Wednesday, December 30, 2009

2009 START PROJECT: 2010 FINISH PROJECT

In 2010, Russ and I are each taking on a few projects. To start, Russ is focusing on the restoration of a 1956 Chevy Nomad. This project involves more pieces of chrome than any previous project that Russ has accomplished. I think the 1964 Plymouth Fury is a close second place in total number of chrome parts. Now part of the challenge and fun for Russ is to actually locate all of these parts and he is especially excited when he locates the "original" part which can be rechromed to shine like new!





























I'll keep you posted on the progress of this long-term project.

My project will focus on a short-term project that gives almost instant gratification. I like it! So my project will be the redecorating of our hallway bathroom. I removed the existing ugly wallpaper and the enormous frameless mirror which covered one entire wall over the sinks.

Without the 70's wallpaper and ugly mirror, I could see that previously the entire wall surface was not textured the same. Some areas have original texture, some have smooth texture and others damage. So my solution is to put up wallpaper! NO!!! I found a wallpaper product that is paintable and is to assist in covering various textures while providing a finished look of textured wall. See what you think. I was skeptible too, but I think it DOES look like textured wall. I'm give my final opinion once I complete the painting.















So what do you think? It DOES look like textured wall! You'll see it will be great once painted.

Other upgrades will be replacing that huge mirror with two mirrors; one over each sink. Replacing the long bar of light bulbs type light fixture with a 5-light nickle finished vanity fixture.

Here is a picture of the mirrors we will be using. They have silver finish with black antiquing highlights.



















And of course a picture of the light fixture. This picture is not the nickle finish and is only a 3-light bar (we selected the 5-light bar), but you can get the idea.



There - we'll start the New Year with these projects and see how it goes. Hope you are all happy and busy with projects or other enjoyments to make your New Year great!
HAPPY 2010!!

Saturday, December 26, 2009

SOON IT WILL BE NEW YEAR'S

I hope all my FB and blog friends had a wonderful Christmas. We had a wonderful day in Phoenix with 60 degree weather and sunny skys. It was a great holiday!

I'm heading into my art studio for a bit of crafting time.







Monday, December 21, 2009

HAPPY HOLIDAY FROM THE KINCAID'S

Wishing you all the best this season has to offer.




Thursday, November 26, 2009

TEMECULA THOMAS


Recent visit to
Temecula.
Thomas enjoyed
the RV life.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

HALLOWEEN
















It's that spooky time of year!
















Ghosts dancing in Prescott Arizona.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

PLAN FOR THE UNEXPECTED



If you plan for the unexpected you won't have time to panic. First they bring in the heavy equipment.






Next they mistakenly locate an electrical line, then discuss it for 4 hours.






Finally, the tractor work is complete and it's level enough to begin forming for concrete.

ARIZONA SUNSET
















Caught this lovely sunset from our front yard just about one week ago.
Now the trick is to get cooler temperatures in November.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

IN MEMORY
















Donald James Leitner
January 14, 1957 - October 20, 2008

Monday, October 12, 2009

EMPTY BOWLS
















My sorority group, Xi Alpha Eta of Beta Sigma Phi participated in the Empty Bowls project in Prescott, AZ. The idea is we go to a ceramic shop in town, paint and decorate soup bowls which are then fired into works of art. We then donate the bowls to the Empty Bowls project. This event raises money for Yavapai County food banks. Participants select a handmade bowl for $15 and enjoy 2 servings of gourmet soups along with bread and bottled water. They keep the bowl to remind them of their contribution to help feed the hungry.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

DREAM'S DO COME TRUE

CAR GUY MEETS CRAFT GIRL!







A huge garage that will hold 5-6 car projects with a lift to prevent doubling over or crawling under has been a long time dream for Russ. Check it out! This is a dream come true.
The driveways will be completed now that our weather is cooler. This is just one of the garage doors - the other is around the corner.Russ spent a lot of time searching for the antique barn lights and finished his nostalgia look with the old gas station sign.







MAN CAVE USA!








SCRAPPERS DREAM!

So with everything said about "man cave" and car proejcts - next door is a smaller structure that once was a garden shed and Russ modified it into an art studio for me. Come on inside and check this place out, it has EVERYTHING!














It might look messy to you, but there is always a project in progress and I don't have to pick stuff up everytime I use it. This is my haven.




Maybe you can't read the sign on the studio - it reads:

CLEAN RESTROOMS


Keeping with the nostalgic auto theme.










CAR GUY MEETS CRAFT GIRL!



DREAMS DO COME TRUE!

Monday, September 21, 2009

CHIHULY EXHIBIT AT BOTANICAL GARDENS
















If you were in Phoenix this year, I do hope you had a chance to get to the Botanical Gardens to see the Chilhuly blown glass exhibit. http://www.chihuly.com/

The excitement of the display really came to life after dark. Chihuly glass is so vibrant in color and the curly designs were some of my favorites.






1964 PLYMOUTH FURY
















Of course there is always a car story in our lives - so the news this year is the Barrett Jackson auction where Russ sold this 1964 Plymouth Fury MaxWedge! It was an awesome car that he put together from the worst looking rust pile I've seen in awhile and I've certainly seen my share.

There was a young boy whose father asked Russ if he would let him ride in the car up onto the stage for the auction. Apparently they purchased tickets for the young boy to be on the stage to see the action first hand, but then were told that he was too young. So naturally, Russ let him ride with him onto the stage when our car was auctioned. It is always a very fun and exciting experience.

CRAFTING - SMAFTING! %^$$%*)^^#@
















For many months I kept busy making papercraft picture frames. I liked them, but couldn't sell a one at craft shows. So now I have plenty of gifts ready for any occassion. Even if there isn't a market for them, I certainly had a good time in the creative process. Also, made door hangers that matched some of the frames.

I guess it's a certain taste in crafting that makes the picture frames special.














Well so there it is - create something "different". So different, in fact, they don't sell.

AVOCADO HARVEST AT KINCAID GROVE
















March 2009 was the first harvest from the avocado grove in Temecula. From 800 Haas trees we harvested 1,000 pounds of great green avocados. It was very exciting!

Then in July, from the 300 Lamb Haas trees we harvested 1,500 pounds of great green avocados! WooHoo!

http://www.calavo.com/

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

We have finally found ourselves in 2009 and I still have not made time to begin blogging. I hear others talking about their family blogs, I share in the excitement of reading other family members blogs, but I have not made the effort to begin. But now is the time. I will start with the present and possible break off now and then to play catch-up with the past information I should have shared earlier. Who knows, I could begin to enjoy this activity with the same zeal as I enjoy computer and video games.

So watch for more from me soon.