Tag Archives: Projects

Life at Bass Lake Lot 205, Pictures of the Adventure, The Adventure

First Things First

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Now that Gary had his work platform done, he moved on to his next big project-building the deck! We already had nice landing at the side door, but it wasn’t very functional to be used as outside space. We have a nice live oak tree for shade (and falling acorns and leaves too), and felt that the space to the back of the house called for a good sized deck.
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But we also had a 150# (full) propane tank (weighing approx. 800#) right behind the landing.
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There was no way a deck was going to built around that and while there was a little chatter about some of the guys in the neighborhood (?? remember, we’re some of the younger folks on the block!) moving it, smarter heads prevailed and we called the local propane company. They showed up with their fancy boom truck and got right too it!
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It was so fun to watch, even some of the neighbors stopped by to watch the move!
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Once that was accomplished, the real fun (well, in Gary’s book at least) could begin!
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Signing off from the construction zone,
Steph

Life at Bass Lake Lot 205, Pictures of the Adventure, SOWER Projects 2018, SOWER Projects 2019, The Adventure

But what is Dad going to do? Part I

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Any time that we would talk about life “after SOWERs”, our kids would ask – “But what is Dad going to do?” Let’s face it – SOWERs is a perfect fit for Gary. He gets to work on a variety of projects, and even if that month’s assignment isn’t his most favorite type of project, he never complains – “You can do anything for three weeks!” he’d say. And it was a perfect fit for me too! I got to meet new people, see different areas of the country, watch God working in so many different ways, and as an added bonus – I had a very small house to keep clean! We always had at least a week off each month, a free place to park, and work that was (mostly) geared to our aging bones! Win-Win-Win.
But we knew it wasn’t forever. And the kids were concerned. I think they knew I’d be able to fill my days with computer work, sewing, and reading (and napping?), but Dad’s happy place is building, fixing, and helping (and maybe a bit of napping too?). Well, I’m happy to report that our Little Lindale House has been a pretty perfect fit for both of us! On the one hand, it’s in great shape! It’s keeping me busy just trying to figure out where things are going to go inside (I think I’ve finally got the peanut butter in its forever home), and Gary is busy with some improvements on the outside!
His first project was the shed!
This was pretty much how we found my side –
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and despite finding termites and all of the fun stuff that went along with that –
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I’m happy to report my “Studio” is mostly outfitted and ready to go!
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I haven’t moved all my sewing from Lizzie to its new spot yet – but I’m sure I’ll be tackling those UFO’s (UnFinished Objects) soon! No excuses now!
When Gary needed a break from the sewing room project, he’d work on his side – The Workshop! It also was pretty full when we moved in –
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but pictures taken today show that he’s been busy channeling his organizational alter-ego!
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(Now that I’m looking at His side – I’m kinda embarrassed about the general disarray on my side! All in good time, I suppose!)
Of course, that just scratches the surface of the “What’s Dad going to do?” answer. But this is long enough, so I’ll save that for Part II!
Stay warm my friends – it’s crazy cold here in Texas, so I know many of you are in a deep freeze! Thanks for stopping by!
Steph

The Adventure, The Cabin

A quick one!

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And just under the wire for my ‘one a day’ goal! But it’s been a fun and full day and there really just wasn’t any time. Laundry, grocery shopping, zooming with my sister and niece, then friends for dinner (first attempt at a smash burger on our new Blackstone). Rounded out the day with some games and good conversation and here it is- 11:30!
Here’s a question for you. One of there first things we do once we get here is to make a trip to Lowe’s. Here’s our haul from that first trip-Untitled

Any guesses what his project is? There’s a clue in Monday’s post! 😉
Sweet dreams!
Steph

Family and Friends, Pictures of the Adventure, RV Life, The Adventure

Brain Fog, but Heart Full

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I’m suffering from a bit of COVID Confusion these days. From Tennessee to Ohio to Texas, back to Ohio and now in Pennsylvania – what’s open, what’s not, what requires masks, who has one way isles, where can we eat out (Inside? Outside? Takeout only?) and WHEN CAN I GET MY HAIR CUT??? So many questions for my little brain to process.
But while my brain is in over-drive, my heart is very full! Over the last two weeks I’ve been able to see all but one of my grandkids, and even without a pandemic, that doesn’t happen very often. So in brief summary –
The Great Bedroom Shuffle and the Marysville Clan-
Gary made great progress on the drywall in the basement and while they aren’t quite up to the ‘ready to paint’ stage, they are certainly getting close!

