Basement Recreation Area

We moved all the stuff into one area so we could paint and repair the other areas. It has been about 25 years since we first remodeled the area






The basement is carpeted so we had to cover everything that we could not move. We used Benjamin Moore Aura paint. It was more expensive than most, but it does a great job. It is a self priming paint, but we used a tinted primer to cover the wood paneling




Nancy using the primer to cover the paneling. There is a lot of paneling in the basement and we primed all of it. I think that will pay off in the long run

We replaced the ceiling tile in the ham radio section of the basement. This is the first time we have installed tile and it went pretty easy. Just a little dirty, but it came out fine.

You think Nancy can paint Just look at this trim job. It was perfect. She trimmed the entire area, most of which was next to carpet and in one case next to the brick fireplace.








After the painting and replacing the ceiling tiles, the fun part started. Here are the ham radio station tables in place






This is really the fun part for me. Placing the ham equipment on the desks and doing the pre wiring. It doesn't look like it but there is a cable plan in place. Every cable is ran a specific way. Each connection is checked to ensure proper operation.




My retired fishing lures, all 271 of them, are now on display. These lures have caught many many fish, and in most cases cannot be replaced. Lots of ole memories here. I can tell you that every lure has a story and in every story the fish does get bigger.





Nancy spent several hours cleaning all the decor in the basement. The dust from the tile and just general dirt had to be cleaned up before we started putting the basement back together.






This is our old Secretary Desk decorated with our Southwestern decor. This includes a bottle of Wine from Mesilla in Las Cruces NM and our 100% Mezcal 100% Agave from Oaxaca Mexico. To good to drink. Part of our liquor collection. The bottles are setting on our hand made Southwestern ceramics.





The fireplace replica holds a few of our coffee cup collection and some of our Amateur Radio awards.





Long view of a basement wall.











The Ham Radio area on the right is just about complete. New wood kick panels were installed to cover the cable runs. . Above the speaker is my Railroad Clock. There is a detail picture of the clock down the page.






Our Daughter made this German Shepherd Hook Rug for us many years ago.







Part of our coffee cup collection. They represent many of our travels. On the right is the Jay Leno Tonight Show Cup. At one time we were Engineering Manager for a NBC station. That helps in getting tickets to the show




Before the Heart Attack in 1983 I used to smoke. The pipes I really enjoyed but no more. The coffee cup is from the Naval Air Station in Rota Spain. These are all Kaywoodie Pipes. Great Smokers but don't do your health any good







A friend gave us this Lionel Clock, which not only keeps accurate time, but every hour on the hour the little train goes around the clock face where is whistles and cho cho's. Sounds real. A friend of mine was a retired railroader and the sound always reminds me of him and his wife Phylis

As you come down the basement stairs there is a display of Nancy's Handiwork. We both like the SouthWestern Themes

Nancy has been a ham for over 25 years. Her call is NA8N and she is now sitting at remodeled ham station.

My call is W8FQ and I have been a ham for over 55 years

Thanks for viewing our blog and giving us an opportunity to showcase our interests.


Have a great week and thanks again for stopping by



Rick, Nancy Belle and Bandit