Again, I just could not resist!

Day 102, "Every picture has a story"

As I drove past I just had to stop.  This house was sold about a month ago and now there was this crew bringing out the old plaster, studs, paneling and more.  They said they were just the demolition crew and not the builders.  Not unusual right?  Well the "story" of this picture is this.  Jerry and Isabel lived in that house for maybe 65 years.  I am guessing that when it sold a month ago the interior was much the same as it was when they bought it.  I am talking about the decor and certainly not the upkeep.  I did do one small paint job for them in the early 80s.  At their age maybe the family decided that it was perhaps even past time to sell and have mom and dad move into another place.  Well my story is this.  It may happen to many of us as we grow older and need to move.  The house, the castle, the place we lived in and loved for so long now goes to new owners and they are of a different generation and perhaps even 2 or 3 generations back.  They have different styles, different tastes and the decor of the moment is not what it was 50 or 60 years ago so what happens.  In this house I saw as I walked past this morning there are only stud walls in the second floor.  Or for all I know it may be a new wall that is being put in.  Anyway it certainly is an example of "the only thing certain in life is change".  It causes me to thing about how I should update my house.  When I sell, I have nothing in mind, the new owner certainly will not have the same tastes or ideas as I.  Well you could hardly argue with nice new maple steps and of course paint is cheap and easy to change but the KITCHEN.  Not sure what I should do but "DO" does need to happen for sure as Elspeth would say, "for sure!"

Most items that are heading south tomorrow are now in the den.  As I look at them I think there is less going than in the past.  And by the time we leave PeachTree City GA our van will be only partially loaded.  I would say that is a good thing assuming everything we intend is packed.  Might we forget something, no way as my mind is like a steel trap but sometimes closed!!!

If the weather holds for this AM I may do some light digging in bare areas of the lawn and put some seed in.  That usually is a good thing to do in the fall.

Later this morning I will unlock the car and begin to load.  I am guessing it will not take a long time.  The only kind of challenge is to make sure things that are left at different places are easy to get at.  

I did find an item that I had been looking for.  It had been in the corner cabinet that was in the back entry.  That cabinet did not go back so where was the item that was in there and I wanted to bring it along?  Well Terry mentioned that maybe it was with a bunch of cups that were in there and that bag was in the front of the garage.  Presto, it was there and I retrieved it after almost doing the splits in going between the camper and pickup.  

Enough for this morning.  It is Sunday so I put a bit of Baileys in the FP and as always it was over the top and then some!

I changed my mind--men can do that right?

Day 101, "Every picture has a story"

the one on the right was white when it was put in

I just could not resist.  When I had the oil changed at Honda they said I needed a change of cabin filter.  It would only cost $60.  I declined and in my thoughts I thought "I can do that for less money". So this morning I went on line to you-tube and googled "how to change the cabin filter in a 2012 Honda". It took me about 3 minutes to watch the video, about 5 minutes to take it out of the car and then about 5 minutes to get the new one in.  The biggest job was putting all the things back in the dash as they all fell out.  The filter cost $20 so I figured I saved $40 but then I had to celebrate so I stopped at a coffee shop and splurged by purchasing a mocha for $4. so I ended up saving $36. and also enjoyed the satisfaction of doing something worthwhile!  Not sure people can tell which is new and which is old!!!  No judgment but maybe I should have changed it a bit sooner.  Maybe now, when we start to go someplace, we will not cough and sneeze!!!  Well maybe I am embellishing a bit but there is a tiny bit of truth to that.

My phone showed the temp at 37 but the roof top said there is a bit of frost this morning.  When I walked out to get the paper in my bare feet I thought maybe I should have put shoes on!  

So my life is kind of same old same old this week.  I go from room to room and floor to floor looking for things that need to be done or things that need packing.  

Yesterday I did do something different.  I had left the interior light on in the pickup which has NO clearance on either side as it is parked in the garage.  I wiggled and squeezed to get in and then to get the darn thing started .  With the battery charger on start instead of charge I hurried around from the wood shop to the garage and was able to get in the cab and presto, it started.  Lucky me.  I let it run for about 30 minutes until the gauge showed the battery to be OK.  I will squeeze into it today just to make sure it is good but I think it will be fine.  I really do not want to arrive for deer hunting November 1st and have a dead truck.

Today I will start to put things into the car but really I do not think we will be very loaded down.  AND for sure after we leave Madison and South Bend as we have several things to leave at both places.  I should add there are some things to leave at PeachTree City as well.

I do not have a lot to say this morning.  I will finish my FP and then start walking around the house for the day looking at what needs, if any, to be taken care of.  It is time to shut down as I am on my last cup of FP and it is down to the top of the blue tent.

A cool start to Friday

Day 100, "Every picture as a story"

I visited the Adkins yesterday for a bit.  This is Veronica.  She loves her cuddly little bear.  Cynthia certainly has a busy busy home.  The kids had just gotten home from school and it was change clothes and eat as they said they were starved!  Reminded me of times way past.  Agatha said she loves school and then she wanted to read to me.  She had this big book where you sound out words.  She was sounding out words like "not" and "cat" etc.  So cute and she was so proud that she could do it.  Leo had been sleeping but he woke up and had this BIG smile on his face.  I did not see Mike as he was still at work.

This is it for my "picture of the day", at least for a time.  When we arrive in FL, which should be the 7th or so, I will see.  

Travis and I had breakfast for the last time this summer.  Doing breakfast with him weekly was one of the highlights of the summer.  He is a great guy.

Today and tomorrow Terry and I will be sorting, packing, putting things in the den and generally getting things ready to button up for the season.  I did not get many wood projects done this summer for which I am kind of sad but what was accomplished in the house more than made up for it.  Next summer there, of course, will be more projects but I HAVE to have a bit more fun in the shop!!!

For the record, as my mind sometimes has brain freeze, I will list some or most of the things that I am so happy got finished this summer.  I have said this before but in the past BIG things were done but actually not a lot of finish work so this summer saw a lot of finish work done which one can see and enjoy.

• a new toilet in the downstairs bathroom
• trim around the fireplace
• some patching on the foundation 
• a lot of lawn work
• a lot of cleaning out
• new fans in the living room and in the dining room (that almost did me in!)
• the upstairs sun room, hallway and guest room were completed (much hired done)
• new stairs (treads and risers) were put in and finished (oh my they look nice!)
• front entry painted
• front door and back door painted
• back entry painted 
• stairway painted
• Much maple wood stacked and a lot of barn wood stacked as well wood from Mark L dad was stacked too
• upstairs floors in the sun room, hallway, guest room, closet, nursery room and hallway done (hired of course)
• floors in the living room/dining room, front and back entry done (hired of course).
• pad put under the living room area rug
• a tiny table made for the living room
• a Christmas scene made for Terry's grand daughter Stephanie
• several things sold on Craig's list
• Terry made 2 batches of pickles
• Terry froze many of our tomatoes
• On the fun side we were able to get together twice with Norma/Wayne and Connie/Darrel
• On the fun side we made 3 trips to ND and during one trip spent time with the Lee side of the family
• On the fun side we had an afternoon with the Saunders side of the family 
• On the fun side Terry's son and wife spent a weekend here
• On the not so fun side Terry had major dental work done and more is coming
• On the nice side there were few Dr. appt
• On the fun side I was able to get out on my bike about 90% of the days
• I HAVE TO ADD THAT THERE IS A LINGERING LIST OF THINGS THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE BUT WE DID NOT GET TOO.  NEXT YEAR, RIGHT!!!

