Saddle Test

Does something seem wrong with this picture?

How about if I put a picture up from a different angle and crop in a bit more to see a certain section of my beloved Pepper Potts (Pashley Princess Sovereign) bicycle?

After posting the other day about my saddle issues on the Hillborne bicycle, I decided to put the Pashley saddle on the Hillborne to see how much difference it made.  It's a little strange to see Pepper in such a naked state, but rest assured, she won't be without saddle for long. While in class last night, Sam was kind enough to make the switch so that I could test it out today.

I have to admit, it's a little strange to see Pepper's saddle on Tony, but I think it works visually, so I was down for a test ride. Not surprisingly, the wider saddle made a world of difference in saddle comfort. I didn't go for a horribly long ride, as the wind has decided to try to kill us all with these 20-35 mph (or higher) winds for the last couple of days, but the ride quality was extremely improved over the narrower saddle.

I cannot believe what a difference it made. I know that the wider saddle is something that will be more comfortable because my handlebars are significantly higher than they 'should' be for a typical touring bicycle. I had zero pain in my sit bones, and I didn't feel any unnecessary rubbing on the sides of my legs/crotch area, which was one of my fears about a wider saddle.

Though the wind was beyond brutal, the sun was shining brightly, and I am happy to report that a wider saddle seems to be in my future for the Hillborne, and hey, if anyone happens to be in the market for a Champion Flyer S, I'm selling one for a decent deal!

Pepper Potts and Tony Stark

They're not just characters in a comic book/movie - nope, not any more. After several months of debate on a name for the Pashley Princess Sovereign, and doing my best to come up with a fitting name for the Sam Hillborne, several weeks ago I decided on Pepper Potts (for the Pashley) and Tony Stark (for the Hillborne). It seems a little strange to give bicycles names that are tied together when they have very little in common, but I think it's fitting.

Pepper Potts in all her glory

Pepper Potts is a proper lady, doing her job, deferring the rougher stuff to Tony Stark. She is definitely no wimp, can hold her own, and is always dependable even in the tightest situations. She's fun, not too horribly crazy in her endeavors, but is stable and doesn't shy away from responsibility. Plus, a Pashley Princess had to have a 'P.P.' name, I think.

Tony Stark is ready to take it all on

Tony Stark is a workhorse, who is totally into himself (but we love him anyway). He's gorgeous, tough, can take some hard falls/knocks, and is always thinking of new areas to explore. The possibilities seem limitless with Tony, and I would dare say that he's up for anything you put in front of him.

Though I am aware I have thrown several human attributes/emotions on these bicycles, I think they are fitting and appropriate for the feelings I have about each of them. Now, after months of referring to these bicycles by their 'given' names, I have to retrain my brain to call them Pepper and Tony. I've been practicing for the last few weeks, but I think I may be in for a bit of a challenge! To Pepper and Tony! May they live long, happy, rolling lives helping me get where I need to go.

Columbus Day Quick Ride

Columbus Day is one that few have off from work, but because Sam works for a bank, he is one of those fortunate few. Even I don't have the day off from school, but while I was home this afternoon, we decided to take a quick ride over for some tortilla soup and naked burrito lunchy-type food via bicycle. I love these days when it's not brutally hot or cold out, and we can just enjoy a quick ride somewhere.

Sam rides a bike... 

The last shot I attempted to get of Sam riding behind me was mistakenly deleted, but this one kind of cracked me up because I also got a nice shot of the top of my head. It's not often one gets to see such things, and while I could've just cropped it out, it made me laugh, so I kept it. Regardless, the ride was beautiful and reminded me why I love to be outside, especially during Colorado's 'two weeks of fall' as we have come to call it. Winter will, whether we want it or not, soon be here.

City Bicycle Debate

The last week or so has brought about a lot of thought regarding my all around city style bicycle, which, at the moment, is my Pashley Princess Sovereign. I purchased this bicycle as a replacement for my Electra bicycles, which weren't as comfortable and couldn't seem to get me on as long of trips as I'd hoped to go on a city bike.

I've been riding the Pashley for awhile now; not an extremely long time, but long enough to know the things that work and the things that could use improvement. I should and will preface the following statements by saying that I really do love this bicycle, and it is an extremely comfortable bike to ride. It has everything I hoped to have on a bicycle from dynamo lighting, to baskets to carry goods in, to a fully enclosed chain guard. In theory, it is the perfect bicycle.

