New Window Blinds

Here are some "before" and "after" pictures of our window blinds. As with everything in my life... there is a story. :-) I've been wanting to replace the original blinds since we moved because the white doesn't really go with the "kidskin" paint and other southwestern style decor. But, they were perfectly good blinds, so I couldn't justify replacing them.

Eventually, one of the strings broke, leaving me to ponder whether to have it restrung or consider getting the ones I really want. I didn't make any hasty, spoiled-brat, decisions until another blind developed a broken string. Ummm... at this point I'm thinking this is a sign that I should order the blinds.

I followed this divine prompt and ordered the "Everwood" blinds (by Hunter Douglas). Good thing I did, too... because, a couple days later, another string broke on the third blind. This meant we've had 3 (of 5) operationally challenged blinds for the last several weeks.

They actually have more of a shutter appearance, and we're both quite pleased with the new look!

FYI: If you click on the living room photo, you'll be able to see Max sitting there in his favorite chair.

Mission Accomplished

O.K... here's the "after" shot (at the left) of the paint job. You can scroll down to the "before" shot in the post below and compare. If you click on the "before" image below and the "after" image in this post, you can tell quite a nice difference. The guys worked hard and are proud of the results. They're pretty picky about the details that no-one would probably notice, but they take pride in knowing it's done right. Thanks!

Now, I need to get that darn lawn mowed.

Painting Progress

On Labor Day week-end, Jeff came over (from Renton) to help us paint the exterior of the house. The trim and siding paint were getting pretty weathered looking. Jeff worked very hard all week-end and got the whole house pressure washed... and the privacy screen scraped, primered and painted. To the left is Jeff in the beginning of the project.

This week-end Jeff & JR (from Selah) are here to finish the rest of the exterior siding. They're doing a good job and making great progress. To the right is a picture of the two "slaves" and the "supervisor". I'll post a copy of the finished product when it's ALL done.

Remember, you can click on the images to enlarge.

Have a great week-end,
Carol

Bus Depots Are Weird

I had forgotten how weird bus depots can be. Today, I stopped by the Trailways/Amtrak station in downtown Wenatchee to check on schedules from Seattle. After getting the information I needed, I headed toward the door. One of the prospective passengers got my attention and asked me if I've been on TV? I thought it was kind of an odd question... and I had never heard that pick-up line before. He said I look just like someone on TV. I wanted to be flattered, but couldn't figure out who in the world I would resemble. Then, I got to thinking: What if he meant Roseanne Barr or Rosie O'Donnell? Ummm.... that wouldn't be so flattering. Anyway, when I got home I had Max take this picture of me. This is what I really look like today, the same day I was asked if I am a TV personality. Whaddaya think? Who do I resemble?

Putting Tournament

Last Saturday I had the opportunity to play golf at the Desert Canyon Championship Putting Course, participating in the local Lion's Club golf Putting tournament to benefit the fight for sight. I was proud when my team won the women's team event AND shocked when I won the individual event... women's low gross and low gross of the field at (65). I had a lot of fun with some of my regular golfing buddies, Lisa Schmidt, Barb Keeler, and Donna Regan. Our other regular team member, Karen Madison, was one of the tournament organizers, so did not get to play.

Surprisingly this is a very challenging and fun course. It is a full eighteen holes and plays at a par 72. It takes about two hours. It's not dorky at all, but is funny at times. It does take some strategy... and quite a bit of luck too! This is a wonderful source of entertainment for a foursome, and does not require much putting experience to have a good time. It's a great way for two couples to spend a couple hours together... and guarantees a lot of laughs.

The prize for winning was a new "White Hot" putter. Since my putter was working good, I will save this one for when I need it in the future.

Connie & Bill Slept Here!

Max's sister, Connie, and her husband (Bill) left today after a two day visit. They never stay too long, but it's always pleasant. This is their first visit to our new (used) house. They seem to like the "guest suite" upstairs and say they will come back to Wenatchee again next year.

They've been traveling around the United States in their 40 foot motor home since April or May. Connie and Bill live in Sun City West (Phoenix) and flee the heat of the Arizona Spring and Summer. They've spent the last month in Cardston, Alberta where Connie and Max grew up. Their parents and older sister are deceased but their other sister, Elinor, still lives there so we try to go back at least once a year. That's where we had Max's birthday party on August 24th... and that's when this picture of them was taken.

Bill helped Max do a bunch of little projects around the house while he was here. That was really great. I was super busy with work most of the day Monday, so left them to entertain Max... then we all went to Leavenworth for dinner on Monday evening. We went to Cafe Christa, in the heart of the town, and had a very nice meal.

Tonight they are in Missoula, Montana and will be on their way home (for the Fall & Winter) in about a week.

Max's B i r t h d a y

On September 11th, we had a belated birthday celebration for Max. We were in Canada for his actual birthday (August 24th), so we delayed the in-town festivities. To read about that trip click on the links below. There are three posts about that trip, entitled: "Travel News", "Waterton Village" and "Heading back to the US".

Anyway, for the Wenatchee celebration, we invited a bunch of our golfing friends over to our house to celebrate and Max loved all the attention. Since it was the 4th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, I ordered a patriotic cake. The picture at the upper right is of my friend, June, who helped me organize the party. She actually did all the work. June and Roger celebrated their 51st anniversary on Monday, September 12th! Congratulations. Max & I are just newleyweds at 22 years.

As I said, we were in Cardston, Alberta for Max's "real" birthday. Max's sister, Elinor, still lives in Cardston and his other sister, Connie (from Phoenix), was there with her husband, Bill... so we were going to have a nice little family gathering. What we didn't know was that his sisters had put an ad in the local paper inviting people over to an Open House to see Max. That was a nice surprise for Max because he got to see a lot of people he hadn't seen in a long time. He was very jazzed about that for several days, and still talks about it.

By the way... you can click on either photo above to enlarge them.

Cheers!
Carol

To Max, My Husband of 22 Years!

You are my sun, my stars and my sky
When I wake in the morning,
You are the person I want to see
When I slumber at night,
You are the person I want to see
When I dream, I want to dream of you

You are my life, my everything
--Unknown Author

Starting Late

This is Carol. Although this blog is about Max & me, he doesn't have a clue how to turn a computer on, let alone how to create a blog... so it will be me making all of the posts.

I've been blogging for professional reasons since April, but it is kind of weird starting a personal blog for Max and me. We've been married 22 years now, as of September 10th when this picture was taken. I feel as though there's so much lost time in not creating this blog sooner. BUT, I will start from now and go on.

I have two other blogs that I post to: a residential real estate blog, and an investment oriented real estate blog, plus I'm a member of the Real Estate Blog Squad, a national corsortium of bloggers.. and post there periodically. Therefore, I'm not sure how much time I'll have to post here... but I'll try to post at least once every week or two.

O.K... that's a start, so I'll catch you next time.

Carol