Saturday, September 5, 2009

The Courtyard: Getting Closer

Lyle has been burning the midnight oil. Seriously, he puts on a headlamp and uses power tools while the rest of the normal world slumbers.

It's been quite a transformation from a few months ago. We still have more to do, but the courtyard was finished enough to host Lyle's office party here today. It was so neat to use this new space and see how well it functions.

Lyle is still in the process of revamping the hot tub structure, but I love how it's coming along. I can't wait to get vines growing up the sides.

And lest you think Lyle is the only one who does any work around here, I made some windows. I've been taking a stained glass class on Tuesday and Thursdays and I think they look quite good, if I do say so myself.

This one was just hung this morning so I haven't had time to paint the frame.

They look neat from inside as well.

Lyle built an arched entry into one side and still needs to get rid of the ugly plastic lattice on top.

My favorite recent building project of his is the dining trellis. He came up with the design himself. He built the red benches and plans to make a table and I'll make another window for that side. I planted a "Cecile Brunner" climbing rose that should get big enough to cover the trellis and climb up onto the roof.

The pizza oven still has quite a long way to go, but Lyle has promised his employees that next year, he'll be making them pizza.

It's been a busy summer.
And as usual, Olaf could care less.

7 comments:

Jen Bay said...

It looks so nice. You guys have been working hard!

Kelly said...

"LOVE IT" to be said in that annoying dragon tales voice used by one of the two headed dragon characters. Oh what's her name? She's annoying as heck though.

KT

akwebb3 said...

Wow!!! Absolutely gorgeous. I can't believe how talented you all are. I am totally jealous.

Nana said...

He has done a great job. Looks fantastic.

Dianne said...

What a nice compliment to your home, it's beautiful. Can't wait to see it with the climbing plants. Nice job!

Durben Family said...

It's Gorgeous! My only worry is that with the beauty of climbing vines around the hot tub....do you also have a bunch of spider voyeurs? I would be a little creeped out on a late night dip. Gorgeous all the same!

Amy said...

Geez, Eileen, I am catching up on your blog and WOW...you and Lyle are so talented! You always have something creative going on at your home and the results are ALWAYS amazing! What a beautiful home you have created in that gorgeous setting!

You've inspired me to get my groove on! (I'm going to go do the dishes and make some beds. Sigh. We all have to start SOMEWHERE.)