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Fabi + Rosi

May 20, 2012 by Heather Lucier Stanley 0 Comments

In 2010-2011, Alan and I explored many restaurants that were new to us. Fabi + Rosi receives top honors!

One evening in early March, Keith, Debbie, Alan and I dined at Fabi + Rosi. In 2010 -2011, Fabi + Rosi stood out for the best food. However, it is no longer on our radar because of where we live!

From Auditorium Shores [my landmark], Alan and I live 1.7 miles to the South and East, close to I-35. Fabi + Rosi is North and West, close to Mopac. It may sound a bit silly because Fabi + Rosi is only 4 miles and 12 minutes away from our house by car. Yet living near many quality restaurants and bars within walking distance of our house has changed my perspective on dining out.

I’d rather go to a restaurant from 1/2 a mile [South Congress] to 2 miles away [2nd Street District] from our house and walk to it. More exercise. Better for the Environment. Saving on Gas Money. If we drive to a restaurant we head North, closer to where several of our friends are living.

This blog is part of the Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series. Alan and I started dating in November 1999. The Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series captures our 12th year together through photography and writing. Year 12 provided plenty of change and excitement.

heather and alan

The chimney is power-washed and the landscaping is finished

May 19, 2012 by Heather Lucier Stanley 0 Comments

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A few friends had asked me, “Is the builder going to power wash the chimney?” The upper portion of the chimney looked dark and dingy. During the 7th Week that we had the remodel under contract, the builder power washed the chimney. He also finished all the landscaping. He added a soaker hose in the area near the chimney, mulched and mulched and mulched, and added two shrubs to the front yard. Although, the builder did not plant flowers, he spent serious money on the Zoysia grass which is more permanent. I forget how much the grass cost per pallet, but it was a lot. The Zoysia grass makes Alan really happy.

1937 remodel

Rogue Raffler: Valentine’s Day Themed Event

May 18, 2012 by Heather Lucier Stanley 0 Comments

Costumes, running and contests!

The Rogue Raffler is a fun running event. The participants run for raffle tickets and a chance to win a prize, such as a race entry, massage, free chiropractic session, a pair of running shoes, Rogue Running program, etc.

Alan and I dressed up for the Valentine’s Day Rogue Raffler and won the costume contest. For winning the costume contest, each of us received a New Balance goodie bag. In addition, we participated in the Lady and the Tramp spaghetti kissing contest and placed 2nd. For our 2nd place finish, each of us won a pair of Brooks running shoes valued at $100 a pair.

The 2011 Valentine’s Day Themed Rogue Raffler has been our best raffler for winning stuff to date!

heather and alan

The bushes are trimmed, foundation vents are installed, and the fence is stained

May 17, 2012 by Heather Lucier Stanley 0 Comments

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At the end of the 6th week that we had the house under contract, I saw a lot of progress. The builder personally trimmed the bushes; he loves to landscape and prefers to do it himself.

The builder also installed foundation vents himself at my concern. I had read up about foundations needing to breath and realized that the foundation skirting needed 6-7 vents for proper airflow under the house. He did not argue with me and installed the vents. Our inspector felt that an adequate number of vents had been installed.

The builder’s fence design is pleasing. I appreciate the horizontal design and the different size slates throughout.

1937 remodel

Moonshine Grill and Icenhauer’s

May 16, 2012 by Heather Lucier Stanley 0 Comments

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Our friends Joy and Craig like Moonshine Grill. Alan and I had been to Moonshine 4 or 5 years ago and had remembered liking the restaurant for their memorable battered and fried asparagus appetizer.

Austin has so many spectacular places to go to eat. Yet Alan and I habitually go the same few restaurants for a period of time until we try the next few. Realizing our pattern, I have been working on branching out. In 2010-2011, Alan and I revisited and/or tried several restaurants!

The homemade potato chips at Moonshine are the best. I also remember the wine list being good.

After dining at Moonshine, Alan and I suggested Icenhauer’s on Rainey Street for a drink after dinner. In 2010-2011, Icenhauer’s was one of our go to bars for a drink after dinner.

