillow. Hey, I'm just glad he's not in my lap. He's a very needy baby.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GmmKN8SaIu6U2Imr1_qqEhqWprb4cQJG5Zot0-28kI_EL3wi_FBNVu0-4VOWXz-UxgPhYJdPWLEx3xP2Mc6pPPBqKwjwYeO9gEsfN2Dq8T5PI_8T18yn6rJIayJsNL4QrRrqC1SQgoI/s1600/A3584F3B-3829-429A-9A61-F875F2728130.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GmmKN8SaIu6U2Imr1_qqEhqWprb4cQJG5Zot0-28kI_EL3wi_FBNVu0-4VOWXz-UxgPhYJdPWLEx3xP2Mc6pPPBqKwjwYeO9gEsfN2Dq8T5PI_8T18yn6rJIayJsNL4QrRrqC1SQgoI/s400/A3584F3B-3829-429A-9A61-F875F2728130.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We went on our second hike for Zoe's now online hiking class. I need to see if I can get a credit for this class because it is going to kill me. I am not the woman I once was.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This time we went hiking in Pocatello, and as you can tell by this parking lot picture, we were the only people there. I'm sure it had nothing to do with the fact that the trail was snowed in hither and tither.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkW7QUrhQB9X7JMoDq4CLH68TblYLbD3ZoMwlW7VhMQNC6mGxuBCkCpJtIFZniD75xvWhF4MmwE1RpGlQkhgVK2figjNtTxIF50SubVQlR5szcSdx2FRQsnjwvdhp_PvAd_7epPgmTKQ/s1600/B2D43B14-1183-4B0B-9FD5-48A5CCC43E14.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkW7QUrhQB9X7JMoDq4CLH68TblYLbD3ZoMwlW7VhMQNC6mGxuBCkCpJtIFZniD75xvWhF4MmwE1RpGlQkhgVK2figjNtTxIF50SubVQlR5szcSdx2FRQsnjwvdhp_PvAd_7epPgmTKQ/s400/B2D43B14-1183-4B0B-9FD5-48A5CCC43E14.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I know that here everything looks great and the day is sunny and beautiful.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_P2rKZLn3ByHj3CvET8Sy9rdl35R7BBIceENUiNfgz1oc1_bHC2wpYQ_AUJBeLN8Bbky2S4GUSvisd4DJAbVKV-aMa9VdnlYnks9t3RA8zll6W9UNY6rrgcRcn_CgaaiAzKgjd9ejIxQ/s1600/81D0BFCB-C039-4EA3-BAB2-D1B17A8B8DDF.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_P2rKZLn3ByHj3CvET8Sy9rdl35R7BBIceENUiNfgz1oc1_bHC2wpYQ_AUJBeLN8Bbky2S4GUSvisd4DJAbVKV-aMa9VdnlYnks9t3RA8zll6W9UNY6rrgcRcn_CgaaiAzKgjd9ejIxQ/s400/81D0BFCB-C039-4EA3-BAB2-D1B17A8B8DDF.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
An actual sign with directions. Already this is better than last week's hike.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-EOHktrSb8gYR4P3oGXTXAtOrLs9U5Z7imlS457_4R9YjjLc5oUNoM13s90ZsO3msQhCguM_osjwV065HLOTWQEd6MLcSxASv5T5H76KdnbSbAif8-le0ZR-61KiNmMqv7uKTvDF55g/s1600/1EAD61E6-FFD8-4DAA-AE8E-130420F9119E.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-EOHktrSb8gYR4P3oGXTXAtOrLs9U5Z7imlS457_4R9YjjLc5oUNoM13s90ZsO3msQhCguM_osjwV065HLOTWQEd6MLcSxASv5T5H76KdnbSbAif8-le0ZR-61KiNmMqv7uKTvDF55g/s320/1EAD61E6-FFD8-4DAA-AE8E-130420F9119E.heic" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The trail is very obvious and we did not have to squint our eyes to decide which way it was supposed to go next. <i>"Is it here, or there? Is it anywhere?"</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03pz-tHgfV_Nh2tEhyRXliM9Bbz3eVoZF2X07lg6iGYJkrtM_F6zJZRZ4QvNR62kToktNfkOrtGJlSBrd_YxRLFRlNk8RKzQZDpaLEjsg0HD2I_CzS_fKgMwC5tDY1tpKxcmq5E166CI/s1600/591305DE-1EB9-4394-AD1E-A60785DAF620.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03pz-tHgfV_Nh2tEhyRXliM9Bbz3eVoZF2X07lg6iGYJkrtM_F6zJZRZ4QvNR62kToktNfkOrtGJlSBrd_YxRLFRlNk8RKzQZDpaLEjsg0HD2I_CzS_fKgMwC5tDY1tpKxcmq5E166CI/s400/591305DE-1EB9-4394-AD1E-A60785DAF620.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Best of all, it wasn't too terribly steep too quickly.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRbUUwsMm5HOUQ5_mqt0QYRiD4EHdCqq0YhHt2mxpi79hMcb84e5QUL8hr7KPA61pyuTiFkj5CLA_b8hG5svUaJCcv81uufXCcnPoSaOBK8UVIRT6hzNHhS2cb1d8E46DDkSJYjWIbnU/s1600/85963712-3B6D-4FA6-A5A2-077711AC9AE7.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRbUUwsMm5HOUQ5_mqt0QYRiD4EHdCqq0YhHt2mxpi79hMcb84e5QUL8hr7KPA61pyuTiFkj5CLA_b8hG5svUaJCcv81uufXCcnPoSaOBK8UVIRT6hzNHhS2cb1d8E46DDkSJYjWIbnU/s400/85963712-3B6D-4FA6-A5A2-077711AC9AE7.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We did make Baney pack his own water this time. The slacker.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And then I stopped taking pictures. Because we started running into sections of trail which were covered by snow. And I am not a graceful person. I fell down, on my butt, in the snow, 87 times. Perhaps you are thinking no big deal? In places the snow was more than a foot deep, so I could not just stand up. Being no longer the woman I once was, I had to roll over onto my hands and knees and slowly, awkwardly, right myself. Sometimes only to fall again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While my family was laughing. Mostly trying not to laugh, but you know how you can see it in their eyes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One time Stinky fell and she was all "Mom! See, I fell too!" [don't you feel better because I also suck at this?]</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's the thing though, her one time was 87 to the zero power compared to my falling. It did not make me feel better.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Peanut Head kept insisting that it would get better up ahead. It did not.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hDnlNrCfzEZZMtuBUYIv233SiBn_b554qJnGApEaNfWRcLdROerWhJjWA36gaRPT0L_dePb0nJp3f3EXvFLZXOtjoD8tzoVkXJlX49Dj1h18tIbpC8-IGZ8B2GhBNjMU-vYXYL_qXWQ/s1600/4FC8BD73-A979-431C-99AE-DDA2B063DEF6.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hDnlNrCfzEZZMtuBUYIv233SiBn_b554qJnGApEaNfWRcLdROerWhJjWA36gaRPT0L_dePb0nJp3f3EXvFLZXOtjoD8tzoVkXJlX49Dj1h18tIbpC8-IGZ8B2GhBNjMU-vYXYL_qXWQ/s320/4FC8BD73-A979-431C-99AE-DDA2B063DEF6.heic" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I took this picture because this is where I sat down and said I was not going any further dammit, unless it was back the way I came. As you can see it was only 3.25 miles after an hour and 45 minutes, much of it horizontal, but also at the end of my rope.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lsC8dkrD7P5GE2ZQw_8Ey4i94tjW9sA2F-95b0R0pjeGF-K1qICfzQuQDdFJCv5eqcCkam4MGgLiKDcel_xDOOHSKb0Z7GaDL1_hJIoh3uavb6NGD8hh0uN10g9611_o6tlpMkhd6pc/s1600/15A83210-27CC-42DC-83F2-A55E0F82CE31.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lsC8dkrD7P5GE2ZQw_8Ey4i94tjW9sA2F-95b0R0pjeGF-K1qICfzQuQDdFJCv5eqcCkam4MGgLiKDcel_xDOOHSKb0Z7GaDL1_hJIoh3uavb6NGD8hh0uN10g9611_o6tlpMkhd6pc/s400/15A83210-27CC-42DC-83F2-A55E0F82CE31.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I took this picture because this is where I filed for divorce. I'm going to miss that man. He is such a handy guy.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSThCBod5NAAWbe6wbvTjaBr5ui88LWh6swBb5hyphenhypheni6doACQwjFnp08jZMgdMW6ao34_pznZqMGGflmu9n3kg56ssCsORE4qY1MWb7L46Wm9MHNvYMEGDoBjJoLY5GBJqioTBdCXlWcRo/s1600/041DBB1C-9CEF-47FE-AD90-A6A7F3BEB8DB.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSThCBod5NAAWbe6wbvTjaBr5ui88LWh6swBb5hyphenhypheni6doACQwjFnp08jZMgdMW6ao34_pznZqMGGflmu9n3kg56ssCsORE4qY1MWb7L46Wm9MHNvYMEGDoBjJoLY5GBJqioTBdCXlWcRo/s400/041DBB1C-9CEF-47FE-AD90-A6A7F3BEB8DB.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I sort of love this picture because it shows that Stinky was tired from the hike. I felt a little bit validated. Never mind that she was running circles around me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also, Peanut Head partook of the Aleve with me that night. I still love him.</div>
Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-32326646244375165562020-04-06T20:40:00.001-06:002020-04-06T20:46:18.908-06:00Losing Track of Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJ6fMT6aQAQgn_qqZ9DrzrWQhJxTc-mxEA5ZUXcyImtbuQUqvJNviaaqYYJo0TBVucczBBbyJ-CCpYkRmVYVpaZv8tDW2MtfKqxvfd7EDRqAgA9HPwapfONz3N7xCI0wh3XM64WQTMa0/s1600/E88E09C4-9178-4545-82D4-905218422881.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJ6fMT6aQAQgn_qqZ9DrzrWQhJxTc-mxEA5ZUXcyImtbuQUqvJNviaaqYYJo0TBVucczBBbyJ-CCpYkRmVYVpaZv8tDW2MtfKqxvfd7EDRqAgA9HPwapfONz3N7xCI0wh3XM64WQTMa0/s400/E88E09C4-9178-4545-82D4-905218422881.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
It seems like I was just here posting, but I look at my calendar and it's been a week. <span style="color: blue;"><b>Idaho currently has 1,170 confirmed cases of Covid-19.</b></span> That number is just an illusion. We (our country) <i>still </i>don't have enough test kits, and we are <i>still</i> only testing people that check all the boxes as far as symptoms go. If someone dies of Covid-19 and they were never tested, they <i>still</i> do not get tested. Not tested means<i> not reported.</i> There's no comfort in that number. We know it's far worse than what is reported.<br />
<br />
New York has 131,916 cases and 8,898 deaths now! It's terrifying.<br />
<br />
Mostly I try not to dwell on our situation and how unprepared we are as a country. Being at home we have lost all track of time. Weekends do not feel like weekends, and weekdays do not feel like weekdays, despite the fact that we are all working or studying from home.<br />
<br />
Spring has arrived and that is something to smile about. It's been rainy and gloomy, but the light is changing, and it's starting to green up outside. I love Spring.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyS7VRcA2QCRIKp31TLy4-YKDwny8ZBuo6IoamUZTOopswXz1Sqh_5nChr87TKgc4eEwBxFG_Zyx0PtErWMw5w2M6eCUVE8QkyOTIG3OHFJYRZgavYA7kjGGSpMJ8TvEMeLkAjRIC-rE/s1600/83E21663-4D29-43D2-96B7-8E6595C33806.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyS7VRcA2QCRIKp31TLy4-YKDwny8ZBuo6IoamUZTOopswXz1Sqh_5nChr87TKgc4eEwBxFG_Zyx0PtErWMw5w2M6eCUVE8QkyOTIG3OHFJYRZgavYA7kjGGSpMJ8TvEMeLkAjRIC-rE/s400/83E21663-4D29-43D2-96B7-8E6595C33806.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending that people wear homemade cloth masks when they have to leave their houses for essential supplies. This is so that people who have the disease and don't exhibit symptoms and/or don't know they are infected cannot infect others. It doesn't protect the person wearing the mask from catching the virus, but it <i>is </i>a good reminder not to touch your face.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I made masks like this for my family, and I'm continuing to make more for others until I run out of elastic and fusible interfacing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Wearing an N95 mask can protect you from catching the virus they are in short supply and must only be used by health care workers and first responders. There isn't enough personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers and it's ugly.</div>
<br />
Working at home is weird. After the first day I really struggled to stay focused. Today was better, but it's so isolating. I'm thankful for the home gym we set up in our basement last year, because sometimes I need to just get up and walk on the treadmill. It's also nice to be able to start a load of laundry and move it when it's ready for the dryer when I need a break from sitting. Staying up on the little chores like that is easy when you're working at home.<br />
<br />
When we aren't working on work, we try to make a little progress on any one of our million projects we have going on at any given time. Whenever we can be outside, it's much easier to put the virus out of our minds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpvA4jcUgUVV2-ug89NIOnS5zdtrRAjDwyQRcNhive9BB5p92OYr-YAM3HaeWhNNrTtEEGr3MHZMzteuSRcMmLKMt4zClsOJT413mSyvQZe9sLnhdZskt93cAScJ8CUS3bPhwF0UnWN8/s1600/521EF343-BFEE-4A32-AEAA-8D756B645D0F.heic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpvA4jcUgUVV2-ug89NIOnS5zdtrRAjDwyQRcNhive9BB5p92OYr-YAM3HaeWhNNrTtEEGr3MHZMzteuSRcMmLKMt4zClsOJT413mSyvQZe9sLnhdZskt93cAScJ8CUS3bPhwF0UnWN8/s400/521EF343-BFEE-4A32-AEAA-8D756B645D0F.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is my dry creek bed. It was looking so much nicer in August, before we had to pull a large section up in order to dig a trench to run a propane line. Our oil furnace died so we took the opportunity to switch to a propane furnace. It was a lot of work, but we don't have the diesel smell when our heater is running now, and we're actually spending half of what we used to spend on heating because our new furnace is a high efficiency furnace and not 30 years old like the last one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We got it all put back together before the snow flew, and then we had a crisis with our well at Christmas and had to dig another trench through the same general area. We were digging for a week solid starting Christmas Day. It was horrible, miserable, work. Over spring break we got that trench mostly filled in, and now we're starting to put it all back together again. If we get some nice weather this week, I should be able to right everything and move onto newer projects.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJz3SdckfwraAmVeV4L7BZh77auuXiFZrbgyoRNIKPtkakUadp5FOqnXRKDcs7krEOSzq-AWycOzTnDtYsCgjHWZ_W1kUk1oq2q12HHFlYS3XCzhJpxQ9ttbS63ETwOpuoP39E0HvQQ04/s1600/8F6CEA86-C297-4A95-918F-3D58AB5AB248.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJz3SdckfwraAmVeV4L7BZh77auuXiFZrbgyoRNIKPtkakUadp5FOqnXRKDcs7krEOSzq-AWycOzTnDtYsCgjHWZ_W1kUk1oq2q12HHFlYS3XCzhJpxQ9ttbS63ETwOpuoP39E0HvQQ04/s400/8F6CEA86-C297-4A95-918F-3D58AB5AB248.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm very excited about this project that Peanut Head has been working on. These are new roosts for our chickens.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjOg16ad5Q55nvPudfDiWoSPLni5ClU3hktY8Kpb7Li6v18pmIBq-yQStwy55hJf7qAOzwBOKS0Vyw1E6oVo-GuDMsNYILmIpvSXJRUSaHR2FsaGNGQFbMvagAr3di1_WT5cwQNTAYoE/s1600/1971BA15-800D-42FC-9F08-8668541D772B.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjOg16ad5Q55nvPudfDiWoSPLni5ClU3hktY8Kpb7Li6v18pmIBq-yQStwy55hJf7qAOzwBOKS0Vyw1E6oVo-GuDMsNYILmIpvSXJRUSaHR2FsaGNGQFbMvagAr3di1_WT5cwQNTAYoE/s400/1971BA15-800D-42FC-9F08-8668541D772B.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The best part is the tray that collects the droppings. It slides out in order for me to empty it. It will save me so much time when I clean the coop. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rUPVFEHOdRP4G9VuUP3GUGqGChR7imzOTDqhEWUhWqkayMYYUUU_M6s6zeebNssvV_GSG5cqup-oB7kdgm39OIUiJebjklEU4G2oHEc6mWsLkIclb-LKrAa8JeWVOIfGrzWSiHxO6lo/s1600/08654804-A20B-4231-9F01-297E78884A43.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rUPVFEHOdRP4G9VuUP3GUGqGChR7imzOTDqhEWUhWqkayMYYUUU_M6s6zeebNssvV_GSG5cqup-oB7kdgm39OIUiJebjklEU4G2oHEc6mWsLkIclb-LKrAa8JeWVOIfGrzWSiHxO6lo/s320/08654804-A20B-4231-9F01-297E78884A43.heic" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sadly our flock is down from 13 to two hens and one rooster. We lost five hens to a predator last spring when we were letting them free range. We even lost two babies. Then several weeks ago we lost another four hens to a predator, again when they were free ranging. Needless to say we aren't letting them free range anymore unless we are outside with them. We get one egg every other day now. Bad timing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We recently bought three Rhode Island Reds and three Sapphire Gem chicks, but one of the Sapphire Gems died. 😥 We've also ordered six Brahmas that we are hoping to get this month. I love the Brahmas because they are big and they have hairy feet. Or maybe that's feathery feet. It will be fall before any of the new hens start laying.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmdVAfDMX6jpio3su03jjqA7xF_uyKzUVWcpuNnvZDosj0aFbvnjfV5PHzdYN1KflYJptuLNZhFc2e4G3YwcKblYdi-bp3aj6zf5FI6MrYD1g3nVAYyshYALKXXNJYm-BXkULXPdrouw/s1600/F1B66005-B9CE-4CD0-8E7E-7F2A97C8085B.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmdVAfDMX6jpio3su03jjqA7xF_uyKzUVWcpuNnvZDosj0aFbvnjfV5PHzdYN1KflYJptuLNZhFc2e4G3YwcKblYdi-bp3aj6zf5FI6MrYD1g3nVAYyshYALKXXNJYm-BXkULXPdrouw/s400/F1B66005-B9CE-4CD0-8E7E-7F2A97C8085B.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We got out for a hike on Friday when the weather was just barely decent. We went to Menan Buttes and it was nice. It was a little over four miles with a lot of vertical incline and a lot of rocky terrain.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0cykopusptD1Fejd5HZ5BK2p1gPiESxsfMxWb5isqURu-qaI-5_pr5UUALfE9-vF8R6n70PCdzuDAa5JLU6drc-LvVbarIZ-eyvYP5evKbrWff8cP7EcW1h1BKDzX2AmeGoYyHDP44g/s1600/3B5619DE-11C3-48A4-9968-4381E42F87DC.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0cykopusptD1Fejd5HZ5BK2p1gPiESxsfMxWb5isqURu-qaI-5_pr5UUALfE9-vF8R6n70PCdzuDAa5JLU6drc-LvVbarIZ-eyvYP5evKbrWff8cP7EcW1h1BKDzX2AmeGoYyHDP44g/s400/3B5619DE-11C3-48A4-9968-4381E42F87DC.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My family kicked my trash and I was sore the following day. Honestly, we haven't been hiking together since Zoe was a baby. It was a nice afternoon.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YcD-BKGikPbq5-qe0Czm3lm9JkgxbMK_Aac-rSzlkrHtfZYAq0eUvb47mNAmyPCAySq8W18NAgqW-jPpN3hELACCJTZoQ-Ud4fJC6o_EJi68r3I30bSsMnWA0bhN4hLZNVlbPHeDEQ8/s1600/08D605C5-E931-4E15-8279-7F07E174EF5B.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YcD-BKGikPbq5-qe0Czm3lm9JkgxbMK_Aac-rSzlkrHtfZYAq0eUvb47mNAmyPCAySq8W18NAgqW-jPpN3hELACCJTZoQ-Ud4fJC6o_EJi68r3I30bSsMnWA0bhN4hLZNVlbPHeDEQ8/s400/08D605C5-E931-4E15-8279-7F07E174EF5B.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Baney was exhausted too. He's snoozing right behind me.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsf8M1n8eWMzXXROaVHJ52ZOr57nCdoDh-2861x4xRDpfzsGA8fT3sUKx97giRDPpvkGOSRoROpLIcQApXhee1ew3IpKQSnRbJWDpxOEUcfikxudNetNZ6ayoDjF3HVhqsSCKve9pdp_U/s1600/36B64440-567E-40C8-85BF-91837D32A2C1.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsf8M1n8eWMzXXROaVHJ52ZOr57nCdoDh-2861x4xRDpfzsGA8fT3sUKx97giRDPpvkGOSRoROpLIcQApXhee1ew3IpKQSnRbJWDpxOEUcfikxudNetNZ6ayoDjF3HVhqsSCKve9pdp_U/s320/36B64440-567E-40C8-85BF-91837D32A2C1.heic" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's a better picture. I love his sweet little crossy legs. His crossy legs are what made me fall in love with him. He's such a Delicate Flower.Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-42127289616332196422020-03-30T21:33:00.002-06:002020-03-30T21:36:15.480-06:00The New Normal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOCB3OAbIKFlONfyxE-5mD-Fgly2WkOqqmUOPU_sQwKP9aE4f52IggcfVNgj04DsfLDuQVo_9mOm4qhuF2IkdbpLDlQXHnKRtyD1vwwfZfqqpWprY-LitHQFG3jPpHn0xcDQjAPYcVRk/s1600/32CAAC3C-5A3E-418D-8D26-56ECC944E063.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1576" data-original-width="1576" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOCB3OAbIKFlONfyxE-5mD-Fgly2WkOqqmUOPU_sQwKP9aE4f52IggcfVNgj04DsfLDuQVo_9mOm4qhuF2IkdbpLDlQXHnKRtyD1vwwfZfqqpWprY-LitHQFG3jPpHn0xcDQjAPYcVRk/s400/32CAAC3C-5A3E-418D-8D26-56ECC944E063.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Only businesses which provide <i>essential services</i> are allowed to remain open. That includes grocery stores, trucking companies, doctors and hospitals, etc. Hair and nail salons are, of course, not considered essential. That means Peanut Head wasn't able to get his monthly haircut at Great Clips, and as his hair grows out, he tends to look a little like a Q-tip. Thus, I was forced to start a little side hustle by giving Peanut Head the first hair cut at #CoronaCuts over the weekend. He will likely be my only customer as the girls aren't that desperate.<br />
<br />
Today was my first day working at home. We expect to be under this <i>Stay at Home</i> order through the end of April, so this is going to be our new normal. <span style="color: blue;"><b>Idaho currently has 423 confirmed cases of Covid-19.</b></span><br />
<br />
I sat down at my desk at 8:00 a.m. this morning and got to work. I was actually pretty productive, which was a pleasant surprise. This was only day one though.<br />
<br />
The girls were also busy with school and Peanut Head was working in his temporary office in the basement. When he turned to go downstairs this morning I said "Have a nice day at work, Honey." He thinks I'm whackadoodle.<br />
<br />
I was happy to see that our internet supported the four of us working throughout the day, although only one of us at a time participated in video meetings.<br />
<br />
I haven't been away from home since the middle of last week when I couldn't find flour anywhere, and my friend, John, surprised me with a 25 pound bag of flour. I have never had a 25 pound bag of flour before, and you can't just store it on a shelf.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5HJR_hJj8nuFmn1xynGdtyyo5cAt4bHkBXZm-OvpVwDHGRjXS4nAZQtYyFcTrLmnEN63EWdadDn2DBMI3O2LNtWAI8D709BdrbUTWgT9aCuNcfb3ntq_RBf0UFaApFwBlTIPmUNT33I/s1600/IMG_2896.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5HJR_hJj8nuFmn1xynGdtyyo5cAt4bHkBXZm-OvpVwDHGRjXS4nAZQtYyFcTrLmnEN63EWdadDn2DBMI3O2LNtWAI8D709BdrbUTWgT9aCuNcfb3ntq_RBf0UFaApFwBlTIPmUNT33I/s400/IMG_2896.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I ended up dividing it into five one gallon freezer bags. I'm thankful for the flour.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Modeling by scientists tells us that the worst is yet to come. Two weeks from now New York will be at its peak of infections, which is insane because today they have 67,325 confirmed cases and 1,342 deaths. Governor Cuomo implored any available health professions to <i>please come to New York to help. </i>It gave me goosebumps.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The United States has 163,932 confirmed cases and 3,169 deaths. Worldwide there are 790,111 confirmed cases, and 37,896 deaths. It should be noted that we don't necessarily trust the numbers coming out of certain countries. China, for example.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It may sound corny, but we are living through history right now.</div>
Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-75777134547089449352020-03-26T22:10:00.000-06:002020-03-26T22:10:20.748-06:00Waiting for Spring and Freedom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSrA1BIkmtbJkC78rZKOwvSIT_5Zg9SIZVb_w6aPGZtvqE7R9JjgVMrJsExCZaGVraWysb7AXtHuaHnAKYhreGD9s_j-JTokB4gAmZOVpr2Zgdujg_RCSZjXPzBZIPcRP1XqVKC69DMU/s1600/7Q7qog2FSaOEXPSyyfmqzw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSrA1BIkmtbJkC78rZKOwvSIT_5Zg9SIZVb_w6aPGZtvqE7R9JjgVMrJsExCZaGVraWysb7AXtHuaHnAKYhreGD9s_j-JTokB4gAmZOVpr2Zgdujg_RCSZjXPzBZIPcRP1XqVKC69DMU/s400/7Q7qog2FSaOEXPSyyfmqzw.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I feel like I'm in a dystopian novel. <span style="color: blue;"><b>Idaho currently has 189 confirmed cases of Covid-19</b></span>. More than double what we had two days ago. New York has 38,977 cases, and the United States as a whole has 85,476 cases. We have now surpassed China and Italy for the number of infections. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday I went into town to get groceries, since I was going I planned to pick up more landscaping bricks at Home Depot since I have time on my hands this week. Well, one of the entrances was blocked off and they were controlling how many people could be in the store at a time. Their magic number was 100. While waiting to get in, customers were to stand the required six feet apart. X marks the spot.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While checking out, the cashier warned me that Winco was doing the same thing, except she thought their magic number was 200.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIkTGgkpikdhsYSQQ5jsSDM12FLMTTjnUxSEZEtcy61mSZ8vglSi-KQCLjtNZSdWYUSCHvUdoGXIa2ygSqW06uLqLU9GZlr1VN_nbtHjzL3BINk9Uwl9E1p_guG78nbPV1nb28j_5lbU/s1600/%252B6RyhIRYRjGzX%2525ajZlqTpw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIkTGgkpikdhsYSQQ5jsSDM12FLMTTjnUxSEZEtcy61mSZ8vglSi-KQCLjtNZSdWYUSCHvUdoGXIa2ygSqW06uLqLU9GZlr1VN_nbtHjzL3BINk9Uwl9E1p_guG78nbPV1nb28j_5lbU/s400/%252B6RyhIRYRjGzX%2525ajZlqTpw.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's Winco. I power walked to the entrance to claim my spot in line, but I still had to wait about ten minutes to get in on a Wednesday in the middle of the day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I wanted to get a bag of flour to keep my food storage stocked up, but there was zero flour. Also, no chicken noodle soup, ice cream, or decent hot dogs. I didn't need the ice cream anyway. I was just checking for a friend. <i>Riiiight.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While I was in the store, I got a notification on my phone that Governor Little <i>finally</i> ordered a 21-day shelter in place. He took too ding dang long on that call, in my opinion.</div>
