Sunday In The Park

The past couple weeks at work have been brutal. Events every night after lunch is over and back to backs on the weekends. 21 days straight. No breaks. But we're just that good and we can pull it off.

We got to blow off a little steam this weekend at The South Park Italian Festival. Good Times Good Times.

It was held on the greenspace in front of The Botanical Gardens this year. Way nicer than where it's been held on Redding Street previously.

It was HOT and the sun was glaring but all the vendor tents were set up under a stand of trees, which made it quite nice. This is the one event that we bring our own beverages to. This year, the bev of choice was Three Olives Cherry Vodka and Lemondade or Limeade. Yum Yum .... perfect drink for the day. Needless to say, we killed the bottle. We also ran out of food!!!! We had lines all day long for our Grilled Chicken w/ Cheese and Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich and the Italian Sausage Patty w/ peppers and onions and cheese sandwich, and the Stuffed Hot Peppers Sandwich. We rock! Pretty sure the other vendors were jealous at our brisk business. We ended up donating the proceeds of $500.00 to Cradle Beach Camp. We're awesome.

Justin won a prize in the Chinese Auction. The umbrella he models for us here, along with a two seater chair. I probably dont have to say that this picture was taken after the bottle of vodka was gone

Here, Justin tests out the umbrella, Mary Poppins Style by jumping off the back of the truck.

We really wanted to take this little guy for a ride. The BPD probably would have had a problem with that since its was theirs.

Here's the Master of Ceremonies for the event...Assemblyman Mark Schroeder. Those yellow shirts the DiTondo's people were wearing had a picture of him when he was a little kid. We do a different one every year. He loves it *evil grin*

At one point I found myself having a conversation with Mark and Mayor Brown. Later on, I mentioned to Offspring #4 that she should have taken a picture with me and Byron and after that, #4 and Justin started and all on "Who Can We Get A Picture With" challenge. #4 got a couple of the Buffalo Jills for Justin, they got me with the mayor and a state senator.

C'mon Out

We'll (and by we, I mean the gang from DiTondo's) be over at the South Park Italian Festival today. Come on over. It'll be loads of fun!

Random

We're finally having a summer!!!! Hot, Hazy and Humid. It hasn't rained in like a week.

Trying to get a couple of Beatles songs. There is not ONE Beatles song on iTunes, just cover band stuff. Why the hell is that?

I really need to clean my house. And by clean, I mean a move the furniture and scrub and polish everything clean.

I need a day off.

The new front door came in. Doug will install as soon as I'm done staining it. The Spouse says he might do it. That would be nice.

When We Last Left Our Story....

...construction on The Project was just being completed. Its been most enjoyable. I'm spending every free minute being out there. That pretty much explains why I havent posted in a while. Well, that and the fact that we're working wicked crazy hours.

Focus is now turned to The Wedding Details. Offspring #2 and the Fiancee take the big walk in 6 weeks. Invites are out and returns are coming back in. I'm not one to get all nervous and jerky about stuff, but I'm getting a little hinky here because everything is going way too smoothly. The way this summer, and I use the term 'summer' with full sarcasm, is going, odds are, its going to rain.....and considering that the affair is a PICNIC, in the OUTDOORS...perhaps that will be our crisis. I keep telling myself that the weather is the one thing I can't control, so I'm not going to stress about it. I also keep telling myself that Mother Nature will be a dear and bless us with a nice day....She's just getting the wet stuff out of the way for that weekend. Yeah...thats it.

My Friend Lynn Sent Me This

This video was made in the Antwerp , Belgium

Central (Train) Station on March 23, 2009, with

no warning to the passengers passing through

\the station.

At 8:00 am a recording of Julie Andrews singing

'Do, Re, Mi' begins to play on the public address

system.

As the bemused passengers watch in

\amazement, some 200 dancers begin to appear

from the crowd and station entrances.They

created this amazing stunt with just two

rehearsals!

Enjoy!

And Then There Was Light

Well....sort of. I mean there's light, and it looks incredible in person, but I couldnt capture it like I wanted to on the camera.

