Deweycamp?

Our offer was accepted! If the Deweybarn appraises at what we are hoping, we move forward. After a second look at the camp we realize it could be a comfortable living space for us during construction of our log home, provided we are able to arrange electricity, water and septic. The camp is insulated, wired, and we found a spring fed well on the property that the sellers were not aware of. Appraisal of the barn is scheduled for Tuesday morning, wish us luck!

We're Still Chewing

As usual, have we bitten off more than we can chew? I think we would feel disoriented without mounds of stress in our lives. Last Saturday we had a yard sale, which I'd forgotten how much work they are putting together. We were happy to rid ourselves of accumulation and open up the barn quite a bit. On Sunday we took our yard sale loot to our neighbor's house to view their used hot tub for sale. Which I'm very excited to say we are buying! Our neighbor's house up on the ridge is what planted a seed of desire to build a log home in the woods. During this visit we received a tour of the camp on their property. Before they built their gorgeous house they lived in this amazing camp. It seems every time we visit them we leave with life changing notions. Our next stop was the grocery store where Dave picked up a real estate guide. In it was a property in Fairfax, an 11.64 acre wooded lot with a two story camp. We went from our yard sale whirlwind into a property acquisition whirlwind. Tuesday we toured it, Wednesday we went to the bank about financing, today we made an offer and are meeting with some friends who are general contractors this evening. Before we build we will need to sell the barn and make the camp livable as temporary quarters while the log home is constructed. I'm sure living in a small two-story camp with two little ones and three dogs will produce tons of material for the blog. Wish us luck!

"Hey, Where is My Banana?"

Poor, hard working Dave. The department is doing 12 hour shifts now. On his working days we don't have dinner together. When he's working 6am to 6pm he's usually late because something often comes up, and 6pm to 6am he leaves home at 5:30pm. I've started weight watchers again so leftovers are often not plentiful and sometimes not appetizing to him. I feel terrible sending our bread winner off for a 12 hour shift with hot dogs and the kid's grilled cheese leftovers. Tonight we added a little interest with a fresh banana. Or not.

He's A Good Daddy

Precious

My Murdoch will be 12 in November. He looks great for his age but I've seen some clues to indicate we are in his twilight years. He has some hind end weakness. Toward the end of our walks I can tell he's really tired. I don't hear him jumping up against the door as often when I'm in the barn filling up his food dish. When I contemplate these things my eyes tear up and sometimes I cry. This morning I witnessed this moment between Murdoch and Mae. It took my breath away. Capturing this moment to enjoy for years to come is a gift that means the world to me.

Shit, Shit and More Shit.

People who are not pet owners will be glad to be pet less and probably horrified by this. As Mae and I reached the bottom of the stairs after our nap, I noticed Murdoch's food dish was full of urine (very unusual). Turning the corner I saw two piles of dog shit. In the kitchen next to the water bucket there was a pile of vomit. Of course Mae had a diaper full of it as well. Thankfully these kinds of messes do not happen very often. I find it bizarre that it happens all at once.

Burton Island

We returned from our sixth annual camping trip to Burton Island with 98 pictures. It was difficult selecting photos for our blog, if I were to represent all in our group I'd be downloading photos all night. As always the trip is work; planning, packing, loading the ferry, caring for two children and now three dogs (Jack and Tazor's first trip-oy!). As always we had a wonderful time and look forward to our return next year. This year we invited two families to join us, we loved sharing this special experience with good friends.

Now for the good stuff. Each night presented new challenges, the first night being the worst! Sam woke up, "Daddy, it's dark outside!", Tazor started barking, Mae woke up screaming. Not wanting to wake up the island I left the tent briefly to get her a bottle of milk. This is when Jack ripped a hole in the tent trying to get to me. Jack is conflicted, he can't have me out of his sight but when he is off leash, he is quick to run and not look back. So this is the middle of the night, Mae screaming, Sam awake, Tazor barking and Jack on the loose. We managed to grab Jack, quiet Mae and Tazor but now we have a hole in our tent through which a trained police dog and a fast runner can escape through. We decide the best thing would be for Dave to sleep on Mae's mattress, guarding the newly made exit. Secretly I looked forward to daylight and seeing my husband covered with a little pink sleeping bag. Before settling in I saw him crouched on his knees with his head in his hands.

Me: "What are you doing?"
Dave:"Waiting."
Me:"For what?"
Dave:"The next thing to happen."

Thankfully my husband and I share a similar sense of humor.

Breathtaking sunset on Monday, July 23, 2007