Repairs and Maintenance

As usual there is always something to fix on the farm.  J is an expert at checking on things and trying to prevent bigger problems.  This bridge was the current issue.

The rock pillars were starting to erode badly at the base.  It took several calls before J was able to find someone willing to do the work.

The man J got was in his late 70's and his helpers were in their 60's.  The young people that did give an estimate were $7000 higher.

I think the old folks did a fine job.  

Just Kit Sunday #110

Sorry for the absence but I've been having to work extra this week which really leaves no time for anything else.

 I finished my bench and am trying it out in the entry way.  Kit was quick to give it an inspection.

 I think he was satisfied but hard to tell with a Kat.

I think it is definitely adding a modern vibe to the house.

Estate Sale Score

I have been trying to find some mid century modern furniture for some time now.  There just isn't any to be had in southwest Virginia.  There is an abundance of primitive furniture but not a stick of mid century modern.  Whenever I look on Craig's list there is nothing here but tons in Asheville, NC.  So when I went to my continuing education meeting there this weekend, I was on the hunt for some good deals. 

Imagine my joy when my sister sent me a picture of these pieces she saw at an estate sale she went to while I was in my class.  The sale was over by the time I got out but after some phone calls the owner agreed to meet us the next day. And the other great part was that they both fit in my car. 

 The owner said that an architect friend of his had bought the pieces new in the 60's when he opened his office.  He then bought them when his friend retired.  They are made by Drexel and in their Parallel line of furniture.

There was some hideous contact paper in the drawers, but when I peeled it out the drawer interiors were in perfect shape.   A little more cleaning and a new coat of polyurethane and they will be ready to find a spot in my house.

Good Fences #132

This may not look like a fence a first but trust me it is.  

I saw this sign on Pinterest the other day and thought it was a very doable project.  It was also selling on Etsy for $100.

So I headed to the barn and pulled out some old fence boards, sanded and washed them, put 2 together and painted my own Welcome sign.   I might be getting a little too addicted to Pinterest.

For more Good Fences click HERE

Beautiful Day For A Ride

J and I took off Sunday for a 3 1/2 hour trail ride.  The weather was perfect and the trails were in great shape.  

Otoelene worked on being brave and went in the front for most of the ride.

We had 3 gates to open and shut.  They are hung and latched so they can be done from horse back.  Otoelene was great with them all.

J said this was the best Brother has done all year.  I attributed to the fact that I had ridden him to tune him up for the horse show last weekend.  

He just went right along with his head down and relaxed the whole time.  

He did take the lead through the range lands.

J spotted this hornet's nest along the way.  It was far enough off the trail to not be a bother. 

Another wonderful day out with the horses. 

Virginia Highlands Fall Festival

V was visiting today and wanted to do something different.  Well, it just so happened that the Virginia Highlands Fall Festival was happening at Mount Rogers.  

 The highlight of the festival, which includes music, food and crafts, is the pony auction.

 Some of the wild ponies that roam the park, are rounded up and auctioned off.  The money goes to the local fire and rescue departments and helps support the care of the ponies through the winter.

 There was a steady stream of people coming to look over the ponies.

 J and V were picking out their favorites.

 Then at 2:00 the crowd gathered for the excitement.  Last year was rainy with a poor turnout and the ponies averaged about $125 with some going for as little as $25.   This year, the weather was perfect.  I'm not sure the exact average but it is probably around $450 with several going over $550.  They were cute but not cute enough for us to bring one home at that price.

We did enjoy browsing though  the craft tents.  J had the best find...

a Reasor Green apple from a nursery in North Carolina that was selling trees.  Yes, it is an heirloom variety developed by one of his ancestors.  It was thought to be extinct but was later rediscovered.  There is an interesting story about that HERE.  They didn't have one of the trees with them but we could order it and have it shipped.  J is trying to decide where to plant one now.
A very enjoyable day.

Outdoor Bench

I have been wanting an outdoor bench.  Pinterest to the rescue for ideas.   I found multiple contenders but ultimately settled on this one.

image from pinterest

There was just the major problem of the supports being metal.  

 I solved that problem with some scrap 2x4's instead.

 I was hoping that I had a nicer board laying around but all that I could find was this pine 2x10 that had been used in a concrete form.  I made the gap for the board bigger just in case I come across something thicker that I like better.

I think I will stain the top natural and paint the supports black.  Depending on how it turns out it may or may not make it outside.