This blog is part of the Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series. Alan and I started dating in November 1999. The Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series captures our 12th year together through photography and writing. Year 12 provided plenty of change and excitement.

heather and alan

The stove and dishwasher are delivered

May 15, 2012 by Heather Lucier Stanley 0 Comments

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The builder picked out the stove, the dishwasher, the stove vent and the microwave. The stove and dishwasher arrived, but could not be installed for 2 more days until the floor had more time to rest and set.

I said to the builder, “I’m OK with waiting.” I did not want the floor scraped in haste.

The builder was proud of the stove. I have never seen such an expensive stove in person. “It’s an NXR.” he said and added, “They are $2,000.” My thoughts: A $2,000 stove for me, a person who does not devote a lot of time to cooking. Too Funny.  But it is a selling point.

The fact that he had to tell me the price when I gave him a perplexed look at his mention of NXR confirmed my ignorance. I am ignorant about stoves and I could not tell you which is the best. The stove looks cool and I like it. Another thought, For $2,000 a pop, it better look cool.

1937 remodel

3M – What number half-marathon is it?

May 14, 2012 by Heather Lucier Stanley 0 Comments

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I do not know what number half-marathon it is for either of us. I could look it up out of curiosity, but I guess I have not been focused on the number # of halfs that I have completed. I will, however, count my marathons!

Someday I’ll record the # of halfs I have completed.

The 3M Half-Marathon is Alan’s favorite because it is (1) a fast course and (2) the weather in Austin in January is good for running fast. The San Antonio Half is my favorite because I lived in San Antonio for 5.5 years and it is where I consider I grew up: first real job, first city on my own after college, etc.

In 2011, we both ran 3M.

The swag bag for 3M is the best.

This blog is part of the Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series. Alan and I started dating in November 1999. The Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series captures our 12th year together through photography and writing. Year 12 provided plenty of change and excitement.

heather and alan

Paint touch up

May 13, 2012 by Heather Lucier Stanley 0 Comments

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After the floors were completed, the painters had touch up. The carpenter had reworked the entertainment center, the sheet rockers had to straighten the seam where one wall met another in the master bedroom, the builder noticed other imperfections and so did I. Painting was such a hard task on this project. I thought, Painting is easy. What is the problem?

1937 remodel

Chicken Liver Rumaki, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Beer Pong

May 12, 2012 by Heather Lucier Stanley 0 Comments

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Chicken Liver Rumaki, Pabst Blue Ribbon and Beer Pong: quite a combination!

I love the potluck format because friends bring things that I may not think to make on my own. Our friend Nancy brought Chicken Liver Rumaki.

I remember my mother making something similar in the 1970s and I enjoyed it. Nancy’s appetizer was a hit!

Other friends who attended the party asked us what the Rumaki were because they loved them. I loved them! I think now, I ate my share of Rumaki that night.

I had never had a Pabst Blue Ribbon before this party and we bought a case of it for the party, anticipating a mighty beer pong evening. Instead, we chatted and chatted and beer pong barely happened. Nancy, Gary, Alan, Tripti and I participated briefly in a few games of beer pong.

This blog is part of the Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series. Alan and I started dating in November 1999. The Early November 2010 to Mid-November 2011 Heather and Alan Blog Series captures our 12th year together through photography and writing. Year 12 provided plenty of change and excitement.

heather and alan

First socked footsteps on the new “1937 old” hardwood floor

May 11, 2012 by Heather Lucier Stanley 0 Comments

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During the 6th week under contract, the hardwood floor had finished drying. The builder did not let us in the house for a week while the floor dried. Instead, I focused on everything going on outside the remodel. I was, however, curious about the floor. I thought, How is it going to look?

Fabulous! The right color stain. Perfection!

I’m in love with the hardwood floors really. The dogs have already scratched it, but I’m OK with it. I love our dogs more than the floor. I am excited to entertain friends and family in our new pad.

A new pad. Old House! A new beginning. Mature companionship! New Energy. Old Friends!

1937 remodel
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