Last Tuesday my 6th grade class performed a rap called "Lies," written by my son Cory, at our Hamilton School Talent Show. I was very proud of their performance. I am especially proud of Cory's use of words to get this "Character Counts" concept across to K-6th graders. Thanks Cory! Enjoy!

Makin' Changes...Hard Work!

As much as he hates demolition...it must be done to move ahead. This is the 3rd make over in this bathroom. Each time, the upgrade is an upgrade. Ripping it to the studs!
With it almost all removed, the rebuild can continue. Out with the old tub...in with the new!
Yes, that is a toilet in the dining room...Only temporary housing. (Cory, you may notice the patch of floor to the lower right hand side of the picture. That was where the wall to your old bedroom used to be. It's gone now.) Notice the lovely pink color the renters painted the walls, Pepto Bismol!

All new plumbing in place, time to set the tub...about 6 tries to get it right! Frustrating! But, in the end...it will be right when Lyle does the job!

Stay tuned for the continuing saga of the old rental gets a makeover!

To Everything There is a Season......

On Friday May 9th, Darlene left us. We said goodbye to her yesterday May 13th. She made such a difference in Clayton's life during the years they were together. She will always have a special place in our hearts for that. It's not been easy for her physically the last few years and now she is free. We're happy for her.

Something for Nathan.....

I know this is a bit much for your more sedate tastes, but it is really cool. Probably can't plug in a heating pad but it may have the flushing console.

Love, Sweet Love

Friday, Darlene got out of the hospital. On her way to stay at Doug's, she stopped by Hacienda to see Clayton. Lyle wheeled him out to the car for the meeting.Clayton was glad to see her. With help, he got to his feet to say goodbye... And gave her a little smooch. We know it is hard being away from the one you love. We love you two!

Where's The Beef?.......

So I'm digging through the freezer the other day, thinking I could make more room for more important things, when I came across this bag. Talk about your connundrum wrapped in a riddle! NATE'S MEATLESS MEATBALLS, now there's an oximoron for you. Obviously it was left by the non-high fructose, hydrogenated oil free New Yorkers during their last visit, but to have the older Weinerschnitzel loving son's name attatched is shocking. I must see what else is lurking in the frozen depths.

Good Golly Miss Polly----Wog That Is......

We have pollywogs, for the first time in quite a few years. There's maybe a hundred or so, not the thousands we have had in the past. I hope enough stay around for awhile to watch them grow.

This is my mostly blind fish that you practically have to hand feed. He has real trouble finding the food. I thought he had gotten eaten when a heron or egret found this to be a tempting sushi bar. Several fish were taken and it traumatized the others so badly that they stayed hidden for months and I thought I had gotten completely wiped out. They are slowly coming around but still skitish.