<br />
Upon seeing the shortages, and then getting that notification, I think I panicked a little. I told the fam when I got home that we weren't going grocery shopping again for two weeks because I had just spent two weeks worth of budgeted grocery money in one trip.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnM_Z87SOfKcbyTBvWK7A8I2e-FXJAAxl1YmEQ530efTSnSZrtOU-LhQcVw7qS5RmIcYL8z6QTM5SKGKb3g2abUC3qnVX_0AtqwXFetWHSPZOiqqgxtlZQdRe2spSex-6jWM68fIEYFI/s1600/PvqxSMNgQ1Wgp%252BmED8X%252BOA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnM_Z87SOfKcbyTBvWK7A8I2e-FXJAAxl1YmEQ530efTSnSZrtOU-LhQcVw7qS5RmIcYL8z6QTM5SKGKb3g2abUC3qnVX_0AtqwXFetWHSPZOiqqgxtlZQdRe2spSex-6jWM68fIEYFI/s400/PvqxSMNgQ1Wgp%252BmED8X%252BOA.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Fred Meyer didn't have any flour either and now I know that there is a national shortage. I think it's because everyone is making cookies during quarantine. I know that I've been eating more than usual while on lockdown. I think it's the anxiety.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPCrW0ZFRDPWWgzzr8YVhxdYsVWHHpSlzmbil3HEYRSf1NyBtKTFm_12kLc_Ud-FCuiWw-A5Pt0UHnYfmHooxniYAGBocCVmYTA-Nm0_vLUQnbervBskNrbIREaYo5VxQRAGWjG9cNiY/s1600/EH37PUH3Tg2tzvHlHynQgg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPCrW0ZFRDPWWgzzr8YVhxdYsVWHHpSlzmbil3HEYRSf1NyBtKTFm_12kLc_Ud-FCuiWw-A5Pt0UHnYfmHooxniYAGBocCVmYTA-Nm0_vLUQnbervBskNrbIREaYo5VxQRAGWjG9cNiY/s400/EH37PUH3Tg2tzvHlHynQgg.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We're trying to be careful about not letting food go to waste. Here is Peanut Head making tortillas and quesadillas with leftover ingredients from tacos and other assorted items. They were pretty good.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHoExAtayt_gIvmqbmzKlhVPY5oLfgdsxkbBH1qup2f8qxu9WyXA2MDl7jxNxMS8FLHuaZSEdrda16G9a01gsTh8fLNX5HWCPbxLQWHFhKzKvDwSK6oNGxQk3UOeW-fZFptWC99CPeQE/s1600/UgFZnAWATROTPFbnT%252B%2525IvA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHoExAtayt_gIvmqbmzKlhVPY5oLfgdsxkbBH1qup2f8qxu9WyXA2MDl7jxNxMS8FLHuaZSEdrda16G9a01gsTh8fLNX5HWCPbxLQWHFhKzKvDwSK6oNGxQk3UOeW-fZFptWC99CPeQE/s400/UgFZnAWATROTPFbnT%252B%2525IvA.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Stinkerbell finally decided to do her chores. She either doesn't do her chores at all, which makes me <i>lose my mind</i>, or she does do them and goes a little overboard. I snapped this picture after she had moved all the family room furniture into the kitchen so she could vacuum. Then she dusted each piece with precision and returned them to their rightful place. Here she has just dumped everything out of the drawer of that side table so she can dust each item inside the drawer as well as the table itself. Items which she felt did not belong in the drawer, she deposited on my bed for me to figure out what to do with. She doesn't know this, but I just put it all back in the drawer when she wasn't looking. She didn't get her passive aggressive behavior from her Daddy, that's for sure.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My plan is to stay home and not go back to town until we desperately need something. Monday Peanut Head and I start telecommuting and the girls start online school. That's going to be interesting, for sure. Until next time, stay safe.</div>
Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-69240036001967623772020-03-24T15:00:00.000-06:002020-03-24T15:03:47.668-06:00Aimless<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKCMArgzJihevNseqVSKfaMHsY7oqs0NhJs4kEMxrhDevYPLz7uoc6XwKjRZTpdnZufeLqoOrwHgU7pihBH2ZStI-3FthyzTjvxjinCzrh7b7HUQ2u1mQqTYxUNOXVBCM-4FxDM_wr8g/s1600/7592C36F-67FD-4C0C-A225-24C1FBF9F864.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKCMArgzJihevNseqVSKfaMHsY7oqs0NhJs4kEMxrhDevYPLz7uoc6XwKjRZTpdnZufeLqoOrwHgU7pihBH2ZStI-3FthyzTjvxjinCzrh7b7HUQ2u1mQqTYxUNOXVBCM-4FxDM_wr8g/s400/7592C36F-67FD-4C0C-A225-24C1FBF9F864.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This not knowing is making me crazy. How do you plan when there's so much uncertainty? As of this moment, <span style="color: blue;"><b>Idaho has 81 confirmed cases of Covid-19</b></span>. We are definitely seeing the exponential increase we were warned about.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This morning Peanut Head left to put in some time in the lab. I'm inside today because the weather is windy and cold, and I've realized that time passes a lot slower when I'm stuck inside. It's not like I don't have things I can be doing. What must this be like for all the people trapped inside in cities? I can't even imagine. New York is getting hammered right now. They have over 25,000 cases of the virus. We have a friend who lives in Brooklyn and I'm scared for her.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Being outside helps, although I'm always thinking about the virus and everyone and everything affected by it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of the outside projects which I've been working on is to put down these landscaping bricks for a mowing strip in the front yard. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80t4fukJplSHdF84WJKhlSJF0nVD5Ovp35Mrn0J4D-GZDXLzxdoUf3hg61tY23jG63QH_J2czWc11E3kI65gEAsHb_7ScB7Q0-TOTnkccsDDr1VeXqnfGBF4NhPwnAIirG3upgn28nGI/s1600/EFED563B-2B82-42B9-BCFB-8E5E983D3B86.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80t4fukJplSHdF84WJKhlSJF0nVD5Ovp35Mrn0J4D-GZDXLzxdoUf3hg61tY23jG63QH_J2czWc11E3kI65gEAsHb_7ScB7Q0-TOTnkccsDDr1VeXqnfGBF4NhPwnAIirG3upgn28nGI/s400/EFED563B-2B82-42B9-BCFB-8E5E983D3B86.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love this kind of work, and I can happily work at it all day long, leaving the fam to eat cereal for dinner.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapvJn3l7gnErdSHPajmmgIRv1Bkwm6zr48t1QGixTbOCVkzafGzC4jzNyMTftFLoVjGPUdyhzlGm25nzhtCB3hBvUpQSYV81tQymlcPPPWXGn-_JxRz1MzBLqjay0DP3PZiGLZv_B-ww/s1600/B9F5AB8E-E722-4035-B368-FA7B56612065.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapvJn3l7gnErdSHPajmmgIRv1Bkwm6zr48t1QGixTbOCVkzafGzC4jzNyMTftFLoVjGPUdyhzlGm25nzhtCB3hBvUpQSYV81tQymlcPPPWXGn-_JxRz1MzBLqjay0DP3PZiGLZv_B-ww/s400/B9F5AB8E-E722-4035-B368-FA7B56612065.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Peanut Head has projects of his own, and he just completed these Lincoln Log planting beds. I'm going to move my strawberries into these new beds. He has plans to make some type of netting cage to keep the birds from eating all my berries--like those turkeys you see eyeing it already!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's what's going on with us. Stay safe out there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-64379348478975207832020-03-21T21:48:00.001-06:002020-03-24T15:01:01.703-06:00Social Distancing and Keeping Busy<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5cKWVJRgCu3GeEE2sVF9_4BZEo4f4RlxshKU_LExn4b9RYm7elcd6H45xnhaAt-e_9_RMrbnLEBa8HEq4f8pM0Iav0auJ__c7PXQIP7Bn2oUsm54p4pK2a_U0p4J7Q4s5MfaIAPigHI/s1600/5D21972A-A860-4BBB-86F4-0DB4ADE4C560.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5cKWVJRgCu3GeEE2sVF9_4BZEo4f4RlxshKU_LExn4b9RYm7elcd6H45xnhaAt-e_9_RMrbnLEBa8HEq4f8pM0Iav0auJ__c7PXQIP7Bn2oUsm54p4pK2a_U0p4J7Q4s5MfaIAPigHI/s400/5D21972A-A860-4BBB-86F4-0DB4ADE4C560.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm done with the Pandemic post titles. They're dumb. I'll just try to find something appropriate for each day I post.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Idaho is currently reporting 43 cases of Covid-19</span></b>. I say "currently reporting" because those are the cases that have been tested and came out positive. We know that not all cases are being tested, and it has been difficult to even get a test, so that's a squishy number. Two days ago when I posted we had 11 cases, but later that day we were already up to 23. I didn't bother to update my post because why? We know the number is going up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Social distancing is the new normal. Everybody is doing it. We could be contagious and not even know we are infected, so we have to go about our daily lives <i>as if we are infected.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We moved Zoë out of her college dorm today. Last week Idaho State started their spring break a week early and they are preparing to move classes online for the remainder of the semester. Zoë is very sad and I can't blame her. She was looking forward to these last couple months with her friends and being on campus with all the freedom and her friends.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmbVDnl8flO0W2xlY1yBKF0pfM5H4bJgwv6o_SuFSevq6Q13KUUbOEax3_nc2Ig-gUdZ1_aOyGtW4hSxkqVuFhko1JgbHaQViIzMNDjDXaf0wgiaJgqtmVSV45ekbja-mRbQOJ9RY4GM/s1600/5E007CD2-9A64-411C-BF55-396B66810507.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmbVDnl8flO0W2xlY1yBKF0pfM5H4bJgwv6o_SuFSevq6Q13KUUbOEax3_nc2Ig-gUdZ1_aOyGtW4hSxkqVuFhko1JgbHaQViIzMNDjDXaf0wgiaJgqtmVSV45ekbja-mRbQOJ9RY4GM/s400/5E007CD2-9A64-411C-BF55-396B66810507.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Even though it's spring break, both girls rearranged and cleaned their rooms in order to set up their online school study nooks. Of course Stinky's is complete with a bed for Dr. Lucinda Gooseberry.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreMII-_ycmHuvryk929dbq-4vO2Jk877OLRU7if4YcUWZ5xBoLl4qzDGBjJ1kWoqKahGf28-IxsvQcTTa0yKWYmXX8Hcl8Y9nvn-Zmc6fYjJWDUvBat4fobReUBVrYfw0HcSsbHNftNQ/s1600/6EA57441-F3B2-4E14-9249-384C317CF19A.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreMII-_ycmHuvryk929dbq-4vO2Jk877OLRU7if4YcUWZ5xBoLl4qzDGBjJ1kWoqKahGf28-IxsvQcTTa0yKWYmXX8Hcl8Y9nvn-Zmc6fYjJWDUvBat4fobReUBVrYfw0HcSsbHNftNQ/s400/6EA57441-F3B2-4E14-9249-384C317CF19A.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Zoë made room for her iPad on her dresser so she can stream Netflix when she's taking notes. I think she's in for a big surprise when our crappy internet bogs down with everyone on it. For the most part Peanut Head and I will still be working at work, but we are prepared to work from home when we can.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSU5UPdKAbIWCx1TMp18OeyxP5I8KOj3BpewLzZjdP8xbUEnkMOfS_toxwcZRZ2FPp0ctrQ2EiQV6G74Lvs3ZIBqcPc1h2W2gJZ-8n4hs_4YJwFv_Zz6cwEIPTfq9rLW9zEmge0DjGigI/s1600/472A4866-5374-43F6-A8C2-8606C5E49CF5.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSU5UPdKAbIWCx1TMp18OeyxP5I8KOj3BpewLzZjdP8xbUEnkMOfS_toxwcZRZ2FPp0ctrQ2EiQV6G74Lvs3ZIBqcPc1h2W2gJZ-8n4hs_4YJwFv_Zz6cwEIPTfq9rLW9zEmge0DjGigI/s400/472A4866-5374-43F6-A8C2-8606C5E49CF5.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our snow has mostly melted and it's been relatively nice outside, so Peanut Head and I are outside working as much as we can. We got smart and started washing our rocks with the cement mixer and it is so much faster.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqESKawlMkI_vB3Uzh7yqkcQ1ks84aNg_0dbJ1uilhrAEeReTchlsyc0ljdx32oVgQduo3FGLyH59mprPC5YS-dKanC-FX0eOJDHG5WrKpDDjL24mna1NOLi-cPrl4HDKyH5oySE2m4k/s1600/BE598D5B-142F-413D-B6EA-BDBD157CD8EC.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqESKawlMkI_vB3Uzh7yqkcQ1ks84aNg_0dbJ1uilhrAEeReTchlsyc0ljdx32oVgQduo3FGLyH59mprPC5YS-dKanC-FX0eOJDHG5WrKpDDjL24mna1NOLi-cPrl4HDKyH5oySE2m4k/s400/BE598D5B-142F-413D-B6EA-BDBD157CD8EC.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We have an endless supply of rocks at this place and I've been using them as much as possible in our landscaping. I'll post some pictures once things start turning green and we get some flowers. My tulips are just now starting to poke through the ground.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKvUlKQxXpPKIQX358p5jj8ksGl5jKZ-L6-iyAhn0KFomAm4kZSuGlvnhA_pN3xSlfj_MHUuOuKxlrRjSgYkyuu6sahMOfpXjaMFMFmPDlASh2ws8L8BDyo2yqfwx4LOdnHThmZMLKQU/s1600/B3227B91-1448-4009-9D47-9CC0C1722606.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKvUlKQxXpPKIQX358p5jj8ksGl5jKZ-L6-iyAhn0KFomAm4kZSuGlvnhA_pN3xSlfj_MHUuOuKxlrRjSgYkyuu6sahMOfpXjaMFMFmPDlASh2ws8L8BDyo2yqfwx4LOdnHThmZMLKQU/s400/B3227B91-1448-4009-9D47-9CC0C1722606.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Baney is not happy about the nicer weather because <i>he's an inside dog. </i>He's making the best of it by sunbathing next to the last of the melting snow.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0SDxkNYtoEDyO-CJKCwmoDKqmg-ghx25Z51CPvGycnIg2uOIAunUalWcRMN8LoYHuOtOcLKN89wYdjyKn77y02sEKer7j-fzVGY89_R_e0y2eNwSlpl59PCDenpeFzkKDUb0vkCaU7M/s1600/3FD66A89-5CF9-4C68-82BA-A289F31005F5.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0SDxkNYtoEDyO-CJKCwmoDKqmg-ghx25Z51CPvGycnIg2uOIAunUalWcRMN8LoYHuOtOcLKN89wYdjyKn77y02sEKer7j-fzVGY89_R_e0y2eNwSlpl59PCDenpeFzkKDUb0vkCaU7M/s400/3FD66A89-5CF9-4C68-82BA-A289F31005F5.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I just started on this landscaping project after dinner tonight. I made pretty good progress, but the light was pretty bad so I don't have a picture besides this one I snapped right after I started. I'm sure I'll be posting that sometime this week.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've also been working on the trim in our master bedroom, and I'm hoping to be able to cross that project off my list soon and take pictures for a post. It's been a slow project. Crossing my fingers that you will be seeing that soon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Be safe out there, and wash your hands.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-44319502603086641402020-03-19T15:11:00.003-06:002020-03-19T15:13:09.031-06:00Pandemic Entry #3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIzqFNXqrfFVLnhUGcwc01bsAae_uok4aozfFAi1AO50R2dwSePn93WpBALnVOZrEiXfQDzKNGzPwv2rvP44bicxNrweDzVJzSWax-RVvEMYLtSLzCNPD3SqrT082El9lM6tCQ0rhdW4/s1600/9AB819EC-0BE5-42AE-8005-AE2E2A139402.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIzqFNXqrfFVLnhUGcwc01bsAae_uok4aozfFAi1AO50R2dwSePn93WpBALnVOZrEiXfQDzKNGzPwv2rvP44bicxNrweDzVJzSWax-RVvEMYLtSLzCNPD3SqrT082El9lM6tCQ0rhdW4/s400/9AB819EC-0BE5-42AE-8005-AE2E2A139402.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello again. I struggled with how to title these posts. My brain kept telling me to start out with "Captain's Log, Star Date blah, blah, blah," but I don't really know how star dates work so I would just be making it up, and I want this to be accurate. I'm sure that Peanut Head could have hooked me up with a proper star date, but so far I've been keeping these posts on the down low. My experience is just that, my experience. I'm doing this as a diary of sorts, so I don't forget how it all went down. I just hope that looking back I can laugh at how we all got through the toilet paper shortage of 2020. Please let me be able to look back and laugh.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As of this moment,<span style="color: blue;"><b> Idaho has 11 confirmed cases of COVID-19.</b></span> Community spread of COVID-19 has also been confirmed in one of those cases. That means the source of the infection is unknown and cannot be traced back to the source. I think this is where we're supposed to say "Sh*t's about to get real."</div>
<br />
We have been following the website <a href="http://ncov2019.liv/">nCoV2019.liv</a> for up-to-date stats on the virus. It's a cool website for nerds to geek out on. Well, as cool as a website about a pandemic can be.<br />
<br />
Also in the news, gas prices fell below $2 a gallon in 12 states. Too bad nobody is going anywhere so they can't take advantage of it.<br />
<br />
I'm worried about money. Everyone is supposed to stay home so we slow the spread of the virus and keep from overloading the hospitals. We're trying to flatten the curve.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-AUz8u6vrbWjBhtyx06W0d8ZCSUBR5S18uYrZRHyPkzx4PIchLGXaUnNHS0rEiHRWvEROOCmj_RUkVsKTe631sHTqKCS5SA-H1-oDVjkCOrAUA0kzWdk-wF_ko1RzDxuohBNC4vsKGY/s1600/SlowTheSpread.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1500" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-AUz8u6vrbWjBhtyx06W0d8ZCSUBR5S18uYrZRHyPkzx4PIchLGXaUnNHS0rEiHRWvEROOCmj_RUkVsKTe631sHTqKCS5SA-H1-oDVjkCOrAUA0kzWdk-wF_ko1RzDxuohBNC4vsKGY/s400/SlowTheSpread.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SlowTheSpread.png</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Restaurants and bars are closed to dine in traffic and restricted to take out only. Will businesses survive this? Will we?<br />
<br />
China is just now recovering, although that's relative. Today is the first day that they don't have a new infection. That's good news, right? They took drastic measures to quarantine their population in order to get to this point, but it took them several months.<br />
<br />
I am officially on an early spring break as of this afternoon. Last night I cancelled my plane tickets to visit my friend, Smashley, in Knoxville. It makes me so sad that I won't get to see her.<br />
<br />
I go back to work on March 30, although that is subject to change. Exponential growth is no joke.<br />
<br />
I've been obsessed with the news. I don't remember feeling like this since 9/11. As soon as I hit publish on this, I'm going to make myself a big To Do List and a schedule to stay busy and get some things done around here.<br />
<br />
I'm also going to try to enjoy my family. If only they'd stop bickering . . . everyone's nerves are frayed. I wish I had a 1,000 piece puzzle for us to work on. No puzzles in the house though. There's still the list. I'm off to tackle that.Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-56385222482688059972020-03-17T20:23:00.001-06:002020-03-19T15:12:55.775-06:00Pandemic Entry #2It's been two days since my last post.<span style="color: blue;"> <b>Idaho now has nine confirmed cases of Covid-19</b>.</span> Four more than Sunday.<br />
<br />
We had school yesterday, Monday, although our attendance was way down. Many parents chose to keep their children home. I made Annie go. Last night the decision was made to close school beginning Wednesday. Parents were urged to keep their students at home today, but schools would be open to give them time to arrange child care. At the elementary school where my office is, there were only 14 students in attendance. The silence was palpable.<br />
<br />
Teachers are working through Thursday to get their classes online. The plan is to return after spring break on March 30th, but if that is not possible we will hit the ground running with online school. Most likely. The situation is pretty fluid and flexibility is key.<br />
<br />
Outside it's oddly quiet. I actually heard a small plane from my office today, and it was out of place. Eery.<br />
<br />
My sister-in-law lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and she was sent home from work yesterday because six counties were told to shelter in place for the next three weeks. She will be alone in her little cottage and I worry about her. I am thankful that we don't live in a densely populated area.<br />
<br />
Clark and I are both still at work, although his employer is strongly encouraging people to work from home. They are to use their Virtual Private Network (VPN) dongles to work remotely. We're not sure if dongle is the correct term, but it sure is a cool word, isn't it? Today the VPN crashed because so many people were on it. I think internet is going to be a big issue around the globe. I don't think we are equipped.<br />
<br />
I worry about money. Not just for ourselves. I worry about the people who cannot work from home and are already struggling. I can't imagine how we are going to get through this as a country and a planet. I think we will be forever changed after all is said and done. I only hope it's for the better.Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-79711385252454082842020-03-15T17:36:00.001-06:002020-03-19T15:12:25.967-06:00Pandemic Entry #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9KtkS7Xe91Jl9WWOBJu3ph3d7-fQqGXZS6GwiU_sNis7evgkyWXfbHQHCamf8mv6xQpcGRe3bKfb2eWgV1S-bi62sxioV3_-hDlatrbOIHcOSfUS6sEngbo2WfKBW0yFHLQsg-7dPnE/s1600/2871-2560x852.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="1600" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9KtkS7Xe91Jl9WWOBJu3ph3d7-fQqGXZS6GwiU_sNis7evgkyWXfbHQHCamf8mv6xQpcGRe3bKfb2eWgV1S-bi62sxioV3_-hDlatrbOIHcOSfUS6sEngbo2WfKBW0yFHLQsg-7dPnE/s400/2871-2560x852.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been very sporadic with posting on this blog for the past several years, but the state of the world right now and the feeling that this is only the beginning, has prompted me to get on here to start documenting. I feel that if I don't, I won't be able to remember the sequence or the speed of events about to unfold. No one knows how long it will be before things are back to normal.<br />
<br />
The Covid-19 virus is spreading around the world. It started in Wuhan, China in December 2019. We had our first confirmed case in Idaho two days ago, March 13, 2020. <b><span style="color: blue;">We stand at five today.</span></b> Our city is grappling with the decision about whether or not to close schools. They are worried about people who still have to work but have no childcare. Also, there are students who are food insecure and can only count on regular meals at school. It's a lot of responsibility and I'm glad I don't have to make those decisions.<br />
<br />
Zoe came home from college for spring break a week early. Idaho State University sent students home on Friday urging them not to return. Classes for the remainder of the year are online. The extra week of spring break is to give professors time to get their classes online and up and running. My heart goes out to teachers in classrooms. An already difficult job has become even more difficult.<br />
<br />
After we picked Zoe up from ISU Friday evening, we stopped by the grocery store so I could pick up a roast for Sunday evening. I was thinking that since my whole family would be together we could have a nice dinner on Sunday. How naive I was.<br />
<br />
We arrived at the store at 10:40 p.m. and an employee greeted us at the door and warned us that we had 20 minutes to get what we needed and be in a checkout line. The produce section was decimated. I was hoping for a bunch of bananas. Nope. No roasts either. No canned chicken noodle soup (in case one of us gets sick). I didn't need much, but most of what I wanted they did not have. Somehow we still ended up spending $85. It was surreal. I felt like I was in a movie, watching crazy people shopping, overflowing carts deserted at the checkout stands. People are losing their minds.<br />
<br />
Annika is worried about her summer plans with Civil Air Patrol. She has been accepted into a Flight Academy and has been offered a scholarship. We don't know if that will still be happening. She is also waiting to hear if she has been accepted into the Summer Seminar at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. Will that even still happen? Then there is Encampment. She has an important role in putting that on and has been planning and preparing for it all school year.<br />
<br />
I have plans to visit a friend in Knoxville, Tennessee over spring break. I'm sure that is going to have to be postponed.<br />
