Life Way Over Due

I am so far behind that I figured I'd just upload some pics from the past few weeks & comment as I go. They aren't necessarily in order time wise. Ben & Uncle Cliff. I love this pic because they both seem to be enjoying a good laugh together. Cliff is going to make an awesome grandpa one day.

A Frigid Kansas Sunday Morning. This pic was taken through the van window I think. Made me appreciate Georgia & our 'winter'.

That's one impressive icicle! My Mother in law says it is now over 6 feet long! The kids were fascinated with it.

This is the first time I have ever heard my sons sing together...the great spiritual "Jingle Bell Rock" They have nice voices. Jr really surprised me with the quality of his voice

Ben is dancing here. He really cuts a rug. His dancing is a cross between slam dancing & ballet. You just have to see it for yourself.

One of Jr's life long (19 long years) dreams was to go out in a blizzard with no shirt on. It was COLD that night & I couldn't believe my eyes. He actually posed for the pic. It was funny to see him so excited and animated...but he's still crazy

My Brother Tony & Elena, his wife. He was & is such a blessing. Tony lead the Dziadul crew that closed in the back deck that will be the future room for Paul & Zack. Couldn't have done it without him.

My bride & my baby. Love em both like crazy. We don't get a lot of pics of Beth because A) She's always behind the lens & B) she doesn't like her picture taken...imagine that!

Working with my men. These guys were a blessing.

I love this pic. Sam is 'helping' me put the roof on the porch. This was Tony's idea & I love it. He got the outside frame completed & gave me instructions on how to build the supports & install the roof. We did it & it didn't leak in the last rain which was really light but hey I'm celebrating every victory here!

Great Father's Day Gift

I told Zack that all I wanted for Father's Day was a clean basement & my shop area set up. Well, he exceeded my expectations to say the least. Zack wisely enlisted the help of my brother David. The two of them spent several days down in the basement last week. "Uncle Clean" is a great asset to messy basements everywhere.

My favorite part was seeing all my tools neatly arranged on the peg board. I even discovered a fantastic set of Craftsman screwdrivers on the board. That was a Father's day gift from my other boys & dear wife.

Thank You to Zack & David for all your hard work. I can't wait to get down there & start my next project which I can't tell right now because it is a surprise.

Thanks to my children for a great Father's Day

The Fruits of my Labor - a Finished Bathroom!

Well, Sherry has been requesting pics of the finished bathroom. My only regret is that this is the kid's bathroom. I'd like this for my own! The concept is taken from a log cabin that my sweet wife & stayed in in Dahlonaga Ga. I LOVED the bathroom & it was my inspiration for this remodel. The built in linen shelf was done literaly with blood, sweat, & tears (see prior post). I must say that I'm happy with how this project came out. It was the only thing Beth requested & I was secretly thrilled to oblidge.

The fishing creel that holds reading material for the 'Thinking Room'.

The trim on the window & mirror

Wood, wood everywhere!

We sanded & refinished the cabinet doors & they came out great. Thanks to Paul Jr. & Zack.

My Dad gave me the idea to secure the mirror while wrapping it in the rustic trim.

Thanks Dad!

NAILED!

This is what happens when its late, you are over tired, & you're in a rush. It was nearly 11pm & I just wanted to finish this built in shelf.I had to hold the wood in place being very careful not to have my hand anywhere near the path of the nail

Of course, I didn't take into consideration a knot in the wood. The nail hit the knot, took a sharp right turn & went through my trigger finger. PRAISE GOD it didn't hit the bone! It felt like an electric shock. I tried not to react as my dear wife & daughter were in the room. Beth heard the brief reaction & I was caught. Anna freaked out & I just threaded my finger off of the nail.

No big deal but it does make for a good story. Anna will probably rehearse this ordeal at my funeral one day.