Cleaning, Organizing, and Decorating

It's nice being in a team-oriented atmosphere. We all have our departments, but when duty calls we help each other out. For example, after a conference was held on site the past few days, nine of the mini lodges needed to be cleaned and reset for guests coming this weekend. I have helped with housekeeping on a few other occasions, and thus far I have been put on retowel and remake bed duties. Lots of steps, lots of climbing up and down stairs, and once you have the system down it's pretty smooth sailing. We generally work in pairs, and it's crazy how fast time flies. Before I know it, we've been working between cabins for three hours.

A few of our gar (freshwater fish species) finally kicked the bucket this week. They weren't looking so good and had stopped eating. We worked on cleaning their tank out Friday, so we can move some new residents in to the space. I managed to overflow the shop vac while sucking out the water, made  a bit of a mess. Ooops. Nevertheless, we got her cleaned up and had some giggles along the way. Not to mention we got a bit of a lifting workout in as this tank is quite the heavy beast after cleaning it all out. Two bodies needed for that job, for sure.



Under the list of our job duties as naturalists, we are responsible for keeping the bird feeders full. Many visitors enjoy spending a little time at the back of the Resource and Education Center building to watch the many birds that make stops back here.

This also means we have the pleausre of hauling these 50 lb. bags of seed. We keep a stash inside, but periodically fill cans outdoors for easier access when refilling the feeders. Today, the boss brought a batch of bags from the store. Time to bring out those muscles again, as we threw these up over our shoulders from the back of the truck and hauled them in. Felt a bit like a farm girl today.

We had a pretty busy day at the Park on Saturday. The most people I have seen come through the exhibits and activities in one day since I have been working here. From families staying in cabins for the weekend to young couples camping out to parents spending the day at the Park with their children. This made for quite a fast day. Our craft projects went over well.

I made this little pinecone owl to hang up now and eventually for Christmas. He has an autumn hint to him, though.

We also set up a nice little display with some of the stuffed owls, skulls, etc. that we have on hand to add a little extra educational component to the program.

We also made these fall wreaths from strips of fabric. I have now placed mine on my apartment door in the hallway.

I had a 3-day weekend, as I will be working this Sunday to help work our deer check station on opening rifle weekend. I decided to head to the hometown to spend my few days off. Amid enjoying my time there, Mom and I tackled a few organizing projects that have been on the to do list for quite a while. We always find ourselves walking down parts of memory lane while we sort through things, and at the end of each day we felt pretty accomplished. We had some yummy home cooked meals, and I was fortunate enough to bring some leftovers back with me like Mom’s Wisconsin soup.

While home, I did a little searching for various ideas on my computer. Looked through crafts, Holiday decorating, and workouts. I thought it would be good to throw in a few more planned routines into my afternoons at the gym. Tried out this treadmill workout today, which helped push me to use some incline and run through intervals.

Was sweating up a storm. I ran through 3 circuits of it today before doing some dumb bell work. It is always fun trying new elements in all facets of life.

Finally, I brought a few more décor items with me to my apartment, and I am finally ready to post some photos of my apartment. I am sure my décor may change from time to time while I live here, but it feels like a home to me. Mind you, many of my pieces of furniture are hand-me down items, and I shall say thank you once again to all those who helped out.  Pay it forward, as they say. I did this one day at a thrift store. The lady in front of me was about ready to run out to her vehicle to scrounge up some change to make one more dollar, but I offered to pay it for her. That was kind of fun.

My little office / spare room complete with a little book case and desk.  Love it when we can help each other out. Thank you, Bruce!

My bedroom complete with a dresser. Thanks, Granny B!

My little dining area complete with a table. Thank you, Granny B!

My living room complete with a few little sofas and a rocker. Thank you, Aunt Kristin!

I am trying something a bit different with these above my sofa. I am liking them.

A photo frame, which was an old gift from friends filled with some of my favorite photographs. Thanks, Karena and Abby! The rocker you see added one extra nice seat to the space. Thanks, Mary!

My living space even has a shelving unit for a TV (for the little I watch it) and various items that tell you all about me. Thanks, Karen!

This little bargain table I had bought myself in college holds a fabric with a map of American Samoa I received as a gift from some of my good friends there. Fa'afetai tele lava, Lilian! You may also notice a photo with my friends from the National Park of American Samoa. Thanks, Ranger friends!

It's always nice to have a few things on the wall, some pops of color, and a fun and functional layout to start making a place feel like home.

Hope you all have a great week, and stay warm as winter temperatures are knocking on our doors.