This is a list of what hasn't been done, that should have been done. Some of it should have been done a few days or weeks ago. Some that should have been done months ago, and even some that should have been done years ago.
The garden hasn't been turned over. Which means the garden hasn't been planted. Not that it matters since the seeds haven't been started, or even purchased for that matter.
The barn hasn't been painted. But that is waiting for the window (that the goat busted 2 years ago) to be replaced. Oh, and the paint to be purchased.
The back fence hasn't been put up. That chore is waiting for a good weather day when Sam isn't working one of his many jobs. Basically, when the planets align. At least, the fence and posts have been purchased.
The garbage hasn't been taken to the dump. It costs us $2.00 per barrel to dump our garbage. That's IF we don't have anything big or bulky to throw away. I think there's about $20 worth out there. Again, we're waiting for a day when it isn't raining AND my husband isn't working.
We haven't done school for a few days. Memorial Day and a goat show in New York interrupted my schedule. I like to think we learned geography and socialization skills.
The laundry hasn't been finished.
Ha!
The laundry will never be finished.
Curriculum for next school year hasn't been ordered. I am still debating about which Spanish curriculum to use, and until I decide I can't complete my order.
The front deck hasn't been built. We have this phrase we use around here: "temporarily permanent", and it's counterpart: "permanently temporary". We have the front stairs with this bridge-like attachment that connects the stone walkway with the house. Sam built this about five years ago, temporarily, until he could get around to building the deck.
Yup, it's permanently temporary at this point.
The lawn hasn't been mowed. After all the rain we have had, it's nearly a foot high. I started it yesterday, but ran out of gas having only completed the section right in front of the house.
The hay baler hasn't been fixed. In that same category, the hay rake needs repairs too. Hay season is upon us, so maybe, just maybe, this will get done before my father-in-law does his first cutting.
I could go on, but really? I think this list is long enough. The goal for today is to get some school done, and maybe make a decision about Spanish.
I know... such ambition!
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Sunday, November 21, 2010
The Basement
I went searching for a post I thought I had written about when our basement flooded last spring. I can't find it. Maybe I didn't write it...
So I'll sum it up: Last spring we had a lot of rain. I mean, like, 24 inches in a 36 hour period of time. The sump pump in Hannah's closet was running nearly continuously to keep the water out of the basement. Our basement is where we live. Hannah and Abby have a room there. The laundry room, school room, playroom, office room, and sewing room are all there. Nearly 80% of our day is spent there.
One morning I awoke to Sam yelling from the basement that we had a problem. As I descended the stairs I saw water. Nearly 3 inches deep. Apparently Hannah had a bell hanging in her closet. The cover on the sump pump has a small hole, about 4" x 4" through which the drain pipe runs. Somehow, this bell, in the middle of the night, fell. Not only did it manage to fall through the ridiculously small hole, which is amazing in itself, it also managed to land so perfectly onto the sump pump so as to flip the switch and turn it off!
The carpet in the basement had been installed by the previous owners who, we have often discovered since moving here, took shortcuts when doing things. So these previous owners merely glued the carpet to the cement floor. No padding. No moisture barrier. Just glued the carpet to the cement with copious quantities of glue that, while it doesn't hold the carpet very well, adheres to the cement beautifully!
After mopping up the water and drying out the carpet, we knew we had to replace the carpet. We began to research options and came across a floor epoxy that is designed for garages. Our town had used it in the library, which is often plagued by water issues, with great success. When we first investigated the stuff it was pricey and we estimated about $1000 to do the job. The other day we checked it again and it has come WAY down in price. We should be able to do the whole floor for around $300.
I was discussing Christmas gifts with my mom and since everybody is on a tight budget this year, we agreed that work parties were the way to go for gifts this year. (One of my brothers came down last week and hooked up all our computers to a wireless system for us. We fed him and his family, in exchange.) So we decided that several of my brothers would help Sam tear out the carpet, scrape up the glue, and put down the new floor. Because of my asthma, I can not help remove the carpet or be around when they do it.
