Even a new house eventually needs work. I have skipped along for seven years now and haven't done diddly squat around here, and it was starting to show. The gate on my perimeter fence is all but falling apart, wind blows in through my front door, I REALLY need to get a platform built to put my TV on so I can slide the DVD player underneath and it sure would be nice to have knobs and handles on my kitchen cabinets. I am not complaining. I was just making a list and wondering if there is anyone out there who might want to fix these things.
I happened to be looking at the back section of the newspaper and noticed in the services section several handymen listed and figured, my list is long enough, I will call one of these guys. To my utter surprise the fellow I called stopped by the same day and made the rounds with me for all my projects wants. He seemed ok with the gate repair, the new storm door was right up his alley, but when we got to the "build me a wood platform for the TV" he sort of commented under his breath that I could probably find one already built. The knobs and handles for the kitchen cabinets got the response "I guess it IS kind of hard to drill a straight and level hole". (for the record it is NOT...it IS hard to to measure and get every one perfectly centered and placed). And with that he left saying he would get back to me.
About three days later, when I had already been summoned for jury duty I got a voicemail from him saying I could go and order the storm door from Ace Hardware. Not know which one exactly, I called and asked for the specifics. His return voicemail said Lowes would have what I wanted and that they could likely do the job for less than the $200 installation fee he would charge. Fine.
I went to Lowes and found a nice door and sure enough, they will do the job for $150, works for me. While I was there I got all the knobs and handles for my kitchen cabinets and drawers, in anticipation of his showing up soon to handle all the other projects. I was pleasantly expectant. I just love getting this stuff done.
Days passed, jury duty finally ended, and I still hadn't heard from him, but I wasn't too disappointed, since one of the two biggest projects was already in the works. I know this stuff takes time. Then I realized that weeks had passed, and it was pretty obvious that I wasn't going to see the repairman, and I pretty much left to my own resources. OK. Fine.
But what am I going to do with all this kitchen hardware now? In a moment brilliance (for me) I sat down and searched for how to install hardware and found several videos. Pretty good as far as it went, but I was looking for how to get these things installed, so they were all even...I am a Libra you know, anything less than perfect could be the death of me! So, I was thinking about making some sort of template, but all the drawers were sized just a little differently and my poor brain could not handle that. Still basking in the moment of brilliance, I searched for templates and Lo and Behold! I'll bet you didn't know they actually sell them at Lowes for about $3 each; one for drawers and one for doors! Empowered, I head out to Lowes and got my set of templates and the rest, as they say, is history! Knobs and handles installed, and I think you know, you are listening to one happy camper.
The installation of my new storm door is set for two days, and I still have the TV platform issue to resolve. So, off I go again, searching for TV stands and sure enough I find a beautiful one! Very sturdy, very, just what I need, so I order it. In the meanwhile I am really wondering how I am going to lift the TV to get he stand under it all by myself. Since my illness I have the strength of sissy-girl! Well, I figure if the stars and planets aligned enough for me to find the right platform, then they will provide a solution as well.
The stand arrives the morning of the day the storm door is going to be installed, and all I have to do is assemble it. Easier said than done, but I managed and it truly is a thing of beauty. I even had time to paint the triangle above the fireplace that had been so abused over the years; the surface was mostly white from the plaster. I tidied that up and knew there was no way I could possibly lift the TV alone. But, my plan was to get everything in place and hope that the door installer would take pity on me and help with it. Sure enough he did! All the projects are done!
Oh, yeah, all except the one that started this whole thing: the fence gate. I am still on the hunt for that solution, and I know it is out there, somewhere, just waiting for me to find it. And that grout around my kitchen counter? You are next! I already have grout and the sponge, your days are numbered!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Saturday, February 2, 2013
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
In December I went to Oklahoma City for a short visit and while there I toured the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. I had originally planned the visit just to fill in a little extra time that I had while visiting the City, but the visit turned out to be down right enjoyable. Now a compliment like that from someone who knows absolutely nothing about rodeos or cowboys ranks pretty high up on the list! There truly is something there for every taste, even if you think you have 'none' you will find yourself surprised at how you enjoy this place.
They have a museum movie which is very nicely done and gives some highlights of things you can spend a little more time with in the museum. In the far end of the entry you will find a stunning sculpture of 'The End of the Trail'
It marks the end of the Trail of Tears. The exodus of the Native Americans to Oklahoma.
