Can’t believe how quickly time flies.  That saying is so true!  February 17th marked our one year anniversary in our new home.  We moved into our home on a Friday and were amazed at how quiet our little subdivision is.  It has remained that way over the last year.  It sounds strange to say, but the truth is our new subdivision is quieter than where we lived out in the country.  We have done a lot since we moved in. 

Some things were immediate like upgrading the electrical panel, which was overloaded and from the 1960’s, and getting a fence installed for the pups and getting E-shield installed so we could save on those heating/cooling costs.  Other things we have done as we have gone along like paint the hallway, foyer, dining room and kitchen, install new toilets, install cabinets upper and lower with a granite top in the laundry room, install cabinet in the master bathroom and landscape front and back yard flower beds.

One project that started in May and continues is the remodel of our kitchen.  We have come along way but still have a little ways to go.  The worst part of the project was not having use of my kitchen sink for weeks.  I did not particularly enjoy washing dishes in my bathtub.  And it made me miss that big, deep utility sink we had at our old house. Below is how Maggie spends her time when we are in remodel mode. As you can see, she is in her safe spot with her thundershirt on. Cueball keeps her company.

Our kitchen was stuck in the 1960’s. The cabinets were pine and all our dishes smelled like pine from sitting in the cabinets. Yuck!! There was only one family who owned this house prior to us. The mother passed away and the son bought it. He was born and raised here. From what we could tell not much was updated over the years. The house had good bones, was well built and had character. We knew the first time we saw the house, it would be our next home.

Below are pictures of where we are with this project today. I took these tonight when I got home from work.

Mitch is very happy with his handy work!

Lastly, the queen would like you to know she is ready for this remodel to be complete. Maggie, Pippi and Cueball do like being able to see us from the couch when we are in the kitchen. We pass them treats and pats through these windows. This was our solution to “opening” the space up since taking the wall out was not a feasible option.

At last, I will leave you with this. A few weeks ago we received this lovely card in the mail from the young couple who bought our old home, which was my first home and one that I am still emotionally attached to. It was very nice to receive this note filled with kind words and appreciation. I am glad our old home is being appreciated and cared for. We certainly did put a lot of work into that property in the 11 years we were there. We promise the hounds will be the stars of the next post, stay tuned!!

A few weekends ago, we joined a group of greyhounds for a walk around Hollywood Cemetery.

Brief History:

Hollywood Cemetery is a large, sprawling cemetery located at 412 South Cherry Street in Richmond, Virginia. Characterized by rolling hills and winding paths overlooking the James River, it is the resting place of two United States Presidents, James Monroe and John Tyler, as well as the only Confederate States President, Jefferson Davis. It is also the resting place of 25 Confederate generals, more than any other cemetery in the country. Included are George Pickett and J.E.B. Stuart.

Hollywood Cemetery was opened in 1849, constructed on land known as “Harvie’s Woods” that was once owned by William Byrd II. It was designed in the rural garden style, with its name, “Hollywood,” coming from the holly trees dotting the hills of the property.

In 1869, a 90-foot (27 m) high granite pyramid was built as a memorial to the more than 18,000 enlisted men of the Confederate Army buried in the cemetery.

Hollywood Cemetery is one of Richmond’s major tourist attractions. There are many local legends surrounding certain tombs and grave sites in the cemetery, including one about a little girl and the black iron statue of a dog standing watch over her grave. Other notable legends rely on ghosts haunting the many mausoleums. One of the most well-known of these is the legend of the Richmond Vampire.

A place rich in history, legend, and gothic landscape, Hollywood Cemetery is also frequented by many of the local students attending Virginia Commonwealth University.

If you are in the Richmond, VA area and have not checked this place out, you should. It is fascinating and filled with history! We were only able to make it halfway through the walk before we had to leave. Maggie was worn out from all the walking up and down hills. We plan to make a trip back without the pups so we can do a walking tour.

On our way back, we passed by our local Resivor. Not sure why I am fascinated with bodies of water and water falls, but I had to snap a pic while Mitch was driving. 🙂

A few weekends after the walk, we joined a group of greyhounds for a fun run. Cueball has been very sad since Booyah passed. He misses his running buddy. This was just what he needed to lift his spirits!

He was worn out when we got back home and slept the remainder of the afternoon. It is always amazing to watch these dogs run! Hope everyone had a lovely Valentines Day! We are ready for Spring in the Ridlon Abode. 🙂