The long weekend leading up to Independence Day found my parents visiting from Nebraska and my dad graciously accepting my request to help me build a bookshelf for our bedroom. I roughly designed it based on an idea I saw in a magazine and the need to get Red off the floor and somewhere less inclined to result in accidental destruction. After a morning trip to Lowe’s to procure the necessary materials my dad and I spent the better part of the 97 degree day outside working. My dad of course did the majority of the real work but for once I paid attention in the hopes of being able to do some work on my own someday. As proof that I helped some I offer photographic evidence:
That eventually led to this:
and after much wizardry…and a few readjustments…led to this:
I am really pleased about the results, its exactly how I imagined it. I will stain or paint it soon (the bedroom will also be undergoing a repainting) and post pics. Thanks so much dad, I really appreciate it. You can see that Red is happy in her new home. My dad also made us a bedside table based on some ideas I discussed with him the last time they visited. It too needs to be stained/painted and I will post before and after pics of that as well.
And though there is no photographic evidence to prove it I enjoyed more of the wonderful midwestern July heat and humidity on Monday July 3rd when I assisted Jeff in the destruction of a large wooden swing set/fort that the neighbors were donating to Jeff and Keri’s children. I will try to get pics of the reconstruction of said edifice when that time comes.
Monday evening, July 3rd was the first of our two-day fireworks extravaganza. Monday was mostly made up of firing off things that were kid-friendly…sparklers, parachutes, various items with wheels, smoke sticks. We had a really good time capped off by a finale with a few larger fireworks. A thrilling time was had by all, right Mike?
(Tori, Zach, and Keri)
One of the biggest hits was the large parachutes that we discovered last year. They explode quite loudly and at their apex a second cannister explodes which sends out the parachute, army man attached, that either trails colored smoke or crackling lights. I hadn’t paid attention to the fact last year that the secondary explosion causes the extra tube (about the size of a toilet paper role only thicker and filled with heavy powder) to fly off at a great distance, threating homes, cars, humans and small animals around the neighborhood. Although the kids loved chasing down the parachutes it was the potential for neighbor-pissing-off damage of the shrapnel that kept the adults entertained. We almost hit a moving car, did hit the neighbors’ roof, and most of the others landed in the streets or in yards. Although a few were lost to trees and other yards we did have some survivors.
(one jumper came down empty handed)
In addition to man different parachutes (look closely and you can see a multi-force invasion), the smoke
(Tori, Queen of the Smoke)
and sparklers were a big hit. I took advantage of the very fun fireworks setting to get some of these shots.
(Ashley breathing fire)
(Zach, pyrotechnic artist extraordinaire)
(Ashley, two-fisted)
(Tori in circle of fire)
(The artist at work)
Zach got quite creative with his sparkler dances.
It was alot of fun and I look forward to much more fireworks destruction tonight. Happy Independence Day everyone!
Hurray for the bookcase boys! Carl and his dad did an excellent job, and I love the nightstand his dad made for us. I am really looking forward to seeing how they turn out after they are stained.
The fireworks night was so fun. I love they way the camera captured the sparkler action!
We shot off over 30 of those parachutes yesterday. It was a ton of fun. Those things just about stole the show. Well those and the big ones called “Big, Bad and Loud” that Julie’s dad purchased. Those things were quite impressive.
The bookshelf is gorgeous–it looks like it’s always been there (except that it’s not stained yet, of course). And the nightstand is amazing.
And I’m glad I got to meet your parents. They were both so nice and made me feel very welcome.
Ooh nice bookcase, well done!
And very cool pix of the fireworks too.
Happy 4th of July to you and your family.
Had a great time Carl! Of course Dad loves helping you kids-he is so good at carpentry, building furniture,and fixing things-I am so blessed to have this man!!! Thanks for everything ,we had a great time and loved meeting your friends. It is nice to put a face with the names.
Last night was blast. Thanks again for having us over. Those parachute fireworks were definitely a hit. Zach was playing with the army men today. Those pics of the kids are great too. We all had a good laugh.
Love the shelving unit, I can’t wait to have my own house again. And I have to say, I still love sparklers! Happy fourth.
Happy 4th Carl.
Your shelves look great, and Red looks perfect there.
Great bookcase! I love how it goes over the door. i am glad Red has a safe home now!!
great job!
i still have to get my dad to build some wall-to-wall bookshelves for me…
Wow! Excellent job on the bookcase Carl! (Great use of the space.)
Thanks all, I’m really glad my dad was up for fighting the heat and getting it built because I really wanted to get that done. Thanks again Dad!
Hey, very cool project, Carl! Nicely done. š
Looks like you had a lot of fun! The parachute guys were always my favorite, but I don’t quite remember them being that extravagant.
The book shelf looks wonderful and so does red in her taylored spot. Are you sure you weren’t just posing for that “hard at work” picture?
hello, I was just looking up my family’s name “Glines” and I saw shane Glines pop up…I was suprised to see someone with the last name, since there are not that many Glines and some are related to each other. I am also an artist and I will be going to college soon to study graphic design and also animation. If you could please e-mail me back I would be happy. My grandparents were from USA and my parents are from Venezuela. I’m helping my father Edward Glines to look for his family(grandfather Phillip Glines). I would really apreciate if you could contact me.