Nature Thrillers

I keep on forgetting to record the name Tryston Beyrer has for us: "Nature Thrillers." Isn't that awesome? It's got a lot of thrust, doesn't it? It's so much more active sounding and far less passive than some of the other names I'm sure people have for us. I'm going to use it from now on.

Sorry it's been so long since I last posted. I've sort of been in subconscious mode - unable to journal about my activities because I'm so immersed in them. There hasn't been a whole lot of activity lately either, as many final details will have to be taken care of after the massive floor-refinishing project happening THIS WEEKEND. That should be interesting, as we may have to sleep outside on Saturday night and thunderstorms are predicted all weekend. Then we'll be Nature Thrillers FOR SURE.

Jay took the day off and we went out to the farm yesterday - it was gloriously sunny and warm, and I did some weed whacking and flower planting and then we took a long walk up on the high ridge. It was amazing. There was some clearcutting on the other side of the ridge, which was deeply disturbing to see. Like dead bodies lying there, all draped over each other. On a happier note, new life poked through the forest floor everywhere we looked, which was so encouraging. Things are greening up and the maple trees are brilliant red with baby leaves. I'm going to make the ridge trail a horse trail if it's the last thing I do. There are only a few spots that need to have trees cleared from the trail.

I think we're all a little worn down with the remodeling blues. Once the floors are done, things will get a bit better. It's our last big project in there, really. Jay has been working determinedly on getting all the plumbing done in the bathroom. This always takes longer than one might think, and we're having to get adjusted to these kinds of setbacks.

The big Italian birthday bash was a total success, complete with a GIANT timpano (it weighed about 20 lbs!), lots of vino, 25 people at the table, amazing salads, risotto, appetizers, desserts and even a little bit of drunken ping pong (my dad kicked everyone's butts, which made him very proud indeed). The only thing missing was our Portland contingent... so sad!

Jay continues to search for a job near the farm - keep him in your thoughts as we try to tackle this thing called health insurance!

Love and budding trees to all,

Charis