Work

 The work day today went really well.  Generally things flowed well and I felt 'in the zone.'  I was taught a new skill too.  Sometimes packages are missed in the scanning process and someone has to look for them.  It was like a little work scavenger hunt.  Yes, I'm weird.  Work has something called swag bucks that employees can get for doing things.  I was given some to hand out.  That was cool.  I started working there in June and I have had $10 worth of swag bucks that I have been holding onto, not sure what I wanted.  Today, in just this one day, I was given a total of $12.  I think they are just being a little more proactive in giving them out, but I think it is time I look at the swag a little closer.  Also, when the manager started an announcement with "Okay all guys, gals, and nonbinary pals," I just thought that was awesome.  So, work went well.  Other things I am happy for today:

• We had a consultation with the dog trainer.  She was very helpful and sent us away with homework.  Aesop has some anxiety issues and one of the things we will be doing is making sure he gets a nap/quiet time in his crate every day.  I'm happy we have plans going forward.
• Our friends, Kimberly and Dennis, gave us the outside tour of their RV.  We will have the option of using it while they are out of the country.  I suddenly feel like the world has opened up for me... or at least the country.  Funny thing is, I may not even use it.
•  Kimberly and I had a nice walk.  It is good to be able to catch up with her before they leave for Guatemala.  What an adventure it will be!
• There was rain this morning but it cleared up into a lovely day.

Leaves floating on the breeze.

☮

Currently reading: The Backyard Homestead Seasonal Planner, by Ann Larkin Hansen.


Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Autumn Siding

 In order to put new clapboard siding onto the house to replace the rotted pieces, we rented a nail gun.  That nail gun had to be returned by 2:30 this afternoon so we had a limited opportunity to get the new siding attached.  This meant that Aesop, the dog, and I had an early morning walk so work on the house could start early.  While on the property out back I saw two deer run through.  I'm sure we must have spooked them out of somewhere.  Aesop didn't see them.  He did pick up on their scent and kept pulling me to go through the brush.  

 It was beautiful out there and I am glad I got to see the deer.

Other happy things for today:

• We finished putting on the new siding!  Zed helped first thing and then had to go upstairs to work.  He kept coming out to help whenever he could find a few minutes.  Keziah and I did most of the hanging of the siding and finished in plenty of time to return the equipment.  Between the three of us wood filler and caulking was also applied where needed.

The hardest part.

We made it fit!

It is far from perfect and still needs paint,
but it can rain without causing more damage now.

• Fall temperatures finally seem to be here.  I have been wearing layers all day. 
• Keziah also went out this morning to get some stuff that included things for the pets.

Aesop has a workman costume that will
get much more use on nighttime walks and
woods walks during hunting season.

He probably will never wear the hat again.

Gideon had to try it on though!

The cats got this mansion!
Places to hide, a ball, comfy rest spots and
places to scratch.

☮

Currently reading: Mount Washington A Guide and Short History, by Peter E. Randall.

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Happy Birthday Zed!

This morning my walk with the dog, Aesop, went really well... until I fell.  Even then it could have been much worse.  Having let go of the leash to fall,  Aesop came right to me when I called him from the ground.  He was such a good dog and let me hug him before I got up.  I'm happy that, other than being a little more bruised, I'll be okay.  Other happy things for today:

• .I decided to go back to the store for more of the raised bed kits I got yesterday.  There was no time to make them today... soon.
• There was a thrown weapons practice here.  I got to throw knives and even managed to make some stick to the target.

• Keziah has been planning and preparing for Zed's birthday by making a big dinner for friends to come by and have.  Everything came out delicious.  
• There have been a few butterflies that I have had a hard time photographing.  I was able to get one of them today.  Lens identifies it as a cabbage white butterfly.

I think it is pretty.

☮

Currently reading: The Backyard Homestead Seasonal Planner, by Ann Larkin Hansen.


Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Memories

Today, my dad's birthday, marks seven years since my youngest, Bel, and I started our hike up Mount Washington.  We got as far as the Lake of the Clouds Hut where we spent the night.  We summited the mountain the next day.  There were spectacular views that included lenticular clouds and the Aurora Borealis.  Such a happy memory.  I think my dad would have been happy for me to have hiked to the top.  Happy things for today include:

• Returning three boxes of stuff to the owner.  I had sorted things out during Lent when I tried to do some downsizing.  Now those boxes are out of my life.  It is a baby step, but a good one.
• My friend, Amy, and I met for a walk along a rail trail.  It was a nice visit.  We are trying to plan a hike to one of the Fire Towers.

This is along part of the Londonderry Rail Trail in NH.

• Fall is starting to show its colors.

☮

Currently reading: Backpacking: A Hedonist’s Guide, by Rick Greenspan and Hal Kahn.


Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.