We had thought the second week in December would be good. After Thanksgiving, but before Christmas, and Sam had three days off of work in a row (I don't know how that happened...). Of course nothing goes according to plan and we have until Wednesday morning to get all the furniture out of the basement so the carpet can get pulled up. And of course Sam is working for the next seven days...
So I'll be without my basement until the 10th of December! But once it is done...! It'll be like a whole new house!
So I'll sum it up: Last spring we had a lot of rain. I mean, like, 24 inches in a 36 hour period of time. The sump pump in Hannah's closet was running nearly continuously to keep the water out of the basement. Our basement is where we live. Hannah and Abby have a room there. The laundry room, school room, playroom, office room, and sewing room are all there. Nearly 80% of our day is spent there.
One morning I awoke to Sam yelling from the basement that we had a problem. As I descended the stairs I saw water. Nearly 3 inches deep. Apparently Hannah had a bell hanging in her closet. The cover on the sump pump has a small hole, about 4" x 4" through which the drain pipe runs. Somehow, this bell, in the middle of the night, fell. Not only did it manage to fall through the ridiculously small hole, which is amazing in itself, it also managed to land so perfectly onto the sump pump so as to flip the switch and turn it off!
The carpet in the basement had been installed by the previous owners who, we have often discovered since moving here, took shortcuts when doing things. So these previous owners merely glued the carpet to the cement floor. No padding. No moisture barrier. Just glued the carpet to the cement with copious quantities of glue that, while it doesn't hold the carpet very well, adheres to the cement beautifully!
After mopping up the water and drying out the carpet, we knew we had to replace the carpet. We began to research options and came across a floor epoxy that is designed for garages. Our town had used it in the library, which is often plagued by water issues, with great success. When we first investigated the stuff it was pricey and we estimated about $1000 to do the job. The other day we checked it again and it has come WAY down in price. We should be able to do the whole floor for around $300.
I was discussing Christmas gifts with my mom and since everybody is on a tight budget this year, we agreed that work parties were the way to go for gifts this year. (One of my brothers came down last week and hooked up all our computers to a wireless system for us. We fed him and his family, in exchange.) So we decided that several of my brothers would help Sam tear out the carpet, scrape up the glue, and put down the new floor. Because of my asthma, I can not help remove the carpet or be around when they do it.
We had thought the second week in December would be good. After Thanksgiving, but before Christmas, and Sam had three days off of work in a row (I don't know how that happened...). Of course nothing goes according to plan and we have until Wednesday morning to get all the furniture out of the basement so the carpet can get pulled up. And of course Sam is working for the next seven days...
So I'll be without my basement until the 10th of December! But once it is done...! It'll be like a whole new house!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Back to Work!
After a week of vacation from the daycare, I go back to work this morning. I am glad I enjoy my job, but I sure am looking forward to when I can be a stay-at-home mom again. Sixteen more months!
The older girls started home school in earnest last week and seem to have settled into their new curriculum. We have changed how we do things to accommodate everyone's schedules, mostly mine! More of their work is being done on the computer with automatic grading and time keeping. There are still a few subjects that they must be self disciplined about. I think learning to stay on task even when the "teacher" isn't standing over your shoulder is a good thing.
Rachel and Samantha start public school on Wednesday. The "paperwork" (also known as "homework for parents") has started to trickle in. The deluge will come within the first two days of school. This is when I fill out in triplicate, for each child, emergency contact info, emergency dismissal orders, and all sorts of other information. I am thinking this year I'll fill out one form and photocopy it...
I took this week of vacation to sew Rachel and Samantha's back-to-school outfits. They each have: one dress, two gauchos, and three shirts. Of course, all matching. I have three more shirts on the cutting table; we'll see if they get finished before Wednesday.
I know I'll be out there with my camera on the first day of school!
The older girls started home school in earnest last week and seem to have settled into their new curriculum. We have changed how we do things to accommodate everyone's schedules, mostly mine! More of their work is being done on the computer with automatic grading and time keeping. There are still a few subjects that they must be self disciplined about. I think learning to stay on task even when the "teacher" isn't standing over your shoulder is a good thing.
