Friday, January 9, 2015

My-ORC--THE POOL

There is a trend making way into this fiesty Texas County

at one time
Hansford County was designated as the richest county in Texas
but before that

we endured the dust bowl and many other hardships

 folks came here to farm and very close to where I live, land was given away in the

there was no time for folly....these folks were 
WORKING!!
 a man was busy from sunup 'till sundown
(women too)

But something dark and different was about to be discovered...
lying beneath the parched land
(my dad)

many many people in this area became very very rich
but you would never know it
Gus Birdwell Elementary School 
Gus purchased his clothes at the Library Thrift Shop and growing up we all thought he was a hobo
turns out
he left enough money (millions) to build our school

so the trend back then was one thing and one thing only
and it wasn't fashion or frolic or fun

along comes a new generation who believes in the concept of working hard, yes!..
but living a good life along with hard work

so...as I rattle off the subject...
for years, there were only 2 private pools in Hansford County...and one of  them was dug by hand
having a pool was considered frivolous,  a waste of time and money 
and no one back then would dare even think about changing out of those oil and dirt soiled khakis into swim trunks
or lying about soaking up the sun with a hard lemonade

so when I asked, begged, pleaded, cajoled, and made promises of a 2nd job
 to the hard working mister for a pool
he finally agreed
don't you think this is a perfect spot for a pool?
me too!

but first there's always that thing you have to do that doesn't show
in this case a bigger water line to accommodate

this sight made me giddy
this one made me cringe
cringe
giddy


Are you ready for today?

well...not today...it's 21 degrees



~Inspiration~
pinterest


~We~
  • Just did it
  • just buckled down and made the decision to enjoy life
  • JUST DID IT

~Biggest Challenge~
$$$

~Favorite Thing~
We are experiencing another oil boom in the Texas Panhandle 
there have been 15 homes built in the last year...something that, to my knowledge, 
has never happened
lots of people have put in pools...some underground and some above ground but the thing is this
Life is too long not to enjoy it
it's also too short not to enjoy it
I am surrounded by the hardest working people that you could ever imagine
and I admire them
but
I also admire a person who is able to feel no guilt for 
enjoying life and the fruits of their labors

yabba dabba doo


*that about wraps up the past renovation for 822.  I realize these posts have not really been a ORC for a few reasons...I invited myself, most of them took more than 6 weeks, and I was my own client...hope I didn't offend anyone...or step on toes...it was just all about the before and after

2015...I hope will be the year....that we really wrap it up
on the to do list is
turning the basement into a wine cellar and the ugly brown bathroom into a powder room

believe it or not...Mr PV also wants to build a shop and I want it to be a conservatory
I'm sure a lawnmower could look fabulous parked in here
pinterest

no doubt....floating a long hot Texas summer evening away 
after scuffling with daily life
will be one of my greatest pleasures that I shall never take for granted!




14 comments:

Woodside Park said...

Happy New Year, Gina! I've been on a little blog break. And busy getting our house ready to sell it. I completely agree with you: work hard as well as live life to the fullest! Having my own business, I work very hard and stay very busy. But I also enjoy life and play when I can. You never know what will happen. Cheers to you and your gorgeous home, L

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

you're absolutely right. I got into a wreck in 1991 and had my life literally flash thru very quickly and the only thing I could think was that 'Life is too short and if I had a second chance I would do things so differently.' Well, the car was totaled, but my two daughters and I walked away with some bangs and bruises and I was elated and the next day I started the process to change my life completely. The best wreck I ever had.

Marissa said...

Happy new year!
I just love all your projects you do! You inspire me to
JUST DO IT!

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Gina,

All work and no play makes for a very dull person in our book. You seem to have got the balance just right.

Wishing you joy, peace and prosperity in 2015.

Unknown said...

I've loved your ORC series!!! And your pool - to die for!! Oh how I miss my pool!

Stacy CUrran said...

Very interesting. What a guy Gus sounds like!
Stacy

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

I wish I could take a tour of your home....I mean, I want to SEE where this house ENDS! Oh the lovely images of your never-ending house, Gina!

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Wow, what a guy this Gus is...pretty amazing to me! Love all your images of fun and enjoyment.
Lots of happiness and blessings for all of 2015.
FABBY

Amber ~ The French Pressed Home said...

Okay, I know your post was about your pool but your basement got me. Ours is just a beautiful as yours and I get so creeped out when I have to go down there. I love having it for my paranoia of tornadoes but it's so ugly. It's "on the list" but since it's outta sight, outta mind, it's low on the list. :) This is my first visit to your blog and now I need to snoop around! :)

Burlap Luxe said...

Oh Gina, you and your Texas is so rich in family history... as for the boom and growth, this is where ones went for oppertunity.
I have a builder friend who 5 years ago moved to Austin Texas from Southern Ca. I love Texas and would consider moving there if someone picked me up and moved me :)

Love that you got your pool, and the work shop I hear you and love your inspiration.

Thank you dear for taking the late night time in visiting me and what I am creating.
Love your sweet heart and your loyal following.

keep inspiring the wealth of beauty you so inspire.

xx
Dore

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Thanks for you visit! I enjoyed peeking around a bit here. Congrats on your lovely pool! Happy New Year!

Anajá Schmitz said...

Olá,
No Texas faz calor o ano inteiro? Aqui temos somente dois meses de calor. Eu queria uma piscina mas como faz pouco calor temos que usar o mar e as lagoas. Amei suas inspirações e a piscina.
Bjos tenha um feliz 2015.

Karena said...

Dear Gina you have warmed this wintry day with images and thoughts of your new pool to enjoy! Yes, we all work hard, and yes, it has taken some of us a long time to not feel guilty about time off and relaxing; however it is soooo important! Thank you!!

xoxo
Karena
Featuring "Inner Spaces"

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

I miss a pool. How wonderful! xoox