Recapping Recent Events

Introducing Quinn 

As you know we were planning to get a puppy some time around the new year. In August we were surprised by a call from the breeder asking us to take Quinn. She wanted him to come to our home because he would get the attention he needs. We did take some time to mull it over, but have enjoyed having hime in our lives. He's so well trained, did not require potty training, and is already leash trained. He's a joy to have around. Here's a few pictures you may not have seen on Facebook. 

This is the first day that we had Quinn, playing fetch. 

Happy dog after a hearty game of fetch. 

Quinn was about to get groomed, brushed in this photo. 

He's such a good dog.  Ready for winter!

Home renovation

Greg widened doorways as well as installed new oak trim/crown, door frames and cherry doors in a craftsman style. Greg did all the renovations himself.  This has helped tremendously with accessibility. 

And of course the visit from Mindi, Scott, and little Alex 

What a good time we had! Alex is such a cutey. Quinn loved having a little guy that dropped food under his chair. The cat wasn't as impressed she didn't seem to care for the attention. 

At the zoo. Self portrait.

At Middle Way Cafe for lunch. 

Alex is a good eater. 

Big News

Meet Quin

On Friday, August 10 we added Quin to our family. The local breeder that we were going to get a puppy from called and asked if we would like to adopt one of their male labradors that she had decided that she wouldn't use as a stud dog. We asked to spend some time with him and they brought him over with the idea that we might keep him for the weekend to see how he fit in. Needless to say he stayed and he's melted his way into our hearts. He's 18 months old and very well trained. We have been slowly introducing him to the fun things in life. He had his first trail run with Greg this morning. They had an encounter with beavers in their pond and got to wade in the Little Susitna river. 

Here's a smattering of photos that we've taken over the past week.

Self portrait. 

Bob the Dog and Christmas 2011

This years Christmas post is tinged with great sadness. We lost our beloved bob the dog on Dec 14 to very old age. We miss him terribly, but he will always be in our hearts. Kitty is trying her best to fill the void and is enjoying the now exclusive attention. But, it's Christmas Eve and it could not be more Christmassy outside! We've had a lot of snow and it's at 4 feet now. To fill up the bird feeders for the chickadees and nuthatches he has to put on snow shoes to tramp across the yard. We're excited about Christmas tomorrow and wish you and yours a very warm and wonderful Holidays!

We discovered the date stamp on this picture: Dec. 14, 2008. Exactly 3 years ago to the day we said goodbye. 

Can you see the lighted tree in the window? So festive... (Greg suggests you tap on the picture to blow it up, it's easier to see)

We're ready for Christmas morning! 

Enjoying the vibrant yellows of fall

We chose this past Friday for an outing to take in the extraordinary autumn colors, but alas it was cloudy, dismal, and not good lighting for pictures of foliage. But we enjoyed our drive south to Girdwood along the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet taking in the different scenery of water and wind. Didn't see any beluga whales or sheep on the cliffs, it was not a day for that. It was a day for finding a new restaurant in Girdwood to go back to: Chair 5. Their deep dish pizza is worth a return. Before leaving Girdwood for home we had to make the requisite stop at the Bake Shop for their cinnamon rolls, which we have enjoyed with relish this weekend. 

Today is sunny with the colors at their prime. We couldn't resist logging the colors, as we do every year, they are so vibrant! I hope the pictures can paint a picture of what we see out the windows. 

Poplars standing guard at the end of the driveway.

Property bathed in sunlight.

High-bush cranberries going red.

Kitchen Renovation: Before and After

After much delay I'm finally posting a few photos of our February kitchen renovation. We updated the cabinetry, countertops, and range. We are very pleased with the result. 

 Before

 After

 Another Before

Another After

Christmas Tree 2010

I'm typing this while I eat one of Greg's ginger cookies fresh out of the oven. Aw, the Holidays! This year's Christmas tree turned out as stunning as always.

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum... Merry Christmas everyone!

Weekend Projects

We have marveled at the weather we've been having. After a rainy summer, our fall has been spectacular. We enjoyed doing house projects outside with the refreshing coolness.

The annual front yard picture.

Lining up the doors. 

The big project was replacing the master bedroom door. A true DIY project as we used the router for the first time to carve out the hinge mortices. 

Perfect day for a bonfire.

Meanwhile we took the opportunity to burn a pile of brush out back.

Making the cut.

The new door needed to be trimmed to match the old door. Another tool that got a first use... the circular saw. 

Cherry wood door.

The door fits perfectly, Greg did great! Now beautiful piece of cherry just needs a coat of polyurethane.