FRONT PORCH FURNITURE

Since moving into our home, we've wanted to be able to sit on the front porch, which is shaded most of the day, and read and sip ice tea and enjoy the view of the open field across the street.

After considering different options, I stumbled onto an Adirondack Love Seat while shopping at Bi-Mart one afternoon.  It was reasonably priced, but came as a kit, so I knew I had some work to do.  I planned on painting it white, to match our trim.  I also planned on painting each individual piece before assembling it, knowing it would be much easier to paint it before assembly rather than after assembly.

I did not realize, however, until  after I opened the box that it had about 300 pieces of wood.  Or so it seemed.  An actual count revealed only 65 pieces.  But each piece needed to be painted with a coat of primer followed by two coats of exterior paint.

It took forever.  But it's finally done.



A front porch needing a place to sit.

A bench in a box.

Sixty-five pieces of wood plus a bunch of screws.

Individually priming, painting, and painting again each piece.

Project completed.

Livin' the good life.

FEARSOME FOURSOME ON EIGHT WHEELS

Last night Baylee and Rylie spent the night with us.  After they arrived at our house, we all headed to the movies to watch Epic in 3-D.  Good choice.

 

When we got up this morning, we ate breakfast, spent some time in Ashland, then rode a few miles along the Bear Creek Greenway.  The weather was perfect and the four of us had a great time together.



 

Debra, Baylee and Rylie stroll along a sidewalk in Ashland.

We took a break from shopping, grabbed a few sandwiches at Subway and ate them at Lithia Park.

Rylie and Baylee perch on a cool tree at the park.

After lunch, we returned to town and shopped at Paddington Station.

We ended the afternoon with a fun bicycle ride.

RYLIE'S MOTHER'S DAY BIRTHDAY

Eleven years ago, on Sunday, May 12, 2002, I spent a good portion of that particular Mother's Day in Gordon and Josie's living room babysitting a little toddler named Baylee.  After Baylee went to bed that evening, I entertained myself by watching a newly released video, Ali, starring Will Smith.

 

The rest of the Vallo clan, including Gordon, Josie, Tom and Ruth, plus Debra and Ashley, were all at the hospital waiting for Baylee's little sister to pop out.  Rylie became Josie's Mother's Day gift that year.

 

Today, Rylie turned eleven, again on Mother's Day.  This is only the second time in eleven years that this maternity-honoring holiday has fallen on May 12th.

 

 

The birthday girl opens cards and gifts.

Debra and Makiah watch.

Ruth and Tom also watch.

Gordon captures the event by taking photos with his phone.

Rylie releases a stubborn piece of tape to the floor.

Rylie removes the wrapping paper.

Rylie releases the wrapping paper to the floor.

Rylie holds up a new pair of pants, revealing her left eyeball in the process.

Gordon and Rylie read a card together.

Josie cleans up while Rylie reads another card.

Makiah watches her sister read.

Debra helps Alexia get down from her high chair.

Two blowfish.

A potentially cute photo of Makiah sitting with her arm around Debra.  But by the time the camera was ready, Makiah had other plans.

Happy Birthday, Rylie!

DOWNTOWNE COFFEEHOUSE

After moving to Talent a few months ago, we soon discovered a new favorite drive-through coffee place.  But about a month ago we tried a new sit-down coffee place in town.  We went back again this morning.  We now have a new favorite sit-down coffee place in Talent, Downtowne Coffeehouse.

 

Our first visit there a few weeks ago impressed us because of the quaint, funky atmosphere, the quality of coffee, and the local musicians who provided entertainment.  I even purchased a CD from Allen Crutcher, who provided the entertainment that day.

 

This morning we launched out into the continuing stream of sunny days we have been experiencing lately,  purchased a couple of cups of coffee, sat outdoors and enjoyed a couple of musicians while caffeinating our systems.

 

 

I recommend this place.

Debra and I took a table in the shade with our cold, blended drinks and listened to the music.

We didn't get the names of the musicians this morning, but the gentleman played guitar and sang while the lady provided percussion accompaniment with an old washboard.

Our table in the shade seemed a bit cool after a while, so we moved to another table in the sun.  Once I felt the bald spot on the top of my head beginning to burn, we went home.

 

 

Click the "play" tab below for a 15-second snippet of the entertainment we enjoyed this morning: