Happy 72nd Birthday Norman!!! Saturday10-18-08

Libations at the ranch! The rum was a hit!!! Norman was absolutely thrilled that his kids would "bless" him with bottle after bottle of liquid love! Bart commented that he had never seen his dad so tickled over a gift. We spent the remainder of the afternoon discussing the particulars of consumption...who will be visiting when and which bottle to open as each month of the year rolls around. Will was so impressed, he video taped the array! If you haven't talked to your mom and dad recently....why not give them a call!

Little changes, Big impact!

Ok, so maybe the changes aren't so "little." There are thirteen trusses holding up that roof and supporting the two ceiling fans!!!

But what a difference. The deck feels so much bigger and usable, the double sink makes cleaning up much easier than carrying dirty dishes inside. Though there is no hot water yet, the kettle is plugged in nearby and washing up outside keeps the clean up crew in the fun. Norman has continued to chip away at every aspect of the Ranch: trees have been felled and trimmed, plumbing and wiring has been stretched further and further, laundry facilities have been improved, drywall, tile, lights...... Hot water heaters are scheduled to arrive in the coming week and hopes are high for lots of family to come visit this winter. (Hot water in the winter - good!)

Photos

Here are some shots of the progress and fun at the Ranch!

Before and After!

What a difference a weekend makes! So often we head to the Ranch and don't get anything substantial done, but not this holiday weekend. We arrived at the Ranch on Saturday and got right to work (on lunch!) Norman had purchased the materials to begin the screen enclosure on the deck next to the motor home. Norman, Bart and the boys got right to work on various projects - picking up branches and sticks, gathering stuff that could get ruined or thrown around in the effects of Hurricane Gustav and gradually assembling 13 trusses. Sunday was our anxious day, though we really were not that anxious, having kept an eye on Gustav through the internet in Norman's "library". We got some gardening done, planted the mint and some other plants in pots, weeded and mulched around the azaleas Granny planted this past Spring. By Monday, the wind and rain bands began their steady imposition. Thankfully it was mild enough that we were able to continue working and eating (though our brunch was nearly drenched!) By Labor Day afternoon, the men had built the uprights and installed two trusses! Soon, there will be a sheltered place to enjoy meals and fellowship while steady progress is made on the lodge.

Of course there has been lots done to the lodge since we were there a few weeks ago, the electricity and plumbing are getting closer to truly functional there is almost a "laundry room." A bunch of lights as well as a ceiling fan have been installed and many boxes of tile ready to finish the floor in the painted bathhouse. One of the showers has some nice trim-work and lots more tin is on the roof. Grand is an understatement, even the fire escape ladder is built large and sturdy. Nothing is slapped together, it is carefully thought out and finely executed. Still there is a bunch to do, and lots of enjoyment to be had in the process!

Hopefully many of you will be able to come and enjoy the fun and construction that is keeping Granny and Grampa so busy!

Happy Labor Day!

You will definitely want to check back next week as we are heading to the Ranch for Labor Day and hope to get some more good shots of the progress, (I hear there is paint!!!) Pray for safe travels and slow hurricanes! OH, I am delivering some plants, mint, lemon mint, chocolate mint (yes, it does smell like a Girl Scout Thin Mint cookie!) If they all do well, we shall have lots for Mojito's and Chocolate Martini's when you visit!

Progress

Well, despite the rain I got a few good shots of the progress for the lodge. The dormers look great and the back porch, while being used for storage, is still wide enough to enjoy. The built-in bench has a nice finished edge now and is comfortable to sit on. The men's room has a big door and there are several others ready to be installed on the other openings. Norman has started using the brush hog more for "mowing" since it is hard to keep ahead of the grass this time of year and because the bahia grass is going to seed and the hog does a nice job of distributing it. He hopes it will result in more grass all over! Norman is also pushing over trees to thin them, encourage more sun for the grass and make the ranch more park-like and less "tree-farm"-ish.

They have pretty much moved out to the Ranch full time, and enjoy being there with the animals (their own and the wild ones!) We discussed how to make it more comfortable until the lodge is fully functional and decided that screening in the deck (next to the motorhome) and putting in some kitchen amenities there would really help. I am impressed with Gerry's patience, roughing it for a week or two is fine when you know that there is an end to it. But trying to "camp" for an extended period of time and still make it to town for appointments and church, not to mention having her "stuff" in storage or at the Bay Minette house sure would wear me down after this long! I encourage everyone to bless her often by calling and brightening her day!

Lydia turns 40!

Lydia celebrates her new home and birthday with a contingent of friends and the family visiting from the Harmony Ranch!