Monster

Let me set the stage... yesterday, mid-morning, gloves, hose, and Miracle Grow. After doing what good little gardeners do - feeding and watering - I decided to neatly wind the hose. You see, we have the coolest hose reel. It looks more like a little 4-wheeler than a hose reel. It has four all-terrain wheels, a basket to hold gardening stuff, and can hold up to 300 ft. of hose. Wow you say? Wow is right!

Back to my story... in order for me to properly wind the hose, I had to unwind most of it. Lurking (yes lurking) on the canister was one of the ugliest and most disgusting spiders I have seen to date. Next to it was its egg sack. I don't think I screamed because it was staring right at me with those HUGE green eyes. I quickly assessed the situation and decided that taking a picture was the best course of action. I was certain that it was a deadly species and would need to be identified. I didn't trust my memory under stress so I rushed in for the camera.

The Monster (notice the capital) was waiting for me when I returned. I snapped a few pictures (none of them truly show its grotesque qualities - I blame the camera), took off my shoe and promptly swatted at it. The first hit just winged it and it jumped (yes jumped) off the canister. I was quicker than the monster and smashed it with skill. It is still on my back patio in two crumpled heaps.

I collected the egg sac for further study. It is still on my counter top in a zip lock baggie. I probably should have double bagged it for security purposes but it seems fine.

I researched the monster (my heart still pounding) and found out it is called a "daring jumping spider". They can jump great distances considering their size but don't seem to be poisonous to humans. If you want some great and gross reading, check out this link:

http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/daring_jumping_spider.htm


Here is The Monster...

Finally...Almost

The floors are done...Shout hooray! You should see my happy dance and little flags fly!


Another shot...
We also did the carpet in the two bedrooms upstairs. I had not idea carpet was so expensive!! This is the master bedroom.

In honor of having my kitchen back, I made some fabulous cupcakes that my youngest sister (a superb chef) gave me the recipe for. She made them for a birthday celebration and PC loved them! I promised him that I would make them just as soon as the kitchen was functional again. Here are the photos!

I still need more practice to get them as good as the originals! I'm sure PC will be my taster.

One Year

One year ago today, I married my love, my PC. We have had a year of adventures! Vacations, a new house, daily happenings, and loving words. It has been my best year to date. He is my constant, my example of how to love and take care of someone. He says that his happiest times are those times that I'm happy. Well, I'm happy.
I love him across the sky and back.

Before the Cruise (BTC), we finished the installation of the granite counter tops in the kitchen and bathrooms. We also put in a full tile back-splash which is absolutely gorgeous! The pictures don't do it justice - but you get the idea...

After the Cruise (ATC), my sweet In-Laws came and brought roses to revamp the flower garden in our backyard. They are breathtaking!

To round out the madness, we are finishing our remodeling project with hardwood flooring. Our main living area is now torn up and the once beautiful kitchen is a mess.

After two days, here are the results...

Once again, pictures (+ dust) just don't do it justice.

And finally, please make sure that every time you or a loved-one ride a bike that a helmet is worn! Dan crashed on his ride yesterday and the helmet saved his head. He came away with some scratches and stiffness but is ready to get back on the proverbial horse. Pictures speak louder than words...

I truly love my many adventures and each blessing that comes my way!!