Happy Spring Break!

Although we won't see spring break here for several more weeks, there is a huge contingent of friends who Happy Spring Break applies to ... and you know who you are! So hopefully everyone will have a wonderful week and be all revived and ready for the rest of the school year! And, to all of you who are in Baton Rouge competing this weekend -our good thoughts are with you and wishes for GOOD LUCK!!! And safe travels too!!!! Our weather is not spring break weather yet .... but it is GLORIOUS here! The weather is mild, 50's during the day, 30's at night. It's getting a little warmer each day. The locals say the worst is over because the ground is beginning to thaw now. So I guess the future snows will not stick to the ground because it's just too warm. So, dare I say, I think we have made it through the worst part of the winter! YEAH! Driving to and from work takes us across the mountain, and the transformation the scenery is undergoing is unbelievable. From one day to another we just seem to be waking up to new life every where. There are daffodils and tulips coming out of the ground in the front yard!!!! I know the locals are getting a big kick out of us and probably taking bets on whether or not we'll stay here. I'm sure Mike at the hardware store thought I'd freeze to death before February was over.

Even though there is always a hustle and bustle going on in this house, you can see how "the boys" are affected by it! They always have time to cuddle up and rest. I'm trying to take lessons from their lives, they definitely enjoy the best things in life: food, companionship, rest and (did I say?) food!!!! They're both huge, but Spartacus is still in the lead for King.

I've been antique store visiting, and found this beautiful side board last week. I don't think Paul knew what to think about it when he had to pick it up, but he's decided it looks fine in the kitchen and even has complimented its presence, so I think it'll get to stay. Personally, I love it and now have a place to store china, serving dishes and kitchen linens. My brother donated the new kitchen table and we acquired the new rug from Lowe's ... so over the weekend I hope to get the window treatments finished (the fabric is hanging on the back of one of the chairs in the picture above) and hung, as well as the kitchen pantry shelves up ... then the kitchen will be finished (except for the floors and the ceiling --- the list is long!) Phase I section R2, that is!

My brother also donated a wonderful computer desk that has turned into Captain X-box's command center. So we've moved Mr. X-box upstairs and he's got a lot more space and privacy for his gaming ... and thanks to David sending cable, Paul is live on x-box and a better man for it ... as it makes him happy. :-) We know how much better things are when everyone is happy!!! My brother, Wayne has been cleaning out his house (major spring cleaning) and he's been kind enough to donate unused things our way. So we drove down to Atlanta in Paul's truck to pick up the stuff ... and back in one day. No dilly dallying around here! However, on the way home some place around Spartanburg, the car began to sound like a phone ringing, and then whistling REALLY loudly. By the time we got to the end of the exit ramp, the fan belt (serpentine belt) was flailing loudly around cable housings and pulleys ... needless to say, GULP! But Paul, being a genius, found a way to drive a battery-less car (which means no power steering, lights, signals, etc.) to a remote Auto Parts store. They were so accommodating, with a tool cart, flash lights, etc.... and from 6:40 until 8:oo we had a roadside operation going that ended with a new serpentine belt and a new pulley housing. Perfect! We are 2 lucky ducks! We had a great adventure AND were home by the 11:00 news! They were predicting snow that night ... so we unloaded the truck, and 15 minutes later, snowflakes had filled the bed of the truck! We didn't even know it had snowed! Even though we had a little "trouble", we were fortunate enough to have angels sitting on our shoulders. We always have plenty to say grace over ... and we never forget it!

I finished painting the 30 foot hallway FINALLY, and now we can hang our "dance art gallery" up and get some character around here! GEEZ! Did I mention that list is long? And I'm hoping to make huge improvements in the master bedroom in the next couple of weeks, as it is still very undecorated (as Paul as so eloquently phrased it). I know there are still miles to go, and I am a bit concerned now that the weather is getting nice. We would much rather hike and canoe than paint and decorate. Hopefully, we'll be able to keep a little of both on the agenda! Hmmm.

Paul is taking a "bee keeping" class tomorrow in Boone. I'd love to go, but it starts at 8:30 in a town that is almost an hour away. Not sure that is for me! And I'm allergic to bee stings, but hopefully they won't bring the ones that sting!!!! HA! As I love honey, I may have to surrender and attend. :-)

Please keep good thoughts for Paul's mum, who will have surgery on Tuesday; PSu's mom who is battling some health "issues", and Jennifer and family who's car blew up!! Also to Kelly's friend, Evan who was recently in a horrific auto crash and is in ICU; and Paul's friend, Tammy who was involved in an auto rollover and has several broken ribs (ouch). As we all know, life is unpredictable. Here's to hoping all of you have many happy adventures! Happy Spring Break!Paul and Cheri