Great Time

 

I grew up in Fairfield, California and I rarely had the chance to experience snow. Things have changed and snow is now something I enjoy every winter. I think you will agree that Erika and the dogs enjoy the white stuff, too.

 

Sledding is fun! Sledding with Lucky and Kiley is REALLY fun! The nearby hills provided ample opportunity to test the slippery slopes.



 

I quickly learned that going down the hill was a lot more fun than climbing up. After a few uphill trips, I decided that I had enough fun for one day. Snow? I can’t wait to do this again.   George

Doing, Did, Done

Over the holiday I was able to get some things done around the house.



Before the bench was added

After

I built a workbench for some of my tools. The legs are made from Hinoki. The bench is a little taller than I had planned, but it’s workable. I was able to assemble most of my bench tools and the tablesaw. They have been disassembled and in boxes for over two years. It's good to have most of my woodworking tools up and running again. Now It's time to figure out the best way to use the garage/ workshop space efficiently.

I’m planning on having a hobby area in the shop. The area will be used for building model airplanes and stained glass. The hobby shop will be usable after the attic is built.

Some of the oak trees were cut down to make room for other things such as…an observatory. One of Erika’s gardens will have to be relocated to a slightly different location to make room for the project. It will be a few months before I start construction.

I’m not getting any younger and the stairs felt like they were getting steeper. The next project was to install handrails in the stairwell. It should have been a simple job, but I failed to choose the correct size hardware. I had to reduce the diameter of each rail to accommodate the incorrect brackets. A two hour job turned into four hours. They’ll be stained to match the stair flooring that will be installed later.

Oh, I almost forgot. Part of the remodel included changing the tatami room into an expanded living/ dining room. The remodel began with removing the wall that supported the fusuma screens. I was tired of hitting my head every time I entered the dining room. The wall is gone…bye, bye! I’ll use the wood from that project to build a header wall for a door that will be relocated in the near future.     George

Future hobby area

Future attic

Tatami room remodel begins.

Upper wall sheetrock removed.

Upper wall...gone. Time to frame a door and remove a few more walls.

 

Christmas Party Pics

We had a couple of hours to set up before the big event.

Thank you Hirori and Sho for the help!

It's Santa! I think I'll scream in his ear.

 

Photos with Santa

 

 

 

 

Pinata time!





Show time!

 

The kids performed many Christmas carols in English. Fantastic job!

 First choice to grab a present was awarded to the kids that correctly answered the most Christmas trivia questions.

We served pizza and cake from Costco.

 

Pinata number two

It was a mad scramble for candy and super balls after the pinata broke open.

It was a mad scramble for candy and super balls after the pinata broke open.





明けましておめでとうございます。

2014年が皆さんにとって良い年になりますように！！！
忙しい日々が過ぎていき、もう年が明けてしまいました。この場をかりて取り急ぎご挨拶まで。