Run my Reno

We've just applied to Rivr Media's Run my Reno, because we think everyone -- not just the Pymatuning area, but all of America -- should help to choose the new color for the Pink Palace. And we think the house and the town would be great DiY tv stars.

Spring Plans

The spring will bring change to the Pink Palace, including a promised new coat of paint. We'd considered taking a vote during the town's fair, since the house sits so prominently on the corner -- and since the color scheme has brought more comment than anything else.

Our plans were delayed, and we're left to select the color on our own. (The rest of the block is currently white, and many of the neighbors have suggested we follow suit). The girls want the Pink Palace to stay pink, but we're looking at these palettes: Sherwin Williams and California Paints.

We're also looking into a metal roof. Details, and product options, to follow.

House History Continued

I've had a fantastic email exchange with Victor Hugo's granddaughter, now in her 80's, regarding the original house plans. There have been several stories of the architecture of the Pink Palace and its brother, including the thought that it may have been a Sears Home or a Sterling such as these but can find no interior evidence (numbered joists etc) and the idea that the wood for some of both of the houses came from The Palms (the original home, known so for its attached conservatory with two-story high palm trees) has more support.

I'd welcome your thoughts, and am hoping to collect more from his granddaughter, who is also the town historian and an accomplished writer, soon!

Outfitting the Pink Palace

We knew we wouldn't be able to furnish the Pink Palace any time soon. We'd furnish Mom and Dad's room so they had somewhere comfortable to stay, but the rest of us would plan on bringing sleeping bags. It would be the most luxurious campsite ever -- a tea cart was included -- but it would be a campsite for awhile. And, at eight minutes from the lake, what else could we need (for now) but a kayak?

But one night at a work dinner, K's friend and colleague asked, "You wouldn't happen to know anyone who needs some furniture, would you?" K. laughed, and told her about the Pink Palace.

Her generosity overwhelmed us and filled the Pink Palace. There is now furniture in almost every room -- everything from bunk beds to bookshelves, and blankets to boot!

Growing our Garden for the Future

I've just ordered perennials for the Pink Palace, our Christmas gift to Mom. Together we'll be planting peace roses, rainbow knock out roses, and many shade perennials. Ordering from the spring in February is a lovely reminder that there is always something to look forward to.

Mom has had some really lovely ideas for how to celebrate Dad's life this year. Among these are a family reunion at the Pink Palace and a model rocket competition to benefit upci.

But she also wondered if it would be possible to find 60 people to do 60 acts of kindness or service, wherever and whatever they are, in Dad's honor on his 60th Birthday. Keep reading for updates, and please consider joining us for our 60/60 celebration in August.