There are several exhibition wings with various items on display. For example, one wing shows saddles; so many saddles that it boggles the mind. There are working saddles, parade saddles, ornate saddles and many others from foreign countries and different cultures. If you thought you knew about saddles before you walked in; you would be blown away at the variety and workmanship.
Out of one exhibit and into another and you will find yourself looking at horseshoes. Never could I have imagined that there were so many different kinds and shapes. Then it is on to ropes, stirrups and lassos; it just goes on and on. Each area is more interesting than the last.
I wandered down a cowboy hall of fame, sure that I knew no one there...then I saw a very nice bronze statue of Ronald Reagan, so I guess I do know more than Roy Rogers! Just off to the left was a small circa 1900 Western cattle town aptly named Prosperity Junction...it was like stepping into a time warp. You really got the feeling that you were visiting a real cattle town; it was so nicely done.
A little further down the hallway and I found myself in a rodeo exhibition ring complete with bucking broncos, clowns and cowboys everywhere you looked. There was quite a history on display and one could learn a lot here.
There was also a Native American Gallery, Western Performers Gallery, Joe Grandee Museum of the Frontier West and so much more.
I only spent two and a half hours there but I could have easily spent four or five hours and really learned a lot about this fascinating part of our history. As a matter of fact, next time I am in Oklahoma City, I will definitely plan another trip. Because it was winter, I did not get to see any of the beautiful gardens and grounds of the museum.
I did get to see a temporary exhibit of National Geographic Photographs that showed some nostalgic western scenes. There was no warning not to take photos so here are some of the highlights of that exhibit
A starry night out in Utah somewhere...
Here is how you hitch a horse to a parking meter...
They have a museum movie which is very nicely done and gives some highlights of things you can spend a little more time with in the museum. In the far end of the entry you will find a stunning sculpture of 'The End of the Trail'
It marks the end of the Trail of Tears. The exodus of the Native Americans to Oklahoma.
There are several exhibition wings with various items on display. For example, one wing shows saddles; so many saddles that it boggles the mind. There are working saddles, parade saddles, ornate saddles and many others from foreign countries and different cultures. If you thought you knew about saddles before you walked in; you would be blown away at the variety and workmanship.
Out of one exhibit and into another and you will find yourself looking at horseshoes. Never could I have imagined that there were so many different kinds and shapes. Then it is on to ropes, stirrups and lassos; it just goes on and on. Each area is more interesting than the last.
I wandered down a cowboy hall of fame, sure that I knew no one there...then I saw a very nice bronze statue of Ronald Reagan, so I guess I do know more than Roy Rogers! Just off to the left was a small circa 1900 Western cattle town aptly named Prosperity Junction...it was like stepping into a time warp. You really got the feeling that you were visiting a real cattle town; it was so nicely done.
A little further down the hallway and I found myself in a rodeo exhibition ring complete with bucking broncos, clowns and cowboys everywhere you looked. There was quite a history on display and one could learn a lot here.
There was also a Native American Gallery, Western Performers Gallery, Joe Grandee Museum of the Frontier West and so much more.
I only spent two and a half hours there but I could have easily spent four or five hours and really learned a lot about this fascinating part of our history. As a matter of fact, next time I am in Oklahoma City, I will definitely plan another trip. Because it was winter, I did not get to see any of the beautiful gardens and grounds of the museum.
I did get to see a temporary exhibit of National Geographic Photographs that showed some nostalgic western scenes. There was no warning not to take photos so here are some of the highlights of that exhibit
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Wicked, Fox Theater, St Louis, MO
While I was in Seattle I noticed that Wicked was playing there. It was impossible for me to get a ticket for less than $175 so I decided to pass on seeing the show. But wouldn't you know that it opened in St Louis in mid December through mid January and I was able to snag some tickets for $75 each. My cousin, her friend and I went to the show and a good time was had by all. I saw it first in New York about eight years ago and was ready to see it again. It was just as good the second time around.
I really liked the restored Fox Theater in St Louis. It reminded me so much of NYCs Radio City Music Hall, though on a decidedly smaller scale. One day I will have to make it back to St Louis on a Saturday morning so I can take one of the theater tours and hear all about the restoration and the history of this fine theater.
