Scarlett's Birthday Party Surprise

The day that I found the rocking Ottoman, and at the time that Brett and I made our "Cruise Through The Hole" video, he found a precious, very used, child's tree swing-chair. He was behind me, scrounging around while I was finishing the video, when he said, "What do think about this?" Well, I just about screamed, "Scarlett will love it!"

The day it came home from the "Hole"

Obviously well used!

Patch job complete!

First step of renovation - sanding

New Paint!

New safety bar, made from Bamboo! And new hardware

Hardware installed

New rope

Rigged and ready!

I renovated the chair-swing for her big 2nd  birthday party. I sanded it down and put on a coat of brand new bright red paint.

It took some thinking about how to place the brand new rope. But with some engineering we figured it out!  Sunday is the day of the party, and after it is attached to the apple tree next to their condo-let the party begin!

Happy Birthday, Scarlett!

Shannon's Chair

Rachel and I have been great friends with Shannon since we all met as neighbors about a year ago. Even though our dogs have a mutual dislike for each other, [probably because when we get together we talk, laugh, and giggle so much that they feel ignored] we hang out whenever possible.

Just about the time that I found the green patio set that adorns the home page of this blog, I found a very stylish metal chair at the "Hole". We loved the chair and picked out a nice cushion for it at Ikea, but when the full set came along there just wasn't enough room in the small yard for it. I knew that Shannon would like the chair so I carried it over to her condo and it fit like a glove in her lawn. People in the DC area will know what I mean when I say, "She looks like she could be in a Haverty's commercial when she sits in it!" We love ya, Shannon!

Cubby Hoarder?

My new obsessions, bamboo, and wine crates have joined my life long obsession with cubby's. Cubby-holes have always been my favorite way to store things. They are the perfect way to store my art supplies, fishing gear, and wood carving tools. Thanks to the "Hole" my cubby collection is growing.

The first one came along as our Jack Russel Terrier was having a hard time getting on and off of our Sleep Number Bed, which is a little taller than most beds. We were searching all over for a bench or ramp or something to make it easier for her to access the bed. Katie was unreal when it came to a freshly made bed- she just couldn't resist climbing in and getting under the covers. One day at the "Hole" when we were about to give up searching for the right solution to our dilemma, a Pottery Barn three cubby bench showed up, and solved the problem. The bench was just the right height and Katie knew as soon as she saw it, that it was for her to get onto the bed, happy napper!

The next cubby came along as we were moving into a new condo with a smaller kitchen, it has several "holes" and we thought it would be useful to store kitchen stuff. I eventually decided to use it in my studio, and I love it for storing small paintings and my hand caved fishing lures.

Just the other day another three hole cubby on wheels came along, made by Ikea, it is sturdy and has nice lines, and I love anything on wheels, and everything Ikea! The holes on this piece are large and perfect for holding my tackle boxes and wood carving materials.

Welcome to the "Hole"

Brett came over one Sunday afternoon and I made a small mention of the "Hole", his eyes got crazy and he said,"Let's go!" Off we went, and as we neared the gate I pulled out my brand new iPhone, and put together this little video - enjoy!

The Wishing Part

Our secret place that we call "The Wishing Hole" reminds me of the hole in the tree in To Kill A Mocking Bird, except we get to wish for things to make them appear. Jem and Scout found items in that hole, but they didn't take part in what ended up there. At our "hole" wishing for

an item is the fun, and miraculous part of finding something. We have ended up with so many wished for things it makes us seem like beggers!

When we left our house in Michigan, we left behind items that we need here in Alexandria. One such item is a pot rack for our small kitchen. We wished for one when we moved from one condo around the corner to a different condo with a smaller kitchen. The day before we moved I found the exact replica of our Michigan pot rack at the "Hole". The rack needed a little clean-up with a Mr Clean Magic Eraser, but now shines as if brand new!

Pier Cart

I have been fishing from piers since I got my drivers license. My best friends back then Ty and Woody and I fished from the South Haven, Michigan pier for trout and perch. We also dipped for smelt in the spring. Now, I check for a pier everywhere I go. Florida piers are my favorites, but the Mid-Atlantic piers are so numerous that I'm still searching for my favorite.

Pier fishing requires lots of tackle, several fishing poles and a cooler, camera, food, water, well you get the drift- lots of crap needs to get onto that pier in order to be a good pier fisherman. For forty years I have been carrying all that stuff down the long piers across America- but not any more!

One day as we were pulling thru the "Hole" Rachel said, "'There is a cart leaning on the dumpster." Well, I almost fell out of car getting to it! I have been wanting one of these so bad for so long! I was always so jealous of the people sporting their cool pier carts, but never invested in one. I just could never decide which style, and I'm so cheap that I just kept lugging stuff.

