July 11th-22nd

Kitchen Remodel 2011

So over the past few months, I have been prepping for the kitchen to be remodled.  It’s been a long process since this time a year I am only home a few days at a time.

But with lots of planning and hard work by Dave, it’s about to begin!

Before:

Demolish Crew:

Dave, Dave, Roger

No kitchen, 3 adults and 2 puppies with piles of stuff EVERYWHERE in a rather small house.  Lots of fun!

But the pups actually settled in rather well.  Better than we ever dreamed with all the saw noises, hammering, drilling, cursing, etc.  When they would get stressed, sleepy or scared, they would just crawl into one crate together.

HERE COMES THE KITCHEN.....

After:

Totally wishing that I had done this years ago!

Puppy Update

While in Ohio, the puppies are having lots of fun!

And lots of naps!

They are having lots of fun in the backyard too (probably why so many naps)

Morning nap

Hadrian at the top of the stairs…  now what?

After a few days, we let them try the stairs for the first time.  Someone at each end.

Eventually, they got the hang of it and were racing around the house!

Play time in the backyard with daddy!

Snuggle time before sleepy-by-night-night time.

Another “first” was wearing big boy seat belts instead of riding in the crate.

July 7th-10th

Thursday

Made my annual trip up to Cleveland today to fill in on the Indians “home” show.  I just love the guys at STO!

I got into town early, so I decided to try a Diners Drive-Ins & Dives place – Lucky’s Café.  http://www.luckyscafe.com/

If you are ever in Cleveland, it’s a MUST!  Just amazing, locally grown food.

I had the asparagus soup and baked mac & cheese.  Delish!

Didn’t check in to my hotel until after the game.  I won’t give you the details of my outrage as I need my blood pressure to lower. 

I will never stay here again and Hampton Inn/Hilton will be getting a very lengthy and detailed letter.

Friday

I had to get out of my room, so I went back to Lucky’s Café and had breakfast.

At the next table over were two Indians’ players - Carlos Corrasco & Josh Tomlin.

I also went to the Farmers Market to get some spices for my dad.  I wish we had a market like this in Columbus!

Game went fine.

Saturday

This morning I headed over to Cliff & Boo’s for Brunch and a visit.  Of course they made the most amazing breakfast!  They are such good cooks!

Had a nice time catching up and playing with baby Avery.

Then off to work!

Sunday

Yah!  I get to check out of this terrible hotel!

Game went well.  I love my time spent with these guys.  They are such a wonderful group to work with!!

Now back home – mom and the puppies are awaiting me.

July 3rd-4th

Sunday – Travel Day

Columbus > Los Angeles

Not sure what I was thinking when I booked this trip to LA.  For some reason, I put myself on a crazy early flight that had a 3+ hour layover in Detroit.   Ugh!

On the Detroit to Los Angeles flight I knew I was sitting next to someone famous, I just didn’t know who it was.  Usually I can tell if someone famous is sitting in first class based on how other passengers react and/OR how the flight attendants fuss.

It wasn’t until we landed and I watched him send a “Tweet” and was able to see his Twitter handle, that I figured out who it was – Cederic The Entertainer.

Got to the hotel; room wasn’t ready so I changed and went to pool for a few hours; - Overcast and actually chilly.  Figures.

I worked on stuff in room for a while then walked to PF Changs; it was horrible!

I am having such a wonderful day!

Monday – MLS: Seattle at LA

Today is the first time for me at The Home Depot Center.  It’s pretty cool.

Game was good.  It’s been a while since I had done MLS for ESPN.  Glad things went well 

After the game I made my way back to LAX and sat in the Sky Club for a while waiting for my “red eye” flight home.

Red White & Boom!

June 30^th – July 1^st

Columbus

As usual the set day for Red White & Boom when by in a flash.  Lots of little things, but in the end, it all works out.

The event went off without any issues, so another successful year!

Key Largo

Our last day on the water was very enjoyable.  

Took final photos on the way back in.

Our canal

 Our “home”

In the evening while we started cleaning and packing, the pups had their final night chewing on rocks and roots in the yard.

Another wonderful Keys vacation comes to an end.  Already counting the days until we can do it all over again!