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Now that baby sister Everly has arrived
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that basement ‘suite’ has a new sense of urgency! But then again, pretty sure she won’t be needing her own room for a bit! Especially with all those brothers and sisters lining up for their turn to hold her!
I’ m so thankful that we were able to stick around long enough to meet that little one! We are already very much in love!
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Our Gahanna Gang
With all of the quarantine restrictions, we only got to see this sweet family a couple of times (and only saw Ellie on a video chat). But they were precious times nonetheless!
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That little girl is growing up Way Too Fast!

The Waco Cowboys
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My main purpose in making the trip to Waco was to help with the move into their new house outside of town. Since they didn’t have a deadline to be out of their previous house, the move was an ongoing process. Oh, I managed to unpack a couple of boxes and did my share of making sure the new cabinets were ready to be filled, but I think primarily I was there to just be an extra set of hands in an already very busy household! Everyone was super excited about the move and Josiah and Abigail have some big plans for their new homestead. I was just pretty excited to be hanging out with these littles!
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(Abigail worked hard to get that Grams and boys shot –

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I think the only one who was ready with each shot was little Deacon on my lap!)

What a great (even if it was exhausting) family filled couple of weeks! I may still get confused why there are so many PA license plates in the parking lot (oh, right – we’re IN Pennsylvania), but that’s OK.  We’re right where we believe God wants us to be – and for us, that’s the right place to be!

Thanks for sharing in my joy at spending time with the ‘grands’!

Steph

 

 

If you’d like to see additional photos – (’cause you know I took more!) Basement Reno
Ohio Visit
Waco Week

 

Pictures of the Adventure, RV Life, SOWER Projects, SOWER Projects 2019, The Adventure

Wrapping up March

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OK, so March isn’t actually OVER, but our March SOWER project at Panfork Camp has come to a close, so it seemed a good time to give a little review of our time there!

Since you already know about the De-Bunking we did-
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and the Great Lifeguard Chair Challenge
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I thought I’d give you some details about the other major job that was tackled during our project.
One of the staff houses sustained some major water damage over the rough winter just past. Plumbing need to be repaired/replaced, drywall needed to be removed and flooring needed to be redone. It involved a bathroom, a closet, a laundry room and of course, the room that all of those doors opened up to!
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It was a mess, and with the new director and wife moving in  (hopefully)  by April 1st, the timing was critical. Lots to do, but the guys were up to it!
They started with the floor
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(though in hindsight, they would recommend doing the floor AFTER the drywall, etc. You know, construction dirt).
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Work progressed at a nice rate,
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while we ladies were busy painting the trim for them to re-install,
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and doing any other painting we could do while not being in the guys’ way!
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By the end of the three weeks, the room was finished, the plumbing worked, and all was good!
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Of course, there was other work that was accomplished. While the guys checked off several other maintenance jobs (which included, but was not limited to, pulling up more carpeting in another building)
Dorothy & I did some spring cleaning in one of the guest houses –
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and Larry spent some more time under sinks and behind toilets.
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It was a rough winter on the plumbing at the camp!
We ladies also tackled the job of sorting all those screws, nuts and bolts that came off those bunkbeds!

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It’s all about organization, folks! (And not being afraid of getting dirty!)

This really was a sweet project! Although Panfork Camp has been around since the 1940’s, this was the first time that SOWERs were here to help. We were honored to be in that first group!
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I’m not going to lie. The Texas Panhandle is not the prettiest part of Texas.
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This time of year it looks pretty barren. And brown.
But I sense, that when the trees break out of their winter mode, and the kids start coming here to learn about Jesus and the Hope that is in Him, this will be hallowed ground indeed!
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(If you’d like to see some more Panfork photos, you can check them out here!)