Nature provided a means of respite from the mini-projects last evening.
The unseasonable cold and rain precluded attacking the many projects on the list before the big day arrives in June.
But not to worry--they will all get accomplished.
It was kinda good that it rained last evening since I had a racquetball match and really couldn't devote my attention to any but the most menial of the tasks.
Writing of rain delays, the O's sure could have used one last night losing to the Mariners 5-1. Ugh. Is every team in baseball going to use the O's to get well? Except for maybe Boston which has a losing record against them this year-- 2-4.
Well, Friday night I'll be off on my own to witness yet again the "agony of defeat."
It is supposed to be warmer and a bit drier today cruising in to the end of the week. Maybe more will get done. But who knows. Life has a way of happening while we are busy making plans.
I heard that somewhere.
And here is the quote of the day:
The conception of two people living together for twenty-five years without having a cross word suggests a lack of spirit only to be admired in sheep. - Alan Patrick Herbert
I guess since we are getting ready for a wedding, this one resonated with me.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Lights Around the Pool
Well it is crunch time at the house.
Why, you ask?
We are in party mode!
Wedding in about 37 days--not actually at the house, but festivities and guests will be at the hacienda, as I sometimes refer to it, and so actions must be taken to be taken to spruce it up.
Call it more than Spring cleaning and routine maintenance--I have those actions too--like fixing the Winter damage to the pool and changing filters in the heating/cooling system (which I did last night, BTW).
No--now we have the upgrades--the little projects that make and transform the house form a home into a B&B.
Hosting events always gets those little upgrades done--and it really makes the house look better at the same time.
So the little upgrades include adding a fountain to the pool--all of the materials to complete this task are in hand; and adding lights around the fence line of the pool to make it nicer at night. Forget that we will be hosting the events during the Summer solstice period when the daylight is the longest and it doesn't get dark until after 9:30 pm (at which time I usually turn into a pumpkin anyway).
I actually got half of the new lighting installed last evening and I must say--it creates an interesting ambiance.
If only there were a way to get rid of the mosquitoes!
We have some bats--maybe we can import bigger bats from South America! No, some of the guests might get "creeped" out when they start dive bombing the pool for water--which is really cool to watch in the evening light.
I guess I will destroy the ecosystem and start spraying toxins into the environment to control those little blood-suckers during the festivities.
Bring it on though! Although it is work--the house really looks good after we get these little upgrades done.
Project one is 50 percent complete--lights around the pool. Next up--the fountain, which has been on my list for about five years (see my blog about lists). After that--it is anybody's guess (but Chris's decision)
Oh yeah, did I tell you, that as the time draws closer the list will grow exponentially?
Well, let me get the first one done and then I'll tackle the next one up until I get as many accomplished as I can.
Why, you ask?
We are in party mode!
Wedding in about 37 days--not actually at the house, but festivities and guests will be at the hacienda, as I sometimes refer to it, and so actions must be taken to be taken to spruce it up.
Call it more than Spring cleaning and routine maintenance--I have those actions too--like fixing the Winter damage to the pool and changing filters in the heating/cooling system (which I did last night, BTW).
No--now we have the upgrades--the little projects that make and transform the house form a home into a B&B.
Hosting events always gets those little upgrades done--and it really makes the house look better at the same time.
So the little upgrades include adding a fountain to the pool--all of the materials to complete this task are in hand; and adding lights around the fence line of the pool to make it nicer at night. Forget that we will be hosting the events during the Summer solstice period when the daylight is the longest and it doesn't get dark until after 9:30 pm (at which time I usually turn into a pumpkin anyway).
I actually got half of the new lighting installed last evening and I must say--it creates an interesting ambiance.
If only there were a way to get rid of the mosquitoes!
We have some bats--maybe we can import bigger bats from South America! No, some of the guests might get "creeped" out when they start dive bombing the pool for water--which is really cool to watch in the evening light.
I guess I will destroy the ecosystem and start spraying toxins into the environment to control those little blood-suckers during the festivities.
Bring it on though! Although it is work--the house really looks good after we get these little upgrades done.
Project one is 50 percent complete--lights around the pool. Next up--the fountain, which has been on my list for about five years (see my blog about lists). After that--it is anybody's guess (but Chris's decision)
Oh yeah, did I tell you, that as the time draws closer the list will grow exponentially?