The problems that have arisen with this bicycle actually have very little to do with the Pashley itself, but rather with where we live. While I would love to be able to move to a more populated and bike friendly area, it just isn't possible for us at this time, and my bikes need to be functional to get me to the places I need to go. While the Pashley will and can take me anywhere I desire, there is a trade off that comes with riding this bike. The biggest trade is that it is very heavy, and while its weight is one of the qualities that allows comfort while riding, it also creates a slow ride; a very slow ride. With all the additions on this bicycle and carrying a locking chain and personal bag, her weight comes in at around 60 lbs. That's quite a bit for a bicycle!

Though I have no real issue with the weight of the bicycle, nor the slowness of the ride (it's actually something that's very fun, really), everything is a bit of a haul for us. The nearest places we typically go are at least 8-10 miles one way (except the local market, which is only about 2.5 miles one way). Those 8-10 miles aren't 'fun' miles either, but rather take us on a very busy, major highway with cars travelling at speeds in excess of 70 mph, a few fairly substantial hills, and a whole lot of nothing to look at other than dead weeds and speeding vehicles. When you're travelling slowly, it doesn't make for the most exciting of rides. I do my best to enjoy any time on my bikes, but that same trip, on the same long highway gets to be more of a chore than anything when the speed is slow and there isn't much to see.

My thought was to perhaps sell the Pashley (I'm actually cringing a bit and my stomach sinks just thinking of such a thing) and purchase another city bicycle, and I had a rather specific bicycle thought in mind. Since I love my Sam Hillborne so much for longer rides, I was thinking about getting a Betty Foy frame from Rivendell and making it into something more city-like, rather than for touring. Does this seem crazy? Perhaps.

*Photo from Rivendell

Basically, I'm thinking that I would purchase the frame from the sale of my Pashley, and then slowly buy the parts to build up an appropriate city bicycle, complete with dynamo driven lighting, internal 8 speed hub, baskets, and chain guard. In so doing, I believe I would have a comfortable city bike, with all the amenities I desire, that will also take me a bit quicker on the long rides required just to get into town. The down side to this option, obviously, is the sale of the Pashley. The other not so great part of this, is that I would be without a city style bicycle for quite awhile while the bicycle was being saved for and built up. I'm guesstimating that this would be somewhere between four months up to possibly a year or more.

I have also considered the idea of keeping the Pashley for the day when we will no longer live in our current surroundings, and simply saving up, bit by bit, to purchase the Betty Foy frame and parts. While this also isn't an ideal option, it may be the one that makes the most sense. So, what will become of my beloved Pashley Princess? Time will tell. For now, she sits waiting for the next ride, while I debate the pros and cons of life both with her, and the possibility of life continuing on without her.

Ride to the Auto Parts Store

Things are completely crazy for the next few days while I attempt to get everything done that is coming to completion. At least I'm feeling a bit better about abstraction. Last night, a small group of us decided to go to First Friday in Denver's Arts District to check out the sights and to get a feel for current ideas and art work. While in the car driving, I realized that my passenger side headlight was out, and though I knew I had a bulb at home, there was nothing I could do about it at the time. In addition, my interior light has been out for some time now, and since I spend a great deal of time driving in the dark from campus, we thought it would be a good idea to replace it. Since I was letting paint dry this afternoon, Sam and I decided to ride over to the auto parts store to get the interior bulb that was needed.

Waiting outside for Sam to purchase a bulb

I realize there is a bit of irony in riding our bicycles to an auto parts store, but if you consider that most people who are there are purchasing something for a car that isn't working, or has some kind of broken part, it doesn't seem that off the wall to me to be riding a bicycle to the auto parts store. Of course, there are no bicycle racks, so I amused myself by watching the traffic go by and admiring the bicycles.

Surly and Pashley sittin' in a tree, er, sittin' on cement

I feel as though the Hillborne has taken over as the most ridden bicycle in the house, but I do enjoy the Pashley too. I also realized how heavy it is today while we were riding. Good for building leg muscles, definitely. While waiting for Sam to return, I also noticed that I managed to get two goat heads stuck in the rear tire. Ugh!

Two goat heads (one barely visible lower on the tire)

I am such a magnet for these critters, especially this time of year when all the weeds are dying off and these thorns just end up in the shoulder where we're riding. I pulled them out, so I could test the durability of the Schwalbe Marathon tires.  As I was pulling them out, I looked up at the sky and was in complete awe of the strange cloudiness that had formed around us. It was beautiful and eerie all at once.

