Golfing

Margaret won 18 holes of golf with carts for 4 people. Mike, Jon, Richard and I took on the challenge. None of us has golfed in probably 3 or more years. We got through 9 holes and that was enough for the day. The other 9 holes have to be used before 12/31/09...really?

Almost a month...

Wow. August 23 was the last update we had on anything "us" related.

We have been busy, but nothing wow factor to write about.

The main deck is pretty much done, just have to do the steps. Can't do the steps until we get the lower deck in. Steps to getting lower deck in are daunting and having the city involved isn't helping. I drew up plans for the lower deck and included measurements of the existing deck. Those plans were approved. Now we have to break up the cement side walk, dig the post holes, have the city come out and inspect the holes; then we can fill them, build the framing, and then we have to have the city come out again. After that should be the easy part - lay down each board and screw them down. Then, of course, the city has to come out again and inspect the finished project.

Other house projects have been put on hold until we can get the outside done. Not too worried about inside because it can be done in the 6-9 months of winter that MN gets.

Deck update

While I was away for the weekend walking, the moms and dads were at our house slaving away on the deck. When I got home I was able to stand on it. All that is left is the railing and steps.

Project update

I posted this to the wrong blog. See here for the update.

NY 8/3/09

The trip home was through the states. Very uneventful thankfully. We made many more stops than we did through Canada. Our bathroom breaks were not coinciding with our fuel refill. When we went through Canada we didn't stop at a Tim Horton store because they were always packed. Going home there happened to be one at a quick stop. Jon got a few donuts for breakfast and we were back on the road. Now we can say we had Tim Horton donuts. We made very good time. Ended up in Hudson by noon. We stopped to say hello to Jodi and Brian and see their new place. We were so tired and didn't feel all that fresh, so we didn't stay long. It is so nice that they live so close again. We missed them.

It was a great week vacation. Jon said he would do it again. I think I need to plan it earlier in the summer because of work. It was too close to the start of the photo season and I feel like I really had to bust my butt before leaving to have everything done before I left - there is still going to be quite a bit for me when I get back I'm sure.

NY 8/1 & 8/2/09

Saturday was another lazy day - love days where I never get out of my pjs. I helped Sarah paint a little more in the screen porch. Cory set up a pool for Skye. It took a few hours to get it filled but it was fun once it was up. They haven't had good weather here for a few weeks, so getting outside is a big deal. Cory had to work 7p-7a, so when Skye went to bed, Sarah and I watched Twilight...again. That movie stays with you, the way they look at each other they don't even need to say any lines.

Sunday - I went to church with Sarah. It has been a long time since I have gone to church. A lot has changed. It was fun. The Pastor was very alive and fresh. He referenced things from my generation (80's music, artists from today). They also had a live band that didn't play the typical music I remember. It was lively and the words were up on a big screen. They had guest pastors from Washington DC. They opened with Psalm 37:3-6
Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

I have always believed in the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would like done unto you. I also have been thinking if I start trusting and putting some faith in that higher power that maybe I will get the desires of my heart.

NY 7/30 & 7/31/09

Thursday was a good lazy day. We didn't do a whole lot. Sarah got a bike for her birthday and a child bike carrier for the back for Skye - two birthday presents in one. Skye LOVED it.


Friday - Sarah had to work, Skye went to daycare for part of the day. C0ry cleaned the van in preparation for our trip to Watertown to Texas Roadhouse. This is a great steak restaurant. You can choose to hand pick your steak or choose from the menu. I had a 16 oz Fort Worth Ribeye. It was so good that I could still remember the taste this morning.

We went to Target while in Watertown. Sarah doesn't get to go to Target but maybe once a year. So it was a big shopping spree (we only had 1 hour till closing). Jon found year 1-5 box set for Harry Potter! We had to pick out a movie to watch on the way home in the van. Sarah and Cory have the coolest van. This is not your typical 1970 van that we were used to. It has automatic doors, plug ins, two movie screens with headphones, and Sirius radio. We put the middle seats down, sat in the back with our feet propped up and headphones on. We had a dip size crock pot plugged in with Buffalo Chicken Dip. Our movie of choice - Twilight. I don't know why I hadn't wanted to watch this movie before - loved it! Thinking about going to Walmart and getting the whole set of books. If it is anything like Harry Potter, I'm sure the books are ten times better than the movie and the movie was really good.