Mid September on Wednesday, Bill suggested we take off for the weekend. We already had plans to go to Bend to see Charlie and spend the day on Sunday, and Bill offered to get us ready to go, as he was headed back to school the following week. We figured there was no way that we would get into the State Park between Sisters & Bend, but we gave it a shot. There was one site remaining. This is a park that has half tent sites, and half RV sites, so I figured it was a tent site. Further investigation proved it was one of our favorite sites!! I booked it, and Bill & Kristin got us packed to go. Bill came to get me from work, and we headed out HWY 126--while it was beautiful and a good grade for pulling trailer, it took us 2 1/2 hours from Eugene. Usually 90 minutes for us up 11% grade of Hwy 20. Probably the same amount of fuel!!
We set up and enjoyed Friday night, and had a good 'sleep in' on Saturday. We headed into Bend, and hit the TC store, and got to see Charlie and some of the guys for a few minutes. We ran some errands and then hit Pilot Butte and had our famous tailgate lunch. Back to camp later for a fire, and dinner over the fire.
Sunday we joined up with the TC crew for church,enjoyed a great service with them, and then headed back to tear down camp, and join the guys for the afternoon at the center. It turned out to be a beautiful weekend camping, and a great visit with Charlie.
The following week brought a pig roast at church. So much fun! You can check out the story by clicking here, which will take you to our church blog. You'll notice Bill in lots of the photos, as he got into helping with the pig!
On Thursday, the 29th, Ryan had a game. We see improvement each game as he gets the hang of things! Way to go Ryan...keep working! His football pictures also came back...nice job!
On the 30th, Bill's cousin Kathy (also known as Crickett) & husband Al came for the weekend from Texas. They were celebrating their 30th anniversary, and blessed us with a visit. It was so nice, as we've not had this quality of a visit since Ryan was 7 months old when we went to visit them in Maine. We've had short visits over the years at different family functions, but never get more than "how are things"...you get the brief 10 minute story of the highlights over the last year! It was so nice to sit around, visit, laugh and enjoy some time together. On Saturday, we had a leisurely breakfast at home, then took a tour of Sweet Home, visited the local waterfalls, McDowell Creek Falls, did some hiking through there, and then hit the local winery on Marks Ridge for some wine tasting, and beautiful scenery. We followed this up with dinner, and more visiting. On Sunday, we headed to the coast, where we spent a rainy day. We did enjoy lunch at Rogue Ales Pub House. Good food, great atmosphere, and a walk down through old town on the bay afterward. Too bad it was so rainy. We drove down the coast a ways, and finally parted with Crickett and Al in Florence. We are so happy they finally made it, and we sure appreciated the time they spent with us.
The rest of this week has found me either laying around, or in front of the computer. I've been home sick with a yucky fall cold, and determined to take care of myself this time as I am so afraid of pushing through like I always do, and ending up with pneumonia again. It was not fun, and it taught me a lesson in taking care of myself. It's been a lonely week,as it always is after company leaves.
Last Weekend was great. It was productive, but relaxing. Friday, we rented some movies, hung out with the kids...popcorn, and a late night. Saturday, we slept in, Bill & I had coffee out in the back under the tree and did our bible study. The kids slept in, and it was a beautiful morning by ourselves. We got some things done around the house, had a nap, and then decided it was time for a date night. Being low on funds...we returned bottles, did our grocery shopping, and shared a plate of nachos at our favorite Mexican Restaurant, Pueblo Viejo. A quick stop at Walmart to pick up a prescription and we headed home. Not our most romantic date, but a date on a budget no less--and time with just us.
On Sunday, we invited a few of our favorite little girls over to spend the night. They arrived around supper time, and after their parents left, we started with a movie, popcorn, sink baths (where you wash your dirty feet and hands), and settled down to sleep.
They wanted to paint nails, but I told them that was for the morning, so they told me "Well, we will need to get up and do it EARLY, but your husband can sleep in"! Hilarious! They actually made it until 8am, then the fun began. Painting fingers & toes, then breakfast of pancakes. We watched Tangled, and then came cookie baking. 
