tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88564983969710162032024-03-12T19:47:42.183-04:00So GeorgiaMy Life in South GeorgiaLeesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-6114843939279202922013-02-27T08:02:00.000-05:002013-02-28T07:56:33.455-05:00Throwing Out This Week: Laundry Detergent<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are continuing our quest for a toxic chemical-free home this week. The deodorant that we made last week continues to do a fabulous job for all of us. If you have not tried making your own, I recommend the recipe <a href="http://sogeorgia.blogspot.com/2013/02/throwing-out-this-week-destructive.html">here</a>. However, if that one doesn't work for you, there are several more out there on the internet that you could use.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This weekend, I mixed up the following recipe. Because I am always a skeptic, I only made a half-batch. After several loads of successful laundering, I will be mixing up a DOUBLE-batch in the next few days. It has worked very well for us.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 cups Borax</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 cups washing soda</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 bar unscented castile soap, grated</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I still cannot find washing soda, so I used regular baking soda. It's working fine.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Instead of grating the whole bar of soap, you could chop it up into small pieces and pulse it in your food processor. I put all the ingredients in a storage container with a lid and gave it a good shake. I have been using 2 tablespoons for large loads, and that seems to be enough.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you are trying to eliminate harmful chemicals from your home, I suggest that you give this a try. Everyone in your family wears clothes next to their skin or sleeps in sheets washed in laundry detergent every day. So, what you use does matter. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">I recommend checking out <a href="http://www.oursimplefarm.com/2013/02/simple-living-wednesday-link-up_26.html#.US4EkBzhPYE">this post</a> at oursimplefarm.com and <a href="http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2013/02/the-homeacre-hop-8.html">this post </a> at theselfsufficienthomeacre.com for great ideas and inspiration.</span>Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-54868560900924312232013-02-21T10:23:00.000-05:002013-02-25T07:49:43.105-05:00Throwing Out This Week: Destructive Deodorant<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've decided to do a series of post on items we are eliminating from our home due to the toxic ingredients they contain. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm starting with deodorant. Three of the four of us in our house use the same one. Boy #2 isn't old enough to need it yet. I cut out antiperspirant several years ago, because my husband and I both have cases of Alzheimer's Disease in our families and there is a possible linkage there. I thought it would be better to play it safe.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's the one we all use now:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P0iRvav5WBA/USY3uINRfEI/AAAAAAAAATA/rziJmB7_sVE/s1600/OldSpice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P0iRvav5WBA/USY3uINRfEI/AAAAAAAAATA/rziJmB7_sVE/s320/OldSpice.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">propylene glycol, among other things...</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I just watched a show a couple of nights ago that said propylene glycol has been linked to increased rate of tumor growth! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As my husband said, "if we're all so worried about breast cancer, why would that stuff be in the very thing you put right next to them every day?" Good question.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I had previously decided after attending a sustainability conference to try making our deodorant at home. And, thankfully, the ingredients that ordered arrived yesterday. After two days of using odor-control powder, I was so happy to see that box on the porch!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's the recipe I used:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 cup baking soda</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 cup corn starch (It was mentioned at the conference that arrowroot powder might work, too.)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 TB coconut oil (solid form)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">7-10 drops favorite essential oil (I used lavender)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You combine all the ingredients and mix together. It's sort of dry. You may need to sprinkle a little bit of water on it before applying a pea-sized amount. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today, we'll find out how effective it is. I'm a little nervous about it.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was looking at the containers of deodorant that we have and got an idea. I am going to take out the original product and see if I can put my homemade deodorant in it's place for easier application. I'll have to figure out how to make it more solid though. The first thing I'm going to try is adding more coconut oil. If you have any experience with this or any other ideas on how to make the deodorant more solid, please leave a comment. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'll update on how <strike>bad</strike> good we smell at the end of the day!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span id="goog_310947840"></span><span id="goog_310947841"></span></span>Quick update: As I was typing this, my husband called and said that it's working. Of course, that after only 3.5 hours, but it's a good sign!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
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Friday morning update: Yesterday was a complete success! The recipe above worked perfectly.<br />
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Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-67690474033550098282013-02-19T10:30:00.001-05:002013-02-19T10:30:36.606-05:00Treating Psoriasis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You wouldn't know it to look at this sweet face, but Boy #2 has psoriasis. Thankfully, it is only a minor case. However, after looking at some pictures of some children and adults with severe psoriasis, I decided to look into treatments.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We've taken Boy #2 to two different dermatologists in our town. The first one, after three expensive visits and 3 different topical prescriptions, could never diagnose the problem. The second one took a quick look at him and said, "This is psoriasis." Once I had a name to go with the problem, I looked it up, and that seems to me to be exactly what we're dealing with. She also wrote at least two prescriptions and also recommended Vanicream. It says on the container that it is "formulated without dyes, lanolin, fragrance, masking fragrance, parabens, formaldehyde."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Although, the prescriptions the second doctor gave us eliminated most of the redness and irritability of the affected skin patches, most of them have not gone away after almost a year of usage. