Day Off

The weather man calls this kind of day 'Oppressive" and I would say that is accurate. So after our walk this morning we decided this might be a day to 'cool' it. And then we discovered that one of our two air conditioners in the moho is not working. It is the front one that isn't working. Hmmm- when it rains it pours! But that extended warranty we have does not expire until October so once again it is a blessing in disguise. We are scheduled to return to Webster City RV on Wednesday for analysis. May have a stayover or a second trip after that depending on what they find and how long it takes for parts or a new one. Been quite a summer for unexpected expenses.
On another note we are getting quotes for insulation installation. We have done our homework and decided on spray foam.  Yes it is expensive but the benefits are many so that is the way we are going. First quote is in and it may make a few people suck air.

From Grandpa Gary

I know that humans change a ton from birth to 2 but this week has seemed ridiculous. I swear Elise has grown 2 inches, doubled her vocabulary, and doubled her walking speed all in 1 weeks time. Lucky Iowa people will soon get to see this energy storm!

 

Like usual I can think of 5 things I should have on video like 1) Susan chasing Elise in the kitchen while she tries to walk fast and watch behind her at the same time and 2) Elise riding in a bike trailer for the first time but I always seem to get her eating out at a restaurant instead.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvPDaP7XaIk

From Barb: It is always easier to get pictures when the subject is restrained, such as in a high chair. Hehehe

Latest Work Photos

These are the newest photos taken. However more has been done since these were taken. The big pipe thingy in the middle of the house is scheduled to leave whenever the roofer decides to get here and do it. Butch would have done it by now if it weren't for the roof repair. I holler too much whenever he even thinks of getting on the roof.

Last night Jason and Leo came to start the house leveling. They made a big difference. Neither of them felt that they did much but in our eyes they certainly did. Butch can do many, many things but some of them should not be done by 'men of age'.

SIMPLE LIVING QUOTE 
"To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water
exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter...
to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a
wildflower in spring -- these are some of the rewards of the simple life."

- John Burroughs 

The behinder I get

Last Friday the JIGS (Jefferson Iowa Girls) met at my friend Mickeys place in Clive Iowa for lunch. She prepared  a wonderfully tasty meal of enchiladas. I hope that is what they were. Mickey will tell me if I am wrong. It was a pleasant day with women who have known each other for a long time.
JIGS started after a class reunion about five years ago. A few of us decided we were close enough geographically to get together for lunch in various locations about once a month and have been doing so ever since. Obviously I haven't made many meetings but I try to when I am close enough. Our common ground started as classmates but we have discovered many other interests and firmed up many friendships of those long ago years. I very much enjoyed the day.

This past weekend was spent on the house. And it is coming along. It sort of reminds me of working a jigsaw puzzle. We now nearly have all the pieces laid out and we will soon start putting them together. But another thing about jigsaw puzzles is that they are addictive. We both keep turning back to it. You know, we just cannot leave it alone. Keep picking at it. Not because we are anxious to get it done but because we are enjoying the process. The truth be known we will most likely be a bit sad when it is all completed. A little sad, not a big sad.

The bathroom is no more. Butch hated to see it go. It was quite handy having a second bathroom but in order to proceed we had to eradicate it. It will be in an entirely different location.  Leo comes to help  on occasion and he did the honors of lifting the stool into the dumpster.

 It is about time for more pictures. Will do

More of the same

We have most of the walls that we planned to take out-out. The next big thing is getting the floors leveled which we hope takes place next weekend. The house sags a bit in its middle. Don't we all! It is only about a 6 to 8 foot area right in the middle. We worked on the house this past weekend despite the very humid weather. After being away from Iowa for awhile you forget how really humid it can get! Texas pales by comparison. But the beat goes on...more later