CDO

     Yes.  Anyone who knows me even a little may have figured this out!  Anyone who knows me well is nodding their head in agreement right now!  I may have come by this naturally, thanks dad!  I LOVE to organize and I actually enjoy cleaning:)  Give me a closet or a drawer to make "work better" and I am a very happy lady.  I know, there are many of you shaking your heads and muttering something about me needing to get a life, but its true.  If there would be a market around here for it, I would be a "Professional Organizer!"  (There really is such a thing! Imagine, people pay people like me to organize their stuff!  Aahhh, a dream!)
     Over the past 3 months, I have been working to make the spaces around my house  work better for me.  Now, "My spaces". ie: closet, drawers etc. and communal spaces; ie: kitchen and pantry etc. were already organized extremely well and needed very little attention.  However, spaces like the garage, shed and the wood shop/workroom were more Jeff's than mine though I had areas within them.  I needed to make those areas work for me now and that is not necessarily to same as how they worked for Jeff.  For instance, I do not need  chain saws available to me at a moments notice.   They are just fine in the new storage unit in the garage where I can get to one (or Chase can) in, oh, say about 15 seconds vs. 3 seconds where they sat on the garage floor!  
     Back in July, Chase and I tackled the garage. I am so grateful that both my day off and Chase’s day off coincide!  (I’m not sure he feels the same way about this!)  Monday’s.  The proverbial Monday.  A “day off” for both of us.  Right!  On this particular Monday’s agenda was, garage cleaning.  Not just cleaning though, really cleaning and re organizing.  Big time!  Please understand, Many items have made their way to the garage, namely, Jeff’s side of the garage, when we (mostly me) had no where else to go with them.  It was starting to look like a garage sale gone wild!  We (yes, we in this case) were using Jeff’s truck for storage!  Both inside (all the stuff I was accumulating for Goodwill) and the truck bed!  Drew currently has an Adirondack chair living there and Bri had a full size box spring and mattress in it.  This is in addition to the old washer and dryer that will soon be gone (I hope!!!) and a few other misc. things.  We started by pulling almost everything out of the garage.  Then we swept it all including the massive amounts of floor dry!  Next up, power washing. What is it about power washing?  I love it!  Apparently, so does Chase!  The hardest part is making yourself stop.  I think if time had allowed, Chase would have gone all the way to the end of the driveway!  Here I was, unsure if the washer, after being unearthed from the depths of the shed, would even work!  After a medium slow start, we got it going and the garage looked greatJ  So great in fact, I really wasn’t sure I wanted to put anything back I there.  But, it had to go somewhere so…

Now this was the fun part for me!  I love to organize!   (Really, I do!)  I sort of organized Jeff’s big rolling tool bench (will be more thorough later, when it’s not 96 degrees outside in the breeze!).  Then I made piles.  Piles of chain saws and chain saw stuff.  Piles of scrap metal to be (hopefully) turned into a small amount of cash.  Piles of grill stuff, log splitter stuff,  bird seed/feeding stuff, car cleaning stuff, car running, fixing, oiling and fluid stuff.  Etc.  You get the picture.  Then I looked at all the piles.  I needed a much better plan than what we had!  I needed a big storage unit.  After looking at available wall space and what I could move and could not, I quickly figured out that I had 4 feet of wall space available and could go as high as the ceiling.  This should accommodate nearly everything.   Ok, now working with a limited time frame at best (Chase had to be to the fire dept. in 1 ½ hours) and being my usual optimistic self, off we went to Lowes. Found the perfect unit but knew we would be short on time for taking it home and assembling it.  Bad news tho, no units left!  Or, maybe good news?  After asking the helpful gentleman if he would please, please, please ask the manager if he could sell us the display unit (initially the  answer was no, not usually), word came down that yes, they would sell me the display model and the bonus was that  it would already be assembled and I thought it looked like it would fit in my SUV!  (Second bonus, cashier gave me a discount for it being a display!) YES!  After borrowing a tape measure (the one I always carry in my purse only goes up to 3 feet) and measuring my Expedition with the seats down, I determined that  it would fit,  barely!  I requested that it be loaded in “head first and face down” rationalizing that when we got home and I backed into the garage, we could just pull it out, tip it up and push it back a few inches.  It was a perfect plan and was executed brilliantly by Chase and I, if I don’t say so myself!

Chase needed to leave but that was ok.  I was in my element and ready to organize:)  I was so excited to see everything fit in there as I had hoped.  The garage felt so much neater and more organized.  Not that it wasn’t organized for Jeff.   It was but, I needed it to work for me now and that is different than what worked for him. 