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With Spring quickly approaching, Boy #2 will be outside with more skin showing. Many people say that sunlight helps the condition. He says he will be "suntanning naked" as soon as it is warm enough. Of course, I'll monitor the time he is out to make sure he doesn't get too much sun. And, we have no neighbors nearby, so no indecent exposure citations should be in our future.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yesterday, during my internet-surfing, I read that many people used oats to help their psoriasis. Some even said that it went away... When I mentioned this to Boy #2, he said he wanted to take a bath. So, I put a cup of oats into a piece of cheesecloth and tied off the top. I held it under the running warm (not too hot) water. He soaked for about 20 minutes and even rubbed the oats (in the cheesecloth) over his dry patches. We then coated him with Vanicream. We're going to do this two or three times a week and see if anything happens. BTW, after I read the ingredients in the Vanicream, I realized that this is not something I want to continue to use on our skin. But, until I can replace it with an all-natural product, we'll keep using it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'll post soon about any results that we see.</span>Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-9586284584856826862013-02-13T09:43:00.000-05:002013-02-18T07:25:38.903-05:00My Boys' Toxic LunchesSince attending the South Georgia Sustainable and Local Growers Conference in Reidsville, Georgia, last month, my husband and I have been paying more attention to the ingredients in our food. Yesterday, I was reading posts from <a href="http://foodbabe.com/2013/02/12/how-food-companies-exploit-americans-with-ingredients-banned-in-other-countries/">Food Babe</a>, <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/">100 Days of Real Food</a>, and <a href="http://stopkillingmykids.com/">stopkillingmykids.com</a>. <br />
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This morning, I started looking at foods from my pantry that we regularly eat. I did not know until yesterday that we were eating such horrible things: MSG, also known as yeast extract; Partially or Fully Hydrogenated Oils, also known as trans fats; High Fructose Corn Syrup; Soybean Oil; ...</div>
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Today, in my kids' lunches, I sent sandwiches made with</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-baNCVSIwRPQ/URuk3RWQLlI/AAAAAAAAARs/o3-GFv1xFAk/s1600/photopeanutbutter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-baNCVSIwRPQ/URuk3RWQLlI/AAAAAAAAARs/o3-GFv1xFAk/s320/photopeanutbutter.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hydrogenated oils, Mono- and Diglycerides</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FDswCs0RHk/URuk88sR-4I/AAAAAAAAAR4/VopK3nWtjxk/s1600/photojelly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FDswCs0RHk/URuk88sR-4I/AAAAAAAAAR4/VopK3nWtjxk/s320/photojelly.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corn syrup, HFCS, maybe Sodium Citrate is bad and <br />I just haven't figured that out yet!</td></tr>
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They also have this for a snack</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QUIf4GmZM18/URuk8ipvg9I/AAAAAAAAAR0/3ic2gfJd14w/s1600/photoanimalcrackers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QUIf4GmZM18/URuk8ipvg9I/AAAAAAAAAR0/3ic2gfJd14w/s320/photoanimalcrackers.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Animal Crackers - Soybean oil, HFCS, Soy Lecithin,<br />
Natural flavor - I'm suspicious of that not, too.</td></tr>
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Furthermore, I looked at the bottle of ketchup. I love ketchup, and this is my favorite. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UU_rG4hdj8Y/URuk86XOhLI/AAAAAAAAAR8/Ainh_8jlCak/s1600/photoketchup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UU_rG4hdj8Y/URuk86XOhLI/AAAAAAAAAR8/Ainh_8jlCak/s320/photoketchup.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HFCS, Corn syrup. I suppose I'll be learning to make<br />my own ketchup this summer!</td></tr>
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I am so mad right now.</div>
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Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-73238749878332348732013-02-10T15:03:00.000-05:002013-02-10T15:03:15.029-05:00First Taste of Freedom!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mIW69sk8TGw/URf8V_fGRoI/AAAAAAAAARU/xnIOfJXI4Ek/s1600/ChickenPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mIW69sk8TGw/URf8V_fGRoI/AAAAAAAAARU/xnIOfJXI4Ek/s320/ChickenPic.JPG" width="260" /></a></div>
Tomorrow our 14 chickens will be nine weeks old. They are growing so fast. Today, we opened the coop door and let them out. They aren't sure what to think of it. Most of them are too afraid to go more than a few feet from the door. With time, I'm sure they will learn to love roaming around the yard.Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-65578409739283185822013-01-31T10:43:00.000-05:002013-01-31T10:43:30.997-05:00Birdwatching<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One of our family's favorite pastimes is birdwatching. Birds, no matter their size, color, or type, are fascinating creatures to me. Over the years, we've become quite familiar with the personalites of several species and have made favorites. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QQtvxjhyRHM/UQqOqKVdhGI/AAAAAAAAARA/dGfrGgkp3r0/s1600/Goldfinch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QQtvxjhyRHM/UQqOqKVdhGI/AAAAAAAAARA/dGfrGgkp3r0/s320/Goldfinch.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Goldfinches are one of those favorites. They are beautiful, friendly, and easy to please. This is a picture I took of a male in my garden in Virginia. Unfortunately, we only have goldfinches in South Georgia in the wintertime when they are not nearly as colorful. Their personalities are the same though, and I've enjoyed keeping an eye on them the past several weeks.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We try to get out to state and local parks as often as we can with the boys. Here they are on a Birding Trail in Smokemont Park in Cherokee, North Carolina, last June.</span><br />
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And, here they are at the lodge in Amicolola Falls State Park near my parents' house. We happened to go there for lunch on the day of an owl exhibit.<br />
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I never knew about killdeers until I moved into my house in South Georgia. They are in the gull family and lay their clutch of eggs on the ground. They have a fascinating way of protecting them. If a perceived predator gets too close, they will pretend to be wounded and lure it away from the nest. Here's a picture of a nest in my front yard.<br />
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Of course, we have a bluebird box. They love it, but have had horrible luck hatching out babies. Maybe they'll do a better job this year. This morning, I saw a pair taking nesting materials into the box. Here's a picture of four beautiful, but doomed, eggs from last spring. Our cat killed the male, and the female's new mate threw out these eggs and started over.<br />
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I wish I had a better picture of our hummingbirds, but they are just too fast for me.<br />
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This is a pine warbler that stunned itself when it flew into one of our large windows. He eventually made a complete recovery.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-48525946681288629732013-01-20T16:37:00.000-05:002014-03-10T18:38:52.692-04:00Snow<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I hope that anyone, especially back in our old Commonwealth of Virginia, that was snowed in or without electricity last week has gotten back to normal. All the talk of "Winter Storm Iago" (when did we start naming winter storms, anyway?) had me thinking about the fact that it will probably be another fifteen years before I see any snow here in South Georgia. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For some of my Christmas decorations, the boys and I cut out paper snowflakes. We put them up with fishing line in the foyer. We've never done this before, and we LOVED it. I'm saving the ones we made this year and will add more next year. When I took the Christmas decorations down (yesterday), I decided to leave up the snowflakes because I love them so much and it is still winter. They're probably the only snow we'll see this year.</span><br />
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Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-80544018502307057962013-01-07T09:21:00.002-05:002013-01-07T09:33:44.891-05:00Chicken Coop, Lettuce, and an Outfit<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That's a random post title! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I feel like I have a split personality. I have a farmgirl side that wants to be able to grow and raise everything we eat and become as close to completely self-sufficient as possible. We are slowly working towards that goal - very slowly. I also have a girly-girl side that loves clothes, shopping, cocktails, monograms, and Pinterest. I used to believe the two could not mix, but I am now determined that they can.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here goes:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We've been working on a chicken coop for the past few months. It's almost finished. The only think left to do before the chicks can move in is to paint it white and to build and hang the door. There is an old shed on our property that is falling down. Yesterday, we discovered three very nice hinges and some perfectly good boards in the rubble that we can use. We've used as much of the leftover materials from our house as possible, but were running low. I like that something very old is going to be used. Here's a picture of what's been done so far:</span><br />
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Behind the coop, we'll build a completely enclosed yard for the chickens. We have a lot of hawks and other predators, so keeping the chickens safe is going to take some work. I think some honeysuckle growing on the front and over the door will be nice.</div>
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On to the lettuce. I get so sick of paying for lettuce at the grocery store. And, I refuse to plant any more in the garden until we install a fence. The deer and rabbits eat it as soon as it comes up. So, a few days ago, I decided to see if it would grow in the kitchen window. This morning I saw that several seeds have sprouted! If this works, I'm going to bring more pots inside and sow more - maybe arugula next time.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check <a href="http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2013/01/homestead-barn-hop-40/">this</a> out for great homesteading posts!</td></tr>
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Finally, I follow some other bloggers that, in my opinion, have very good taste. I enjoy seeing what they are wearing each day. I have wondered though, how the OOTD (outfit of the day) trend got started. It occurred to me this morning that it would be a great way to keep track of what I've worn to make sure I don't repeat too often. This wouldn't matter to me much if I didn't teach high school students for three hours each day. They will definitely mention it if I wear the same thing too often. Aren't they sweet??? I've also wondered about the angle of the OOTD pictures I see like the one below. Well, if you don't have a decent full length mirror, and if your hair and makeup have not been done for the day, this is what you get. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cheers for a wonderful Monday!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-69378293131044868162012-12-31T18:55:00.001-05:002012-12-31T19:38:48.288-05:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We've had a wonderful, restful Christmas break here in South Georgia. Here are a few pictures from last week.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4r7WhsZfXxY/UOIjMyjp9ZI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/JkBL6mUlxkc/s1600/Dec242012Boys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4r7WhsZfXxY/UOIjMyjp9ZI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/JkBL6mUlxkc/s320/Dec242012Boys.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Eve Church Service</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Eve at our house</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ORkwRXJefgY/UOIjXiV7wVI/AAAAAAAAAKw/zkJpzTK220c/s1600/Dec242012James.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ORkwRXJefgY/UOIjXiV7wVI/AAAAAAAAAKw/zkJpzTK220c/s320/Dec242012James.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Eve with a new 11-year-old</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas morning</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7tLQ-1lOnI/UOIjSekSlFI/AAAAAAAAAKY/05-Bzr6UEG8/s1600/Dec2012HenryChick.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7tLQ-1lOnI/UOIjSekSlFI/AAAAAAAAAKY/05-Bzr6UEG8/s320/Dec2012HenryChick.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Christmas present!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15 Rhode Islands for the boys</td></tr>
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One of my resolutions is to start blogging again - at least one post per week.<br />
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Happy New Year from South Georgia!Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-56659360986412322142011-08-16T22:34:00.000-04:002011-08-16T22:34:09.320-04:00Move-In Date!!!Unless something crazy happens - and, it may - we are moving in next Saturday, the 27th! The closing date is set, and the movers are hired.<br />
I'll post pictures in a few days.Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-36510790260965763342011-08-06T22:17:00.000-04:002011-08-06T22:17:11.917-04:00First Day of SchoolI cannot believe the boys started school yesterday (and I started last Monday)! It was only a half day for us all, and I'm too tired right now to write about it other than to say that it went well.<br />
