Fixing Stucco with Dad

Fixing Stucco with Dad
Originally uploaded by Tall Pines Lodge

We had some stucco that was cracked and peeling away from the house a little bit. Dad got all inquisitive about fixing it at Home Depot, and next thing we knew we were all over the store with a guy named Terry getting all sorts of materials and tools. Two hours later, here we are making the stucco whole again. Once again, I owe it all to Dad because I'd been to Home Depot 50 times while that stucco was peeling and had never even thought to ask them what to do about it. Thanks, Dad.

Adirondack Toboggan

Adirondack Toboggan
Originally uploaded by Tall Pines Lodge

Remember last winter -- all that snow? And no sled? Well, that problem is clearly solved. See pictured the Adirondack Toboggan, again from Stormville. Originally used by ski patrols as a sort of hillside ambulance to transport injured skiers back to the lodge, this beauty promises to ride the hills of Tall Pines hard. You give us the snow, and we'll give 'er hell. This is the sled for that.

Jarts!

Jarts!
Originally uploaded by Tall Pines Lodge

Yes, too true: Jarts, the original lawn darts. Banned the world round before the days of 'Unsafe at any Speed,' because of their undeniable proclivity for heinous injury, this classic is now a staple of the TPL recreation department. These used to sell on Ebay for $200 a pop until they eventually got banned from Eaby too. I got these at the Stormville Airport Flea Market. $15.

The Hammock

The Hammock
Originally uploaded by Tall Pines Lodge

Yes, I told you a hammock was on the way. This model is from Ikea, and it is one of two that have been procured for the property. Seen here, this one-man jobbie is high on the hill, filled with one lucky property-owner who is hell bent on relaxing the day away. Hands in pockets because it is a little chilly.

Mom & Dad

Mom & Dad
Originally uploaded by Tall Pines Lodge

Well, Happy Memorial Day! Mom and Dad came up to see Tall Pines -- This is us sitting down to dinner. Love you guys! (LP too!!)

More details & photos to come.

Readers, Meet Beacon.

Originally uploaded by Tall Pines Lodge

Time Out New York did a really nice piece on Beacon, New York, which is five minutes from Tall Pines. They talk about it being a great weekend getaway, and mention the Dia: Beacon (art museum), the Beacon Sloop Club's Strawberry Festival and the Cold Spring Antique Show (both on June 14) and the Retro Arcade Museum where "for $10 an hour, you can play games on restored consoles from the ’50s through ’70s, to a soundtrack of era-appropriate jukebox beats." Nice -- it's like Barcade meets The Pixel Society.

Check out the full article: http://newyork.timeout.com/articles/travel/74520/weekend-trips-from-nyc-beacon-ny

Old Smuggler

Old Smuggler
Originally uploaded by Tall Pines Lodge

So, coming home on the Metro North last Friday night, turns out LP has smuggled aboard a bottle of Chardonnay!

Brommo Deck Chairs

Brommo Deck Chairs
Originally uploaded by Tall Pines Lodge

LP got me these nifty Brommo Deck Chairs. A really nice take on the standard design. I have always loved regular, classic deck chairs, but hated that stretched out inverted lump you get in the middle of the canvas backing. Here, ropes take care of all that. They're great. And teak too!

LP & Birthday

LP & Birthday
Originally uploaded by Tall Pines Lodge

LP's Mom & Dad (Hi, L&J!) sent over a great box for my birthday. LP was right here with me when it arrived and we opened it right quick.

Inside was a great Stonewall Kitchen care package, containing a half dozen cloth towels (one is pictured), some great pumice-filled garden hand soap (in LP's hands) and one bottle each of Curried Mango Grille Sauce and Roasted Apple Grille Sauce (pictured, on counter top). Fantastic. Thank you, L&J, the mom and pop of LP.

Vegetable Garden, Stage One

Vegetable Garden, Stage One
Originally uploaded by Tall Pines Lodge

LP and I got started on the veg garden last weekend. 10 rows, with 5 peat pods in each row -- total, 50 pods. And each pod has four or five seeds in it. And a little organic soil. This, pictured, was last weekend.

And as of this weekend, almost every pod has sprung into action with mad inches of new plants. Everything's growing and LP and I are in a quandary about where to build the garden! Two and a half acres and there's no "perfect!" spot out on the grounds. Its always too shady, or too far from water, or too close to the deer. So I think we're going to be transplanting these little buggers into big terra cotta pots up on the balcony and let them go nuts up there in plenty of sun and zero molestation from the wildlife. Plus, we know the soil will be awesome, since we'll be mixing it up ourselves.

Loading Pallet Planting Table

Loading Pallet Planting Table
Originally uploaded by Tall Pines Lodge

So, reduce-reuse-recycle, right? Sure! SO when LP and I needed a down and dirty planting table for all our handiwork in the garden, it was no stretch to get a few pallets from the feed store ($2 each) and take one and stick it on a dollar's work of 36-inch 2x4 legs. The openings in the slats are perfect for allowing stray dirt to fall to the ground, they're indestructible and perfectly suited for being hosed down after a day's planting.

The extra pallets I am using in the basement to store things on. You know, you're never supposed to be sticking things directly on the basement floor in case the floor gets wet.

Man Planting Rhododendrons

Man Planting Rhododendrons
Originally uploaded by Tall Pines Lodge

I've never been a fan of exposed foundations, so here come the rhododendrons. These are evergreen, good to -20ºF, are "shrubby" and will grow to 4-6 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide. Also, ever heard of denfensible space? Well, putting these in front of the windows isn't all about hiding the foundation.

Bathroom Light Fixture

Bathroom Light Fixture
Originally uploaded by Tall Pines Lodge

Well, Grammy's light fixture (the candelabra trio) has been pitched, and this is the replacement. I think it looks like something out of Terminal 5 Kennedy. LP says it looks like a cat's butt. Either way, its great for the bathroom.Oh -- and this isn't an "inspiration" photo -- this is pictured fully installed at TP.