We had lots of fun shapes, floury girls, and lots of giggles. They did really well, considering baking can be disastrous with three little girls.
After baking, they dressed up, and came downstairs for a princess luncheon and tea party, complete with decorating their tea cakes that had just cooled. Kristin pulled out her good tea set, and we all had a great time. 
By 2pm, Kristin & I were beat! We packed up the girls, took them home, and Kristin & I both had a two hour nap! Can't wait to do it again sometime. It is so neat to be loved!
On Tuesday, Ryan had his first game. Ryan brought his gear home on Monday to clean it up, and change out his cleats. He humored his Mom and put on his uniform for me to get some shots. Missing the pads, but I like it this way anyway.
Jen, Brady & the kids came down to watch the game, Troy, Ryan's youth pastor as well as our neighbor Rex came. It was a good game, more exciting the 2nd half, and Sweet Home won 28-12.
Jen & Brady came home with us for supper, and then Jenni & Scott came for the night on their way back from California. We had a great visit, sat up until 1:30am....and it seemed so soon when the alarm went off at 5am!! We are fortunate to have them with us again tonight, as they are visiting friends in the area, and will take off from here for WA to Jenni's family in the morning. They were blessed today with news of another 4-6 week trip to Haiti to discuss becoming missionaries there. May God bless them with clearing the path for them to go!!
Ryan's first game was tonight. Well, it was actually a scrimmage between the whole team, and JV only had a few plays that they made, but it was neat to see what Ryan had learned, and to see the progress he has made.
For a scrimmage, this town is not short on support. The home stands were 75% full, and there is a feeling of pride there that I can't explain. It's just "small town"--one of the great things about living here.
While it was no big deal to the people there, and Ryan didn't do anything more than stand in line 4 times, and rush the other side, it was a proud moment for him to say "Hey, I'm here"...and for a Mom to have "Oh don't get hurt--but get in there and engage" feelings!! He's a big kid...but I saw way bigger kids out there. I pray he learns well, plays hard and if nothing else, gives his all. Check out the slide show. He is # 70.
What a great week---followed by a wonderful weekend!!
I couldn't even begin to share with you the swelling of our hearts (and of course the spilling of tears from me by being so overwhelmed) and the fullness we've have felt in being so taken care of this week. Some call it luck---but you know we don't believe in coincidence, but only that everything that happens, happens for a reason, all according to God's plan....and boy did he bless us this past week, so much that we were feeling so undeserving.
It started last Saturday. We drove the 'big truck', which usually sits unless we are hauling or towing, neither of which we were doing. Regardless, on the way home, the truck died. Further investigation showed it was the Cam Sensor...and get this...there was a recall...it was FREE!!! Bill got the truck to the dealer in Albany, and the truck only died twice on the way there. Now, is running perfect. That was blessing #1 on Wednesday.
As most of you know, we also had a tire that a steel belt had broken. We were fretting over this, as one tire is 250.00....and our tires are at about 50%....so, do we replace 1, and have it worn by the time we replace the other three...do we replace four, and really soak the rest of our savings? At any rate, it had to be fixed before the weekend...so, Bill took the truck to Les Schwab, just after having the cam sensor repaired, and the guy tells Bill he can replace one, and they will pro-rate the tire, since it was still under warranty, or he could make Bill a deal, and put on a trade he had received earlier in the week, same style of tire. Bill asked how much...FREE again!! Blessing #2 on Wednesday.
The trailer had a problem with the slide not closing. Bill pulled the motor...totally frozen and rusted. Bill calls for a new motor...628.00....plus the new relay 125.00. We both felt crushed, since there was no way this was going to happen financially before the weekend coming up, which we had camping reservations for. Bill was determined, and sprayed the rust with WD40, and after lots of work, and his smart technique...got the motor working, and the brake released. The slide works beautifully, and the relay turned out to be just fine. Another blessing!!
