Week 43

Welcome back and happy Tuesday!  Just as expected going into Halloween week the cold has hit.  It's been windy and down right chilly the past few days but that's ok because we're ready for a change and for it to actually feel like fall.

Here are last week's pictures:

Day 293- Monday, 10/19/20

Today's photo prompt was about finding a photo to embrace the past during this time of year so I chose this one taken in 2007 during this very same week in October.  They are so small, stubby and cute--now long, gangly and kind. This is the same local patch we still visit every year.  In present day, we are fighting for bathroom space and have to get creative where we brush our teeth especially at night when everyone is ready for bed around the same time.  Hopefully only a few more weeks before we get the rest of our bathrooms back.

Day 294- Tuesday, 10/20/20

Here is another picture taken for a photo prompt about something bountiful this time of year so I snapped a picture of some apples I just bought.  Tyler likes the green ones and Brandon likes the red. In the evenings we've been binge watching Schitt$ Creek which is a good comic escape from reality right now.

Day 295- Wednesday, 10/21/20

Last night was super windy and as a result our pool was filled with golden leaves that are a pretty contrast to the blue pool water.  This was not for a photo prompt just something that inspired me while I was out back.  I also tried this new version of a wine I like but can't say it tastes much different than the original.

Day 296- Thursday, 10/22/20

Tyler bought a new car today! Now that he's commuting to work it's time for a commuter car that gets better gas mileage and isn't as old as he is.  It's not brand new but is a 2019 with low miles. He's also enjoying all the high tech bells and whistles he was missing in the truck.  We've been looking at apartments too but the rent prices have really gone up like crazy so he can't afford something on his own like he was hoping for and will need to find a roommate before he can move out. At least there is no rush since we enjoy having him home--one adulting step at a time ;0)

Day 297- Friday, 10/23/20

Renovation update--the shower/tub tile in the master bath is done and they will be laying the floor tile along with installing the cabinets next week.  Also our dated, mirror, closet doors have now been remove and we're waiting for the replacements to be installed.

Day 298- Saturday, 10/24/20

Todays photo prompt was about serving up kindness and it just so happens that John was kindly making us his homemade chicken strips to serve up for dinner as the boys requested.  It so great he helps prepare some wonderful weekend meals that also create wonderful leftovers to help us get through part of the work week as well.  Much appreciated!

Day 299- Sunday, 10/25/20

Words of wisdom from Justin harvested off his Instagram.  I have no clue what he's actually referring to but I do love seeing his face especially since he rarely sends pictures anymore.  Less than a month before he's home for Thanksgiving.  Here at home, Rusty is loving the weekend vibe since he has freedom and dose not need to be locked up.  He's also feeling much better after dealing with some serious tummy problems most likely related to stress. We're all happy to see him back to his normal self and feeling cuddly too--must be the cold.

That's it for this week!  See you next week and I hope you enjoy your Halloween as safely as you can.

Week 42

Happy Tuesday!  We're plugging along and trying to enjoy fall.  I just wish is would cool down some.  Hopefully within the next couple weeks it will start to feel more like fall.  As you will see renovations are going slow but that too will become better after this week as we move less into hidden progress and more into visual progress.  Can't wait! 

Here's a look at last week's pictures:

Day 286- Monday, 10/12/20

White and bright with a hint of sunshine peeking out from within--this was for a photo prompt about finding sunshine that is not actual sunlight.  I'm lucky enough to have my roses in a final bloom before the retreat before winter so I could get this shot.  Then at work there is so much going on right now, and I would never be able to keep it all together with out my old school desktop calendar and post it notes especially since using a phone to keep track can be difficult in a lab setting.

Day 287- Tuesday, 10/13/20

After Brandon was done with his virtual classes the boys and I went to the local pumpkin patch to pick out our pumpkins and sample some fresh apple-cider donuts.  It was very bright and hot out but still fun since Tyler hasn't been able to join us for the past 4 years.  We also both gave Brandon a hard time for wearing a sweatshirt.  It's really difficult to find him without one most days regardless of the heat.  I chose the grey pumpkin because I thought the color was unique. I've seen white ones but not really grey before.  Regardless they all look great near our front door.

Day 288- Wednesday, 10/14/20

In reno-land it was all about getting the plumbing done and prepping the floors and shower for tile this week.  Hopefully next week we'll be able to not only have the tile started but also the cabinets installed. Sharing one small bathroom with all is getting really old but still better than not having a kitchen like before so we'll deal.  Hopefully only a few more weeks.

Day 289- Thursday, 10/15/20

I was able to get some of my pumpkin collection set out today which helps make the house feel less like a construction zone and more like a home ready for fall.  I also used this picture in a photo prompt about something representing a whimsical fall. In other news this is the cats go to retreat.  As soon as he hears the contractor show up and start making noise he holds up in this blanket tent I made for him and stays there all day until the coast is clear.  Poor thing has some anxiety over the whole ordeal.

Day 290- Friday, 10/16/20

TGIF!  The contractor left early today so we all got to relax and enjoy a nice quiet Friday afternoon to kick off the weekend and are looking forward to a break from construction for a couple days anyway.  Bella is pretty much ban from coming inside during the week so she's happy now and already settling down and enjoying being in a restful and quiet house next to her boy.  Cheers to the weekend!