Rachel and Samantha start public school on Wednesday. The "paperwork" (also known as "homework for parents") has started to trickle in. The deluge will come within the first two days of school. This is when I fill out in triplicate, for each child, emergency contact info, emergency dismissal orders, and all sorts of other information. I am thinking this year I'll fill out one form and photocopy it...
I took this week of vacation to sew Rachel and Samantha's back-to-school outfits. They each have: one dress, two gauchos, and three shirts. Of course, all matching. I have three more shirts on the cutting table; we'll see if they get finished before Wednesday.
I know I'll be out there with my camera on the first day of school!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Camp Smith: Day Four
The sound of monsoon-like rain was what awakened us this morning. Well, that and the thunder and lightning. I think we got a total of 2 inches of rain when it was all said and done. The lightning struck somewhere close enough to trip the GFI for the barn. Fun stuff...
The 4-H camp had flooded out pathways and bridges completely under water. Thankfully the goats were on the highest part, so the water merely sped past them as it flowed through the barn. Today we worked on showmanship with the campers and this afternoon we will go back as the goat campers will demonstrate to the regular campers, all that they have learned this week. Tomorrow is the last day of camp!
We didn't get any more fence put up because of the weather, but we did clean the basement. Sam rented a steam cleaner to clean the van in anticipation for next week. More fun stuff! I think the girls are wishing they were back in school! Home school starts July 13th! Then they'll be wishing for fence work, I am sure!
The 4-H camp had flooded out pathways and bridges completely under water. Thankfully the goats were on the highest part, so the water merely sped past them as it flowed through the barn. Today we worked on showmanship with the campers and this afternoon we will go back as the goat campers will demonstrate to the regular campers, all that they have learned this week. Tomorrow is the last day of camp!
We didn't get any more fence put up because of the weather, but we did clean the basement. Sam rented a steam cleaner to clean the van in anticipation for next week. More fun stuff! I think the girls are wishing they were back in school! Home school starts July 13th! Then they'll be wishing for fence work, I am sure!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Too Much to Do
I have too much to do and not enough time to do it all in!
I have about 15 gallons of sap that has to be boiled down, NOW! Today, I have my mother-in-law's birthday to celebrate, Sam's MRI, homeschool and journal work needs to be done with the girls, my mountain of laundry has managed to get through the washing machine but now needs to be folded and put away, Samantha is going to Dianna's house and Abby and Nathalie have quiz bowl practice tonight.
Somewhere in all this we need to clean our kidding stall as our first goat is due at the beginning of March and the barn needs to be prepared for those who are coming to observe the kiddings. We have yet to find the "support equipment" for our chicks which are arriving on March 8th. And with our luck, when we do find it, it will need repair. Throw in that we need to eat today, so meals must be planned and manufactured!
I have about 15 gallons of sap that has to be boiled down, NOW! Today, I have my mother-in-law's birthday to celebrate, Sam's MRI, homeschool and journal work needs to be done with the girls, my mountain of laundry has managed to get through the washing machine but now needs to be folded and put away, Samantha is going to Dianna's house and Abby and Nathalie have quiz bowl practice tonight.
Somewhere in all this we need to clean our kidding stall as our first goat is due at the beginning of March and the barn needs to be prepared for those who are coming to observe the kiddings. We have yet to find the "support equipment" for our chicks which are arriving on March 8th. And with our luck, when we do find it, it will need repair. Throw in that we need to eat today, so meals must be planned and manufactured!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Updates
My new job is going well. I have had more hours added to my schedule and so I am up to 20 hours per week now. I am enjoying it. While it doesn't get me "adult" conversation it is still "out of the house".
It isn't nearly as stressful as it was for me 8 years ago. I think I have a different perspective. These aren't "my" kids. My job entails making sure they get along with each other and play safe and fair. I am only responsible for them for the few hours we are together. I think many years ago, I thought I had to "fix" the kids. I know now that isn't part of my job.