Well, let me get the first one done and then I'll tackle the next one up until I get as many accomplished as I can.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Monday Musings - May 10, 2010
1. In life, it is important to take time out to remember special people and events. This weekend we did both--remembered Mothers and also celebrated the 65th Anniversary of winning the World War II in Europe during 1945--also known as V-E Day.
2. Someone always has more toys than you do. Be happy where you are and don't throw sand in the sandbox because friends are more important than things.
3. Someone is always worse off than you are--help them!
4. Be in the moment--or you will miss life's small enjoyments.
5. Celebrate the small victories and then, when larger victories occur they will be more appreciated.
6. Quote of the week, from Ethan while examining the pool on Sunday: "It's not too cold for me, Poppop!"
7. And the first swimmer of the nascent pool season was Florence--Nicole's Italian greyhound. Apparently, although no one actually saw it happen but we surmise from where she was in the pool when we heard the splash, she jumped/fell off the diving board. She was quickly rescued and no harm done.
8. It was very cold this weekend--amazingly cold for this time of year. The cold made me really appreciate the week I spent in Tampa.
2. Someone always has more toys than you do. Be happy where you are and don't throw sand in the sandbox because friends are more important than things.
3. Someone is always worse off than you are--help them!
4. Be in the moment--or you will miss life's small enjoyments.
5. Celebrate the small victories and then, when larger victories occur they will be more appreciated.
6. Quote of the week, from Ethan while examining the pool on Sunday: "It's not too cold for me, Poppop!"
7. And the first swimmer of the nascent pool season was Florence--Nicole's Italian greyhound. Apparently, although no one actually saw it happen but we surmise from where she was in the pool when we heard the splash, she jumped/fell off the diving board. She was quickly rescued and no harm done.
8. It was very cold this weekend--amazingly cold for this time of year. The cold made me really appreciate the week I spent in Tampa.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Mother's Day
What a great idea--a day to honor Mothers.
I wonder if the people who came up with the concept had any idea what it would grow into in terms of economic impact and stress on the communications companies.
Or on husbands who strive to make their wives (and the Mother of their children) feel special and honored.
It's more than a card and a quick gift. And it is more than breakfast in bed.
It is something that should carry on beyond the day and into the weeks ahead as we remember all of the things that our wives do to make our lives easier and continue to care for our children even into their (the children's) adult years.
And so we gathered around the table today--with three mothers present and celebrated that special bond between Mom and kid.
We are all somebody's children--and call someone Mom.
What a great day to take time to thank them for all of the sacrifice and tears and support and sitting up through the sickness-filled nights making us feel better. I remember when I was a child, I would get terrible ear aches. And Mom would be there to warm my ear--I won't say how because I'm sure some agency would get their nose out of joint, but she held me and made me feel better through the pain.
Thanks Mom--
I love you and wouldn't be who I am today without your love and support.
I wonder if the people who came up with the concept had any idea what it would grow into in terms of economic impact and stress on the communications companies.
Or on husbands who strive to make their wives (and the Mother of their children) feel special and honored.
It's more than a card and a quick gift. And it is more than breakfast in bed.
It is something that should carry on beyond the day and into the weeks ahead as we remember all of the things that our wives do to make our lives easier and continue to care for our children even into their (the children's) adult years.
And so we gathered around the table today--with three mothers present and celebrated that special bond between Mom and kid.
We are all somebody's children--and call someone Mom.
What a great day to take time to thank them for all of the sacrifice and tears and support and sitting up through the sickness-filled nights making us feel better. I remember when I was a child, I would get terrible ear aches. And Mom would be there to warm my ear--I won't say how because I'm sure some agency would get their nose out of joint, but she held me and made me feel better through the pain.
Thanks Mom--
I love you and wouldn't be who I am today without your love and support.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Hidden in Plain Sight
big egret standing behind a palm tree. Mow I thought that as I got
closer, he would fly away. But no. It just stood there not moving.
I got pretty close and took a couple of pictures. The bird was so
white against the green backdrop.
But it never moved. I almost thought that it was trying to be an
ostrich.
I saw the bird on my way to the beach. It was still there when I left
about an hour later.
Stamina. That's what it was.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Sunrise Over Tampa
on waking me.
Have I said how much I love my iPhone and it's camera? I do!
And so now I'm waiting for my flight home wishing I never had to leave
because I hear the weather this weekend in Baltimore is going to be
less than ideal.
Surprisingly, the airport is dead. I cannot believe how quiet it is at
noon on a Friday.
But, that is the way it is sometimes. I can relax and enjoy the
ambiance.
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