Too Hot to Garden

I've got the garden to a fairly good point- mulched and ready to grow. I couldn't imagine working out there this week. And.... the gnats are here. I mean- it's lovely! Really! Come visit!

My New Truck.... I Wish.

We finally got the pine straw mulch put on our garden. Perfect truck for the job.... perfect hat for the job!

Thanks Mom & Dad

We've been lucky to have both our parents visit this spring. Mark and Cheryl stopped in for a few days of hanging out before they made their way to Florida. We enjoyed some delicious dinners out and cut-throat game nights! Chalk up points to Team Mark & Leisa!

Then my parents came down for a week- doing anything to escape the Illini chill. It may not sound like much of a vacation- but they wanted a few projects to work on! Well, we were blown away by what they accomplished!

Project 1
FIRE PIT

Project 2
CLEARING OUT OUR MARSH VIEW

BEFORE

Now we can see through the tree line, out to the marsh. We've seen ducks, a blue heron, and look what Luke found in the yard!

Surrogate Family

Living about 13 hours away from our family has been an adjustment- especially missing out on time with our nieces and nephews! One thing that has made this adjustment easier- and moving to Georgia overall easier- is our friends, Bob & Janice. The thing is- they are in the same boat- moving with Heatcraft etc- except they just had a baby in January. So we get to be Austin's Aunt Leisa & Uncle Luke! All of our Georgia friends have been great- Easter dinner @ the Campbells, Farkle with the Harpers! We are thankful and promise to get home soon to meet our new niece, Lana Rose.

Cooling Down

Well, I heard it might freeze in Illinois this week. We, on the other hand, are just beginning to enjoy our 6-7 months of fall. Winter never really comes to south Georgia.... and I'm ok with that. It's still fairly warm during the day- but last night there was a cool breeze on the back porch and someone in the neighborhood was burning something- ahhhh....the smell of fall. I even picked up some apple cider. So, when the harsh northern winter has got you down- just remember that you are always welcome to come and sit on our front porch. Direct flights from Bloomington to Atlanta!

Oh So Close

When we got back from vacation, some new street signs were put up in our little subdivision. Luke is very disappointed. We are one lot away from living on Beaver Bottom Court. I, on the other hand, am not devastated.

Wildlife in Our Backyard

Well- we've seen a bit more... or maybe just a different sort of wildlife, here in Georgia. The most exciting ones I haven't been able to capture with my camera- like the armadillo and bobcats, of course. Luke has seen 3 bobcats and I've seen 1. I've decided that I could take one- if attacked. Here are two, less frightening, creatures that I was able to get pictures of.

The Dragonflies are huge- and they are everywhere:)

This is one of our turtle friends- the little one. We've got a big one that I think was trying to lay eggs in our yard this weekend- but I'm not exactly sure!

Ta Da!

Ok- I am finally keeping my promise to upload pictures! I apologize for the delay... let's call it technical difficulties. So, here's the outside- beginning in Oct- until today!

Some Sketches

I met with our "cabinet man" today. I had to show him my... variations on his design. Ahhh- another thing off the list!

Decisions made this week:

shutters- garage only.
stone shape & color- check.
sound system- none.
cabinets throughout- check
irrigation- yep.
gutters- in a few spots

While We Were Gone

Siding is about half done & we are loving it. They are pretty much finished with insulation and have begun dry wall in the room over the garage. Also- all of the duct work is finished.

Oh yeah- we got the official - 3 more months. No date- but I'll take 3 months for now!

pictures, pictures, pictures

rafters up












standing in the bonus room over the garage















the attic

















dormers!

How To Build A House In Georgia

1. Get a beautiful lot- about 1.5 ac

2. Clear the bad trees and keep the good ones. Use quality equipment.












3. Make your way back to the marshy bog... if you
have one. We do :)











4. Chat with Jess and Johnny. Say "recon" and
"kindly" a lot. Ex. I recon we'll kindly place your house right there.












5. Make a driveway. Dig and pour the footings. No, we did not forget the basement step... I recon we don't have basements in these parts. See... we're
getting good at it!

Vacation 2008

We didn't think we would get a vacation this year- with moving and all! Thankfully mom & dad (maloney) planned their vacation so that we were in driving distance! YEA! We had a great time relaxing on the beach. Deiken was even there... even though he didn't make it into any pictures.

Thank you mom & dad!!

St. Simon's Island 2008