I love trees but dead ones, not so much.

We finally came to our senses and decided that the 3 extremely large dead cottonwoods in front of the house needed to go. We weren't in danger of them coming down on the house but were very afraid of them coming down in the road.

On a side note: 3 years ago I saw the hydraulic log splitter my Dad built from scratch covered in dust in my Grandpa's garage,  so I asked my Dad if I could have it. I knew it would come in handy some day.

Let there be floor!

Our poor pantry room has been stripped down and turned inside out over the last year. Remember the cinder blocks supporting the floor joists? (See post from

Sunday, June 16, 2013)

 Well, we are proud to say that it now has a proper floor!

On the left side of the photo: Our future master bedroom, full of construction rubble & missing walls
On the right side of the photo: The temporary wall between the pantry and the kitchen

What the!?!

Ever seen a cecropia silkworm? Me neither, until I spotted one making it's way up our maple tree today. Wild.

and then there's this.

As we go through the house room by room, we'll be removing all the plaster and lathe. Looks like the dining room thinks we aren't moving fast enough and decided to have it come crashing down on it's own.

Since we can't gut the dining room until we're done with the pantry and master bedroom, our plan is screw masonite to ceiling to hold the plaster up until D Day comes for this room. Hopefully it holds, fingers crossed.

Mr. Rainbow

Agreed, Mr. Rainbow. I feel the same way about this place.

I guess that's one way to do it.

I'll admit it. There's a small part of me that will miss wondering, "How has the floor in the pantry stayed up so long?" But, it must go & it's gone!

On a side note, the pile of rubble you see in the background is where our master bedroom will live someday.

Nothing is sweeter than a place to rest.

My new favorite spot ever. Much love to my sister, Cheryle, & her talented husband, Matt, for the glorious handmade hammock! It will live in joy under my apple trees for years to come. xo