Bathroom Remodel - Final

The bathroom remodel is complete! Kirby really outdid himself here! He tore out the old shower, the flooring and the toilet. Installed polished travertine in the shower and around the existing tub. Then the glassmen came and installed the shower enclosure. He put the same travertine on the countertop and put in a new sink. Then he did new faucets for the shower, tub and sink. He painted the existing cabinets, put a shelf and electrical outlet under the "knee space" (useless space). I got a heat light over the shower. Then came the floor tile - more travertine but very different. Oh, and he hung the blinds. Final piece was the new potty. And of course he painted it all and put up new towel bars. What a project! He needs a rest now so I am giving him a couple of weeks off! (And NO! I do not loan him out!)

























And - just for fun - here is a picture of our spoiled mutt, Jake!

Hampton Park

We headed out yesterday to the Farmer's Market in Marian Square (downtown Charleston). Once we arrived at the downtown area we both knew our plan needed to be aborted. The area was alive with pedestrians and cars alike. There was not a parking place to be had. Even the parking structures said "FULL". So quickly I had to come up with another plan as we had promised Jake an outing.

Just on the other side of Hwy 17 is a park that we had never been to. In fact we had never even been to that area of Charleston so it was a mini adventure for all of us.

Hampton Park is old and has wonderful old trees (can you spot the two young girls climbing in the old oak tree?) and rose bushes that are huge. We enjoyed walking around and enjoyed the warm sunshine and the green (although the green is really that green yet).














Jake didn't know what to think of the horses and even let out a small bark. We believe the horses belonged to the local police.

After the park we took Jake to Fetch Doggie Daycare. Our friends Jennifer and Phil own and operate it. (They also own and operate the Man Cave) So, Jake knows them very well. We let him stay for a hour while we ran errands just to see how he did. He didn't love it of course but he did fine. He needs to be comfortable so that we can leave him for vacations and not worry about him.

That's it!

Michael turned 50 this week!

Getting older is certainly not something anyone likes to do - once we are past about 20 anyway. So whenever we can have fun doing it - that is a good thing. This week Michael turned 50. I am sure he didn't have much fun with that but we did try to make his birthday one to remember and one that was fun. Christie spent a lot of time preparing and helping him celebrate all week long with flowers, decorations (black ornaments in his car at work and on the tree at home!), cupcakes and banners.

On Wednesday night we all got together and went downtown for seafood at Hank's. Michael ordered a huge tower of seafood to start - shrimp, clams, oysters, crab, mussels etc. It was beautiful. We enjoyed a very nice red wine and then more great seafood. I had shrimp and grouper served with sweet potato chips - it was fantastic! After dinner we all went for ice cream. Talk about decadence!

I would just like to thank Michael for turning 50 so that the rest of us had a good reason to celebrate and have fun with him! Thanks, Michael!

Easter Brunch with the Family

We were treated to a wonderful Easter Brunch by our Shumbie family today. The boys looked so fantastic in their sport coats and ties. Actually - all the men looked fantastic! We went to the Club at Daniel Island and all ate too much. My favorite was the Shrimp and Grits. This western gal has fallen in love with a southern specialty! And then there was the chocolate mousse! Oh, my goodness but it was good!

Here are some pictures of us...............

Easter Bunny Man

Whoever this man is - let me say - he has the true Easter/Spring Spirit! I had to kind of sneak these pictures but he probably would have happily posed for me. It was more more fun sneaking them!

My Four Grandsons

They live almost a continent apart but here are my four grandson. From the left - Brendan (18), Kevin (3), Casey (16) and Justin (2 months). I love them all so much!

I really like this picture of Kirby sitting at the bar at the Man Cave so I am posting it. No special reason other than I love that man!

Dogs

While her family is in California, Socks has come to stay with us. And with her came her nice big soft comfy bed which Jake really covets. When she wasn't looking he made himself quite at home on it. She came by, saw him sleeping there and just stood and looked for at least a minute. Then she very carefully and quietly climbed up and joined him. It crowded him just a little but not enough to wake him.

Kevin's Birthday

Kevin and Ryan in the Pool on Kevin's Birthday

Bathroom Remodel Part 5

Well, it is not finished yet but Kirby is really getting there. The glass has been installed and all the plumbing. He hated me for selecting the bronze faucets - somehow it made for more work for him but I think it looks really nice. New window blinds too - got rid of those dirty old shutters.

We have selected floor tile and of course the cabinets need finishing but I am using it again.

I have even found a "tree" for some of my beads.

Convenience

How is this for convenience? Actually it is the new potty ready for installation.

Christmas in April

What a silly Christmas Cactus - blooming in April! But isn't it pretty! Thanks, Mollie!