Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Family Games

We're looking forward to having all the family together for Christmas this year. Finding games that everyone enjoys can be challenging, especially since the kids range in age from four to ten. One of our all-time favorites is PitPit, the classic stock-trading game. The goal is to corner the market on a commodity such as wheat or corn by trading cards while avoiding the bear and trying to determine if the bull is going to be an asset or a liability. The fun factor? Everyone plays at the same time! We can really make the windows rattle with this one!

This summer we discovered another favorite, Settlers of CatanSettlers of Catan. In this game you collect resources so you can build roads, settlements, and cities. It may sound similar to Monopoly, but it doesn't take as long to play. The fun factor? During each person's turn all the other players get a chance to participate as well. We enjoyed it so much that we're adding an expansion kit, Cities and KnightsCities and Knights. If you have more than four players you'll need to play as teams, or purchase the extension kit to extend the number of players to six.

Now I'm checking out Forbidden IslandForbidden Island. I'm intrigued at the description that the players join together to play against the game itself. We'll be playing it during the holiday to see if it makes the "favorites" list.

Do you have any "off the beaten path" favorite family games?

Monday, August 10, 2009

Roof trusses


Roof trusses
Originally uploaded by singram50

The roof trusses went up today! They started about 7:00 am and were done setting them in place by noon. Just in time, too - it started raining about an hour later. They may not be able to start laying the roof sheathing until tomorrow. It won't be long though until the house interior won't get wet when it rains - that will be nice!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

East end gable


IMG_4681 east peak web_900x643
Originally uploaded by singram50

The east end gable is ready to be lifted into place. Currently working on the west end gable, which will have a ten-foot header above the opening to the (nonexistent) hallway leading to the (nonexistent) room above the (nonexistent) garage.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Trying out the Zip System on the new house


IMG_4672 adj_675x900
Originally uploaded by singram50

We decided to try using Zip System panels. They require taping of the seams, but no Tyvek. The panels were as easy to install as could be expected with no scaffolding. There are a LOT of walls left to cover!

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Still the One


Still the One
Originally uploaded by
singram50

It's been nearly thirty-nine years, and ...

You're still the one that makes me laugh
Still the one that's my better half
We're still havin' fun, and you're still the one

You're still the one that makes me strong
Still the one I want to take along
We're still having' fun, and you're still the one

We're probably the only ones old enough to remember the rest of the verses. (wink)

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Lily


IMG_4419 Lily web
Originally uploaded by
singram50

I added a couple Photoshop filters to this picture to give it a more painterly effect. I should try painting this in Corel Painter.

Daylily


IMG_4407 Lily web
Originally uploaded by
singram50

The color of this lily reminds me of how hot it was when I was taking this picture!