Monday, December 26, 2005

Big 80 Birthday for Bud!



Tonight we went to my neighbor Bud's surprise Birthday party. I think he was expecting a quiet dinner out with his wife, Barbara, daughter Joan, her husband Kerry and some friends. Little did he know it was a BUNCH of friends, family and neighbors. It was a really fun party. We're especially grateful to have Bud (a.k.a. Leo Ryan) in our "hood". He's a spry 80--so I suspect this party is just going to continue. For you party attendees, I've uploaded some of the pictures on my home page. Here's the link to view the slideshow Pictures from the party.

Jr. Birdman


I always talk about what great neighbors I have... one in particular deserves some special attention. Yes folks, I have to deal with this character Tom who lives next door! Always willing to help out, even if he has to put on his happy face.

Hey, I warned you Tom!

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

So Lucky...


Ok...so I've uploaded the cute pet picture instead of what my Christmas cookies looked like after they were baked. I suppose I could of skipped a picture but I'm thinking the expectation level is there. All that blog pressure! I have to admit--after cooking 3 different batches of cookies and cleaning up after--I'm beat! So why even blog??

This is why...
While baking cookies and cleaning up, I thought about how lucky I am. Lucky to have nice neighbors, nice friends, nice in-laws and out-laws, nice husband, parents, a brother who lives close by and furry friends who all get along and make me smile.

2005 has been a year of great loss.... my grandparents, Tom & Mable, and a really nice neighbor, Jean. I've taken to my grandmother's rug hooks and feel her watching me as I try and finish her unfinished projects. My neighbor Jean hopefully was smiling when I used one of her big glass blown plates for cookie baking. I found it discarded in a dumpster outside her house after her kids cleaned it out. I know she would have gotten a kick out the fact that was I willing to dig through a dumpster to save something that she might have liked too.

It's the little things that keep the people we love close-- even when they're gone. I'm looking forward to 2006 but I won't forget those that won't be joining me and who meant so much to me.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all my family, friends & neighbors. I'm honored to start a new year with all of you!

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Finally, It's done!


This morning I FINALLY got to take a shower in my newly remodeled shower. The frameless glass shower door was put on yesterday and it looks great. I love that there are no rails to clean and it fits perfectly. I'm quite pleased with how my bathroom project turned out. The water flows right to the drain and no leaks anywhere. Plus with all the morning light flooding the bathroom this morning--reflecting off the glass--it was bright and cheery. Matt's quite happy that all my "girlie" shower stuff is out of the guest bath (which he's claimed for himself), however, I think he's wanting me to get going on my other projects so I can make his bathroom as nice.

Next up... Master bedroom floors and painting.

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Last Morning on Bainbridge Island




This morning I was on Bainbridge Island, WA visiting my friend Mary. We hustled down to the waterfront to snap a bunch of sunrise photos. The boats photo looks almost like Mary's which is on her blog (see previous post for link) ... Probably because we were taking pictures in the same place. The flower pictures were a nice surpise. They turned out better than I thought they would. I'm amazed these flowers are still alive during the winter...can't imagine that will be for much longer! Thanks Mary for being such a good hostess. Had a great time!

Tuesday, December 06, 2005

Not Sure How I Did This...


I really like this picture and the funny thing is, I forgot what setting I had my camera at to shoot it. The color contrast to the white background makes this simple object on the Bainbridge Ferry seem a bit more interesting.

Monday, December 05, 2005

Ferries, Fish and Seattle





I'm visiting my friend Mary this week who lives a Ferry boat ride away from Seattle on Bainbridge Island. Today Mary, her Mom-in-Law, Donna, and I took the Ferry to trek around Seattle. We spent most of our time at Pikes Place Market. I still have a lot to learn about using my new camera... However, I managed to get in a few cool scenic shots from the Ferry and Pike's Market. Mary's got a pretty nice picture on her photo site as well. Check it out at {through-the-daze}