My Wall

Ben helped me screw all the screws (since the drill and I don't really get along) and I measured and cut all the boards - it was a team effort!  I enjoyed this small project that could be tackled in a day and had clear start and completion points!

Now we have a little coat & shoe nook!

Later...

This evening (May 9) Tracy Fire Department came out to Bob & Barb's (where we're living now) to burn the prairie.  SUPER interesting to watch!

 It was a very controlled fire and there was not much wind, but you can see how in Mary and Laura Ingalls day a prairie fire would have been so scary and monstrous with the wind blowing it in an uncontrolled path of destruction!  The firemen made sure to have lots of water on hand though! :)

Interior Design

The model kitchen that we fell in love with at IKEA:

...it is almost perfect just as it was for in our house (modified slightly to work with the windows):

We are debating between leaving it open under the south window (above) or putting built-in low cabinets/counter there (below).  That is my cute little wooden step-stool directly under the smiley face, if anyone was wondering!  I am vertically challenged. :)

Looking in from the dining room:

And... the floor plans.  Made with the cool, free design software at ikea.com

So, that is what it will look like (as of plans from Feb. 18, 2012)!