I am sure I forgot things but the list is already LONG so will stop.  As I said we will leave Monday with the satisfaction that MUCH was done and MUCH was experienced this summer.  We will have to work hard to have Naples duplicate this summer.  Well I should say that Terry's home in Naples is NOT a black hole for work and money so we will not even try BUT there are some things she wants to happen there this winter.  

I had coffee when Travis and I went out but I just have to have some FP yet this morning so will start the coffee grinder,  fill the hot water pot and continue to enjoy the morning for a bit before time says there is work to do.

We will see the last of the 60s today until we leave

Day 99, "Every picture has a story"

Not all that interesting a picture I would say.  Well I may have my facts not perfect (John M. and Dave would know more I think) but this picture shows today how cars have changed.  It seems to me that when I was growing up Dad would often pull the plugs on his car and gap them.  They needed to be changed out every 30,000 miles or so I THINK.  Well here is the plug taken out of our 2012 Honda.  Honda recommends changing out at 105,000 miles but I waited until 124,000 miles.  The guy at the garage said they did not look too bad.  The dark brown around the metal indicates that there was leakage which should not be but overall they were not bad.  So plugs, oil changes etc. have evolved over time.  I have been putting synthetic oil in my cars for some time now and the word is that it is much better than just plain oil.  I remember many times as we were looking forward to going to the state fair or some other place Dad would be found on the ground under the car changing oil at the last minute.  AND of course before we left the yard he had to fill ON gas!  Writing about gas it is now up to $2.89 at most stations here.  In 1966/67, at times of gas wars, I could fill my Harley tank for <50 cents at $.15 a gallon.

We are into the "LASTS" of the season.  Tuesday we put our recycle out for the last time and today we put our garbage out for the last time.  When we return in the fall there will be city garbage which is new October 1st.

Terry is going to watch the Supreme Court domination session this morning.  I may watch a bit but I think I will continue to work towards "D" day on Monday.  In case anyone doesn't know what the "D" is it stands for depart!

I did get several things done yesterday as I drove from St. Louis Park to the capital area in St. Paul and then to the compose in St. Paul.  I picked up the quilt that Terry had redone, the silk one that was purchased in China.  I then drove to the hazardous waste place north of the capital.  I think I got rid of about 20 cans of old oil, paint etc.  I then backed the pickup out of the garage and took the garden plants to the compose place.  Terry then helped me drive the pickup back in as there is about a inch on one side and 2-3 inches on the other side.  Then as one stops there is NO room in front and about 3 inches in back.  As one can see it is a good idea to have an extra pair of eyes.   

The cool cool weather has not hit yet.  It is 53 this morning and should get up into the low 60s by mid day.  Then the next 3-4 days it stays in the 40s and 50s.  I see in Naples over the next 10 days the highs range from 90-92.  No long pants for me then!

Enough for now.  It will be a day of bringing things from up or from down and putting them in the den.  Of course all that happens only after my FP is gone.

A fun time

Day 98,"Every picture has a story"

A couple of pictures from the PAST.  I do not know the year but am guessing they are from WAY back.  The front and the back of the house are so so different now.  The picture of the back, on top, shows the door where the kitchen is now and there are NO windows in the foundation and now there are two.  In the front, wow, I am guessing that too is really really early as other pictures do not show trees and bushes like that in the front.  There even is NO sidewalk where in other pictures the sidewalk comes straight out from the front door.  It looks to me like there is just a path which tells me this may be before it was part of the city, I do not know that.

We had a fun time at Connie and Darrel's home yesterday.  I can't think of another couple that seem to enjoy life so much and do so many things.  We played a game with "story cubes" and had a LOT of laughs.

I continue to get things rounded up and in their place.  From the garage I carried into the basement 3 large plastic containers full of non-freeze items which included batteries for tools.  I then spent a couple hours clearing things out of the main basement and putting them on shelves in the furnace room.  Many of the items are things that need to be in the china cabinet but we are not putting it back into the living room now.

I have a long table with many items on that I want to get out of the house.  I have no idea if anybody wants those things but will see.  I do not WANT/NEED to get rid of things, I just do not see any reason to keep things on a shelf for years and years when maybe someone else could use them.  There are a few things that I need/want to hang on to, things that are kind of sentimental but really I am not into that big time.  Mature folks like me sometimes talk about THINGS.  The sentiment is IF we leave things as they are and die our kids will get a dumpster in and clean up!!!  I am saying nothing about my kids or anybodies kids I am only saying that as I know each generation has their way of doing or keeping things.  For sure I would not say my folks or me or my kids' way are better or worse.  It just is life I think.  An example is in a box in the basement.  There is a green tea set that I purchased for Gail when I was in New Mexico and crossed over to Mexico.  I know Gail never used it and maybe the paint on it is full of lead but of course I don't know that.  Anyway it has sat in a box for 46 years and has yet to have tasted water.  What is one to do???  Well it is on the table ready to be had by someone or out it goes on a rummage sale.  My house is not full of things like that BUT there are some things that would be better off in another home IF someone wants them.  Wow, a long story!

I need to make another trip to Goodwill and then to the place that takes old paint etc.  It will be nice to get 15+ cans of paint out of the house.  At one time I had the mind set that why buy a quart of paint for $10 when a gallon is $25?  Of course the gallon is the much better deal EXCEPT when the extra paint sits on the shelf for years and years--then the quart would have been the best deal!

We got .45" rain yesterday and it looks like there is more on the way for the weekend.  Maybe I will be packing the car in the rain on Sunday.  As I write the temp is 43 but as I wrap up my "picture of the day" on Friday it is supposed to be 35.  I have decided that my last blog of the summer/fall will be Friday and that will be picture 100.  I have yet to decide if I will pick it up after we arrive in Naples. I do enjoy writing but IF I were to go back and back I may find I repeat things.  Note I said "may" not "will"!!!

Time to wrap this up and get to work even tho it is still dark outside.   I think it is time to get some more items in the den as that is the place I put things that will go to FL.  No it is time to top off my FP with the last bit in the pot and then get a few things done.