Photos just dont do it justice

By Jove, I Think We've Done It!

The Irish Snug

What is a Snug? The history of the "snug" began in Ireland in the late 19th century. It was typically a small, very private room that had a frosted glass window, set above head height, accessing the bar. You paid a higher price for your beer in the Snug, but nobody could see you. It was not only the well off visitors who would use these rooms. The snug was for patrons who preferred not to be seen in the public bar. Ladies would often enjoy a private drink in the snug in a time when it was frowned upon for ladies to be in a pub. The local police officer would nip in for a quiet pint, the parish priest for his evening whiskey, and lovers would use the snug for their clandestine visits.

Well....I just got done putting a couple of coats of poly on the bar. And let me tell you, it's friggin awesome looking.

Here's a couple of shots......

I'm loving this bar. I believe we'll call it The Snug.

All we need the electric hooked up and Kevin is coming over early next week to do that. Oh, and I need to dress up the place with all the little chachki and stuff I've been collecting. Jewelry, if you will.

You'd Think....

...that since I've been off all week....(we're closed...one week every year at 4th of July) that I'd have tons of time to post. But no....I've been off doing stuff. Mostly wedding stuff. I believe I have everything checked off my list, so now I'm good with that.

Every morning, I've been waking up a little later. Except for Monday of course, when The Spouse woke me up at the usual time, forgetting that I didnt have to get up. This morning, I rolled over and it was 9:45. I cant remember the last time I slept that late. AND, its rained pretty much every day this week. Yeah.

And, I havent had a Pepsi since Friday. Its just too easy having that fountain gun so close to me at work. My name is Peggy and I am a Pepsi-holic. Nothing beats an ice cold one in a can. Yes, it must be in a can...none of that 2 litre or plastic bottle stuff for me. And it was the absolute bestest when it came in glass bottles. Remember those? What I wouldn't give.... Now that I'm rambling about it, I'm probably gonna have to buy some when I head to the grocery this afternoon.

But I can't leave now....Doug is here installing the bar on the porch. Film at 11.

The Green Green Grass Of Home

We have green-ness! I guess all that rain over the last week was good for something. The seed is beginning to sprout.

Stucco guy finished up on Friday and I spent all of Sunday painting. Looks really really nice. The Spouse is just loving it also. He was a bit concerned about the whole stucco thing, but he absolutely loves it now. Dude...always trust my vision, ok?

I dragged up some of the old crusty chairs and a couple of tables from the basement and we've been sitting out there. A LOT! The Offspring and I were out last night for hours. I'm very pleased.

All thats left to be done is the ceiling and the new front door. Oh, and the bar. Doug's off on another job right now and we've been demoted to 'rainy day' work status. Which, I guess, is ok. Not really, but what are you gonna do? He promised that all would be done by the end of the month.

I'm very well pleased with the whole project. Thinking about posting it on "Rate My Space" on HGTV.com. Wouldn't it be cool if we were an inspiration room for someone and then got on the show????

Ok...I've Got Some Catching Up To Do

We've been swamped with parties at work, and we're putting in 12 hour days, and doing weekends and I've just not have time to update anything, so here goes......

Last week I noticed that the Yucca in the front yard had started sprouting. Not just one or two stalks...but SIX!

The started to open up today....

Gorgeous little flowers....too bad they don't last real long.

Now...on to The Project.

The whole house is sided. Love the color. The Spouse and His Buddy With The Bobcat spread 25 yards of dirt (Thats a LOT of friggin dirt) to level the terrain around the patio and slope it out to the back. He also got the grass seed spread and miracles of all miracles...its been raining ever since. Weather so far this spring/summer has been kinda crappy. One or two nice teaser days then not so much.

AND!!! The stucco guy game today and started the side walls. Doug will finish off the ceiling when stucco guy is done and then Kevin will come and install the lights and outlets and the fan and we'll be DONE!!! Well...we'll be done when Doug installs the bar.

