Blogathon 2011 Update

As you may have noticed, I stopped posting for several days.  First there was an issue with the blogger site.  The blogs could be viewed but it was not possible to post for several days last week.  I continued writing in a notebook, in order to post when the site came up.  Unfortunately there were a series of "life events" (nothing serious) just time-consuming things, and in order to get at least 5 to 6 hours of sleep every night I had to give up writing posts for a few days.

I'm back and although I am not in the running to be a winner for the 2011 Blogathon, I will add the blogs I wrote and will continue to write as much as possible the rest of the month.

In addition to maintaining a happy marriage, raising my elementary age children full-time, enjoying quality family time together, I also help my friend with her Educational Materials website (www.thelearningcollection.com), write posts for my three blogs, work as a realtor, and own and rent vacation homes.   I also try to read books, other blogs and try to keep abreast of  global issues.

To add to all the excitement, we are now in the process of buying a new home which happens to be a short sale.  The house has been abandoned for close to two years, so when its finally ours, we are going to have to do a great deal of work to be able to move into it.   Something has to give...I only have 24 hours per day and like 50 hours worth of work...

I still have so much I want to do...I have several children's books I've started and haven't finalized.  My husband and I have an idea for a children's tv show, we've written the treatment but need to pitch it to networks...

I will eventually do everything I want, I just need better time-management skills and a few assistants.

Gates

These are some of the looks I liked today as I drove around looking for gates and driveways...

Although I normally prefer simple and uncluttered looks, I am attracted to several elements in this design.  I appreciate the curved iron/aluminum work.  However, I would prefer a more simplistic design on the upper portion.  I like the posts and the ivy covering the concrete.  I would eliminate the lamps on all the posts.  If lamps are needed, I'd use them on the 2 posts on both sides of the gate.

I like the simple lines in this design, but it needs something else.  Unless this is significantly less expensive,

I would add posts and possibly a concrete base. 

This is what I thought I was looking for, but I've changed my mind.  The concrete base is too large.  I prefer a much smaller concrete area preferably no more than 1ft high.  I love the posts and the design of the aluminum portion.

I think this is exactly what I want.

This look is similar to the one above.  The difference is this fence has a scroll design and the other has none.  I prefer the more simple design.

I like this design but with a small concrete base.  I also love the bougainvillea.  In addition to providing bursts of color, the plant offers security in the form of thorns to deter intruders.

This is the big winner!!!

This is the one I like the most right now.  The base of the wall is the correct height.  The columns are just the right size and look. I love that the 2 fences on both sides of the gate curve back to render a more stately entrance.

Nonetheless,I would like to see more flowers on the inside of the fence.

Now, I need price quotes to help with the decision-making process.  I am leaning towards the fence in the last photo but its not a final decision yet.

Suggestions?  Comments?