"It seems like we haven't done any trips or anything for a while as a family. Why is that? Things seem a little dull and monotonous around here."

"It's because we took on the massive DIY project of installing a home office."

"Oh yeah."

*****

This conversation takes place, either using words or agitated eye rolls, on a weekly basis. This office is the project that will not die. We are making progress, but it seems slow. Cold weather is coming and it would be great to finish by the time snow falls. Meeting this deadline seems like it will take away all the free time we have during the most beautiful time of year to go outside and play. Thank goodness for football games and short local outings to help lift the weight of this thing off our shoulders, if only for brief periods of time. I'm sure it will be worth it.

This weekend, actually, we took a huge step forward, getting nearly all of the sheetrock cut and screwed into place. We couldn't have done it without the help of my dad, who stayed the weekend for this express purpose. It was actually a little bit fun figuring things out- bouncing ideas off each other, making measurements, working hard, and then standing back and admiring our own handiwork. It's far from perfect, but it is also something I think we can be proud of. Also, with this step completed the structure feels a lot less "shed-like," and is now easy to imagine as an actual extension of the home with usable living-space. It's going to be cool. Even more importantly, it is motivating. I think little victories like this are needed to keep up momentum on big projects.

*****

Though we spent considerable time working on the office this week, we did manage to get some play-time in as well. The autumn colors are in full array right now, transforming our already-beautiful corner of the world into a veritable kaleidoscope of browns, yellows, oranges, and greens. Recent rains soften out the landscape, cool weather freshens it, and the sound of running water adds a crispness in the air. Days like these, I imagine, are what gave rise to the age of artistic expressionism- for being outside right now is more a feeling than an event that can be captured and reproduced.

We also spent time with each other playing games, catching up, watching movies, and the various other things that can be summed up as "hanging out." It was a good weekend.

And I tell myself that one day, hopefully soon, we can resume the more active lifestyle that we normally like to live. As for now, I need to figure out how to texture a wall.

*****

Have a good week!

It's Autumn time and this is my favorite time of year!

No need to elaborate any more than that. Just living day-to-day life seems like a celebration in this weather. Crisp breeze. Sweet, earthy smells. Vibrant colors. Kind of a sentimental feel as the year starts it's preparations for winter's darkness. It's lovely.

Here are photos of some of the things we have been up to.

Cross-country has come to a triumphant close. Both kids had personal goals that they crushed at their last meet of the year, putting up their best times ever. They know what it feels like to give it all.

Our ongoing project of Rachel's office. Here I am getting crushed by attic insulation. I can't wait until this thing is over. 

Rachel, looking a little more composed

Big scout meeting court of honor thing. Jack got some awards along with everyone else (he's kneeling in the front row). Sometimes he complains about going, but usually he is excited. This is a group where all his quirks and eccentricities become virtues- where he has friends and can belong. He is picked first for teams, and invited into circles of conversation upon entering a room. In short, these are his people. And, to be honest, they are some pretty cool kids.

We went and picked apples. Rachel and I have done this every Fall for fifteen years. It's an established family tradition. But it is also a tradition that might be coming to an end. A part of me feels sad about this, but a part of me doesn't. Our family is growing up, and so is the community around us. The experience, though fun, just wasn't what it used to be. It was still a lovely afternoon though, and it would be difficult to find a prettier place to walk around and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of Autumn. 

Several years ago, Rach told me about a great band she had found in the area. My first time seeing them was a gig for the opening of a business that doesn't even exist anymore. Since then, we have sort of become groupies of "The Powers," and they have enjoyed quite a bit of success for a small-town group. Well, some of them are moving to Alaska and as a consequence the band is breaking up. They threw a small going-away party at a quiet venue in the woods. There was a stage, but rather than a concert, it was basically just a big jam-session for all the local musicians. We hung out, roasted hot dogs around the campfire, talked with friends, and listened to some great music- all in all, a great night out for Rachel and me.

Yes, this is just a cropped photo from the one above. I just really like Evelyn in this. She is a cool kid.

And that is also a pretty cool kid. Get it? Ha!

Have a good week!

I know it's been mentioned on here before, but just to recap the status of Rachel's job right now:

1. The company she does most of her work for announced that they were closing their brick-and-mortar location, but that interpreters could stay on if they work from home.
2. As a result, Rachel has been doing a lot of subcontracted work through different agencies. It hasn't been bad, but it has messed with the flexible and predictable scheduling that we are so accustomed to.
3. We have also set up a temporary home-office in our bedroom. This setup has much to be desired, but it works for now. With the kids back in school, it has been easier for her to accept jobs from home, even though it's still sort of "clunky." (It takes up like half our bedroom, is kind-of a mood-killer, and requires continual re-wiring depending on what sort of work she is doing that day).

To put things in a nutshell, things are working out, but are not very sustainable in the current situation. We were very happy then, to take a major step forward this morning toward a workable solution. This has been a couple of months in the works, but we were finally able to see it happen. We are now the proud new owners of a detached home-office.

There is still some finishing work to be done (paint, flooring, electrical and climate control) but in a few short weeks Rachel's job will be out of the bedroom and into it's own little space. The office is big enough for a work area as well as a small "living room" of sorts. It's cozy and functional, but surprisingly roomy from the inside. It also has a loft, which will be nice for a variety of uses.

Anyway, that's our big news this week. Stay tuned and we'll keep things updated regarding the finishing process. We're definitely rolling with the punches a little here, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit to a little bit of fun. Projects are rewarding, and I think this one will turn out great!

Delivered on a truck

Installed with a little bit of finesse

And there it shall be

We still need to figure out where to put our other yard stuff (trampoline/swingset). Right now we just sort of moved things out of the way.

Here's just a few photos I stapped at Addy/Jack's recent x-country meet. Both kids ran well and set personal records at this race!