There were a few other things that happened...but those were the big ones. We figured we saved over 1500.00--or should I say God blessed our pants off this week??!! Just another way that he takes care of those that Love Him.
Bill & the kids got the trailer ready to go...Bill fixing lots of little things that have needed tended to, and we've not had time. They were at work to pick me up at 3:30 on Friday, and we arrived at camp shortly after 6---set up, had a fire going and dinner by 7:30...it was so nice to relax and enjoy the 4 of us around the fire.
Saturday was a big day...as Charlie got his first 24 hour pass. We were able to pick him up at 9am, and then after hugs (it had been 8 weeks since we'd seen him) and throwing his stuff in the truck, we headed to the new Teen Challenge Thrift store, and got some real bargins....another blessing...a 42 in TV for 30.00. Some of you might not know, we've had no TV for awhile now...praying Bill can fix what the donor stated was just a bulb. I have no doubt that my fix it guy can "fix it"!
After our goodbyes and stashing the TV over at the TC center...we took off for a great afternoon of visiting, and enjoying the Cascade Lakes Scenic Drive. After, we headed back to camp, enjoyed stew over the fire, and a great night of fire, stories, and just catching up. We have had so much fun camping with Charlie in the past....and this was no exception. I can say this...we are SO proud of the leaps and bounds he has made in his walk, in his recovery, and it was so nice to have our Charlie back!!
This morning...Ryan put together a nice message for us...around the fire. It was better than any prepared message could have been, as we all talked for a long time afterward, sharing thoughts and discussing the message. We then shared a great over the fire bacon, potato, onion, pepper, and egg scramble....oh how we love cooking over the fire! Such a meaningful morning, we hated for it to end....but Charlie needed to get back....and there was a graduation today at TC. So we packed up, and headed back into Bend.
We ended the afternoon with lunch with the TC crew...met some new guys that had come in, and said "see you later" to some of the guys that graduated phase 3, and will be moving closer to us in Shedd...it's hard to see these guys go, as Ryan as well as us, have gotten acquainted with them, but we're wishing them the best, and praying for them as they get settled in a new environment to continue their walk with the Lord.
As we wrap up July and head into the first week of August...there have been a few fun things.
Ryan headed off to camp....he had a great time, and was so filled. He came home and said he wished he could just stay there forever, as he said he'd never met with God like he did this last week.....never heard God speak to him, like he did there. I reminded him that God does speak to us...we just don't make the time, take the time, or think we need to listen. I'm sure its a lesson we all need to heed.
(Thanks Aubree for the great pictures!)
As you know, Ryan was baptized last Sunday (July 31) and what a proud day that was. We had a great BBQ at church and headed to Canby to Jason's 7th Birthday Party. WOW...seems like yesterday that I was fighting for snuggle with him as a baby.
We had a nice visit, and headed back to Sweet Home to visit with friends Pat, Ray, Robin & Jim. We sure wish they lived close. Always a nice visit visit with them, and a great ending to a very busy day. Sadly, I did not take one picture....not like me!!
This week Kristin has been getting things ready for camp...and Ryan is trying to plow through his room and organize before school starts. We need to take inventory of what clothes are needed!! On Friday a BOX showed up from Grandma R....seems there was one treasure of Papa Richards that Kristin wanted....nothing else. A coin counter that he had on his dresser. Grandma R fixed her up well and sent all the coin wrappers that Papa had stashed away....I don't think Ft Knox has this many coin wrappers!!! She won't run out for a long time!!
These next few weeks will be busy, at least for Ryan, who starts football practice, and by the latter part of the month will be practicing twice a day, and not doing much but eating & sleeping in between!! I am sure the grocery bill will be impacted!
Until next time.....blessings!!
There is not much more that I can say, other than we are SO proud of Ryan.