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The highlight for me was when one of the coaches told me that he thinks Boy 1 and Boy 2 are the best dressed boys in the school.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oj2LPrXudvA/Tj3zsj9CyHI/AAAAAAAAAJY/xBZ8wsU_vFM/s1600/Henry2ndGrade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oj2LPrXudvA/Tj3zsj9CyHI/AAAAAAAAAJY/xBZ8wsU_vFM/s320/Henry2ndGrade.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gedqHWTthCk/Tj3ztSCl6HI/AAAAAAAAAJc/sNZd4IVWwEc/s1600/James4thGrade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gedqHWTthCk/Tj3ztSCl6HI/AAAAAAAAAJc/sNZd4IVWwEc/s320/James4thGrade.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>Maybe Boy 2's choice of garden clogs was not the best, but it's too hot to make him wear socks and sneakers if he doesn't feel like it. I'm proud to report that Boy 1's shirt was tucked in when he came to my classroom at the end of the day - impressive.Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-358562071318424472011-07-30T12:29:00.001-04:002011-07-30T12:48:38.125-04:00Hospitals are Fun - Who Knew?In my small town, there are not many things to do on a sweltering end-of-July day. So, where do my boys like to hang out on a day such as this? Our new hospital, of course! Why? "They have free wi-fi and good coffee!" they will tell you. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is there a career in medicine in their future? More likely, video game design.</td></tr>
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The wi-fi is for them, and the coffee is for me. They have learned that, if they mention coffee, it increases the chance that I'll take them where they want to go. And, by the way, I don't care if there is a heat index of 109 outside. I love my coffee! Inside the hospital it's quite cool, so I can sit and drink away while the boys play games at lego.com or www.spongebobwhatever until my computer battery runs out. As an added bonus, I always run into someone I know (from church usually - we are good presbyterians) who works there, so I get the chance to do some "visiting."<br />
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Would you like to take a guess at how we rounded out our Friday?<br />
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Yes, we went to a bull riding tournament/contest (or whatever it's called). A first for all four of us. The event was a fundraiser for a local medical clinic, and Mr. Perfect was a sponsor. It was actually pretty entertaining - the crowd as much as the contestants. (Why, young "country girls" do you need to wear boots when it is 96 and humid at 8:00 in the evening? I guess they do look better with your Daisy Dukes than a comfortable pair of flip flops would.) Sorry, I have no pictures of the actual bull riding as I was too busy swatting killer gnats to take more than this one photo.<br />
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Mr. Perfect, is it just me, or is your neck turning a peculiar shade of red?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><<<after -="" be="" didn't="" don't="" dress="" how="" i="" intend="" it.="" it="" just="" may="" mean.="" my="" of="" own="" people="" post,="" reading="" reason.="" should="" some="" sound="" they="" think="" to="" understand="" want="" within="">>></after></span>Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-68328683289629108642011-07-25T15:16:00.000-04:002011-07-25T15:16:12.699-04:00Visit a State ParkMr. Perfect and I have decided to visit every one of our <a href="http://www.gastateparks.org/">state parks</a>.<br />
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So far, since moving back to Georgia, we've been to four. We have a very long way to go. There are several reasons why we've decided to challenge ourselves like this:<br />
1. Usually, the only cost to enter the park to hike or see the historic sites is an admissions fee of no more than $5 per car. That is certainly within our budget. Reserving a camp site, group shelter, etc. will cost more, but it's reasonable.<br />
2. Both of our boys are active Cub Scouts, so state parks give us lots of opportunities to earn badges and work on rank advancements.<br />
3. It's good, clean fun with the family.<br />
4. Our taxes help pay for the parks, so we want to see our "investment" in action.<br />
5. I actually feel closer to God when I'm observing His creation, so I want to see as much of it as possible.<br />
<br />
We spent Memorial Day weekend Pioneer Camping with the Cub Scout Pack at <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skidaway_Island_State_Park" rel="wikipedia" title="Skidaway Island State Park">Skidaway Island State Park</a> in Savannah. Boy, was it hot! We had a great time though. It was a fun and educational experience for us all. Many state parks have lectures, guided tours, and hands-on lessons that you can attend without reservations.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xl19sXPR31Q/Ti27talzSGI/AAAAAAAAAI8/g3hllt1NLBE/s1600/IMG_0188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xl19sXPR31Q/Ti27talzSGI/AAAAAAAAAI8/g3hllt1NLBE/s320/IMG_0188.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's one where the boys learned about Georgia's birds of prey.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_HgAp-wGNa8/Ti28G_4Ks4I/AAAAAAAAAJE/yx8_s5gSHTo/s1600/IMG_0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_HgAp-wGNa8/Ti28G_4Ks4I/AAAAAAAAAJE/yx8_s5gSHTo/s320/IMG_0206.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At twilight one night, we learned about bats. See the big bat house?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ComGCZpG-Q/Ti28doxF7AI/AAAAAAAAAJI/g0ACRJVkFJ8/s1600/IMG_0299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ComGCZpG-Q/Ti28doxF7AI/AAAAAAAAAJI/g0ACRJVkFJ8/s320/IMG_0299.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys are watching other Georgia birds, particularly the painted bunting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ym841j5EjWY/Ti274058eHI/AAAAAAAAAJA/MkGFVihEvi0/s1600/IMG_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ym841j5EjWY/Ti274058eHI/AAAAAAAAAJA/MkGFVihEvi0/s320/IMG_0198.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We camped at a site that was 1/2 mile from the parking lot and 3/4 mile<br />
from the bathroom. That was a new experience for me - and, it wasn't as<br />
bad as I expected. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Last weekend, we went to <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_L._Smith_State_Park" rel="wikipedia" title="George L. Smith State Park">George L. Smith State Park</a> in Twin City - about an hour from here.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s7yhCffNXAM/Ti26AnteqBI/AAAAAAAAAIk/3QjU2gG0bvA/s1600/SmithSP3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s7yhCffNXAM/Ti26AnteqBI/AAAAAAAAAIk/3QjU2gG0bvA/s320/SmithSP3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This park is most notable for its lake and historic mill house.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1hncNT5DYb0/Ti26XQ_zXyI/AAAAAAAAAIo/rn8WcEKPlTg/s1600/SmithSP1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1hncNT5DYb0/Ti26XQ_zXyI/AAAAAAAAAIo/rn8WcEKPlTg/s320/SmithSP1.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy #1 was very interested in these diagrams of how the mill operated.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwY6Y1vjHbs/Ti26fJVBQ0I/AAAAAAAAAIw/UAj_619mASo/s1600/SmithSP4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwY6Y1vjHbs/Ti26fJVBQ0I/AAAAAAAAAIw/UAj_619mASo/s320/SmithSP4.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy #2 quickly found a walking stick for himself. Notice the camera he<br />
got for Christmas. He loves to take pictures of things he finds outside.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cS5oK6ELM04/Ti26j8MKuEI/AAAAAAAAAI0/Ou1q6DQvMZI/s1600/SmithSP5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cS5oK6ELM04/Ti26j8MKuEI/AAAAAAAAAI0/Ou1q6DQvMZI/s320/SmithSP5.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">State Parks have very clear markings and information. If you stick<br />