<br />
We are not alone. Everyone is affected by this. My hope is that we come through it unscathed and that we can all still look ourselves in the mirror without looking away. I want to remember to be kind. We are about to be tested.Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-51659279489845418642019-12-24T22:02:00.000-07:002019-12-24T22:02:51.408-07:00Merry Christmas 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCMtucMARdlkSRhE5R2EcXAiTuzBLN209-RVYWGuw6h94GijmRAf1iuY3AjoqXGHswBEARybXCEGYKoTGyu-257r3Mi0sQEFkcAMYC_YcaD3XOFdgucCulw_fbNzuYCi5ebRqPTo8dPY/s1600/FBChristmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1549" data-original-width="1600" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCMtucMARdlkSRhE5R2EcXAiTuzBLN209-RVYWGuw6h94GijmRAf1iuY3AjoqXGHswBEARybXCEGYKoTGyu-257r3Mi0sQEFkcAMYC_YcaD3XOFdgucCulw_fbNzuYCi5ebRqPTo8dPY/s320/FBChristmas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-27d27013-7fff-31e7-a436-fdd3eb5dc5ce"><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Seasons Greetings!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here we are again, winding down another year. I’ll never get used to how quickly time flies. This was another busy year in our house with changes and accomplishments, despite the usual two steps forward and one step back.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b id="docs-internal-guid-552c3fc8-7fff-93a6-5d93-72c3d1097f5d" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The house is really starting to come together. Last winter we converted our basement family room into a home gym, and it’s been really nice to have a place to work out without leaving the house. We also made our way into our master bedroom, which used to be a garage, and was easily the ugliest room in our house. It had wallpaper that had been painted over and the most hideous hunter green carpet I’ve ever laid eyes on. The carpet made a nice drop cloth for me while I was stripping wallpaper and painting. 😊 Last month we finally had new carpet installed. We still have trim work to do in the room, but it’s so much better than it was.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LwDlgDTu5lCLsFwxiutqlS9-i6jr2gSC7ppqKMHopCPpKx0A-9s93kOFlQUINwU04tzCz3AoZgPAnc38wZGgdxefnNySXAQcJKG6CZbjB7dMlRk4ORM8Wp1tO4zLc0JetEElOlbZ0yg/s1600/8a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1043" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LwDlgDTu5lCLsFwxiutqlS9-i6jr2gSC7ppqKMHopCPpKx0A-9s93kOFlQUINwU04tzCz3AoZgPAnc38wZGgdxefnNySXAQcJKG6CZbjB7dMlRk4ORM8Wp1tO4zLc0JetEElOlbZ0yg/s400/8a.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-8884a574-7fff-eaf6-8da2-91a760f597f1"><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As usual, summer went by too quickly. Clark did a lot of traveling. </span><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A lot</span><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I felt like he was gone more than he was here, but truthfully, that’s probably an exaggeration. I spent my entire summer working outside on landscaping projects, and whenever Clark came home, he had projects waiting for him as well. Hmm, I wonder if that’s why he traveled so much? Besides the garden, he put in a nice back sidewalk and an arbor, with my occasional assistance.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQKYnyv0slZ5ghEd9vlL8TJhyNFiQWWvLEcMP_x_eCbQpiR099f5Ox3b3woUaDXzlZ446oK95pAGKlWhLmrymsaAO0ayaQh4iThvB44Nl2x_9bNmX6ON2n29V-a2B0xGlfxePLPLaNpQ/s1600/GradAnnouncement.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1038" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQKYnyv0slZ5ghEd9vlL8TJhyNFiQWWvLEcMP_x_eCbQpiR099f5Ox3b3woUaDXzlZ446oK95pAGKlWhLmrymsaAO0ayaQh4iThvB44Nl2x_9bNmX6ON2n29V-a2B0xGlfxePLPLaNpQ/s320/GradAnnouncement.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Zoe graduated from high school at the end of May, and at the start of summer she left Cal Ranch to work part-time at an emergency vet clinic. It was a relatively relaxing summer for her, not taking online classes or volunteering at the zoo. She needed to rest up so she could start college </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">fresh</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. In August she started college on an academic scholarship at Idaho State University in Pocatello. She lives on campus in one of the dorms, and she absolutely loves it. Freedom is a beautiful thing. She used to be a morning person, but she transitioned easily into a night owl college student. She is majoring in Biology on a pre-veterinary track. She really likes her science classes, but Chemistry has been challenging. She’s a hard worker though, so we’re confident she’ll get through it.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m trying to get used to having an adult child. Even though I knew our kids would grow up and move away, I didn’t really think it would ever happen. It’s a strange place to be. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve opened my mouth to give Zoe some unsolicited advice, as one does with their children, and then stopped, mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. I keep having to remind myself that she’s an adult now. This is the part where we push her out of the nest to see if she learned anything from us. So far she seems to be exceeding our expectations. She is more responsible than either Clark or I were at her age. She just finished her first semester at college so she’s home for a month now.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5DJj-AlJqxWnb5DwYKF6Zk6zSr6UgNt211wZ7KLCfdKMm8UG6gutiA7W2311YrO_ocGIjYBxJsp2yasAM2jlwdDlmhS9VcWED7nJj9auYTT0BdKLzE7aF2B_uUE3gGBLcn3WBBBpbLc/s1600/11a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="1600" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5DJj-AlJqxWnb5DwYKF6Zk6zSr6UgNt211wZ7KLCfdKMm8UG6gutiA7W2311YrO_ocGIjYBxJsp2yasAM2jlwdDlmhS9VcWED7nJj9auYTT0BdKLzE7aF2B_uUE3gGBLcn3WBBBpbLc/s320/11a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-2b91ad59-7fff-e8cb-140d-409c8d704b8d"><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since Zoe left for college in August, Annika has had the exclusive use of the Subaru, and it’s been so nice for us not having to accommodate her transportation needs. She is still over involved with interests and activities, but the little slacker has yet to get a job. I tease her, but I don’t know when she would have the time to work. In June she was accepted into the Naval Academy’s Summer STEM program, and she was able to spend a week in Annapolis, Maryland, at the Naval Academy. Then in July she went to Pennsylvania for Civil Air Patrol’s Ranger School. That was about ten days of rough living with only two showers, neither of them involving soap. Most of what she ate was packaged or came out of a can, and when the cadets in her squadron were given a McDonald’s hamburger each, they fell to their knees and wept. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooCmN1naEEUGctiGrm4STbDL1dzRMi-2B4gkRVWzpA2ObDlxmJeV-1f-bIAMG4lakI6kdTGf2jFgLrRT9myXrnCINTdAJ60MNOe2XiEPcKeHpsQDSVQUTc8-dZmqpvD4D4fO67ruZ2OI/s1600/IMG_1680.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooCmN1naEEUGctiGrm4STbDL1dzRMi-2B4gkRVWzpA2ObDlxmJeV-1f-bIAMG4lakI6kdTGf2jFgLrRT9myXrnCINTdAJ60MNOe2XiEPcKeHpsQDSVQUTc8-dZmqpvD4D4fO67ruZ2OI/s320/IMG_1680.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">When she came home she stunk to high heaven and her boots were rotting. It made me laugh because she is such a germaphobe. </span><span><span style="font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then she had three days to clean all her gear, catch up on her sleep, and pack to leave for Civil Air Patrol Encampment where she had the honor of serving as First Sergeant over all the cadet flights. I saw some videos of her leading P.T. on the Encampment Facebook page, and I did not recognize the command voice coming out of my baby’s mouth. I don’t know why she can’t seem to answer a simple question at home without mumbling.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjA2mKEoR2arjWKoBBt0v0mn5UAOhy2QkLkejiZr6BICRpJmeFWCjmc_5-9pszzwkZ86fJL4Xoxfdbu0-0Iz71PzRJXH_1RLGQkiF_10RZfI7Jiw7gsVjZV37RnxMzrqe0lJt5GFbezQ/s1600/12a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1207" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjA2mKEoR2arjWKoBBt0v0mn5UAOhy2QkLkejiZr6BICRpJmeFWCjmc_5-9pszzwkZ86fJL4Xoxfdbu0-0Iz71PzRJXH_1RLGQkiF_10RZfI7Jiw7gsVjZV37RnxMzrqe0lJt5GFbezQ/s320/12a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gunny and Bane are alive and well. Gunny has slowed down a lot and it takes him awhile to get up and down, but he’s still happy as ever. I can relate to the struggle. When I get down on the ground I look around for a piece of furniture to help me hoist myself back up. I miss the agility of youth.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-c396694f-7fff-bfa4-02ad-d7a1feb07695"></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOt5ShW9i8ceBtW6ND1xa2fs427CRSBm4aDaWoO_oMyvjvRaqQFoXKypjW_DBgcKYFHjwKxfY0oixui-c7iUMWE3XGJrtMMX6HqQtXamJZa7L0kKin4UTkk1eQ3YvsO6rth3gfsQNuezA/s1600/IMG_1645.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOt5ShW9i8ceBtW6ND1xa2fs427CRSBm4aDaWoO_oMyvjvRaqQFoXKypjW_DBgcKYFHjwKxfY0oixui-c7iUMWE3XGJrtMMX6HqQtXamJZa7L0kKin4UTkk1eQ3YvsO6rth3gfsQNuezA/s320/IMG_1645.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Baney has really settled into life on the farm, albeit </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">inside the house.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> He’s such a big baby, he doesn’t like to be outside without a human, and he throws quite the fit when we keep him in the paddock. During the nicer months, both dogs are put in the paddock while we’re at work and school, and we quickly learned that Baney is an escape artist. The first time he got out, he left a toddler sized hole in the gate. When the girls got home they found the goats grazing in the driveway, Gunny swimming in the canal, and Baney running up to greet them. That happened half a dozen times, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">at least</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Multiple repairs were made to the gate. Annika welded several metal panels to the gate, marching higher up the gate with each escape. When he could no longer bust through the gate, he started on the fence. We finally had to nail cattle panels to our goat proof fence and that seems to have done the trick. Of course now it’s colder and they are lounging inside the house while we’re at work and school. Since they aren’t trustworthy, we have a routine before leaving each day wherein we put stools on the couches and lock the trash in the mudroom. One day we came home and Baney had consumed a 24-oz. container of raisins, including most of the package. Many Facebook friends warned us that raisins were poisonous to dogs, but Baney didn’t seem to suffer any ill effects, except for being extra regular. The next day, he got into Annika’s 24-hour pack and ate two MREs, although he struggled a little with the packaging because it was so intricate. The MREs made him very thirsty and the laxative gum that sometimes comes in the MREs </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">really</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> works.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-b15ad751-7fff-71f8-bc36-43e8aad8db25"></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We still have goats, horses, and chickens. They keep us from sleeping in too late on the weekends.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b id="docs-internal-guid-bf37420d-7fff-c0be-cb54-8147c068d859" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We also still have Lucinda and Cecilia. Clarkie never got me that kitten I wanted so badly last Christmas. He keeps saying “When </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">one of the two cats we already have</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> dies, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">then</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> we can get a kitten.” To which we reply, “But we live on a farm!” So far he hasn’t budged. He’s very stubborn.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So that’s life on the farm. I’m doubtful that you will see this letter before Christmas as we just had our pictures taken today, so I won’t be ordering the cards until tomorrow after work. If we get lucky and all the stars align, you’ll get this in time for our “Merry Christmas” wishes. If not, there’s still “Happy New Year!” Either way, we hope this letter finds you happy and healthy.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Love,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cutive, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Clark, Jill, Zoë and Annika</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-2126292497791341592019-02-18T11:10:00.001-07:002019-02-18T11:31:06.799-07:00Farmhouse Love Episode 14: Mud Room and Storage Room<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTqw1slWvKwqbvl3QXLQVybgPTaN1cKCVCuj0c4A7WPJIhgXk4lHjUze61Y2JQKivRi3S_HMitOWtpGYdI4wg4dlvn8Sdb-MMflLJxfdHwM4fzQfJ8R6jZBC6VYvRxtqa1dx_H9drPoo/s1600/1-decor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTqw1slWvKwqbvl3QXLQVybgPTaN1cKCVCuj0c4A7WPJIhgXk4lHjUze61Y2JQKivRi3S_HMitOWtpGYdI4wg4dlvn8Sdb-MMflLJxfdHwM4fzQfJ8R6jZBC6VYvRxtqa1dx_H9drPoo/s400/1-decor.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Good-ness. Fourteen farmhouse love episodes? When will this end? Well, by my count I still have at least seven more spaces to paint and cute-ify, and I do still have that day job, so it could take awhile.<br />
<br />
Welcome to our mud room. This room is a work horse in our house, and it does have mud in it on occasion. This is real life right here. Except for that pitcher of flowers. That is totally staged. It would get knocked over in a heart beat if I <i>for real</i> left it in this room.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpdgMXIsxr7wVUl52nMd66J5j7INZsP1ywH4em5S49y83EW301Ub4mCAKLnY78VvYNRb-ud9mTuvTSIppmuWm8yGSOOn19Wa6_NpsabW9RBQ9aLpLdzhCrsvKcOEK6kGxdNZwYTMGTbE/s1600/2-before2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1083" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpdgMXIsxr7wVUl52nMd66J5j7INZsP1ywH4em5S49y83EW301Ub4mCAKLnY78VvYNRb-ud9mTuvTSIppmuWm8yGSOOn19Wa6_NpsabW9RBQ9aLpLdzhCrsvKcOEK6kGxdNZwYTMGTbE/s400/2-before2.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The mud room looked like this when we started on this project in early November. It was pretty cluttered, and I'm not going to lie, it's still cluttered, but there are things in this room that <i>we need</i>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfwRvVz6FRH07zISm9pOzEUTeb_4etyoCMYeiQUMYwiy04Qokdq0BIC7RlvR0W6Na0W7LeqZNPY4_2Gi0umf8jfVIc3N0U5-T6lfXXH0SWKbJ98py1zh7s1SelE6BPjK7NqX0y617jao/s1600/3-before3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1172" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfwRvVz6FRH07zISm9pOzEUTeb_4etyoCMYeiQUMYwiy04Qokdq0BIC7RlvR0W6Na0W7LeqZNPY4_2Gi0umf8jfVIc3N0U5-T6lfXXH0SWKbJ98py1zh7s1SelE6BPjK7NqX0y617jao/s400/3-before3.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The shoe organizer for the gloves and winter hats worked well for us. A little unsightly, perhaps. I would have hung it on the back of a door, but both of the doors to this room are pocket doors, so that wouldn't work.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbb7GSucwOwZUuiWxwV4nJ3L8TJnu_-wDJhugSeomNlfjnBPnBLnpesJXRZwwN41JaXsLv0aI9oR406Jrr7J6GF-ckZwKyjrYuwr8B1rFaiJwwDX0Di6HMvj5VJLMTqmm6Qt-Z3kE_0yA/s1600/4-before1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbb7GSucwOwZUuiWxwV4nJ3L8TJnu_-wDJhugSeomNlfjnBPnBLnpesJXRZwwN41JaXsLv0aI9oR406Jrr7J6GF-ckZwKyjrYuwr8B1rFaiJwwDX0Di6HMvj5VJLMTqmm6Qt-Z3kE_0yA/s400/4-before1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was at this point that I realized I needed to take before pictures. I had already started removing everything off the shelves, so you aren't even getting the full picture of how much crap I was able to cram onto these shelves. I will say that there is not less stuff on these shelves in the after picture.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And that's it. I took three before pictures. Then I took everything out of the room, washed the ceiling and walls, and started painting. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The rest of the room came together pretty slowly. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnkT9hN7PNoHiwJGc4BzkU6hsbHRp2wDQTdKbJJ9km3_q9NsiMKpifYarYSHMEY74cSWax2cycMZjHQKSdASJDVE7i9dGUpJW0BmAT_Q2IqKOZ5gj-F2R7SYj0P9HpizsCMDbY1kmmas/s1600/5-papershelves.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1033" data-original-width="1600" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnkT9hN7PNoHiwJGc4BzkU6hsbHRp2wDQTdKbJJ9km3_q9NsiMKpifYarYSHMEY74cSWax2cycMZjHQKSdASJDVE7i9dGUpJW0BmAT_Q2IqKOZ5gj-F2R7SYj0P9HpizsCMDbY1kmmas/s400/5-papershelves.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We took it one storage solution at a time, starting with the upper shelves to store all of our paper products.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_TJVTO9aV5eOhP-FkklgainjNiKDXSZm6D0tSmYt94m2wMK5rQUSUv83ucmvJtIB7ft0eMB2aczsLfnJMPtfUv8hhG_LmOHshaCpQrV2OV30NZTKP4Khf4KWN7g2iUMU4V3kW6p-Inw/s1600/6-papershelves2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="1600" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_TJVTO9aV5eOhP-FkklgainjNiKDXSZm6D0tSmYt94m2wMK5rQUSUv83ucmvJtIB7ft0eMB2aczsLfnJMPtfUv8hhG_LmOHshaCpQrV2OV30NZTKP4Khf4KWN7g2iUMU4V3kW6p-Inw/s400/6-papershelves2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now we can really stock up so we're ready for the zombie apocalypse.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEZoB1vU6YXrhtXHwbJlh3CqkDvBhJnZ3CLnc2oluwHLGYbaaHE-oaQ5M50OLdRIjCiVC6IJ2_bKtS1aTQxgOAi5ZCUKeNQ1Dydu1U4PVb4Gzr6V9EZuYJZ6ahQMyP382dOx7lml5qv0/s1600/7-hookboard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1600" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEZoB1vU6YXrhtXHwbJlh3CqkDvBhJnZ3CLnc2oluwHLGYbaaHE-oaQ5M50OLdRIjCiVC6IJ2_bKtS1aTQxgOAi5ZCUKeNQ1Dydu1U4PVb4Gzr6V9EZuYJZ6ahQMyP382dOx7lml5qv0/s400/7-hookboard.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After the upper shelves went up, we made this coat hook board from another gnarly piece of wood that Peanut Head drug in from the field. He's really good at that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I found the cee-ute farmhouse hooks on Amazon. You can find them <a href="https://amzn.to/2IjolAj" target="_blank">here</a> (affiliate link). I like them so much that I bought another pack of ten after I bought these. I don't even know what I'm going to use them for yet, <i>but I have them</i>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2QxnUZK2KXLu1Nnm6WJ9ht-dAk31eNls80dBxDrr1IH52ervNv63WwtRStwWR_q3HviGhl6l6tdc3vVZDpqCDZo-dbR0i6H-PI7cBEcEYUnzPUsZHJd2Ymcc-AcNRr5eJ5niZpt6uxE/s1600/8-Coats1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1142" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2QxnUZK2KXLu1Nnm6WJ9ht-dAk31eNls80dBxDrr1IH52ervNv63WwtRStwWR_q3HviGhl6l6tdc3vVZDpqCDZo-dbR0i6H-PI7cBEcEYUnzPUsZHJd2Ymcc-AcNRr5eJ5niZpt6uxE/s400/8-Coats1.JPG" width="285" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I feel like I should tell you that we never have only three coats in here. I moved all of them to the kitchen table while I took these <i>staged</i> photos.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2haf2cfV02ultSlnoLAbIQPorFTIVqVlIh7NkSx3vuUuyamHKyJnQSZj9w_zjdM8OpAq1aFlN7wTtrFqEZLTuxylYml-c2JrvcoQP8U26IYFQ6hfGt2pzx8_JdCkC6Govn4NH0Q2nGG4/s1600/9-coats-boots.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2haf2cfV02ultSlnoLAbIQPorFTIVqVlIh7NkSx3vuUuyamHKyJnQSZj9w_zjdM8OpAq1aFlN7wTtrFqEZLTuxylYml-c2JrvcoQP8U26IYFQ6hfGt2pzx8_JdCkC6Govn4NH0Q2nGG4/s400/9-coats-boots.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We have more boots than you see here too, but Peanut Head and Zoe were wearing a pair each. I did take the boot trays outside, in our 20 degree weather, so I could clean all the horse poop off them. I didn't want to gross you out, but you should know that they regularly have horse poop on them because these boots were made for walking around horse poopy areas. Our backyard. And sometimes our porch. 😱</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3USSltqcEz0Zp7k4f5muEvPfsI2REtCyOp0utvOvmo2r7IiY8wqWcFu5ZraNT_Z9pzXIOTnmW10l2dIJGTdx0MkJNMkdztxpismcujGLgUlzTjFNYNPai8km2h_9yjiUQvcgjUFpADCo/s1600/10-coats-reality.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3USSltqcEz0Zp7k4f5muEvPfsI2REtCyOp0utvOvmo2r7IiY8wqWcFu5ZraNT_Z9pzXIOTnmW10l2dIJGTdx0MkJNMkdztxpismcujGLgUlzTjFNYNPai8km2h_9yjiUQvcgjUFpADCo/s400/10-coats-reality.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's a real life picture of our coats, although there are two coats missing that Zoe and Peanut Head are wearing. Remember, it was 20 degrees when I took this picture. This morning it was zero degrees. Usually there are so many coats hanging up that you can't even see the coat hooks. And that's sad because they're so cute.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOgaVqKFSdBcmEdBWDz3W6k9Re8bid0juqjyc-j9PwVbeHPrfI9meOm3e34cUXXiQRuZFZ7N7W4B9xhxsqhvAS0VuhWkWF6jliNnXeT4GeunP6oCyKnU0PIq_1_SGls0WTZQdoHQHne0/s1600/11-bins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1233" data-original-width="1600" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOgaVqKFSdBcmEdBWDz3W6k9Re8bid0juqjyc-j9PwVbeHPrfI9meOm3e34cUXXiQRuZFZ7N7W4B9xhxsqhvAS0VuhWkWF6jliNnXeT4GeunP6oCyKnU0PIq_1_SGls0WTZQdoHQHne0/s400/11-bins.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After the coat hook board went up, Peanut Head put the shelf above it. These <a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30402005/?query=SOCKERBIT&icid=iba|us|unbxdsuggestion|201811132211556208_1" target="_blank">cute bins</a> came from IKEA, and they hold our gloves and winter hats. Each family member gets exactly two bins. If you want them,<i> don't buy them from Amazon</i>. I saw them for $25 there, and IKEA sells them for $2.99 each. The internet is cray-cray.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The bins are working out well because we can easily reach up and bring a bin down to rifle through it. It's a stretch for some of us, and sometimes I trip over boots that certain family members suck at putting away properly. I get cranky about that.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLV92FAK2MmSsr142lWaRf4IJ6vmtaWmQWq3oRuOthguseOPYQRXG2EZVat4mRqG1CoBNuH8lC-xrtwx4oHenZfe09DYRd1l4taG4q_oq-w2GAiHARwNH7P_zrXBZlzaFYiQ9PA7knz0Y/s1600/12-clean-work.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1098" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLV92FAK2MmSsr142lWaRf4IJ6vmtaWmQWq3oRuOthguseOPYQRXG2EZVat4mRqG1CoBNuH8lC-xrtwx4oHenZfe09DYRd1l4taG4q_oq-w2GAiHARwNH7P_zrXBZlzaFYiQ9PA7knz0Y/s400/12-clean-work.JPG" width="273" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I know this is cluttered, but <i>I need all of it</i>. All of it. Believe me, I did consolidate and simplify. Remember though, real life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The cleaning implement board (I don't know what else to call it) was made from another piece of gnarly trash wood. We added some hooks and a mop/broom hook bar (??) we found at <i>The Container Store</i>. If you haven't been to <i>The Container Store</i>, I'm telling you right now that you haven't lived. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTDoRLv0cUPcmg773F15ACkOCzrEYC1mujR3n-UXRrq8hrC2KWgQC2GeF7Lo01tiKHAP48pCG9R9umWDU0wI_B6xUM7wCjp4UrcRk8Jj-vzyzhnHdnTbaAtwIsothk7bW82VCS5rTYJ0/s1600/13-work-keys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTDoRLv0cUPcmg773F15ACkOCzrEYC1mujR3n-UXRrq8hrC2KWgQC2GeF7Lo01tiKHAP48pCG9R9umWDU0wI_B6xUM7wCjp4UrcRk8Jj-vzyzhnHdnTbaAtwIsothk7bW82VCS5rTYJ0/s400/13-work-keys.JPG" width="261" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We used to have two small key hook strips over the light switch with exactly eight hooks. I asked Peanut Head to make me a barn door looking key hook rack and he went a little Tim the Tool Man Taylor on it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggeHHsvmr3fd0Yd-9iqBcBHrQNfg5frAbZBCfvA7Vagdd5MlWCG0bB4dMcP-o9hyx_p64qsJdd6PvxJleL_75lFjsbWzYyL_7dt-U-NRP5lr92roR0ckB_fD2y8_hUffS1hBEgMlWI5tc/s1600/14-Keys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="598" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggeHHsvmr3fd0Yd-9iqBcBHrQNfg5frAbZBCfvA7Vagdd5MlWCG0bB4dMcP-o9hyx_p64qsJdd6PvxJleL_75lFjsbWzYyL_7dt-U-NRP5lr92roR0ckB_fD2y8_hUffS1hBEgMlWI5tc/s640/14-Keys.JPG" width="236" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now we have <i>fifteen </i>hooks so we can even hang our sunglasses up. We have a lot of keys, I know. Four of those carabiners have exactly the same keys on them too. We have several outbuildings with way too many doors because every structure was built onto trailer park style. You think I'm kidding, but I'm not.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The only thing I'm going to say about that, besides what I've already said, obviously, is that <i>plywood is not siding</i>. Seriously.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway, we have four sets of the same keys because we tend to misplace keys. At one point we had a full set laying out in our pasture for an entire winter. Keys fall out of coat pockets, get left in coat pockets, fall off the ATV, you name it, it's happened. Although to my knowledge we haven't had an animal eat any keys yet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And that's it for the mud room. I'm very happy with the way it turned out, even if it took three months to finish. To be honest, that's the only way we could have pulled it off because we were using it for all but maybe two days while the painting was done. While the coats and boots were out, and mostly on my kitchen table, I was twitchy.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5EL1kjlo3OWKnDOs5kiQvJtasFbQ2zYbQ3ErlFIMfv8KLzRvllpveGh_qCXUadLDf3u6sqYY1713OJ7vOrc1hWo2KAfzeMBw2IALoBleC_m-RsCHV-oxJMKkoyNgo575-6c3RqYVN6M/s1600/15-storage1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1211" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5EL1kjlo3OWKnDOs5kiQvJtasFbQ2zYbQ3ErlFIMfv8KLzRvllpveGh_qCXUadLDf3u6sqYY1713OJ7vOrc1hWo2KAfzeMBw2IALoBleC_m-RsCHV-oxJMKkoyNgo575-6c3RqYVN6M/s400/15-storage1.JPG" width="302" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also tackled our basement storage room, but this one came together much faster. We worked on it over two or three days on our Christmas vacation. This project provided me with so much relief. It was a disorganized mess and it was so depressing to try to find anything. I didn't take any before pictures of the disorganization though, so you'll just have to imagine it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyDoVW75pEoCL9klNBz1OQqDT8O3F4EzIVbllfNeIB0kuDuhadIlAyVK9UY2uKAGZ_RZWbaPROi_Gy2VkOQcbaoyQ-3VF1YlkQoL2T35GRpQWrjvnhv8cc-b55iOn59MZSki6aaTZZK8/s1600/IMG_0648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyDoVW75pEoCL9klNBz1OQqDT8O3F4EzIVbllfNeIB0kuDuhadIlAyVK9UY2uKAGZ_RZWbaPROi_Gy2VkOQcbaoyQ-3VF1YlkQoL2T35GRpQWrjvnhv8cc-b55iOn59MZSki6aaTZZK8/s400/IMG_0648.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is actually a before picture, but it was taken after I pulled everything off the shelves. This particular section of shelves was used for canning jars. I can say that with confidence because the former owners left some canning jars here. We do not have that many canning jars, so something needed to be done to be able to use this space.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih36qUnGTVzZqcPaabJYE-yimz2ok74FJQvE44xIhhoNtLo3geXxfvBSwzppFTdHUq1zasDDT6jwRd4ot_Uz8cVdv9XxHlZzP7LHOnI7Zn8QCjXe6aeG0QKrBUnNm8qF1_ebRx8RTdBaQ/s1600/IMG_0649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih36qUnGTVzZqcPaabJYE-yimz2ok74FJQvE44xIhhoNtLo3geXxfvBSwzppFTdHUq1zasDDT6jwRd4ot_Uz8cVdv9XxHlZzP7LHOnI7Zn8QCjXe6aeG0QKrBUnNm8qF1_ebRx8RTdBaQ/s400/IMG_0649.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Enter Peanut Head, a crow bar, a level, and some other assorted tools. I'm just going to put this out there. There was a fair amount of cussing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The shelves are actually sturdy now, and everything is level. Always a bonus.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When he was finished he asked me if I was going to paint them. I snorted at him in response, and he walked away with his level and his hammer whilst shaking his head.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUtgckMpmJpclND0vB1Vrak_-H3fRu19FgTJcYaXroLzeBU7K4FnGrusygObB8t6_kX16XltpqWP2JxVCAzkhgjdEMvkAmOnnlhWatMGSmUG9rJQD7R7g75d5AvHvLkiEqCB1JJpoo2U/s1600/16-storage2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1206" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUtgckMpmJpclND0vB1Vrak_-H3fRu19FgTJcYaXroLzeBU7K4FnGrusygObB8t6_kX16XltpqWP2JxVCAzkhgjdEMvkAmOnnlhWatMGSmUG9rJQD7R7g75d5AvHvLkiEqCB1JJpoo2U/s400/16-storage2.JPG" width="301" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now all my paint fits, and dare I say it, <i>I have room to grow</i>. Don't tell Peanut Head that I said that last little bit. 😉 He's a little grouchy about my paint habit.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZl4xnuCq7RbE_Y0ldEMb_-KVD1nKwh48SxDeMKvQxw-db1QN-ssQOdAZCT6yK4RaLcd-fUyOHNlZtZ72Gf1wWR6gS78_drjXSoS5f0fa2tltKA41jaCMt478FOdAGa3MJ6Tp_IyhE_qk/s1600/17-storage3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1238" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZl4xnuCq7RbE_Y0ldEMb_-KVD1nKwh48SxDeMKvQxw-db1QN-ssQOdAZCT6yK4RaLcd-fUyOHNlZtZ72Gf1wWR6gS78_drjXSoS5f0fa2tltKA41jaCMt478FOdAGa3MJ6Tp_IyhE_qk/s400/17-storage3.JPG" width="308" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I like to gaze at all the possibilities.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNzUeskzs0JCRpp19uT8sAToJdnSbdU2f8jPkZOdFhNUdrSl7vt_aOzi1uYlgD3OLpNji6DjLRACB5tG_1n2Vki6nmFXvu-LFixwNcWYOfRn7DPP6cIhL3K8COHebN90Ouj3EEseBWko/s1600/18-storage4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1379" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNzUeskzs0JCRpp19uT8sAToJdnSbdU2f8jPkZOdFhNUdrSl7vt_aOzi1uYlgD3OLpNji6DjLRACB5tG_1n2Vki6nmFXvu-LFixwNcWYOfRn7DPP6cIhL3K8COHebN90Ouj3EEseBWko/s400/18-storage4.JPG" width="343" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I easily spent a day just making labels for all our bins and organizing their contents. We started this project while putting away Christmas, so I used the opportunity to purge some things.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZXfTlaWpNqRAfcw4gdj7xd1HJ3vn4fLR7IJUbBGCapZgiRiiPmLklIv7xwWmQrHCEbOdDnRIWaRATPy9uh6AUJpGmiCanU9j9Zxl_JGiNs_P1tuX3jLb41m3cSPNALKNivXXOL1wrY4/s1600/19-storage5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1595" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZXfTlaWpNqRAfcw4gdj7xd1HJ3vn4fLR7IJUbBGCapZgiRiiPmLklIv7xwWmQrHCEbOdDnRIWaRATPy9uh6AUJpGmiCanU9j9Zxl_JGiNs_P1tuX3jLb41m3cSPNALKNivXXOL1wrY4/s400/19-storage5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This section makes me so happy. We had all this stuff for our <a href="https://www.controllingmychaos.com/2013/01/snack-attack.html" target="_blank">annual holiday bake-a-palooza</a> scattered about, and we didn't know what we had until we rounded everything up and counted them. This had to be done every year. No more. We have a running inventory now.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhQRMYBAewWYsboY456FVbK7uAgkg7RjGSZ4HPZ1CgpfJW1B0fcICCEA0-EKd8hZaoBmjibFbyP8Sqft6lQ6R_N1E9Z6MUsJo5zIxPt5ul5j2WYyHvFYhFkNUXfhk9jtWTs_BjKwvO60/s1600/20-garden1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1186" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhQRMYBAewWYsboY456FVbK7uAgkg7RjGSZ4HPZ1CgpfJW1B0fcICCEA0-EKd8hZaoBmjibFbyP8Sqft6lQ6R_N1E9Z6MUsJo5zIxPt5ul5j2WYyHvFYhFkNUXfhk9jtWTs_BjKwvO60/s400/20-garden1.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is the other side of the storage room, and we have dedicated this to Peanut Head's garden prep and seedling birthing area. Indoor nursery? Call it what you want, it's where our garden takes root, literally.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All that wood there is the leftover from the dismantling of the shelves on the other side. Maybe Peanut Head will build more shelves on this side? Maybe we'll build another exterior structure with plywood siding? We don't know yet.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVwxlFtr95hjIOnvnhyphenhyphenlblrQHcvSGAsK29o_TkfeCbUmYQyDgzgZSxftNkfm4i1D1zpHs91832aoU3lTNO07o5C3c5Zzla98LX6P8EIL5f8W8wnT_MHlLWx_4mpoTt-wIlYbViKv8qA0/s1600/21-garden2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1561" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVwxlFtr95hjIOnvnhyphenhyphenlblrQHcvSGAsK29o_TkfeCbUmYQyDgzgZSxftNkfm4i1D1zpHs91832aoU3lTNO07o5C3c5Zzla98LX6P8EIL5f8W8wnT_MHlLWx_4mpoTt-wIlYbViKv8qA0/s400/21-garden2.JPG" width="390" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Peanut Head is giddy about adding a second grow light. Well, as giddy as Peanut Head gets. He has plans to run some plumbing over here so he can water his babies without making umpteen trips up and down the stairs with his watering can.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCN_dMfwEjmjvBfqS5OaFGK9iWCD_2sesowl78e7xm4ZLGGYVrscYCbzju3jvNO9c9Rv_FvALpOgQQAkvzXSe5dDo_gBECfs_JbUatrWwKPoFllSTkr2dFLx18LhrfUed9XKWhnXSqV8k/s1600/22-canning.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCN_dMfwEjmjvBfqS5OaFGK9iWCD_2sesowl78e7xm4ZLGGYVrscYCbzju3jvNO9c9Rv_FvALpOgQQAkvzXSe5dDo_gBECfs_JbUatrWwKPoFllSTkr2dFLx18LhrfUed9XKWhnXSqV8k/s400/22-canning.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This cute little section is right under the stairs, and I'm using it for my empty canning jars. We only have four onions left from our garden last summer, so we've decided that next year we need to grow more. We also have a 5-gallon bucket of potatoes on the floor there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9yGZk0SB56Q2qLU5DxBEUYefz4DkIiblrGvxp0Odv0DAIGIwgqBK97-NLZn9o-jg4X96NXz21A6Q0SEUWh4Smk6SZ8MesBbGapGLN0BXG_icTHnQJozEGPugbHkO9kg2j7Li2PWNcfc/s1600/IMG_0774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9yGZk0SB56Q2qLU5DxBEUYefz4DkIiblrGvxp0Odv0DAIGIwgqBK97-NLZn9o-jg4X96NXz21A6Q0SEUWh4Smk6SZ8MesBbGapGLN0BXG_icTHnQJozEGPugbHkO9kg2j7Li2PWNcfc/s400/IMG_0774.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When our neighbor delivered them to us, Banebridge retrieved a fallen potato from the ground and ate it whole, dirt and all. He has a voracious appetite.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoasQ_Hp6GSms6NHbdJk13qqkfBIHVblIL-m10ROWu8KLvllNC6H159X6Yt53gGSTovX3UTqBe6tz_KqCygnDCpKTY8WeGC3ka7u5mj8UcKQvh0TOUJLwTwrMcnYZdymzgdeTY7YFbwo/s1600/IMG_0739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoasQ_Hp6GSms6NHbdJk13qqkfBIHVblIL-m10ROWu8KLvllNC6H159X6Yt53gGSTovX3UTqBe6tz_KqCygnDCpKTY8WeGC3ka7u5mj8UcKQvh0TOUJLwTwrMcnYZdymzgdeTY7YFbwo/s400/IMG_0739.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Baney and Gunny Man have been naughty dogs. Since Baney is vertically inclined, he has the ability to scan the countertops at eye level and easily dip his head into our 2-1/2 foot tall garbage can to retrieve yummies. In this picture you can see the detritus from an entire loaf of bread, a bag of hamburger buns, cold medicine (which thankfully he was not able to penetrate), a half gallon ice cream carton (empty) and who knows what else. Baney was not picky about discarding wrappers, and I know this because I poop scooped the yard after the binge session.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm giving most of the blame to Baney because I know that Gunny was merely present. Since I witness the dog food consumption daily, I know that Gunny didn't have a chance. Baney inhales his food so fast that he has this little snorty routine where he has to clear the crumb dust from his nasal passages after hoovering his meal. Then he looks over longingly at Gunny Man delicately nibbling at his food. After that, he saunters into the mud room to make sure we didn't spill any delectable morsels. I will say that Gunny has never eaten so well since Bane has joined the household. He knows if he doesn't eat it <i>now</i>, it will not be there to eat later.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You may have also noticed the stools on the couch and chair? That's our attempt at keeping the boys from lounging on the furniture. My favorite is to see a cat curled up between the rungs of the stool legs. It's like the cat is mocking the dogs. Cats are the best.</div>
<br />
That's my DIY update for this month (or two). Next up we are putting the finishing touches on our home gym, and after that I get to tackle our master bedroom. I'm super excited about the bedroom. I've been <i>buying things</i>. Until next time . . .Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-9434287274524789232019-01-18T20:43:00.000-07:002019-01-18T20:47:06.756-07:00Farm Pants Are Becoming a Thing Around Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRFYBF2p9gt9N1qHmhDLN4X_gDsZe3cESaYpFN_vNDYo5eJJpDWqBm4dbUWS9wgy1IfgHpNWdrlrhLiDoDapzbptq25t0W75lOkk7nASXXJ6KIgFbkQtuYyY_517qjB6C91-wkmO_bQA/s1600/17a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRFYBF2p9gt9N1qHmhDLN4X_gDsZe3cESaYpFN_vNDYo5eJJpDWqBm4dbUWS9wgy1IfgHpNWdrlrhLiDoDapzbptq25t0W75lOkk7nASXXJ6KIgFbkQtuYyY_517qjB6C91-wkmO_bQA/s320/17a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">It's time for my annual Christmas letter as blog post. Actually, it's a month late, but how much does it matter, really?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">About this time last year I was making fun of Clark’s farm pants, and ironically, now <i>I</i> have farm pants too. Several pairs. I wear them on the weekends when I should be relaxing, but surprisingly I’m not.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">There are things to be done, you know.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">In fact, Peanut Head made a multiple page spreadsheet for all the things that need to be done around here, color coded by priority and difficulty level. <i>For real</i>. And one day last spring he came right out and declared one of our weekend days “<a href="https://www.controllingmychaos.com/2018/04/family-ditch-day-its-thing.html" target="_blank">Family Ditch Day</a>.” He did. Just like he was King. It was so bizarre, that we were stunned into compliance. Now you might be thinking that “Family Ditch Day” sounds like it could become a fun family tradition, but I’m here to tell you that it’s not a day that we want to repeat. We know we will have to though. </span><span style="font-family: "wingdings";">L</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">Peanut Head and I are physically and mentally preparing ourselves for Zoë to leave the nest in the fall when she goes off to college. I’m not ready, and I probably never will be. Regardless, it’s going to happen whether I want it to or not, so I’m going to hold her close as much as I can this year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">We bought a 2002 Subaru for the girls to drive into the ground (and to protect our cars). It has about 200,000 miles on it, and it’s not pretty to look at, but it’s a vehicle. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvLnmA7Rf8H3hNfbVcxausm-i_VbtTuJuchKH4fPNZxltnxg6V87cUZErpUGBOSJ3wf5uCP_lcAx8x94cHy9UD3vi92NqVI5FZZzNULgnH1MAnrrZ-fLNLkYKBIt1oCkJ3KYbQoshw5c/s1600/IMG_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvLnmA7Rf8H3hNfbVcxausm-i_VbtTuJuchKH4fPNZxltnxg6V87cUZErpUGBOSJ3wf5uCP_lcAx8x94cHy9UD3vi92NqVI5FZZzNULgnH1MAnrrZ-fLNLkYKBIt1oCkJ3KYbQoshw5c/s400/IMG_0001.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">The best part is that we spend less time driving them to and from all their activities. Zoë has been enjoying the freedom that comes from having wheels, and she now has a job at Cal Ranch. She started out as a cashier, but quickly moved to the floor where she can sling bags of feed and restock shelves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxknPM2Nk8DXhxfJ9hZqM8JAyjAdoZS9YgipHZFRvkEetEZJE3FmjuEV6ixrsGG2Ne9flX72PVeIaKKW9qEHGdXbKNCLo99NH32Ik65r1PVLsIz4WXS4T4a2BEnGpzymcO6B5Pk0WRGY/s1600/IMG_6786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxknPM2Nk8DXhxfJ9hZqM8JAyjAdoZS9YgipHZFRvkEetEZJE3FmjuEV6ixrsGG2Ne9flX72PVeIaKKW9qEHGdXbKNCLo99NH32Ik65r1PVLsIz4WXS4T4a2BEnGpzymcO6B5Pk0WRGY/s400/IMG_6786.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">Zoë also has a boyfriend, but we’re not even going to go into that because ick. We choose denial.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">Stinkerbell is still doing Marching Band and Pep Band, and has also added Jazz Band to the mix. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCx5260MR5ThYWKhQxgET_-x-8thdhOTg8CGWu2u52roBEp3-xfyzsuLE5mITFkVhdtZI_o8c7GVNG2tMQ2rBKfWUWBxBDXO4VzxUTZUbKfZSGPe6fAKQx4-6UaPRrOckNG7jjESKobtE/s1600/IMG_0264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCx5260MR5ThYWKhQxgET_-x-8thdhOTg8CGWu2u52roBEp3-xfyzsuLE5mITFkVhdtZI_o8c7GVNG2tMQ2rBKfWUWBxBDXO4VzxUTZUbKfZSGPe6fAKQx4-6UaPRrOckNG7jjESKobtE/s400/IMG_0264.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">She’s also still in Civil Air Patrol, and it doesn’t look like that is going to go away. Peanut Head was also sucked into it as a leader, and now they both have lots of extra responsibilities and grooming requirements. Stinky has set her sights on trying to get into the Naval Academy for college and then going into the Marine Corps as an officer. Of course I am completely against that because DANGER! It doesn’t matter what I think though. She is her own person and she always has been. I will cry when the day comes that she leaves me, I’m not going to lie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5E5F6Qq8tTpqGa0tcUT1Q9xPS4FaVyMbPX3KxqB0HMxuce3JHaTqeHWqv83g29Hn1mcnZEBaQJY1kPbYs17sr9YDA05rif7ym2wClfIGZFLgStgcGll83uPwtPL01dBq_JSsgwCBz_Oc/s1600/IMG_0568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5E5F6Qq8tTpqGa0tcUT1Q9xPS4FaVyMbPX3KxqB0HMxuce3JHaTqeHWqv83g29Hn1mcnZEBaQJY1kPbYs17sr9YDA05rif7ym2wClfIGZFLgStgcGll83uPwtPL01dBq_JSsgwCBz_Oc/s400/IMG_0568.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">The horses are good. The two that we were boarding moved to Boise, and it’s strange not having them around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">Gunny is good, still dumb as a post and very happy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">We got another dog this year. His name is Bane, which I’m not a fan of, but he’s five and probably wouldn’t appreciate a name change. I lucked out and found him on Facebook where his owner was trying to rehome him. He is a 170 lb. Great Dane/Mastiff mix, and he is the sweetest big galoot I have ever laid eyes on. I love him more than I ever thought possible for a dog. He’s my baby.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplkFgxIsOIiVEDc7Rv6J7l3H_aZX-fr9turTRzJndoacx6fmYU0dWhLI9AI856g7dH0tqvAq8aVh7Pch9cYpI8O3OO718uncgf22iV6yrAhBSopz0ktMEiGv-oCrOTP_ibT5qAi_FhbA/s1600/IMG_0381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplkFgxIsOIiVEDc7Rv6J7l3H_aZX-fr9turTRzJndoacx6fmYU0dWhLI9AI856g7dH0tqvAq8aVh7Pch9cYpI8O3OO718uncgf22iV6yrAhBSopz0ktMEiGv-oCrOTP_ibT5qAi_FhbA/s400/IMG_0381.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't his little crossy legs adorable? That's the Dane in him.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">My only complaint is that he drools. I’m not talking about elderly person sleeping with their eyes open drooling, I’m talking DROOLING. Long strands of thick, stringy drool which hang down from his jowls precariously, taunting germaphobes everywhere (Stinky and I). We have a dozen or so hand towels that are just for Bane’s drool. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsRw68HV1H4LK179WkAD_fTjwil-QGu9EPcfK_3m8b8Sc43yxqx-09mM2jAX4Nuzd0Us4F8n4ZhJz4NYbS2z6MIOefzGmhE1troBCKXmagVfGnr26LSUUh_yxn5sQxh_5uaGfbP0xojM/s1600/IMG_0194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsRw68HV1H4LK179WkAD_fTjwil-QGu9EPcfK_3m8b8Sc43yxqx-09mM2jAX4Nuzd0Us4F8n4ZhJz4NYbS2z6MIOefzGmhE1troBCKXmagVfGnr26LSUUh_yxn5sQxh_5uaGfbP0xojM/s400/IMG_0194.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bane wearing a drool towel :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">When we see the drool, we run to clean it up before he tries to shake it off his face. When that happens one of two things will result. Either the long strands wrap around his snout in a slimy rope, or they let loose and fly in an unpredictable trajectory, usually splatting on a wall somewhere, although there are still uncharted territories that remain. We count ourselves lucky when it doesn’t hit us. Walls can be easily cleaned and there is no mental anguish involved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gKzdSooVrX1VBjq-iFRgC2Q7olnsHpMHyfN0_h_g46-Vo85GP8rFcwNMcWfulx8tdv1__h_RCe1vEijQYaWFV63f1ddEMT0DdhhfE2crltruPpOvSIi1D5pcpFfpvlaTZlbBavLrvOs/s1600/IMG_0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gKzdSooVrX1VBjq-iFRgC2Q7olnsHpMHyfN0_h_g46-Vo85GP8rFcwNMcWfulx8tdv1__h_RCe1vEijQYaWFV63f1ddEMT0DdhhfE2crltruPpOvSIi1D5pcpFfpvlaTZlbBavLrvOs/s400/IMG_0407.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bane can curl himself up like a cinnamon roll when the<br />
opportunity presents itself. This is unauthorized behavior. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">Lucinda and Cecilia are still alive and meowing. I’ve been begging for a kitten, but so far nada. It’s my Christmas wish. [Wink. Wink.] We need a baby in the house.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkwYBQVSLHfNBhXeQUzmJOnzRfdQk-duU7las6rH8iBE9zjocvE3xorpQgZiZJE2cnkUziircn5vuo7IsFxieI4fFpkB7tVT0m88fJQ-TGugbfPPseTKU0TZZQZN4UTD2XBJ9qkp0UeA/s1600/26a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1312" data-original-width="1600" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkwYBQVSLHfNBhXeQUzmJOnzRfdQk-duU7las6rH8iBE9zjocvE3xorpQgZiZJE2cnkUziircn5vuo7IsFxieI4fFpkB7tVT0m88fJQ-TGugbfPPseTKU0TZZQZN4UTD2XBJ9qkp0UeA/s400/26a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">We still have the two goats, Clementine and Trinity. Clementine is a bully and she has taken to slamming Gunny up against the fence when he gets too barky or she’s just feeling PMS-ey. She doesn’t mess with Bane though, because 170 lbs. is intimidating, I guess.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">If you can believe it, we have eleven chickens now. Eleven. Who has eleven chickens? We do. [Actually, since I wrote this letter it's now an even dozen. It's like we're chicken magnets or something.]</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">Zoë is responsible, as usual. It’s the same old story, although a slightly new variation. She was taking an animal science class. They hatched babies. She brought babies home. Three were hens and one was a rooster. We were never going to have a rooster. We now have a rooster. He’s ugly, and he’s mean.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJfVoW1L7BzatogOpSoHzHFQi1O9KjpOvphEP39ayDDWlEzfLQZJLE5312JyLVRpNoPouzjatl_L06CeMJr0381_xgf8Qs_qVABORSlqv_kaBw1Px5QeneDnHMnbtdcnw3FRabzWSq5M/s1600/IMG_0548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJfVoW1L7BzatogOpSoHzHFQi1O9KjpOvphEP39ayDDWlEzfLQZJLE5312JyLVRpNoPouzjatl_L06CeMJr0381_xgf8Qs_qVABORSlqv_kaBw1Px5QeneDnHMnbtdcnw3FRabzWSq5M/s400/IMG_0548.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">You can be walking along the driveway, innocently minding your own business, and he runs up and starts attacking you. If there’s one thing that ticks me off it’s a rooster provoking me. The embarrassing thing is that it’s surprisingly more difficult to kick a rooster and be successful in actually connecting the kick than you might think. Maybe it’s just me. I’ve found that I’m more effective if I just turn and start chasing him while crazy screaming.</span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-OgxZZ9gQtiqSdRXa9HhFC3XxNZTrr-nhMKsXoT-8PvgjQD4uuQYk-BAARmzK2VXrsIn7jN7ussyWS-QkDucQ_jS9swmz59gpYW0_YuHoijqD7BHFAjdmwbYbKA0_TMAVs3l7J9EjCc/s1600/23a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1410" data-original-width="1600" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-OgxZZ9gQtiqSdRXa9HhFC3XxNZTrr-nhMKsXoT-8PvgjQD4uuQYk-BAARmzK2VXrsIn7jN7ussyWS-QkDucQ_jS9swmz59gpYW0_YuHoijqD7BHFAjdmwbYbKA0_TMAVs3l7J9EjCc/s400/23a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">We haven't had a dull moment since we moved to the country, and I have to admit, I wish we would have made this move a lot sooner than we did.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">No complaints though. We are very thankful for everything we have, and most of all for each other and our health.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">Here's to another year. Late as it is, Happy New Year! I hope it's a good one for you.</span></div>