The beginning of a cool down in the weather

Day 97, "Every picture has a story"

Not a big story but these will be on their way to FL Monday.  The garden was cleaned up yesterday and these tomatoes begged to come along so it is.  There are some cucumbers also but they may not make the trip.  I talked to our neighbor to the east, Judy, yesterday.  She has a fence that is right up to our driveway where the tomatoes and squash were this summer.  She asked if I knew there was a squash hanging on the fence on her side!  I had no idea.  I peeked over and there was a squash hanging from the fence about 2 feet off the ground.  That squash plant was not good.  Much much leaves and flowers but TWO squash and that was it.  Not sure what I did wrong as I watered it daily for most of the summer.  Next spring we may come back a tad earlier to get the garden in as it was not in this year until a few days into June. 

I did get some things done yesterday but struck out on one item.  I had many cans of old paint that I wanted to get rid of so I took them to the hazardous waste place where you can leave things for free.  One could guess, they are closed on Monday!  I did get an item returned to a store and put gas on (that is for Dad) and did a bit of shopping at Costco.  

At home again it was a day to fertilize the lawn one last time and then I spent much of the afternoon putting non freeze things in boxes so I can carry them into the basement today.  Terry got a lot done.  A small area rug in the front entry way and an 8X10 in the living room were cleaned.  I am sure the small one had never been cleaned and it was dirty beyond belief!  The 8X10 was put down this summer but it is in the area we sit most of the time so it too was very dirty.  I think Terry said she went over each at least 4 times.  She then took out everything from under the kitchen sink and of course it was in need of MUCH TLC.  The bath tubs, up and down, also got a good cleaning.  SO some things were accomplished that had/should have gotten done before we head south.

I will not say much about the supreme court process that is taking place other than to say it is beyond disgusting.  Of course I have no idea what has happened in the past but to bring up things like they have which took place way way back and to bring them up at the 11th hour of hearings certainly smacks of political ********!  AND I have to add if things happened that were law breaking why bring them up to politicians and not the law----something is wrong for sure.  ENOUGH

Today we will drive to Savage MN to have lunch with friends.  They came here in early summer and it was a 3 hours fun time so I am guessing we are in for a 4 hours (travel time too) jaunt today.  We are looking forward to it as they are a fun loving couple.

I will carry in the boxes of things from the wood shop this morning.  It is a sad/happy time when I do that.  Ending my wood working is always a sad time and especially this fall as I was not able to do a lot of fun projects because the house projects loomed so BIG.  But every little bit helps and there were some small fun things I was able to do.  The happy part is it means I am close to the tennis courts again.  I have high hopes of behaving myself and not getting hurt.  I still have expectations that my game can improve even at my age.  IF I had started playing a long time ago it would be different but for me starting late means I should expect to improve each year.  I may not get to as many balls now but that is SMART, not slowing down!!!

The story line today is cooler and then cooler still.  Weather shows that by Friday we could have a low of 36, pretty darn close to freezing I would say.

I think I have said enough for this morning.  My FP is down to the top of the ears on the tiny deer which means the next sip will take it down to the turtle and then one last sip will be left.

In one week we are out of here for the season.

Day 96, "Every picture has a story"

As best as I can figure out this picture was taken as one enters the dining room from the kitchen.  It is from the early 1900s and the room has changed big time.  It is fun to see what it was at one time.  I am guessing the house went through several transformations from 1906 to 1977.  Of course the wall is totally out now but at one time I was told that there were book cases instead of the wall.  It would be so fun to have pictures of different times but not sure Amy has any.  

Well company, at our house, is to be no more.  We will go out twice this week but from now on it is getting ready.  I pretty much have my paint brushes put away and most of my tools put away.  Some things need to come into the house but things are put away in terms of work.  

We did get Terry's car into storage and got the pickup in the garage.  I will not take the insurance off as I will be coming back for deer hunting this fall and will use it.  I was able to arrange things in the garage so that while Terry guided me in I was able to park so that the front end had about 1/4" space and the back end was in by a good 3".  With those dimensions I guess one could say it is good to plan ahead.  It would be nice to find a place to hunt deer where there were more animals but it is kind of a "deer hunting or bird hunting" thing with most hunters that you DON"T invite yourself to hunt with anybody.  The invite has to come from the person who has a spot to hunt.  No complaints, it just is what it is.  I may get lucky at Deb's and see/get a buck but the odds are not so good.  Regardless of what happens it will be fun to get out in the field and experience nature and fresh air.  Actually if I were to get one I am not sure where I would process it.  I have never NOT processed my own deer but IF I were to get a deer this year I would not have time to do it.  Maybe, just in case, I need to find out where it could be done if I, the great hunter, bring home the bacon,  I mean venison.

Home from OT on my left hand so will post and get to work.  That darn left thumb just needs some TLC and I usually forget to give it.  According to the therapist I NEED to work with it every day for a while.  It just is not fun to sit and play with your thumb!

I think I need to do a run today for some things that need to be done.  I think after that it will be get everything in from the garage that has to be kept from freezing.  I refuse to look at my "to do list" because I know there are things on it that I felt should be done but no, they will have to wait.

I waited until my OT session to make FP so now I am enjoying it.  I could not believe it when Terry woke me up at 6:50 and said you have a 7:30 appt.  What the heck, I usually am up way before that.

I had better not get too warm today as the AC units are all put away.  Today in the 70s, then a BIG cool down which is not all that bad.  As I ramble on my FP goes down and down until now it is almost gone.  There, the last sip and the last words. 

Day 95, "Every picture has a story"

Well there are 2 pictures today.  The top is of my thumb that often aches.  A few years ago I injured the ligaments while making treasure boxes for the grand kids so they are now weak.  I need to exercise it so the muscles can do what the ligaments are supposed to do.  The wrist, well I broke it in 2014 while playing tennis and while in Alaska my phone rang telling me I needed to make an appt to get the titanium metal out of the wrist!!!  It does not give me any problems but it is a reminder that tennis can be a dangerous sport if one is not careful.  I would post a picture of the 11" scare on the back of my leg, also from tennis, but that may not be the best idea!  All in all I guess I should think if tennis is worth it or for that matter if wood working is worth it--IT IS.

Well we are supposed to see the last of the 70s tomorrow and then on Tuesday actually see the last of the 60s, at least before we go to Naples.  As we button things up, pack and get ready to go we will see highs in the mid 50s

Tammy and Brian will head home to Iowa this morning.  We have had a fun time the last couple of days.  I THINK they actually got our chrome cast set up so we can watch Netflix on TV, now that we are heading south!

I mowed the lawn for the last time yesterday.  Am hoping that Travis will mow it maybe a couple of times, the last time at a lower level.

Most Sundays I blog a bit longer but will sign off and talk with Brian and Tammy before they leave.  My FP is gone but not forgotten.

Cool on the feet!

