The weather has turned cool here. That can only mean that winter is on the way. Where do I sign up to move to better weather? I have a feeling winter will be particularly brutal this year. I just hope I’m wrong about that. Winter is far from my favorite season. Anything below 40 is too cold. Snow is out of the question. I know we need the cold and snow to set things right with the seasons, but I’m hoping for the best.
Halloween is Wednesday. We’ve seen a greater number of kids in the number this school year. I’m hoping to see a good turnout for the Trick or Treat. I like this part of the Halloween holiday. They are so much fun to see. I’ve collected my toys to give away. A dentist friend prefers to see toys and not candy during Trick or Treat. I think the kids get enough candy. The toys are a welcomed change. The kids don’t seem to mind. I had skull squishy balls, smiley face squishy balls, glow in the dark bracelets and bendable skeletons.
With the cooler weather, Rich has started taking Sascha out for scootering. Today, he was only in danger three times. Apparently, Sascha stopped for one squirrel, the dog down at the end of the street for a social moment, and to chase one groundhog. She does love small furry things.
Our next project is slated to begin very soon. We picked up the building permit for the new garage last Saturday. On Monday, I contacted Pete D. (the contractor) to let him know we have it in hand. On Tuesday evening, Pete stopped by with the final papers in hand for us to sign. In the next few days, the first day of excavation will begin and we will be underway. Pete says we should have the garage completed in about 6 weeks. It is exciting on one hand to have a new structure going up and yet a little panicky because we are building on and putting out more money. I guess you can’t have one without the other though.
With so many vehicles, we need to do something. Then, Sally needs a home where the boys can work on her in peace and not let fumes into the house. As we move forward, I plan to take pictures and write up some details on the progress. I was thinking it might be nice to do one of those time elapsed set of pictures to show it from Day 1 to end. Hopefully, it won’t take long to complete.
And I just finished another project. Or at least, I just need to tweak it over the next few weeks. My back was hurting when I worked at home. I realized that my chair had gone bad. The padding in the seat was displaced bad enough to leave nothing to help with the metal seat. So I had to decide, do I need a new seat or raise my desk to allow me to stand? A year or so ago, I raised my desk at work. This has given me the ability to seat, stand, and lean as I work. I love it. And my back doesn’t hurt.
This was my opportunity to raise my desk at home. I did some research and found that people are doing a number of different things in an effort to raise their own desk. The commercial world is offering several different methods to raise your desk as well. There is big business in this effort. I couldn’t afford most of those. However, I did find a solution that was a little costly, but would work out great. I bought an adjustable frame to which my desktop could be mounted.
On Saturday, I took my current desk apart. Rick put my desktop on the new frame and I started putting my work area back together. I got the desk to a good height for standing. Then I realized that my monitor was too low. I came up with a temporary solution for the monitor. I figure my back will get better. I just need to get accustomed to the arrangement.
Rick signed up for next semester. He was able to arrange his classed for 8 to 12. That means he can work a full shift in there. Not ideal for him, but he needs to learn how to have a job. It wouldn’t hurt him any at all. The money would be nice for him and then he can stay out of my wallet! FedEx is hiring for the holidays. He’s going over to fill out an application and see if they can find a place for him. Good luck, Rick. Mom’s rooting for you.
Work has been crazy. On top of that, I am holding a training session on what the documentation for the latest set of tools look like. Seems like a no brainer to me, but there is some comfort in having someone take you through the unknown once. I’m sure I’ll be answering lots of questions for weeks afterwards though. So on Thursday, I plan to bring in doughnuts, have coffee, and run through the applications and what to expect when you click Help. This used to be my passion and it might be again to create really great online help. The doughnuts will help, I’m sure.
Two more months to Christmas and one month to my birthday. Unfortunately. I’ve been all over the guys to remember to buy me stuff. I came up with a very short list on Amazon for what I want. That should make it easy. I don’t think Rick has purchased anything yet.
I’ve been done with my Christmas shopping since July. I like to think ahead and stretch out all of the money I spend. I actually buy as I go throughout the year. So if I see something, I buy it then and store it. I probably buy too much that way, but I don’t think Rick and Rich will complain too much. They might actually get something they want also.
Now I just have to buy the odds and ends things for other people. Like when we go to Michigan. I’m still working on that, but I have found a few items. What do you get for a group of in-laws and out-laws who might have just about everything. I’m scanning the catalogs for something interesting.
Okay, enough rambling. Just a couple of photos this time.