I enjoy creating fun and interesting things for them to do. Last week I brought in a couple of beehive frames that the bees had filled out. They were empty of honey (and BEES!) so the kids could really see the structure of the comb. We talked about hexagons and how they all fit together perfectly, making less work for the bees. (If they were "my" children we would have talked about how God even takes care of the smallest details in the bees life.) Then they traced hexagon shapes onto paper, fitting them all together. They then drew in bees. The ones that were too young to trace well simply assembled hexagons together to make a "hive".
So far work is not conflicting with homeschool. Of course, Sam is home to make sure the girls get their work down. He is learning it is not so easy! Hannah was nearly four days behind beforehe realized it! Abby is getting much better about disciplining herself now that she has come to realize that the GED's are in only 18 months! She'll take a college writing course this coming summer at Three Rivers Community College because it is the one area where we both feel inadequate. Nathalie is working hard on her 4H public speaking paper and Sam and I are both encouraged that she is not taking the "easy way" with it.
It isn't nearly as stressful as it was for me 8 years ago. I think I have a different perspective. These aren't "my" kids. My job entails making sure they get along with each other and play safe and fair. I am only responsible for them for the few hours we are together. I think many years ago, I thought I had to "fix" the kids. I know now that isn't part of my job.
I enjoy creating fun and interesting things for them to do. Last week I brought in a couple of beehive frames that the bees had filled out. They were empty of honey (and BEES!) so the kids could really see the structure of the comb. We talked about hexagons and how they all fit together perfectly, making less work for the bees. (If they were "my" children we would have talked about how God even takes care of the smallest details in the bees life.) Then they traced hexagon shapes onto paper, fitting them all together. They then drew in bees. The ones that were too young to trace well simply assembled hexagons together to make a "hive".
So far work is not conflicting with homeschool. Of course, Sam is home to make sure the girls get their work down. He is learning it is not so easy! Hannah was nearly four days behind beforehe realized it! Abby is getting much better about disciplining herself now that she has come to realize that the GED's are in only 18 months! She'll take a college writing course this coming summer at Three Rivers Community College because it is the one area where we both feel inadequate. Nathalie is working hard on her 4H public speaking paper and Sam and I are both encouraged that she is not taking the "easy way" with it.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Life in the Breakdown Lane
Of course, because of everything I had to do yesterday, the power lines in front of our house fell. Yup, just sparked and fell. That explains the lights that were flickering all last week. We had attributed that to bad wiring in our house. Turns out it was the decaying wiring at the pole!
The fire department, in their lightning fast response time: 18 minutes, responded with one fire Lieutenant (who actually lives on our street) and one fire policeman. I tell ya, any town volunteer firefighter ever again tries to tell me that they can respond to my house in under 10 minutes.... The town sent a dump truck which arrived about 30 minutes after we called 911. The power company showed up right behind the town guy.
We had the power back on in about 3 hours. It went off again an hour later for another 45 minutes. But even with all that going on we managed to move all the chickens and the dog. The tile in the mudroom got grouted (FYI the dye they use in grout doesn't wash off hands very well). Schoolwork was done. The holes in the driveway were filled in. Bees were fed (one hive is weaker than the other). Leaves were raked off of the side gardens. Grain was purchased. Kites were flown. Library books returned and checked out. Old flags were taken to town hall for proper disposing. 4H meeting was held. I think I was snoring by 8:45 PM!
The fire department, in their lightning fast response time: 18 minutes, responded with one fire Lieutenant (who actually lives on our street) and one fire policeman. I tell ya, any town volunteer firefighter ever again tries to tell me that they can respond to my house in under 10 minutes.... The town sent a dump truck which arrived about 30 minutes after we called 911. The power company showed up right behind the town guy.
We had the power back on in about 3 hours. It went off again an hour later for another 45 minutes. But even with all that going on we managed to move all the chickens and the dog. The tile in the mudroom got grouted (FYI the dye they use in grout doesn't wash off hands very well). Schoolwork was done. The holes in the driveway were filled in. Bees were fed (one hive is weaker than the other). Leaves were raked off of the side gardens. Grain was purchased. Kites were flown. Library books returned and checked out. Old flags were taken to town hall for proper disposing. 4H meeting was held. I think I was snoring by 8:45 PM!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
