Seating for Six

Roger and I finally got a dining room table that seats more than the two of us. Since we moved in we have wanted to get a table so that we could invite more people over for dinner. We couldn't justify the expense until recently. We sort of knew what we were looking for, but just need to find it.

We ended up finding just what we were looking for at Casual Dining and Bar Stools. After browsing for a bit, we realized that we didn't even measure the space. Thinking that the space was large enough, we thought we needed a table with an insert. In the end, we had to go home to measure the space and found that the largest table that we could fit in the space (with extra room for the chairs) was 66" inches. Any bigger would just be in the way.

So the next day we went back and re-examined our options. We didn't end up needing an insert so that at least gave us more options in our price range. The table that we purchased, I just happened to be sitting at the night before. It felt casual but formal with its leather seating. What we are super excited about is that Thomas won't be able to see through the table to the things that are sitting on top of it. He is constantly complaining about reaching for things he can see but can't reach. I know that won't last long, but for now it will be less frustrating for all.

Before

After

I am glad we finally have a place to do puzzles, type on my laptop, and eventually, where Thomas can do his homework.

Rain Storms 2010

With an old house, everytime it rains we spend time running around the house to make sure everything is secure and no water makes its way in. So far so good. We are on day three (or four) of nasty weather including tornado warnings, high winds +60 mph, and flooding pretty much everywhere in the county. But everything here has held up nicely.

Something we didn't think about until far too late are the sun sails covering the patio. They are in fact, sails. Attached by nylon rope and metal bolts to our house and the wall around the patio, the tension in the wind pulls on the house creating the most eeiry sounds. Roger was concerned about how the wall of the house would hold up considering we had no idea whether or not we were bolting into something solid. But all is well. Even the rope is holding up.

Next year, we will consider taking the sails down as the winter settles in, just like the patio furniture.

The Hot Tub Debate

If you have ever been over to our house for a party, you have most likely been involved in this little game we have. In the corner of our patio sits an un-used broken hot tub. Yes, broken.

The tub is cracked all over the place, unfixable.

During the summer, we keep it cleaned out, looking presentable for guests as they enjoy our cozy backyard. In the winter, we do everything we can to prevent it from becoming a mosquito breeding sespool (poorly I might add).

So the on-going question of debate is: what should we do with the hot tub or the space where the hot tub sits. Here are the top five responses from the highly plossible to the insane in order by popularity:

5. Get a new hot tub
4. Tear it out and extend the deck
3. Tear it out and plant a garden
2. Clean it out and make it a ball pit ala Chuck E Cheese
1. Cover it up with wood to create a backyard stage

Some of the issues whatever we decide to do are:

• Money: it costs a ton of money to do anything to a house, this is no different.
• Moving the hot tub: Anyone who has ever dealt with hot tubs knows that it is nearly impossible to get rid of them. No one really wants them. And definitely, no one wants to dispose of them for you. This will involve a chainsaw and some creative maneuvering. I know this will need to be done someday.
• Consequences of leaving it there: Said moquitos, drowning hazard (yep, it is currently uncovered), as well as various unknown issues (we can't see the damage it is causing underneath our deck).

One day we will do something about it but, for right now it sits. A topic of conversation for every gathering, a visual nuisance for Roger and I, and a inticing danger zone for Thomas.