Christmas Supper 2009

So last night was our annual Christmas Supper for the community of Candle Lake. At the end Santa comes and so Hubby decided he had a request. Our friends, Brandy and Joe just bought an acreage, and being a young couple need a lot of things, one being a bobcat. So of course what did Mel request from Santa - a bobcat - at least it was pretty generous of him to request something for someone else. What a sweet guy! We had a great time and a great meal with turkey and all the trimmings. This is one of the best events at the lake here and attendance proves it.

Sparky the Helper

Our puppy Sparky is very curious and even more so if there are tools involved. He loves, drills, air hoses, compressors and the noise does not seem to bother him. Wherever Mel is, you can find Sparky! Here they are drilling holes for the drawer slides in the new kitchen. Think it must be rest time though!

Light Fixture

I also have to tell you all about this light fixture and yes, I know there are no bulbs in it. My fault as I bought the wrong ones and not sure if our local lumber yard will have any. I will check tomorrow. This fixture came from Walmart and it was being cleared at $10.00. What a bargain as it is fabulous! It was a lot of work to put together though and definitely took two of us to figure it out. I am thinking I could also buy the little shades for each bulb and that would make it look even more wonderful. Hubby was good enough to put it up even though we could not try it out.

Dining Room Table

So being cabinet makers / wood workers, people tend to want to give us old furniture instead of taking it to the local landfill. And that is how we happened to receive this maple table which also has a leaf. We decided to spray it white for our new dining room and moved it into the house today. Unfortunately, our chairs are still packed away and we only had some white patio chairs to use. I think it turned out quite well, and we saved another piece from the garbage.

Christmas Gifts

So on my side of the family we started to draw names for Christmas gifts a few years ago. There are only 6 adults but there are also 5 dogs so they get to have a draw too. This year it was our turn to draw the names, make up the rules and mail them. This only got done today - I know, I know this is cutting it rather close considering we all live far away from each other and there is the whole other issue of getting the gifts to the other people. Now setting the rules is always interesting. We put a $20.00 limit on the gift and stocking stuffers have to be under $2.00. Now this gets even more interesting when you see all the gifts under the tree. Some of us get quite creative by making gifts (and those are okay) or getting freebies (and those are okay) or cashing in HBC reward points (not so sure about this one)! We are also all supposed to have a "Wish List" and those also get quite interesting - one request was light fixtures, of course they would have to be a bargain at $20.00 but then some of us do have quite a reputation for bargain hunting and this is a well known fact. But Christmas just would not be quite the same without gifts for our children, no matter how old they are!!!!

New Countertop

I can't say enough about the new countertop in the kitchen. Wow, it shows no dust, no crumbs, no water marks. It is fabulous and I am so glad that we decided to go with it. Can't wait for all of the counter top to be put in. A bribe is in place - I get all the counter top put in and someone may get homemade fruit cake baked, one of his favourites for Christmas!!!!

Pine Boards

So I am brushing varathane and thank goodness, it is water based, on pine boards. Each board is 6" x 12' and I am set up to do 16 at a time. I have only completed 32 in many days as I have to do three coats, sanding after the first coat. I think I will be here for a year!!!! These are for the upstairs ceiling. The pile on the floor does not look any smaller and my wrists are already aching. I don't like heights and so it is easier to do them now then after Hubby puts them up. He is anxious to get started but he won't get far if I don't pick up the speed! Think he has the easier job of the two as he even has a friend willing to help cut while he stays on the ladder. Where are my helpers???

Sunday

Another beautiful day in northern Saskatchewan so we decided to drive into Prince Albert for church. Very interesting service today with the minister speaking on a passage in Revelations. Revelations is always quite fascinating for me and he did a good job of tying the words in the Bible with what is going on in our world today. It was worthwhile the 45 minute drive in to hear the music and message. We have a community church here at the lake but do not always agree with what is taught there. One of the hardest things about living at this lovely resort is the fact that we do not have a church to attend on a regular basis. Maybe we need to start our own - wonder how Hubby would be a preaching, oh yes and singing! I would be a good organizer - just ask my kids!

Great Weather

I am so impressed with our great November so far. No snow to speak of, and the lake is not frozen. The sun continues to shine and long range looks like more sunshine. After a miserable summer, we need this before we hibernate in our winter again. Hubby got the floor done on the first and biggest veranda. Now for some steps. Anyone know how you hang Christmas wreaths or boughs on a fiberglass door with side lights. Also vinyl siding beside the door and PVC trim (we were going for a low maintenance look) so no nails are possible in there. I did not think I would get the Christmas spirit with all the building to do but all of a sudden, I feel like putting up some lights! Please don't remind me of how many days are left though!!!

Kitchen Lights

So I bought this two pendants for over the peninsula; the glass is ribbed which will go with my cupboard doors since they also will be ribbed. My problem now is where do I find two more fixtures for the ceiling that match these. Rona had these in stock but of course, there were no others. Hubby thinks my kitchen is way too big and needs way too many lights! Is he kidding? It will be a dream working in this kitchen.

So I still am having some issues with the posting; my pictures should be under the journalling and I tried to put all four pictures on the same post but no, it did not work. Any hints all you bloggers?

Creativity in the kitchen

So most of my kitchen items are still in boxes being stored in a container and therefore one has to become quite creative. I emptied a Tim Hortons coffee tin today and it was perfect to use as a utensil holder beside the stove. Then I unpacked some items I had purchased last winter, a spice rack from Costco - it also has stainless steel on the sides, two glass jars from the Dollar store to store coffee in and mugs from Canadian Tire. I bought two sets of the mugs for a total of eight and they were a great price right after Christmas. I love the shape and size of them.

Back of the house

Our House

So we live at a lake and we thought a nice Cape Cod cottage would be the way to go. This is a view of the front. There are to be two verandas on the front yet with white railings and pillers. I plan to paint the door and side lights Slate Black. The side door opens into my kitchen. I plan to build a swing and it will hang on that veranda. Can't wait to sit outside next summer. On the back of the house there will also be a big deck with a screened gazebo as we do have a lot of issues with black flies, mosquitos and no see um's. The lake is just at the end of our street, a nice short walk.

Close-up of countertop

New Sink with tap

My New Kitchen

So we are living in our partially finished new house and the kitchen is now being worked on. I am so excited as we put in part of the countertop this week with an undermount sink. How nice not to carry water from the bathroom to do dishes in. Anyway, the countertop is called Solid Surfacing by Formica and it is gorgeous. My husband has never installed this type of countertop so he was a little nervous with the first cut but it went great. I love the look; it looks like small rocks. My cabinets will be white so I think the countertop will definitely enhance the look I am trying to achieve.

Pets and Snow

Our pet is a small shitzu, named Sparky. He is 3 years old and spoiled rotten. This dog can not tolerate rain in any amounts, however now that we have the first snowfall, he loves it! The snow can even be a wet sleet and he still wants to be outside. As you can see from the picture, he gets covered in snow to the point where you can hardly see his face. He just makes us laugh!