Magic Bullet Theory

Carnival 08

Here are some pictures from the Fall Carnival at the kids school. I've also included a picture of Karen and I on our way to an 80's party.

The Arrival

Sophia's Face Paint

Francesca's Face Paint

The Departure

Don Johnson and Jennifer Beals

Slow Progress

So we are stopped for a week while my landlord deals with some structural issues. The good news is that things will really pick up steam starting Monday!

Huge New Concrete Footings

The beams that will support part of the floor above the shop

The beginings of the drop ceiling over the case

We finally have a "Coming Soon" sign!

First Day of School

Hard to believe that Francesca is now in Kindergarten and Sophia is in the 2nd grade!

Vespa

I got my motorcycle license earlier in the week. After loads of rain, I finally got to take the scooter for a legal spin. The Dragon Red Vespa S not only will give me incredible gas mileage to and from the shop, it also will save a valuable parking space! I had to sport my proud Italian heritage with my choice of helmet. Who wants something plain when you can wear some green, white and red?

I took the kids on a slow zip down the block. They both had a great time, laughing most of the way. I was also sent on my first errand down to the store to grab some eggs. I can see more of that in my future...

Plumbing!

After 3 weeks of head scratching, things are back in motion. Today we got a green tag on the below ground plumbing! Whoo-Hoo! Who knew that PVC could be so exciting?

Here's the haps:

The Girls Harvest More Tomatoes (unrelated, but the wifely unit likes pics of the children)

Festival of Cheese

The big event at the American Cheese Society Conference is the Festival of Cheese. This year there were over 1100 cheeses available for tasting! I think I made it to around 80...

Who doesn't need the Chicago Skyline made out of cheese?

July 4th Camping

Over July 4th we got to go camping with Karen's folks and sister. Here are a few pictures form a memorable trip!

Sophia and Emma

The Fairy House

Jen Rocks It Out

In Cahoots

Kid Attack!

"Give me some friends to sing with, I'll be here all night!"

Hiking Near Mt. St. Hellens

Karen and Sophia in the Old Growth

Post-Camping Sculture Bliss

Tin Harvest

I spent the weekend "harvesting tin." We are restoring the tin ceiling in the shop. There are mangled pieces of tin throughout the place. So my job has been to carefully remove the pieces that are in the back of house and in places that will be covered by ductwork or lowered ceilings. This is a dirty job in an un-air-conditioned space. As you pull each piece out, the dust, dirt, and debris resting above it, falls swiftly into your face and unto your body. I learned after the first day to cover my head. (It is impossible to get some of that junk out of your hair!)

So after almost 20 hours, the salvage is complete. I have to wait a few weeks, and then I get to start replacing busted pieces.

Tin Harvester

44 Good Pieces

Demolition

So the demolition is FINALLY underway. Wow! What a strange road we've traveled so far. More to come soon!

Blueberry Hill

Karen and Natalie took the kids to pick some berries. Karen then proceeded to make a berry pie that was not as good as say a Hubbard Hop Festival placing pie, but pretty damn good none the less.

Dance Recital

No talking...just the pics!

Sophia Tap

Francesca Tap

Sophia Ballet

Dear Blog,

I need to start off with an apology. I used to tend you a couple of times a week. Then every few weeks. Now I have let you lie fallow for over two months. So I'm sorry and I promise to do better...at least a little better.

To make up for it, I leave you these pictures of my children in the hope that you will forgive me.

Sophia Fishing

The Big Catch

Ready for the Zip Line

Francesca Graduates (from Pre-K not Harvard...yet)

The Proud Grad

Release the Balloons!

My Girls

Dancing with Grandpa

Design

We've moved into the design phase. We were presented with materials and drawings that took our little layout and made it more tangable. When you click on the thumbnails below you will see the floor plan, the ceiling plan and a three dimensional look at what the shop will look like (sort of) from the door. The overall feel is a kind of modern/natural. Sleek lines, but using natural materials like wood, cork, etc.

Floor Plan

Ceiling Plan

View From the Door

Easter

Other than getting sick for the first time in about a year, Easter was a great day.

The Girls

Francesca Finds One

The Stress is Overwhelming!

You Have to be Nimble

Ready for Action. POW!

Don't Stop Now!

Let the Eating of Candy Begin!

In the Garden

Karen and the girls got out and got all of the beds ready for spring!

The Girls and Their New Friend

Sophia Shows Off the Roots

The New Vegetable Garden (maybe someday we'll actually grow something to eat!)

The Master Gardeners