to the trails, it's just about impossible to get lost.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cGQY3MtXUyI/Ti26nanVWYI/AAAAAAAAAI4/Cfn_wp5KSaU/s1600/SmithSP2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cGQY3MtXUyI/Ti26nanVWYI/AAAAAAAAAI4/Cfn_wp5KSaU/s320/SmithSP2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these old trees!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This fall, we're planning to go camping at <a href="http://www.gastateparks.org/AmicalolaFalls">Amicolola Falls State Park</a> - home of a beautiful waterfall. See what neat things you can see at a state park near you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=93c9fa50-b6e1-40d7-a101-eddad7e5b22f" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-68240954504858209402011-07-13T08:02:00.000-04:002011-07-13T08:02:26.311-04:00We're Getting Close!It is so very hot here in South Georgia, but I am keeping positive because my house should be ready for move in very soon. I don't think we'll make it before I go back to work on August 1, but it should be only a week or two after that. Here are the pictures that I took while we were there last night:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2eWWLYEn5EU/Th2FDjJliMI/AAAAAAAAAIU/7HBabQAkFr8/s1600/IMG_0614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2eWWLYEn5EU/Th2FDjJliMI/AAAAAAAAAIU/7HBabQAkFr8/s320/IMG_0614.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HuiYuop_Cos/Th2ESamz_oI/AAAAAAAAAIE/YBHrd00kJ9I/s1600/IMG_0630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HuiYuop_Cos/Th2ESamz_oI/AAAAAAAAAIE/YBHrd00kJ9I/s320/IMG_0630.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The porch railing arrived yesterday, so it should go up soon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIfw7wW05i8/Th2EMabEa-I/AAAAAAAAAIA/Rq5nxK-f5Xk/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIfw7wW05i8/Th2EMabEa-I/AAAAAAAAAIA/Rq5nxK-f5Xk/s320/IMG_0629.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the exception of needing one more column and some railing, the side porch and patio are finished.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQ8WDIFFPo8/Th2IGS5CqNI/AAAAAAAAAIc/18cHyRAvFNs/s1600/IMG_0631.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQ8WDIFFPo8/Th2IGS5CqNI/AAAAAAAAAIc/18cHyRAvFNs/s320/IMG_0631.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H8zM1X5TDnw/Th2EYNYClyI/AAAAAAAAAII/oJb6Nu8IaSo/s1600/IMG_0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H8zM1X5TDnw/Th2EYNYClyI/AAAAAAAAAII/oJb6Nu8IaSo/s320/IMG_0634.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the side porch from the back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U6tlL5VU0eg/Th2EdhJA-VI/AAAAAAAAAIM/jugbjmklXjI/s1600/IMG_0638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U6tlL5VU0eg/Th2EdhJA-VI/AAAAAAAAAIM/jugbjmklXjI/s320/IMG_0638.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen - the cabinets are ready; we're just waiting on the painter to finish up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qW6mY7wghHM/Th2EGrBk8AI/AAAAAAAAAH8/NmjaTnX-2m4/s1600/IMG_0627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qW6mY7wghHM/Th2EGrBk8AI/AAAAAAAAAH8/NmjaTnX-2m4/s320/IMG_0627.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen - the sink will be under the window.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J1Q5iFg4eMs/Th2FKftX8KI/AAAAAAAAAIY/PDdUFxjuEIU/s1600/IMG_0625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J1Q5iFg4eMs/Th2FKftX8KI/AAAAAAAAAIY/PDdUFxjuEIU/s320/IMG_0625.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back side of the house - the concrete was poured Tuesday.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=fa6464b6-fcca-48ab-9d5d-2c61dd5e6132" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; float: right; text-align: center;" /></a></div>Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-14581768812145135162011-06-18T12:48:00.000-04:002011-06-18T12:48:55.439-04:00Finally, a new postThe house project is moving along... slowly, but surely. We had hoped to be in the house by June 1. Now, I'm hoping to be in by August 1. Here are a few pictures of the progress:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4BXvF--U_s/TfzU3ddhOKI/AAAAAAAAAH4/RFohU4V_T-g/s1600/HouseB61411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4BXvF--U_s/TfzU3ddhOKI/AAAAAAAAAH4/RFohU4V_T-g/s320/HouseB61411.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vbq5w9Mm_qc/TfzU1NqaJXI/AAAAAAAAAHw/Zx7RGYvhuY0/s1600/House61411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vbq5w9Mm_qc/TfzU1NqaJXI/AAAAAAAAAHw/Zx7RGYvhuY0/s320/House61411.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XggldBmf3rE/TfzU2BBbxrI/AAAAAAAAAH0/2EPXtLkifWQ/s1600/HouseA61411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XggldBmf3rE/TfzU2BBbxrI/AAAAAAAAAH0/2EPXtLkifWQ/s320/HouseA61411.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next week, exterior painting should be completed, interior trim will begin, gutters should be installed, and, hopefully, the concrete for the parking area, porch stairs and patio will be poured. I hate to be a pessimist, but I'll have to see it to believe it. Some of the subs that came HIGHLY recommended to us have turned out to be unreliable. The trim guys have been pretty much holding up the entire project for two weeks. They say they will start Tuesday. If we can find someone else to do it before then, we've decided that we'll fire them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are many positives to designing and building your own house, but there are a couple of things I've learned after going through this process twice:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 - it will take twice as long (at least) as you expected;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 - you will wind up hating with a hot passion at least half of the subs you hire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enough being negative - we are very excited about our new home and hope that we never move again. So, if it takes a few more weeks than expected, is that really such a big deal? Probably not.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-53458707644795311152011-04-30T09:35:00.000-04:002011-04-30T09:35:12.044-04:00Almost-Complete ExteriorAt last, I have some news to report on the home front: the exterior of our house is almost finished. The only thing left to do is paint the garage, add the brick steps and porch columns, and build a roof over the side stoop. Inside, the wiring is complete, the plumbing is roughed in, and the HVAC is installed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3IiEyLCe4Uw/TbwK8wtVfUI/AAAAAAAAAHI/LAYwPchOkns/s1600/100_5095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3IiEyLCe4Uw/TbwK8wtVfUI/AAAAAAAAAHI/LAYwPchOkns/s320/100_5095.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columns, steps, rails, and some finishing trim are all these porches need now.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-87wRFl4pJsQ/TbwLT2SajjI/AAAAAAAAAHM/4d1m8n8e48E/s1600/100_5097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-87wRFl4pJsQ/TbwLT2SajjI/AAAAAAAAAHM/4d1m8n8e48E/s320/100_5097.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We will pour a patio on this side of the house. Steps from the dining room <br />
