Backyard Makeover - FINISHED!

Turned out really well.  We hope to have grass in about 4 weeks.  The kids were really surprised with the fishing deck we had built.  I don't think they really knew what we were doing.  It's basic, but it's going to really make using the lake much easier and more pleasant. 

Backyard Makeover Part II

The workers completed the stairs next to the house and started the fishing deck and steps today.  Very happy so far.

Alanta Auto Show

Well, in a word, dissapointment.  Ford's display was HUGE.  But, as a car enthusiast, I really wanted to see all the "stuff" from the other manufacturers.  Nissan, BMW, Infiniti, Porsche,and several others were not even there.  Very dissapointing.  I guess it's the economy.  Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep - shut it down.  I stood in their display for about 5 minutes and I was the only person there besides the workers.  Mercedes - your stuff is pretty nice - may I test drive your next generations SLR?  Very nice.  2011  Acura TL - nice.  Buick Regal concept - well, it looks nice, but, it's a friggin Buick.  Who's going to buy that thing.  Mini - your still cool.  Toyota - please.  Honda Crosstour - that thing "ain't" innovative - it's a hack of an Accord.  Audi - your A8 is really nice.  Chevy Silvarado, and GMC Super Duty - you will never be an F-Series.  There is a reason we are the #1 selling truck - and VEHICLE in the world.  Sorry.  Try again next year. 

Ford, Lincoln, Mercury.  I love our products.  I love our strategy.  I love our Quality.  One Ford.  Bring it. 

Backyard Makeover Part I

When we purchased our house last summer, I knew we would eventually need to invest some money in the backyard landscaping.  Well, the heavy rains we received this winter have forced that project ahead a little.  Thanks to some great negotiating skills by Belinda, we are doing several things over the next week.  First piece of the project is to extend the stairs down the left side of our house into the yard.  What yard was there, has washed down the hill.  Very dangerous to walk on and it's erroding pretty bad around the retaining wall.  The workers got a bunch done today, and Belinda was able to also negotiate a "clean up" of all our shrubs and landscape beds in front of the house too.  They did a great job. 

After they get done with the stairs next to the house, we are having them install stairs down in the woods that will lead to a fishing platform.  Then, they will till up the back yard, and completely re-seed the whole thing.  It's going to look great!

Here's the pictures in progress and what the mess looked like just before they started.

Best Buy Rules! Gotta have the Extended Warranty!

We are big fans of Best Buy.  They have taken really good care of us.  We have purchased the extended warranty they offer on the last few items we got from there.  Our last TV, well, it was in for repair 4 times in the past 6 months, so,that meant we were able to get replacement value for it.  We took advantage of this opportunity and upgraded to a Sony 55"Flat Panel LCD and had it mounted on the wall.  So, no more entertainment center!

With the Sony surround system I already have, this TV rocks.  I am currently watching episode II of the Pacific - love it!

Visit from Mom and Dad

Grandma Joy and Grandpa Jack stopped by for a visit last week.  We had a really nice time.  They got to see several of the kids activities including Dance practice, Pinewood Derby, Lacrosse, and Flag football.  They are coming back in June for Brianna's Dance recital.