When The Walls Come Tumbling Down

The Aud is almost gone. Here's another good place to reminisce about the old girl. And this will lead you to a video of the tumbling from Saturday

The last of the roof came down on Saturday morning

I drove by yesterday....This was taken from under the I-190
And this wall is all that's left standing.
There were a good number of people roaming around and checking it out.

Everyday Brings Something New

Bricklayer Todd pretty much finished up today. We thought we were going to have to wait a few weeks for the capstone but he found some and slapped it up there today

Check out this brutally phenomenal detail work above the door.
All thats left to do on the structure is the stucco on the two interior walls, and the covering for the ceiling.

In the mean time, Doug has begun the task of re-siding the rest of the house....he's got the one side done. After that we can add the landscaping and its party time.

Nice View

We went to Harry's Harbour Place Grille for my birthday dinner last night. Good view, good food and excellent company!!!

In other news.....the brick work is coming along nicely! Half the inside wall is done....I'm thinking he'll finish up tomorrow....
And all the brick on the outside walls is done. That will be getting capped off with a white stone ledge. As you can see...some of the old siding is off and being prepped for the new stuff. Coastal Sage is the new color. We are so over that 20year old blue!!!

I just got done staining the door and the window. 6 more hours to go before I can do the second coat. I may cheat and do it a little earlier. We'll see. If the 1st coat is dry I may be a rebel and do it. I live dangerously!

Doors and Windows and Bricks, Oh My!

New door *which I have to stain on the inside* New window *which I have to stain, on the inside*
And the best part..the brick work. Gonna look wicked awesome once the new siding goes up. *did I mention that we decided to reside the whole house? Budget buster right there.*

Grime Doesn't Pay

Got the computer back today. My guy Ray ran what he needed to run, said if there was any kind of virus that it was gone and he didnt think there was a virus, but the big reason for my problems was dust. I guess shooting the thing with the air in the can stuff just isn't enough to keep the puppy clean. Computers are like TVs in that they are giant electromagnets that attract the dusties.

Speaking of dust, I've got a thin layer of construction dust all over the house. I just got done delousing the kitchen because the new sliding door went in today. There's grime everywhere. One thing I despise is grime!!! makes me nuts! And the window went in on The Project too. The brick guy was here dropping off the goods and Kevin came by and did some preliminary wiring. He and The Spouse are now up at Nickel Creek having a pop. And by pop I dont mean pop if you get my drift. I'll have some pictures up soon. There were too many people roaming around to get any shots this afternoon.

Not Much New Progress To Report

We have trim....

And we have soffits



I believe we're waiting for the electrician to work his magic and the brick guy to come and do the brick work along the lower section *across the whole lower back of the house, where the Tyvec is...wont that look cool?* of the house, then the siding can go up. Brick guy is also doing the brick and stucco on the interior.

I want it to be done!!!! "Daddy..I want an Oompa Loompa and I want it NOW!!!!"

Everyday A Little More Progress

Today The Project is enclosed. Well...except for the part thats staying open. All the sheathing is up and the roof, no shingles, but a roof, is on. As expected, my kitchen is a little darker, but thats ok because now I can have the curtains open without being blinded. It'll lighten up once the window goes in on the left side.





Would you look at that lawn???? All thru this, The Spouse, aka, Mr. Greenjeans has kept his lawn up.

And, as always, you can see more detail if you click on the picture.

What The???

Yeah..its the 18th of May and we're scraping frost off the cars????

And I didn't take the computer in Saturday cuz they were closed.

We have an actual structure now!

And this guy is doing all the work by himself.

In other news.....I think I have a fan motor problem on my computer.....I should really take it in and have it checked out, so I may be inactive for a few days. I can make posts from my phone but I dont know if there will be any pictures. Wish me luck

Have I Ever Mentioned How Much I Love My Job Or The People I Work With???

I'm sure I have. Today was just one more example of why.

We have a regular customer...*we have LOTS of regulars actually, this is just one of our favorites* who lately has been getting a salad to go. I started drawing little pictures on the bag, or writing little notes on the container and just doing goofy little things like that. Well, today Justin took it to the next level..




