Free picture of Ruby

Ruby is bored and has had enough of laying in bed.

Hotel room

This is us in our hotel room and our view.

Fingerprints

Starla and I had our fingerprints taken in Charlotte last Thursday. It was a really easy process (we just had to wait a long time for our appointment). We stayed at a nice hotel where Starla had a lavender massage. And we ate at a wonderful restaurant named Table. Martinis and a cheese plate. Mmmmmm.

A little tired

I am just relaxing in my bed upstairs at the moment. I flipped the mattress and washed the sheets, blanket and mattress pad earlier today. In fact, today has been a busy cleaning day. We go to Charlotte tomorrow to get our fingerprints taken. Hopefully, that will go smoothly. Anyway, I am just doing crosswords right now and reenergizing for the rest of my work this evening. Ironing. Hank is coming over tomorrow to watch Ruby here while we are away. Apparently, Ruby is rough on unfinished stairs and new carpet so she doesn't get to visit Tennessee. Even though I haven't seen the actual proof I am willing to believe it. Hank is brave to face the home with no AC. No one wants to visit us during the summer. Starla's not to big on it either but it doesn't bother me so much. I guess I can thank Texas for that. Here is the view outside my window in the bedroom. Pretty, no?

Dog treat

Here is one of Ruby's fake ice cream bars. Here is Ruby waiting for one of her fake ice cream bars. This thing guarantees about 15 minutes of quiet.

Two new rooms

The two rooms I have been working on have come to a point of stasis. I won't say they are done yet but they are acceptable for the next several months, perhaps as long as a year. Next I start on new rooms and new projects. The library and the last guest room are first on the list.

Our file cabinet

We finally broke down and bought a file cabinet. It came in many, many pieces. Ruby watched me while I put it together. Here is the finished product.

Ruby relaxing

Ruby made herself right at home in Missouri.

Strike that last comment

Apparently Chester, Illinois is home to the creator of Popeye and he used several townspeople as a basis for his characters in that old time, wonderful cartoon.

Flat land.

Starla was amazed at the flat expanse in Missouri and Illinois. Due to a wrong turn we sure saw a lot of it. Can you name that crop, Starla? We drove through Chester, Illinois, the birth place of Popeye, on the way home. I suppose they mean the birth place of Popeye's creator and not the real life person the character is based on.

Ruby's trip

I don't think Ruby likes riding in the car as much as she just can't stand being left behind. She was a very well behaved beast to and from Cape Girardeau. Except for licking the windows and roof.

Another room done.

Here is the previously pictured room. Looks much better. I had to clean out the closet in this room to install a new one. And guess how many of Starla's shoes I found. Keep in mind these are just the ones she doesn't normally wear.

Another room down

No more flowery wallpaper in this bedroom. I didn't tear the walls up as much either. Next for the paint.

Where's Ruby going?

After breakfast she's missing Starla. But Starla wants another hour of sleep. She stayed up too late reading.

Room done.

I'm happy to report that the previously pictured room with the damage from my wallpaper removal has now been repaired and painted. Here are some pictures as proof. Next is the bedroom with the door to the deck. Goodbye flower wallpaper.

Fungus in my sod

Mushrooms all over the place in the sod this morning. Hundreds of them. Ruby and I played in the yard this morning until she was foaming at the mouth. I decided that would be our limit. Everyone sees what they want with Ruby. Several people have mistaken her for a full blood pitbull. Recently, two different people thought she was a Great Dane. Whatever she is it has a lot of energy and bounce. When she gets a good jump she is nearly at my eye level. Kind of like a flying piranha.

Fireworks in Asheville

Starla and I missed the fireworks last night. They didn't start until 10:00 and we were tired already. Hopefully next year.

Lo and behold

While I was posting the last two entries I looked down and saw Ruby splayed out. Here's a picture. Let's hope she doesn't toot.

Sunroom and upstairs bedroom

The sunroom is newly painted. Perhaps you can make out the dark sage color in the picture. I've, also, been stripping wall paper upstairs. Boy that is not fun. It has a nice distressed look, doesn't it. Kind of like an old Russian estate.

New chairs

Starla and I have been looking for chairs for a long time. We haven't been able to agree on any chairs until now. The new shipment at Oddfellow's Antiques delivered for us.