6-23-10
Summer just flyyyyyyyyyyyyyyys by, doesn't it? I'm appalled at myself for allowing so much time between updates. I honestly thought I was 'right on track' - then I checked the date and absolutely had to gasp.
The biggest news, I suppose, is the fact that my computer took a nose dive (figuratively, not literally) and ALL files, pictures, music, and programs were lost on a hard drive that sounded like it was a popcorn popper. I have a new drive, albeit with no files, and Windows 7, the latest computer operating system, and am currently awaiting the estimate from a forensic data recovery lab in California. Some hard core stuff - clean rooms and masks and gloves and verified data security systems and I don't know what all they do to resurrect dead hard drives to be able to 'grab' the data.
I consulted with three computer technicians and tried a couple of serious fixes - to no avail. We'll see how things go from here. The technican I am working with me assured me that even though the crackly sounds I hear sound bad and does mean the drive is physically damaged, they have recovered data from drives that were water damaged and even crushed. . . .Still. I'm not getting my hopes up. Enough of that. Let's talk about some fun stuff, eh?
Isn't the yard pretty? We had such a lovely spring. . . the flower beds really flourished - esp. as I got motivated and weeded them out and added some coleus, among other bright and interesting flowers. The orange frilly day liliesand pink trumpet lilies are taking over the show right now. So cheerful!
I also have a vegetable garden. . . of sorts. I planted some interesting varieties of tomatos and peppers in large pots which set on the patio. No weeding - does it get any better than that? We've already gotten some 'golden-grape' tomatoes' and mini-purple peppers. Tasty! Looking forward to the jalepenos the tiny red tomatoes and full-sized 'chocolate' peppers.
I had a great Birthday again this year - there are so many great things to do over Memorial Weekend that fits with celebrating a Birthday! Jori came home on my actual 'Day'. . . and cut Javyn's hair. Yes. Jori's hair is red in this photo. And, yes, Javyn's hair came out looking great.
There's the most talented cake artist in a neighboring town. Some of her cakes are absolutely breath-taking. I just couldn't get over the details in this! EVERYTHING is edible, except the swizzle stick. It was very tasty too! Chocolate cake with a little Jack Daniels in it. Perfect!
Sunday found us and another couple at the Chatauqua Blues Festival in Sedan, KS. Great food! Great music! Great company! Great fun. It was too bad that the show got stormed out, again. Mercy! It was incredibly hot - band performances as well as temperature. Here's a pic of Hubster and I with our favorite local band, Trampled Under Foot:
Does it look like we're all melting? I think we were!
We've also finally got our act together and poured that patio extension we've talked about since moving in six years ago. . . It more than doubled our patio space and pulled the sitting area around into the yard. The original patio stopped at the edge of the back porch while our yard is actually around the corner of the house.
We absolutely love it! Changed the entire dynamics of our patio-living area. We do spend a lot of time out there- and now we're enticed to spend even more time out there. Next project is to finish it up with a big wide 'presentation' (more looks than function) step (see those flages?) and then I'll get going on the landscaping.
We also motivated around and finished ManLand - the second story of little garage. The whole structure was unfinished on the inside and with the traffice on the second story, the floor was beginning to get a little weak. That's what started it all. No sense making the floor sturdier and nicer. . . then have unfinished walls. Esp. as there is already a ceiling. And, you know, it will be easier to keep clean and climate controlled if its insulated and finished. Most definitely needed more shelving and a longer work bench. . .
So, okay, when we do things, we tend to do them 'all the way' - but the space is coming together great and makes for a good area for Troy (and his buddies) to hang out and reload ammuniton.
Hubster's been doing a lot of traveling - mostly for work, but a little for pleasure too. . . he has a few more trips yet this summer and we cram in all kinds of things while he's home - as you can tell by our projects. He's been to Washington DC, Texas, Omaha. And travels to Idaho, Albuquerque, and North Carolina are in the works. He and Javyn even spent a week at The Farm in Leoti. A big hello to everyone there!!
Jori and Javyn are both enjoying their summers. Javyn's mowing a few lawns and helping with odd jobs around the house. Jori is in Lawrence working at the campus recreation center and an interior decorating store - keeps her busy. But not so busy that she can't enjoy time with her friends and take a roadtrip or two. This week she's riding the bus to visit a friend who is interning in Chicago. Should be quite the adventure. I can't wait to hear all about it!
In case you were wondering, Yup! We've been to the lake. HOORAY! Hubster once to go fishing with a buddy (or was it twice?) and the three of us - Hubster, Javyn, and me - went for Javyn to practice his wakeboarding. By jove, I think he's got it!
It's been a great summer so far - and no it's only going to get better. More time at the lake (I really don't care which one!) is definitely on the list, more time on the back patio, and some travel time. . . I'll keep you posted!
How's your summer going so far? Are you gardening? Have travel or backyard plans?
We always love hearing from you!
Robin
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