Byebye 70's wood cabinets!

BEFORE...





Disassemble, remove hardware, sand, clean and paint! To be continued...

70's wood cabinets... part 2

We were on a roll with painting even though we discovered we had more to paint than planned. As the first section and its doors were completed, Aaron started attaching our new hardware, only to find out the hinges didn't match up completely with the old hardware holes. Our first major setback! Should we scrap the nickel finish for the shiny chrome finish? Or should Aaron redrill holes, fill in the old holes, sand and repaint? Hmm... tough call!

70's wood cabinets... part 3

So we decided to re-drill holes and keep the nickel finish we both love. Progress has slowed to a "Hawaiian" pace. Plus, I'm sick now.

The microwave area


The stove area

The sink area

The serving area

Welcome to the 21st century, kitchen! We'll spring for new countertops and sink next. And perhaps new lighting.

Fun for the Wild Circulation Bunch - Bellacino's in Elyria

We went out to eat pizza at Bellacino's in Elyria.

Tiesha (Super Nachos), Abby (Lightning), Tam (Fro-Yo) and me (Cherry Pie)

Byebye rotten shed!

BEFORE...


AFTER!

Looks like a spring project for Aaron --build a new shed for storage

Cyclocross in Cascade

Mikey and Tina joined us to watch a cyclocross bike race down at Cascade Park. Aaron's thinking of trying it next year. Mikey and Tina too, if they get the right bikes. Looks hard to me! Not only do they have a bike race by time, they have to speed up and down hills and around trees, and jump obstacles! Crazy!!

MOVIE ALERT: Megamind 3-D

I finally got to go to a pre-screening without taking off from work this fall. Of course they had to make it EARLY in the morning and at one of the farthest theater from Elyria! But it was worth it! The story and characters are funny and the 3-D graphics are fab! (But HTTYD is still my fav!)

It's Aloha Thursday

... no work til next week Sunday! do do do do, do do do do do do do do doooo!

Well Oberlin College's fall break is approaching and I've taken the week off to do some home improvement projects. Aaron too.

He's planning on tearing down the mold-ridden shed in our back yard, and if the weather holds, he wants to build a new one to take its place. Maybe if its not so scary looking, I'd store my stuff in there instead of everywhere in the garage. Store our patio furniture in the winter, etc.

I think we are swaying for me to paint our kitchen cabinets. Out with the 70's wood panels! Maybe several coats of white paint will update/brighten the kitchen up a bit. It may finally inspire us to complete the reno by buying new countertops. Oh shoot, I forgot the lighting situation. I want to replace the fan light that takes up most of the vaulted space and replace them with recessed lights. I'd be happy with track lighting instead of the grandma fan!

Two more years to get this house out of the 70's and into the 2000's! Wish us luck!

Holy football tryouts!

Melody kicked me into shape again! I wheezed so hard after all those calisthenics and sprints. And my legs hurt after all those lounges and squats. Since its mid-terms week I only stayed for half the class so my arms and abs aren't hurting. I guess I could do some crunches on the ball with weights when I get home, to complete the ass-whoopin'. Oh but it will be my dinner time. hmmm...

A whole lot of cute-ness!

Keala's new sleeping position on the recliner

Ikaika sleeping on his sofa

Gardening continued

The breeze was brisk but the sun was out this weekend so I decided to tackle more flower beds and prep them for the winter. 4 garbage bags later and the last mulch bag used, I think I'll call it quits for the week! What a workout for my back! Oh I see Aaron put the last of the grass seed down in the holes Keala dug. And they seem to be sprouting!

There's more to do but I ran out of mulch to lay over the exposed cut roots. I'll wait until the fall leaves arrive and Aaron can mulch those for my beds. But I think I'm better shape then last year, when winter arrived and I didn't even start cutting down the plants!

Oh now for a hot shower, my flannel PJs and a good book to read... I love fall!

MOVIE ALERT: My favorite of 2010

Drum roll please..... its "How to Train Your Dragon" with Mr. Butler as Stoick! I didn't wait long to buy my Blu-Ray set (and on sale no less!) and watched it twice before Aaron came home from work. And it was just as exciting in 2-D as it was in 3-D. Everyone should buy it for their keikis!

I got a new com-pu-ter!

It's fast and pretty sleek! Thank you boss!

You said what??

I finally made an appointment with the doctor to check my ears. Yes, I'm going deaf! Yes, Aaron's been telling me this for years now. But I'm finally taking it seriously because I couldn't hear the director asking me a question from across the lobby, as well as in front of me! It was embarrassing!

Well I'm not sure I'm happy of what the doctor found. She said my ears weren't clogged and didn't need any special cleaning. I guess that's good right? But what does that mean? I have a real problem? Shall I call this my 43-year old ailment? Ahhheee...

ROAD TRIP BACK: Evening 4 Home Sweet Home

We made it back in record time! We got the plan now... let me sleep most of the way so that I don't see any speedy driving going on, and let me drive when the roads are not straight! And don't forget to pick up dinner on the way. Hmm, hmm pizza hut takeout!

This picture is an ode to Davis, future ghost hunter... the haunted welcome to Ohio sign!

ROAD TRIP BACK: Day 4 Hello Virginia and West Virginia

We headed out and took the I-77 route this time. We drove passed Columbia, SC and Charlotte, NC in no time at all. Alright I was passed out as soon as we were on the highway!



We stopped for lunch at Stoney's in Virginia

The scenery was beautiful through the Jefferson National Forest, part of the Appalachians

Oh, oh the sun's going down...

ROAD TRIP BACK: Day 4 Say goodbye to Summerville

We decided to stay for breakfast with the gang before heading out two hours later than planned. Even Noah and Jen showed up!

Cracker Barrel, Summerville, SC

ROAD TRIP: Evening 3 The Wesson reception

Joe and Gina Roberson

Jenn and Davis Grybowski

Aaron, Noah, Joe and Davis


The first dance




Put your hands in the a-ir!

Later we all met up at Santi's for more drinks and reminiscing of the Navy days

ROAD TRIP: Day 3 The Wesson wedding

ROAD TRIP: Day 2 Charleston SC

Shopping in Marion Square, downtown Charleston, SC


with Jenn and Davis



Went for a small lunch at Southend Brewery on E. Bay St. Oh, oh we need to get ready for the wedding!