Day 94, "Every picture has a story"

Years ago we returned home from a vacation and there was a note on our door.  It was from the state historical society and it said they had a picture of our property that had a corn field by it.  I am guessing this is it.  Amy visited us on Thursday and I copied this from one album of pictures she brought.  The stories in the history of this house are many and I am sure I do not know of most of them.  I do know:

• At one time there was a swimming pool in the back yard
• The house to our west was a vacant lot belonging to the Ruth family until they sold it in the early 60s. On that lot there was a baseball field in the summer and an ice skating rink in the winter.  After it was sold there was a huge legal fight as the people building the house dug too close to Tom's property line and cut roots of a huge tree.  Tom had to cut the tree down and then the overhang of the new house actually was on Tom's property so there was a legal battle there too.  Tom lost that one.
• The gazebo in the back yard to our west had electric power hooked up to our garage
• We have an L shaped garage because Tom Ruth was afraid that a tree on the east would grow into his yard so he just built the garage as an L to avoid that.  The garage was built in 1952
• From 1906-1914 our house was the ONLY house in the surrounding area.  Almost all of the houses were built in the early 40s
• We purchased the house in 1977 and before that the only owners were Tom/Thelma Ruth and his parents
• I know, from experience, that Tom did keep the house up but he spent as little money as possible on it.  By that I mean he pretty much made due as he spent little.
• When we purchased the house Tom and Thelma were READY to enter a new chapter in their life.  They lived, at different times, in FL, AZ and Idaho.  Both lived well into old age.  I know the term "old age" has different meaning for different people but I know Tom lived well into his 90s
• As I dismantled the stairs I realized that who ever put them in was a REAL woodworker
• That is my picture for today

Cool on the feet!  As I walked out to get the paper this morning the 42 degree temps made the grass a bit cool to walk on.  Does one think fall has arrived?  I think yes!

I got the car ready to go.  Len's Auto put the plugs in and guessing by the bill they are not very easy to get to.  Perhaps this is kind of average but the parts were 27% of the cost.  I have no complaints as Len's Auto bill was 1/3 less than Honda.  An interesting thing about the car.  They close at 6:00 and I just could not get them on the phone to see if the car was ready.  Finally I got a call about 6:01 from them and Ken said he could not get me on the phone.  I think their phone was goofy.  Anyway I asked how I could pay as he was ready to go home.  He said he would leave the keys in the locked car and I can come in Monday or Tuesday to pay!  How about that.  That would not have happened at Honda for sure.

Terry's son Brian and his wife Tammy are here for the weekend. They arrived about 6:30 yesterday and will head home tomorrow.  

I am hoping to get that one last kitchen window painted by Monday as starting after that the weather is supposed be in the 50s and low 60s until we leave and that is a bit chilly to have windows out for a long period of time.

Enough for now as the FP is down to the last drop and time for some things to be done.

WOW!!!

Day 93, "Every picture has a story"

We bought the house in 1977 from Tom and Thelma Ruth.  Yesterday their grand daughter, Amy, who lives in Chicago came over for the second time.  She brought some picture albums with pictures of the family.  Here are two of them.  The front of the album said 1900's.  We now have a cement 2 step entrance, we have round columns but much is the same.  Well the sidewalk back then went straight out and now it goes towards the driveway.  BUT from this picture I would say the original siding is still on today.  The windows you see by the sides of the door are original as well.  The living room and den windows were replaced 3 years ago.  It is hard to see but I am sure the foundation back then was limestone.  They jacked up the house in 1946 and put in a block foundation.  We had a great visit with Amy.  She came about 4:00 and left about 7:00.  We had a bite to eat and a LOT of conversation.  Fun fun fun.  I like the gal's hat.

My WOW is about the weather yesterday.  We received 3.75+" of rain from early morning to late at night.  That should be good for a while.  Today we have clouds and wind but no rain.  The weekend is supposed to be nice with cool temps and more rain next week.

I got the oil changed on the car yesterday.  During their 17 point inspection they found a nail in one tire.  I think they call it "the 17 point inspection" because they are trying to find 17 things to charge you for!  I should have said leave the tire and I will get it fixed but I said go ahead and fix it.  The oil change was a good deal but they made up for it with the fixed tire!  Today it is to Len's Auto for those spark plugs.  I am going to ask them to save one of the old ones for me as I am curious as to what they look like in terms of wear.  I want to clarify as I DO know what a spark plug looks like!  With that I think the car is ready for the trip to FL so then it is up to Terry and I to get ready.  I do need to install new wiper blades.

With breakfast this morning, company today, tomorrow and Sunday and then out for lunch with friends Tuesday and lunch with friends on Thursday I am not sure just what I can/will get buttoned up before we leave.  Those darn kitchen windows NEED to be finished and there almost HAS to be some touch up on the stairs.  On the positive side I am now ready to start putting things in the den that will go.  The difficult part of the windows is the weather is chilly and really the best way to paint them is to take them out.  The prime dries in a short time but the paint does not dry quickly.  We will see what happens

We have decided to NOT put the large china cabinet back this fall.  It will stay in the den.  It would be nice to replace it with a smaller piece but of course everyone knows that takes $$s and I would rather put the $$ into other things at this time.  That is assuming I have the $$s!

No, Travis is going to be here in an hour and we will take the van in before we stop for breakfast so I had better get dressed and get this body in motion.  AND my FP is depleted BUT it sure was delicious.

Day 92, "Every picture has a story"

Left to right: Deb B, Allen, Deb S. Mark, Mary, Carmen, Terry

This is the Saunders clan and spouses.  Deb Binde lives on a farm in central MN.  Husband Dale died last February.  Allen and Debbie live in Hastings where Deb does a lot with local art things and Allen is retired from education.  Mark and Mary live on the Saunders farm in Cayuga ND.  Mary retired from the health field and Mark is very near retiring as a mail carrier.  Carmen and Terry live in Naples Fl and St. Paul, MN.  More in FL than MN.  Gail died in September of 2009 and Terry and Carmen. married in 2011.  Mark is the youngest at 65? where Carmen is the oldest at 71.  Between everyone there are close to 50 grand kids!  Mary and Mark are tied for the most at 13 BUT I think there will be more in their family while everyone else is finished, we think but maybe not!

As I sit and type I can hear the rain in the downspout.  It is supposed to be an all day rain today with sunshine tomorrow.  I need to put some things on the lawn tomorrow and then say that is enough for the season.