     There are a few things left to be dealt with but, those just got moved to the shed. (Note to the creature that was in there with me:  I’m sorry if I took up so much room with this stuff, it is not winter, go live in the woods if you are unhappy!)  The shed is one of the next areas on “The List”!  I’ll save that for another day!  

Loving the new organized storage unit!

     "Another day" came mid Sept.  Time for the shed.  One Sat. morning I decided it wouldn't wait any longer and attacked it with a vengeance!  Old, rickety rusty metal shelving unit out, new heavy duty plastic shelving unit (on sale at Menards with a rebate to boot; love those "keep em coming back" Menards rebates!)  in place.  Roofing shingles went up into the attic/loft area of the shed, more shovels and extension cord hung and things re arranged nicely:)  I gathered all the tarps I had found, from the garage and 2 spots in the shed and they are all living together in one spot now!  I also found yet another chain saw!  I am up to 5 now!  Also found another bar and a bag of chains and they all joined the rest in the unit in the garage.  All "garden stuff" in one area, all "Tractor" stuff in one area etc.  All cardboard boxes replaced with plastic bins and totes:)      (Jeff love a good, sturdy cardboard box but eventually, they get nasty with dampness and oil so, plastic totes and my label maker to the rescue!)  And, the above mentioned critter who was in the shed must have taken my advice and left because I had the place all to myself for the day:)

     On a roll now, I decided to finish the basement this morning.  First day of fall and a stormy morning and so it seemed like a good way to spend the day.  I also had my SUV half full of stuff for Goodwill and wanting to make the trip really worth it, I needed to finish downstairs.   I had started this project earlier this summer when a couple of kind co-workers of Jeff's delivered his tool cart and 3 tool boxes to the house.  I had to move (with Chase's help) 2 shelving units to make room for these.  These shelving units were more of  the old school rickety metal ones and at least half of the stuff on them were things that were old, dried up, out of date and not very usual any longer.    A few times, I would spend a few minutes picking something off a shelf and deciding what to do with it but, I needed to dedicate a day to really just finish it.  After 4 hours, the entire wood shop/workroom is clean and organized and a thing of beauty!  I once again gathered all "like" items together.  All plumbing stuff on one shelf.  All electrical stuff together.  All paint, stain and supplies together.  All screws in one nice plastic drawer and all nails in another.  If I want or need something, I should be able to locate it quickly:)  And yes, the label maker was put to use again.  (Jeff had started labeling a lot of stuff last winter as a project so I just continued what he started!)  A lot more stuff went into the SUV and a trip to Goodwill will be well worth it now!   While at it, my craft room got a mini makeover:) 
     I am loving how it all turned out and knowing that I now know where everything is so when I need something I don't have to start searching.  I love that Goodwill will benefit from a huge load of stuff and that I can recycle of bunch of the scrap metal!   Chase took home some stuff that he can use and found some wood that he has a project in mind for.  Another day, another project:) 


                                     Happy Fall everyone!  "Make every moment count!"

New autumn arrangement.  I've been enjoying re-discovering my creative side lately:)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(((Hugs)))
  Brenda

Flying High

   I live near the lake. 2 lakes actually!  Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa.  I also live somewhat near an airport, especially "as the crow flies!  (or the airplanes in this case.)  
 
What this means is that, all manner of aircraft fly over my house quite frequently.  I have, only on rare occasions, witnessed a Hot Air Balloon fly over, perhaps due to the density of the trees and the dunes being a bit prohibitive to an emergency landing if it became necessary?  But, many other forms of aircraft are often overhead.  The loud, often low flying helicopters send me running out onto the deck with a Prayer that it not be one searching the lake shore for a missing swimmer! Airplanes of all sizes fly over at varying altitudes, some so loud and frighteningly  low,  I believe they may use my driveway and a landing strip!

    And then,  on many beautiful evenings or mornings, there are the Ultra Lights.  I always go out onto the back deck and wave:)  Just in case they can see me.  Just in case it is someone I know:)  You see, I do know someone who flies, among other things, an Ultra Light.  Jerry worked with Jeff for many many years.Jeff  had often told Jerry that he was nuts:)-  But, truth be told, Jeff had the greatest respect and admiration for Jerry.  As a co worker, a pilot and a friend.  When Jeff became ill, Jerry mentioned, several times, that he was going to take Jeff up flying!  Jeff actually looked forward to being able to do that!  Unfortunately, it was not to be.


