Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Upper and lower level, taken from the stair landing. Just because I like this shot.
Although somebody really needs to dust that banister....
The Craziest August.

August has been a crazy month for us! Lots and lots of travel to lots and lots of wonderful events....some of which I remembered to photograph...First, we enjoyed attending the Retirement Ceremony for dear Chad, up in Norfolk, VA.
Aren't they handsome?
Congratulations, Chad!

And the Change of Command Ceremony for Rich, waaaaaay out in CA.
Aren't they handsome?
Congratulations, Rich, and we're looking forward to seeing you over here on the east coast, soon!
And most importantly, the Retirement Ceremony for Rick, held up in D.C.. And which I have absolutely no good photographs of, because my sister (yes Lynn, I'm talking about you) was uh, "overly challenged" by my "fancy" point-and-shoot. Ahem.

But here he is, having one last look at the helos he loved to fly...


I'm still trying to find a photo of him in his "chokers" at Delice's wedding....The interesting thing is, this month I have seen more of "Rick in white" than in our entire relationship to date. Those Navy whites are lovely. I think he looks very handsome in them. But ya know, from a purely practical point of view, white? White is a Very Silly Color (or absence of color, I suppose) for a uniform. Seven seconds of wearing it and inevitably there's a smudge or a smear or Something. Good thing the medals distract the eye!

Monday, August 17, 2009

The summer kitchen "wing" has now been officially replaced with this, the new, improved, better-tasting and longer lasting (we hope) east wing. It is definitely a little bit bigger than the old wing, and decidedly sturdier. And a new roof has already gone on top since this picture was taken. It is becoming clear that the very lovely black walnut tree that looms over the place will likely have to be cut down in the not-too-distant future, as it is just a little too close for comfort. Dammit.

Below, there's really good picture of the outline of the old summer kitchen wing, and in sharp contrast, the wall of the new wing. There's also a smidgen of the future stairwell visible in the lower right corner, and on the left - a little tiny sliver of the doorway leading into the old portion of the house.




The pretty - but doomed - black walnut, and yet another shot of the new east wing! You kinda just have to imagine a roof here, which I assure you will be there in the next set of photos I plan to take when I get up that way again - end of August, I'm hoping....
So, progress is being made. And lots of thanks and shout-outs to all of you who have expressed an interest in this crazy undertaking, and who continue to encourage me in my folly. I really love this albatross of a house, and can't wait to throw our first party!!!