Update and then some

We've been BUSY! It feels so good.  We've been able to move about without layers of long johns, long sleeves, coats, hats and gloves! It has been HEAVEN!  In spite of the impending cold front coming through, spirits are lifted with the recent warm air and flowers blooming.  The beautiful spurt of color is so heart warming and uplifting.  Look at the gorgeous day this past Saturday!

First of all, Paul has been working at a golf course since March.  He's doing his very favorite thing - mowing! (this is a sarcastic comment, by the way) However, he does seem to enjoy being outside and he's already getting tanned!  His allergies are out of control though.  The poor man is basically trying to survive on memory of how to breathe!  If you are allergic to grass and/or have hay fever, mowing for a living is an interesting endeavour!  He is such a good sport, and just keeps on smiling in spite of it all.  I love this guy!

During one of Paul's trips to and from the course, he found a job site that was changing out some windows in a house.  Those of you who know Paul know he simply is NOT ABLE to pass up windows.  So, he was able to score some AWESOME windows for us.  Well, we really don't need windows in the house, BUT I've been wanting real windows in the screened in porch since we moved in.  The transformation has begun!

Now we can make the porch an extension of the house, clean it up, paint, etc. and it will be a PERFECT Florida room.  Yeah, I now ... we moved from Florida.  That was because of the heat.  I LOVE the windowed rooms there though.  Here's the beginning of the project ... so incredible to see the transformation take place.  I will say though, those things are heavy and our backs were sore by the end of the weekend!  But the spaces in between where the windows go have to be modified and reworked.  I'm always so impressed by Paul's ability to do things like that.  These are things I wouldn't know how to even begin going about doing!  He's amazing!

Still have some trimming out to do (not EXACTLY a perfectly straight line or right angle on ANYpart of the project) ... and the windows for the end of the porch (right side on the end as you are looking at it here) are HUGE - almost floor to ceiling.  They are going to be INCREDIBLE as that is the "view" we have of the mountain (back side of Beech Mountain).  I can't wait to get that part in!  Then there is the front of the porch, which I think we'll have to redesign a bit, but nevertheless will be so nice to finish and live in!  Then we can use it more than the 4 months of the year that are warm!  YAY!

In other news, our friends, Darin and Tracy from Orlando are up in "our neck of the woods" and came by for the evening on Sunday.  It was so lovely to see friends from Orlando.  They hadn't been here to the house since our very first winter here (we were still living in one room the) so I thought it would be appropriate for them to come to the house.  Even though I think there is so much to be done, a lot has been done in the 5 years we've been here.  It was fun to see their responses.  We had a a lovely evening, good friends, good food, good fun, and wonderful conversation.  Thanks for coming up and visiting, you two!

Most of you know I've begun the art gig in full swing.  You can check out what's happening with all that at http://www.artsymatilda.com/.  Please do check it out if you get a minute.  I'd LOVE to have some input on what you think!  I'm also working some at the antique/vintage shoppe.  We're getting ready to open a coffee shop within the store so it's been GREAT fun.  You know, coffee passionista that I am! I am going to get to learn how to work this beautiful thing!  Whoo hoo!

Shannon and I have art shows coming up every month through October beginning in June, so I'm trying to stay glued to the chair in preparation.  Better get going ...the chair is calling me! 

Happy May Day Week!!

Happy Trails,

Paul and Cheri

and the boys

Spartacus



Artemis



Sulu