House Updates

We refinanced the house and were able to get some money out of it to do a few things to the house. First up was repair the fireplace so it would work properly and not burn the house down. I was leaning toward gas logs, but Pat wanted a real fireplace and I admit, it is wonderful to sit in front of. It's beautiful, warm and mostly has created a great conversation space for the two of us.



Next up we replaced the furnace. The original goal was air conditioning, which is still to come once it warms up, but the tax break on more efficient furnances plus the age of our old furnace made it make sense to get this installed during 2010.




Both of the above were done just in time....

Holidays

Pat and I went to Johnson City to Marge and Lee's home for the holidays. My parents came down and Jess & Marc and their girls, Grace & Zoe came too there.

We put out stockings for everyone. Marge & Lee just finished their basement, so there was room for everybody and even a big screen tv and playstation. It was very cozy...but I also got a new pair of very soft socks and very soft sweatpants, so I could be biased.





















There were only two kids there, but somehow Santa still brought quite a full sack full.














Opening the stockings...so much fun!







Brand new beds and blankets for the babydolls were handmade made by my Mom.










The glow of so many presents. Followed quickly by the sugar crash meltdown of all the being presents be opened. Followed by the slow, quiet playing with some of the favorite presents.










Matching nightgowns for Grace and her doll, Chrissa. Grace didn't take off her nightgown for two days, so I think she liked it.













Before.....

After

Way after......

We ended up staying an extra day because there was so much snow and ice. Then Mom & Dad came home with us and we exchanged a few more presents....old-school milkshake maker!

Go Boise!

We are ready for the bowl game!

Fall Travels

I have finally figured out how to get pictures off of my phone and on to my computer. So here are a few pictures from the Reds game that Pat & I went to with Mom and Dad in October and then a couple pictures from a lovely weekend in Greenville, SC where we went to see the band, Reckless Kelly in early November. It's amazing how a even a short trip can still make you feel so away from home and be such a nice refreshing break.

Reckless Kelly ia a band that Pat listened to quite a bit back in Idaho. They were terrific.

Yes, that is a mechanical bull & YES! I rode it! One more check off my bucket list. And with a little pre-advice from Pat, I did really well for a beginner!














These pictures are of downtown Greenville. There is a lovely river and park with waterfalls and walking paths that we enjoyed quite a bit.

A Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner

Last week we had a warm up dinner of pork tenderloin with roasted garlic sweet potato mash and herbed butternut squash with caramelized onions tossed in brown butter.

It was delicious, I can't wait for Thanksgiving!