Cloudy Autumn skies quickly formed this afternoon

Sam finally managed to make it back outside, despite being told by two different assistant managers that they 'couldn't' ring him up.

Sam has bulbs!

We headed home, shaking our heads but laughing about the ineptitude of some workers. The ride home was pleasant, as we pedaled along, both of still being able to wear shorts during this gorgeous time of year.

Riding home (that nice bruise on the left leg from falling on the Hillborne seems to be healing nicely though)

After arriving home, my tires seemed to be in good shape, but unfortunately, Sam had also picked up a couple of goat heads, and his tires didn't fair so well. As soon as he pulled them out, the air came wooshing out quite audibly. I felt bad, but at the same time am grateful that I can trust the thorn protection of the Marathon tires. I think the extra money is well worth it to have the extra protection. And now, I have exterior and interior lights once again. I am very happy that I'll at least have a way to see my attackers in the late night parking lot now.

I Think I Have a Problem with Saddle bags

... No, not those kind (well, yeah, I guess I have a problem with those too!). But, I was referring specifically to this kind:

Ostrich Saddle Bag
*Photo from Velo Orange

I am, for some strange reason, obsessing over the Ostrich bag in particular, but there are others I have seen recently, such as one featured on Chic Cyclist that I couldn't quite get a good enough look at to tell what the material was, but I was nonetheless entranced by it. It's not even specifically saddle bags that have drawn me in, but rather any device which can carry items on a bicycle. One of the more recent obsessions is the fendi box that is not really a saddle bag, but rather a handlebar box (as I suppose it would be called), that just draws me in.

fendi abici amante donna bicycle with accessories
*Photo from superfuture.com

I've tried to find the fendi box just alone, but it is apparently something that can only be purchased with the bicycle. Either way, it is an accessory that I find myself longing for in the wee hours of the morning. Of course, this is merely a fantasy, as I am in no way financially able to afford such a luxurious item.

My tastes seem to range from the fanciful to the rugged, as I find myself even wanting the slightly rougher looking, but nonetheless fabulous bags such as the one pictured here on Etsy.

Swiss Army Bicycle Bike Pannier Bag in Shmattson's on Etsy

*Photo from Shmattson on etsy.com

Though I've sworn not to purchase anymore bicycles (at least for the time being), I think the Ostrich saddlebag could be a lovely addition to the Pashley. I realize it's a little more rugged than the Pashley appears to be, but I think she can pull it off.  One can never have too many places to stick things when riding, right?

Belated B-day Brunch

It wasn't exactly 'brunch' per se, really more of an early lunch, but I had a whole "B" thing going, so I went with it. A friend of mine and I decided that rather than doing birthday gifts for each other, we would just figure out a time to do a lunch or dinner together, as that's really more important than any material things we can get. The problem has been working out a schedule to do so, but today the day finally arrived. Despite my desperate need to get work done, I decided to ride over to meet with Kelly for a little gab time before she started off on a mini vacation and I headed home to do all of the work that's been put off this week.

Pashley is ready to roll!

Even though Sam and I did a ride on the Hillborne/Surly bicycles this morning, the meeting up spot was so close that I just couldn't bring myself to drive, particularly because it's such a beautiful day. The Pashley waited patiently, while I thought about whether or not I was forgetting anything (apparently, I'm an angry thinker!).

Pondering, while holding up the Pashley

Once I realized that I was good to go, we were off and rolling for our quick ride to lunch, errr... brunch.

It's hard to take pictures of yourself while riding a bicycle, especially with a DSLR! I don't know how all these folks in web-land are so coordinated. I managed not to fall off the bicycle though, nor did I drop the camera, so all is right with the world.

I would just like to say how frustrating it is to go to meet up with someone and not have bike racks available. Though I believe it is a requirement for new builds in Longmont to actually install a certain number of racks, in Firestone (adjacent to Longmont) it is not a requirement, apparently, so I was forced to lock my girl up to a metal fence... so unbecoming of a lady!  After munching on lunch and chatting for a while, it was time to go, and we got so busy with talking I didn't get to take any pictures. {sigh} Well, life will move on, and the Pashley was happy to be released from her metal prison once again.