<br />Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-5142679402468886672018-11-19T20:02:00.001-07:002018-11-19T20:08:11.267-07:00Farmhouse Love Episode 13: Sewing & Craft Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzejtPtgJhaqXcez1EkkyzNAS82Gpw2fG_A_at0-kJs3d7PQSGg3G8Zyjy65miKJib0d66-lCxt7gTZF4Zc2jG2DnVcX8XUXfH7rqW56Os34ap12o_sFlpH45jXAApuq_94roQfCUofQ/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1154" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzejtPtgJhaqXcez1EkkyzNAS82Gpw2fG_A_at0-kJs3d7PQSGg3G8Zyjy65miKJib0d66-lCxt7gTZF4Zc2jG2DnVcX8XUXfH7rqW56Os34ap12o_sFlpH45jXAApuq_94roQfCUofQ/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" width="287" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Like most of my Farmhouse Love episodes, this post is long overdue. I'm over the late post guilt though. Ain't nobody got time for that. I'm just happy to have this room functional so I can use it for my ongoing projects.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Like always, let's start with some before pictures.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_6UQyxkSHdrQXKE-k6dkOTntEyY0gK6ru-C-Ll0QOV7aCNaBIragCP1rYig1NFX1Wt88tKNGuHG8KXmiETOKjMwJlnww7QGwodXVrInDHgo5N4hpbRmv2sDIheKop0TmTVkQZL165p0/s1600/Craft+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_6UQyxkSHdrQXKE-k6dkOTntEyY0gK6ru-C-Ll0QOV7aCNaBIragCP1rYig1NFX1Wt88tKNGuHG8KXmiETOKjMwJlnww7QGwodXVrInDHgo5N4hpbRmv2sDIheKop0TmTVkQZL165p0/s400/Craft+Room.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is what the room looked like when we moved in. It's a long, narrow room, but it's really quite perfect for my crafty needs. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The work surfaces and storage units were left behind. Thank you very much.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9X7WX4Pml5bcVtmSwzEHLuFh3iRF0nJFyuBZ3seE_wfmi-JiZkzau9d8SFDTGpv9hIxZ9tseJM4wLL3OINjU-YiSo0Va-GNwJLj6gJvyVJyupCxNgRTBlnfLhXZyC5iojKgliINjOJE/s1600/Craft+Room+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9X7WX4Pml5bcVtmSwzEHLuFh3iRF0nJFyuBZ3seE_wfmi-JiZkzau9d8SFDTGpv9hIxZ9tseJM4wLL3OINjU-YiSo0Va-GNwJLj6gJvyVJyupCxNgRTBlnfLhXZyC5iojKgliINjOJE/s400/Craft+Room+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The former owner of this house used this as as a sewing room, as indicated by the themed curtain and painted drawers. Once upon a time, I would have loved this particular decor, except that I like color on my walls. Too many years spent as a renter have caused me to crave color on the walls.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I scrubbed everything down and got to work. I went around and around about what color to paint my space, but finally I decided on pink. It makes me happy.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_kYtNCh4BI7vhjM9pF1LW7kVzbqRk8-oRgOcvsxe1D3f5yIBOBrEKpw5pmxdlLazIwYVIEhQsXynEhFjNhIDJHNPTzP7Y-skEpgHB-RG0Uux4Cgae8JesXTILXSwLlZl8WulFDa9Nbw/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1137" data-original-width="1600" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_kYtNCh4BI7vhjM9pF1LW7kVzbqRk8-oRgOcvsxe1D3f5yIBOBrEKpw5pmxdlLazIwYVIEhQsXynEhFjNhIDJHNPTzP7Y-skEpgHB-RG0Uux4Cgae8JesXTILXSwLlZl8WulFDa9Nbw/s400/DSC_0021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It really could have ended up being just about any color because I love all the colors. Color inspires me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOH01SgASlkcJ5OUwRW-ZKQXTRp6MDoZ5j9VPMlg67dsRApKeLkKjz90YSJsSMgUgaXhWljOsxB0Zti91OVFfKOLZL_hit0n1MdeNSfpRV-WLPhykCvUSvihvl8O3pgXsyX-cCWtUXpYU/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1600" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOH01SgASlkcJ5OUwRW-ZKQXTRp6MDoZ5j9VPMlg67dsRApKeLkKjz90YSJsSMgUgaXhWljOsxB0Zti91OVFfKOLZL_hit0n1MdeNSfpRV-WLPhykCvUSvihvl8O3pgXsyX-cCWtUXpYU/s400/DSC_0004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My pegboard got a new coat of paint too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After scouring Pinterest for thread storage ideas, I smacked myself in the head because I had the perfect storage solution right in front of me all along.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love having my sewing thread on my pegboard, and I wish I would have done it a long time ago. It's so accessible now, and easy to put away. Which means I'll actually put it away.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmNMSZ2eegf5TqrgWhccOjcocQU7MRAKF409SQfI8Cpf8wmLe11OLPSaCb9ErYIhyxPCAAuHDWRrfGmylxDmr5OJIRaeJCRrhqWTOjbEMyVZj1zAdyf7zmIxl2RJlbV6fsnr_1F_sEUs/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1061" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmNMSZ2eegf5TqrgWhccOjcocQU7MRAKF409SQfI8Cpf8wmLe11OLPSaCb9ErYIhyxPCAAuHDWRrfGmylxDmr5OJIRaeJCRrhqWTOjbEMyVZj1zAdyf7zmIxl2RJlbV6fsnr_1F_sEUs/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is the Making Memories unit that <a href="https://www.controllingmychaos.com/search?q=ribbon+rewind" target="_blank">I tweaked</a> way back when. That little letter board above it is a reminder message for my pink hating family. They do not like my pink room, and I don't care. It's mine. 😊</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHwoqgWc7mFMyKckf6Bf5QafWMPdNktd6o1aMyiqiu75CR2W9qqGngPt2RcI-_KsR6M1hHW_LeRQgaUMM9YjEl0srrorFBzlGbefj0o6yHg-m0iOzAeXc6pkmGSd86PASfLBGGCnKIek/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1173" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHwoqgWc7mFMyKckf6Bf5QafWMPdNktd6o1aMyiqiu75CR2W9qqGngPt2RcI-_KsR6M1hHW_LeRQgaUMM9YjEl0srrorFBzlGbefj0o6yHg-m0iOzAeXc6pkmGSd86PASfLBGGCnKIek/s400/DSC_0006.JPG" width="292" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The four bins I have on the top shelf are for my current projects. They are full up to the tippy top. You might laugh, but my new rule for myself is that if I don't have room for the supplies for a new project in one of those bins, then I can't have a new project. 😟 It's for the best.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My dirty little secret is that I have a couple moving boxes underneath the work space which are also stuffed to the gills. It's the thought that counts. Regardless, it's good to have goals.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja01S-S1cmoc-185jyrw1wmP-1zUTYBD1lsZxuCfOg7nOC9cON96jB9Oxg6BRKNlYm7gdams7f41c9_i2IdgPzf0C7ROoR7fOJuc-tz9lo0RivIUAgxfWqWU10sxOP1VH17jCstVFBL4I/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1279" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja01S-S1cmoc-185jyrw1wmP-1zUTYBD1lsZxuCfOg7nOC9cON96jB9Oxg6BRKNlYm7gdams7f41c9_i2IdgPzf0C7ROoR7fOJuc-tz9lo0RivIUAgxfWqWU10sxOP1VH17jCstVFBL4I/s400/DSC_0007.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've had this chair for at least twenty years. I painted it and added the stencil to coordinate with my new space.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6iMM9SLjOhdIpVehc6a-zF9Gw4ZGtJu1-n5yQK1Q6h0cosI0zIsfGAzsOnv-GbmRyCN8_jh6BGkPjGVoFuQHnfbKfSCvQLciWDQ3bi_F7NR689SFDMhuASQUl7Vr90xy5_upFTYZEzU/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6iMM9SLjOhdIpVehc6a-zF9Gw4ZGtJu1-n5yQK1Q6h0cosI0zIsfGAzsOnv-GbmRyCN8_jh6BGkPjGVoFuQHnfbKfSCvQLciWDQ3bi_F7NR689SFDMhuASQUl7Vr90xy5_upFTYZEzU/s400/DSC_0015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also painted and stenciled the storage unit and swapped out the hardware with these nifty cup drawer pulls.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I do have a a little problem with this unit, cute as it is. Before I painted it, the inside reeked of mouse droppings. I scrubbed it, and painted it with multiple coats of stain-blocking primer and multiple coats of paint.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Still it reeks. I put air fresheners inside several of the drawers but still, the drawers are stinky. I don't know what else to do besides drag it outside and light it on fire. That seems like such a terrible waste though.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you have any ideas for me to try, please share.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7L75WcbpWGWGz0eDUesXtrgQK2UdAPX6f6dswYHmex3e_FoJtWuqSplt1f46XZax0TzxQCqyW8rGPDH749ZHEyAn4FW791aBSrWKH8gKYJUn6BX2sC0L2zmLNUuZE_ibAEQUzfjJ4Js/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7L75WcbpWGWGz0eDUesXtrgQK2UdAPX6f6dswYHmex3e_FoJtWuqSplt1f46XZax0TzxQCqyW8rGPDH749ZHEyAn4FW791aBSrWKH8gKYJUn6BX2sC0L2zmLNUuZE_ibAEQUzfjJ4Js/s400/DSC_0016.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm happy to report that these drawers are not stinky though.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtlWQyTorz7SdLiREop7q35OBnc3HBQZrFKOEm_v6VOFseM_kfZ1gimDvH_N7VEeZ1EpOp3dzRExhuvqxSS8CJQKwOvB8EoPFCV5V__-_lPgSVXhCOnvioUjH1jyUyCupyMympPzWvl0/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1600" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtlWQyTorz7SdLiREop7q35OBnc3HBQZrFKOEm_v6VOFseM_kfZ1gimDvH_N7VEeZ1EpOp3dzRExhuvqxSS8CJQKwOvB8EoPFCV5V__-_lPgSVXhCOnvioUjH1jyUyCupyMympPzWvl0/s400/DSC_0008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is my scrapbooking paper stash. I no longer paper scrapbook. I am 100% digital now. This stash does come in handy when the girls have school project boards to do though.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5iShmnRcsfIDe-tfaOfpd850EGFAiLNtrzKHw9vx6fYRGy_-a-eecTri2xAvlz-gJ1vl5mDxgDsBpEgCPt89x7v9xLBLI_3XMQWZmyAZjNPEHI3xqYQ03FHS_PZTzAoL-GHsLUNpzoA/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1600" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5iShmnRcsfIDe-tfaOfpd850EGFAiLNtrzKHw9vx6fYRGy_-a-eecTri2xAvlz-gJ1vl5mDxgDsBpEgCPt89x7v9xLBLI_3XMQWZmyAZjNPEHI3xqYQ03FHS_PZTzAoL-GHsLUNpzoA/s400/DSC_0009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These shelves hold all my Cricut supplies, stamping supplies, and other miscellaneous things. The labels help me to find things when I'm maniacally crafting.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLejxJcJ4Lz_mql67WK5m3c6gB2leJ7_70Me_-WFZOqii9uBDIpLef9AiqjAiP3dZWPRzkjv93PuComr4L5P9d0HxiB3y_QjdyLn7J9S2qM9foA6BmNUknN0qvulFY-VM-EfL-1-Gh3s/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1376" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLejxJcJ4Lz_mql67WK5m3c6gB2leJ7_70Me_-WFZOqii9uBDIpLef9AiqjAiP3dZWPRzkjv93PuComr4L5P9d0HxiB3y_QjdyLn7J9S2qM9foA6BmNUknN0qvulFY-VM-EfL-1-Gh3s/s400/DSC_0010.JPG" width="343" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The other end of my room has turned into food storage and paper supplies overflow. It's okay. I'm not bitter about it. Really.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YKzNrCGfbvGyw-NNgBR_6PLO_Y1O2cVdllhJU_ZBN4vqyF5P_7N9b-jUFwlYe0A0gt3uTxNeyLTQbn5p9W7DX_ogwajv2ZsUehaYlwuPTX4oT_1hgREP3ooaPxk4YVhIhxjcttXeHmU/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YKzNrCGfbvGyw-NNgBR_6PLO_Y1O2cVdllhJU_ZBN4vqyF5P_7N9b-jUFwlYe0A0gt3uTxNeyLTQbn5p9W7DX_ogwajv2ZsUehaYlwuPTX4oT_1hgREP3ooaPxk4YVhIhxjcttXeHmU/s400/DSC_0011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I made these little curtains for the window. They stay open most all of the time. Otherwise the laundry room, which is right next to this room, is as dark as a cave.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6gx-tLW6kuGyPlPwTIacbnOAhblcqfpnfjAMdDxbG26gQXejECBaq7cTr3s-gSE6_Miu932gQVyZ0txGIC6BVOOO2i_3t2YmOloYhrQHQdBwBZ567sRSQFgnNkzpbUUpSKKx0_v6TMM/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6gx-tLW6kuGyPlPwTIacbnOAhblcqfpnfjAMdDxbG26gQXejECBaq7cTr3s-gSE6_Miu932gQVyZ0txGIC6BVOOO2i_3t2YmOloYhrQHQdBwBZ567sRSQFgnNkzpbUUpSKKx0_v6TMM/s400/DSC_0013.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Right outside this window is a spooky shed which we haven't used. It's a dark, creepy place where I imagine a serial killer might like to bury the body parts of his victims. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sorry. I read a fair amount of Stephen King.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYaDCNhyphenhyphenKjDfjT1kONMA4-V3N4ZXUOecdKBN707dT-0mZUSwWJSdKkE0Am2MDdISXPNUehYSdwgajgoiC2Wq64QM2WkvF7SPuWcCTl__X18f_f63oJwtu9ih8TaKC7UwRXn6MyjPiUME/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1204" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYaDCNhyphenhyphenKjDfjT1kONMA4-V3N4ZXUOecdKBN707dT-0mZUSwWJSdKkE0Am2MDdISXPNUehYSdwgajgoiC2Wq64QM2WkvF7SPuWcCTl__X18f_f63oJwtu9ih8TaKC7UwRXn6MyjPiUME/s400/DSC_0014.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy thoughts only. This is my happy place.</div>
Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-56630468416923477552018-09-05T21:14:00.001-06:002018-09-05T21:18:21.666-06:00Farmhouse Love Episode 12: Family Room<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4B61QaKLyL_uP-VQeNOQSF8n-5Bd8EPFyGleUTRIT9vBm_wTDiXNNmRv93qliHZ5pBa6SNpEu7roZ9BIPHZ7JjjTvUPGN7N9-uycok3y_DqypG7CJ7pFpAepK3nSV5eUiQKGsbBTuMtI/s1600/FR1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1110" data-original-width="1600" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4B61QaKLyL_uP-VQeNOQSF8n-5Bd8EPFyGleUTRIT9vBm_wTDiXNNmRv93qliHZ5pBa6SNpEu7roZ9BIPHZ7JjjTvUPGN7N9-uycok3y_DqypG7CJ7pFpAepK3nSV5eUiQKGsbBTuMtI/s400/FR1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It might appear that I actually have my ducks in a row with two posts in two weeks, but that is definitely not the case. It just so happens that I completed both my kitchen/dining room and my family room over the summer, and I wanted to take the pictures and get them posted so I could cross them off my summer list.<br />
<br />
Lame, I know.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmWN_aOQCtJ_i-t655snvQV6dM8iy73U8on_gSEXom3f_PKV14aWG5KgGR7X0YuSs2D1gv5XKNb1xrcHacZy2FhDG16mrQpfjDLa4GFB86KEfloQakLFZFUsP0Rmvb3Oyc6-YoVT3oRw/s1600/IMG_1499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmWN_aOQCtJ_i-t655snvQV6dM8iy73U8on_gSEXom3f_PKV14aWG5KgGR7X0YuSs2D1gv5XKNb1xrcHacZy2FhDG16mrQpfjDLa4GFB86KEfloQakLFZFUsP0Rmvb3Oyc6-YoVT3oRw/s400/IMG_1499.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Before I show more after pictures, let's revisit the before pictures. These were taken right after we got the keys to our house, and this particular picture was taken from the dining room.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPI3QZu9jwmHchwZRd6bwUPEzqURqeNNJ3uUqgLRctfvhLVG8keO5zDg7t7D85Ea-xLKyXnvlWRXorjutMB8RPhqadJzpUzRIFUj1pDlfYTPgGTkeamH-RrXd1Xr0AyUc25rUOLWjumY/s1600/IMG_1539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPI3QZu9jwmHchwZRd6bwUPEzqURqeNNJ3uUqgLRctfvhLVG8keO5zDg7t7D85Ea-xLKyXnvlWRXorjutMB8RPhqadJzpUzRIFUj1pDlfYTPgGTkeamH-RrXd1Xr0AyUc25rUOLWjumY/s400/IMG_1539.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is just a straight on view. My biggest complaint about this room is that it is too narrow, and there are too many doors so it's basically a high traffic area without adequate room to travel and have furniture at the same time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yes. It's basically a very wide hallway.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We need a family room though, and nothing can be done about it, so we just plunked our furniture down and we're living with it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyzgLZfKUPUbKiMYkvGCnDyT46xai3zmOenJ5NX1f8djDMHpaNohW0Qsu06T7bX9c-99-MXwkhoILmSxCdhrwpU0JJJ-4hobL4Q3rCxcaTxGK4JJKXGnyPS6z4-cgU64A7W-mYYo110w/s1600/IMG_1500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyzgLZfKUPUbKiMYkvGCnDyT46xai3zmOenJ5NX1f8djDMHpaNohW0Qsu06T7bX9c-99-MXwkhoILmSxCdhrwpU0JJJ-4hobL4Q3rCxcaTxGK4JJKXGnyPS6z4-cgU64A7W-mYYo110w/s400/IMG_1500.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I didn't hate the fireplace brick, but it didn't really go with my vision for the room. I spent a lot of hours staring at this brick and trying to decide what I wanted to do with it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The wood stove gets a lot of use in the winter, and we have really enjoyed having it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZOi5JNId1nj8YbsD_W_0G0Si94dbKrVJQXBvk7xC4SXMY9dFi2vW5mNRAGLBKL8j2kRZ-CFz9333t_aFZ-UUDVAD8tt4UeuVZjm91PaBW382uGaCUK-fFpgmhyiZXG1DzTv4tzK4Wu8/s1600/IMG_1502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZOi5JNId1nj8YbsD_W_0G0Si94dbKrVJQXBvk7xC4SXMY9dFi2vW5mNRAGLBKL8j2kRZ-CFz9333t_aFZ-UUDVAD8tt4UeuVZjm91PaBW382uGaCUK-fFpgmhyiZXG1DzTv4tzK4Wu8/s400/IMG_1502.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This area is outdated, but there's not a lot that can be done about it right now. Eventually we'd like to move the door directly to the left over and put a sliding barn door here. That's down the road though, in a major reno project which we do not yet have the funds for.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Story of our lives. It's called <i>reality.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the meantime, we'll make use of this space as best we can. The first thing we did is to recycle the television which the former owners so kindly left for us. It cost us $25 to unload it at Best Buy, and it was worth every penny just to see it go. And <i>that</i> only took us two years to do.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVvartSdEkGa-zkxeiIN90wLDPNGwRPzIU5B-nSDXxy57LiMdhUiYXHtU-n2nSMrQ7pHmfa_ec64V9WVnt39OVmY_k4vcvXXq0WRBnwBU2RLWpqGFgpvXWKECVDYmrhXmb9HD-apyWys/s1600/FR2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVvartSdEkGa-zkxeiIN90wLDPNGwRPzIU5B-nSDXxy57LiMdhUiYXHtU-n2nSMrQ7pHmfa_ec64V9WVnt39OVmY_k4vcvXXq0WRBnwBU2RLWpqGFgpvXWKECVDYmrhXmb9HD-apyWys/s400/FR2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now we can start with the after pictures. As I mentioned before, paint goes a long way.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbAFk-1CpnQm_RDQSdzvlHrSjBI9WFulh8s1QzChq4p3-oz1_0fkaeaYNkXrxKsIWwEtQ5QtP6SnCeRRccQEaBqjzPbAvteHUCKkQi53TmONoIOStXsGV6LREqhv29WcOHl58AkXALD0/s1600/FR3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbAFk-1CpnQm_RDQSdzvlHrSjBI9WFulh8s1QzChq4p3-oz1_0fkaeaYNkXrxKsIWwEtQ5QtP6SnCeRRccQEaBqjzPbAvteHUCKkQi53TmONoIOStXsGV6LREqhv29WcOHl58AkXALD0/s400/FR3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I painted all the interior doors in the house pretty early on. I was craving something besides off white, and painting the doors helped me live with the rest of the house when I didn't have time to paint.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzD_quZTSfqV7pPYfJr095IYlM3OQSXHSZ0meZnyOhFIf9zN0adFg22VRhAQiyLsbyAF_pt0xH0_uA5ig7nSDZ91ZgUzHLCue8kE8Xwun607QISKxxQhjoE4lFcaomWIF4B_Gd0-hlfC0/s1600/FR4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1223" data-original-width="1600" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzD_quZTSfqV7pPYfJr095IYlM3OQSXHSZ0meZnyOhFIf9zN0adFg22VRhAQiyLsbyAF_pt0xH0_uA5ig7nSDZ91ZgUzHLCue8kE8Xwun607QISKxxQhjoE4lFcaomWIF4B_Gd0-hlfC0/s320/FR4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is a picture of Rey, the Mustang we've been lucky enough to board for the past eighteen months. Zoë took some amazing pictures of her last winter, and I've been wanting to get a print made with this picture as soon as I saw it. I made this canvas at <a href="https://www.canvasonthecheap.com/" target="_blank">Canvas on the Cheap</a>. It was easy to make and it was delivered to me quickly. The quality is good, and I would definitely do it again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sadly, Rey's owners moved to Boise and she is going to be leaving us very soon. We are going to miss her so much. She brings so much sass to our little herd. One day she even chased a coyote off our property! I love her sweet little heart.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijX_ls6wWlT5DeSyG_c-_3aai5A1662wq5mDc5TKC6eAsQQVb3CYLaivqGzMjNRQbBWGgc3DGqGzdcp0FXUa25prsXhDuVZSTHYuppZP-IrX7aZWfp2wujz3NVYBv8vJZYIKnJSs3ble0/s1600/FR5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijX_ls6wWlT5DeSyG_c-_3aai5A1662wq5mDc5TKC6eAsQQVb3CYLaivqGzMjNRQbBWGgc3DGqGzdcp0FXUa25prsXhDuVZSTHYuppZP-IrX7aZWfp2wujz3NVYBv8vJZYIKnJSs3ble0/s400/FR5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The only reason this family room got painted this summer is because we bought a new wood stove. It's kind of different, isn't it? I like it because I don't have to get down on the ground to load it up. Getting down on the ground isn't so much the problem, it's the getting up off the ground that I don't like.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway, since we were going to have a new stove delivered, I <i>had</i> to paint the ceiling and walls around it, and since I was doing that, I'd better figure out what I was going to do about the multi-colored brick. I had been pinning white washed fireplaces for over a year, so I just went for it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And once I painted that little corner, it was like my green light to paint the rest of the family room and <i>it was on</i>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That spot where the television used to sit is what I am now calling my <i>wood hole</i>. I think it's going to be the next sought after feature for homeowners. I'm going to stuff it full of firewood, and then Peanut Head won't have to traipse back and forth to the garage for firewood all winter long.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Won't that be nice for him?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXfpzWFyUON68OX0Ra6xrQCOCwLJht3mdt6sZ0jCuHO6wumetVcRXIowQlp9fs7WiX9Amb5eeBQT4bc_ktkRIgUV0BWz8Pct_WVjIT4l74nijh-T-tQfLzJ0PqGgU17-vI4GBLx-PjpQ/s1600/FR6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXfpzWFyUON68OX0Ra6xrQCOCwLJht3mdt6sZ0jCuHO6wumetVcRXIowQlp9fs7WiX9Amb5eeBQT4bc_ktkRIgUV0BWz8Pct_WVjIT4l74nijh-T-tQfLzJ0PqGgU17-vI4GBLx-PjpQ/s400/FR6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really had no business doing any work inside the house over the summer since we have so much work outside that needs to be done. As you can see, that didn't stop me.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvYdNwRUYbHI-yHfpub-gj2z-i8buNrdngLcEisMURWxtYj3yheifXvaPAujvoYfVRZv6gGE7kHrVlUurgbAI4IjIfPxZNYDiCUMpuusrQ-qIorEcasZwpwzkVnKS9Yz7ETMP1RseyU4/s1600/FR7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvYdNwRUYbHI-yHfpub-gj2z-i8buNrdngLcEisMURWxtYj3yheifXvaPAujvoYfVRZv6gGE7kHrVlUurgbAI4IjIfPxZNYDiCUMpuusrQ-qIorEcasZwpwzkVnKS9Yz7ETMP1RseyU4/s400/FR7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I carried my blue from the dining room onto the opposite wall in the family room. It makes me happy.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCO1Hp_WqRgUcfPipqWrNwbSuqlmKLleA94nTPtFe-ySqhLF8LteV6KLkhLL8xspT7OpcRuRw4uCkXGbXhrDcF4k5l2cMiw4jhbW_9BzpGoBb0obRR4aoA37EtQ8rEiurTk3oMTpzrIs/s1600/FR8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1106" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCO1Hp_WqRgUcfPipqWrNwbSuqlmKLleA94nTPtFe-ySqhLF8LteV6KLkhLL8xspT7OpcRuRw4uCkXGbXhrDcF4k5l2cMiw4jhbW_9BzpGoBb0obRR4aoA37EtQ8rEiurTk3oMTpzrIs/s400/FR8.JPG" width="276" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