About a year ago Ryan started asking if he could be re-baptized. We discussed it with him, wanting to know what made him think his first baptism wasn't "valid" and he simply said--"Because it was your choice--not mine. I want God to know it's my choice". You can't argue with that. A chat with Pastor Tom, and he confirmed to Ryan that it was A-OK to do this again! We didn't hear much more about it until several weeks ago. It was decided by Ryan that he wanted baptized when we returned from Michigan. His Youth pastor called, and said they hoped he wouldn't mind changing from the 24th to the 31st, since Sr Pastor Tom would be gone, and he wanted to be there. Ryan was fine, and this morning, he found out that Troy was doing music, and while a little disappointed, he said it really didn't matter...but was thrilled when it was Pastor Tom that baptized him, as that is the man that first spoke to Ryan's heard about the Lord. Troy played music and sang one of Ryan's favorite songs, and the two most important influences were part of his baptism today.
It filled my heart when one of Ryan's friends came forward as well, and from the back came Sam, who did not intend to come to church this morning, as he just got home from a mission trip, but when he saw Ryan was being baptized this morning, he came over...and was a huge support. Thanks Sam...it meant a lot to Ryan, and to this Mom especially, knowing that he has such great friends in the Lord to be with!
My heart is full, I am so Thankful....
The latter part of June, and the month of July have been a blur! It has been SO busy, it's hard to remember it all. I guess I'll break it down like before!
The end of June, Kristin and Tanya spent a few days painting the windows & doors of the new coop. Bill put them up, and it's starting to look pretty cool. We are trying to get it finished before we fly out on the 30th. The nesting boxes are complete, but not painted yet...but the girls have finally figured out where to lay. Bill also put a perch inside, but the chicks don't seem to like it, but maybe it takes time.
Ryan has been busy with fund raisers for church camp, and football. He's been a busy kid, and will no more than get out of school than we leave for vacation.
After the coop is fixed enough that it can be used, we then concentrated on fencing. We thought we had some figured out, but it sold before we got there. Oh well, better things in store, right. On Saturday, we got up and I checked Craigs list. We found some fencing for a great price, and the only problem, was that it was in Washington....just over the state line. It was a beautiful Saturday, so we called, and told them we were on our way. We work Kristin, dropped Ryan at the football car wash, and headed out. What was really neat, was it was in an area that Bill used to live in when he was in the service. So..he showed us where he was stationed while in dry dock. It turned out to be a productive day in getting fencing, and a fun day too!
The fencing goes up, and we head out on vacation 2 days later.
We head to Portland on Wednesday the 29th, and fly out on Thursday the 30th, arriving in Michigan at 12:30 AM on Friday. We get a good nights rest, and spend the day with Bill's mom and sisters, and of course, we hit Michaels favorite place, LEOS for breakfast and then head to Ohio to my folks lake property for a weekend of fun with my brother & sister, and their families. It's been many years since we've all been together. We get a great treat of fireworks...and Bowerstown puts on a good show for such a tiny town!
On the second day at the lake, the boys stay and play while a few of us adults, and the two girls run to town for some needed supplies, and of course, corn on the cob!! We had a nice evening and Jason brought out the fireworks...which turned out to be a smoke show. We still had fun!
On the Fourth of July we headed to Salem to Aunt Cece's and Uncle Rudy's to celebrate my Grandparent's 70th wedding anniversary. What an inspiration they are to all of us. It was a special treat for all of us to be together, and to visit with some very special people in our lives. The day is never long enough, although we got some awesome family pictures, and we were only missing two out of our family of 30!! Jason & Jeannine head home, and we talked them into leaving Natalie, if we promised to bring her home on Friday with us! The boys were already scheduled to be at the lake with our kids for the next two weeks.
The following day we spent a great day at the lake. It was so much fun playing with the kids in the water. They would all ask Bill to come out to swim, and they run and scream as they played "King of the raft". We also had a great visit with my Aunt Dolly & Uncle Dick...the man who introduced me to Uncle Wiggly! We also got to visit with Debbie their daughter (my cousin!). Lots of fun--visiting--laughing...catching up!
On Wednesday, we headed to Amish County and the cheese factory. It was a great day, and we were able to meet cousin Sarah and her kids there. Back to the cabin, and we share a last night with Tam & Eric, Nick & Erica before they head west on the vacation to Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and all those beautiful places there, back & in between! We had a great day, and on the way home, stopped at an old mill....that really was still like it was in the day...very cool!!