and a roof over the stoop have to be added.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8hbzd8_iSlM/TbwLYTV5j4I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/aBY3mp8i4aY/s1600/100_5100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8hbzd8_iSlM/TbwLYTV5j4I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/aBY3mp8i4aY/s320/100_5100.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The side porch needs steps and columns.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rXW2ojXCLO8/TbwLdH1tQ2I/AAAAAAAAAHU/Ri9sUioX6-8/s1600/100_5101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rXW2ojXCLO8/TbwLdH1tQ2I/AAAAAAAAAHU/Ri9sUioX6-8/s320/100_5101.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've got to pick out a garage door soon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lUKoFkmCXws/TbwLfSWtG7I/AAAAAAAAAHY/N6NBIXCjQvg/s1600/100_5104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lUKoFkmCXws/TbwLfSWtG7I/AAAAAAAAAHY/N6NBIXCjQvg/s320/100_5104.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is my front door. I'm very happy with it.<br />
For some reason, I couldn't get my camera to flash. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--o2iMTv9-8M/TbwL_44palI/AAAAAAAAAHk/2fXA0vggsiw/s1600/100_5108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--o2iMTv9-8M/TbwL_44palI/AAAAAAAAAHk/2fXA0vggsiw/s320/100_5108.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think it's interesting to see what is going to be behind our walls. <br />
Isn't it cute how these HVAC lines are strapped up? I guess I thought<br />
they would just lay on the floor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PbnIoSjcrw0/TbwMEZQ31PI/AAAAAAAAAHo/HBuPg239XpE/s1600/100_5109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PbnIoSjcrw0/TbwMEZQ31PI/AAAAAAAAAHo/HBuPg239XpE/s320/100_5109.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Any storage space I thought I would have in that attic eave <br />
is clearly not going to happen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GHJO5WHKW9g/TbwMMU4EdaI/AAAAAAAAAHs/NnTw6zoD2vw/s1600/100_5113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GHJO5WHKW9g/TbwMMU4EdaI/AAAAAAAAAHs/NnTw6zoD2vw/s320/100_5113.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About three weeks ago, I planted these strawberries. They are already putting on fruit.<br />
I ordered ten plants from Gurney's, but there were 24 in the box they sent!<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>That's all to report for now. Currently, the move-in date is the second week of June. Let's hope that doesn't change - again. Have a super day!<br />
<br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=69b05454-5649-4ca3-b122-f81d4962d425" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-84697804852989623752011-03-22T17:47:00.000-04:002011-03-22T17:47:23.771-04:00Brick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I've been nervous about the brick for the house for a while now. We started this house-building project planning to use siding, which we would paint white. I love white houses! However, after researching and comparing costs, we determined that the brick would not be much more expensive than the siding. In fact, we estimated that by the time we had the siding cleaned every year and painted it in ten years, the brick will have more than paid for the difference. Mr. Perfect and I love the brick that his parents have on their house, so we went with the same - easy choice. I was nervous though because I had been picturing the house painted white, and I wasn't sure that I would like it as much with the brick. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Yesterday, the brick layers started, so I drove out to check on their progress after school. I am very happy with how it's looking so far and think we made the right call. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fgqstINiKuc/TYkWrTn_ApI/AAAAAAAAAG8/-iWfr8go4Pc/s1600/100_5002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fgqstINiKuc/TYkWrTn_ApI/AAAAAAAAAG8/-iWfr8go4Pc/s320/100_5002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spalding Tudor brick.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2AHTibHnfwI/TYkTskEOf-I/AAAAAAAAAGs/uCec9PQ3WNo/s1600/100_5051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2AHTibHnfwI/TYkTskEOf-I/AAAAAAAAAGs/uCec9PQ3WNo/s320/100_5051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of the house.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qPszz0Eigsc/TYkTnSxFSuI/AAAAAAAAAGo/z5FYK85MISI/s1600/100_5050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qPszz0Eigsc/TYkTnSxFSuI/AAAAAAAAAGo/z5FYK85MISI/s320/100_5050.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corner of porch and garage.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TKwHTVnbl08/TYkUBMVoBcI/AAAAAAAAAG4/ABrBcNAVUbU/s1600/100_5054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TKwHTVnbl08/TYkUBMVoBcI/AAAAAAAAAG4/ABrBcNAVUbU/s320/100_5054.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back of house.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I did not want to build a house that looked brand new and out of place on a quiet country road. So, instead of bricking the entire thing, we decided to put siding on the garage so that it would have the feel of an addition. Most old houses have had additions, so it seemed like a good idea! You can see in the first picture above where the brick stops. Above that will be siding painted white. The rest of the house will be brick. All of the trim on the windows and columns will be white, so that will tie everything together.<br />
Apparently, the bricking should be finished by the end of next week. Also, the plumbing will be in by then. After that, the roof can be finished. I'm trying not to be impatient, but I'm ready to move!<br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=30e16fd2-dc5d-4953-b45e-d9e589f8aefe" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-59682815579102129562011-03-10T21:46:00.000-05:002011-03-10T21:46:07.638-05:00Windows and Our 1st GardenWell, we are almost "dried in." That means that the house is wrapped, the windows are in, and the under-roofing is up. It's looking so good, and we feel very blessed. Tomorrow, the boys' bathtub should arrive with the rest of the bathroom plumbing to show up early next week. I was not able to take a picture of the front of the house because it was way too muddy after yesterday's torrential rain. Here are a few pictures of the rest of the house:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qSIXyyp-OCk/TXmF8bsrE3I/AAAAAAAAAF4/mUSizOLreSU/s1600/100_4934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qSIXyyp-OCk/TXmF8bsrE3I/AAAAAAAAAF4/mUSizOLreSU/s320/100_4934.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back of the house</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fYQv5CHF12I/TXmGBKZgYsI/AAAAAAAAAF8/4WBNyWA0fqs/s1600/100_4935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fYQv5CHF12I/TXmGBKZgYsI/AAAAAAAAAF8/4WBNyWA0fqs/s320/100_4935.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back of the house</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0W_CD5m7oq0/TXmG59W5inI/AAAAAAAAAGE/AYpAlzfrsAs/s1600/100_4941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0W_CD5m7oq0/TXmG59W5inI/AAAAAAAAAGE/AYpAlzfrsAs/s320/100_4941.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at the front wall of my bedroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HKQC4ZMafWw/TXmL9Epfp4I/AAAAAAAAAGk/kabTW6VKNe4/s1600/100_4951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HKQC4ZMafWw/TXmL9Epfp4I/AAAAAAAAAGk/kabTW6VKNe4/s320/100_4951.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upstairs hallway, down to the landing, and up into the guest bedroom.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ubf-v5JL9lA/TXmG976k-6I/AAAAAAAAAGI/HaiqhFilKLs/s1600/100_4946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ubf-v5JL9lA/TXmG976k-6I/AAAAAAAAAGI/HaiqhFilKLs/s320/100_4946.