Yesterday was busy, but good. We did not have any outside classes or lessons, so that means that we had the whole day at our disposal, to schedule (or not) as we pleased. We hit all the basics of our school lessons-(indeed, the world will not come crashing down if you miss a day of grammar.) We got some outside yard work done, and Jack helped me put my flowers in the ground.

When your husband is home so rarely, and you have NO PICK-UP TRUCK,( And I suppose that last point is really the big one) you use imaginative ways to haul off your junk. In trying to reclaim our backyard, we pulled down "Old Woody". This is what my kids have affectionately named the monstous, (old) jungle gym in our back yard. It had come time (No, it was past time) for "Old Woody" to go, to make way for new plans. Now, this is not your run o' the mill jungle gym from Lowes. This sucker is HUGE. I have pictures of the kids camping out in it! Anyway, all that was remaining was the tall, tower-like part. The boys engineered the ropes in such a way that it required very little effort on my part, (O.K. Mom...PUSH!) they pulled with all their might on the ropes....and down it came! There was a hush. And then, like wild chimps, they descended upon the felled jungle gym with hammers and began wildly hammering and tugging, and kicking. Throwing boards off to the side as they went. I was really pleased with all of this effort, because "Old Woody" has been in my sights for awhile now. But, alas, they soon tired. The sound of hammering became more sporadic, and then ceased all together. So, now there is a mutilated jungle gym laying in the backyard. The work shall continue. But I am guessing, with less enthusiasm than I witnessed yesterday. But soon it will be in pieces that we can actually haul AWAY.(shrug) I am guessing that not everyone does it this way....

Savannah and I made brownies yesterday, and then Jack and I went for a walk down to the creek. He was in true Jeff Corwin mode. In the space of less than 45 min. (W/staff in hand, and faithful dog, "Scout" by his side) he found crawdads, salamanders, minnows and turkey feathers. We saw lots of turkey and deer sign. It was a good walk. When you live in the mountains, everything is either, "Just at the bottom of that steep hill", or "Right up at the top of that steep hill".

To Race:
I am still trying to run each day. I am only running a mile, so it's really not that much.( Here's where you cheerily say,"No, hon, that's great, keep up the good work!") But, I AM getting it done each day so far. I have actually begun to look forward to it....kinda.

So, anyway, it was a good day. I finished "Jane Eyre" again last night....I LOVE that book! And I worked on my Spanish lessons (kids are way ahead of me on this. Don't know HOW that happened!).

HAve a great day!
Melissa