The Blue Tubes arrive

It may not be 2001 any more but strange things still happen when they knock down Peavey Plaza and Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, and their iconic blue tubes, there since 1974, are in need of a good home. Our two will become batcaves, windharps, and a triumphal archway.

New garage is visible from space

Likes the Great Wall of China or Iranian nuclear bunkers, the Google satellites caught the building of the Garage Mahal from high overhead.

The Garage Mahal

The development of the 100 year barn into a shiny new 3 car garage with custom acid stained floor.

Staircase

It only took two years but finally we have a staircase worth going up and down. The skylight now gracefully illumines an expensive carpet (paid by professionals); it paid for itself when I saw how much toxic dust and sharp pointy things were underneath that I didn't have to deal with.

Fairy Lights Beneath the Snow

Preston's snowy lantern and pixie highway as seen under the full moon on a chilly night taken with Philip's new camera

Solar Tube-licious

Preston's mum was persuaded to accede to Preston's demands to Santa, that a solar tube be installed in the otherwise dark stairwell; one of the last two uglinesses left in the house interior – more on the other soon). SO, Philip then painted the newly-illumined walls a corn tassel yellow, a dainty wavy effect on the ceiling, and a Lady Gaga/icicle-inspired ripped paper lantern that makes a snowy Narnia effect as you descend the stairs. Next we have to spring for an interesting carpet that isn't ripped 1950s ashtray themed.

Take a 3D tour of the Toilet Garden in fine weather