Home1 and Home2

First, a little catching up on WI. Readers will recall the new bird feeder setup. Well, it seems it became more of a squirrel feeder setup during the final few days we were at Home2 (we returned to Home1 on the 23rd). Those pesky squirrels can suck a bird feeder dry in no time at all. Ah, but we purchased a special "squirrel feeder baffle" which has yet to be installed atop the new post leading to the feeders. Tune in later for more developments.

While at Home2, we updated the two flower beds that are on the lake side of the home. Here is "mine." Kathie has another at the opposite end of the house. Note the gnome or elf that moved in. He was a retirement gift from a friend. I think this is a great place for him. The weather there was quite dry, so we hope that while we are at Home1, where it rains frequently this year, Home2 is getting at least some moisture. We intend to return to Home2 for a couple more weeks during middle July. Also, here is a photo of meine Frau attempting to catch some fish.

Finally, at Home1 we are busy working to complete the updating of our kitchen and adjacent areas. Here are a couple of samples of some of what we are doing. First, you can see the new kitchen floor, which is all new hickory. We really like the variety of color in this wood and its hardness. The finish on it was able to cure well while we were at Home2 for the three recent weeks in June. If you look close, you can see the new stove, which is also featured in a separate photo. It has two convection ovens, one small one on top and a second, more conventionally sized one on the bottom. The larger oven also has an interesting array of racks, including one which offers a partial shelf for items of different sizes and heights. The burners are gas, but the convection ovens are electric. We had to have 220 service installed, along with some alterations to the delivery of the natural gas supply. (What ever happened to standards?) If you look at the first photo carefully, you will note that the refrigerator still occupies space in the dining room. We are thinking of a new one, since our appliances seem to be switching from the old almond color to a combination of black and stainless steel. Unfortunately, the "standards" issue arises again. We have a 69" high space for our refrigerator, but the one we like best is 69-1/4". I have developed a plan, however, and so we might opt for this favored model anyway. Sawing and cursing will be involved.

Watch this space for more exciting development regarding Home1 and Home2.