And, we're ready to go home

Happy Thursday to all, and a yummy and happy belated birthday to me! Now, seriously, I must get my work done.

Afternoon Break

This afternoon I took the Pashley out for a brief spin while taking a very quick break from the work I'm attempting to complete before Friday. I was feeling as though I've neglected her for too long, and I just wanted to get out of the house and not stare at a book, the computer, or an empty canvas.

The first thing I noticed is that it felt as though the bicycle was completely unwieldy initially, and I felt as though I was going completely too slow. I don't know if it's the heat of the mid day (as the Fall season seems to have eluded us here in Colorado, as usual), or the fact that I've been riding the Hillborne so regularly, but it was just strange, for lack of a better word. It wasn't that I no longer enjoyed the bicycle, but it just felt so different. If anything, I think I've learned that I need to ride her more often and not obsess so much over the Hillborne. I have simply found that I can get around a bit quicker on the Rivendell, and I suppose because I can take him on longer rides, I just find myself utilizing him more. I realized, however, that it doesn't mean that I have to give up the city bicycle in the process.

Now, back to work!

Venus de Miles Ride Tomorrow

Tomorrow we I ride.  Unfortunately, Cara, who was supposed to join me on the Venus de Miles trek on Sunday, was involved in an unfortunate, and from the reports I've received, quite intense head-on car crash on Thursday, and won't be able to join me due to some severe injuries. Thankfully, she is alive and okay, but this means I am at it alone. {sigh} Not really what I had hoped for, but I suppose things happen for a reason. This is not to say that I think Cara was "supposed" to be injured, but rather that perhaps I was supposed to complete this ride alone... or perhaps I'm just telling myself this so I don't give up and decide not to ride at all. Bicycling is always great thinking time, and since the organizers aren't permitting headphones of any sort on the ride, that means I'll have lots of time to wonder 1) why I'm even doing the ride (I'm still questioning my mental sanity on this issue, as I'm really not physically prepared for the distance), and 2) perhaps figure some personal things out while I pedal along with thousands of other women.

After some discussion, Cara and I were going to take her Electra Cruiser and my Pashley Princess on the ride, dress like girls in skirts/dresses, and just enjoy the ride at a slow pace. Now that I'm doing this alone, I think the Hillborne will be the steed of choice, and I'll just spandex myself out to join the crowd. Fortunately, I don't own much spandex, so it will really more likely consist of my yoga workout pants and some sort of tank top. I had to kind of laugh at the "musts" list I received from the organizers of this ride because, quite honestly, I found it semi-humorous. Here's what the list consists of:

Padded bike shorts
Non-cotton clothing
Appropriate riding apparel: Venus is a rain or shine event!
Helmet
Bike Shoes
Bike Gloves
Bike
Sunscreen
Water bottles or a Camelbak
ID – You know that beer or cocktail will taste great after you ride!
Important Medical Information
Cash or checks

While I understand that water (along with some other items on the list) is a necessity for a long ride, I can't help but laugh at the idea that they think padded bike shorts are a necessity for a ride. Lots of people do long, trekking rides and don't wear padded shorts. I realize this is likely only funny to me, but it's just the image that people want to put out there that, I think, so often turns people off to riding a bicycle.

Since the Hillborne will be the ride for tomorrow, today he got new bar tape (I feel as though the bar tape companies are scoring on me, as I've gone through about 4 rolls in the last few weeks because of various issues), we Sam adjusted the stem a bit higher so I'm not quite as leaned over, we Sam also installed a new Nitto stem in replace of the old one, because I was a bit too stretched out and uncomfortable, and we Sam adjusted the saddle a bit so that hopefully I'm able to make it the entire distance without severe pain. Since I haven't been on a longer ride since installing the new stem, it will be interesting to see how it changes the the feel of things, and whether or not I'm able to walk at the end of all of this.  The plan is to take it easy for the most part, but we'll see how that goes.

Today, we also decided to drive the ride so that I'd be able to see how far it is and have a mental idea of where I'm headed. I'm almost sorry that we did so because it was exhausting just driving the route! I'm hoping that I get a good nights' rest tonight and I'll be ready to go in the A.M. bright and early. For a "leisurely" ride, as the group has termed it, there are an awful lot of hills to climb with some really long, boring stretches of road as well.

Donations to Greenhouse Scholars can still be made here, and I'm looking forward to reporting back on how it all goes tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Summer Mission Accomplished!

