October

Late summer morning glories (and by late, I mean they've FINALLY decided to bloom) ...

 

M's new squirrel-proof bird feeder, though the squirrel keeps trying ...

And Art, our garden gnome, trying to protect the yard from the chipmunk that's taken over the yard ...

Before and After pics

So after months and months (7, specifically) we've FINALLY finished the living room paint job. It took us a while to research the best way to cover the pine knots and even longer to get two coats of the glue-like primer on (we used Gripper by Glidden if your trying to do the same thing). Two more coats of interior paint on top of that and we can finally arrive on the weekend to a completed great room.

We know there are a ton of people out there who'd consider us heathens for even thinking about painting pine paneling but we really love the results!

Here are some before ...

and after pics:

Tree Hugger

S cutting down a problematic pine ... clearly I should have taken way more pictures of the family visiting this weekend!

Ladybug invasion

Little Idaho has turned out to be a bit of a ladybug retreat. They are absolutely everywhere and show up hanging out on the oddest things! At least they keep J amply entered.

Out and about

In the process of finding a decent tree to chop down for firewood today, M found a little ground spring just down from the house. Not sure how much is run-off from the snow and how much is water just coming from the mountain but it was definitely a fun find.

Following the wood chopping extravaganza, we took a walk down to the lake and along the stream. It's a bit desolate down there with the lake half frozen over.

The stream was pretty icy too and overflowing with run-off. It took a while to find a spot we could cross back over at. We're looking forward to fishing in this in the spring. The previous owners advised that it's full of trout.

Bonus find for R, a tree full of wood pecker nests. Have never seen a tree so riddled with homes before!

Staying toasty warm

Last weekend we had a new wood burning stove installed. M went back and forth for weeks researching the pros and cons of catalytic vs. a more tradition set-up. After a handful of visits to a local dealer, we finally decided on an Osburn 2000.

The grumpy old fella ...

Chimney sweeping with subsequent belaying from a pine stump during the install ... this guy was awesome! 

And now ... the new Osburn! Isn't she pretty? Probably our best new-home purchase to date.