Pete now has his Private Pilot's License

Pete is now a Private Pilot! Passed the check-ride on Saturday (that was the last hurdle)... now to find a plane! :) Otherwise, he's a pilot without wings, kinda like being a driver without a car. We are certainly looking forward to all the possibilities that having a pilot's license brings... like being able to go back home and visit without a 12 or so hour car ride, or making a day trips to places that might otherwise be weekend excursions. I am proud of him -- it is quite an accomplishment to get his license, especially with only 40 hrs of "behind-the-wheel"... most people who pass the checkride (kind of like the behind the wheel test for drivers ed) have ~60 hours of instruction/practice time. Although I have yet to go up with him solo -- I am looking forward to sitting in the frontseat and helping him navigate/watch the world pass by below!

What happened to fall?

This morning started out like any other, a cup of coffee with breakfast, a walk with Hondo, check the mail. However, somewhere in the midst of our morning tour around the block... I realized that the leaves were gone, the skies are grey (ominous for snow or other precipitation), and there is frost on my car windshield. What happened to the bright sunny days of fall made even more golden by light filtering through yellow leaves, crispness in the air, hay rides and apple cider?

One of the benefits to living in an area where seasons change, is the ability to watch in the spring as the land again comes to life -- trees growing buds first then leaves, little buds of flowers and other plants coming out of the earth; spring makes way for summer, and summer gives way to fall and with it crunchy warm-colored (tans, oranges, yellows, reds) leaves, fresh apples, and the slow retirement of plants and animals. And now, it seems fall is making room for winter's white blankets of frost and snow, glistening icicles, and little red berries that remain on the holly plants. 

And while I am starting to get anxious for winter's first snowfall -- the one where the world looks white, clean and pristine -- if only temporarily... I am missing the lovely golden days of fall. 

Hondo

This is how Hondo looks most nights -- sleeping below my feet, within the space enclosed by the three walls of my desk. I think he figures its his job to keep his eye on me (horrible pun... I know).

Anyway, this is what he looks like now (one-eyed). We still think he's cute! :)

Siding project - finished

So, here is the siding project -- finished! With this project done, it feels like most of the major projects are now complete (so that feels good)! :) We are down to a few more minor projects inside (like re-hanging trim in one of the bedrooms, a few paint touch-ups, etc.), and a few things we would like to do outside (like add on to the deck to make it wrap around to the side of the house). This place has certainly been a work in progress!

Photos of the house

Here are some photos of our house... not yet done, but I am excited to see the finished product!

One more test to go before his pilot's license!

Last Wednesday, Pete took (and passed) the written exam to get his pilot's license and is now done with ground school! He needs some more hours (both instructed and solo) flying a plane, before he is eligible to take his check-ride and get his pilots license. But, he is now one step closer to being able to do that... and I am looking forward to when he get's his license so I can accompany him and sit up front in the plane! :)

House Projects

Our house has projects' still, and it's been a while since I had a post about them...

Although we have done quite a bit of work to the house, its not quite finished to our specifications, so we continue to do projects. (Returning there once I am done with school is still a consideration; we both love the house and its location.) This fall we are doing a bit to the exterior. The siding has been repaired (as its cement-Asbestos over traditional clapboard, some of the siding had chipped) and will be painted soon. I am excited, and will post photos once the painting is finished. 

We have chosen a grey-blue color for the siding; its a color that we've had in mind for a long time. This should make the white trim (and red doors) look fantastic. Our inspiration, in part, came from experience inside the house. Our first paint job was the living room; painting the living room brown really showcased the transom and trim. Since then, we have used deep colors which provide contrast for the white trim, and have really enjoyed the result. One of the colors (used in my office) was a blue-grey and we decided that when we get around to doing the exterior, this is the color that we want. 

Since that time, I have seen a few Greek Revivals painted colors other than all white (most of them in Boston), and have really liked the way that they look (the trim looks great). I am excited for our newest project to get done, because I am excited to see the result! :)