Snow Camping in Banner Summit

Banner Summit Snow Camping Trip

Banner Summit Snow Camping Trip Bryan O., Bryan W. and I embarked on a one-night snowshoe/cross-country trip over the weekend. What a blast. We set off Saturday from the ski/park area around noon and climbed all day to get to one of the peaks in the area. Despite below-freezing (24 degrees F) temps, sunshine and little wind, it was relatively warm. I layered up before setting off and quickly found myself shedding the jacket, glove outers and hat in the first 1/8th of a mile. By 1:45 we found a campsite and began the two-hour dig/setup. One thing about snow camping -- you never run out of opportunities to stay warm.

At 3 p.m. we set off, without sleds, for a two-hour hike further into the loop. We saw magnificent birds of prey, rabbit tracks galore, and a beautiful sunset on the way back. Once back in camp it was time to melt water, prepare dinner and carry on a shouted conversation over the din of the roaring stoves. Going to be late after a hard day's work makes for some solid sleeping--I don't think anyone was up before 9 a.m.

The next morning, we packed up and headed back down the trail for our cars. It was a trip worthy of a few more nights, but we'll do that next time.

Finally Settled In

From Drop Box

We're happy to report that we're are finally moved in. After hanging the pictures on the walls, mounting the mezuzas on the doors, and unpacking stray boxes, we're finished! Well... almost. First, check out the updated photo album. Second, I have to come clean here. There's this secret place called the garage. We've succeeded in getting Suzanne's Subaru parked in it. But Doug's keen on getting his rig in there, too, so he can avoid the wintertime 10-minute prep before driving. For now, the garage is serving as the staging area for crap we don't think we need. Thanks to Craigslist we're gradually purging old, unused stuff. Anyone need a desk?

Settled In?

Not yet! Day 3 in our new house and we're far from getting comfortable. You'd think that two moves in five years would have thinned out our possessions, but that's not quite the case. As we unpack, we're already putting even more things in the to-be-donated pile.

The priority for the last two days has been the office (command center for now), the kitchen and entertainment center (Rebecca has been sick with a respiratory virus).

And we've been interrupted with last-minute contractor work, as well as the installation of various fixtures in the bathrooms, garage, oh hell, virtually every room in the house. But, I really can't complain since we're making the place ours.

We'll be at it until Halloween. After that, I'll tackle the garage. Muscles are sore, feet are tired and patience is tested. Despite all of that, the girls have been incredibly patient, which had been a saving grace. Thanks guys!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.3

Moving In Phase One

Thanks to everyone for their help in getting us moved out today. From loaning gear to running boxes from one house to the next, we got the bulk moved out.

The movers pick up the rest on Monday and it probably won't be until Halloween before we can sit back and fully enjoy our new home. But the heavy lifting is done for now, thanks to everyone's help.

Thanks goes out to Paul and Susie Frank, Michael and Amy Snow, Fred and Theresa Willerup, Will Kemper, Jonathon Fishman, Fran Frank, Carissa Hartung, Stew Wilder and Bryan Oakes.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.3

Oct. 19 Update

From Drop Box It's felt like an eternity, but the finish date is coming up. Over the last few weeks, we've had the wood floors finished, moulding installed, cabinetry rebuilt and reinstalled and millions of other odds and ends. The granite countertops went in yesterday and they look sweet! Stay tuned for more shots and updates on the tile work for the backsplash.

Move date is this Saturday at 8 a.m. Oh my, we have some serious packing to do!

October 5 Update On Our New Home

This week we're working with our contractors to apply the finishing touches. The wood floors are in and stained, along with one of two protective finishes.

Now the painters are back cleaning up some loose ends, but they'll return at the end of next week once the floors get the final finish. They'll hang doors and do the final touches on base moulding.

Our cabinets will finally be reinstalled so the counter top guys can draw up their templates for the granite.

I also met with a plumber to install the sink, rework some plumbing (don't need any leaks on the new floor), and install a toilet.

We're still on schedule for an October 23 move thanks to a gang of friends. Anyone in for pizza and keg beer in exchange for some box lifting?

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.0

Our New House

Friends and family, meet our new home. It took four months, multiple offers on many properties, and the strained patience of our agent, but we did it. And I can't tell you how damn good it feels. From the first day we took possession, we began meeting our new neighbors and the slew of kids all around our girls' ages. Since then, neighbors have been coming around to welcome us, and even offer tools for the work we're putting into the place.

Work To Date: new roof, stripped the house to ready it for painters, tore up the carpet and crappy tile job for wood floors, and miscellaneous mods to the electrical and HVAC systems. Painting is almost done as are the wood floors. Cabinets and floor trim go in at the end of the week, final paint touch ups and then new countertops. Thanks to Paul and Susie Frank for their support, understanding and free packing boxes. An extra special thanks goes out to our good friends Michael and Amy Snow, and Bryan Oakes. Your help, expertise and willingness to take time out of your weekends is eternally appreciated. Here are some photos of our progress.

ETA to move is the last week of October. Keep your fingers crossed, and if you're up for helping us move in (keg beer and pizza are the reward) you know how to reach Suzanne and I.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.0