Day #269 - Him and her...

Being at a loss for a picture today, I took a close-up of the sculptures on the mantel. They look black but they're really bronze. Another Pier 1 find.

Before and after photos...

Thanks to you all for hanging in there with me through the family room redo and for all the compliments and encouraging words you've given.

I've put the before and after photos in my Picasa Gallery - you can see them here:

Family Room Photos

Just click on the "Family Room - B&A" album. You can view them individually or with the slideshow option.

Day #268 - We have a room!

They have arrived! The cabinets were delivered today and we are beyond pleased. There's supposed to be a pull-out lazy susan type thing for the TV that's missing, but that's minor. The shelf configuration in the TV unit is temporary though, until that piece arrives. We're also waiting on a companion vase that won't arrive until November.

So, with the exception of a few finishing touches, we have a room! I know I've only been giving you bits and pieces as we've gone along, but I'll be posting before and after photos of the whole project on my regular blog in the next couple.

Day #267 - Warm glow...

We don't burn them too much in the warmer weather, but as soon as the temps drop, the candles come out. This one, Cinnamon Spice, has been burning a good bit of the afternoon/evening and the downstairs smells lovely!

Day #266 - Perfumed pumpkins...

I'm assuming these are itty bitty pumpkins in the bag of Pumpkin Swirl potpourri I picked up at Pier 1. Don't know what all is in there, but it sure does smell good.

Day #265 - A little fall color...

Found these colorful accent pieces at another of my favorite spots, Pier 1. They fit perfectly with the new family room color scheme... and the approaching season. (ooops - excuse the price tag I haven't taken off yet!)

Day #264 - Before/After...

BEFORE

AFTER
(I don't know what that circle on the fireplace is -
reflection or something I guess.)

Well, I've been waiting for the new cabinets to come before posting pictures of the finished work, but it's going to be at least another week or so and my grandson's been after me to send pictures of our progress, sooooo... The cabinets will go to the right of the fireplace.

Day #263 - Floor decor...

Funny how little things can bring us such pleasure. We bought a small throw rug for in front of the patio door and I just love the way it looks when the sun hits it. The photo doesn't really do it justice - the colors are richer - but it looks so nice on the new floor.

Day #262 - Polished look

Tonight was haircut night - the polish bottles made a fun shot.

Day #261 - Leaves and grass...

The leaves are starting to fall in earnest now and in an effort to stay a little ahead of the task of raking them all up, Lew lets the mower do some of the work.

Day #260 - Keys to the city...

The Frederick Arts Council has a community art project on display in downtown Frederick made up of 30 six-foot tall fiberglass key sculptures (chosen in recognition of the city's connection to Francis Scott Key.) I thought a few would make a cool photo of the day.

Black-Eyed Susan Key, Maryland, My Maryland Key, Francis Scott's Key, and Key of Keys (which has a bazillion actual keys glued to it, shown in the close-up below.)

I'm adding this link, Keys To Frederick, which includes info on the project and a gallery of all the keys, along with short bios of the artists.

Day #259 - Historic bridge...

Loy's Station Covered Bridge

Originally built between 1850-60, this particular bridge was rebuilt after an arsonist fire nearly destroyed it in 1991. Whenever possible, the original materials were used in reconstruction and some of the charred timbers are still visible.

~ ~ ~

Frederick County is home to three of Maryland's eight historic covered bridges - two of those eight are privately owned. We live pretty close to all three soooo - on a beautiful Fall-like day, what better subject for a photo op?

Black Pearl Mystery Solved...

Heh, heh - who would've thunk it? Who would've thought you could actually Google the cornfields of Frederick? Clearly, I really need to get out more since I don't even know what's going on in my own back yard, so to speak!

Anyway, it appears that some farms have now gone into the corn maze business. This particular farm has been at it for about 8 years and has a different theme each year. Last year it was The Civil War and this year it's going to be, ta da!... a pirate theme. The maze itself will be a design of pirate stuff and the ship is part of the program. Apparently they'll recreate the battle and shoot pumpkins at it with some ginormous pumpkin cannon or something like that.

It's all located at Winterbrook Farms in Thurmont, MD and put on by a company called MazePlay Inc.

Check out the links - they have pictures and lots of interesting info.

Day #258 - Pearl vision??

So, we're taking a leisurely drive 'round and about the countryside, when lo and behold, what to our wondering eyes should appear? No, no, not a tiny red sleigh and eight tiny reindeer... but something equally astonishing! All of a sudden, I see this ship... in the sky! Yep, there she was in all her glory - a replica of the Black Pearl from Pirates of the Caribbean, sitting on a pole... in the middle of the cornfields of Frederick county!. Just not something one expects to see every day, you know? LOL

So naturally, I took a shot. Haven't a clue what it's all about, but knew it had to be my picture of the day!