Kind of a busy few days coming up.  I have a scheduled oil change on the car this afternoon and then Amy Ruth Reddin will come over about 4.  She has pictures of the house that I will copy and we will have a light late lunch and an adult drink!  Brian and Tammy come into town tomorrow and will stay with us.  I do not know how long they will stay.  I am hoping to have breakfast with Travis on Friday and I need to bring the car in for some work.  My Dad would have a fit if he knew what work on cars cost today.  Dad did EVERYTHING on his cars.  I remember back then one would change oil every 3000 miles and maybe take the spark plugs out every few thousand and gap them.  I think one needed new plugs every 30-40 thousand miles.  I am guessing a new set of plugs cost ?? maybe 10/15 dollars.  Well the story is VERY different today.  With 100% synthetic oil the life of an oil change is 7,000-10,000 miles and in some cases even more.  On one of our camping trips we went 12,000 miles on the oil.  I sent a sample in to get tested and it came back with a report that there was 2000-3000 miles left on the oil.  Well that is nothing compared to the need for new plugs.  I called the Honda dealer near us and got a quote for new plugs.  Hope you are sitting down because the cost for plugs in our 6 cylinder engine is $330!!!  What the heck, that is $55 per plug!  Well I am taking the car into an independent shop Friday and the cost will be about $190.  Dad would not be impressed.  By the way Honda recommends new plugs at 105,000 while our car is at 124,000 so it is time.

When in St. Paul I go to a men's group each week that is part of People of Praise.  The evening is spent in prayer and sharing our lives together.  Last night was my last of the summer.  Next week is just so so busy and we are on the road October 1st so last night was it.  Those groups provide a time to grow in the Lord and also in fellowship.

As I look at the weather for the next 10 days I suspect Terry would like to be gone sooner.  My phone shows highs in the 50s starting next Wednesday!!!  YIKS!!!

I have enjoyed writing this summer with my "picture of the day" thing.  I am debating if I should continue with it when we get to Naples.  I will have to wait and see what transpires when we arrive. I have gotten little or no feed back so I suspect the writing is a bit boring for most who read it but is is a lot of fun for me.

A pick up had been parked in front of our house for about 10 days and it was never moved.  No harm of course but it was from out of state and it was unusual so I asked some neighbors and nobody seemed to know about it.  Terry called the police and they said they would check on it.  Well Terry called in the morning, the police checked on it and painted a tire that afternoon.  Not sure if there was a connection BUT about 4 hours after it was checked people came and drove away!  

Our neighbor has had workers at her house for 4+ months now.  One of the things that was worked on is a gazebo in the back yard.  Well the worker was putting the finishing touches on it yesterday.  He said hi and I walked over to talk to him.  I am sure he could see that I did wood working.  He then asked if I happen to have a couple of boards that he could use as stops on the door frame.  He came over and we found a piece that would work so I cut a 4" board into a couple of 2" boards and he was happy and I had $5.  I like to do things like that.

Enough for this morning.  I just filled my FP cup with the last of the heavenly delight so will sign off.  I just reread my writing and as I did my FP went down to the yellow star on the back of the cup so it IS time to sign off.

Too busy yesterday to blog!

Day 91, "Every picture has a story"

This is Norma and Terry yesterday.  Norma was Terry's legislative assistant for some of the time that Terry served in the MN senate.  From what Terry shares Norma was the BEST!  Yesterday Norma and her husband Wayne came over for lunch and 3 hours of FUN.  They are great people and we always try to get together twice during the summer.  Next summer we HAVE to get together and go to Norma's daughter in law who has a horse farm near New Richmond WI.  It sounds like it would be very fun.  Wayne, in his mid 80s still hunts deer in central MN.  He has graced us with venison sausage twice this summer, tastes great!  We had a great time yesterday and I am already looking forward to next summer.

Speaking about deer hunting I asked Deb B. about deer on her farm.  She said the word is the deer population is up a tiny bit but she has seen few near their farm.  I am thinking I should come back this November to hunt but where, that is always the question.  Good hunting places are always hard to find and Deb's place does not sound too promising this fall.

We are in a wet spell this week.  So far we have gotten 1.5+" of rain and it is supposed to be rainy today and tomorrow.  We only got .15" last night but oh my the thunder and lighting was VERY stormy.  I usually do not wake up during a storm at night but last night I wondered if the house was coming down!

The count down is yet on for FL but the projects are slow to close and the days are fast to close!!!  I did get the last of the 4 windows in the kitchen primed but still 2 need to be painted and the trim needs paint.  Also some touch up and finishing on the steps as well as some other things.  Men's group tonight, Amy Ruth Ridden will come over tomorrow with some picture of our house long ago.  Terry invited her for a light bite and adult drink and she said she would be delighted.  Brian and Tammy will come Friday AM and be here part of the weekend I think.  Brian said Tammy would call with the details of coming and going.

I did have my appt with OT on Monday.  I needed a new support for my left thumb.  I will have one more appt next week and that should be it.  I must have over done it the year I made 17 treasure boxes cause ever since then my thumb has hurt from time to time.  Virgina, the OT person, said I need to exercise my thumb because the ligament was over used and the muscle needs to compensate for it now.  I just find it difficult to do, sitting and moving my index finger up and down as I make the letter C with my left hand.  Sounds easy but hard to remember!

I have not gotten on the bike for a week or so.  I need to do that as Bentley, my bike, will not travel to FL.  I have a bike there but it pales compared to Bentley.

Enough for this morning.  On to projects and my "honey due list" but only after the last sip of FP.

I was mistaken

Day 90, "Every picture has a story"

These are the nails taken out of the maple floor boards that I got from Mark Saunders.  The boards are now neatly stacked in the front of the garage waiting for a purpose.  I spent the better part of 2 days clipping the nails on the back and then grinding them down.  I came away with a sore hand but with the satisfaction that the boards can now be used.  BUT I was wrong.  I have been telling people that these boards came from a bowling alley in Briton SD but Mark informed me yesterday that he tore down the community church in Cayuga and these boards (nails) came from there.  SO the holey  boards may indeed by holy!

We had a delightful time with Gail's siblings yesterday.  Al and Deb from Hastings, Mary and Mark from the farm and Deb Binde from Lake Park.  We met here at the house and visited for about an hour and a half and then went to have a bite to eat at Moscow on the Hill where they have 300+ vodka drinks and not one of us are really vodka drinkers!  Everyone enjoyed seeing what Terry and I have done to the house.  I think they all agreed that it is becoming a real house that one can be happy to show people.  I dare not go into WHY it was in such a state of repair for so long BUT I do take 100% responsibility for what it WAS.  I will take some of the credit for what it IS.  Terry is so good at making suggestions as to what should be done next.  I admit that I am less than proud of where I have been but I look forward to where I am going.  AND I say it is nobodies fault except mine.  Enough.  There is so much more to do and a little will get done before we go but not a lot.  We have company tomorrow, company for the weekend and will go out next Thursday.  In between I have an appt this morning, breakfast with Larry tomorrow and a couple of breakfasts with Travis.  Not sure how much time that leaves for work but "for sure" (that is Elspeth's saying) the kitchen windows must get done.

I don't know about Mary and Mark Saunders.  They brought a piece of GREAT barn wood that is available near their farm.  I looked at it and HOW can one turn down that kind of thing?  So maybe, just maybe, there is more barn wood in the future!

