Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Glimpses from a Small Piece of the Appalachian Trail
Our trip to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Pictures from the trail (mostly of trees, some odd pods and some asphalt), the trail II (I know not all of you love the woods and trees as much as I do, so I have broken this album into several smaller ones), the trail III.
Some of the views from the overlooks, views along the drive (excluding the idiot that tried to kill us) and some random shots of the hiking crew. Our journey ended with Matt carrying Asa, Jennifer piggy-backing James, and me trying to keep Boots from going after the stick-carrying child and her power-walking mother. An awesome hike overall--next year, back-packing/camping! October 28, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
R.I.P.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Last Days of Fall
Our little hike back County Line Road, Brockway, PA.
We didn't get lost. It wasn't the Apocalypse. But we did
make a porcupine chatter and we put up new sardine
windchimes along the way. We trespassed. We saw the
naked neighbor clothed and cruising around on his trash
truck. He wasn't wearing goggles though...
Good clean fun for all! October 21, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
The Long Awaited House Photos...
Some photos are ready; more are on the way... Sorry it is taking so long. There are some pretty strange "before photos"--most are taken of flaws because they were taken while I was still debating the purchase. You know, looking at the upstairs “before photos,” I think maybe they let the kids design and choose the color schemes… *SHUDDERS* What were they thinking? There’s no transitioning between the rooms—they absolutely clash and make the other rooms look even worse (hard to believe, but yes, it is possible).
In fact, between the filthiness of the house, the bizarre paint jobs, and the way the repairs took place—I am now convinced that this is the “Lord of the Flies House.” There never was an island—the story was based on this house! Surely no adults ever lived here! No adult would permit such atrocities! This was a house controlled by children—there is no other logical explanation!
Anyhoo, to celebrate my one year anniversary of being a home owner (September 13th)--here are the long awaited house photos!
Downstairs
Kitchen: Before and Now
Dining Room/Library: Before, Inbetween and Now
Office/Ferret Room: Before and Now
Downstairs Bathroom: Before and Now
Guest Room: Before and Now
Mudroom: Before and Now
Upstairs
Living Room: Before, Inbetween and Now
Master Bedroom: Before, Inbetween and Now
Master Bath: Before and Now
Gameroom: Before and Now
Playroom: Before, Inbetween, (Not finished yet)
Room Transitions: Before and Now
Pete thought that it would be great to add my bizarre stuff to her horrible paint jobs and to sit back and watch the chaos that surely would ensue. The “inbetween” photos give you an idea of what my house would have looked like if I had taken Pete’s advice. The Meditation/Playroom is still in the inbetween phase because I haven’t painted it yet—hopefully this winter…
Anyhoo, the inevitable question, why so many pictures? Insurance purposes. When my apartment on Main Street flooded, my apartment photos were a absolute blessing! Anyhoo, if you notice any links that aren't working (there are a few more here than I am used to dealing with), let me know. Thanks!
In fact, between the filthiness of the house, the bizarre paint jobs, and the way the repairs took place—I am now convinced that this is the “Lord of the Flies House.” There never was an island—the story was based on this house! Surely no adults ever lived here! No adult would permit such atrocities! This was a house controlled by children—there is no other logical explanation!
Anyhoo, to celebrate my one year anniversary of being a home owner (September 13th)--here are the long awaited house photos!
Downstairs
Kitchen: Before and Now
Dining Room/Library: Before, Inbetween and Now
Office/Ferret Room: Before and Now
Downstairs Bathroom: Before and Now
Guest Room: Before and Now
Mudroom: Before and Now
Upstairs
Living Room: Before, Inbetween and Now
Master Bedroom: Before, Inbetween and Now
Master Bath: Before and Now
Gameroom: Before and Now
Playroom: Before, Inbetween, (Not finished yet)
Room Transitions: Before and Now
Pete thought that it would be great to add my bizarre stuff to her horrible paint jobs and to sit back and watch the chaos that surely would ensue. The “inbetween” photos give you an idea of what my house would have looked like if I had taken Pete’s advice. The Meditation/Playroom is still in the inbetween phase because I haven’t painted it yet—hopefully this winter…
Anyhoo, the inevitable question, why so many pictures? Insurance purposes. When my apartment on Main Street flooded, my apartment photos were a absolute blessing! Anyhoo, if you notice any links that aren't working (there are a few more here than I am used to dealing with), let me know. Thanks!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
RenFest 2007
The Renaissance Festival in Pittsburgh re-opened last summer--Heather, Garrett and I made it down for Mardi Gras weekend.
