First party and a new door!

We cleaned the back porch just in time to have a party for our dear "old neighborhood" friends who have been kind enough to feed us and host 4 O'clockers since we moved, all knowing it was going to be a long time before we hosted one again. It was a beautiful day and the covered patio proved to be a great gathering place.  (Now we need to have a "Thanks for your patience" party for our new neighbors!  We'll wait until the painting is done!)

Monday found us back at work - Bill having the time of his life (NOT) installing a "walk-in" door to the garage.  I wouldn't put this project up there on the list of favorites........  It sure is going to be nice to have that entry during the wet (and sometimes muddy) months.

The crew on the patio.  We still need to pressure wash the concrete, but it was at least usable.  It was fun being able to have everyone outside.  Becky and Paul had deserted us by then :-(

Pete and Bill found the comfy chairs (a gift from my sister Ann years ago) and
rarely left them!  Minnie agreed.  Pete loved them so much that he and
Mary Jo went to REI the next day and got themselves a pair.

A picture of the island a little late in the game!  It had been full of
food and drink....  It's a great design for a party.

The Bobs!  There sure are a lot of them in that generation!

Sam and Minnie's favorite new hangout.  They get a great view of the
world from up there.

I even got the loft/studio picked up before the guests arrived.  It's getting
there.  I try to stay a head of the dog toys, but it is pretty worthless.

Monday found Bill ripping out the old windows and prepping for the
addition of a walk-in door on the side of the garage.

Sam and Minnie watching Bill work.......

Voila (and a lot of other not so choice words later) a new walk-in
door to the garage.  Lots of lessons learned and a lot of happiness
this evening.  Biggest lesson - check those lock and hardware packages
before you leave the parking lot of the hardware store! The faceplate and
screws were missing from the handle package.  Bellingham sure is quiet at
7:30 at night - parking lots almost empty!

From the inside!  Don't even ask what is all the junk in the foreground of the
photo!  Onto a new platform entry from the garage to the house and a  vanity
for the powder room.......