No, the morning light is up and I need to get ready for my appt.  It is a reevaluation of my left thumb as I need another brace for it.  I have another appt next week but I doubt I will need that.

I welcome the cooler weather that is coming, starting today.  By the weekend we are supposed to have highs in the mid 60's.  That means it will be a bit tricky taking the windows out of the kitchen to paint the trim but I will make it work.

My FP was a b+ this morning.  I made FP yesterday and had left over FP this morning.  It was less than great BUT better than fresh Folgers!

Company today

Day 89, "Every picture has a story"

About a month ago I thought I heard some noise when I entered my wood shop.  I looked around and could not hear anything more or see anything.  That often happened when I went in the wood shop but I could never see anything.  Then a couple days ago when I went in there was a small bird.  Now that happens 2 or 3 times a summer as for some reason they fly in the door.  I thought I fixed that after I put a screen on the back door but still a bird would come in through the front door sometimes.  I can't allow them to stay in the shop as more than once they have messed on some wood and stained it.  As I begin to try and get it out I saw that it was a small woodpecker.  Finally, after maybe 15 minutes I was able to get it out of the shop and that was after chasing it with a broom from end to end.  After I had relocated it I started on some project with the wood.  It was then I saw the hole and realized that darn woodpecker had been in the shop for a few weeks and made a home in the west wall.  It is now covered up and I made sure that there is NO hole on the outside.  I now know about that noise I thought I heard when I would enter the shop.

Each day now I try to get a little something done.  Today of course, Sunday, there will be no work and company from 2 until after we go out for dinner.  Yesterday I was able to paint another window that had been primed on Friday.  Because I do not like to leave windows open at night I did put the window back in late afternoon.  I now have one kitchen window left to prime and paint and then all the trim has to be done.  In the morning I took the tape off the steps that had been on there when I caulked and painted.  SO the steps are finished except there is still a bit of touch up to do.  I was able to get the lawn mowed in the afternoon.  We are dry so there was not a lot of cutting to do.  Also a couple of pictures were hung in the living room.  Terry really likes the look of clean clear lines with little distraction in a room so not sure what else will go up on the walls.  Maybe they will stay kind of clear until the plaster starts showing cracks and then we will have to try and cover them!!!

I want to get a little water on the front lawn this morning and thought maybe early would be great.  I looked up when sunup happens and it is like 6:51.  It seems just a short while ago that I could go on a morning bike ride in the light at 5:30.

Enough for now.  It is Sunday so I did need to have a bit of Baileys in my FP which always puts it over the top in terms of flavor.  I can not see too far ahead as there are so many things to do BUT two weeks from tomorrow it will be "on the road again"!

A lot done

Day 88, "Every picture has a story"

As I waited at the stop light at the intersection of Ford Parkway and Cleveland for the light I just had to snap this picture.  By the school uniform I know they are students at Highland Catholic School.  Our 4 kids started there in the fall of 1977.  So what is the big deal about this picture?  Well the staple lunch for the kids was maybe an apple and a cheese sandwich with mayonnaise on it.  If they did not have soccer or basketball practice after school they would walk home, I mean straight home as I recall.  Here these girls just came out of Starbucks, each with a drink that probably cost $3.00-$4.00.  Times change but of course if your math is any good you know the difference is 41 years.  If my kids were at Highland Catholic today I hope they would NOT stop at Starbucks but of course I will never know.  All three boys went there through 8th grade and Cynthia went there through 6th grade.  I have NO knowledge of the school today but not sure I would send my kids there today.  No need to say that as that is so history.  

I blogged late yesterday so not a whole lot is new.  I did fail to mention that I got things cleared enough in the garage so we could drive the car in.  All summer there has been wood and wood and more wood there but that is all stacked and in order.  With furniture out of the garage and into the dining room that opened up the space.  

As I came downstairs this morning I took off the last of the tape on the steps so there is only a small amount of touch up to be done.

I am thinking that people will be able to tell the old from the new.  If not at least I can.  

Well I have not been on my bike for a week or more so I think I will celebrate with a short ride.  After that it will be another day of prime, paint, clear up things touch up things and count the days down to October 1st.    

Before I sign off I HAVE to say how nice it is to have the living room back and once again my FP is kind of over the top which is good.

Yes Yes Yes

Day 87, "Every picture has a story"

Brother Dave is proof that old age has no pretenses and one can do and look as you like!!!  Dave is a great guy but not sure I would wear that hat anyplace!  One of the MANY laughable moments last Saturday.  I think he is trying to protect himself from the sun, at least that is what I hope!

Much was done today and I am a much happier guy than the last many days.  Travis and I went out for breakfast, which I enjoy each week.  After that Travis came over and we moved furniture back into the living room.  So so so good to have it looking nice and to have a place to sit!  Still pictures need to be hung and much needs to be done before Sundays but I am happy with today.  I also got one more kitchen window primed so that is good.  The priming is more work than the painting.  So now there are two to paint and one to prime and the window frames need to be done as well. 

Nine years ago today Gail left us and went to heaven.  Life for many has not been the same.  Nine grandchildren have been born since then and so much as happened.  Many many people miss her greatly.  

It is towards the end of the day and I am finished working.  I have a bath running and am almost ready for an Epsom salt whirl bath.  It helps the aching muscles, what are left.  

The count down is now at 19 before we wrap up work here and head south for the winter.

I did enjoy my FP before having breakfast out with Travis.  

A day with friends from Hudson WI/Naple FL

Day 86, "Every picture has a story"

This leaf is one of a kind but is telling us that fall is near!  Sometimes I feel like this leaf.  I would say that perhaps my siblings could be saying the same thing but today I feel like I am this leaf.  Here is why:

• I was born on a farm but NEVER felt the desire or need to live that life.  One could say it could be many reasons.  It could be that I was just not meant to be a farmer.  It could be that Dad was NOT the ideal farmer and therefore did not instill the desire in his children.  It could be that our farm was just not a great farm and therefore did not give any of us the desire to be a farmer.  Maybe, just maybe it does not make any difference!
• I think, often, outside of the box.  AND that box is the world of course.
• Maybe everyone is like this but I, for sure, often feel like I am the lone ranger at times in the way I do things and the way I think about things.  One time in high school the math teacher asked me to go to the board and do a problem.  I knew how to do it but in getting there the teacher laughed and asked Larry to come up and do it.  He finished it in less then a minute while I was several minutes into it!!!  BUT I did get the right answer.
• I often hear people say how hard something is and then say that just can not be.  My saying is not that it can't be but rather HOW should we do this.  I could add that it often gets me in binds!
• Enough of the lone leaf BUT there are two windows open in the kitchen as they get painted and I would say those windows had better get in soon as it is cool with this fall weather.

Pete finished the floors yesterday and did some touch up on floors up stairs.  Now it is a matter of getting things back in the room but that should wait until tomorrow.  The floors look good for a 112 year old house I think.  Pete said the wood today is just not the same as way way back then.  I should add that he gave us, what we considered, a great price.  He said that was because earlier in the summer when he did the upstairs I gave him a big tip.  I rounded up from an ending of 75 cents to a dollar!

