A lighter basement!

Tree Trimming Party 2011

Fun Day

Here I am, in front of the new bridge!

 One of the riders was kind enough to give me a trot on her horse.

Funny Cat

This was shown on

the Ellen DeGeneres show

and I think it's so funny:

Our trip to Charleston, South Carolina

If you want to view a handful of pictures

of our trip go HERE.

Charleston is a quaint seaport

with beautiful architecture.

We had a spectacular meal

at Halls Chop House

celebrating Bret's birthday.
A family run restaurant
where they were extremely friendly
and attentive and the food
was phenomenal.
While sitting on a bench
in the business and shopping area
we were treated to
free hush puppies from
Hyman's Seafood Restaurant.
They were scrumptious!

The town's aquarium and library

are entirely too small

and not worth walking into.
The aquarium seems only
geared to small children for
very brief visits.
The library collection is uninspiring
and small.  I got the distinct feeling
this library catered to a
neglected segment of the population.

Another dismaying feature

is the garbage cans

permanently set out along all the streets,

both residential and commercial.

New York and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Trip

In September, we drove to Albany, Ithaca and Saratoga Springs in New York and to Philadelphia in Pennsylvania.  I finally got the photos posted.
I have provided a link to them so I didn't 'flood' this blog with all the pictures. Remember to go "Older Posts" for more pictures.
If you want to take a look press THIS.

FInal Choices for Basement

Pool table light:

 Over sitting area:

 Two of these

one at the foot of the stairs

one in front of my desk:

 Fabric for the Roman shades:

Cranberry Fabrics

Light Options

Valence Material

Fireplace Mantle

We found this at an architectural salvage place:

British Colonial

Another fabric choice

for the shades in the basement:

Fabrics we are considering for the basement

These first 2 are the most likely contenders.

This for the valences:

 This one for the shades:

 Other colours that the fabric comes in.

 This is daintier and might be too delicate

for the big leather couch and chair.

Chesapeake Bay Trip

The coast near the Inn we stayed in.

The first floor of our Inn.

White Swan Inn.