Back in the Saddle (Day 367)

Well, not much has happened for two weeks. We took a break from building, partly for rest and partly because we had two trips planned. Did the GSA meeting in Portland for a long weekend, worked two days getting ready to paint the exterior, then headed off to Denver for a final trip.

The USGS wanted me to clean out my office on the off chance they might hire someone new, some day. One day of work and mission accomplished. Threw away the leftovers from a 35-year career, shipped 4 parcels to myself, one to Jeff Knott, and gave the other good stuff away. Then Ken Olsen had his 60th birthday so we couldn't miss that, followed by the Hobie Fleet Fall Party and a chance to see Steve and Judy. On Sunday we scooted off to South Dakota to see son Tom , Jenn, and the kids, then back in 24 hours. Returned home on Tuesday to find out that we'd had a couple inches of rain and more on the way. So, slow it goes for now. Next and final deadline is Nov. 5th for the exterior. If the sun shines, the airless sprayer is coming out and paint will be a flying onto the shingles and then the Hardiboard. Can't wait to finish this part of the project; then we can concentrate on the interior during the winter months. New move in date is May 1st, god, weather, and bank willing.

Nancy and I are agonizing over a basic paint color for the walls and ceilings. We'll narrow it down to 3 color choices tomorrow, then get 3 oz. samples from Home Depot and see which of the 3 we like the best. We need to coordinate the basic color with the American Clay plaster, the kitchen cabinets, red birch flooring and the fir trim (both of which will be natural). If we don't like the color, we can always repaint at a later date. Frank is scheduled to shot the whole house (but not garage) next week, so the paint has to be on site by Monday evening. It will take about 60 gals to do the whole house, then another 5 gallons for accent colors that we'll roller on at a later date.

Meanwhile, more pavers are on the way for the front walk, I'm looking at basalt boulders for some short walls that we need for landscaping, and we have to pick out a bunch of trees while the fall sales are on. No problem finding ways to spend money right now.