The following day was sad and sulky for us, as Tam & Eric packed up and headed down the road with Nick & Erica. We tried to enjoy the relaxing day, but there was a lonely cloud as Kristin missed her only girl cousin there, and I of course missed my sister. The kids went fishing and swimming, and we spent our last evening enjoying the cool on the porch. It had been hot & sticky all week, and we certainly enjoyed the lake to cool off in.
On Friday, Bill,Natalie & I headed back to Michigan. It was very strange to have one child in the car, and a younger one at that!! She was SO quiet!! We dropped Natalie off, along with Jeannine's car that she was kind enough to let us borrow, and then headed back to Bill's Mom's to enjoy a visit from Todd and Erika, of course with Abby & Maddy. It was a great evening, again, always too short. I will forever remember dancing with the fireflies!
Saturday, Bill, Margaret & I spent the day in the basement, sorting through boxes of things that had not been unpacked yet. 90% of it were things from Bill's Dad, and 75% of that was tools. We made a big dent, and then we got cleaned up to head to Cracker Barrel...one of my favorite places when we hit back to the Detroit area. This trip, no chili dogs, no White Castle...a much healthier trip being that Bill's wheat & sugar allergies kept us in pretty good check!! We enjoyed a nice visit with Patti & Randy, Brooke, Karen & Jeff, Michael & Beth afterward, and the we headed to bed at a decent hour, since my flight was the next morning at 6:30AM.
I arrived in Portland at 10:30 AM on Sunday the 10th...and headed to the airport to pick up our car, and head home. It was a LONG two hours, having to stop, since I was SO sleepy from getting up so early!! Bill stayed in MI to help his Mom clean out some of his dad's things and get things ready for a garage sale. They made a major improvement in the basement, and Bill was able to sort through Dad's tools and has a stash to bring home....which translates into a trip home next summer!
Bill flies home on Sunday, and arrives at 10:30. We head home...have a nice nap, a nice dinner, and enjoy being back together after a week apart. You would think after 23 years..we'd enjoy a week off from each other...guess that's not the case!! Friday I took the day off, and I joined Bill in going to get the kids. We had a nice day together, and spent the weekend painting the chicken coop!! It was a good day, and on Sunday, it was nice to be back with our church family.
Monday, Ryan packs up to head to camp for the rest of the week....and so the summer continues!! Football starts again this next week, and tomorrow is a special day as Ryan is being baptized. Yes, he was infant baptized, but as he said...it wasn't his choice...this time it is. We are so proud of him!!
Until next time.....
Baby and Birthdays--April 29th & 30th
We were blessed to have the girls for a few hours on Friday night. I got my baby fix, and to top it off, an Audrie fix too!! It was fun to have the girls. Kristin was a great help, and really wanted to take care of Allie, so she had the practice. She did a great job. Zorro was very interested in Allie, but each time he came close she wanted to pet him, and he was unsure. When Allie took her bottle, he came up on the couch, and checked her out...then let her check him out when she was done. We took the girls home and tucked them in bed, and waited for Nate & Katie to get home. A great afternoon/evening with the girls!! 
ON Saturday, Audrie's 4th birthday party was at Papa's Pizza. Lots of people, so glad that we had the chance to spend some time with the girls the night before.
