Just had the kind of week where we're finally getting summer projects taken care of, and for much less money than we had planned. And financially, we are applying for a HEL *just* to consolidate our debts and take care of the leaking basement, and are finally seeing a bottom line to allocate among food, gas, sinking funds, etc., that is somewhat workable! It feels great. Matt's on board in a way he hasn't been before - it feels real, not forced, this time. I think whatever happens with the job, it has made him look at teaching and why he's doing it even though he's making half of what he could elsewhere...like maybe it's a chance for him to feel like he's *chosen* teaching on purpose. And that gives him a different attitude toward money...plus I'm able to contribute finally, which just plain helps the bottom line.

Anyway, we just had sand put down for our 18' easy set pool (I just came in to take a break from spreading it out!) and now he's here delivering a truckload of gravel to spread on the driveway, which will make it possible for us to maintain it with the snowblower and garden tractor w/plow blade this winter (you know, for that pesky snow that just doesn't melt away in a day or two, the kind we have oh, from December through April ;) ). The kids are coming home from a friend's house in an hour and they will be SO surprised to see the beautiful, soft lake-bottom truckload of sand we have sitting where the pool is going to be.

i do believe i am going to drive up to your place :D

C'mon up! :D We finally have summer! (I'm inside on another heat break and to water dh and the dog, LOL.) It's 90, but not humid, and the nights go into the 60s...I have acres and acres of meadow perfect for camping, and a nice level site right on the banks of the brook...

To make it even sweeter, dh just talked to the neighbor (same one who sells us wood) and he proclaimed us set for this winter as far as wood! Dh said we used about 3 cords for heat, or roughly half of what we cut last year - so $300 for heat for the entire year. Not bad at all. We will buy another $600 truckload this summer and cut what we can to get ahead, but then finish the rest in spring and have it seasoned and ready for the following winter...we are a year ahead on wood, which is extremely helpful.

Now, this is countered by the fact that we really just found out we'll need $200 worth of gravel to maintain our driveway, *every year,* and maybe $400 for this year, but that's just how it goes. Our neighbor is very cool and bringing us really nice, road-quality gravel that just compacts right down and becomes very concrete-like...it's the best for driveways. Not as exciting as a pool, but still exciting.

that sounds wonderful - i am really really getting into working outdoors and just being more outdoorsy in general (which is funny because i used to hate getting nature on me) but nothing makes me happier than getting dirty and working up a sweat. if i didnt have children i know i would work as a farm hand, ummm i think i went off on my own little daydream in the middle of posting lol

I love being outside and working, too. But I'm weird, I'll get all focused on house and interior and look outside, but not go on hikes for weeks (okay, it having been 60 and raining for most of July didn't help). But then, it'll get nice for a day or two, but I'm still in "inside" mode so I don't immediately take advantage.

Now I'm starting to force myself to just *start* working outside, then I'm much more apt to continue and to really enjoy myself and start feeling better. Same with exercising, for me...

(Um, I think it was my turn for a daydream...LOL!)