More doors! Can you even believe that? There is basically only one way to arrange the furniture in this room, and you're lookin' at it. If you see another one, please tell me, because I could use some help.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfHxOalq1TCPIRALhQKPPl1ABwHmopAzZHvgnDw29nc099b_xdS2DPUQ19-9yvEAfYtp7ETvUkkfgVdXm7XS_rx8Ss2Ey0ZvdSPfwy0VYd5fiprhoGLcaOx9edMqZwmCvaPGE6OhOsU0/s1600/FR11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1348" data-original-width="1600" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfHxOalq1TCPIRALhQKPPl1ABwHmopAzZHvgnDw29nc099b_xdS2DPUQ19-9yvEAfYtp7ETvUkkfgVdXm7XS_rx8Ss2Ey0ZvdSPfwy0VYd5fiprhoGLcaOx9edMqZwmCvaPGE6OhOsU0/s400/FR11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We probably shouldn't even have an ottoman in here on account of the fact that there's no room to walk, but we like to put our feet up.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0nT30wVbx1IlU9NCGpZtceSaO45NyfwrIQhaPc7jU5Kd8OCAb5ufpAoR5reukGZGXvv0zs7u3UltwxnpMJdntobdcmPBe9aozoGH9A8TU32Pv6-c_Ct5hE3tlgjbrx9ol4KFB0hVKPg/s1600/FR10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1261" data-original-width="1600" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0nT30wVbx1IlU9NCGpZtceSaO45NyfwrIQhaPc7jU5Kd8OCAb5ufpAoR5reukGZGXvv0zs7u3UltwxnpMJdntobdcmPBe9aozoGH9A8TU32Pv6-c_Ct5hE3tlgjbrx9ol4KFB0hVKPg/s400/FR10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I must tell you about these shelves.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We desperately needed an up high place to put two of our surround sound speakers, so originally I bought two cute little farmhouse picture ledges at Fred Meyer's. That was an extreme fail though, because they were very cheaply made, and I ended up having to return them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So after we put the holes in the walls and I had to fill them, Peanut Head started grilling me about what it was <i>exactly</i> that I wanted, and then he showed me this piece of wood he drug in from the field.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGorJ5YZf2ULRQRjcRyEHhXC2rmwm8gIeZ7WjtBFeBvTZsHUXzWlRgxK6c-8Z8tT3Ivbtc46Potyf3tgnvQT4nazg6DIx09dq6nCAWL0Ue_NLOSOx5hinprTnbb7gj6tkI4FoEPcohW84/s1600/IMG_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGorJ5YZf2ULRQRjcRyEHhXC2rmwm8gIeZ7WjtBFeBvTZsHUXzWlRgxK6c-8Z8tT3Ivbtc46Potyf3tgnvQT4nazg6DIx09dq6nCAWL0Ue_NLOSOx5hinprTnbb7gj6tkI4FoEPcohW84/s400/IMG_0006.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Isn't it beautiful? Okay, maybe not yet, but can you see its potential?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vGHY5p2h_mMBc2OMmhOBFJRJAh5VplQvWBQLrfWpYsAyQeeUYo1RaBE078MyKPthdmLDIU8KxzRusxvoZMvpkDudeBLj3RqysBZWW_P1xmIgfQSJmF5NyLeiZovfJh9UDS-rxQhtijA/s1600/IMG_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vGHY5p2h_mMBc2OMmhOBFJRJAh5VplQvWBQLrfWpYsAyQeeUYo1RaBE078MyKPthdmLDIU8KxzRusxvoZMvpkDudeBLj3RqysBZWW_P1xmIgfQSJmF5NyLeiZovfJh9UDS-rxQhtijA/s400/IMG_0013.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hosed it off, lightly sanded it, and then stained it. I didn't want to go too crazy with the sanding because I wanted it to retain it's original <i>character</i>, but minus the dirt and bugs. I'm all over farmhouse decor, but not the dirty kind. 😷</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ABivQJ4fmWP8y-skGToPRwKSI6NZUaiiC8H0-3C9N41VOaOm8xVDm8efLCfy_TlyZ1RZ7APYRUz39MqFPfgdVnKQlap_K78gtlup9wnjr7PhSwZZXP-qfKYeLoH8R2K5Bx5a7i2SSC8/s1600/FR13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1552" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ABivQJ4fmWP8y-skGToPRwKSI6NZUaiiC8H0-3C9N41VOaOm8xVDm8efLCfy_TlyZ1RZ7APYRUz39MqFPfgdVnKQlap_K78gtlup9wnjr7PhSwZZXP-qfKYeLoH8R2K5Bx5a7i2SSC8/s400/FR13.JPG" width="387" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Originally I envisioned more of a barn wood grey, but there was something about the wood that compelled me to stain it. I'm pretty happy with how they turned out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And that completes our family room. Next up is my sewing and craft room. It's 95% finished. I just need to make some curtains, clean the cat vomit stain off the carpet, and then finally take some pictures. With any luck I'll have three posts in three weeks. Look at me go!</div>
<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 159px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 7077px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 159px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 7077px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-54662741226892803312018-08-28T20:43:00.000-06:002018-08-28T21:26:16.156-06:00Farmhouse Love Episode 11: Kitchen/Dining Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi714T6Xxv6_gcKwfJ5ejGLK2O3RGFpIqRTogr5xFWL5uzAAQoSFHPxAfUuhFYai0Zfp7lD5fomlvRp_z43uif5aEsFYDtcN0qIW78-BO2B-nuTkQislQET_2G49oBAtBu-xwsNgaup8a8/s1600/1-FullKitchenDining.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1600" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi714T6Xxv6_gcKwfJ5ejGLK2O3RGFpIqRTogr5xFWL5uzAAQoSFHPxAfUuhFYai0Zfp7lD5fomlvRp_z43uif5aEsFYDtcN0qIW78-BO2B-nuTkQislQET_2G49oBAtBu-xwsNgaup8a8/s400/1-FullKitchenDining.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well hello there! I was starting to think I'd never get back here to do this blog post for the kitchen and dining room which I started on back in March and finally finished in June.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77I2RQFRzPiv1duzVl1F9OhjrbA1H1btDvDAYfB68kwc-JBoWTuzkq9epHD29rejFruhfVp1L4e9bzbbvx2rWEL73VIN9wCnA16WLF4CbjI4Sxl5lSerHCwcCRhwRz6LF8cHaxnFmYwM/s1600/IMG_1497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77I2RQFRzPiv1duzVl1F9OhjrbA1H1btDvDAYfB68kwc-JBoWTuzkq9epHD29rejFruhfVp1L4e9bzbbvx2rWEL73VIN9wCnA16WLF4CbjI4Sxl5lSerHCwcCRhwRz6LF8cHaxnFmYwM/s400/IMG_1497.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've been living in this house for just over two years now, and you might recall that this is what our kitchen and dining room looked like when we first got the keys.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShTmlU-kZnzFCF9K6EeX16OCm2AP3UUTrAJIvn9ni0iAU2BsoX9nS9vRUhq3gsWNUPI2zePKxKgGVRnt1tyJV2FUlt2D5xkWDxE6ZSNQqQgE7zANRNmPlvGSqdQdxOydhS4ahG9OrZrE/s1600/IMG_1514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShTmlU-kZnzFCF9K6EeX16OCm2AP3UUTrAJIvn9ni0iAU2BsoX9nS9vRUhq3gsWNUPI2zePKxKgGVRnt1tyJV2FUlt2D5xkWDxE6ZSNQqQgE7zANRNmPlvGSqdQdxOydhS4ahG9OrZrE/s400/IMG_1514.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I loved a lot of things about this space from the very first time I saw it. The biggest being the size. This is the most counter space we have ever had, and boy do we make use of it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPyq5_YzaQoF9Qi1TTLE8KDdmIDB5tgq-DmqSGwXCGOtoW23iUMltVliERs3C3YN7q_gXnnykmzY166vADoNQONb6tTKpgZ5tgPJNeWLt_qMDHZGiAjw3yy2g1TUZHre5U5xJeHv1QWQ/s1600/IMG_1519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPyq5_YzaQoF9Qi1TTLE8KDdmIDB5tgq-DmqSGwXCGOtoW23iUMltVliERs3C3YN7q_gXnnykmzY166vADoNQONb6tTKpgZ5tgPJNeWLt_qMDHZGiAjw3yy2g1TUZHre5U5xJeHv1QWQ/s400/IMG_1519.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course there were things that I didn't like as well, but almost nothing that couldn't be fixed with some time and money.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITX3lI7mYCSO4OX658tC3tLdkED8ytXZMFeRB4Uq6jK-tYHDKuSZ1OEOcYgtn4k-il58aHRBIRI4lI181EjMDbB0YGQGZFcYhES-GYpKWh1zQ83Yt3rz8WDtyoAsHPGO_7ED71NQ4KfA/s1600/IMG_1520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITX3lI7mYCSO4OX658tC3tLdkED8ytXZMFeRB4Uq6jK-tYHDKuSZ1OEOcYgtn4k-il58aHRBIRI4lI181EjMDbB0YGQGZFcYhES-GYpKWh1zQ83Yt3rz8WDtyoAsHPGO_7ED71NQ4KfA/s400/IMG_1520.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The very first thing I did after cleaning and unpacking, was to replace the hardware on the cabinetry. The handles and knobs were wood and collecting all kinds of dirt and grime that couldn't be cleaned.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOLAYXcu8Tyi_Fc2Bs0rcXV6WKLqKRk6dQ7iVKDhBOZML-iZWKNPAsfkBgry9CVcc1vK2XxqaEt6LmFx9UTHUecxeQQCiB-FqlfSTRZMWh8lY4D_xni9UaJxvjx1BsAp9tdovkO2H_Vg/s1600/IMG_1524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOLAYXcu8Tyi_Fc2Bs0rcXV6WKLqKRk6dQ7iVKDhBOZML-iZWKNPAsfkBgry9CVcc1vK2XxqaEt6LmFx9UTHUecxeQQCiB-FqlfSTRZMWh8lY4D_xni9UaJxvjx1BsAp9tdovkO2H_Vg/s400/IMG_1524.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was itching to paint this space since day one. I would gaze at the walls while eating my breakfast every day, imagining different colors on the walls.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Most of this house started out with this tan-beige color. I don't hate it, but I'm craving more cool colors for this house. I picked Sherwin Williams' Repose Gray for my neutral throughout the house, and with each room I paint, I'm convinced that I made the right choice.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyLaxepjMxSO0CCvL27cd8CWfMkjm6qghEMkgtftZlxVYpBWFF_UabJNbpjrd6ouZaCMcpCOdnBAU-J_EB9BTCBcRfMHHNvFrPcNJuPI9G5pK6BQCEyXCBqNvqbkEIOoewyPvSwRaP14/s1600/2-FullKitchen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="1600" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyLaxepjMxSO0CCvL27cd8CWfMkjm6qghEMkgtftZlxVYpBWFF_UabJNbpjrd6ouZaCMcpCOdnBAU-J_EB9BTCBcRfMHHNvFrPcNJuPI9G5pK6BQCEyXCBqNvqbkEIOoewyPvSwRaP14/s400/2-FullKitchen.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Down the road I'd like to stain the upper cabinets a darker color, and possibly paint my lower cabinets. I haven't decided <i>for sure</i> on what color yet. I've entertained the thought of painting at least the island red and antiquing it, but I don't know if I can pull the trigger on that one yet. It's kind of cray cray, even for me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And honestly, Peanut Head tolerated my <a href="http://www.controllingmychaos.com/2015/09/crazy-town.html" target="_blank">kitchen chair refresh</a>, but I don't know if he has it in him to let a red island slide.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOy4_fl36NlRsHt_Vk0yCDqJIfydBoZVjNG4BsOuUiTo4QVwYxhJVNAjJSdoZVUgQUssAXn2e-ZkYdCAlMV6o-sP4Ay2eypoSfUpzVQZBz-oQgaY65J6juhk1ebwHwBrIUqM0I40LVoPA/s1600/3-OverCounter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOy4_fl36NlRsHt_Vk0yCDqJIfydBoZVjNG4BsOuUiTo4QVwYxhJVNAjJSdoZVUgQUssAXn2e-ZkYdCAlMV6o-sP4Ay2eypoSfUpzVQZBz-oQgaY65J6juhk1ebwHwBrIUqM0I40LVoPA/s400/3-OverCounter.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I cannot wait to replace the countertops with some sort of solid surface, maybe granite, but it is definitely not in the budget right now. What was in the budget was the subway tile backsplash which I installed over the course of two weeks in March and June.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The previous backsplash didn't go all the way up to the cabinets, and it was <i>not </i>a first rate job. It made me so twitchy, I couldn't stand it, so I was anxious to start demo and get rid of it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0suC9BLEOhyphenhyphendO4YX6m3yUD1hf5zRaWmDJp4gf5rmh4Z6u6b2J6rMyHFJ9SzgUx2DoZpVaPmQdsMX9BeNaQsLNDOZXboVFxFHW8Y7a_tUxs1RfOzLoXGp1sDOujx2cKpyRUrZpbi_YmF4/s1600/IMG_6007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0suC9BLEOhyphenhyphendO4YX6m3yUD1hf5zRaWmDJp4gf5rmh4Z6u6b2J6rMyHFJ9SzgUx2DoZpVaPmQdsMX9BeNaQsLNDOZXboVFxFHW8Y7a_tUxs1RfOzLoXGp1sDOujx2cKpyRUrZpbi_YmF4/s400/IMG_6007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here it is. Nope. I do not miss it one little bit.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1e9d0GHf1btfPsY8dZADRQjsEvRw2G7AQfsBEtbhSkTC6k0dmSUECmzrJ6q-6r86n8oLPBiQEkajMI4Z91WzH4qAUZNkbtnetyyLk52b1FuNkqyjtI47zOhjtRoUjU076eQ6Q029nnKI/s1600/IMG_6351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1e9d0GHf1btfPsY8dZADRQjsEvRw2G7AQfsBEtbhSkTC6k0dmSUECmzrJ6q-6r86n8oLPBiQEkajMI4Z91WzH4qAUZNkbtnetyyLk52b1FuNkqyjtI47zOhjtRoUjU076eQ6Q029nnKI/s400/IMG_6351.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What I wasn't expecting was for the wall to come off with the tile during demo. It was a nightmare of a job, and it took me a couple days just to get rid of all the old tile.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was pretty cool to see the second window that I <i>just knew</i> used to be in Zoe's room before the addition was put on.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqDNO1ihBKiAFmgTobuFyK4-68Q_f5feuRVkoTeMX9PfXZ4J2Cc7h2PNufHU0vFOAbOsT3G48yZ_fvF7TMJKDLBVpCRYdvzA0rZLQt-YjuLWVKyyj4SK34hzUHiFw3BuoUVozCLUDzsk/s1600/IMG_6372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqDNO1ihBKiAFmgTobuFyK4-68Q_f5feuRVkoTeMX9PfXZ4J2Cc7h2PNufHU0vFOAbOsT3G48yZ_fvF7TMJKDLBVpCRYdvzA0rZLQt-YjuLWVKyyj4SK34hzUHiFw3BuoUVozCLUDzsk/s400/IMG_6372.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks to <i>YouTube</i> and all the nice people that took the time to school me, I learned how to replace drywall.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIfUQZv_VE9MSoOA-SPuNnN-acmOZNza-ateIH_hpFPi2YtVPYSvmHsQdWMSe1OsOgGr1xI5dYzT-6XhCiW4NIOkRJYEjFZTgjutGhGClG2vL5FpUKFEo0H9lrckpn5lLXOpqpSins7E/s1600/IMG_6047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIfUQZv_VE9MSoOA-SPuNnN-acmOZNza-ateIH_hpFPi2YtVPYSvmHsQdWMSe1OsOgGr1xI5dYzT-6XhCiW4NIOkRJYEjFZTgjutGhGClG2vL5FpUKFEo0H9lrckpn5lLXOpqpSins7E/s400/IMG_6047.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am by no means a professional, but I'm extremely anal so I am pretty happy with the end result.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBy1QhAUkkxzli8V5OlJml40ld5A5cRAdfRii7v5RkAkL9ZuABe7oKSOKACF76svyAhoqZX4vO4wipjyyB2yspiBF3tKVZF5Hb8OrY-xUZNFg_6S5lo7svzVTxKkIPtknlJk96wt95ot4/s1600/4-FromBackDoorFull.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBy1QhAUkkxzli8V5OlJml40ld5A5cRAdfRii7v5RkAkL9ZuABe7oKSOKACF76svyAhoqZX4vO4wipjyyB2yspiBF3tKVZF5Hb8OrY-xUZNFg_6S5lo7svzVTxKkIPtknlJk96wt95ot4/s400/4-FromBackDoorFull.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The tile is going to help me tolerate the countertops until the girls finish college in nine years or so. Crossing fingers that I don't have to wait that long, but it could happen and I'm prepared for the possibility.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rOrAzOySuMNCk3DWXiueOHwZzcZsD4drC3zTWyEfDhPbCMnuwSqZOq0LSK97naQ-JUtYi9ilp3OXWccXJ3iADWhfXWO1ijL6jO-Amoml8TMsZUSPYNhILmP3vWUhqbm1Uqej57DEUfc/s1600/5-FromCoffeePot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rOrAzOySuMNCk3DWXiueOHwZzcZsD4drC3zTWyEfDhPbCMnuwSqZOq0LSK97naQ-JUtYi9ilp3OXWccXJ3iADWhfXWO1ijL6jO-Amoml8TMsZUSPYNhILmP3vWUhqbm1Uqej57DEUfc/s400/5-FromCoffeePot.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm going to have to wait even longer to replace the flooring in this room and others. Honestly, I'm afraid to even get an estimate for it at this point because I just don't even want to know.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1iorHY-I35w3TUmVtKhr7n0JsVAxWXVG2SmQ_KmAGDGmVeXTVNZQrbVj75ePHtoNsNnWlu7UKnWDynYjLmKFU9w82GT7kHMw0QL28CmPBWrjXe4_XLl-p8ega3SjhoSJj6STOt7t-08/s1600/6-SpiceRack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1iorHY-I35w3TUmVtKhr7n0JsVAxWXVG2SmQ_KmAGDGmVeXTVNZQrbVj75ePHtoNsNnWlu7UKnWDynYjLmKFU9w82GT7kHMw0QL28CmPBWrjXe4_XLl-p8ega3SjhoSJj6STOt7t-08/s400/6-SpiceRack.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the meantime, I'm happy with changing the things that I <i>can</i> afford to change. For example, paint is relatively inexpensive and it makes a big difference. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I just have to hold back my crazy side because I gravitate towards loud, bright colors. And I'm still catching flack from Zoë Bug about <a href="http://www.controllingmychaos.com/2015/09/crazy-town.html" target="_blank">the kitchen chairs</a>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQUqEeoZ9gdItMlFVK4ZZ8DEPdw1K3J6UnjQHoPTjSVbwtZJFECXLUYqQsCGbzllQqAPMS9T5lvZXBfzyLNJEObn97A-eMsX3AwlhUVE-Pm7ondFzmVhEregY2DQsWH0oZtfUbma49kU/s1600/7-FromSink.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQUqEeoZ9gdItMlFVK4ZZ8DEPdw1K3J6UnjQHoPTjSVbwtZJFECXLUYqQsCGbzllQqAPMS9T5lvZXBfzyLNJEObn97A-eMsX3AwlhUVE-Pm7ondFzmVhEregY2DQsWH0oZtfUbma49kU/s400/7-FromSink.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The window wall was painted in Behr's Shimmering Pool. I love this color because it's bright, but not overpowering. And it makes me happy.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPo3fUo0xGLWQb8Smr37Xul2nZI8GPBCxVUENMrUGW2kLRgTMC0fcTDIgn33uP7UrVe5KPTI15N9igo_VOgGYiTnxNsD8zSCs8ZdbZj863rQhe9_RO_oZHEaON_PjNKPzc6g7FnqA5i-U/s1600/8-DiningRoom1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPo3fUo0xGLWQb8Smr37Xul2nZI8GPBCxVUENMrUGW2kLRgTMC0fcTDIgn33uP7UrVe5KPTI15N9igo_VOgGYiTnxNsD8zSCs8ZdbZj863rQhe9_RO_oZHEaON_PjNKPzc6g7FnqA5i-U/s400/8-DiningRoom1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Peanut Head gave me the outdoor ceiling fan for Mother's Day. It's so fancy, it has a remote. I don't have to guess which chain pull is the fan and which is the light because there aren't any chain pulls. How cool is that? On the other hand, if we lose the remote I think we're screwed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUdQgwC7j5xlKEn7G5uw5aY_SFvILZe9xOeTDUGl8pwEUATc8QCG5YD7etDaiqNZZ8kG-_zHd3Z_NTlpRa0rkiJIkaDZn-v4Jpr-l1mbG4g4QSnD_uCVE1qqvVQ1m_UpOAR-O0sK3p2Q/s1600/10-FromBack+Door.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUdQgwC7j5xlKEn7G5uw5aY_SFvILZe9xOeTDUGl8pwEUATc8QCG5YD7etDaiqNZZ8kG-_zHd3Z_NTlpRa0rkiJIkaDZn-v4Jpr-l1mbG4g4QSnD_uCVE1qqvVQ1m_UpOAR-O0sK3p2Q/s400/10-FromBack+Door.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Do you see that little tray on the edge of the kitchen table? That's for Peanut Head to put his crap in when he walks in the back door. He's always putting his dirty gloves, hat, glasses, etc., right on the table and the placemats and it. Drives. Me. Over. <i>The Edge.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This tray is me giving in to the putting of the crap on the table. And it works . . . sometimes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Other times I wrestle with myself to "Let it Go!" while taking deep, calming breaths. Because really, is it <i>that</i> important?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first step is admitting you have a problem, right?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-xCHJ-65TKAsRwVbfi6AzbLFbTpi_mJrxwQ-dpuOeU_UP0Ub5CxaNcSrvtmO5jI7bcNyaXqAnVRy0jlMJzvcGoxtczgL3UOZoeWZfzURXtlvyjEoPlo4D2lAkTlMrEEZsSe8zoYAjPk/s1600/11-DiningRoom3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-xCHJ-65TKAsRwVbfi6AzbLFbTpi_mJrxwQ-dpuOeU_UP0Ub5CxaNcSrvtmO5jI7bcNyaXqAnVRy0jlMJzvcGoxtczgL3UOZoeWZfzURXtlvyjEoPlo4D2lAkTlMrEEZsSe8zoYAjPk/s400/11-DiningRoom3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have a problem and he doesn't listen to me.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6aI1YmTd7QZ4LZp5zVKyiYlp5NDLbMTNlFzpCDkPPclQJvpjbrsmuRLofgdhHMMzPJWSt4AVhsMKVzirrvx4WNSZxWWp__hcdTxnaeYCP8GpNoEYLdTgZPPLsLjz4GeqxzSxJXl22c8/s1600/12-Hutch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6aI1YmTd7QZ4LZp5zVKyiYlp5NDLbMTNlFzpCDkPPclQJvpjbrsmuRLofgdhHMMzPJWSt4AVhsMKVzirrvx4WNSZxWWp__hcdTxnaeYCP8GpNoEYLdTgZPPLsLjz4GeqxzSxJXl22c8/s400/12-Hutch.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just kidding. Peanut Head largely tolerates me. I get away with <i>soooo</i> much.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just look at <a href="http://www.controllingmychaos.com/2015/09/crazy-town.html" target="_blank">my kitchen chairs</a>.</div>
Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-83120107536830197102018-04-26T20:33:00.000-06:002018-04-26T20:57:25.656-06:00Family Ditch Day. It's a Thing.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixREm-XxxbLkV9hlCImiT14hTicOQSEi8rnQsl2ZZxtAkZw6IzVuXktw-dWNwNG_fL8BUcwNpNylcvxCwG7o1TYFrPtfXG5fKT1h07rNRFawIVokQadUaAAnHc-YE9iOGgjCRyDuRc68M/s1600/IMG_6112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixREm-XxxbLkV9hlCImiT14hTicOQSEi8rnQsl2ZZxtAkZw6IzVuXktw-dWNwNG_fL8BUcwNpNylcvxCwG7o1TYFrPtfXG5fKT1h07rNRFawIVokQadUaAAnHc-YE9iOGgjCRyDuRc68M/s400/IMG_6112.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Living in the country has been full of new experiences for us. Last week, Peanut Head proclaimed that we were going to have a Family Ditch Day in the upcoming weekend.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
At first I was just stunned into silence because, honestly, that does <i>not </i>sound like a fun day.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvq8uezlb013afDlnb30ankqVCarw3rlDLk1bJDEviM5ZcwBlS_SPcjcA3AREVr1kqTT2m6os1xzrRyFnpcIOQfZKdWN5pwmuMERW5BCifZq1-8fMKWvr0bSQgV48hRxkyFdTgPOmeMY/s1600/IMG_6119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvq8uezlb013afDlnb30ankqVCarw3rlDLk1bJDEviM5ZcwBlS_SPcjcA3AREVr1kqTT2m6os1xzrRyFnpcIOQfZKdWN5pwmuMERW5BCifZq1-8fMKWvr0bSQgV48hRxkyFdTgPOmeMY/s400/IMG_6119.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And I was correct. It was not a fun day. However, it was the nicest weather day we've had so far this year. At one point while we were moving the 17,689 tumble weeds out of the ditch for the second time, I was giving myself a little pep talk wherein I said "I am not going to complain about being hot. I am not going to complain about being hot."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6um4-OF6RpQJ3pShCzkOV1wkSCxNXctGYDEFX_8DIEflwIV3H48yqc51mk7QxYGuMbHwcC9k-d8mCvXjKM_BxAAarzHeEr8B_ZbkK2qSjfzL8Kh_MZd3vpcoINV-8RhtnC2n16Mme3Ac/s1600/IMG_6123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6um4-OF6RpQJ3pShCzkOV1wkSCxNXctGYDEFX_8DIEflwIV3H48yqc51mk7QxYGuMbHwcC9k-d8mCvXjKM_BxAAarzHeEr8B_ZbkK2qSjfzL8Kh_MZd3vpcoINV-8RhtnC2n16Mme3Ac/s400/IMG_6123.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
