November 2, 2011
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After eight weeks of temp work, I'm free again. I had forgotten how much fun temp work is. The beauty of being a temp is that everybody is nice to you; they don't have high expectations, so it's easy to exceed them; and the work is new and interesting.
This job was especially nice because office administration in a church office means you are surrounded by volunteers who are there because they want to be there. Everyone works together cheerfully, with a common purpose. I made some nice friends on the job so I expect I'll be doing some volunteer work there myself in the future. They don't seem to mind that I don't share their faith.
In addition to my working two jobs, Mike started a major remodel project on the house. In preparation for renovating the kitchen, he tore the roof off the family room and is in the process of installing a new one with a steeper pitch. We hired a young man that I met at the church to help with the demolition but Mike likes to work alone when it comes to the rebuilding. I find all the decisions involved in remodeling to be daunting, but thankfully Mike is accustomed to it. He does all the research on materials and just consults me on things like placement of skylights, color choices, etc.
A friend gave us the second hand plywood (in case you're wondering about the graphics). It's of exceptionally good quality.I just have to share a picture of the produce I harvested from the garden today. Yes, I'm cultivating climate envy here.
Get a load of that tomato! I calculated that I have about eight pounds of tomatoes of viable size on my two remaining plants. I've started working the horses more often again. They grew noticeably more rambunctious over the last eight weeks of light exercise, or perhaps their increased energy is due to the cooler weather. Either way, there have been some interesting antics on my last couple of rides.
I'll sign off with a quote I read recently: "No one really listens to anyone else, and if you try it for a while you'll see why." (Journalist Mignon McLaughlin) ~Well, it tickled my funny bone.~
Comments (14)
That is a funnu quote and thankfully I have people worth listening to. You have been busy. That project looks huge. Good luck with all of that. Meanwhile, our produce is gorgeous!
congrats on the job and the project!
About a week ago I harvested a second growth of raspberries. I couldn't believe I had another growth and then it's even more amazing that I got them because today it was so cold and sleeting.
Judy, good work with the garden and such a funny quote! Mike looks like he is knee-deep in it for a while. I'm still biking, though also doing PT because of my crash a few months ago. Unfortunately, it is getting colder - I can't ride as fast when so much of my body energy is just keeping me warm, and it is pretty gloomy to have so much of my commute in the dark. But the addiction keeps me at it! Coldest ride so far this year was 32 degrees - got as low as 25 last winter but now I have better gear!
@queenie - Like every project we've ever tackled, it grows exponentially as we go. I just hope we don't run out of money before we get to the kitchen.
@godfatherofgreenbay - yum! I wish we could grow rasberries here.
@RakkaRay - Brrrr! You're made of sterner stuff than I am. 50 is my lower limit.
Skylight? yes but with insulated glass !!!
You are the joy of life in person Judy and I wish you a happy birthday . Luky Mike!
Love
Michel
Glad you can be out with the horses again! That looks like a daunting remodeling job, but I guess it runs in your family. I am just embarking on the kithen, and it is a bit overwhelming. I'm just about to choose a vendor!
@slmret - Good luck with your project. It takes some research to find the right contractor for the job and I don't envy you. Too bad Mike isn't working in your area anymore. He has several customers out your way who call frequently wanting him to work for them, but the traffic has made that commute impossible. The last job we did in Laguna Beach convinced us to stick closer to home.
I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of your project.
@judyrutrider - I told a friend the other day that I wish I could pick a contractor, give him the keys, and leave until it's all done! There are so many choices it's overwhelming! Will try to post photos when it's done, but don't hold your breath -- it may take a while!
Good idea on the plywood and does that ever save a ton of dough!
The climb did not warm me up much with the wind that day, climate envy is not hard to sow in November but come June it's a tough sell.
@ElevenStones - I'm just getting even for your June blogs.
thanks again, your always too kind to me in your comments
RYC ! You are right Judy , I prefer a straight wooden chair to a comfy arm chair . I remain awake and keep my tonus !!!
It is like riding a horse !:!!
I agree with you, there are no many French on Xanga . My start on xanga in 2001 is a matter of history ( coming from....1944) . True !
Love
Michel
Blimey Mike is very ambitious. He must LOVE working on the house. Very useful! We don't like working on the house. Why on earth we wanted to renovate this one I'll never know. 10 year on it's still not finished. But when we do get a job finished we are always pleased with the effect!
@StephanieWall - I don't know if Mike loves working on the house but he does LOVE the results. He does that kind of work for customers, and then walks away with a pocket full of money that's soon spent. Here he can enjoy the fruits of his labor for years to come. My only complaint is that he has champagne taste on my beer income. But that too, only increases our long term pleasure.
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