Yes...

i'm still alive. it has been so long since i've updated this. i have other things i should be doing, but they are going to sit on the back burner for a bit. it's a rainy fall night with a cool breeze and i guess the weather is encouraging me to slow down a bit and say "hi" to all of you. thanks for all who have encouraged me to continue writing by mentioning that they've stopped by. i appreciate your patience when you found nothing new time after time!
we are on the tail end of the big remodeling project. a new deck on top, a new patio below, new windows, a new door out to the deck from the dining room and new flooring in the kitchen/dining area. oops, i almost forgot... new siding. that's what started it all. if it weren't for Jeff, the improvements to the house would be fewer and farther between. i must say though, it really looks nice. we have some painting and touch ups to do. they still have windows to stain and trim to install. there is work to do in the new garden. but all in all, we are getting closer to the end. Wilbur will be very pleased when it is all done. he has been spending quit a bit of time on the chain after he discovered that the invisible fence was no longer in operation. there are real disadvantages to having a smart dog!
Marilyn was home over the weekend. she brought her friend Mitch along. we picked apples at the orchard and watched the Festival of Bands Competition on Saturday. the only thing missing was Sam. LHS' show looked awesome. i thought i had Braden picked out at one point in the show, but was mistaken. they all look alike so i have a terrible time finding him and he plays it for all it's worth. marilyn just tells me that's the point for them to all look alike enough that i can't pick out B. obviously, she's not his mom. :) we'll watch one more show in a couple of weeks so that's my chance. oh, for those of you who may not know, LHS will be marching in the Macy's parade on Thanksgiving Day. so... look for the best looking mellophone player marching down the street... that looks exactly like all the other mellophone players...that would be Braden. the rest of us will be cheering like crazy from the sidelines!