Best Laid Plans?

Once again, best laid plans are BLOWN apart -- by interruptions! You'd think that by 54 a smart girl like me wouldn't even expect things to happen according to plan. But I tend to get thrown off course when a project drrrrrrrrrrrrrrraaggggggggggggssssss along. After 30 years, I realize Larry loves really getting into his projects, and that solving a previously unmet challenge would excite him. But I didn't count on 3 other major projects holding up things even longer!

Larry and the neighbor spent 2 weekends "pruning" this monster, which we finally deduced hadn't been pruned in 10 years. It was invading and restricting growth in 2 neighbor yards (and had probably assisted in death of trees in the 3rd neighbor's yard. Rather scary watching your husband totering -- in a tree -- only one leg on solid tree stump, the other knee leaning against a trunk -- chain saw runnnnnnnning. I stood and prayed! The neighbor, Eric was very helpful, and threw ropes around these chunks to help them land -- NOT on a fence or a person. They HAD to bring them down in chunks (see pic) for safety all the way around. The first weekend was cut short by SNOW! Second weekend -- to my dismay -- took all day Saturday AND Sunday. They quit about 7 Sunday night -- we watched a movie and ate dinner. Too tired to go out.

Since Sunday we've spent every night clearing the brush in the back yard. Larry used the tools (don't know names!) you use to split wood, to cut these guys into pieces small enough to lift into a wheelbarrow. I used pruners to cut off smaller limbs, and just broke brush, piling it till he could carry all to the side of house. WE'RE ALMOST DONE! Just as it's time for his BIG SPRING BLOOM!

Man! I wish we could have finished before bloom began. Thankfully we should be able to finish in one more day, but work in his orchard begins today. I may go out and snap and pile more before he calls me to work sometime today.

I've just not answered my phone for sub calls this week. I worked in Orondo on Wednesday and always LOVE those middle schoolers, but Larry wanted me to be available the rest of the week. -- HAD AN INTERESTING DAY on Wednesday! The teacher had lesson plans for my teaching the reproductive system to a mixed class -- boys AND girls -- 6th and 7th greades. They started snickering as soon as they opened their books, but we began the discussion with: "We're going to be respectful of each other -- all of us...." And the discussion went very well. I told them the teacher thought they must be mature enough to handle it -- and they were! -- Yesterday I checked, and there were 6 subbing jobs available in Eastmont for today by 4 pm. I just can't do both. Either 2 hours of working brush, or all day with kids, wears me out.

Lora and Andrew are coming home today, and I want to spend time with them, so I probably won't work in the orchard Saturday or Sunday. I work Mon, Tues, and Wed at Orondo, so I'd have to be rested for that. Poor Larry. I'll miss being with them (him and Janet). I've always taken them food -- at least. Fortunately they've massively streamlined their procedures this week.

Well, we still have an unfinished living room floor -- and dining room -- kitchen -- and hallway. Hopefully he'll get back to them next week -- hopefully! He's taken on finishing work that previous "remodelers" left undone (the guy who sold us the house 15 years ago!), and Larry always does MORE than a professional job -- in fact, the pros I've asked advice from said they'd have done less of a job than he. BUT it takes time. I told him last night that I've decided perfectionism is his "hobby". (JUST HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT, I guess.) (BUT WE"RE NOT BUILDING ANOTHER HOUSE!)

We tore out carpet mid-February. Above, see the great beginnings we had 2 weeks later with the work he'd done on

the flooring. Here, to right see flooring after he realized he needed to finish an edge to the tile around hearth. He spent a week deciding which edging material to use, then began meticulously mortaring them onto hearth. He now only has end of hearth next to windows. THEN we /HE will begin re-placing the laminate pieces which are already cut and EAGER to be put in place.

Kitchen cabinets and counter tops are ORDERED. 50% paid for! A COMMITMENT! I need to be home more so I can begin emptying kitchen and carrying things downstairs in preparation for doing my food prep elsewhere. THAT part I'm not upset about. I'll see daily progress. It's when I can't see the progress that I get frustrated.

He just called, and they are ready for me at CV. I need a quick shower -- and then off to the newest -- interruption! All for love!