Shoes Down

Hello from Dirtsville, a name that came full circle when the fall rain set in. I really underestimated the softness of sand, mud, and whatever other elements occupy my driveway, and my beautiful new Rothy’s clogs paid the price. On my way to talk with Doug, our AMAZING carpenter, one morning, I attempted a shortcut. Bad idea. Really bad idea. When I started to sink, it was every woman for her self and I abandoned my shoes for later rescue. After a good soak to scrub off the dirt, and a trip through the washing machine, my clogs look just like they did on they day they arrived. The ability to wash them and of course their unmatched comfort, is why I choose Rothy’s over and over again. If you know you know.

My shoes fell (temporarily) victim to the construction zone.

I think my feet took longer to clean than the shoes

Nature Updates

The kittens are growing and doing well. Momma kitty, Gita, is a great mom and I’ve fully earned her trust. She lets me pick up her kittens (when I can catch one), but I know the adoration is likely because of the food and water that I provide. I don’t mind though. Gita and her three babies have been a wonderful construction distraction. My hope to have a brood of black indoor cats is diminishing though. I am trying to come to terms with this bunch enjoying the freedom of the outdoors, and realizing that they will likely never want to be indoors with me. Jamie has promised me my own black kitty next spring when the remodeling is done, but I’ve already been scouring the local shelter sites. There is a little guy named Moe that I have my sights set on, and Christmas is just around the corner (hint, hint, Jamie, Carter, Riley, Reese, Marquette).

A couple of weeks ago, before the cooler temps set in, we got our first big rush of geese stopping by on the lake. We still have geese that come and go, but the flocks have been small groups and they don’t stay very long. This morning, we had a visit from three swans. Although they were quiet, I did get a great photo when they meandered closer to the shore. It’s still on my bucket list that someday I’ll hear a loon on the lake. I heard from the sellers that it’s not out of reach, because they have seen them here, although its extremely rare.

Jamie had his first encounter with nature at this house when, before it was closed up, an opposum found it’s way in to the old garage. We think it had heard around town that there was free cat food available. I was out of town, so poor Jamie had to take care of it himself (but who are we kidding, I would have been hiding in the house anyway). No pictures of this, gladly, although the garage floor still shows reminders of the battle. We are not deterred. We love country living.

House Update

The house is making steady progress. The roof is almost complete, Doug just has trimming work to do. Most of the windows are in, and the rest are due to be installed this week. We chose black windows because they will match well with our siding color. We are once again without the use of a washer and dryer as our plumber and HVAC expert, the fantastic Clint, makes room for everything in the mechanical room and new laundry room. Thank goodness for my fabulous mothers for helping us out…again. We continue to be without a central heat source, but the warmer fall temps have really saved us. We just turned on the space heaters a couple of weeks ago and they don’t even run all the time.

There is a rumor (I promise I didn’t start it) starting on site that the staircase could be installed this week sometime. Do you know what that means? My days of having to sleep in the recliner are numbered! Progress is happening, and I’ve been busy shopping for bathroom vanities and mirrors, lighting, faucets, doors, and door hardware. I have loved scouring the web for deals and sales, but it has also been so overwhelming. Do you know how many different toilet styles exist? How does one pick a shower tile that they can, and will have to live with for the next two decades? Who can tell me what a posi temp valve is without having to use Google? I am so grateful for the team of men that are helping guide us through this journey. The end seems so far away, but it’s really not; I am just an impatient person.

I’ll try and continue to share more regular updates as we are seeing everything beginning to take shape now. We are hoping to go and pick out paint tomorrow. I have my color scheme mostly picked out with Magnolia’s castle color collection, but more to come on that next time. Take care of yourselves and one another.

With love,

M.