The Re-do, a new Hair-Do and some Do-Do...

Fun times when you mix in a remodel, an 8 year old model and an 8 week old pup intent on giving the remodel dude more work. It is an effective weight loss plan though as I dropped about 5 pounds in 2 weeks of having to serve lifeguard to the 3 projects.

BEFORE:

Out with the 80s leafy wallpaper which covered up the 70s flowery layer. But the retro light fixture, it was a must stay.

Stage-left exit for the tiled floor and the white tile that was around the partial, privacy toilet wall. Adios to the old sink faucet and towel hanger. Good-bye to the skinny metal blinds. The eggshell white paint around the cabinetry also bit the dust. Even the toilet paper holder went.

Out with the partial tub wall decorated in egg shell white color and the sky blue fiberglass-like upper half wall.

AFTER:

 

Took it down to raw drywall, skimmed it with plaster, textured it and brought on 2 coats of a soft, aquamarine color for a Cottagey-Spa Look. All of the half wall tile and toilet privacy area was done with bead board and 2 coats of bright white paint. New sink faucet, new white paint trimmed with new nickel painted hardware finished up this area. White 2x6" tile all the way up to the 6 foot mark with light gray grout lines complimented by a new rainfall, pan style shower head. Twelve inch square blah tile out, hickory apple laminate flooring in along with new wide slat, plantation-style blinds completes the Re-do! And for the budget curious, in under $1,500 to create the new look.

Ahh yes, announcing the Summer arrival of our 8 year old niece, Brynn, her super cute haircut and an 80 lb suitcase, (they learn early) for her summer stay. Her mom brought her out from Denver and stayed for a couple of days. After grandma, grandpa and Brynn took mom to the airport for her return flight to Colorado, Brynn, upon returning to the car, and reflecting on her mama's departure, announced "SHE IS GONE, I AM FINALLY ON VACATION!" Love that attitude, might have her do a guest post or two.

Brynn and her Entertainer Director. First day with us: Garage-saleing...walked 6 blks with her aunt to the Farmers Market...later walked 3 blks to the hardware store...later walked 4 blks to have her first snow-cone ever...played in the sprinklers twice, once while she "helped" me wash the car....helped me spray paint a toy basket for Sadie..played with the pup...learned to feed and herd the chickens...read for 30 minutes..watered the garden....watched Disney Channel..changed clothes 3 times...had one of her favs for dinner--Pizza Hut pepperoni pizza....but I failed her as I got asked the one question no one in my capacity wants to here--"I am bored, what are we going to do next"...

 Hula-hooping, what bonds her aunt with her niece.....and Sadie has bonded well with the pink shoes..

 What bonds her uncle......

 

Yes, within 24 hours of arrival, she was shown the art of thrifting as we stopped by some garage sales and she picked out some items of color.

Sadie the Lady 3 weeks ago....

Yeah, she is not skipping many meals. We did however have a scare at our 1st vet visit this week. I explained a battle of loose stools and thought it was perhaps a diet change. The doctor took immediate concern and wanted to do a rectal probe to take a sample to rule out an infestation of worms. By the way, she seemed to enjoy the probing a bit too much. The 3 vet techs relished playing with her while we awaited the results. The doc went back into a separate room and peered under the microscope. When he exited, he calmly escorted the techs out of the room and returned to us with a very somber face. I thought he was going to tell us "we found a lung in your dog's poop".

He revealed the diagnosis by saying "you  have a very sick puppy. She is loaded with worms and I am going to give her a pill that is going to make her even more sick and expect a very long afternoon and night with her as this is going to completely clean her system out". He was so convincing about the next 24 hours I pondered where I could  by a Bio-Hazard suit for the oncoming Poopalooza festival. Well, Princess Gut O'Steel took it all in stride with almost no side effects. All appears well and we go back in 3 weeks for a follow-up. If she wants to play with the rectal probe, we will seek counseling.

We are working on praying before meals.

Water conservation is huge in Texas. Lady Mouth of Thumbtacks is doing her part serving as "Pre-wash" for the dishwasher.

Patent-pending for the new Super Sized Dust Mop.

The moment when the Great White Pyrenees pup is most loved.

What else? As the dog days of Texas summer begin before it arrives on the calendar, a Summer cabin/seasonal RV starts singing a tune. One year ago, we were in Denver, pretty much an optimal spot in Anywhere, USA in June. Just not sure how well 5 hens travel---with a 100 lb. Pyrenees. Pondering for 2014.

The next 2.5 months--chilling! Taking a hiatus from our project list to enjoy 5 hens, 1 lady canine, our niece and my wife for the rest of the Summer. But at that ratio, may have to get on some testosterone booster to level out the playing field.

93 days til Fall.....