Installing a Boat Hoist

 First thing Friday morning (and by first thing we mean 6:45am) the guys dropped off the boat hoist.  John was glad he didn't have to get in the water that early.

But later that same day... he got wet while getting the stanchions that hold up the boat in the right spot so the boat would fit nicely on the hoist.

We also had some experts test out how the boat works in the hoist.  It's always good to have a few supervisors when working on a tough project.

Jade (who loves sitting in boats to take naps) was more than happy to recline in the front of our new boat for most of the afternoon.  I think she's found her spot.

After all his hard work, John took a break to do some fishing and got what can only be considered a lunker. It was about a 5lb. bass that he got right off the end of the dock.  Not a bad end to the weekend.

Installing a Dock and a Pantry Cart

Spring came a little later this year, but last weekend John got some big projects wrapped up.  He put in one of the docks to get ready for the new boat hoist:

He also finished up the sliding pantry cart for the kitchen that fits perfectly in between the gap that was created by the refrigerator.  So nice to have a handyman in the house.

Raking Leaves - Tons of Fun

 Max is always ready for any kind of photo shoot.  Leaves and a big smile.

 Jade... not so much.

 They didn't miss an opportunity to swim.  Just because it's 50 out and the water is probably ice cold doesn't mean you can have some fun with your kong.

 We raked, blew and mulched leaves and came home with a van load to dump out at home.  We figure there's one more trip and then we're all set.

Oh, and on a side note.  John finished the nook bench and we absolutely love it.  Super comfortable, looks great and even John agreed it was a good design move.  Thanks Deb!

We bought a new boat!

 It's a 1998 Four Winns 170 Horizon.

 With an open bow and cushions so the dogs can lay up there and get the breeze in there face.

 There is plenty of seating

 The motor is great and I got it up to 46mph when I took it out for a chilly spin.

 And the best part, it just fits (I mean just fits) into the garage.

Can't wait to take it out next summer!

Painting Round 2 & John's Craftsmanship

We got the rest of the painting and touch up completed.  Ahh.  So glad to have that done.

John's got some work yet by replacing all the brown outlets with white ones.  The fact that he broke a ground wire, lead to some colorful words and the need to bring up wiring next time we head up.

He also got the TV stand done to match the rest of the furniture.

And an entry way bench for us to toss our shoes (after the massive shoe piles that accumulated during the summer. 

We love how the new color looks.  Makes a world of difference.  And now John gets to start on my breakfast nook bench.

Love fall/ winter cottage projects.

Labor Day - Pulling Hoist & Docks Out of the Water

I could write up a whole blog about taking the docks out of the lake at our cottage, or I could go the lazy route and link to my brother's blog where he documents the whole thing.

http://davewirth.blogspot.com/2012/09/up-at-cottage-taking-out-docks.html

For those who might not follow Dave's blog, I would highly recommend it.  Cool stuff, lots of good pictures and antics that always make me laugh.

In addition to Dave and Karrie:

We also had the Hoopers come and visit (Andy, Kristi, Luke & Max):

Highlights from the weekend:
- Seeing it only take 2 tries for Dave to get up on 1 ski and go for a turn around the lake.
- Watching John try and ski and watching the boat struggle to go fast enough for him to cut.
- Learning about my brother's borderline obsession with going #2.

Laughed a ton and had a great time.  Looking forward to next summer and kicking it off all over again.

Painting a Bedroom & Living Room

So last weekend, John and I decided to start in on our winter projects.  These were all the things we didn't want to do this summer while enjoying the lake, but are more than willing to start once it gets cooler outside.

Friday night we got our bedroom ready to paint.  The previous owners were nice enough to have white walls everywhere (or as I call it "insane asylum white").  However, they didn't do the best job when it came to spackeling or covering up nail holes.  So we spackeled, sanded and taped.

On Sunday morning we started painting.  The blue we used is exactly the same blue in our bedroom at home.  We figured, if it ain't broke, don't fix it and since we chose that color when we built our house and still like it, we'd just duplicate the color at home.

My job was to use a pad-device we got at Lowes and using that to cut around the windows and the ceiling.  It took me a minute or so to get it rolling, but once I did, it made painting so much easier.  No cutting in with a brush, no tape. 

We got done in about 1.5 hours and with most of the day left, we decided to get started in the living room and what was formerly the dining room that we call our "in-between room."

Taping, sanding and spackel.  Round #2.  With me on a ladder.  Yes, the one who is afraid of heights was up on the tall step ladder doing edging and trying not to wipe out.

In a subtly only an owner could appreciate, you can see the green that we chose for the living space.  I don't have any final pictures (I'll add those later) because we have one section left to do and didn't put the furniture back so we could let the walls dry completely.

Next time we head back, I'll get the final, updated pictures to share.  So far, we love it!