Both of the shots were taken in the entry area of the theater using my Iphone. Had I known photos were allowed I would've brought my good camera. Better luck next time!
I really liked the restored Fox Theater in St Louis. It reminded me so much of NYCs Radio City Music Hall, though on a decidedly smaller scale. One day I will have to make it back to St Louis on a Saturday morning so I can take one of the theater tours and hear all about the restoration and the history of this fine theater.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Horse Program, Shawnee National Forest, Illinois
After I finished my whirlwind trip to the Pacific Northwest, I continued on to Shawnee National Forest located in southeastern Illinois for an All About Horses Program which was sponsored by Road Scholar, a non-profit organization that focuses on travel and education. It was all I had hoped it would be and more, since it took place during the most picturesque time of the fall and the weather was absolutely perfect the entire time.
Camp Ondessonk was our home base for the week and for a retreat/summer camp it was downright comfortable with large rooms, private bathrooms and beautiful views of the surrounding forest from every room you found yourself sitting. They prepared very interesting meals for us and we even had a campfire sing-along that lasted a lot longer than I thought it would. We were all having too much fun to leave.
There were two programs that week; one for horses and one for hiking and both groups seemed happy to share their day over the joint evening meal. We each tried to bring folks from the other group to our activities, but there were no takers.
We learned a lot about horses from grooming, to feeding, saddling and bridling, using curry combs, riding, walking and turning, cantering and trotting. Then we found out just how delicate these animals are and for those who might have be harboring thoughts of actually owning one, the time, money and effort far outweighs the ability of most to even consider it.
Here we are preparing for a lesson of the day in the fenced area. A safety check is made before we proceed to more complicated maneuvers. That is me on my horse Smokey.
We took a two hour ride through the forest on day two; a preparation for the all-day ride later in the week to the waterfalls...
The retreat grounds have lots of interesting attractions including zip lines, tree houses, many open air bunkhouses, several lakes and loads of trails. This covered bridge looked so nice on that beautiful day
The hikers were looking forward to the long hike to the tallest free-falling waterfall in the state of Illinois and the riders were anticipating the ride to the same place, but on different days. As luck would have it, the hikers went the day before the rain, so there was no waterfall to view. The riders went the day after the nighttime storm so not only did we get water, but there was also a rainbow. Perfectly fitting for my birthday, I thought.
This was a most enjoyable way to wrap up my Pacific Northwest trip. Now I guess I better start thinking about what I will do next year. So many places, so little time!
Camp Ondessonk was our home base for the week and for a retreat/summer camp it was downright comfortable with large rooms, private bathrooms and beautiful views of the surrounding forest from every room you found yourself sitting. They prepared very interesting meals for us and we even had a campfire sing-along that lasted a lot longer than I thought it would. We were all having too much fun to leave.
There were two programs that week; one for horses and one for hiking and both groups seemed happy to share their day over the joint evening meal. We each tried to bring folks from the other group to our activities, but there were no takers.
We learned a lot about horses from grooming, to feeding, saddling and bridling, using curry combs, riding, walking and turning, cantering and trotting. Then we found out just how delicate these animals are and for those who might have be harboring thoughts of actually owning one, the time, money and effort far outweighs the ability of most to even consider it.
Here we are preparing for a lesson of the day in the fenced area. A safety check is made before we proceed to more complicated maneuvers. That is me on my horse Smokey.
The hikers were looking forward to the long hike to the tallest free-falling waterfall in the state of Illinois and the riders were anticipating the ride to the same place, but on different days. As luck would have it, the hikers went the day before the rain, so there was no waterfall to view. The riders went the day after the nighttime storm so not only did we get water, but there was also a rainbow. Perfectly fitting for my birthday, I thought.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Pikes Market, Seattle, Washington
I toured Pikes Market while in Seattle. I had been looking forward to it the entire trip, but truth be told...after seeing the Granville Market in Vancouver, I was a little disappointed.
Fortunately, there was a little 'action' outside the market that put this part of the trip right up there at the top of the list for me. I hope you get a smile out of the shots I got of this panhandler. It still brings a smile to my heart.
Fortunately, there was a little 'action' outside the market that put this part of the trip right up there at the top of the list for me. I hope you get a smile out of the shots I got of this panhandler. It still brings a smile to my heart.