A few days later, we headed to see a Nutritional Specialist for Bill. We have a friend at church who highly recommended us to Dr Popp. He finds food allergies by Nutritional Testing, instead of prick testing. We had been to Bill's Dr in February, and she said she has done everything medically possible for him regarding the migraines. She told him he needed to seek natural methods, and change his lifestyle. Ironically enough, after this visit, Bill has. He found out he has a wheat AND a sugar allergy. TOUGH STUFF to deal with. He cannot even have natural sugars, fruits, honey, etc, and no substitutes. The only one he is not allergic to is Stevia, which is a sugar from a particular plant. So far, I have been unsuccessful baking with it. We have made a lot of adjustments, and just one week being off wheat and sugar, Bill was noticing a reduction in the severity of his headaches. After two weeks, he actually had NO headache. A first in Many,many months...as he suffers every day from some degree of headache. It has been about 6 weeks now, and he said had he not seen results, and felt so much better, he'd have thrown in the towel by now. He's pretty limited on foods, as we are finding sugar or sugar substitutes of all kinds in all foods. Kidney beans packed in water...sugar, really?? Potato Chips...sugar, you bet...some brands. Fritos Corn Chips are his only saving grace!! He has lost almost 20 lbs, and is more himself than he has been in a few years. It is so good to see him happy, goofing around, and wanting to do things again. I know that hurting for such a long time has been very depressing, let alone all the other things we've been through this last two years! Praising God for leading us here, and for helping Bill to stay on track!
New Chicks--May 24, 2011
Actually these chicks are 2 1/2 months old, and we decided to buy them from a kid who raises them from the chick stage, to the "put with other birds and not need chick feed and heat lamps" stage. I was quite impressed with this 13 year old who runs his own business, and was very professional. I'm thinking we will be getting chicks from him again. For one, he guarantees them to be female, and if there are any problems he will take them back. Yahoo!!
We brought them in the yard to meet our older girls, they looked at each other, and our older girls took off running away. The next meeting, they pecked the smaller ones...so we've kept them separated at night, and have had them getting used to each other during the day. Tonight (saturday 6-18) the smaller ones went into the coop, and we pushed the bigger ones in. There was a lot of cackling going on, but after a few minutes, it got quiet.
Trip to Bend to see Charlie 5-29-11
We headed out early Sunday morning to meet Charlie & the guys from TC at church. It's been kind of fun visiting different churches when we visit them. Some of them have become familiar to us, and we are getting to know them. It's much easier in a smaller environment than Shed, but we also weren't this closely tied in previously. We met Charlie at church, and caught up a bit before the services, then headed a back to the center to have lunch, and visit. We were able to play some cribbage, visit, watch a great movie, I Am Number Four (one I didn't think I'd like), and visit with some of the guys. Ryan has gotten to know some of them, and enjoys his time there with them as much as he does Charlie. He still thinks it's cool that they all call him Charlie's Little Brother.
We drove through Sisters, and it was perfect...I needed to take this for my Aunt Cece, as it's always seemed foggy or cloudy when she gets to go through here. Thought of you today Cec!!
We had a great visit with Charlie, and the time always flies. So good to see him happy again, and loving the Lord.
Birthday Weekend for Bill (although I reaped benefit too!) June 10-13
What a wonderful weekend away!! Bill & I got away for his 50th Birthday. He asked in January that I not plan a party as we have for every "Decade" birthday since we've been together, and asked that we get away for a quiet romantic weekend. Since our money situation is tight, I honored his request, and found a smoking deal in Medford. We usually love the coast, but the cost during the summer is way too high, and the heat of Medford gave us a chance to get a good deal!
We left on Friday morning. Bill had the laundry done when I got home from work on Thursday as he was finished with school on Wednesday. He had a lot ready to go, and we finished up, and woke early to take off before 9am. The kids stayed home, and did a great job here alone. We spent a lazy drive, stopping at places we always said "I wonder what that park is, or that museum or that scenic drive". It was great. We hit a detour with the GPS that took us on some very high logging roads, and 2 miles from where we were to get back onto the back scenic drive, was a gate. Oh well, 12 miles or more back, but a great drive, beautiful views and good company. We visited Jacksonville, a beautiful old town, although I was disappointed there weren't more shops...but there was an awesome kitchen store, and an incredible toy store...I could have bought half of it! A nice dinner at Red Lobster after checking into our hotel, followed by a nice walk, and a relaxing evening.
Saturday took us on a drive to some of the local Saturday markets. A great day, great weather, and again, we just enjoyed being "Shawnna & Bill". We were blessed to meet up with friends Lucy & Rick (and no, not Ricardo) for dinner. We had a great visit and headed back to their house to visit more...dinner wasn't enough!!