I am so excited! Today we decided to take advantage of one of the very few sub-90 deg F summer days and take a little bicycle cruise through town. There was an open house that we wanted to check out in old town (which turned out to be completely cute, by the way), and we need to go up one of the dreaded old town hills to arrive at the destination. In the past, I have not been able to make it up these hills because, while they start out semi-doable, when you get toward the end, they take a horrible turn for the worse and become the worst up hill grade one can imagine (at least this is how I see it). Today, for the very first time since we've lived here, I was able to make it up the road without stopping!  I was very excited (and out of breath), particularly because I was on the heaviest bicycle I've ever owned/rode through town. We (the royal we, of course) actually weighed the Pashley, and with the rear baskets added on, she weighs 52 lbs!!  Good gracious. And that's not even counting my purse or the 3.5 lb chain that were in the front basket.

Just had to share a bit of my joy... and one of these days I'll take a picture of the dreaded hills.

First 'Real' Venture Out

Today I decided to ride over to visit Sam at work for a bit. When I first started out, the clouds were looming above and I thought it was great to be in a low 70's weather pattern, but no sooner had I started to think this and the sun decided to come out. Not only did it pop out for my benefit, but it stayed out the entire ride. Despite the fact that the entire sky was covered with clouds, somehow, the sun was never behind the clouds and seemed to be beating down on me. By the time I arrived to visit with Sam, I was drenched in sweat... not pretty. So, Sam was looking so lovely in his nice work clothes, and there I was, in a pool of my own sweat in cut offs and a tank top. Such a beautiful picture to imagine, isn't it? You don't have to imagine what Sam looked like, because I snapped a quick picture of him as he lightly drank his Banana Chocolate Chip shake (he says it's very banana-ie, in case anyone is looking to try one out). I decided to drink half a gallon of liquid and eat a chicken sandwich, and then ride home - not a good idea. My poor stomach was so bloated. Partly this was due to the fact that I rarely eat meat, and in part it was because I was so hot from the ride that I just kept drinking and drinking. After a bit of chatting and discussion regarding the route I should take home, I decided to opt for, at least on part of the ride, the bicycle path through town. I think the thing that cracked me up was that I had the same experience with the sun on the ride home as I had on the ride out. When I was under the trees, the sun was behind the clouds, but when I was in the wide open air, the sun was beating down on me. So strange. It was almost as though it was planned. I wish I was kidding, but it seemed as though the universe was working against me. It probably didn't help matters that I'm still dealing with the tail end of this stupid throat issue, and I was exhausted from not doing anything much for so long. If I was smart, I would realize that a 19-20 mile ride was probably not the best decision, but who said I was smart?

It's still amusing to me that everything seems so dead to me here after being in the Midwest. I can plainly see that there are green things around, but it's just not the same kind of green. It's as though it's more of that desert sort of green, which makes sense, given the climate and location of Colorado. I suppose we don't get a long stretch of the "super" green here. It's not that I don't see beauty in the life that's around, it's just not the same as those areas that are blessed to have such green, green foliage. But, I suppose we are lucky to have pretty decent weather year round, so there's not a whole lot to complain about there.

As for me, I just peddled my way along the bicycle path, wondering why in the world I had decided on such a long trip for the first round out for a while. At least I had my

water bottle with me to keep me cool as I worked my way toward home. I was amazed that it took me a half an hour longer to get home than it normally does from the same starting location, but I was also trying to keep myself alive, so I wasn't pushing myself much at all. In the end, I survived and made it home in one piece. Hopefully, I will get out on the Pashley again very soon.

Even a Short Ride Can Be Fun

I'm still recovering from this stupid sore throat garbage, but I couldn't stand staying inside anymore. So, today I decided to just ride around the neighborhood to try to build up my ability to do anything other than sit on my rear. Yesterday, Sam was kind enough to take me to Denver to check out Urbanistic Tea and Bike, but while we were walking around the single block, I found myself huffing and puffing after a few steps. This told me that the last week and a half of my non-exercise and sitting around trying to heal myself has left my lungs in a state that isn't pleasant.

Taking the Pashley out for a little ride this afternoon was just what the doctor ordered. I felt a little better just getting to be outside and do something, but I didn't have to go far, since my stamina still hasn't reached the goal of "normal" yet. But, I think it was proof that even a bit of a ride can be more fun than sitting around the gloomy house.

