Another Dis Jointed Update!

Hi Everyone! I have had time to update all of you, but have a serious hardware problem with the computer! Though the internet is hooked up it rarely works. So I don't usually have the patience to work with it. But it is saturday night, I am completely worn out after working hard all day on the farm, so here I sit!

First and foremost, Ellie had a birthday! Happy birthday sweethart; 7 years old already. She is learning and growing every day. We had a birthday party with kids at daycare earlier in the day and then in the evening with family. Ellie loves her daycare lady. This is the evening party and the cake was made by my mother. Ellie got books for her birthday this year. She is so excited about it because they are "chapter books" or bigger, more in depth reading than beginning books.

It is truly summer around here. Days are hot. On this day, we filled the pool with water and let the kids loose in it. I think the cows were envious (look in the background).

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Ok, I am already having computer problems. I have to stop there. I had about 6 more photos I wanted to get up! Well, this won't last forever. But I have to make this computer do until my sis can get here and pass her old laptop my way. Until then, posts will be sporadic....but I will try to get those pics on soon!

In place of the pictures, here are a few lines:

-my housebuilding project is slowly coming together. I have nailed every nail (ok, Dad did a few. I did most!) I have subfloor, three walls and windows and doorspaces in. Next will be roof, then floor, then heater, then final wall. When I get that far, I can think about how the interior should be finished.

-Summer is fun, kids are brown as biscuits and happy as larks. We have lots of space to roam and run about. No closed in/space problems here, no lack of activity. We hardly remember how to turn the tv on anymore.

-Summer is when extended family come for visiting. This summer we will see Lee & Carmen (fishing buddies, cousins), Joyce and Paul, Duane and Caroline (all Mom's family), and also Glen (on Dad's side). Unfortunately they are in town to bid goodbye to a cousin who passed away from leukemia. At least we know John is at eternal rest with Jesus, no more crying, no more pain there.

-Grandma seems to be feeling much much better recently. More energy is coming back to her after cancer treatments and everything. It takes a long time to feel ok again. Chemo is not for wimps.

-Granny is also doing better. After the last hospitalization, she went to a nursing home. She gained strength enough that she is back to her own space. Wonderful news for her! It was hard work, so we are proud of her.

--Our garden is growing! Lots of cabbage, onions, broccoli, tomatoes, marigolds, zinnia, beets, radish, turnips, pumpkin, squash, and even a watermelon vine. I spent yesterday in the garden with a hoe. You might think it is tiring (well, ok, it is) but mostly I enjoy it.

-I did alot today. I moved 189 2x6's, 15 sheets of 3/4" plywood, mowed the grass in and out of the fences and then mowed some more. I took a break from real work, and cleaned toilets and a spare bedroom (my sister is coming home soon!) then spiffied up mom's living room and cleaned up after the kids (will they EVER learn to clean up?) Somewhere in there I made lunch and supper and played swimming pool with the kids and mentally solved several problems (but didn't make alot of real headway on them). I am a little tired, so I think will sign off here!

God Bless and keep busy! --Ruth