Weekend #4 - Project Man-Cave Underway

The rain last week was intense. Thursday was the worst, the winds kicked up to what seemed like typhoon magnitude, it got a little hairy. Our internet went down three times in 4 days and we lost power Thursday for about half an hour. One of our little trees started leaning to a 45 degree angle, our garbage cans would not stay in place and we ended up putting them into the garage. Jenny stayed indoors most of Thursday, and by that time all of us were getting cabin fever. It was the perfect time, however, to address the envelopes for my wedding invitations...another thing wiped off my To-Do List! Yes!


Friday morning came and it was much calmer outside...Dante and I stared out the back window for a few moments and he said, "Mom, do you notice anything different?" and although I knew something was not quite right, I could not put my finger on it..."I'm not sure, what is it?" he pointed to the empty space in the yard where the trampoline used to be and we both said it outloud, "TRAMPOLINE!" Our eyes scoured the property and we finally saw our poor upside down Christmas gift in the field behind the garage. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!! The next morning, Andy pulled it back over the fence and it literally looked like a pretzel. Major bummer! Not only was it an expensive gift for the boys, it has been a hit with them...they jumped on that thing everyday for hours. Andy feels certain he can order parts and repair it...I hope so. Next time we know, trampoline + typhoon = Kite.






Saturday we decided to get out of the house, so we took some friends to Hamilton Oaks Winery in Trabuco Canyon and picnicked. It was freezing, but we huddled under the patio heaters and drank wine...for three hours...it was a fun day. We even explored the vineyard and got muddy. YAY!



Sunday, it was back to work. Andy got outside early and planted our new purple palms and birds of paradise in the front yard, then it was time for...Project Man-cave.



We pulled everything out of the garage, re-organized, threw out, and stowed storage boxes into the
rafters. It was great fun. The garage had about 2 inches of dirt on the floor, so I swept and shop-vac'ed. We set up the smaller side like a livingroom, complete with sectional sofa, coffee table, love seat and television. This will be a perfect alternative "hang-out" room when we have the wedding. It never ceases to amaze me how spiritually cleansing it is to clean out a room, even if it is your garage. The cleaning part is about 90% done, next we will put some drywall, put some old rugs down, set up internet and cable and organize the band equipment. Bingo...man-cave.

Next weekend's goal will be to pick up the fan palms and do some more planting. Very exciting!


In other news, Jenny is officially a hunter. She caught and killed a quail today...which means she would do the same to a rabbit...YES! GOOD GIRL!!!!


Happiness prevails at DiLong Ranch.