You might be asking why we even need to clean out the ditch, and I'll tell you, because that was <i>my</i> first question. I mean it's a ditch, right? How fancy does a ditch have to be?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, since this ditch is how we get water to flood irrigate our pasture, it has to stay clear.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And just because you clear out the ditch doesn't mean it will stay that way. It's kind of like cleaning your house. You can't evict your tribe just to keep it that way.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFn3huZ6gPzgA_SUutr_ACOX3iiaDohHPjuWhFCzmIKvl3omIDNySH31je0X_Nu7m0wqcZ8xkwdS-1Rp4KouCChA_sOuupU1iBeSDtA1T0J_hRTZ8jaeYmWNXbcAc1NNtrJycNhJ6wUJU/s1600/IMG_6122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFn3huZ6gPzgA_SUutr_ACOX3iiaDohHPjuWhFCzmIKvl3omIDNySH31je0X_Nu7m0wqcZ8xkwdS-1Rp4KouCChA_sOuupU1iBeSDtA1T0J_hRTZ8jaeYmWNXbcAc1NNtrJycNhJ6wUJU/s400/IMG_6122.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is the ditch after removal of the multiplying tumbleweeds.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFOGsSntkPpEO3_Eilqh6QQrTWqLJA22D_Bk2vdJyZVZDw-aI8srJ4k1T_RTIhpUkz6CjHxoS3gonEXZnJOSpEGvvR_FEjjsZ16LdwVpyhyfqBUxgeMU3vjqedYLCtBhHsRsMoIjDzzs/s1600/IMG_6111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFOGsSntkPpEO3_Eilqh6QQrTWqLJA22D_Bk2vdJyZVZDw-aI8srJ4k1T_RTIhpUkz6CjHxoS3gonEXZnJOSpEGvvR_FEjjsZ16LdwVpyhyfqBUxgeMU3vjqedYLCtBhHsRsMoIjDzzs/s400/IMG_6111.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My Zoe Bug is little, but she is mighty.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhtxRPICpGqmUvkUNFSmdJbj9dCdM0dXYtEDWwkiUEmbvVLVRhI_bYuQSCcz5WpyRflD522yIGKZwltpexQ22pHM5Xso1PPXVjqAodIiBS4WFZ1xqwd5gheuCunP5K-6Rh-KEi872ra8/s1600/IMG_6114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhtxRPICpGqmUvkUNFSmdJbj9dCdM0dXYtEDWwkiUEmbvVLVRhI_bYuQSCcz5WpyRflD522yIGKZwltpexQ22pHM5Xso1PPXVjqAodIiBS4WFZ1xqwd5gheuCunP5K-6Rh-KEi872ra8/s400/IMG_6114.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As you can imagine, Peanut Head was the Task Master for the day. Most of the day the girls and I were working together and he was off working in another area.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That was a good thing because we did a fair amount of whining. I'd see Peanut Head coming and I'd whisper shout "Shush! Don't let him hear us whining. He'll get mad and give us more work."</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So we'd put on our happy faces and ask him what the next task was. One time I let slip a little "Your Highness" and I was scared for myself for a few seconds. It's like it was out of my mouth before I even knew it was coming.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's so hard to control the snark. Even in moments of extreme danger.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8f2n1uU5mu6NvmCmNex5sMqTbHyrMWPcXkzgOVDOjT-edOjECmWBQup6ndsyk8eVF5e7txMlj6qzgGoLe5wFUVBkiCq90nTnLB5h4MjIhfrnZiDntDGkNz1aVzmD_qy6UtrNKBi1Ln4/s1600/IMG_6128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8f2n1uU5mu6NvmCmNex5sMqTbHyrMWPcXkzgOVDOjT-edOjECmWBQup6ndsyk8eVF5e7txMlj6qzgGoLe5wFUVBkiCq90nTnLB5h4MjIhfrnZiDntDGkNz1aVzmD_qy6UtrNKBi1Ln4/s400/IMG_6128.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
This was one of many loads of tumble weeds which I lost count of quickly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQPS-OA777mvGOWPTkuIsZNMkSoxlkAwwV7YWjCyMjlP3Nerz3oh49-Elkhc_VTFMTgBbC7HszSoU6HA0MZYGA6oU7HKkk6HV9A1lMWQKQhcvB02BfiFWQh5puqe-EkTMS3jVH3-01js/s1600/IMG_6125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQPS-OA777mvGOWPTkuIsZNMkSoxlkAwwV7YWjCyMjlP3Nerz3oh49-Elkhc_VTFMTgBbC7HszSoU6HA0MZYGA6oU7HKkk6HV9A1lMWQKQhcvB02BfiFWQh5puqe-EkTMS3jVH3-01js/s400/IMG_6125.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The only good thing I have to say about tumble weeds is that they burn very, very well.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJ3O4fipU_yGqZrMjfwX3XxpvrbjyVO0lQ7jsL4ZosPoMZiKpgAhiSP2Jv1u1XBoV0_ATYX62ZS1KYSwx0vQz_BKJUekWN_0tL8jMfsdrYX4QwBQQdwDCqyvbrmMyclp7lOMuppE3scg/s1600/IMG_6136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJ3O4fipU_yGqZrMjfwX3XxpvrbjyVO0lQ7jsL4ZosPoMZiKpgAhiSP2Jv1u1XBoV0_ATYX62ZS1KYSwx0vQz_BKJUekWN_0tL8jMfsdrYX4QwBQQdwDCqyvbrmMyclp7lOMuppE3scg/s400/IMG_6136.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And fast. It's really quite fascinating to watch.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
No pyromania here.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1T6F0DX0bgbTYQE0iefrN03kNMCEcjbFUVPaHpn5Opre7L8Va1t_hh4gkiupXyv_lHyt2wdsfN18MYPyb6HCR5ha3FYldHdfSJ0hVuojsLkuYvBSonZOfSZ56l9WbILUEKn1qdfkTaUU/s1600/IMG_6144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1T6F0DX0bgbTYQE0iefrN03kNMCEcjbFUVPaHpn5Opre7L8Va1t_hh4gkiupXyv_lHyt2wdsfN18MYPyb6HCR5ha3FYldHdfSJ0hVuojsLkuYvBSonZOfSZ56l9WbILUEKn1qdfkTaUU/s400/IMG_6144.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of the jobs the girls had was to walk the field and pick up rocks, while I drove around and waited for them to put the full buckets of rocks into the ATV trailer. I had the cushy part of that job.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then we had to walk the buckets of rocks into the corner of the property where Peanut Head was using them to shore up the eroding portion of the ditch.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxVhROH3AvHDg9YtaIh8ehQ8_gKyfcDVuwboY357OpSNw4lCkTO-N2dF3JOOlU_h6tIna55BQ0rGmq9N3PR-tANeMSuLglaJ4CrBFLOJX3SfgdT3rlyC5Itwv6pniBLSa88Uys10fwUQ/s1600/IMG_6146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxVhROH3AvHDg9YtaIh8ehQ8_gKyfcDVuwboY357OpSNw4lCkTO-N2dF3JOOlU_h6tIna55BQ0rGmq9N3PR-tANeMSuLglaJ4CrBFLOJX3SfgdT3rlyC5Itwv6pniBLSa88Uys10fwUQ/s400/IMG_6146.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sadly I couldn't even carry one bucket without making some very unladylike noises and hobbling forward a few inches at a time while leap frogging the bucket as I went. After thirty seconds and eighteen inches of this, Stinkerbell rolled her eyes with a huff and impatiently took my bucket away from me.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She's a big show off. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EwZJiFe3G1FuBhdpn-rZsG1tvj2ltQCBqCmJNiMo8DGV4Q5bqQMYolwcmVhQZTHeNcb5DVoB2R7Nw6m-TXeiJ4U-b0RB4X5itmfm0fe4_LUfTdw6Z0pZjuxIBYevaNXAIgquFpPgUKg/s1600/IMG_6126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EwZJiFe3G1FuBhdpn-rZsG1tvj2ltQCBqCmJNiMo8DGV4Q5bqQMYolwcmVhQZTHeNcb5DVoB2R7Nw6m-TXeiJ4U-b0RB4X5itmfm0fe4_LUfTdw6Z0pZjuxIBYevaNXAIgquFpPgUKg/s400/IMG_6126.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
This is just some of Peanut Head's handy work. Thankfully we did not have to carry any of these rocks. Peanut Head humped all those in by himself, <i>and then some</i>. Ooh-rah!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMbRJUpeBoDilag3_xVG2JdNDPS5nVlYkxwjtV3ZQ0AA3Aj9GmTYfhGp2Z40qZ8xLp1aImfTsS3cuVkXmwZwmn01cMgsFtD0F2JhUQbxi5KECNInHsqPIlRZUwhgqO1KPlX-nMOxSH60/s1600/IMG_6142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMbRJUpeBoDilag3_xVG2JdNDPS5nVlYkxwjtV3ZQ0AA3Aj9GmTYfhGp2Z40qZ8xLp1aImfTsS3cuVkXmwZwmn01cMgsFtD0F2JhUQbxi5KECNInHsqPIlRZUwhgqO1KPlX-nMOxSH60/s400/IMG_6142.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Stinkerbell can back up a trailer like nobody's business. I have tried and tried and tried to learn how to do it, but so far I have been an abysmal failure.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwWTJw1uPnEzZS9CRkwyrBHYjr-U_jtSdy3gxzclSOq5CF3e7wi1Ji3I8CwGofDBKziGPAuC8G2GxTrCgnsRCZTer51oLhtYUFpvzTUjiTso0jgystz4s160xUUhGNBCNHgTGChACEM4/s1600/IMG_6149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwWTJw1uPnEzZS9CRkwyrBHYjr-U_jtSdy3gxzclSOq5CF3e7wi1Ji3I8CwGofDBKziGPAuC8G2GxTrCgnsRCZTer51oLhtYUFpvzTUjiTso0jgystz4s160xUUhGNBCNHgTGChACEM4/s400/IMG_6149.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Zoe Bug kept trying to sneak in little breaks wherever she could. I really can't complain because she's a very hard worker.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGmHMhIDl21DAcsb_CfLp7U-fFPQ4wdd17wZZfkFzjmBKU7PODqecM9eo-MldcpEvWHFkj0qPMyzMyPUIpefjWL0Tmv8zEYYVgdp_yUgChq7K7L-ayTaCSLIjPPTpgoDrLK81HIaDnjI/s1600/IMG_6150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGmHMhIDl21DAcsb_CfLp7U-fFPQ4wdd17wZZfkFzjmBKU7PODqecM9eo-MldcpEvWHFkj0qPMyzMyPUIpefjWL0Tmv8zEYYVgdp_yUgChq7K7L-ayTaCSLIjPPTpgoDrLK81HIaDnjI/s400/IMG_6150.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was a little over the top though. She was supposed to be opening the gate for me to drive through. I really need to get a big air horn mounted on the ATV. It can sit up there with my pitch fork, don't you think?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the end, Family Ditch Day lasted about nine hours. It was nearly the longest day of my life. I almost cried.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's over though, and Peanut Head was very appreciative for our help so I guess it was worth it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He doesn't need to know how much whining we actually did. What he doesn't know won't hurt him, right?</div>
<br />Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-79564870464139036222018-02-15T21:19:00.000-07:002018-02-15T21:19:04.411-07:00Farmhouse Love Episode 10: Home Office<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8ff-dn8tya5EYq4Cbb3Yq7ZDko3EHP4eEc99FTrWbZQ4027cY7_8D_NZdgF9wKIWXVqhJfieGTdJDd1KxQ2DyCUnmlotr57xqYSNf65XD0PIw5WIdH0cWj5K2ukAh5PmwSdSplnOri0/s1600/Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8ff-dn8tya5EYq4Cbb3Yq7ZDko3EHP4eEc99FTrWbZQ4027cY7_8D_NZdgF9wKIWXVqhJfieGTdJDd1KxQ2DyCUnmlotr57xqYSNf65XD0PIw5WIdH0cWj5K2ukAh5PmwSdSplnOri0/s400/Before.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm a tad bit behind on my home improvement posts as this room was mostly finished between Thanksgiving and Christmas.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you can picture it, this was the original kitchen in the formerly teeny, tiny farmhouse. It's actually part of the reason I fell in love with this house, because I could envision it as an office or a sewing room.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That window used to look outside, but then two additions later, and now it looks out into the garage--not a pretty sight on the best of days. Although <i>it is </i>somewhat useful for warning me when Peanut Head arrives home, so I can leap to my feet and pretend like I've been busy and not sitting on my buttocks the whole time he was gone.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I don't know why I do that. It's not like I'm not allowed to relax. It must be a list maker thing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And now he's going to know because I put it on the internet. I feel so much lighter now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've <i>dreamt </i>about how I would paint this room and what colors I would use. I was surprised <i>myself </i>when I finally put the brush to the wall, on account of I kept changing my mind about every little thing. In the end, I'm very happy with how it ended up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As you probably noticed right off the bat, there is too much "wood" in this room. The floor is actually laminate, but it competes with the bead board, which I happen to love. I could get down with new flooring, but I can't get down with the required funds for new flooring.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really struggled with painting the bead board, even though I love it and I <i>knew</i> I would love it. I just couldn't turn off the voices of my great grandparents in my head, telling me that I should <i>never</i> paint wood. I pushed through it, but I still feel the guilt.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIQiVxR6vfcmxWpVa-JQzYnAgQVJUC0U5rXyyMSMbyamzdDzq-6ZINHV70Sy2Hkh0yIxIgDEgjfjdAhreZLs1Cc4RKMizyrLHHaRH1au3n6gfdgLeUrhD7UOyU2gl2v67qWs6YuN0aKA/s1600/Office1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="1600" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIQiVxR6vfcmxWpVa-JQzYnAgQVJUC0U5rXyyMSMbyamzdDzq-6ZINHV70Sy2Hkh0yIxIgDEgjfjdAhreZLs1Cc4RKMizyrLHHaRH1au3n6gfdgLeUrhD7UOyU2gl2v67qWs6YuN0aKA/s400/Office1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love the white on the bead board. I think it looks so much better now. In fact, the pictures don't do it justice. The bead board had a lot of gaps, holes, and wonky alignment issues which I was able to camouflage with caulking. Once that was done, I came in with paint and covered all that mess up. If you haven't experienced the magic of caulk, you must become friends. It hides <i>so much.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You might have noticed that we took the ceiling fan out and replaced it with a booby light. The ceiling fan scared me because it was so rickety and wobbly. Also, the light it provided was extremely inadequate.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjTiNYWq6nxR75cnXMPh5MSNbMaDCNfKALT_G88F9Fy121u-0cyRCJ4O5nyR72ACx-qErrrb_LgbRY48vjVotGzLz7AABzwyNkSiFvyeOuUTrAsyxsOc3eow_tX81sbguhrU-1BiWKY8/s1600/Office2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjTiNYWq6nxR75cnXMPh5MSNbMaDCNfKALT_G88F9Fy121u-0cyRCJ4O5nyR72ACx-qErrrb_LgbRY48vjVotGzLz7AABzwyNkSiFvyeOuUTrAsyxsOc3eow_tX81sbguhrU-1BiWKY8/s400/Office2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm using both of my IKEA Expedit units in the office. I love them so much.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucAj3ArgR32fulcSv1d8IPZCxxuGFKPoEJjXJTZxVkGOd_7b4mMEZyKGX24srQyMgFRRHoMokV6E8TZxrxhNdmVxDYzlKtnP33owWNXcuTdp8azK7tC8XHOiOhBVCykt8cieD6uJhOoA/s1600/Office4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1167" data-original-width="1600" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucAj3ArgR32fulcSv1d8IPZCxxuGFKPoEJjXJTZxVkGOd_7b4mMEZyKGX24srQyMgFRRHoMokV6E8TZxrxhNdmVxDYzlKtnP33owWNXcuTdp8azK7tC8XHOiOhBVCykt8cieD6uJhOoA/s400/Office4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I used cabinet paint for the insides of the shelving which used to be the kitchen cabinets. It's supposed to hold up a little better than regular paint and provide a more durable finish.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtjcorr1v0xZMIvgNmtO-igUzTN8wij5SAeNs-tHC0y2YU9UqSMBufNCstf3DuHTwv_64Stbo_hMLN7gZ9uRuKzn_NClTWmpJR2oy4Hijl18vATEvD39_s5fmj_WkvIvflp__hlYxJb0/s1600/Office5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1600" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtjcorr1v0xZMIvgNmtO-igUzTN8wij5SAeNs-tHC0y2YU9UqSMBufNCstf3DuHTwv_64Stbo_hMLN7gZ9uRuKzn_NClTWmpJR2oy4Hijl18vATEvD39_s5fmj_WkvIvflp__hlYxJb0/s400/Office5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This view is looking outside from inside the office, towards what used to be the original dining room. Now it's mainly a pass through area to get from the elderly part of the house to the young part of the house. Yes, I'm personifying my house. It's my baby. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I paint each room we've been changing out all the electrical switches and outlets from beige to white. We're also using rocker switches for the lights, and putting some lighted switches in some areas.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Peanut Head was doing it all for me, but with the office and sewing room he taught me how to do it myself. Again. He's taught me before, but I have Goldfish Brain. And did I mention that I'm terrified of electricity? It's one of my nightmare causes of death. Right up there next to burning alive and drowning. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoa-zIpK2MjPqNf0xpLDrbXznpH98p28kxhsDL8iVnUv-XSJxDss7QqGsY5-gyxlCb5PMhdLbbZQqxfXEMlDZWlC46DcR8ylPGAJdNswUkcSJs1l9RmUMVr_AbKNb2Q2O6ok9EuEA4Cr4/s1600/Office3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoa-zIpK2MjPqNf0xpLDrbXznpH98p28kxhsDL8iVnUv-XSJxDss7QqGsY5-gyxlCb5PMhdLbbZQqxfXEMlDZWlC46DcR8ylPGAJdNswUkcSJs1l9RmUMVr_AbKNb2Q2O6ok9EuEA4Cr4/s400/Office3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Peanut Head helped me turn the window into a gigantic magnet board. I've been obsessing about doing this for over a year. You can't imagine how happy it makes me to have this thing up and doing its thing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's how we pulled it together.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First, Peanut Head cut a 3/8-inch thick piece of plywood to fit inside the window frame. We chose that particular thickness in order to position the magnet board to meet the existing window trim, so that everything would be all matchy-matchy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKNdxHJBtriWjtAugpfuUgy-HfaH-7nMxhRt5xzxyR4_vFzkF3Xavam4mwro9gDcFPSUV4brD26G6FAXTR1fspRy2dKfxymAWIU_FSZTAe064NgR7ksdhk8_QrKUFAA67AgD2fZASCTA/s1600/IMG_5850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKNdxHJBtriWjtAugpfuUgy-HfaH-7nMxhRt5xzxyR4_vFzkF3Xavam4mwro9gDcFPSUV4brD26G6FAXTR1fspRy2dKfxymAWIU_FSZTAe064NgR7ksdhk8_QrKUFAA67AgD2fZASCTA/s400/IMG_5850.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I then bought a sheet of 18-gauge galvanized steel, cut slightly smaller than the dimensions of the plywood. The plywood is 35" x 36-1/4" and the steel is cut to be 34-1/2" x 35-3/4." Basically I deducted 1/2" from each dimension so that I would have a quarter inch border all the way around the steel sheet. I did that simply to avoid having sharp edges flush with the plywood. Because if danger is near, I'm a danger magnet, and I really would like to keep all my digits.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I bought the piece of sheet metal at Vernon Steel in Idaho Falls. I just Googled sheet metal in Idaho Falls, and then I went to their website to see what they carried. When I visited their construction trailer office, I told the nice gentleman who helped me that I was making a magnet board, and he walked me into his office to show me his magnet board. It was gigantic! I had magnet board envy. He schooled me on magnet boards and helped me with my order. I went in on my lunch, and I was able to pick the cut piece up after work.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have to tell you, it was super dirty when I picked it up. That's because the metal has an oily coating on it to keep it from rusting, and because of that, dirt sticks to it. It gave me the willies to touch it. When I got home I cleaned it as best I could with paper towels and windex, and then I cleaned it five times more with rubbing alcohol. The alcohol removes the oily residue. Magnet Board Man told me to do it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_c8W-_XtgZjW0pl_MW0TG7ENFQv7-YU3fkXd6mvYlOw7W5Bu3QiJ9jEgi12HVn2X3HjTq8Fbpki06hb5N6fd3TMX8m9M_0jLO-H8JnyAtC4epevGsNDW1xJzW8NjRSwCqf1-4YfoEws/s1600/IMG_5851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_c8W-_XtgZjW0pl_MW0TG7ENFQv7-YU3fkXd6mvYlOw7W5Bu3QiJ9jEgi12HVn2X3HjTq8Fbpki06hb5N6fd3TMX8m9M_0jLO-H8JnyAtC4epevGsNDW1xJzW8NjRSwCqf1-4YfoEws/s400/IMG_5851.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once it was clean, I covered it with cotton fabric which I pre-washed and ironed. Then I sprayed the sheet metal with fabric adhesive and stuck the fabric to it. After adhering the fabric to the front of the metal, I sprayed the corners of the back of the metal and tucked the corners of the fabric in.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0iT8pExw9yV_tnzSO794TBLlQYPuTGF-RJ7gJS3tD2xhfui8cwmxjXFn1FEHV0rHyY2cZIhGUICVc6RzqhyphenhyphenTG8eAe1unAqDJoaT_tjnjTcHmLQ90Fb4DQxLaXxqp7PE_g1AyroAHS8g/s1600/IMG_5852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0iT8pExw9yV_tnzSO794TBLlQYPuTGF-RJ7gJS3tD2xhfui8cwmxjXFn1FEHV0rHyY2cZIhGUICVc6RzqhyphenhyphenTG8eAe1unAqDJoaT_tjnjTcHmLQ90Fb4DQxLaXxqp7PE_g1AyroAHS8g/s400/IMG_5852.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then I folded the sides in last.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next step I do not have a picture of, but I stuck the fabric wrapped sheet metal to the plywood with construction adhesive. I'd show you a picture of the adhesive I used, but I used the whole tube, and that was a month ago, so it's long gone. Basically I went to Home Depot and found a person in an orange apron, told him what I was doing, and he schooled me on the various adhesives and their benefits. Since I was adhering the metal to the plywood before installation, it was going to be on a horizontal surface until it dried, so I could go with a cheaper adhesive. If I were adhering it onto a vertical surface, it would be a little more expensive because it then has to fight gravity.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I left Home Depot with my adhesive and popped it in my caulk gun when I got home. Friends, it was an unsightly, gooey ooze, let me tell you. It was the color of snot when you have a sinus infection.<i> It was grody. </i>You should thank me for not taking a picture of that mess.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After spreading the adhesive all over the plywood, we positioned the fabric covered sheet metal onto it and squished it down. Then we strategically placed 300 books atop every square inch of that thing and left them there for three days and three nights. <i>At least.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxNN4QiGMYuPQ8Tp9XWaeV2ximemD1QCvpJ_Vb564bFT1VzUigrAOL5EEWVsaM9htPLDM0xkiSunt0znQDW4wtJQri03GwhqcFJpt3_fYp2HbK_yhWV7sdDgVnFKCjyhK-9ygxaQO_jc/s1600/IMG_5874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxNN4QiGMYuPQ8Tp9XWaeV2ximemD1QCvpJ_Vb564bFT1VzUigrAOL5EEWVsaM9htPLDM0xkiSunt0znQDW4wtJQri03GwhqcFJpt3_fYp2HbK_yhWV7sdDgVnFKCjyhK-9ygxaQO_jc/s400/IMG_5874.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The final step was to pop it in the window frame and secure it with small trim pieces, which Peanut Head cut to size and routed with his router. I don't know if that makes sense, but basically Peanut Head made his own trim pieces with his router.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love, love, love the end result.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So now my office is done, and I'm <i>this close</i> to finishing my sewing and craft room too. It's all painted and about 95% unpacked and organized. I'm not a fan of the effort required to finish projects. I much prefer <i>starting</i> projects. Finishing them usually involves yucky stuff that I procrastinate because I don't wanna.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I will conquer procrastination though! Just wait.</div>
Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-2725411089015707852018-02-05T20:15:00.001-07:002018-02-05T20:22:19.673-07:00The Year of the Farm Pants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzZmZRiTp-3QQvWXDPeDC3Wu0SGzYMG2VB2JnuMA2QseeStcAfCjorrfIj8zJWuNs1JXknt-zWps_0W1Fi6erY9S0_xKE3KQz2f3PQuM5uaqsGX0EVaN5RrN3pOQMfqfoR5kLgwj5YUI/s1600/DSC_0003a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1110" data-original-width="1600" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzZmZRiTp-3QQvWXDPeDC3Wu0SGzYMG2VB2JnuMA2QseeStcAfCjorrfIj8zJWuNs1JXknt-zWps_0W1Fi6erY9S0_xKE3KQz2f3PQuM5uaqsGX0EVaN5RrN3pOQMfqfoR5kLgwj5YUI/s320/DSC_0003a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy New Year Friends! I know it's already February, but I am consistently running behind. Every year I try to post my holiday letter on the blog, and I didn't get that out until a couple weeks ago. In fact, our family pictures were taken <i>after</i> Christmas this year, so I just went ahead and ordered New Years cards instead of Christmas cards. Whatever works, right?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The annual letter is below, although this year I took the liberty of using the names you </span>know, like Peanut Head, instead of referring to my husband as Clark. That's just <i>so weird</i>. I'm also sprinkling in the photos we had taken for the cards, and then some, because I can . . .</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ve been settling into the farmhouse and making it our own for more than a year now, and we’re starting to see some satisfying progress. There is still so much to be done, but it no longer feels like those things have to happen yesterday. I’m in a groove now where I go from room to room, cleaning, painting, and organizing. With each room I finish, the house feels a little more like home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Also a little less like a fire hazard, if we’re being honest. We’ve run into quite a few electrical nightmares that Peanut Head has had to address along the way. I’m learning more than I want to about electrical myself, because <i>apparently</i> there is only one of Peanut Head and <i>he can’t do everything</i>. He’s not buying into my version of the marriage contract wherein he has to do the yucky stuff and I get to do the fun stuff.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj20kJPJgJzaoaxAivcPQLRF132fBZkxT7tp0x21tDVX5rNNPauIW6JVP3HRO_Tn7k1EGGqK6NZ9CJA7TPOtC57P2psVcpQWgu9xvCHKUdY9LlyCtX8dQ-1km561o-yTNVEfqNIo_motA/s1600/DSC_0006a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1591" data-original-width="1600" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj20kJPJgJzaoaxAivcPQLRF132fBZkxT7tp0x21tDVX5rNNPauIW6JVP3HRO_Tn7k1EGGqK6NZ9CJA7TPOtC57P2psVcpQWgu9xvCHKUdY9LlyCtX8dQ-1km561o-yTNVEfqNIo_motA/s400/DSC_0006a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In fact, I spent the months of March through October digging a drainage ditch. We’re actually calling it a dry creek bed, because we’re fancy like that. I’ve been digging and cleaning dirt, if you can imagine that. I used to make fun of Peanut Head for doing that sort of thing, but it’s strangely satisfying.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsW39RDwjZ2qZsfgHtu9WazasAhZ0tcRon5jupVwdy9lHuQBSCPbxdCgNSdmgK9VDvpLnIJur9k5hZNv5ezEhQKV6Z1LqX1revrV49f_qnI78R5_19V5SgIDmGHF8BMaLwK7nxUB0PX8E/s1600/IMG_5403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsW39RDwjZ2qZsfgHtu9WazasAhZ0tcRon5jupVwdy9lHuQBSCPbxdCgNSdmgK9VDvpLnIJur9k5hZNv5ezEhQKV6Z1LqX1revrV49f_qnI78R5_19V5SgIDmGHF8BMaLwK7nxUB0PX8E/s400/IMG_5403.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here’s how it works. I throw a shovel of dirt on my wheelbarrow, which Peanut Head has fit with a screen for sifting the rocks and other treasures out. The rocks are thrown into buckets, depending on their size, and later washed [<i>yes I said washed</i>] and then used in my dry creek bed. Never did I <i>ever</i> see myself cleaning dirt and washing rocks, but here I am, living the dream.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-Sn8LhB9l8NDx_F6tn_iywDuKu-7V6IEqfnZKc-v_6LJzhKkgH2giyJLa3lSdvacdP3tiNamkmDM5BMYtYBgwqrSBy3i8eoVyOY-8a-_WAJeeOnW5iUj0DYMyNu0eS99nzba1Q-Vhj4/s1600/IMG_5407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-Sn8LhB9l8NDx_F6tn_iywDuKu-7V6IEqfnZKc-v_6LJzhKkgH2giyJLa3lSdvacdP3tiNamkmDM5BMYtYBgwqrSBy3i8eoVyOY-8a-_WAJeeOnW5iUj0DYMyNu0eS99nzba1Q-Vhj4/s400/IMG_5407.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not only am I digging a ditch, but I am also sloping the ground away from the house and the shop so that water flows away from the structures and into the ditch. A very long level and getting down on the ground on all fours is involved. It’s crazy town. I don’t think I’ve ever worked so hard, and for so long, on anything before in my life. But again, it’s strangely satisfying.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyZ1ZeiHs-GK9a0S8VXvKdmbWFFl1-X0j8qZfrQkD6KtmU2p019mL6cGkAi4WH7dGEam1rcJskyEGN9C3KwfV6GIaUuSJZpGx4jP1XtdxRQEpfgMq6H4AuegysE2kfIUwoz75y4M8Q7E/s1600/DSC_0008a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="1600" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyZ1ZeiHs-GK9a0S8VXvKdmbWFFl1-X0j8qZfrQkD6KtmU2p019mL6cGkAi4WH7dGEam1rcJskyEGN9C3KwfV6GIaUuSJZpGx4jP1XtdxRQEpfgMq6H4AuegysE2kfIUwoz75y4M8Q7E/s320/DSC_0008a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Peanut Head has turned into a farmer. He’s always buying various potions and seeds for his field. He has a sprayer attachment, a seeder attachment, and a rack for his shovel on the ATV.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>He has farm pants.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Funny story about his farm pants . . . he ripped them right below the buttocks when he was fixing fence one day, so he patched them up with iron on patches which just so happen to form an “L.” Now we call them his “Loser Pants.” He is not amused. He also has a walking tractor. He’s living the dream too, except really this <i>was</i> his dream and now we don’t call it that. This is a family letter, so I’m going to keep it clean. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUw2Wma0RJ1vtg7D1pG2aWBit-TC4ISv77_C9CA80gPmligaT5tqwwOhXae2AFR_fw0t-eyPmEzzHh54PJSTT1llBgTu7-14FiS3j1rncZKr23_FDjSJb8z_EzGQQKuDDbpnBICCTrhs/s1600/DSC_0011a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1485" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUw2Wma0RJ1vtg7D1pG2aWBit-TC4ISv77_C9CA80gPmligaT5tqwwOhXae2AFR_fw0t-eyPmEzzHh54PJSTT1llBgTu7-14FiS3j1rncZKr23_FDjSJb8z_EzGQQKuDDbpnBICCTrhs/s400/DSC_0011a.jpg" width="370" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Zoe Bug and Stinkerbell love living on the farm despite the fact that their chore chart has morphed into a multi-page spreadsheet. Two of the four horses we were boarding now belong to them, and they have continued to take very good care of all the horses, without having to be reminded by us. They have had to tend to horse wounds and do gross things in the care and keeping of animals, and it hasn’t hurt them a bit. In truth, it has made them better people.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKooDx-7UUo-sHeFzLdGOjyQXmpH3Cv5eC0gBLCyQReaYjhs3LhGMpL5NASt8gRb3cK_3cqHsXCyFK2z4-_uuzu-JXkxMg684MvBThOHlkYar5H3dt6SxRb-HW8f047a1VvPsR7NSqdjM/s1600/DSC_0013a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1580" data-original-width="1600" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKooDx-7UUo-sHeFzLdGOjyQXmpH3Cv5eC0gBLCyQReaYjhs3LhGMpL5NASt8gRb3cK_3cqHsXCyFK2z4-_uuzu-JXkxMg684MvBThOHlkYar5H3dt6SxRb-HW8f047a1VvPsR7NSqdjM/s400/DSC_0013a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annika (Stinkerbell) and Zoe Bug</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The girls moved to another high school in the district where I work, but on the side of town closest to us, so it’s a lot more convenient. I also moved my office to the north side of town, so we’ve cut our commute in half. The girls ran Cross Country this year, and they grew a lot as runners.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Zoe is a junior and starting to freak out about college. She has started filling out scholarship applications, and we get all sorts of junk mail from colleges wanting our money. Obviously they don’t know yet that we don’t have any. At this point she still wants to be a veterinarian. She spent another summer volunteering at the zoo, and also at a local veterinary office. She’s basically Snow White. She goes outside and starts singing <i>“Aaaaaaah-ha-ha!”</i> and birds land on her arms, and rabbits and deer frolic at her feet. Okay, not really, but <i>almost.</i> She’s crazy good with animals. Annie and I just scare them because we lumber up to them and try to control them. Zoe is <i>nice.</i> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkofFD4hKI5vfEzSy8MW6OjWaWPjzNRfxXKBxU-mxhuZepFNzO9yH1uqsj2_s2MtYzm4gj7K4MOI9zPHuTHtZq_mhIwn0pF47amKKZBoGPGVsWrqmXsE7nEM2oPLihSooPVAfsa8nk_s/s1600/IMG_5789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkofFD4hKI5vfEzSy8MW6OjWaWPjzNRfxXKBxU-mxhuZepFNzO9yH1uqsj2_s2MtYzm4gj7K4MOI9zPHuTHtZq_mhIwn0pF47amKKZBoGPGVsWrqmXsE7nEM2oPLihSooPVAfsa8nk_s/s400/IMG_5789.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Annika is a freshman and enjoying high school. As usual she is overextended, and by extension, so are we. We’re very bitter about it too. She started the year with Marching Band, which started during the summer, and then required attendance at school during zero period for the first trimester. Zero period is from the Devil, as you can imagine because it isn’t even a proper number, and it starts at 7:00 a.m. It’s stupid. Because that’s not enough, she is also doing Pep Band, which requires attendance at games that we don’t, as a rule, <i>ever</i> attend. And I might add that the word “pep” and Annika don’t belong in the same sentence. She is non-emotive, just like her father.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUG-_wvJv__a6btQkQM4zieFOVmnbrSf4v3e-wI3QaZcF6Awq0eBucWPgezhByyL375rwcAlBj5WoJ8kDwPCkuPTWGdrKKQD4rht3S-bNReurKqeOBtvoabyD9t5HxRVX9rh0cl2pXQM/s1600/DSC_0016a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="911" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUG-_wvJv__a6btQkQM4zieFOVmnbrSf4v3e-wI3QaZcF6Awq0eBucWPgezhByyL375rwcAlBj5WoJ8kDwPCkuPTWGdrKKQD4rht3S-bNReurKqeOBtvoabyD9t5HxRVX9rh0cl2pXQM/s400/DSC_0016a.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She also joined Civil Air Patrol, which has been sort of fascinating. She has uniforms, which require meticulous upkeep, and there are stringent rules in the wearing of them. We were told early on that “Cadet Scott’s hair can only be dyed a natural color,” and that was the end of the Elmo bangs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcUbHCRIKuUexwXSZmR31ubJffi3FP2cypuZs5yayLs0O6HVLHsh6iW9z8bTO2Tb7T7AQPXAB-qVHuPSrf2K4RVl8a9xiOlzTF3-CcJa0RpP72FKbzsU_YJdqGjF9BX2sPrsCscMqb20/s1600/IMG_4989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcUbHCRIKuUexwXSZmR31ubJffi3FP2cypuZs5yayLs0O6HVLHsh6iW9z8bTO2Tb7T7AQPXAB-qVHuPSrf2K4RVl8a9xiOlzTF3-CcJa0RpP72FKbzsU_YJdqGjF9BX2sPrsCscMqb20/s400/IMG_4989.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cadet Scott</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It has been fascinating, because Stinky takes no interest in cultivating her appearance. She gets up, puts on shorts or sweats and a t-shirt, maybe runs a comb through her hair, and that’s it. I watch her dress and arrange her hair for Civil Air Patrol and I’m all <i>“Who are you, and what have you done with my child?”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_WbpjJhh_E-Bp5NTCCwf-X-WBKaIRrsse0hyphenhyphenngzOuNEiahtfTbZS3jj9alKC-o2M6NF-ZGkXEfZmL-CdFWT6Ni2aMJNi0ban11qCA25wWp_ygx_91croe5ehTVQINyNR-DtcJpyER-8/s1600/IMG_4075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_WbpjJhh_E-Bp5NTCCwf-X-WBKaIRrsse0hyphenhyphenngzOuNEiahtfTbZS3jj9alKC-o2M6NF-ZGkXEfZmL-CdFWT6Ni2aMJNi0ban11qCA25wWp_ygx_91croe5ehTVQINyNR-DtcJpyER-8/s400/IMG_4075.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gunny regains the top for a few seconds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Gunny is still with us and very happy to be on the farm.
He’s still very pampered, and spends most of the winter napping. He and the
goats share the paddock, and he is the low man on the totem pole. If he decides
to jump on top of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">his </i>dog house to
bask in the sun, one of the goats will promptly knock him off and keep him off.
He then walks away like that was his plan all along.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmJY9hwV7gwt6XM6lcz1Oysv9syAvB2e1uRC2TPcDIGxYxNjDYXSfhPju5TPetCA484flAl4WhSQP1Ot2kBRYU0xZIWDyH0LtuAhLgNNof09eneZL-ZDUbEFPcRkSRnh2is0VZEfkpeQ/s1600/IMG_4785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmJY9hwV7gwt6XM6lcz1Oysv9syAvB2e1uRC2TPcDIGxYxNjDYXSfhPju5TPetCA484flAl4WhSQP1Ot2kBRYU0xZIWDyH0LtuAhLgNNof09eneZL-ZDUbEFPcRkSRnh2is0VZEfkpeQ/s400/IMG_4785.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucinda Gooseberry, aka Lucy, tossed out of the house in order to expand her horizons.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lucinda Gooseberry doesn’t seem to know that we’ve moved because she never leaves the house. All she does is eat, sleep, meow, and poop.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivs_7wk1-e1bVeQHHUb1xZCO0L1-WseQuETjtkTnsbnMflEV8IhbSlUOi-lPPZSFwqKZeXE6dzw8vOMqsJmgPKynG6Y2cA6QtdCJlmIylgzl0qG-3ADODH5WzUXD3-6ODTFs3Q9wMJ4DM/s1600/IMG_4839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivs_7wk1-e1bVeQHHUb1xZCO0L1-WseQuETjtkTnsbnMflEV8IhbSlUOi-lPPZSFwqKZeXE6dzw8vOMqsJmgPKynG6Y2cA6QtdCJlmIylgzl0qG-3ADODH5WzUXD3-6ODTFs3Q9wMJ4DM/s400/IMG_4839.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cecilia, Warrior Princess</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cecilia, on the other hand, is the best farm cat we ever could have asked for. She kills mice and other rodents by the dozen. Not only does she kill them, she eats them too. It can be horrifying to watch if it’s not from the comfort of the house with a pane of glass separating you from the sound effects of crunching bones. It gives me the willies, but it’s always good to have one less mouse that can get in the house.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The horses are amazing. We have thoroughly enjoyed
having them, and they’ve become part of the family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulJx_e1_YMoVetoOwAvNg3dW2GnRWspG15HbkO-k59VILw8s5PN0qngtT9MYYzk51ICfHLCJKuWzJnVAE6cCx2MedTfRuOzeKl6JwxSSPuhqC3epJrRofDud0L5Ys7uER7yXWHmGcnTU/s1600/DSC_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="835" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulJx_e1_YMoVetoOwAvNg3dW2GnRWspG15HbkO-k59VILw8s5PN0qngtT9MYYzk51ICfHLCJKuWzJnVAE6cCx2MedTfRuOzeKl6JwxSSPuhqC3epJrRofDud0L5Ys7uER7yXWHmGcnTU/s400/DSC_0114.JPG" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sweets is exactly what his name implies, a sweetheart.<br />
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1rKQrvxSU8L1SlZ72r9mfUjCOtcUsxq4vQirraambK1yFGhj9Vyhyphenhyphen_-52PtH8LYSKr5CnJSth6s9EPIFPtjimj3pa3ivt28yIqBeq8HnhYaYibDNX5ys0GQCxefAz6Q9zAJI2dNDVTE/s1600/DSC_0075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1462" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1rKQrvxSU8L1SlZ72r9mfUjCOtcUsxq4vQirraambK1yFGhj9Vyhyphenhyphen_-52PtH8LYSKr5CnJSth6s9EPIFPtjimj3pa3ivt28yIqBeq8HnhYaYibDNX5ys0GQCxefAz6Q9zAJI2dNDVTE/s320/DSC_0075.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Bo Jangles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bo is a grumpy old man, but also Mr. Dependable.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8d4RvcfgewR4vPxNhKCZLFID8QQ5W_l2wOJHrPh4LsB_QY_sczzuwFjjaE6G9t9cpwgnQb7aoTGVA0EKMx8Opoz4-Zri-K99yXZdXlEvpftf0d1FiaE8KeqqOKElDuJMFcIRRyywzAZ0/s1600/DSC_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1528" data-original-width="1600" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8d4RvcfgewR4vPxNhKCZLFID8QQ5W_l2wOJHrPh4LsB_QY_sczzuwFjjaE6G9t9cpwgnQb7aoTGVA0EKMx8Opoz4-Zri-K99yXZdXlEvpftf0d1FiaE8KeqqOKElDuJMFcIRRyywzAZ0/s320/DSC_0094.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rey is a Mustang and has been known to chase coyotes off the property. She brings a lot of sass to our little herd.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lrqfLWmyEo3EPmj2RZfM73kzbPvIiJ4BupYMlsF6oz0zEOdh0wnSE9th9Vi2gEHPMZDDLkD_O1PVBfZ7bEdHkNH3L49WQUgvA7j53tn5yiwGV8N9i57TMXrhFNeowdeMoNJ73c9FFEI/s1600/DSC_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lrqfLWmyEo3EPmj2RZfM73kzbPvIiJ4BupYMlsF6oz0zEOdh0wnSE9th9Vi2gEHPMZDDLkD_O1PVBfZ7bEdHkNH3L49WQUgvA7j53tn5yiwGV8N9i57TMXrhFNeowdeMoNJ73c9FFEI/s400/DSC_0071.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PJ aka Mr. Pajama Pants, Pajama-Rama, Peej</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PJ is obsessed with eating and usually looks like he’s about to deliver multiple litters of kittens. <span style="font-family: inherit;">PJ is probably the biggest character of the bunch. He and
Zoe have a special bond that melts my heart. Zoe has been working with him
because he’s a big scaredy-cat over every little thing that’s new. One day she
had returned from a training walk with him in which she was exposing him to new
sights and sounds, and being the big lug that he is, he stepped on her foot
when he spooked over a noise. She was very upset with him and gave him a tongue
lashing when they returned. She was all red-faced and yelly, and he wasn’t the
least bit repentant. He was snorting and pulling his lips up over his teeth,
smiling and nuzzling her. I just want to kiss him on a regular basis. Which I
shouldn’t because I’m allergic to horse lips, and I get instant hives when I
kiss them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrspMR3SiDLvn_JYa_LxalMh6shu1pwuTAg4tTwgdvDiX9MbW9vcCGYgoyS2Hwuxp761Ll2klBjly4bWo4snmTuxAZpyOFjbrYKhSLrd8JEcIYPYTqedDbd5x7pO-pwdBqwTVQImLYJo/s1600/IMG_4837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1420" data-original-width="1420" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrspMR3SiDLvn_JYa_LxalMh6shu1pwuTAg4tTwgdvDiX9MbW9vcCGYgoyS2Hwuxp761Ll2klBjly4bWo4snmTuxAZpyOFjbrYKhSLrd8JEcIYPYTqedDbd5x7pO-pwdBqwTVQImLYJo/s320/IMG_4837.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I should also add that PJ is a Delicate Flower and he
sunburns easily. Last summer Zoe was out in the field applying sunblock for
babies to his Arabian snout twice a day. He’s a lucky guy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In conclusion, we have a happy herd, and they have been
so fun to have in our family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Other than the continuous hemorrhaging of money since
moving out to the country, life is good on the farm. We are all happy and
healthy, and so fortunate for all that we have. We hope this letter finds you
and yours happy and in good health as well. Take care of yourselves, and have a
fantastic 2018!</span></div>
</div>
Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802790462395863282.post-20535572603662791842018-01-08T20:21:00.001-07:002018-01-08T22:49:39.463-07:00Dog Stalker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfA6b-YjA0V-oubYsacDMEL9_Yq62BlPqrlbrxXG5BtuzC7e05LKX4U_DRajAAehqCQPXX59TiRtwdcVlTbOUXo2rivIpgMhWjoQlEN9TkGnQiBXzMUnHBEkwTQRl6KqFHb64ejR-a_s/s1600/IMG_5825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfA6b-YjA0V-oubYsacDMEL9_Yq62BlPqrlbrxXG5BtuzC7e05LKX4U_DRajAAehqCQPXX59TiRtwdcVlTbOUXo2rivIpgMhWjoQlEN9TkGnQiBXzMUnHBEkwTQRl6KqFHb64ejR-a_s/s400/IMG_5825.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is our dog, Gunny Sergeant. We never call him by his full name because look at that face.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My name is Jill, and I'm a Dog Stalker.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It all started innocently enough. Peanut Head and I were fretting about what to get our spawn for Christmas, when Zoe Bug showed us the following video commercial.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GuCmX2pathc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GuCmX2pathc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You really have to watch it to get a full appreciation of its awesomeness. My favorite part is 53-56 seconds in when the Dog Mom's coworker is looking at her like she has completely lost her mind.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can really relate to that part.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once we watched this video, we knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that our household needed this product. You see, the last couple of years the Bunnery Sergeant has been spoiled rotten and has been allowed to stay inside whilst his family treks off to work and school. We feel sorry for him because it's so c-c-c-o-o-o-old outside. And windy. And the house is cozy and warm.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I should mention that Peanut Head's heart does not soften like ours, and he scolds us for letting the Bunny Man stay inside.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If loving a dog is wrong, then we don't want to be right.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It would be just fine and dandy if Gunny Bun Bun weren't such a Mr. Naughty Pants. You see, <i>he sleeps on the couch when we're not at home</i>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I know, I know, it's <i>horrifying.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also know that many of his peers regularly sleep on their couches, but in this house it's 100% unauthorized behavior. Maybe it wouldn't be such a big deal if he were cat sized and didn't lick his goodies. But it is because he isn't and he does.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, see a need, fill a need is how this story goes. The Furbo is basically a spy cam for dog parents. And it is So. Much. Fun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As soon as we set it up, we ran into another room and started calling to Gunny Bun Bun through the app to call his attention to the strange, new device.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Honestly, he was not amused, but once we got his attention, we launched a treat at him so as to hook him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Huh?</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Gunny Man turned with a goofy, suspicious look on his face. Actually, he was slightly terrified so he swooped in for the treat and ran away with his shifty eyes darting around.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've spent a lot of time launching treats at Gunny in order to get him comfortable with his new friend. In fact, we launched, or maybe I should say "tossed" so many treats to him that we ran out and had to start filling it with cat food.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cat food because he loves cat food, and he would not be impressed if we launched dog food at him because, obviously, he's a dog and that is <i>so yesterday.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The only problem with cat food is that it's too small, so instead of launching a piece of cat food, it instead peppers him with a shrapnel spray of cat food. In every direction.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If he wasn't afraid of the Furbo before, he sure is now. His current MO is to dart in to Hoover the cat food up, and then dart out to the other room in order to escape the incessant coos of his people.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Several times a day we get notifications on our phones that tell us "Your dog is barking. Would you like to see what's going on?" </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Um, yeah.</i> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So whichever one of us can be discreetly available pulls up the Furbo app, and gets the 411. Typically the cattle ranching operation next door to us has arrived to feed their cows. As you can imagine, Gunny simply cannot allow that to happen without attempting to give himself an embolism via a fit of barking.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Other times the UPS man has delivered a package, thereby throwing Gunny into a hysterical fit of barking. I've tried to explain to the Bunnery Sergeant that no one is ever sad to see the UPS man. It just doesn't happen. He's not the brightest bulb in the box though, so we're still working on that one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rste7QnYQYsWUGqChuBw-5PaxaDxyfdO2CtTbDWkpXRjjwfRcgumOWlevAq1MKsYaDZa7-pViNDO58xKy3GyF1u6LJxpQx9CCQcL9O_rAd1raUzVBk0mzZkTxIbxWCoH7tve6u-1d1w/s1600/DSC_0024+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1559" data-original-width="1600" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rste7QnYQYsWUGqChuBw-5PaxaDxyfdO2CtTbDWkpXRjjwfRcgumOWlevAq1MKsYaDZa7-pViNDO58xKy3GyF1u6LJxpQx9CCQcL9O_rAd1raUzVBk0mzZkTxIbxWCoH7tve6u-1d1w/s400/DSC_0024+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Early this afternoon I pulled up the app just to see what Gunny was up to and I actually caught him climbing up onto the couch for a long winter's nap. Which then prompted a lot of "Gunny! Get off the couch you B-A-A-A-A-D Dog." At which point he thrust his head under a couch pillow because if he can't see us, we obviously can't see him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And I'm not too proud to admit that the Furbo is not just for dogs. Peanut Head and I were taunting our girls with it last weekend while they were watching a movie. We were unable to get their attention by calling their names, so we tried barking at them like tiny, hysterical poodles.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That worked. Zoe got up off the couch and came and peered into the camera. And that was the perfect moment to launch a spray of cat food shrapnel. Score!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then, because it was sweet little Zoe Bug, she went to get a broom to start sweeping the mess up. Once we saw the broom, you guessed it, launch number two.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I seriously love that kid.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally Gunny wised up and ran in to assist, exclaiming <i>"My job! My job! Back away, Sister Girl!"</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I seriously love that dog.</div>
Controlling My Chaoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048341331287236076noreply@blogger.com1