April Showers Bring a Fence.

April has been a month of up and downs for me. We started the big project of building our side yard fence and finally turning the little property we owned into something we could enjoy. We started on Easter and 17 days later we are almost done with the exception of one gate and adding some odds and ends.

We started our project on a nice sunny weekend, and of course being in Oregon the weather quickly turned. We had rain rain for about 10 days straight. Mud everywhere, our driveway and sidewalk is nasty. Thank goodness for pressure washers. 

Our last step is to aquire some fill dirt, hopefully for free then lay some mulch down. Pinterest has scattered my brain of small yard designs. The pavers I want are expensive, and we argue about a small patch of grass that I want. For now we will stick to mulch, getting our fire pit, and I have a few ideas for small flower/garden beds. This small oasis and escape will be a work in progress all summer. I will have to keep in mind the lack of space I am working with with every purchase and idea that pops into my head.

Our busiest weekend yet!

This weekend flew by, we had something to do everyday and evening but we had a blast dispite the busy schedule. 

Our good friends Rob and Caitlin had some free Blazer tickets against the Jazz on Friday and invited us to go with them. I haven't been to a Blazer game in 3 years. 

When we have good seats I always have to remind myself to look at the floor and not the screen. My biggest issue is that I watch the replays and then miss something awesome. Also, I miss hearing Mike and Mike giving me the play by play but I love the atmosphere at games!

gotta love iPhone panorama!

We had VIP passes and got to go near the locker room. I was hoping to get a glimps but we didn't see any players. But I felt cool non the less because I was in an area of the Rose Garden that I have never been before. 

Also, I felt super cool because this was my first time being on the court. We wanted to get a shot with Mike Rice but he had already left when we came back to the court. 

Saturday morning I had an appointment then met Wayne at Lowes to start gathering items for our fence that we are starting over the weekend. Who knew there would be so much to argue about when picking fence boards. Also, shopping without a plan is the biggest pain in the ass ever. This person will remain nameless, hint: I plan everything. 

After Lowes I headed out to look for a dress and shoes for the Hudson's Rays of Sunshine First Annual Benefit! Success at The Loft and Famous Footwear. Last minute shopper here!

Myself with Jen and Amber. 

View of Portland from the top of the Penthouse.

We, or I clean up well. Wayne looks like he is ready to go camping. 

So after being out two nights in a row (we feel so old) We were ready to sleep in on Sunday and start building our fence. We started at 8:30. Although the fence boards are the final items of the fence we bought 1/3 of them so I could be staining them while Wayne dug and measured, remeasured. Had our neighbor Nick correct his measuring. Later to find out that one hole was 6 inches off our property line. Also the holes next to the foundation had to be redug because of concrete over pour and drain pipes. There was a lot of digging, measure, beer drinking and every other person on our street stopping by. The line of the day was. "Ohh Heeyyyy, are you guys building a fence? That's going to be so nice!" Then they proceed to tell Wayne what he should be doing and give him "tips".  Of course a few times yesterday there were 5 people standing around Wayne while he is digging, giving him their two cents. Thanks but we want advice from Nick, and only Nick. Maybe the idea of building a fence for privacy from our neighbors was a bad idea, it seems to attract them.    

 The day isn't a day without pannini's from Freddies, and a tequila sunrise. 

And look, my first sunburn of the year. Sunscreen next time! I don't know why I think I will tan when I just burn all the time. 

After spending 10 hours working on the "fence" we have 3 posts cemented in the ground and 35 fence boards completely stained. This is going to take longer than I thought.