Updated fireplace tile

BEFORE

The tile installed around the fireplace when I built this house was cheap and "vanilla" looking. The hearth was narrow and several years ago Joel had a log roll out of the fireplace and scorch the carpet. I have been wanting to re-tile for years and Kevin and his Dad - Russ, have the tools and skill.

I love the new look! It makes the fireplace stand out much more and makes it a feature in the room. We extended the hearth which has made it appear to be in a better scale. I am still undecided on whether to paint the mantle a different color and what to do with the Heritage Wall. I think i am going to move it and put something different above the fireplace.

....AND AFTER

Weekend to refresh in Florida

I had a great long weekend recharge in Florida. Left Indy 6am Friday morning and returned Monday afternoon in time to get Eli for dinner. Friday and Saturday were beautiful clear blue sky days - 75F. I had so many memories of our week there in September. Visited the beach at Fort Desoto. The picnic tables are in different places on the beach - but I couldn't help smile at the infamous "nap on the beach" photo. I sat on the beach Saturday a.m. and got a bad burn on my chest and neck and shoulders - so covered up after that. Sunday was actually cloudy and rainy and mid afternoon a huge fog rolled in - a "sea mist" I suppose.

I read and napped a lot, watched TV at night and went to bed early. I went to Crabby Bills Friday night and had a dozen oysters on the half shell - $5.99!! Can you believe it? The atmosphere was busy and loud - nice to see people enjoying themselves in these tough economic times. The oysters were from Louisiana and were HUGE. They were so good I went back Saturday for another dozen for lunch + a Bloody Mary, then went to Billy's (close to Vasili's place were we had the Lobster) that night and got 30 Peel-and-eat shrimp - basically prawns that you peel yourself. 30 sound like a lot - but they are fairly small.

Sunday, lest I break out in boils, I decided to have just a half dozen oysters for lunch......3.99! as well as the steamer bucket - more shrimp and mussels and clams.

Oh......I forgot that Friday for lunch I went to the Hurricane - the lovely restaurant we went to the first night we were there - with the balcony and sunset views - and had a Grilled Grouper sandwich - their specialty and fresh from the Gulf.

I didn't take my camera and there really wasn't anything photo worthy...but I did have this postcard on my fridge. Mum and Dad - you may recall the big pink palace - "The don Cazair Resort" in the bottom left of the postcard. Crabby Bill's is up the beach just after the green space.

Hannah & Jason's Wedding

Saturday was a perfect day in every way! It was casual, yet elegant. Hannah and Jason are a lovely couple. They were married by a local Judge in Jason's parent's home. They had tables and chairs brought in and all the food was catered except for Kevin's special beef tenderloin which he had marinating Friday night and cooked at the Esmail's. There were 23 guests + 1 dog !! Kevin did really well considering his daughter was getting married!