   And so, as summer has gone by, I have seen the Ultralights fly over on numerous occasions and yes, always waved.  And then, one night as one went overhead, an idea came to me and I couldn't shake it!  The idea was that, I needed to go up.  I needed to do this for Jeff.  (Yes, I know what most of you are saying, I have heard it all!)  I let the idea simmer for a few weeks.  Wanted to make sure it wasn't just a passing thing I guess.  But, the wish to fly only got stronger.  Then, I worked up the courage to e mail Jerry!  ( I was far more nervous asking for this huge favor than I was to actually fly!) I had been meaning to e mail him to thank him for his support and visits; Jeff mentioned several times how nice that was!  And then I mentioned that I'd like to go up if he was willing to take me instead.  Jerry e mailed back right away (tho I would not get it till 11 hours later when I returned from work) and said he "would be delighted!"  Boy, was I excited!  Before I could reply, I received another e mail from Jerry suggesting the following evening! Turns out, he was afraid I would change my mind or let someone talk me out of it!  Yeah, that was not going to happen!  Ok, this is really gonna happen!  I was so exited the next day!  It was a beautiful day and I couldn't wait:)  

 I met Jerry at the airport and realized I wasn't nervous at all.  Still just excited!  Several friends who knew I was going to do this expressed their opinions ranging from "you're crazy" to "you're brave".  I questioned myself and my sanity and decided it was neither.  Life is short.  Have fun.  Take some chances. But, be smart.  I wore a seat belt and a helmet after all! 

Jerry and I before "helmet hair"

Jerry and I ready for takeoff

And, we're up!

 The feeling you get when you leave the ground is unbelievable!  Exhilarating!  Magical!  WOW!  It also struck me how close some landmarks seem when you're in the air even though you know how far away they really are!  The view was breath taking!  

I loved this photo of the sun, trees and lakes

First, we went in search of my house.  That was something Jeff really wanted to see,our house from the air.  Well, let me say, that was not as easy as one may think!  A house with a green roof nestled in the trees really hid well but, after missing it the first time by we did indeed find it:)

Nestled in the woods:)

My house and my neighbors garden

 

I asked my brother in law if he would mind taking some pics as we flew over the house and both he and my neighbors did just that!  My nephew also took a short video, so cool!  

Here we come, over the house!

That's me!  And Jerry! :)

 I took my camera up but will admit that I couldn't tell if I was actually getting any good shots!  I was often looking into the sun, we were going 50-70 miles and hour and I didn't have my "special glasses!"  Fingers crossed!  In the end, I only had to delete 1 pic.

Heading south down the lake shore

Flying over the water, at 70 mph according to Jerry, is amazing! As I looked out over the water I really didn't feel like we were going that fast !  And, then you look at the shore and you realize that you really are going that fast!  The kids on the beach were all waving and I of course waved back:)  Jerry "waved" too by dipping the wings:)

Big Red

Jerry took me on a tour of Holland from a whole new viewpoint!  It was fun to pick out buildings and land marks.  

Lake Mac

Yacht Club

Kollen Park and Boatwerks restaurant

DeZwaan and Windmill Island

  One of my favorite shots for 2 reasons.  First, flying east up 8th street was so much fun, identifying all the buildings and stores:)  Second, quite accidentally, this shot really shows just how open and exposed you are when flying in an Ultra light!  It really is incredible!

8th st flying east

The whole experience was one I will never forget!!!  I am so grateful that Jerry was so willing to do this for me and for Jeff!  Initially, the idea came to me that I "had to do this for Jeff!"  I even said to Chase, after it was over, that I hoped Jeff was with me somehow.  We believe he was:)   I was just a little bit closer to Jeff for a bit that evening.  And in the end, I realized that I did it for me too.  Something different.  Something new.  Moving forward.  But still, with Jeff very much in my mind and heart:)

Airport approach

Getting close, grass landing tonight:)

  

Just about...

Touchdown!

Jerry said, "anytime you want to go again...,"  well, I plan to do just that!  This will not be a "once in a lifetime" experience for me!  It is a "must do again!"   Thank You Jerry!!!  Thank you for helping me "do this for Jeff!"  Thank you for helping me "Make every (exciting) Moment Count!"

I'll leave you with one last pic.  This one is not so great of the house, tho its there if you look closely!  I love this one for what it says; "Experimental", LOL!

Loved what this pic says!

  (More pics and a video of my flight on my Facebook page.  Also, video links to a couple of Jerry's flights there as well!)