Doodily Doo A List of Things I No Longer Have To Do

• We got a lot accomplished this morning, here is the run down:
• PDaddy's dad is in town, so we met them in Shreveport for dinner last night. PDaddy's stepmom's aunt (how is that for a family tree reference) came along, and we had a very nice visit and an awesome meal. I had grilled chicken with goat cheese medallions and a lemon butter sauce with sundried tomatoes, another grilled chicken breast with a port of wine reduction with figs in it, grilled asparagus, and some chocolate creme' custard thing for dessert. Very nice. The kids spent the night at my folks, so it was nice to have a meal sans kids. Getting a table took forever, so I'm glad the kids were not there.
• We're just kicking around here in Pinkieville today. The weather is so very nice, and we have windows and doors open with the cool, fresh breeze blowing through. We are now able to enjoy the niceness even more after having a Phantom screen installed yesterday. We have been on the calendar for 4 weeks because the company was so back-logged with work. In the past, we were unable to put a screen door in our master bedroom due to a low-overhang on our back porch patio. Opening our bedroom window has always been something that we love to do at night while we watch tv. Especially in the fall, but our master bedroom at this house does not have a window, only a glass door with side lights. So, this screen is amazing. It's very sturdy, the screen is absolutely invisible, and it's retractable and is mounted flush to the outside of the door--although I think they an inside mounting option. When we replace our heavy, old sliding door in the living room, we plan on installing a French door. The men who did the installation said that the Phantom screen for French doors is really cool, so it's something we'll keep our eye on. If you have a door anywhere that you do not like the look of a screen door for, this is certainly something that you should look into. It's not a cheap fix, but it's worth every penny. Very high quality construction.
• Speaking of construction, we made a visit to price counter tops, materials, etc. I want a vintage look, but I want to stick with something classic so my kitchen doesn't look dated in 5-8 years. I have throw-back tastes, so those materials are usually harder find and therefore more expensive. I'm hoping to have the kitchen under construction by Thansgiving. I'd love for it to be done by Thanksgiving, but that might be pushing it. After the kitchen, we plan on tackling the foyer, dining and kitchen flooring. The tile in that area is okay, but it's sort of dated. I think we're gonna go with a wood of some sort. I guess my dad and PDaddy could/might/hopefully will install that to save $. Take a look at this kitchen and tell me what ya think. This is the direction I want to take my kitchen. Sort of classic, neutral, etc.
• I also got Sophy's bunk bed ordered this morning. I think we are going to hold off having it delivered until her birthday, so I have time to get some bedding together. I'm having a cabinet/hutch that we have re-finished/painted by a friend in our neighborhood that is very talented at such things. Her collection of birthday Josef's is starting to need a new home, and I think the cabinet with some girlie paint embellishment will go nicely in her new room. I'm excited to finally get a mojo going in her room. It's become a mix of about 32 different style ideas, and they were all Sophy's. Which is frightening. And gawdy.
• In other news, we spent the morning at my niece's 6th birthday party. The kids had a good time climbing rock walls, riding super slides, mechanical swings, and amusement rides. PDaddy climbed the rock wall with Jack because he, apparently, wants to test out his metal-plated collar bone. (rolling my eyes) I am happy to report it held up nicely.
• As soon as I can find the outfits I'm looking for, we'll do the our Christmas card photos. We have a location in mind, so I'm trying to think of the outfits that I want to go with the location. Still have some thinking to do about that. P
• Speaking of PDaddy, he has a wedding to shoot tonight at a ranch outside of town. It's an outdoor wedding with a barn dance reception. This is the third daughter of the family that he has shot weddings for, and all of the weddings have been held at their ranch with a reception/dance following in the barn. Perfect time of year for such, if you ask me. The other weddings at the location were amazing, so I can't wait to see the photos. I had originally planned to attend with him as the family invited me, but my face is on fire with allergies, my eyes and nose are running and my throat is killing me....and I look way less than beautiful. Or presentable. So, I guess I'll skip.
• I think Sophy and I are about to go clip a zinnia bouquet for our sweet GrandNeighbor. We haven't seen her in a few days, and I think she may be housebound for some reason. We're off to go check on her. Happy Saturday!