Life in the fast lane

Today we FINALLY got hooked up to high speed internet. It's been almost a year since they started laying fiber and today was the day. I am SO thankful that this company sought grants that were available to bring decent internet access to the rural areas. Without the grants there is no way this could/would have happened. For example we are the only house (of the 3) that hooked up to their service on our 2 miles of road. The guy told us that the going rate just to lay the fiber in the ground is right around $8 a foot. You can do the math - it's not a paying proposition for the company without grant money.

On another note, the Sunnies across the road are just starting to open up their flowers. They are so pretty - I can't wait to see a sea of sunflowers in the not too distant future.

Fun Times

We had an impromptu overnighter with the boys this past weekend. They are so much fun. We all get worn out!

We had movie time - Despicable Me was playing at the Sprucehaven Theater. Popcorn was flowing freely!

We had bath time too. They get a kick out of the jacuzzi tub - we don't use the jets but we turn them on so they can see. They make plenty of turmoil as is. There are rubby duckies that they like to load with water and squirt ALL OVER the place. It's a highlight for them at every stay over.

They love games so usually there's a game of tic tac toe, Go fish, or whatever. This day it was UNO.

They bring SO much life into the house!

P.S. They won

The Fun Parts of Summer

What a nice few days we have had weatherwise. 70's for highs (hallelujah!). This kind of weather gets me in gear to do some things outdoors.

I could actually put out the sun tea jar without worry of the plastic melting clean off of it - THAT was a treat.

Not sure what made this track but I suspect wolf. This was on the way to the mailbox. I like to see critter tracks.

And looky here what came in the mailbox today! A care package of handmade soap and handmade card - what a day brightener!

Over the weekend we got an invite to some friends place at the lake. We had taken in their Mother's dog when she passed away. That dog was a challenge. He's a corgi and was quite the biter. Hubby worked with him until one of the kids was ready to take him in after his little boot camp to be a nicer boy. We get to see him occasionally and he ALWAYS remembers. This time was bittersweet. He is 14 now and having major issues with his back legs. He can't see or hear very well but nonetheless he was happy as a clam to see us. Apparently the back leg thing is something that happens in that breed.

P.S. And last but NOT least - we won!! Again!!

No more water worries

So, we have well water being out here in the sticks and all. I actually prefer well water to "city" water. But, you have to be careful. Sometimes things will leach into the aquifer and contaminate the water. We have it tested regularly and it is always safe to drink. However, at certain times of the year it will have a fishy smell (we are near a river) that I'm just not loving. Daughter Angie found a purifier for her icky city water to remove the things she didn't want them to drink (chlorine, fluoride, etc.,) and I didn't think much of it but I decided to take the plunge (so to speak).

I opted for the Big Berkey in a scratch and dent model to save a few bucks and, honestly, I didn't see a dent or scratch anywhere on it. It also still has the full warranty but with no moving parts except the spigot I don't expect much trouble from it. The filters last for over 5 years!!

Anyone interested can read more about them here.

Made my day

Today I received my package from oldest daughter, Crystal. I look forward to these each month and they never disappoint.

I don't know what I love more, the fun socks or the handwritten notes. Both are precious.

It was a perfect day for them to arrive. The heat/humidity is getting to me. Allergies from the necessary A/C get my sinuses messed up. And on top of that our area is gearing up for all the protests over the Line 3 Sandpiper project. While I respect the opinions and rights of others to speak out against most forms of politics, I typically don't go there myself. I prefer to make the differences I can by how I vote. Workplace politics are another thing that just drives me bat shit crazy.

So, today was a perfect day to receive my care package. It made me smile and forget all the other nonsense that goes on around me.

P.S. We won!

What did they say?

Hubby got an email from a friend the other day that sparked good conversation and some laughter too. Sayings from our younger days that have seemed to "fall by the wayside". There was the nod of recognition over "Heavens to Mergatroyd" and "Jumpin' Jehosahphat". 

Google and Microsoft angrily put a red line under most of these words, insisting that it either doesn't exist or is certainly misspelled. And we say, "Heavens to Betsy" doesn't everyone know these phrases? Surely Google in their infinite wisdom should recognize a phrase that was "out of this world" not SO long ago.

I mean, are they shocked enough to say, "Well I'll be a monkey's uncle"? Or maybe "This is a fine kettle of fish!".

And then there was my Mom's old standby, "Crime in Italy" which actually sounded like Criminitly.

How many old phrases can you remember?