Can u spot the Differences?

I wanted to use this picture, but that light pole in Abraham Lincoln's face irked me. We had picked up this camper in Dix Nebaska in the early afternoon (June 2007) and were thrilled with our teeny RV. As the day came to a close, we were at Mt. Rushmore for their evening ceremony which I highly recommend. I have to say from the parking lot, I was slightly disappointed. But when you sit at the base of the massive granite structure and they gradually illuminate those faces, in tandem with "America the Beautiful", it is impressive and gives you goosebumps (and a lump in your throat).

For the record. Settled at our campsite, later that evening the kids were first class ROTTEN, and we questioned our logic in buying a unit for such cozy (did I mean miserable?) family togetherness.

Enter Susie. Photoshop wizard. She removed 5 things. Can you find them?

All together now - Aaaaaah!

Susie has a "thing" for babies - puppies included. This is her furry friend, Gauge - a chubby springer spaniel that is irresistible. Susie will have to take a break from her studies to cuddle puppy, clean up puppy puddles, and play puppy tug-of-war. Want one? There's one left, named "Homeless Dude".

Off to La Grande (again)

The drive from La Grande, South towards Dayville and into Prineville is a beauty. Two points if you know where "Fox, Oregon" is. There's no run'n to Target for supplies out there and you'll be walking a LONG ways if you run out of gas- they are remote!

I really really really NEED this sign.

Multnomah Falls

Painting pro Milah - this room was painted a dark gray, so it took several coats to cover. Susie, Sten, and Sara went to La Grande earlier to do some painting, and this past weekend, Susie and I went over to finish the painting, put things away and decorate a bit.

Mr. Fix it - apparently Sten has a few home improvement tricks up his sleeve, so I think I'm going to be calling on his expertise.

Susie liked her bedroom that I painted back in December (even tho she never stays there), so she wanted a similar style in her new bedroom.

Susie's Dad, Chuck - making a closet. Her parents came for the day and experienced some mechanical failure on the way home - that's a horrendously expensive closet!

Gas to La Grande $300
Towtruck $486

New Distrubutor $700

One thing I've discovered after spending the weekend with tall folks is that I am stink'n short! Imagine hanging drywall, painting, and installing pictures without a ladder? No FAIR!

Roommate Kyle, mistakenly mentioned that he knew how to tape and mud drywall.

There is an adorable corner cupboard in the kitchen that was begging to be "accessorized". I have been grabbing "olive oil" things for years, so I guess Susie now has a Tuscan kitchen. Plates and bowls from Pier 1 imports. Everything else- Goodwill treasures.

Kyle was glad to have some furniture and said that this old empty house felt like "home" when we left.

Coffee Table Project

Icky Icky Ucky Ucky. I grabbed this at a sale for 5$. Susie is becoming a college student (at EOU), a homeowner, and a landlord all in the same breath - so I've been hunting for furnishings at a bargain.

First I painted everything cream and then wiped on two different tones of golden brown. I used stamps to spell the different places/streets/towns near LaGrande, distressed it (of course), and then stained the entire coffee table. On the end table, I spelled out her address, but will not jeopardize her security due to questionable blog lurkers. Oooh - I love it, and I think it's a guaranteed original!

Congratulations are in Order

Susie received a little package in the mail today - an acceptance letter from OHSU School of Nursing in La Grande. Hooray! She will be spending the summer playing guitar at the local Farmer's Markets and occasionally pull a few shifts at some busy intersections with her handout bucket ready to catch any spare change thrown at her.

Her first patient - not sure what malady he's suffering, but it looks serious and possibly beyond the reach of modern medicine to tackle.