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys' playroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-O-1cHBdYAek/TXmHCiUG1hI/AAAAAAAAAGM/fpJFQVer4lE/s1600/100_4947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-O-1cHBdYAek/TXmHCiUG1hI/AAAAAAAAAGM/fpJFQVer4lE/s320/100_4947.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the boys' playroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zmJDHx5mCx0/TXmH1B6BTzI/AAAAAAAAAGY/VnNgUqc-HUM/s1600/100_4948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zmJDHx5mCx0/TXmH1B6BTzI/AAAAAAAAAGY/VnNgUqc-HUM/s320/100_4948.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy #2 is giving his bedroom a thumbs up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xGQu-cao24k/TXmHIYdCztI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/C8LC3Z9hWgg/s1600/100_4949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xGQu-cao24k/TXmHIYdCztI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/C8LC3Z9hWgg/s320/100_4949.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy #1 also loves his new bedroom.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We are addicted to plants, so we could not wait until the house was finished to start growing things. The green clumps are day lilies transplanted from Mr. Perfect's sister's yard. We also planted dahlia bulbs which should come up in a few more weeks, a cabbage plant (part of a school project), a hibiscus we brought down from Virginia, and a fern. I'm planning on sowing some lettuce this weekend. Also, I think we're going to bring our bird feeders out this weekend and start doing our best to attract all the birds within a 10 mile radius to our yard!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EXJ3-P_ByuI/TXmIS0-zI4I/AAAAAAAAAGc/aahHa-SaCVY/s1600/100_4933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EXJ3-P_ByuI/TXmIS0-zI4I/AAAAAAAAAGc/aahHa-SaCVY/s320/100_4933.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy #1 and #2 in our temporary garden.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=eff599ed-b2fe-4bc2-8d6c-da2f3933b98b" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-24190506229099134642011-03-03T12:53:00.000-05:002011-03-03T12:53:29.155-05:00Almost Ready for Windows & Roof!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I found out today that our window order should arrive any day now, which is a good thing because our builder is just about ready for them. The dormers have been added to the guest room above the garage and the rear of the house is almost finished.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Hjvl4xVzZro/TW_T0Vdp3-I/AAAAAAAAAF0/ADITp63Y3EU/s1600/HouseCMarch3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Hjvl4xVzZro/TW_T0Vdp3-I/AAAAAAAAAF0/ADITp63Y3EU/s320/HouseCMarch3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of house.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vt_VzWMuWvA/TW_TvZ7q_HI/AAAAAAAAAFs/tI-JMjS69Js/s1600/HouseAMarch3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vt_VzWMuWvA/TW_TvZ7q_HI/AAAAAAAAAFs/tI-JMjS69Js/s320/HouseAMarch3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear of house. That's the garage on the the left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-39aS8z0heew/TW_Tx1oybqI/AAAAAAAAAFw/jGcKfDmsk9k/s1600/HouseBMarch3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-39aS8z0heew/TW_Tx1oybqI/AAAAAAAAAFw/jGcKfDmsk9k/s320/HouseBMarch3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the rear of the house, but with a look at the covered porch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Today, I have to pick out my ice maker and wall oven, so that we can finalize and place the cabinet order. I must say that we are so very excited about this house, but all of the myriad decisions is stressing us out a good bit. I'll be so glad when it's over. On a nicer note, our daylilies that we dug up from Mr. Perfect's sister's yard are very happy in their temporary home behind our well.</div>Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-1444069813798945212011-02-25T11:44:00.000-05:002011-02-25T11:44:18.605-05:00Roof and PorchesHere are three pictures I took yesterday. They are not a very good quality as I used my phone to take them. It rained pretty heavily all morning, so this is probably all that will happen on the site until Monday. However, by then we should be nice and dry, and no rain is forecasted until next Friday!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5UR8WtEAPeI/TWfZ69vh9oI/AAAAAAAAAFg/ojsoIsgvmak/s1600/house224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5UR8WtEAPeI/TWfZ69vh9oI/AAAAAAAAAFg/ojsoIsgvmak/s320/house224.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nothing much has changed on the front of the house since the last post except that the roof it now black. I don't know what it's called, but the material came on a roll and looks like some kind of paper. Either shingles or a metal roof will be added later - we haven't decided yet. If you look closely through the second floor, you can see the roof over the one-story part of the house on the back that was added yesterday.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ncEi4RvZoI/TWfZ7zuYWgI/AAAAAAAAAFk/MDKwZWkhrf8/s1600/PhotoB224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ncEi4RvZoI/TWfZ7zuYWgI/AAAAAAAAAFk/MDKwZWkhrf8/s320/PhotoB224.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is a view of the left side of the house. There's the roof being added to the back. The one-story part of the house is the family room and sun room. Also, there is a covered porch. In the finished attic over this part will be the boys' bathroom and playroom. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_p9b_nbChoQ/TWfZ811uM5I/AAAAAAAAAFo/kzBZXVi96cI/s1600/PhotoC224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_p9b_nbChoQ/TWfZ811uM5I/AAAAAAAAAFo/kzBZXVi96cI/s320/PhotoC224.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is a picture of the same side of the house as above, but here you can see a side view of the two front porches. I cannot wait to sit out there enjoying a nice cup of coffee and some quiet country air!Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-68189844002811271942011-02-24T09:25:00.000-05:002011-02-24T09:25:42.992-05:00Second Floor!Our second floor has been framed and today the builders are working on the main attic. On the right is the garage. Above it will be the guest bedroom and bath. That should be framed today as well. I am hoping stairs will be put in very soon, so that we won't have to climb scary ladders anymore!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jWvcx5739jI/TWZphA2i01I/AAAAAAAAAFc/SFHqqqfPoWE/s1600/100_4932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jWvcx5739jI/TWZphA2i01I/AAAAAAAAAFc/SFHqqqfPoWE/s320/100_4932.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-5144038940055653572011-02-09T09:42:00.000-05:002011-02-09T09:42:07.611-05:00First Floor!I am happy to report that our first floor has been framed.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YQTyVa3_fDQ/TVKmD46vaCI/AAAAAAAAAFU/pYkQvQfhQSU/s1600/FrontofHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YQTyVa3_fDQ/TVKmD46vaCI/AAAAAAAAAFU/pYkQvQfhQSU/s320/FrontofHouse.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of house - The boys are standing in the doorway.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YQTyVa3_fDQ/TVKmQVmIHjI/AAAAAAAAAFY/9yqWzXcs2Oc/s1600/BackofHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YQTyVa3_fDQ/TVKmQVmIHjI/AAAAAAAAAFY/9yqWzXcs2Oc/s320/BackofHouse.