We drive to Hudson WI this morning to visit friends.  They sold their home a few years ago and then just had their Naples home but last year they purchased a smaller condo and they love it.  It will be fun to see it and then we will go out for lunch.

No I have to make a decision this morning. Do I finish caulking the stairs or continue on the kitchen windows.  I just wrote that because I like to use the correct word CAULK!!!  That has to get done and paint has to go on before Sunday.  My FP today tastes a little bit like I think heaven would be BUT I don't want to go there yet!

19 days but I am not counting!

Day 85, "Every picture has a story"

Dave, Joan, me and Helen--I am thinking what Mom and Dad would say about our travels etc.  Mom and Dad pretty much lived within a couple of miles of where they grew up.  After the farm burned they moved to Veblen where they lived for about 20 years.  BUT what about their kids.  I know I will miss some states but I know their 6 kids lived in ND, IA, AK, UT, FL, SC? and if you add grand kids the states get oh so much more.  Travel, well Helen spent time in Italy, Carmen spent a vacation in China and Italy, Carmen has traveled to all 50 states and I would guess Helen has been in most as well.  Of course Dave and Joan did their share of travel too.  Then if you look at what their kids have done.  Well the list would go on and on so I will not try to get into that.  I am guessing Mom would say "Ufda" but she would be proud of all.  I would say that our parents did a very good job with all of us.  NOT perfect of course but who wants anything to do with perfect humans?  Of course my biggest regret is Janet and Ronald did not live into mature adulthood as death came way way too early but I know they did so well in the short lives they had.  I still can hear John M. say more than once that Red was the smartest person he ever knew.  Janet was just a talented sweet woman.  Mom and Dad knew all too much about the hardships of life with the death of children and the burning of their farm.  On the outside at least, they were resilient but I am sure that inside there was much much grief.  

The final coat gets on the floors this morning and then we can start putting things back tomorrow.  We need to get things kind of in order as company will be here Sunday.  This morning Terry has a short visit for blood draw near home.  I had my draw about a month ago and the results were great.  I am guessing Terry's will be the same.  

As I sit here those darn squirrels keep digging holes in the lawn.  I am wondering if they have G?PS to find them later?

No I need to get a few things done before the floor guy comes so down with the last of the FP and on to work.

Good and not so good

Day 84, "Every picture has a story"

Perhaps I blogged about windows when we arrived June 1st but will do it again for my "picture" stories.  For the first time in 41 years there are NO storm windows to put on this fall.  With the 4 new kitchen windows put in January there is NO spring and fall job of washing windows and then taking off and putting on.  There are 2 windows in the den that do open but really they are never used so the storms stay on.  There are 3 piano windows in the living room that do not open so nothing there.  So the 24 storms and screens that were put on a total of 1,920 times are NO MORE.  Now the down side is it is way too easy to let things go and NOT wash the windows even though it is only a matter of opening them up and tilting them inward to wash.  The screens in the picture are only there for show!

My title this morning refers to the good (floors sanded and coated) and the not so good (wait until Wednesday for the final coat).  Pete got the floors sanded yesterday and the first coat on.  I thought he would get the second coat on today but he wanted to wait a day so he will come Wednesday AM and put the second coat on.  Oh my this house is such a mess and there is so so much disorder as the living room is empty that it is driving a person crazy.  I THINK it will be worth it when all is done.  The furniture can probably go back Thursday as long as we do not drag things on the floor.  I think the large china cabinet needs to stay out for a while as it is so heavy that about the only way to move it is slide it on towels and that would not be good for the floor at this time.

I should mention that sisters did a bang up job on the potato salad over the weekend.  Friday, when Terry and I arrived, people were snacking on nuts etc. but I snacked on the potato salad and then again after brunch on Saturday as the potato salad was for the evening meal.  Then to top it off they sent a container home so I had the last of it Sunday night!!!

The best for sure!!!

Terry has an appt this morning so that will take up most of our AM time.  I intend to get the rest of the treads caulked (got it Dave) this afternoon and maybe even get the caulk painted.

I did get ALL of the maple boards denailed yesterday as the floors were being sanded.  I just made up that word but I think it fits!  I mean I took care of all the nails so that the boards can be used.  I cut them off on the back side of the board and then used a grinder to finish.  Now I can plain the top perhaps 3/16 of an inch and not hit a nail head.  Only have to figure out a use for them now!  I also was able to stack the barn wood in a place that will not interfere with driving the car in the garage.

I am still thinking of our get together last weekend and enjoying many of the conversations.  I am so thankful that at this stage in life it is fun to be with family.  I do know families where that is not the case so I am so thankful.  I think each of the siblings and in-laws respect others and are confident in who they are and what they believe.  With that, the differences in religion and politics can be left unsaid as nobody is going to try to infuse their ideas or belief on someone else.  Maybe that is a way of saying I love you for who are and not for what you believe or stand for.  It is certainly true that you can not pick your family but if I could have I would have picked the one I have.

No, I am going to get some things done before we leave for Terry's appt.  My FP was, again, over the top in taste so down it goes and up I get for work.

A grand time

Day 83, "Every picture has a story"

Left to right: Helen, Dave/Marlys, Ron/Joan, John/Judi, Carmen/Terry

This started out as the Lee clan with Ronald, Janet, Joan, Dave, Carmen and Helen.  Our birthdays ranged from 1936-1950.  We then added Glorine, Charlie, John, Judi, Ron, Marlys, Gail, Terry, and Mike. Glorine            

lives in Rapid City and was not able to come but Charlie, Gail, Mike and siblings Ronald and Janet are not with us anymore.  It is such a blessing that there are 3 LONG marriages.  Joan/Ron are at 57, Marlys/Dave are at 53 and Judi/John are at 49 which adds up to 159 years of marriage.  Terry/I come in at 89 but we count months because we were so old when we married!  For sure with that many people and all those years of marriage there are stories upon stories upon stories. The lives of people are also all over the map.  Homes go from Naples FL to Holiday Island AK to St. Paul MN to Lake Park MN to Jamestown ND to Sandy UT and to Mesa AZ.  I am guessing that one could pick from 1000s of happy stories to 1000s of sad stories.  BUT the weekend was a grand time.  There was catching up to do but I think the focus of the time spent was mostly the "good old days" and sure, some "sad times" as well.  It seemed to me that everyone enjoyed themselves and truly treasured the time together.  Dave and Marlys were great hosts while Joan, Helen and Marlys made great food and I should not forget Dave's grilled steaks which were superb.   We missed Glorine as she would have added so much and for sure she could have added stories about Ronald or as John would refer to him as Red!  I could add that the ages range from 68-82 and I would say we all are looking pretty good!!!  Not sure if that is a fact or only my opinion!!!  There may be stories in the days ahead.

