Ornamental Tree Stump

Adam surprised me last week by (carefully) dropping this tree stump off at my house. This isn't just any ordinary tree stump anymore. Adam utilized his creative side and transformed this chunk of wood into a great piece of art!

Very impressive!
I wanted to showcase it in the driveway ~ where there was a good chance that everyone would notice it. I made a little cacti/rock garden around the stump. Next Spring (when good weather returns) I'll put a bird house or feeder on top along with some other neat garden accessories to make it even more attractive.
Ohhhhh, the possibilities!

:D

Here are some closer photos to show the detail................

Isaac and Ava help show the scale ;)

It'll look really cool next summer when there are beautiful flowers in the planter next to the house. I'm so excited, but alas, I have to wait. A l.o.n.g. time................
lol

Big thanks Adam!!!!!

Ely Office Sign

I thought this was really cool. One of my clients has a high-tech laser. He made this great sign to post on the door in my Ely office. He refused to take my money; but traded a massage for his work/materials instead. Beautiful work - I am impressed. Cool, huh?
I love it!

Autumn Marches On....

The trees aren't naked quite yet at the Hamilton house. In fact, I still have beautiful flowers in bloom. This morning we observed a woodpecker hanging on the side of one of our trees out in the garden. Speaking of my garden, I still have 4 tomatoe plants, carrots, and beets. You could have fooled me that it was almost the end of October *knock on wood*.................

Here is the large pile of firewood on the West side of the house (some I stacked under ag-bag). We've been on a couple of "wood trips" on the weekends this Fall. Thanks to the hard labor/help from Adam, Audrey, Mark, and mom. We've successfully got enough wood to last a couple of years :)

Of course we got the wood - before we installed the stove ;)

This is the stove that we are having installed in our house in early November. We bought it from a neighbor who gave us a super deal. I'll take photos of it later when it's installed in our house. Hopefully the weather continues to stay as dry as it has been for this upcoming project. After the first week of November - I will tolerate winter.
lol

Speaking of the weather - this has definately got to be a record for one of the warmest October months! It's f.a.b.u.l.o.u.s!

Just had to throw in a couple of photos of my blondie and red head!!

:D

Tomorrow we are going hiking with friends & then ending the day with a Halloween train ride in Ely! Photos to follow later, of course :)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Las Vegas

Bryan presented a talk for a UNLV Herpetological group last Saturday. It was a good opportunity to take the family on a little trip. The topic of his presentation: Herpetology of the Great Basin. I actually got to see some of it - with the kids running around in the hall next to us. My uncle Daryl, Michelle, and Justine came to see the program too.

Ava and Isaac sported the appropriate attire for the occassion........

After the presentation, the group had a dessert raffle. Check out these creative rice crispy treats:

The following day, Sunday, we took the tram from our hotel (Treasure Island) to the Mirage to see the new Dolphin, Tiger, Lion, and Leapard habitat. I'll tell ya - Vegas has everything. I shouldn't be surprised anymore. lol

There were a variety of trainers that would come out and interact with the dolphins.

It was hard not to fall in love with the dolphins - they loved the attention of people :)

Seriously, this dolphin was flirting with Ava & Isaac and would "wave" when they waved.....
lol

Ava really wanted to "ride" a lion. This is the best we could do ;)

Ha ha!

Here is the official tourist photo we got:

The Mirage experience was interesting (I'd do it at least once) - the dolphins stole the show for sure.

Sunday night we stayed at Daryl & Michelle's house where the last of the photos were taken:

Ava asks Bryan and I (at home) to tie a short rope on her pants when she plays "cat."

So, while in Vegas we went into Savers - where I found this outfit. She LOVES it.

This "herpetology" trip proved to be a success ~ look what the guys found in Daryl's backyard!!

Yeah, that's one (or two) BIG toads!!

"Got Warts?"

Just kidd'n!

Thanks Daryl & Michelle for your hospitality! It was great to see you :)

What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas........... just so ya know ;)

Ha ha!