Turkey talk

Turkey season is almost here. Actually it is here but the season is divided into 5 segments and our permits suggest we hunt the last of those 5 segments.  I wrote "our" permits because Don & Don & Dad are also part of the hunting party.  The first Don has hunted with me before and his success last year is documented here.  The second Don is actually the father of the first Don so therefore he should probably be the first Don but since the first (second) Don was the first to start hunting with me...  oh never mind.  

So in anxious anticipation I've gotten some of my stuff together which is pretty good for someone who operates in the "last minute" mode much of the time.  Note the hand made calls (in the photo below) which were special made by Dave C. for us.  They are absolutely gorgeous.  I really should photograph them close up and post them on my next blog and show how beautiful they really are.

Turkey hunting is most enjoyable.  

They are a real challenge to harvest and while my weapon gives me one big advantage, every other advantage belongs to the turkey.  Turkeys aren't real smart but they have terrific eyesight and are not overly curious.  Which means if they see something that doesn't look right, they leave instantly and with conviction. 

Each of the last two years I've left the woods as the loser if you consider not bagging a turkey a loss.  I would, however, suggest that most any experience in the woods and its opportunities to see various wildlife up close is actually a win if you love the outdoors - and I do.

So while there is no guarantee I'll have a future blog with a photo of a harvested turkey slung over my shoulder and a big grin, I can pretty much guarantee the big grin - along with stories to be told, memories to keep and with any luck, a photo of the second Don with his first turkey slung over his shoulder.  That would be awesome!

Done! Finished! Complete!

Actually the title is a bit misleading as the project isn't actually totally, completely finished.  It is, however, oh so close and I didn't take any photos of the incomplete parts.  That's fair, isn't it?

The carpet was completed at about 7 PM on a Friday night.  Moments later, Brenda is busily sweeping up the residue and I'd say she was thinking about what furniture & decorations would go where but actually I think she'd all ready gotten it figured out long before this moment.

My turkey has been in our dining room for several years but it now has a new home.  For the first time, Brenda thinks it actually adds to the decor rather than detracts.  I like the way she thinks!

Looking the other way.  Brenda put a book shelf on the right side but I don't have a photo. 

South end.  (For my sisters-in-law) that would be the side facing the street!

Closer up view of ironing board, saw, drying rack and other assorted items that spruced  up this area.

Recessed area for office items. It's probably hard to identify the zebras on the wall above the desk.

Fireplace with lighting installed and decor in place.  Brenda had this ready about two hours after the first photo in this blog. 

That's it.  This should be the end of the Basement Blogs.  Those who have followed this project via my blogs probably wondered if surely there wasn't something else going on in our lives that we could blog about.  Actually aside from the previous blog about Kyle & Kalynn, there really hasn't been much as this project was the main event for the last 3 months.  Now that it is done we're looking forward to sitting down, relaxing and enjoying the room to the max...   oh wait, it's spring isn't it?  Gotta go mow the lawn, clean the garage, plant flowers, landscape around the new sidewalk the city just poured out front, plant some garden.  See you later

Surprise Visitors

Last Friday (April Fool's Day) was a day to remember! (no fooling)

Karmen came home Friday afternoon to spend the weekend with us.  We enjoyed her company and while we visited I was able to finish some jobs in the basement such as installing a couple light fixtures, some outlets & switches, move the computer, etc.  It was closing in on 11 PM which is past our bedtime but Brenda was still working away and in the process of moving the filing cabinet and it's contents to the basement when who should appear at our front door but Kyle and Kalynn.

Surprise indeed.  Brenda had just made the comment as she tore into the upstairs bedroom that since nobody would be sleeping in there for some time, she wouldn't worry about the mess she was making and would sort through it later.  Karmen (who knew Kyle was coming) tried to delay Brenda's room wrecking but to no avail. Kyle didn't mind the files, boxes & papers that kept him company that night so all was well.

The second surprise was soon revealed when Kyle and Kalynn told us they had actually made the trip to tell us of their engagement.  So a hearty congratulations to the two of them!  We are excited and wish them the very best.

They have been keeping company for about two and a half years.  Since Kyle has lived near Kalynn for much of that time while he's been attending Oklahoma State U, they didn't have to get acquainted via long distance.  Welcome to the family Kalynn. 

Speaking of schooling, Kyle graduates next month with his degree in aviation management and Kalynn is working on her dental hygiene training. 

A wedding date hasn't been announced. 

The next day was Kyle's 22nd birthday so his grandma made him a pound cake and we all celebrated together.

Kyle & Kalynn