Doggie Surgeons

The dogs relaxed after a hard evening of operating on the stuffed animals. They were very thorough in their work!

Kirby in Retirement

When we first decided to move off the boat and sell it I was somewhat concerned about what Kirby would do to occupy himself. I had my job but he didn't have the boat to work on anymore. Well, I really should not have worried. He has spent the last 18 months working his little fanny off on the house. He turned it into a Project Boat!

It is almost finished now and the pressure is off to work on it everyday to get it ready for - company for dinner, friends coming to stay, me needing (wanting) my bathroom back, me wanting my closet back, me wanting to be able to cook a dinner..... I think you get the idea.

I have been thinking about all that Kirby has done on the house and I get amazed at his talent. He hired 3 jobs out. The kitchen granite, the glass shower stall and the carpet installation. Other than that, he did it all himself.

And in the meantime he learned to make sourdough bread and the best ale around. He also attended H&R Block Tax School, cleaned the yard (including the doggie poo), cooked dinner, cleaned the floors, paid the bills.......

So, in a way, Kirby is not retired at all. Just look at all he has done in the list below and you will be just as amazed as I am! And you know that I could never remember everything he has done and besides, some of those things I didn't even realize he was doing because I wasn't there!


Removed flooring in hall, bath 1, kitchen and dining
Tiled floor in hall, bath 1, kitchen and dining
Painted the whole house inside
Painted all the baseboards
Painted cabinets in bath 1, installed new doors on cabinets
Installed new granite top in bath 1
Installed new faucet in bath 1
Installed new toilet in bath 1
Painted all interior doors and replaced all hardware
Painted front door, installed new hardware and new kickplate
Installed new porch lights – 2
Remodeled 4 bedroom closets with custom shelves
Painted all closet doors and installed new hardware
Sanded and painted the kitchen cabinets
Installed new pulls and hinges on kitchen cabinets
Remodeled kitchen pantry with custom shelves
Removed stove and dishwasher
Installed new stove and dishwasher
Removed old countertops and prepared for granite
Installed new plumbing and faucet in kitchen
Installed new water heater
Installed venting in the attic (after making access available!)
Installed new under-cabinet lights in kitchen
Installed new window coverings (blinds and curtains) throughout
Re-designed and remodeled the fireplace, tiled the hearth
Refinished dining room table
Built living room accent table
Removed old shower, flooring and toilet in bath 2
Tiled shower and countertops in bath 2
Installed new faucets in shower and tub in bath 2
Painted cabinets in bath 2
Installed new sink and faucet in bath 2
Installed new toilet in bath 2
Installed new window AC in bedroom
And on and on and on……………

So, before you ask, NO, I DO NOT HIRE HIM OUT! It is time for him to spend a little more time playing with the dog and making ale. (Well, he can cook me dinner sometimes too and it will be OK!)

Charleston Farmer's Market

Yea, we made it this time. As you will remember we headed to the Farmer's Market a few weeks ago and couldn't get anywhere near it. We left earlier this time and were able to get a parking space in the parking structure on the fifth level. Jake wasn't too sure about all the stairs but by the time we were done he was doing just fine.

The market was very large, with lots of fresh food, cooked food and lovely artwork. Kirby and I love the art of the Lowcountry - it reminds us of our trip down the intracoastal waterway. We picked out a few to buy and put them safely away in our memories! $2,000! You have to be kidding me!

The line for omlettes was a mile long so we decided to enjoy beignets instead. Reminded us of Ray and Lucy and when we visited them in New Orleans.

And then Jake got to ride the elevator to the 5th level - we think it was his first elevator ride - and he did just fine. He enjoyed being able to look outside through the glass as we ascended.

This is the picture that I REALLY wanted. So, instead - I have a picture of the picture! I love the tidal creeks and the marshes here.

Sago Palm

Here is a picture of my Sago Palm which I featured a just last weekend. You can go see it by clicking here. The new fronds have opened and it is so pretty. Ah, spring!

Peticure

Yesterday the Man Cave turned into a spa for dogs. Jake, Ozzie, Ricco, Nikki and Jasmine all got their nails done. Jake doesn't like it but he is getting better. Thanks to Miss Jennifer of Fetch Doggie Day Care!

Spring at Our House

I am really enjoying watching everything green up and grow this spring. This is a Sago Palm and it is sprouting out so majestically. Some of them in the neighborhood were burned by the cold this winter but ours sits under the oak tree and I think that saved it.

Can you see where the little fronds are coming out on this fern? This lovely gem was "stolen" from the forest last year by Christie and Michael and given to me as a gift - in the pot and ready to live here. He wasn't as happy last year by the front door. And all winter long he was totally sleeping - nothing green at all - looked dead but Christie told he to keep him watered so I did. This year he is living on the screened porch and seems very happy about it.

This is our jasmine that is going crazy on the front of the house. It has really taken off this year.

You have to remember that I am from California where there really are no seasons. I am enjoying watching things go from nothing to spectacular!

Aunt E Lee Visits from Pensacola, FL

It has taken me too long to get to this. Aunt E. Lee has been gone almost a week already and I haven't even posted a picture until now. Shame on me!

My Aunt E. Lee is 84 years old and lives in Pensacola. She has always been my favorite aunt, my supporter, my mentor, protector, adviser and fun companion. I was her first born child and I can still remember to this day when she knitted me a sweater. Even as a small child I understood that it was an act of love. When I was going through divorce I called her long distance in the middle of the night because I knew she would hold me across the miles and help me survive.

It had been about 7 years since we had gotten together - circumstances just made it difficult. She arrived on Friday on the 2:30 flight from Atlanta and we didn't stop the whole time she was here. That wonderful lady could dance circles around me. She still has amazing energy and I want some of it!

The first thing we did was go downtown and take a carriage ride around old Charleston. And out of that fun tour we got something special. Our tour guide was a young woman named "Rebel Sinclair". She writes books about Charleston, ghosts, pirates and more. Kirby and I are both reading one now. That was a special treat.

Our tour lasted about and hour and then we headed home for dinner. All the family joined in and as usual - we had a great time. Saturday morning we went to Christie's for a lovely brunch on her screened porch. Later that day, E. Lee, Kirby and I headed to Charles Towne Landing where the first explorers (settlers) landed in Charleston and set up housekeeping.

Sunday found us back downtown to walk the city. Walking is the only way to really get to know a place and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. Our timing was perfect as we happened along just at the right time for a tour of the Calhoun Mansion. It is a private residence (24,000 square feet!) built in 1876. It was full of antique treasures and well worth the time and the money.

Our time together went way too fast and my favorite aunt flew back to Pensacola on Monday morning. I have posted more pictures on our Picasa site.