Kitchen Paint

The kitchen has been painted, but I haven't taken pictures yet! Here are some pictures of the effort with a long-distance view at the end...



This one shows DeAnna and her friends steaming off the old wallpaper.






Here are a couple of pictures where the wall prep is finished and the tape is up...













Here is a long-distance shot of the new blue kitchen shortly after painting (The ladders really add to the decor, huh?)






I'll take a better picture and post it in the next day or so.... After a couple of months of effort, I have a word of wisdom about wallpaper removal and painting: CONTRACTOR!

Boomer Loon

Well, if I'm in Minnesota, I can't say "Boomer Sooner" can I?

Last night, out of the clear blue sky, an enormous clap of thunder rattled the windows and echoed through the Minnesota River valley. Moments later some rain droplets fell and clouds darkened the sun. Being in the midst of trees, it was hard to see the storm approaching so it was a bit of a surprise! However, within minutes the sun was back out. No hail, no drenching rain, no horizontal winds, no pale green sky... I miss the adrenaline rush of a terrorizing Oklahoma thunderstorm!

Random Things:

• I have now passed all requirements for certification as a LEAN Master at work. It's already opening up new avenues of interesting work.
• I put out my hanging tomato plant again. It promptly died. I may get industrious this weekend and replace it. If I wait much longer, there won't be enough season to get tomatoes. We've laid-off the gardening this year and have settled for just a few pretty plants to have outside the windows.
• The kitchen is due to get it's first coats of paint this weekend. I'll have some 'before and after' pictures to post of that. It's been a long time to strip the walls and prep them for paint. I'll be glad to get the project finished.
• Our church search continues. We have been attending a local church for about 6 weeks, but we're now searching again. Mostly we just want to make sure we find the right place.
• I am constantly thankful that I've got a beautiful wife, wonderful friends and gifted children. Praise God for blessing me beyond that which I deserve!

Despite the fact that my car is not threatened with hail and debris, spring has been phenomenally beautiful. We still haven't turned on the air conditioner. The nights have been cool and the days have been warm. It's actually hard to complain about the beauty of God's blessings here! I am indeed positively blessed!