Month # 5 Building a house

Is there supposed to be a month #5? No! But here we are, starting the fifth month of this adventure and we'll probably even get a sixth month! 

We are seeing changes weekly and having ups and downs with this process. Most recently we are deciding on paint colors for the interior. 

Not the best photo but Brandon is trying out a few "greens" for our home gym. We want something bright that will be energizing. We saw a home gym at our local "Parade of homes" last year that had a bright green paint that was fun.

For our main areas we are going to paint them grey. But which grey? You won't believe how many variations to a color are available.

We have our front door framed in and our contractor doesn't want anyone opening it. Hence the -"No".

He has another sign by our bathtub:

The fine print says you will lose your foot as a consequence of standing in the tub. 

We are also deciding on light fixtures and fans. I like something modern like this:

And this:

We just have to see how far the moola will go to afford these fancy things!

Stucco

We now have the stucco on the house. It took a while to get the right golden yellow but we both really like it. It stands out from all the brown houses in the neighborhood and will be a cheerful site to welcome us home.

Month #4 Building a House

Things are starting to move along again! 

Electrical is mostly done.

The fireplaces are put in.

Septic system is in. Thank you Vanna!

We've met with a landscaper to figure out what to do with our monster hill in front and to the right of our house.

We had ordered French doors with side lights but they were teeny tiny so we got them replaced with a little bit wider ones. 

The old sidelights: they have a nice frame but only 6 inches of glass.

The new sidelights: a little more glass.

We've looked at lots of tile and lots of tile....

Carpet too...

Doors and knobs....

This one is fun but $$$!

We've tried out some paint colors too. Not the best photo, but you can see the paint on the left.

But maybe we just do something fun like polka dots!

And maybe some pink walls to go with it.

Lots of beautiful sunsets out here!

Month #3- the begining

Here is the latest photo of the house. Not much is changing externally, but a lot is going on inside.

The electrician, plumber and low volt guys are nearing completion. Kelli's sister Kim, helped us with a "walk-through" and deciding where outlets, lights, and faucets, etc. should be placed. So many decisions!

 A tape measure is a handy tool.

Fourth of July!

We were fortunate to get away for a few days and went camping along the Lewis River in Southwest Washington. It is such a beautiful area.

We did a 9 mile hike up Quartz Creek. There are a lot of old trees, some up to 6 to 8 feet in diameter! 

The weather was quite a bit cooler than the Tri-City area. We got in some good relaxation while we were there.

Vegas!

This past week I was at a continuing education conference in Las Vegas put on by the American Association of Nurse Practioners. It was held at the Venetian and Palazzo hotels. Talk about luxury! It is a five star hotel and I had a luxury suite all to myself. Of course I wish Brandon could be with me but someone has to work :)

The Venetian obviously is supposed to be like Venice and since I have actually been to Venice (with my good friend Kelli Jo) I think I appreciated the ambience even more.

The gondola rides.

The ornate paintings and ceiling murals.

And Saint Marks square.

And don't forge the gelato! Except I forgot I deleted my photo of the gelato!

I learned a lot while I was there and took a couple of workshops- skin biopsy and eye exam. Some poor cows helped us learn theses skills.

Those weren't the only interesting things I saw while I was there.

I did a little shopping at Ceasar's palace.

Watched the volcano erupt at the Mirage.

Watched Larry King interview a couple of legendary nurse practitioners.

And then did a little clubbing with the celebs.

Went to a Lakers game.

And saw a few concerts.

I was able to go to a try-out of "American Idol".

And we were honored to have President Obama come to the conference to support all of us amazingly dedicated nurse practitioners!

Another interesting thing I learned was about the EDC. I met a gal while waiting for drink at the pool who told me she was in Vegas for the EDC. As I walked around I would hear people yell "EDC!" And everyone would start cheering. I saw lots of people dressed in an odd fashion, even more odd than the "normal" Vegas attire.

So naturally, being at a continuing education conference, I wanted to further my learning and looked it up on Google. It stands for Electric Dance Carnival. On the local news they expected it to draw 100,000 people to Vegas. A You-tube promo video shows people dressed in all kinds of carnival-parade-float-like attire dancing to a loud electric bass with carnival rides and,I expect, lots of liquid Tom-foolery. I might have attended but I forgot to bring my tutu, fishnet stockings, and glow-in-the dark face paint. Sigh. . . Maybe next time.