Spring Break 09

It's spring break for the boys, so, we had originally planned a ski trip....then Dante broke his arm, so we had to come up with another plan, then Dante was released from all restriction and we thought we would go camping or to the beach....then, Thomas broke HIS arm--so, after surgery on Monday, we opted to just take a couple of days later in the week to go to Phoenix and just hang out.... unfortunately, the weather (which has been a balmy mid 80's to 90's for the last 2 weeks) decided to stir it up--Phoenix had up to 60mph winds--a block of lights went out as we passed through an intersection heading to our hotel...a little scary-nevertheless, we did get to hike and swim(not T of course-he waded) and enjoy pseudo warm (70ish) temps for a couple of days. We also checked out the Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium just west of Phoenix..it was very cool! Now, back to school and work---(ps. new kitchen counters coming on Thursday!!)

Nice splint!Hike at Squaw Peak in Phoenix Mountain Preserve (I think Tucson has a lot more to offer in the way of natural beauty-I'm just sayin')

Crazy zoo animals

Feeding the Lory Parrots

all smiles!

think she understands what Rob is saying?

the very cool Giraffe feeding tower

Marathon Training 101

Jill's new running shoes!

So, my sister and I are starting to train for the San Diego R-n-R marathon 2010! We are just starting out walking...we are up to about 4miles in an hour and adding some small intervals in. I have never done a marathon -neither has Jill. SO, we are nervous but, motivated. Plan to do a 5k in October and then the Tucson 1/2 marathon in December.

Oh yeah! Go Cats!

Kitchen project-09

We can't go very long without doing some major project--so, here we go with re-doing the kitchen..first just the counter-tops. Wait, that means we need to get a new rangetop too, and a new hood, and hmmmn, a new sink, which necessitates a new faucet and a new disposal. CRAZY! Rob and I are doing all the tear-out! As soon as Rob opened up the vent -we found out that the old ductwork was not centered and they just cut it open and we have been partially venting into the wall space for 8 years now...who knew?!?

Having fun tearin' it up.

Just getting started....

Okay! This is my first blog--I know, I know, Spring keeps tellin' me to get on the bus. We started working on redoing our backyard about 3 years ago.....it has finally come to completion!(okay-its never gonna be completely complete--we keep adding more and more plants) nevertheless, it is sooo beautiful, I never want to leave my yard...here are some photos from most recent..2-09 to starting out 2-06

Bumper crop of Lemons

First grapes


Looking East


West




Finished patio

Everyone helped

The last of the hardscapes

Passion flower vine-gorgeous

Beautiful

Planning the layout

Rob's first weld job

First plants!

A bit too bright?

Scratch stucco coat. The tiles are from Lipari, IT
..."and I helped!"

Construction!





The empty lot we lived with for a few months until we filled it in with enriched, composted, miracle soil! ( thanks Tom!)

Too fun!-a little dangerous too.








Destruction!