The Logging Saga Continues

Good morning,

The logging saga of the fallen tree continues.  Here My Honey, not looking all that happy, is busy splitting wood from the newly fallen tree as well as large pieces of another tree that we had taken down earlier this year.  We waited until it was dry enough to split.

More than one friend has commented that my wood splitter man looks a great deal like the Jolly Old Elf from the North Pole.  If that is the case, then...

...Mrs. Claus is doing the stacking!  Here's some of it...

...here is more of it, and there is even more to come.

We won't even start on the huge trunk of the tree that just fell across the three compost bins and the back tier of the garden.  It's too big to move and too fresh to split until it dries so it'll be the project next summer.  I think we have enough firewood until then anyway.

This is the Project Supervisor safely observing the action from her supervisor's chair on the patio.

Ah, yes, family fun!  ;)

Lois

Oasis of the Seas - Part 2 of 2

Good morning,

Today I'm sharing the second half of the images our friends, Martha and Russell, sent us from the Oasis of the Seas where they are celebrating Martha's birthday this week.

These are more images of the interior of this Star Class Suite.  This staircase connects the living area and the bedrooms.  How kind that the Genies who provide the occupants with personalized service has also added birthday greetings for Martha.

This is our friend Russell.  This image also puts the layout of the suite into perspective.

This is the view of the living room from the second level.  The floor to ceiling windows on the left provide for spectacular views.

How fun to wake up here and see the views...

 ...of the ship and ocean.

 This looks like fun!  It's a hot tub that seats eight people...

 ...and a family-size shower, too.

 If you plan to stay for awhile, there is plenty of room in this closet and dressing area.  ;)

 Of course, the staff made sure Martha had a yummy birthday cake!

Thanks, again, Martha and Russell, for sharing your images of this spectacular ship!

All the best,
Lois

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If you'd like to see the exterior of Oasis of the Seas, here are some images I took while My Honey and I were on board Freedom of the Seas and were in port with Oasis for the first time:

More images of the exterior of Oasis of the Seas are here.

Oasis of the Seas - Part 1 of 2

Good morning,

Our friends, Martha and Russell are on the high seas this week celebrating Martha's Birthday aboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas.

Martha was kind enough to send me images of their gorgeous Star Class Stateroom so that I can share them here.

This suite includes a baby grand piano and a library.

The suite is comprised of several rooms over two decks so is large enough for a family to enjoy and for entertaining.

Cookies and cranberry juice:  a perfect afternoon snack.

 This suite is actually a luxury apartment aboard a huge cruise shp.  This is the living room area.

 The suite covers two decks...

 ...with spectacular views.

 The private balcony has seating for outdoor meals...

 ...and relaxing in the sun.

Tomorrow I'll share more images of this beautiful suite.

Thank you, Martha and Russell, for sharing your images.  It is such fun to see them!

All the best,
Lois

Still Another Birthday - Alex's Turn

Good morning,

Yes, the entire family seems to be born in the same part of the year.  Here's another birthday cake we enjoyed this months!

This time it was grandson Alex's turn.  This is a special birthday!  He's a teenager now!

My goodness they are growing up fast!

:),
Lois

Flashback to Last Wednesday

Good morning,

Since we had conflicting schedules for some of us, we celebrated Thanksgiving a day early this year.  Each holiday gathering is an opportunity to gets pictures of the family that will be treasured in years to come.  This year I had my camera at the ready to capture all the moments, but we got so busy that I missed plenty of the great moments.  Here are the ones we did get for family and friends to enjoy.

That beautiful turkey gave its all last Wednesday.  Catherine prepared the main part of the meal...

...and prepared Mr. Turkey outside on the grill.

Of course, we have three Lab Assistants here that encourage us to send all items to the Lab for testing.

I made the herb flatbread early and have it waiting in the wings.

The green bean casserole is traditional.  Of course, I prepared it in my mom's Cornflower Corning Wear.

 Catherine made the deviled eggs for the appetizer.  That tablecloth is historical, too.  I embroidered it more than 50 years ago.  We use it for the appetizer table at most of our family dinners.

 Mr. Turkey is pictured here just after he came in from the grill.  He's "resting" before Daddy began the carving.

 The table is set for eight which includes family and friends.

It was at this point that we got so busy that I didn't get any more pictures of our Thanksgiving dinner.  I should have a designated photographer, shouldn't I, so I don't miss anything!

In addition to all that has been pictured, there was more.  There was so much food, we sent some home with friends and have leftovers for several days:  twice baked sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and more prepared by Catherine;  salad prepared by our friend, Erica;  and cranberry sauce made by me from my Mom's recipe.  The Poinsettia centerpiece was provided by our friend, Judy.

We hope your Thanksgiving was as wonderful!

Lois

Bill to the Rescue!

Good morning,

After the tree disaster (see yesterday's post), our friend Bill came to the rescue with his chain saw.  I didn't start taking pictures until he had cleared most of the tree from the roof.  You can see one of the three large upper branches of the tree is still leaning on the garage.

It took Bill two days and two trips to take away all the brush in his truck.

Our baby car was in the garage and our two other cars were in their parking spots just outside the garage.  The falling tree missed them all.  Not a scratch. 

These are some of the upper branches Bill cut and threw from the garage roof to be cut further to fit in the fireplace.

 It was high winds that pushed the tree over.  It obviously had problems at the base, but most of the upper branches looked quite healthy.

 This is one of three main branches that Bill is cutting.

 Ah, so much more work to do!

Thank you, Bill!  We so appreciate all you do for us!

Lois

More Fire Wood

Good morning,

Well, this wasn't planned!  I was standing in my kitchen making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich when I heard a huge crash in the back yard.

It seems the huge tree in the middle of the yard has volunteered to keep us warm this winter.

From what we can see so far, there is no damage to the detached garage or cars.  At least we have access to the garage and cars without immediate tree service this evening.

It's always something, isn't it....

Lois

Happy Thanksgiving!

Another Birthday? Yes! It's Aunt Carol's Turn

Good morning,

You'd think we were making these up so we can eat cake. 

No, it's for real.  We have another birthday.

This time it's Aunt Carol's birthday!

Happy birthday, Aunt Carol!

Love and hugs,
Lois