For the family members who were unable to attend our "Christmas in July", here are a few photos of the men playing Bocce Ball in our back yard on Sunday (which was also Kevin's birthday. He had a great time and so appreciates my family welcoming him in our circle.)
More photos will be published (hopefully, later this weekend), but for now, this is all I have time to post.


Must be a lost ball...or maybe it's just out of bounds...(we women weren't privy to the men's doings, so I didn't ask any questions when I sneaked outside to take a few quick shots.)



(l-r)Jesse, Kevin, Maynard, Phil, Larry, Steve





Phil, Steve, Jesse


(l-r) Zeke, Larry, Maynard, Steve, Jesse, Aron, Kevin, (Dale's arm), Phil

This was sacred territory...men only. When I stepped out onto the deck to take this shot, I was immediately told "no women!!" But, obviously, I ignored them long enough to take this illegal photo. This was ceremony after the game of golf that was played in honor of Dad. Awards were handed out...and the highest honor, the plaid jacket that dad once wore to a hard times party, was awarded to Maynard. Next year he will pass it on to the recipient of his choice. A coveted honor.

THE BATHROOM IS FINISHED!!!! See the fruits of our labor (well...Kevin did all the building, but I supervised, ok?). The decor was a joint effort. Surprisingly, we are 2 artists (each with definite tastes) who usually liked the same colors, fixtures, carpet, vinyl, etc. There was some compromising, but we are delighted with the outcome.





I have claimed the middle bedroom (which serves as our office) as my own space. I wanted a place where I can have my quiet times and have a little retreat. Kevin has graciously agreed to let me have this room and let me decorate it however I want, but I also want his approval in doing so. This room does still serve as our office. (Trey and Kari, this will probably be the room in which you will be staying.)


Newly acquired pieces set off this room and make it feel very cozy.


I had fun with the window treatment.

From this:




To this:

Kevin's art studio...still unpacking and arranging


Family room...


family room...
Still finishing touches to do. Kevin has been working so hard getting this all done, since last fall. I'm so proud of him! He's so skilled, and sees a job through from beginning to end.

Ok, folks...here's the latest on our basement progress:



Here, Kevin is creating the ceiling design in his art studio. He spread an area of approximately 4 square feet with joint compound, then used his fingers to create a pattern. Looks pretty cool. Very unique.



We painted the studio in a color that looks like clay slip. We both love the color.


Measuring, then cutting the ceiling tile for the family room.



With the ceiling tiles in place, the hallogen lights can be installed.




Filling in those little nail holes.



The shower curtain (by the way, does anyone know of any store that has longer than normal shower curtain liners? They're just way too short.) Notice the shelves Kevin made on the left side of the picture. We put up wall paper with a tin ceiling pattern, then Kevin painted it white. We're neither one an expert in papering, but it turned out great!



The nickel framed mirror, sink, toilet. And the hallogen canned lights above. Still trim work to do, but that will have to wait until after the city inspector comes...hopefully, next week. At least, we now have a functioning bathroom in the basement!

The hibiscus flowers are blooming. Below is a blossom from bud to full bloom (even though the last shot is from another bloom). The colors are so much richer when the plants are outside. When blooming inside as a houseplant, the colors are somewhat washed out. This is one of 2 hibiscus plants my old friend and neighbor, Elma gave me many years ago.