Just Lounging Around...and the Goodness of God

This beautiful chaise lounge is a gift from mia sorella (my sister in Italian)! After a visit to The Outback, Stephanie decided that I needed a chaise lounge. I had seen the chaise lounge that matches my outdoor dining set so we drove to the store to check it out. The original price had been $499...which I would NEVER pay, especially at the end of the season. It had been marked down to $349, then to $249, which is still a little pricey, but it matched what I had so we went to find someone to wait on us. After the salesman showed up, he left and forgot about us. I was checking out the pallet to see if there were any new chaises in a box. As I walked around the 3 boxes, I happened to see that the price on the bottom box was $159! It was mis-marked, but the store had to sell it to us for that price! When the salesman finally returned, I exclaimed, "I want THAT one!" GOD IS SOOO GOOD!

It arrived today and I put it together....then I tested it! It was so comfortable, that I feel asleep right after I took this photograph! :-) Thanks, Stephanie for the gift to me...and God for the price break!

It is official....The Outback is the name of the deck!

Here I am enjoying the deck with my book on Economics! I have decided that I shall call the deck "The Outback", not just because it is out back...but because of the size. I have had a few get togethers here and I hope to have many more...I must share that with which God has blessed me....

I am also gearing up mentally to complete my last 2 classes for my MBA. Graduation is January 2010, but I will complete my coursework in early December 2009. Then I can focus my attention on reviving my photography business. Please keep me in your prayers as I continue to move forward in what the Lord has for me...

August 24, deck is not bare anymore!

A nice place to chill....

Can you believe that I found a dining set for my patio that is the same color as the furniture inside my house? It is Espresso. I can hardly wait to have people over to enjoy this with me. It think it is time for a house blessing party...what about you????

You can lead a cat to the deck, but you can't make her like it!

August 23, 2009. Today I washed my car and hosed down the garage...there is A LOT of space in there. I moved the chairs I had on my side porch and my grill to the deck along with my herb garden...(basil, mint and cilantro type of herbs!) and the last "leg" of my tomato plant.

I tried a number of times, unsuccessfully to coax my cat Gabi out onto the deck. In my former apartment, Gabi and Hanna did not venture outdoors in the dirt and grass. I lived on the third floor and their outdoor experience was limited to sitting on the fire escape or the roof. This is a great place for them now because it is closed in. When I get a puppy, I am going to built a box with dirt and grass on the deck (far away from the table)...that will be his "potty".

Anyway, I finally got her out onto the deck, she was NOT a happy kitty; her tail was all puffed up and twitching and she was growling. I kept reassuring her that everything was going to be just fine.

Once she discovered that the deck was kinda cool, she stretched out on it and kept purring,

paw kneading the deck and rubbing her face on the spindles of the banister. When it was time to go in, guess who did not want to move? Yes, Mz. Gabi!

If you need a dependable contractor...

may I suggest Joe Bruni Construction. Joe is local (Verona, PA). He is DEPENDABLE, he does what he says he is going to do. Joe did not ask for all the money up front. He wrote up a simple contract explaining all the work to be completed. Joe was here every single day from around 7:45 a.m. til 4:00 p.m. There were only 2 days when Joe, Mark and Anthony were not here...one day was because of rain. The other day was due to waiting on a lumber order. This has been a wonderful experience. I would HIGHLY recommend Joe Bruni Construction (412) 828-1569.

Thanks Joe, Mark and Anthony for all of your hard work. I could not be more pleased with the job that you have done. Now all I have to do is find some great patio furniture!

WOOOO HOOOOOO!! What a job!

Just got back from a few days in Myrtle Beach. I am so relaxed! Anyway, when I returned, the job was finished! Joe put some nice finishing touches on the banister. Looks GREAT!

Joe also installed a hand rail so that I could pass inspection.

The security door on the side porch is installed.

The basement, garage and deck are all clean and swept out. Joe left everything as if he had never been here.

Day 21 Garage Door...

The finishing touches are finally here! The garage door is up. The automatic opener still needs to be installed. I love my new door!

Garage door from the inside...

Joe even installed my security doors (and did a GREAT job)! Now I can keep my front and side doors open and enjoy a nice breeze on a cool day! Not only that, he and Mark re-routed my rain gutter and are going to install a hand rail near my side steps! Thanks for helping me get up to code guys!