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back of house - The garage is to the left, but is not in the picture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Once the second floor and attic are framed, I'll post more pictures and add descriptions. Today, the garage floor is scheduled to be poured. I hope it happens. If it does, the boys are going to put their names and handprints in it after school!Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-75089013169020469282011-01-24T10:04:00.000-05:002011-01-24T10:04:01.945-05:00I CAN'T WAIT!What do I want for Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, April Fool's Day, Mother's Day, whatever???<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="across" height="252" src="http://images.apple.com/iphone/notify-me/images/hero20110111.jpg" width="400" /></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">The new iphone for Verizon.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have waited so very long. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Almost all the people I talk to use Verizon, so I couldn't get an iphone before because we'd all have to pay for our calls to one another. Also, I hear that the "other" network's service is very spotty. I've had a Macbook Pro laptop for a few years now (and love it), but getting it to sync up with my current phone has been a bear. The iphone should solve that. An added bonus is that I won't have to carry around a phone AND an ipod.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Are any of you planning to get the new iphone? It's available February 10, but I probably won't get one until later in the spring as all available funds are being funneled into the house project right now. Let me know if you get one. I'd love to hear what you think of it.</div>Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-63312325906314765922011-01-13T10:04:00.000-05:002011-01-13T10:04:02.164-05:00House UpdateIt seems funny to call this post "House Update" when there is no house yet. However, progress is being made. We now have electricity on the property and a well! A few weeks ago, most of the pine trees were cut and hauled away. Next, the stumps were dug up and removed from the house site, driveway and the immediate areas around the house site and driveway. Then, the area was smoothed out. Here's a picture of what it looked like afterwards.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YQTyVa3_fDQ/TS8QN6w3whI/AAAAAAAAAFE/tALaCL-E2jw/s1600/100_4759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YQTyVa3_fDQ/TS8QN6w3whI/AAAAAAAAAFE/tALaCL-E2jw/s320/100_4759.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The footings have been poured for the foundation, and the blockwork is supposed to begin today.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YQTyVa3_fDQ/TS8StFHkdjI/AAAAAAAAAFI/F12SJhEs73E/s1600/100_4859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YQTyVa3_fDQ/TS8StFHkdjI/AAAAAAAAAFI/F12SJhEs73E/s320/100_4859.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been told that the framing of the first floor will be finished in time for me to order cabinets by January 25. Things should start rolling along much faster after that. The one thing I'm trying not to think about is the actual move across town. Hopefully, though, we'll have some time to move things like clothes and kitchen items during the span of several days instead of having to box everything up again. I do know that no matter when we move, I am going to be very thankful to finally be in a more permanent situation.</div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=318058a5-49d7-46ce-a0d7-f7f8f2c6d153" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8856498396971016203.post-63479708048173838142010-12-03T10:26:00.003-05:002010-12-03T10:39:12.195-05:00I miss Williams-Sonoma + a GiveawayI did not realize how much I miss Williams-Sonoma until this Christmas season. Mr. Perfect and I always went there and picked up some treats for our kitchen around this time of the year. Their products are not the least expensive ones around. However, any time we had a problem with something we bought there, they made it right. Also, whenever you go into a W-S store between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve, there is something yummy baking or brewing. It smells so good there!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hot Chocolate Pot" class="photo" id="hero-image" src="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201043/0029/img8m.jpg" title="Hot Chocolate Pot" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">We gave this to our moms last year. I hope they are using them. If not, they should feel free to send it my way. LOL</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Nutcracker Dinnerware Collection" class="photo" id="hero-image" src="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201041/0047/img46m.jpg" title="Nutcracker Dinnerware Collection" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I LOVE nutcrackers. I'd like to have a Christmas table set with this one day.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Sticky Paws" class="photo" id="hero-image" src="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201041/0045/img35m.jpg" title="Sticky Paws" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I'm afraid that if I had a box of these right now I'd eat the whole thing!</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Peppermint Bark" class="photo" id="hero-image" src="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201039/0014/img5m.jpg" title="Peppermint Bark" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I'm thinking about trying to make this at home this year. Anyone have a good recipe?</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="12 Days of Christmas Party Crackers" class="photo" id="hero-image" src="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201044/0027/img41m.jpg" title="12 Days of Christmas Party Crackers" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">We buy these to use December 26th after our Boxing Day dinner.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Illy Espresso, Whole Bean, Medium Roast" class="photo" id="hero-image" src="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201038/0003/img97m.jpg" title="Illy Espresso, Whole Bean, Medium Roast" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">If you like to make espresso drinks at home, I recommend giving Illy a try.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>In previous years, we've stocked up on mulling spices once they go on sale near Christmas. I cannot find them on the website now. I also can't find any cocktail mixers. I used to buy one each year to put in Mr. Perfect's stocking - kind of a joke since he didn't drink them, but just mixed them for me. I don't see them either. I wonder what happened? Maybe they are still in the stores. I think I'll take a drive to Augusta this weekend to check it out...<br />
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Now, for some fun: <a href="http://monogramchick.blogspot.com/2010/12/giveaway-3.html">monogramchick</a> has a super giveaway going right now. Drop on by her blog to check it out. Winners will be announced Sunday, so hurry! Don't you love these cut travel mugs?<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SGCuKWEcV7U/TPVxQoJ5W1I/AAAAAAAACas/dBc5z92ecrc/s400/mug+collagesmall.jpg" width="360" /></div><br />
¡Feliz Navidad, amigas bonitas!Leesa - So Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886823517178211243noreply@blogger.com6