Kitchen Tear out

At nine this morning the tear out began and by 11:30am it was finished. As you look at this picture two things will be changing Saturday morning, one the window will be opened up and the pantry with be torn out to prepare it for the refrigerator.

The nice thing about this picture below is seeing how much light will be flowing in the kitchen and how you can see the bird feeders from the doorway. We have a lot to get done before the Aug 1 when the new cabinets come.

Change

There is never a dull moment in my life and I have to say I like it this way, for the most part. Check with me in a week to see how I'm doing. Today begins my kitchen remodel and a month from today we should be happily enjoying it!?

If you've ever been to our home the kitchen is the least attractive room. The cabinets are quite outdated and uneven, the counter tops have conveniently separated from each other and no longer resist simple stains, and the list goes on.Though, I don't want to be too critical because it has functioned quite well for the past 3.5 years. We have cooked many meals in its simple state, hosted fun showers, dinner parties, stay-cations, and many celebrations. BUT, today begins a monthlong redo!

To start I wanted to share my final pictures of the kitchen before the tear out begins at 9am.

Pass through will be enlarged, pantry removed and no top cabinets

Stove will be moved over to the left 

Dishwasher relocated

Say goodbye to the window ruffle

Refrig relocated

This will look different with shutters and enlarged

Serving as the General Contractor is challenging but I'm hopeful I have chosen good people to do my work! I will keep you posted as we learn to live without a kitchen sink and counters! Stay tuned.

Moving On

Today we leave the conference in Scottsdale and head to other unfamiliar parts. We are leaving a few hours early so we can stop by a little town that everyone who has been to these parts said we need to visit... Sedona, Arizona. Our final destination today is Williams, Arizona where we will stay in the Grand Canyon Hotel and take the train early in the morning to the Grand Canyon. 


When people ask the question "Where is the place in the world you would love to go?" I have to say the Grand Canyon. Not sure after I see it tomorrow what will be next but very excited about this adventure. Plan on lots of pictures.

Fiesta Continues

After a long day inside attending workshops I was ready to be outside, despite the temperature. I left my workshop and met Marshall in the room and then for a quick swim/float. We then dressed for an outdoor Latin-inspired Salsa Street Fair for dinner. We were greeted by this cute fella and had to get a picture with him.

Marshall was convinced that we needed one of these fans with a mist sprayer for our deck; it was quite the ticket for combating the heat!

 The table decoration was cute and simple!

This was the view as we headed back to our room.

We are having a really nice time. Today is full of conference and meetings for me and Marshall will be busy answering emails and phone calls.

Summer Trip

Thanks to Caldwell, Marshall and I are in Arizona where I will be attending a conference for a software I use to help guide and direct my high school students. 

We arose very early Monday morning (3am) for a flight at 5:15. It was fun to be with Marshall on a trip. I've taken quite a few trips alone but so glad to have him along this time. 

After we got in our room (9:30am) we ventured out to catch a bite to eat, hard to know what to eat breakfast or lunch. So I got a Farmer's Market Egg Wrap with veggies and Marshall had a BLT with Turkey and fries.

This was the view right before we turned into our room.

I spent the afternoon in the Hot 111 heat by the pool. It was very nice but you couldn't stay out of the water long. The water was also warm but definitely helped.

My conference begins today with two all day sessions. I'm sure it will be informational and useful but have to get into the "work" mode. I hope to update later.

Party in Charlotte

Carrie was busy for days preparing for Andrew's 30th birthday. My favorite decoration was the seersucker bow tie wreath which greeted us on her front door.

Post cards from 30 friends and family addressed to Andrew with birthday wishes!

Lucy came early to help with all the preparations

Carrie decorated all the pictures with birthday hats!

We had to get a group shot right before we headed back to Oak Ridge!

The Birthday Boy with his bride!

Smile Marshall

Nice party Carrie!

June 30th

It's hard to believe that today is the last day of June. This month has been full and despite not recording my to-do list I actually accomplished plenty. The month began with the end of another school year, my 12th year at Caldwell, and ended with a sweet trip to my favorite get away spot, Hillsville, Virginia. Let me capture June in pictures from my new Canon camera! It's a learning curve figuring out how to operate it properly but what fun and the pictures are improving.

June Garden

Practicing with my new camera on the way to Charlotte

Chef Carrie for Father's Day

Yummy lunch

Ginna's bouquet for Michelle and Regan

Hillsville, Va

Blue Salvia

Blackberry coming

Deborah hard at work

Caroline meeting some Hillsville horses

My sweet Shiloh