June's Project

I thought you might be wondering what took up all our spare time in June.   This is the boat my DH bought last summer.  It really needed alot of work, but we used it a few times and put it away for the winter.  DH was determined to get it renovated before this summer, but there hasn't been much spare time with calving season and planting.  The upholstery on the seats was cracked and showing foam rubber.  The carpet on the floor was worn and covering a worn and rotting deck.

The seats on the front were both in bad shape and not safe for use.

 It didn't take long for DH to tear things apart and find that the damage was much worse than he initially thought.  When you buy a 20 year old boat and don't know how it was stored you might get a surprise.   Many times things are worse than they look on the surface.

 A new floor and support structure were badly needed.  Michelle came home 2 days and assisted in the hardest part of crawling around getting the foundation work done.

The steering column was suspended from a cable, so no wiring needed to be redone.  As you can see this mess has taken over the deck for the duration.  The deck is the right height to save a lot of climbing up and down.  I'm still encouraging DH to have a clean up day.  I've picked up and put away everything I can.

We had some of the seats reupholstered and have ordered a couple new ones. The new floor is complete and sound.  We painted it with a rubberized, textured coating that will keep the floor dry and protect the wood.  We replaced the sides and doors with new wood and coatings.

 DH decided not to replace the seats in the front of the boat at this time--maybe later.

We are so glad to have this project almost completed.  The newly ordered seats won't be here until August 5th.  We are hoping to enjoy a test drive this week-end.  Actually I'm so sick of this boat I don't care if I ride on it.  lol  And I'm hoping the deck mess gets cleaned up before the summer is over.  

My external hard drive was delivered today.  Thanks so much to everyone that gave me this advice.   I'm looking forward to taking many more pictures to share with you all.  I'm also looking forward to getting back to sewing--one of these days.!

Book giveaway

I won the book "Whiter Than Snow"  by Sandra Dallas from Sharon's giveaway on her blog.   Thank you Sharon!!  It was a very nice summer read.  It's the kind of book you wish were longer, because you enjoy the characters so much.  If you would like to read the book, please leave a comment.  I will draw a name on Monday, August 2nd and send you the book to read. 

I can't believe how fast last week went! It rained on Friday night, so we spent Saturday and Sunday at the river.  Michelle had the week-end off.  The weather was beautiful too--strange for a week-end.  The fishing was a fizzle, but I read my book and relaxed.

This photo shows the only sewing I did last week.  We sold our pontoon and bought a different boat.  The front canopy on the boat needed to be repaired and reinforced.  I used my older Bernina machine.  It took almost a whole spool of thread by the time I was done. 

DH parked the boat by the deck for easier loading and unloading.  The kittens think we bought them a new jungle gym.

We have been making hay--more big bales for winter feeding.  Today the combiners are coming to try harvesting our oats field.  We hope it is dry enough to get it done as rain is predicted for later in the week.

I picked my first zucchini.  The little bit of garden I got planted is really growing.  Hopefully the season will be long enough to produce ripe tomatoes.  The plants sure look nice right now.

I have been traveling a lot for parts lately.  I really enjoyed the parts run yesterday, because DH didn't need me to come home immediately.  Michelle had the day off.  We met for lunch at a wonderful Mexican restaurant--not a favorite food of DH, so it was a treat.  We then went to the mall for pedicures.  I haven't had one for over a year.  What a luxury!  I had a gift certificate from my little brother and his wife to use.  I love the massage part of the pedi.  The technician even painted little flowers on my big toes.  Now I can wear my sandals with pride.  lol

We shopped for a dress for Michelle.  She has a wedding to attend on Friday night.  We also bought a baby gift together for a shower later in August.  It was so nice to spend time with her.  School will start the end of August, so she will be super busy with work and studies.

Leave a comment to enter the book drawing.  Hugs..............

Rollin on the River

We took the boat motor for a tune-up last week.  We took time yesterday to go and get it.  Michelle worked 6-2 at the living center, so she cruised with us.  BF Jared joined us later too.  This is the capitol building as seen from the Missouri River.  It was a gorgeous day on the water.  It has been a hot week of 100 degree days, but Sunday was 82 F with a light breeze.  The motor purrs now. 

The bridge divides Pierre and Ft. Pierre--also Central time from Mountain time. 

 

Rocco enjoys boating too.   We left the boat in Pierre.  Of course, now that it runs so well, DH wants to sell it.  There are a couple people interested in it.  DH already has another boat picked out.  We'll see it on Wednesday.  "Boys and their toys"--always need to be bigger and better.  We have had the pontoon 22 years.  It will be kind of hard to let it go--lots of memories.  :) 

The kittens are growing.  Their eyes are still closed.  Peanut allowed herself a trip outside the last 2 mornings for about 4 hours each time.  She must wear a watch.  lol  The babies just slept while she was gone.  I was feeling rather sorry for her.  She has always been such a hunter and loves to be outside.  It was strange to see her stay in the house doing nothing.  Puss has become more actively affectionate and sleeping on our bed at night with us again.   I'm sure she's wondering how long these new cats are staying. 

Rocco was such an active part of taking care of the 5 orphans last fall.  He doesn't have much to do with the new babies, but still loves his Peanut and misses her playtime.  I'm glad he has the kids outside to entertain him.  I'm glad you enjoyed the video.  It is like a circus watching them play.  I wish I could get a video of them chasing Rocco and him chasing them, but they all move too fast.  We laugh so hard.

I'm still working on my pinwheel sashings here and there.  I've just about got a flimsy!  I finished another block for the Bouquet BOM.

I just have the finishing blocks to do.  I'm so behind with every BOM.  I don't know what made me think I could do them all.  There is just so much talent and generous sharing in Blogland.  I really don't know how Jenny can come up with so many new designs and stitch them all AND move in the process.  She must be a wonderwoman.   I know she's a wonderful woman--always sharing her creativity.

I know I spend way too much time on the computer!  I also know I will have more time this winter to stitch.  It amazes me how quickly some people accomplish things tho.  I'm not sure I've had a finish this year--let alone two or three a month.  I'm too busy seeing what every one else is doing maybe.  BUT I love to see what you are doing too. 

Gotta run.  Looks like I have to run to town for some parts after lunch.  Have a great week.  Talk to you later.  Hugs..............