Summer Getaway

Since I have no big plans this summer, I'll live vicariously through others' vacation homes.

via The New York Times

See more pictures here and read the story about this summer retreat in the Hamptons.

Shimmer Shimmer: Kate Spade

Sometimes we all just need a little shimmer!

via Kate Spade

Moving right along

We are back into "finishing the upstairs" mode and the Dude spent most of the weekend painting the molding and starting on the touch up painting. I spent that time trying to entertain the dog like some sort of clown entertainer, so he wouldn't whine when he knew he couldn't be with the Dude (they have some sort of special male bond that I will never have with Pilot) and to keep him from trying to get upstairs and ending up with a paint streak down his side.

Last night, I ordered a bicycle leash to wear this pup out and a dog bed for him to crash when not in the crate. These dogs and their accessories really add up!


Dog bed by Molly Mutt (Mr. Roboto)


Walky Dog Bicycle Leash (I hope this works!)

Finding things and toys to keep Pilot busy seems to be difficult since he's an "aggressive" chewer. The other day he "aggressively" chewed my door stop.


I also need to start shopping for a stair runner and a larger rug for the family room since Pilot is a bit of a spazz on the hardwood floors.

He is starting to loose his new dog smell!

A bunch of thanks!

I'm back from my little blogging break with two new announcements!

1. We have a name for the dog. He will be known as The Pilot. The Dude thought it would be funny to have "the" in front of his name. So far, Pilot has not complained about his new name (it was Oreo before).

Thanks to everyone that suggested names through faceplace, twitter and email. It took us quite some time to pick a name because of all of the great suggestions. One day, I'll try to get a post together of the name suggestions to help anyone else trying to name a pet (or kid).

Pilot's neck heart

2. Today is Just Over The River's first anniversary! Hope you've enjoyed following me on my little adventures, because I've enjoyed sharing them. Thanks to Lauren and Elizabeth for encouraging me to start blogging.

I've been really lucky to have been able to "meet" some great bloggers along the way and reconnect to old friends. This year, I hope to be able to share more house projects (once we are out of the triple digit temps), inspiration and other fun stuff.

A bunch of thanks!!

A new addition

A new team member joined us last night!

He has had quite a journey over the past few weeks ... from Georgia to New Jersey.

We are still in search of a name (suggestions are welcome).

Now time to find a doggie tool belt and to teach him to stay for photo ops.

Upstairs bedroom progress

Or should I say "not-so-much" progress...

So here's my list of excuses:

1. We've been busy with other things.
2. MDF is such a pain to pick up at the store since you need to find willing parent and time to borrow their truck.
3. It's really really hot outside which makes the upstairs really hot.
4. We need a couple hour block of day light to work on the molding.
5. I need to pick more wall paint for touch-ups. I thought I would be good with left over paint, but I'm really bad a sealing cans. We do have a small sample in a semi-gloss but our walls are painted with a matte.
6. We are also painting the basement floor.
7. We like to watch tv.

Most of the molding is up (painted and caulked).





We got the bed upstairs and assembled without ending our 11 year relationship.



The solid wood dresser made it upstairs too.



Of course some of the shoes found a temporary home (more on this later).



Can't wait to wrap this project up and add 300+ square feet of living space to our home.

Happy Dad's Day

Hope all of the dads out there had a rockin' cool day.


Watkins Glen, NY 1984