Pre-Winter Chores
Winter is coming - and it’s coming soon. With recent morning temps well below freezing, it’s been a mad rush for us (and many others) to complete all the chores that need to be done before the snow flies.
This morning I woke to 15F. The only leaves left on the trees are the few that haven’t let go yet. Other than that, the trees are bare. It’s a little sad to say goodbye to another spring/summer/fall and prepare for winter again.
A SHED FOR STEVE
The one major project that Steve wanted completed before the snow flies, is a new storage shed. We both did a lot of research on sheds and the options available. First, we checked out the shed kits available through Home Depot and Lowes. Priced at about $1100 (for the size we wanted), we’d have to build it ourselves. The kits also didn’t come with floor lumber, roof shingles, or a ramp for ease of loading equipment, etc.
While we’re not inept at construction projects, Steve and I do not work well together when it comes to things like this. We both have strong personalities, and our way is the best way. *grin* Also, with Steve’s work schedule, there really wasn’t going to be much time to tackle such an extensive project. But another deciding factor against purchasing a build-it-yourself shed kit, was the poor quality of lumber included in most of the kits we saw.
So, despite the added cost, we decided to hire Great Northern Sheds to build a shed for us. We are quite pleased with the work they did, the quality of the lumber they used, their attention to detail, and their swiftness in building the structure. The shed was up in a day and a half.
I took a scrap piece of house siding to Home Depot to match the paint for the shed to the house. I decided to try the new Behr Primer & Paint in one. It’s pricier than buying paint and primer separately, but saved me the priming step - which I was quite thankful for. The shed was up by 11am on the second day, and I had roller in hand immediately. By the time Steve got home from work, all that was left to paint was some of the higher trim. He was so surprised to see how much I had done!
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FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT
A regular client contacted me about a week ago about photographing her family before all the leaves fell off the trees. We timed Tuesday’s photo shoot perfectly, as the wind took most of the leaves down a day or two later.
We met at Chena Lakes Rec Area, and it was a pleasure to see Curt and Jess’s beautiful children again. The twins (Everett and Macey) are now 2 and baby Kennedy is 9 months old.
Generally, it takes a few minutes for the kids to get used to my presence and *forget* I’m there snapping photos. While we did set up some posed photos, there were plenty of candid photographs too.
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CHENA HOT SPRINGS
On Thursday, my friend Shan and I took a drive out to Chena Hot Springs. We were hoping to see some moose along the way, but didn’t see any wildlife at all. The drive was gorgeous, as the trees were still holding a lot of their autumn leaves and the sun was shining.
We stopped at a few campgrounds along the way to take photos. When we got to Chena Hot Springs Resort, the wind was blowing pretty good, which made it feel a lot colder than the actual temperature gauge showed.
After having lunch at the restaurant (chicken Caesar wrap for me, and soup and salad for Shan), we walked around the grounds taking photos. We took a walk up to the Aurorium, which is a heated building with a wall of windows that makes it perfect for viewing the northern lights while staying warm.
I was hoping there was a view of the springs below, but the only thing you can see is the sky, the neighboring hills, and the trees. I suppose this is actually good, as you wouldn’t want the ambient light of the springs to affect photos - or the experience.
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This slough (on the way) has a beaver dam in it, off in the distance. I love the way the trees are reflected in the water. There’s also a campground here, so it’s a great place to stop and stretch your legs or use the outhouse.
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2011 CALENDAR
I am in the process of finalizing a 2011 calendar for print. Once I receive the prototype back from the printing company, I will post a journal entry offering it for sale. My hope is to have them ready for shipment by the end of October, if not sooner! *fingers crossed*
Thank you to all of you who have emailed me about a calendar. Stay tuned for more information about how you can order one (or more!).
Until next time….
Susan, I seriously want five calendars..I will pay you for them (plus a commission) before I move. SO put me down for them. ALSO, thank you for the beautiful horse photos…I’m about to cry. I LOVE horses and had NO idea you had captured this! THANK YOU for sooooo many great memories! We HAVE to do another road trip or two before I go….wed and thur are my days off….Don’t forget! Hugs.
[Reply]
Susan Stevenson Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
You don’t have to pay me a commission. I’ll get your calendars to you.
I love the photos of you with the horses.
Thanks for taking a drive with me! I enjoyed our roadtrip.
xoxox
[Reply]
Comment by Shan Chandler — September 27, 2010 @ 1:00 pm
Hey Susan,
Wonderful Pictures! I’m glad Steve has a new shed and you did a fantastic job picking the color and painting
The Family photos are wonderful, the children are adorable
The Chena River, Hot Springs and Horses are Awesome. I had a horse when I lived in Virginia. Love Horses!!
Good News..I found me a pair of insulated water proof snow pants today…on sale too
Now my lower half won’t freeze 
Miz Liz
[Reply]
Susan Stevenson Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
That painting was a lot harder work than I bargained for. Trying to paint that exterior siding (wood) is hard work. Wow… I don’t want to paint a shed EVER again. Hahaha!
I didn’t know you had a horse at one time. I’ve gone riding only a handful of times and I’ve enjoyed it, but horses are so big that they sometimes intimidate me.
Yay for waterproof snow pants! Now when you come up we can go tubing on Birch Hill!
[Reply]
Comment by Liz McCollough — September 27, 2010 @ 2:26 pm
Susan,
I LOVE all the photos! Again, you have done a remarkable job! It’s a joy to read your journal, so thank you for all your hard work. Count me in on the 2011 calendar. I’ll have to get back to you on how many…
Hugs,
Lea Ann
[Reply]
Susan Stevenson Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 4:56 pm
Thank you Lea Ann! I can’t believe how fast the kids are growing! They are really so sweet, and seem to get along so well together. I enjoyed my time with the entire family.
I’ll be keeping everyone updated on the caledar. Thank you!
Susan
[Reply]
Comment by Lea Ann Harper (proud Grandma) — September 27, 2010 @ 4:33 pm
Enjoyed seeing all the fall colors in your photos of Chena Hot Springs. We hope to go to the mountains in NC in late Oct. to enjoy the color there. The shed looks great—bet your husband was proud of you for getting most of the painting done for him! And I’m glad you’re doing the calendars again. I’ve really enjoyed mine the last two years. Take care and stay warm.
[Reply]
Susan Stevenson Reply:
September 28th, 2010 at 9:11 am
Thank you Dewise. I love the mountains in NC. Steve and I would go several times each fall and winter and stay in an inn or a B&B. The mountains are gorgeous when they’re drenched in autumn color. Enjoy!
Steve was so thrilled to come home and find the shed painted. He didn’t expect me to do it without his help. All he had to do is paint the high trim and it was done. Now it’s all loaded up with extras and the garage is clean again. He’s like a kid on Christmas. *grin*
Cold this morning - only 10F! Space heater is going and I’m hoping for a warm up to at least 30F today.
Have a great week!
Susan
[Reply]
Comment by Dewise Bailey — September 28, 2010 @ 1:43 am
YYYEEEAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will need more than one, since hoodlums in my office STEAL!!
Summer
[Reply]
Susan Stevenson Reply:
September 28th, 2010 at 9:58 am
I’m sorry someone stole your calendar, Summer. You need to keep it under lock and key! LOL
Thanks for your support.
Have a great week,
Susan
[Reply]
Comment by Summer — September 28, 2010 @ 9:53 am