The Return From Vacation

The trip to the midwest was great fun, and now we're back and attempting to function while sleeping on the fold out couch for the next week or so. We took a ton of pictures on the trip, so I'll definitely need to share some of those, but I was so excited to get back and have my "real" bicycle available to use. We decided to do a short ride to get lemonade and coffee and I was just so excited to have the Pashley back, I thought I'd share a picture of the pretty Pashley with the handsome Globe.

Yesterday, we had to take her in for her first "check up" or tune up as most would call it. She was shifting a bit strangely, which was apparently due to some cable loosening, and she seems to be up to par again now. We actually rode to the store last night, and I have to say, I didn't enjoy that one as much because of the semi-severe wind that seemed to be working against us in both directions. Now, I seem to have injured the inside of my right ankle (Sam thinks this is due to wearing sandals while riding; I think it is due to the wind and the amount of pressure I was putting on my body to fight through the weather issues).

It is good to be home though, as I definitely missed the dogs (though they did enjoy having "grandma" stay with them), but I miss being in Wisconsin. I'm sure I've entirely idealised Madison and Milwaukee, but I fell in love with what I saw of the state and I feel as though I live in an arid desert now. Perhaps another visit will happen at some point in the future, but I'm definitely glad to have had the opportunity to see a different part of the country. As I said though, I'll definitely share some photos at a later point.

For now, it's back to things here in Colorado, and I suppose that means I have to actual finish painting the inside of the house in the very near future.

The Return From Vacation

The trip to the midwest was great fun, and now we're back and attempting to function while sleeping on the fold out couch for the next week or so. We took a ton of pictures on the trip, so I'll definitely need to share some of those, but I was so excited to get back and have my "real" bicycle available to use. We decided to do a short ride to get lemonade and coffee and I was just so excited to have the Pashley back, I thought I'd share a picture of the pretty Pashley with the handsome Globe.

Yesterday, we had to take her in for her first "check up" or tune up as most would call it. She was shifting a bit strangely, which was apparently due to some cable loosening, and she seems to be up to par again now. We actually rode to the store last night, and I have to say, I didn't enjoy that one as much because of the semi-severe wind that seemed to be working against us in both directions. Now, I seem to have injured the inside of my right ankle (Sam thinks this is due to wearing sandals while riding; I think it is due to the wind and the amount of pressure I was putting on my body to fight through the weather issues).

It is good to be home though, as I definitely missed the dogs (though they did enjoy having "grandma" stay with them), but I miss being in Wisconsin. I'm sure I've entirely idealised Madison and Milwaukee, but I fell in love with what I saw of the state and I feel as though I live in an arid desert now. Perhaps another visit will happen at some point in the future, but I'm definitely glad to have had the opportunity to see a different part of the country. As I said though, I'll definitely share some photos at a later point.

For now, it's back to things here in Colorado, and I suppose that means I have to actual finish painting the inside of the house in the very near future.

House In Progress

We've been busy working on the house for the last month or so, and I'm feeling a little bummed about the progress and the process. You'd think it wouldn't be that big of a deal to pick out colors, but I find that I'm easily confused, and even beyond that, once the colors are in the house and on the walls, they seem to change - dramatically. I thought that I'd take some pictures of the progress to this point, to see how I feel about it. I was able to dig up quite a few different versions of past decorating and paint jobs, particularly of the living room and kitchen area of the house, so I thought it would be fun to see them together. I couldn't help but laugh about how many times the poor house has been repainted and redecorated.

Rather than spending a lot of time explaining the pictures, I think I'll just lay them out there, as they seem to pretty much speak for themselves. Sometimes I wonder what I was thinking.










It's rather amusing to see them all laid out like that... but then we have the current progress photos. Mind you, the house is a mess and things are strewn about, but it's interesting to see the differences.






I'm not really sure what to make of any of it, but it's interesting to see the progressions through the various stages of the downstairs area. This really all started because I was taking some pictures of the Pashley, who has been hanging out in the house because of the painting and mess going on in the garage.
I think she makes a lovely decoration in the house, but I suppose since the house isn't very large, she'll have to make her way back out to the garage.

For now, I'm trying to make my peace with the colors and get it to feel homey and comfortable. I'm also busy working on some paintings for the living room. I'm not sure they're going to work, but I remain hopeful. Plus, it's only paint, so it's easily remedied.