The Completed Arbor in My Backyard!

So, I posted pictures of the completed arbor but I wanted to post pictures of the arbor in its final resting space...in my backyard. I went to Ace Hardware and bought two hanging flower baskets and a bunch of flowers and decorated the arbor. I took a ton of pictures and the arbor is definitely the centerpiece of the yard now. I love looking at it and can't wait for it to be filled with vines and flowers.

Orcas Island

Visit from Philly

From May 12th-May 17th, Rita came out to seattle to visit me. She likes to do this a couple times a year and only during good weather. So,when I complain about the crappy weather and then she comes to visit it always turns into being the nicest weather and her wondering what my problem is with the weather. This time we went to Orcas Island and spent the night at a B&B at Otter Pond outside of Moran State Park. On the Ferry over to Orcas we had the rare treat of seeing a three pods of killer(Orca whales) on our way over. It was magical! We also saw lots of wildlife at the B&B pond and on our hikes. We also did a lot of shopping at Uvillage and got manicures and pedicures at a salon near my house. Overall, it was a fun time that we got to spend together.

Presenting the Arbor!!!!

For the past several weeks this has been mine and Tyler's project for all those rainy days last month. So, finally after several sandings, stain, and polyurethane the pine arbor is finished at last!!!! It was a beautiful day yesterday at least for two hours so we had the opportunity to take some pictures of it outside of the garage in the natural setting where it might likely get to reside one day. FYI, the arbor will be heading to Seattle to be in my backyard as we are cleaning it up and hope to have BBQs and dinner parties out there this summer. Tyler handcrafted it himself and I designed the lattice diamond pattern and all the dimensions of the arbor. Tyler is currently finishing the lattice on a cedar arbor that he is about finished making and hopes to sell it soon.

Tulip Festival

Today Tyler and I went to Skagit Valley for the annual Tulip Festival. We started off the day at a Salmon BBQ at the Kiwanis Lodge at Hillcrest Park. We each got a piece of Salmon, baked potato, garlic bread, cole slaw, pink lemonade, and ice cream. We sat outside on a picnic table and enjoyed the sunshine. We headed next to the fields of Tulips. They were rows and rows as far as you can see of red and yellow tulips. There were also fields of yellow daffodils. It is a pretty amazing sight to see. Definitely worth it to go up there and see the blooms. After taking pictures, we made friends with a cat that I wanted to take home with me. He was hiding and lounging in between rows of tulips. We almost didn't get home without him!! He followed us for quite awhile before finally giving up on us. He was so cute! We drove around the countryside and we then went to the Farmhouse Restaurant which is famous for their mile high lemon meringue pies. Tyler and I decided to eat dinner there and he got BBQ Ribs and I got Turkey pot pie and we both got ceasar salads. The pie was so good and very delicious! We then drove home in which Tyler proceeded to sleep the whole way home. It was a very nice day and very relaxing. Lots of sun and very enjoyable!!! Wish everyone could have a chance to see the flowers.

My New Table Completed!!!

Fun times

Yesterday was a pretty good day. Tyler and I decided to go to Home Depot and buy more supplies for the arbor that he is building. While we were there I said,"How bout we get some wood for me to build a coffee table with so I have something to do while you build the arbor". So, we bought some poplar wood and cedar for the legs and I got started on it right away when we got back to his garage. I believe it only took about 3 hours or so to build it. It's not completely finished. I still need to add a bottom shelf and leg supports and also I need to polyurethane it for a nice glossy finish but for the most part its finished and could actually function as a table if need be. Its the first item of furniture I have actually ever built by myself and I have to say that it is quite impressive!