The cart that we found is perfect. it folds out into a big basket that I can attach my pole holders to the corners, and the basket is big enough to carry tackle boxes and a cooler. On its first voyage to the pier, it worked perfectly and got several thumbs-up from the hard-core salty dog fishermen on the Point Lookout Pier. I am so proud to own it that I can't wait to go to the next pier and show it off!

before

after

My New Obsession- CRATES!

I hate to rub this in, but the first crate that I obtained came from a pile of junk in a box out front of Brett and Terra's condo. It was destined for the "Hole", but I saw potential in the antique wooden crate with the metal bands around the corners.

Cen-Pro Antique Crate Now On Wheels

The second crate I actually picked out of the dumpster! It was  a brand new wooden wine crate, I had all kinds of ideas of what I could do with it.

The antique crate was transformed into a mini hamper on wheels. After cleaning it thoroughly, I painted the bottom light blue and the inner sides were painted white. I coated the outside with poly to bring out the wood grain and highlight the logo painted on the sides. The wheels give it a cute factor that brought Brett to tears, he moaned, "Why didn't I think of that!"

Refurbished Wine Crate

The new wine crate was fun- I painted the interior with the green paint used on the lawn set, and then I painted a brightly colored Tuna fish on the bottom, this one will go to A Show of Hands, and will hopefully be sold!

Sometimes It Doesn't Work Out

The "Hole" is an impulse buy kind of place, split decisions, and an open mind are needed to separate the good from the bad. Some items are a no-brain er, and some require a reevaluation to determine whether it stays or goes once it is taken home.

Yesterday, Rachel and I spotted a white rocking chair from the pool parking lot and almost fell over each other trying to get to it before anyone else could scoop it up. The rocker had classic style and we couldn't wait to get it home so I could start refinishing it.

We got the chair home and left it outside while I prepped a spot for it. Meanwhile our neighbor/friend, Brett came by and checked out our new find. While giving it a test "rock" he noticed a crack in one of the rockers, a crack soon to be a break. So unfortunately back to the Hole it went! The table we found with the chair is a winner and was wished for by Rachel for the printer, I will be refinishing it today!

Something For Everyone!

The Fourth of July fell on a Thursday this year, not typically a banner day at the Hole. Rachel and I stopped down with some recycling and to clean out our car. At first glance there was nothing at all at the dumpsters' free item spot. We cleaned out the car, and then swung around to recycling, and were leaving the facility when Rachel said,  "What's that?" On the ground was a clear plastic bag with plastic items inside.

Sprig Seaplane and Dolphin Adventure Boat

The items turned out to be the most adorable children's toys that I've ever seen! Made by Sprig Toys, these adventure series plastic replicas of a tugboat and sea plane, equipped with captains and dolphins were the hit at our 4th of July barbeque/picnic. Our friend's, Brett, and Terra filled their kiddie pool in the courtyard in front of our condo and we presented their almost two year old with her "gift from the Hole" and the party had begun!

Seaplane and Pilot

Scarlett played with the toys for hours, how entertaining! That was a true "wish" from the Hole. I'm sure all of us adults wished that Scarlett would have fun at our holiday get-together, it was SO much fun that I am sure it will become a Fourth of July tradition.

Dolphin Adventure Boat

My Studio, Thanks to the "Hole"

Framed Mini-Oils Available at Show of Hands in Alexandria VA

Egret Cube for my Neighbor

Mini-Oil of Leelanau County

Portrait of George Washington

The first item ever found by Rachel at the Hole was a small wooden cubby table, which resides in my studio, and holds my painting supplies. Brushes and carving tools in holders on top, and brush cleaning supplies in the cubby compartment. In the corner, by the windows sits my easel and the remainder of my supplies are stashed in a big antique steamer trunk that I found on the side of the road in Northern Michigan. All good, but, what I needed was a desk and chair!

The Cubby Table: AKA The First Find

The desk came first, I wished for one to replace the one I thought I scored, only to have Rachel say: "That K-mart piece of crap...." Not two days later, a Italian version of the K-mart piece of crap showed up a the Hole, it fit, I grabbed it, and I LOVE it!

"The Combo"

My chair came a few  days later and not only was that made in Italy also, but it matches my desk! My production has gone way up (check out Show of Hands in Alexandria where you can find my works for sale), and the chair is on wheels, so it is beautiful and fun. And it's Harry approved as well!

The "Chair"

Easy Come- Not So Easy go!

Just after I found the cute green lawn set, I found a Plow and Hearth bench and table. With a 3x 5 ft. "yard" I knew that I couldn't keep it, but it passed the "if it fits, it goes" rule at the Hole. I loved it, so I took extra care while refinishing it to do a detailed job. First I sanded it smooth and then applied a high grade stain plus poly blend. It looked almost new when it dried!

I stashed the bench on the front stoop for awhile, and then faced the cruel truth that it was destined for craigslist. Rachel posted it on a Monday for $85.00, and two days later, we helped a lady "squeeze" it into her SUV.

I never thought about it until I just stumbled over the picture on iPhoto a few minutes ago. Now I miss it- Damn it!