Sunday we woke sad to head home after such a great weekend. We did take the long way home, and stopped to see friends Flo and Harry for lunch. After a nice visit, we finished the trek home to join the kids in their fundraiser at church for camp. They each have 195.00 to make for camp. Ryan is 11.00 away from goal, and not sure on Kristin, as she has not has as many opportunities as Ryan. The kids did a great job of serving dinner, and working with the pie auction. It was a late night getting home after a long day,but well worth it.
Happy 50th Bill..hope you enjoyed that as much or more than a party!! You've now officially been with me more than half of your life!!
Play House to Chicken Coop in 2.5 hours!! June 16, 2011
An era has come to an end....at least in the Richard's yard. After 13-14 years of great use, our swing set/play house has come down. Kristin used the playhouse a little last year, mostly getting away to find someplace to write (we found an old diary hid in there!!), and she still swings when the weather is nice...she is the only kid I know that swings with chickens. She holds them, and they nuzzle their heads right into her neck/shoulder and seem as content as can be! At any rate, the chickens is what brought demise to the swing set. As you read in previous posts, we got two more chickens....and the wonderful coop we bought last just a short year ago, has fallen apart. Bill was discussing "rebuilding" it to a bigger better coop when he thought of the renovating the playhouse. With Kristins permission and excitement, they started planning. I came home from work on Monday to find the swingset part removed, the railings and slide removed, and the fencing around the house gone...it looked so sad down there. For so many years, it has been a focal point of that corner. I've spent lots of hours with various stages of swinging, from baby swings, to airplane swings, to regular swings. From being carried up to slide down, to standing on the ground "helping", to only being near to watch. It's been through a lot with us, and if it could talk, I'm sure would have lots of secrets and stories to share that we did not witness.
My sadness faded when I heard how excited both Kristin & Bill were to do this project...they discussed nesting boxes, Kristin did research on spacing, perches, square footage for birds, and she figures we can have 10 birds for 5 nesting boxes, but also have friends that have way more birds in less space, so we could have tons!! The work began, and by the end of the week, new nesting boxes were built, doors and window shutters (they were open before...no covers or closings), and plans for fencing and feeders were in place....now for the move!!
For the move, it required some equipment and some muscle...both we have in our good friend Nate. He brought his tractor, a sturdy trailer to put the house on, and of course his head....the most important part...as the house was on 4 Ft stilts, and the house stands 8 or more feet tall on its own. Bill had it worked out in his head earlier this week, but of course, needed to confer with Nate, as to how they could do this. Before long, they were lifting, supporting, and cutting down the supports. The trailer went under after the first two supports were cut...and then they worked on getting the other supports relief cut, so that they could support it and then push the house off the supports. It worked beautifully.
I was in awe when I saw Nate turn the trailer around in the field and back up the hill, next to the house & 5th wheel, between the fruit trees...."tons of room" to him has a different definition to me!! TONS of room is 50 feet clearance, not less than 2 ft!! After chopping a huge limb off our cherry tree, they made it to the back, and came part two...getting it off the trailer! A crane would have been handy, but three guys, a tractor and some straps worked just as well!
Nate pulled the house off the trailer as far as he could with the tractor before hitting the back hill, then pulled the trailer forward, so that we had more room. It worked like a charm, except it wanted to come off sideways...two guys pushing against it to guide it and it came down without even a dent!! Thank you Nate for your expertise in trailer backing, tractor maneuvering, and thinking skills...how were Katie & I so lucky to find two of you so much alike??!!
Friday brought Bill cutting the side of the house, to install the nesting boxes, while Kristin & Tanya painted the doors & window shutters. They are nice & bright, while the rest of the house is faded. They were much easier to paint before Bill put them up...so now the rest needs a paint job, along with the nesting boxes. Hinges need installed on the door, as does a cable for pulling the door open & closed for night. Fencing is the last thing and only cost for this whole project...how blessed are we!!??