They replaced the Mud Show :( --the Mud Show was my very favorite-- with Washing Wenches, which actually turned out to be pretty cool (A LOT of adult humor).
They had another new attraction--the bell guy. It's really hard to describe--eerie, but beautiful all at once. The instrument manipulator reminded me of those large winged bird people from the Beastmaster (think heads floating in the soup; swooping down and wrapping their wings around humans, digesting them and leaving just a pile of bones behind)--really creepy and cool.
I realized that I have never taken pictures of the jousting, so I also did that this year.
They replaced the Mud Show :( --the Mud Show was my very favorite-- with Washing Wenches, which actually turned out to be pretty cool (A LOT of adult humor).
They had another new attraction--the bell guy. It's really hard to describe--eerie, but beautiful all at once. The instrument manipulator reminded me of those large winged bird people from the Beastmaster (think heads floating in the soup; swooping down and wrapping their wings around humans, digesting them and leaving just a pile of bones behind)--really creepy and cool.
I realized that I have never taken pictures of the jousting, so I also did that this year.
I captured shots of Steve Korpa's Bent Oak Enchanted Artifacts cabin (I'd love to do something similar on my property some day--I love this building)--he's also the one that made my finger trophy pouches (the mechanic & the princess fingers)--neat, neat stuff!
The scenery and buildings are still a large draw for me--I think the grounds are absolutely beautiful. And of course, the other spectators (including Green Tara--not a tree!)--how could you not enjoy people watching at a Renaissance festival?! Sadly, no giant rabbits this year--but perhaps that is good--they HATE faeries...
And as always, photos and posts from past RenFests (including our five-year anniversary when Demetrius came along). I did check all of the links to make sure that they are still in order--amazingly, only two were no longer working.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Matt's Family Album
February 2007--Matt and Jennifer's stay at Grandma's house (Matt, James, Asa, Grandma and Aunt Jeannie). Snow play at Dad's house (Matt, James, Asa and a brief glimpse of Dad convincing James to shovel for him). Hmm, no pictures from the stay at my house? What's up with that, Jennifer? :)
Asa's 1st Birthday--The traditional, messy cake eating pictures and others from Asa's party. Hey, look! Jennifer's actually in some of these photos (we won't ask what is so funny in her balloon picture)! (February 17, 2007)
Matt's last Navy tour--His ship pulling out from San Diego, CA. (April 4-July 2007)
Random photos of Matt that Jennifer has sent. Photos of James from 2007. Photos of Asa from 2007. Family photos from 2007. Photos of Boots. Pictures from 2006.
My Nevada Family
I'm still waiting for Mickey to post pictures on her MySpace for me. Anyhoo, these are pictures of my niece in Nevada--Elizabeth Marie (12/2/04) and of my two nephews: Robert (1/14/93) and Bryson (8/7/98). Maybe I'll get lucky and Mickey will send pictures of herself and my brother, Luke, also! Yes, Mickey, that was a hint! :)
Sadly, these are the only pictures that I have of the boys, at this time--and they are super old--from 2004! And oddly, these are the only pictures that I have of Elizabeth. Guess that happens when there is so much distance between family members? But Mickey has vowed to send me newer pictures--I can't wait!
Sadly, these are the only pictures that I have of the boys, at this time--and they are super old--from 2004! And oddly, these are the only pictures that I have of Elizabeth. Guess that happens when there is so much distance between family members? But Mickey has vowed to send me newer pictures--I can't wait!