Day 291- Saturday, 10/17/20

John took off with his bike for a track day today and I hunted around for something to represent "opening up" during the fall season as a photo prompt.  Luckily while walking the dog in the park I found this cluster of seed pods with one open to revel it's treasure inside.  I took it home and photographed it on a rock in our backyard just before dusk.  I really didn't think I'd find anything good for this prompt today but nature really came through for me.

Day 292- Sunday, 10/18/20

Thank goodness there is no wind today.  We had a grass fire in our area that created a lot of ash and smoke in addition to closing one of the roads near our house.  Brandon and I were out practicing his driving and you can see the smoke plum through the window in this picture.  Thankfully the fire department was on it and got it put out before it spread too much.  We're all on nerve here about fires these days.

OK--that's all!  See you next week.

Week 41

Happy Tuesday and welcome back!  We actually had a decent air-quality week last week with much cooler temps and my PG&E bill will be much better for it.  It's so nice to be able to open windows again and take in some cooler fresher air.  In addition we survived week 1 of the remodel--only 4 more to go.  Ugh!  I'm just trying to think of how nice it will be in the end and convince myself, my family, and my pets that it will all be worth it.  As a result you will see that family members are scarce in this post as they hold up in their own private space trying to avoid the chaos.

At any rate here are last week's pictures:

Day 279- Monday, 10/5/20

I took this shot for a photo challenge about word art inspiration and it's also very fitting as a reminder to help us get through the start of this week where demolition will be happening around us.  We'll need to find our own little places to retreat and be able to relax at the end of each crazy day.

Day 280- Tuesday, 10/6/20

Today was a big demo day that will finish up tomorrow.  It was a very loud and messy day but we can't have a fresh start without first getting rid of the old and tired past.  The pets have to be confined to designated spaces and they are not a fan but are making the best of it.  Rusty first hid behind a trash can in this room for a few hours and then decided he might be more comfortable hiding behind the blanket on the comfy couch where he could just sleep through the ordeal. 

Day 281- Wednesday, 10/7/20

Our ballots came earlier this week so today I spent some time going through mine after work and then took it to a drop place inside our Nugget store.  Please be sure to vote!

Day 282- Thursday, 10/8/20

Our new soaker tub has arrived, was unboxed, and was moved upstairs today.  Once the re-plumbing and floors are done it can be put in it's proper place. 

Day 283- Friday, 10/9/20

Another great place to retreat from the mess in our house is the beautiful outdoors.  I was happy to take Bella for a nice long walk during the golden hour today and just take in the crisp fall air.  Getting back to nature is always a good way to find peace and a good way to end a full and messy week.  Thank goodness the better air-quality is allowing us to do that once again.

Day 284- Saturday, 10/10/20

LOL!  They are happy to be free to roam the house today and not be locked up.  Weekends will be what they live for right now.  Not sure why Rusty decided to take over Bella's bed.  He's lucky she's too nice to do anything about it.  Later I gathered some pinecones from our yard for another photo challenge prompt about fall.

Day 285- Sunday, 10/11/20

Speaking of fall--it's time to make some pumpkin bread.  I'll be sending a small loaf to Justin in care package with a few other fall treats and then the rest will be for us to enjoy.  This last shot also has a spooky fall feel.  It's how our bedroom looks after dark with the plastic hanging up to help to keep the dusty mess from the bathroom construction out of our sleeping space.  Good night all!  

That's it!  Have a good week and see you next time hopefully with pictures of more progress and less destruction.

Week 40

Welcome back and happy Tuesday!  It's a crazy day here because it's demo day for our upstairs bathrooms.  Time to finish renovations inside the house.  It won't be fun living through it but it will be worth it in the end and shouldn't be as bad as the kitchen and floor renovations.  Wish us luck!

Until then here are last week's pictures:

Day 272- Monday, 9/28/20

I found these subtle signs of fall on campus at work and then at home I noticed my roses just started to bloom again.  They went dormant during the extreme heat and are now giving me one last hoorah before fall really sets in.

Day 273- Tuesday, 9/29/20

Sadly most of our week will look like this in terms of air quality.  Here we go again with the orange/red sun and hazy skies.  Hopefully by end of week they will have the fires more in control and we can start to breathe again.

Day 274- Wednesday, 9/30/20

The boys and I went in for our flu shots today.  Both Tyler and I are required to get them for work. While at Target I asked what I should pick up for dinner and Tyler offered to make us his Mac and Cheese dish.  Score!

Day 275- Thursday, 10/1/20

Welcome to October!  We're sick of the heat and ready for fall to kick in.  It will be more like an Indian Summer for us as usual but we don't mind that either.  I found this leaf in our pool for a photo challenge prompt and brought it inside for a different picture plus ended up using it in the monthly marker shot with Bella. 

Day 276- Friday, 10/2/20

Someone is happy it's Friday especially since he's got some Ben and Jerry's to enjoy for dessert.

Day 277- Saturday, 10/3/20

We had a nice slow start to the day.  I'm an early riser so usually the only one up with me first thing is the cat.  Then we headed out and spent the rest of the day buying materials for our bath remodel.  Thankfully we found most of what we need and then were able to order the rest online.

Day 278- Sunday, 10/4/20

Today we picked up the tile order. It took us 2 trips plus one of them is not available here anymore so we'll have to drive to Rocklin to get it sometime next week.  Later John was able to watch some football while grilling dinner and I made some Cheddar Bay biscuits to go with the meal. 

That's it for this week!  Hope to see you again next week.