This year marked Jake’s first year in middle school. It was an adjustment for us all. The main adjustment is that he has to catch the bus about 45 minutes earlier than previous years (not to mention the fact that he’s not getting home any earlier). So, we’re all getting up an hour earlier. On the plus side, I get to start work on time, but I think I’d rather just get the extra sleep. The first week of school was a little overwhelming for him–new school; different schedule; lockers; being the youngest in the school, rather than the oldest, etc., but he seems to have adjusted. However, most surprising is the fact that he gets up on time each morning and we don’t have to drag him out of bed. That is a nice change of pace from previous years.
ch-ch-changes
As mentioned in my last post, I spent some time dividing perennials. Brian helped with some of the larger ones. My goal was to make the pond area symmetrical plant-wise. Mission accomplished. I originally tried doing a random planting thing there, but I’m not a random type of girl, so I just didn’t like it. I think next year, I will be pleased with the results.
I’m also planning on moving my herb garden to the myrtle patch which is right outside of the kitchen door. For the past few years, each time I have to trek to the herb garden while cooking, I think “I should have put the herb garden where the myrtle patch is”. So that’s what I’m going to do. I will put a raised bed in the herb garden space and plant more veggies. It’ll be a win-win. As for the myrtle, I’m going to put it around the plants in the pond area. I think it will look nice over there. I’m not sure if I’ll have time to do this, this fall as we have a lot going on in October, but if I catch a break, I will do so. If not, I’ll do it in early spring next year. These changes have another plus–they will greatly expand my herb garden (t will almost be doubling in size). I’m not sure that I need twice as many herbs, but that’s what I will have.
check
Jake and Brian went to a Penn State game yesterday, so I had plans to get a lot done. And, I did. Besides doing ten loads of laundry, I also replaced the shower curtain rod, put a coat of finish on some grates Brian made for the living room, dusted our bedroom, did some yardwork, and even exercised. Also, I took a nap in the middle of it all.
Today was pretty busy as well. This morning, I put another coat of finish on the grates and then in the afternoon, Brian and I stained the shed and playhouse. I figured we were safe to do that because the hourly forecast wasn’t calling for rain until 3am Monday. But, of course, it’s raining right now. I hope it doesn’t mess it up–it was supposed to have 5 hours drying time. Damn weathermen. After supper, I even managed to scrub the bathroom floor. But, now it’s time for some relaxation before it’s time for bed.
jazz along the river
Jake’s guitar teacher was playing at Jazz Along the River last night, so we headed down there after work to check out his band. This monthly summertime event is held at St. Mary’s Church in Cambria City. Last night’s happened to be the last one of the season. We often go to St. Mary’s for Ethnic Fest because they have great food. Given that, we had supper there last night. It’s a pretty popular event in the region and they had a nice turnout. This was the first time we attended and I’m sure we will go again next year.
capital crimes
Thank goodness I am finally done reading this book. I started it back in June when Brian and I went on our motorcycle trip. What a snoozer. This book was a team effort by husband and wife Jonathan & Faye Kellerman. I read a Faye Kellerman book earlier in the year and it wasn’t bad, but this book sucked. The book was comprised of two novellas. I read the entire first one while we were away. The story started off ok, but the ending was completely bad. The second story, I just couldn’t get into. But, luckily, I finished it last night so now I can start reading something good.