yes, more birds

I really do photograph birds everyday. The proof is here.

basement remodel: mid-April

The floor is sealed. The vapor barrier (fancy for 6 mil. clear plastic) is up. Mark did a lot of electrical work on Saturday. He's been highly influenced by the Holmes On Homes TV show. He is making sure everything is to code and wired properly. Wood and insulation have been purchased so framing will begin soon.




I've been thinking about the decor down there too. I ordered this tweed fabric for the couch-daybed things we will create. We're keeping that 1970s chartreuse-lime green recliner that I absolutely love. Everything else will be neutral with natural wood tones (I'm calling this look Swedish Lodge). There is also the 1960s aqua pool table that gives us another color challenge but it's just so damn cool that it fits in no matter what! Last year we built a slat wood covered half-wall with a counter top to seperate the giant space and give a spot to pull a few barstools up to when eating and watching TV. We'll continue the slat wall theme down there with another bar (a real bar with liquor and wine storage) and also cover part of one wall next to the pool table (say floor to about 4 feet up) and build a legde perfect for a drink to sit on while you make your shot on the table and for some artwork.

Want? Need? Buy?

Five things I contemplated buying this week...


A giant letter B made out of metal. Do I need this? No. Do I think it would look awesome painted bright orange and sitting on a shelf in my office? Yes!


Sterling silver necklace inspired by the work of sculptor Richard Serra. This one has been in my Etsy faves for a LONG time. I think i actually need this...but not this week.


Vintage 1950s Walter Bosse fox figurine. Do I need this? Absolutely not. Is it just so painfully cute? Yes!


Ah, the hinoki cypress tissue box cover. A very cool thing. Oddly enough I will probably buy a hinoki cypress tree before I purchase one of these. Still very cool.


Last but not least, the cast iron bird bottle opener. I can just see it sitting on the bar waiting to open your favorite beer. Wait, we haven't built the bar yet. I am determined to get one of these eventually!

magnolia snow

male model robin

I probably took 30 pics of this robin this morning. He was following me around the yard, posing perfectly still. I never noticed their legs before...they look like they have little white pants on.

hounds

Still feeling numb. Otto (on the left) is John's dog - his pride and joy!! He has taken thousands of photos of these dogs, the other two belong to his good friend and neighbor. Cali in the middle and Otto are brother and sister. I love the look of pure happiness these three have when they're out hunting and running through the fields. Dogs and photography...two things he and I could talk about for hours!

Mark and I picked up a growler of Gumballhead and went over to John's mom's house on Saturday. We sat in what had become "his" garage with a few others, drank his favorite beer, and played with Otto.

We're having such an oddly warm Spring. I've been out in the yard a lot these last couple of days not really doing much, just enjoying the sun (and looking at all the weeds). Gave Lottie a bone this morning and took some photos. She's such a beauty.

I'm gonna miss you Kark

In loving memory of John Kark (March 9, 1970 - April 10, 2010)