After driving to Jamestown on Friday, having a great time and driving home yesterday Terry and I are ready for a busy week.  There is work to do, floors to be done by Pete, appt to be made etc but we THINK we will be ready for Gail's siblings next Sunday.  We will not be 100% ready but ready enough!  Then a week from tomorrow Norma and Wayne will come for lunch.  After that it will be tie up loose ends, finish some projects and pack for the trip to Naples.  All in all it looks like a busy time for the rest of September.  One can say life is too busy or one can say what a lucky person I am to be able to do and do and do and be and be and be!

I should add that Terry and I had perfect weather for driving both Friday and Sunday.  It is so much fun to drive in ND as one can view the vast prairie and expanses of land that you do not see in many places.  We did see an unusual sight on I 94.  Every quarter mile for about 20 miles there was a huge round bale of hay in the middle of the freeway!  Well I should say that it was on the west bound lane which was closed.  I am guessing they intend to use the hay for cover as they plant grass in the ditches.  It was kind of a strange sight seeing bales on the road!

Dave pointed out to me that in my blog I should mention caulking the stairs and not chalking the stairs!  I do appreciate the input Dave.

No, Travis has already been here to help move furniture so that is finished for when Pete arrives.  It is now up to me to finish my FP and get to work.  I have to admit that I missed my FP at the hotel but their coffee would have had a rating of maybe B- which is not bad but not so good either when you consider my FP is an A.  However I still deny being a coffee snob and that is final!  So here I go, one last sip of FP and I am ready for the day.

On the road again!

Day 82, "Every picture has a story"

I am leaving this picture small as the quality is not great and that is unusual for pictures from Dad.  It may have been from the way I copied it too.  Regardless this is Mom and I don't know who but I would guess it is Ronald.  If not it has to be Dave or myself.  I like it for a couple of reasons.  It is the front door as I remember it.  Later they changed the front door to the south side of the house.  But best of all you can see the shed/garage in the back ground.  A storm blew it down around 1955 or so.  All I know is Joan, Dave and I were still going to Wood Lake School as we RAN home after the storm because from school we could not see the wind charger which was on top of the house.  As you look at the picture the window is the living room.  To Mom's right is the front door and as you entered the entry way the cream separator was on your left.  After every every milking Mom had to heat water to wash the separator.  From there you could hang your coat and then enter the kitchen.  Maybe someone from this weekend can identify the boy.

Terry and I will be on the road about 9:30 or so today.  We will head west on I 94 until 330 miles later we exit towards Jamestown.  It will be so fun to see Judi (with an "I"), John, Joan, Ron, Marlys, Dave and Helen.  Am so disappointed that Glorine can not make it but 9 of 10 is not bad for "use old folks"!

Yesterday we did get some work done and Terry had her last dental appt for at least the next several months.  The back entry is about finished.  The floor guy, who said maybe he could make it this weekend, let me know that no, he will be here Monday.

So the water putty is put away.  The prime is put away.  The chalk is put away.  The oil base paint and the water base paint is put away and we are almost ready to hit the road for THREE days off.  I enjoy travel and seeing the sights as one drives rural MN and ND.  I do wish we were pulling our camper for a few days but another time, not now.  Terry and I were talking last night about the house.  The transformation in the last 3 years is amazing and so fun to see.  BUT there is still so much more to do so celebrations need to be toned down and one needs to be realistic in what is here.  A house that is 112 years old that served for so long with little or no upgrade is one long story but there is light at the end of the tunnel for sure.

Picture 83 will appear on Sunday or Monday morning as I sip my FP.  For the next three days it will be conversations, stories (all true of course) and I am sure a lot of laughter.  There may even be some tears but hopefully they will be few if any.  If Dad were still here we would hear his loud laugh and if Mom were here you would see her sweet smile.

A cool 50 this morning

Day 81, "Every picture has a story"

This is the gate I made that shut the back yard off from the back of the garage.  Before there was a gate we left for a short while and when we returned Wallace (our dog) was standing at the front door wanting to get in!  Well I thought I will fix that so I built the gate and put it in place.  Well what do you know, the next time we left there was Wallace at the front door when we returned.  I thought I must have left the gate open but NO, he had dug under the gate and slipped through.  What is a person to do?  One can see there are cement blocks in the ground that were put there as "Wallace proofing".  Well Wallace is no longer living as he was put down a couple of years ago.  AND now the gate will probably be put down as well.  I went to shut it a couple days ago and the post was just rotten at the ground so there it stands but I think I need to take it apart and throw it.  End of gate and end of Wallace stories for today.  I should add that Wallace was the smartest dog we had and I guess I could say one of the best diggers too!

I had so much success yesterday by noon that I thought I should take the rest of the day off!  I had two electrical problems that had bugged me for much of the summer.  I thought now that September is here and fall is with us maybe the summer problems would go away on their own but I was wrong.  I had installed a new light in the sun room upstairs and it worked but it only lite about 10%.  I just never took the time to look into it but it was not usable for many weeks.  Well I took it apart yesterday and after a short time (about 5 trips down to the basement "28 steps") I rewired it and pesto, it light up like a Christmas tree.  I said way to go Carmen.  BUT wait I had a bigger problem.  I had taken out the three way switch on the wall upstairs and replaced it with a new one.  The switch allows one to turn the hall stairs light off and on from below or above.  Well after I fixed (?) it if you turned the light off upstairs and then left it you could NOT turn it back on from the first floor.  I thought about my Dad talking about electric work and telling how simply a three way switch was but of course he only taught me about the black, white and green which was like a kindergarten color lesson but nothing else.  Well there are three wires going to the switch (all black!) and I must have done about every configuration possible until again, presto, we had a working three way switch.  By that time it was only noon but I felt like I had accomplished enough for the day--not really.

This was a big part of our work yesterday.  Where there are boards and awful paint there was a metal cabinet hanging on the wall in the back entry way.  It came off so we could paint but it is NOT going back up.  Maybe it is a little victory for me in my desire to take the metal cabinets in this house and throw them in the Mississippi River.  I can't do that to the kitchen ones but maybe getting rid of this one is a victory for me!  I will not throw it in the Mississippi River as that would be environmentally wrong and I do like to do things by the book!  Anyway Terry and I will come up with something that looks nice and still takes care of the many things that were in the cabinet.  Terry cut in around almost all of the edges yesterday so maybe, just maybe we can finish this today.  I took the boards off and of course there were large holes in the plaster so I need to finish filling them before we paint.    Terry has an appointment today but I think we can get things done.

We head to Jamestown tomorrow to see John, Judi, Helen, Joan, Ron, Marlys and Dave.  I am excited and it should be a fun but short time.  We will return Sunday.  At that time maybe the count down to the end of summer/fall projects will begin.

My FP is done so I am also.