On the Road--Victoria, Vancouver to San Juan Island, Washington
I took a walk along the waterfront in Victoria and found these cute houseboats docked all in a row. It was apparent to me that the folks that lived there made the deliberate choice, cramped in a little and really enjoyed everything about it. It was interesting how many different ways they found to store their kayaks
So just because you choose to live on the water doesn't mean that there will be no traffic issues. Here the traffic normally is made up of boats but often it is a plane or two as well. Folks here come up with all sorts of ways to get around.
Later on the group traveled to San Juan Island, which is actually a part of the United States, there we took several tours including one of an historical farm site and a one room school house. I always like to tour them because I actually attended a one room school house when I was a child. Almost always the ones I tour are nicer than the one I attended. Hard to believe huh?
I could not pass up taking a picture of this sign. The folks on San Juan Island are SERIOUS about smoking and littering!
So just because you choose to live on the water doesn't mean that there will be no traffic issues. Here the traffic normally is made up of boats but often it is a plane or two as well. Folks here come up with all sorts of ways to get around.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
On the Road...Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island, BC Canada
After taking the ferry from the City of Vancouver, we stopped at the north end of Vancouver Island in order to most easily travel to world-famous Butchart Gardens. I had heard about the gardens first from my dear friend in NJ at least 20 years ago. I remember it well because she was quite taken by them when she visited and I knew if they had that effect on her...well then, they must be spectacular. And they are!
The admission tickets were arranged for in advance and box lunches were prepared so all that was necessary was to go and pick them up. Then wander through the gardens at a relaxing pace and eat whenever the mood struck.
What is pretty interesting is that the gardens were really an after-thought. Originally, the land was used for mining limestone for the production of cement...not a very good start for world-famous gardens. The wife of Robert Pim Buchart was mortified at the devastation caused by the mining technique used and decided that she would truck in some soil and start a garden to make the place pretty again. Fifty-five acres is a lot of soil and I have to say she did a heck of a job turning an eyesore into spectacular gardens. OK that is really the story, I will let the pictures speak for themselves... if you double click you can see enlarged photos.
This is an overview of the actual pit left from the mining operation
Then I wanted to get up close and personal with a few of the flowers that really got my attention
if you closely at this pretty yellow flower you will see a very attractive bee near the center, that was a bonus for my patience!
Don't ask me what these are, I only thought they were picture worthy.
Off in a little nook they built a carousel for the childern. Not using standard horses though. Here I caught a shot of a reindeer, a cat with a mouse and a frog...ah the fantasy of it all!
These flowers were just so pretty, I kept saying (out loud -- to anyone who would listen) they are so pretty they don't look real!
We then boarded the bus to travel to the southern end of Vancouver Island where we stayed for two nights to the Royal Scots Inn and Suites. They had a real, live Bag-piper to "pipe" us in. You don't find that everyday!
This was one of the most enjoyable days of the entire trip.
The admission tickets were arranged for in advance and box lunches were prepared so all that was necessary was to go and pick them up. Then wander through the gardens at a relaxing pace and eat whenever the mood struck.
What is pretty interesting is that the gardens were really an after-thought. Originally, the land was used for mining limestone for the production of cement...not a very good start for world-famous gardens. The wife of Robert Pim Buchart was mortified at the devastation caused by the mining technique used and decided that she would truck in some soil and start a garden to make the place pretty again. Fifty-five acres is a lot of soil and I have to say she did a heck of a job turning an eyesore into spectacular gardens. OK that is really the story, I will let the pictures speak for themselves... if you double click you can see enlarged photos.
This is an overview of the actual pit left from the mining operation
Then I wanted to get up close and personal with a few of the flowers that really got my attention
if you closely at this pretty yellow flower you will see a very attractive bee near the center, that was a bonus for my patience!
Don't ask me what these are, I only thought they were picture worthy.
Off in a little nook they built a carousel for the childern. Not using standard horses though. Here I caught a shot of a reindeer, a cat with a mouse and a frog...ah the fantasy of it all!
These flowers were just so pretty, I kept saying (out loud -- to anyone who would listen) they are so pretty they don't look real!
We then boarded the bus to travel to the southern end of Vancouver Island where we stayed for two nights to the Royal Scots Inn and Suites. They had a real, live Bag-piper to "pipe" us in. You don't find that everyday!
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