Yes...thats Andy's name carved out of a couple slices of provolone cheese.

Awesomeness

Framing Has Begun!

This is awesome...and the picture does not do it justice.


The sun was in the way!

And its weird....it's the first time since way back when in, what, September was it, that we're able to walk out the sliding door into the backyard. Coolness

Another Episode of .... Unsolicited Product Review

Today I tried the Woolite Rug Stick . And gosh darnit, it worked pretty well! I've got a high traffic problem stepping down into the family room. The dingy came out and it fluffed up nicely. I also tried upstairs where I had a spill and that came clean also. Then I thought...the stairs could use a sprucing up so I started on the bottom, got one step done and ran out of product, since the kit only comes with a trial size container.

Bought it at Tops for $14.95 and I didnt even think to look and see if they sold a refill. If they don't, I'm sure Target will have it. At least I hope they do.

Two Thumbs Up

And They're Off

We went to Buffalo Raceway last night. Had a table right along the glass in the grandstand.


I went down and play some slots for a little while, *because I couldnt find a room they were painting so I could watch the paint dry...not a big fan of the whole 'slap a wagon on a horse and make him trot in a circle and see how much money people will bet on the outcome thing* till I ran out of money...hahahahaha...it didn't take long.

If there's a recession, you couldn't tell it from The Fairgrounds. The grandstand was packed and there were very few slot machines that were not occupied.

Taking Shape

The concrete for the porch and the patio are done!





Next step....construction of the porch itself.

Random

So...there's no update on The Project because they're not pouring the concrete until Saturday. And it's supposed to rain on Saturday night so, who knows.

Here's some random stuff.

New (or old) TV shows I like.

The Unusuals I LOVE this show!!! The characters are a bit off the wall, or, unusual, if you will. On ABC, Wednesday night, 10:00

Castle Two thumbs up on this one too. Nice cast, humor, mystery, well written. On ABC, Monday night, 10:00

Bones David Boreanaz, Buffalo boy, nuff said. His father was Dave Thomas of Rocketship 7 and Dialing For Dollars fame.

30 Rock I have always and will forever have a crush on Alec Baldwin. There, I said it. Everyone knows now.

The Mentalist No commentary, I just like the show.

The Office, My Name is Earl, Two and a Half Men, How I Met Your Mother, Big Bang Theory, all make the list too. Hmmmmm...seems to be the stuff I like most is the stuff that makes me laugh. Or chuckle. Or snicker. Nuthin wrong with that!

And looking over at my Twitter update from last night, it seems I can't type whilst walking down stairs in a mob of people. That should have read "A Chorus Line". And let me tell you it was just fantastic! I was walking around all day today singing the songs I love the most. And singing them outloud, which is not really pretty at all. At least I didnt break out in a dance number using a lid to a pot as my top hat belting out "One, singular sensation, every little step she takes". I thought about it but I didnt do it.

Double Update

...because I didn't get home till after dark last night and didn't take pics till this morning and this afternoon.
This was the scene after yesterday....the foundation was all filled in and level. Beginning to look like something now, huh?

Now, today, forms for the floor of the porch, the stairs and the patio are now set.

It's probably going to stay that way for a while. Weathermen say its going to rain the next couple of day. Oh, wait...what am I talking about...they haven't been right about any weather prognostications for a long time!

The lilac are beginning to bloom too!

First Floor, Housewares, Second Floor, Sporting Goods, Third Floor, FOUNDATIONS!

WooHoo!

I Miss All The Good Stuff

I'm an ambulance chaser from way back. My dad was the first one to say "Let's go" when the sirens at the fire station went off. We had a scanner and if something big was close, we were there.

If only I'd stuck around at work for a few more minutes yesterday. I could have been in the middle of all the excitement. Not 10 minutes after I left, this really cool building behind work went up in flames.

This is all that's left


I know I have a before picture around here somewhere, and if I find it, I'll post it.

I should mention that the building was vacant and no one was hurt.

There's some more pictures and a story to this story at BuffaloRising.com

**edit 5/4

Just got this picture in from The Spouse, thought I'd post it