This time of year, in this hot canyon, I long for fall, for cooler weather. June was superhot, but July wasn't bad. We had a couple of fabulous rain and thunderstorms, complete with mudslides and a wrecked roadway, but good for the earth and all living things. August has arrived with muggy weather, reminding me of New Jersey summers. We would suffer now, the dogs and I, except for this:
An a/c and heating unit, a gift from friends here in the canyon. Can you imagine getting a gift like this?! It has made such a huge difference. On hot evenings the dogs and I huddle in the former master bedroom, where the a/c is, and watch DVDs. Samson was a bit scared of the noise and wouldn't go in there at first, but now he's enjoying the cool breeze. Faith, smart dog that she is, took to it immediately.
I've hired Errol's brother Glenn as a contractor to help me with some renovation work that's badly needed here. So far, I bought a new stove on sale from Sears online. I only have electric here and the old stove, also a Kenmore, was probably original to the house, i.e., from 1977. I was so scared of it, I bought a new fire extinguisher even. So when I saw this stove on sale, I decided to get it.
Good thing too, Glenn said the wiring on the old one was in terrible shape and just fell apart when he removed the stove. It was only a matter of time, he said, before I would have had to use my new fire extinguisher.
Before I knew my husband and Glenn, I thought guys who worked in construction just worked with their hands. Never did I realize or even consider the amount of knowledge, brain work, calculations, and patience, among about a thousand other things involved in just getting a new stove, slightly larger than the old one, with things butting out from the sides, and so on, to fit into an opening made for a completly different stove. Glenn did a fabulous job and now, of course, I must cook. No more excuses......
I have also ordered new windows from Home Depot. The windows in this house (also original from 1977) are horrible, they let in heat, cold, and worst of all the desert dust. Once they are installed, I should both save money on my electric bill and not have to dust all the time. I will check rebates too. A guy is coming today to measure. This will make a huge difference to the quality of my life here. I'm excited!
Remember how I was fretting about the Living Trust? I know better than to do that, but I still did. Then two friends suggested I just have a professional manage it. When the time comes and I no longer can. Brilliant! I went with the guy the attorney recommended and turned in my draft last Monday. With no blood relatives here, I really had no choice but to make sure everything is spelled out and legal.
The junipers are ripe with fruit after a barren season last year. Come fall, this will be food for bears, coyotes, and all the small critters around here.
You may wonder how I'm doing emotionally and I have a few things to say about that, but this post is getting too long. I'm much more needy than in the past and I talk too much when someone calls. My feelings may be worthy of a separate post. We'll see.....
But I also feel a bit more creative. I want to blog now, take pictures, and write. Crochet, even. I'm getting into it and enjoying it. I'm glad you liked my Thomas story. Your comments meant a lot to me. I am still full of sadness, but I also feel that I'm at the beginning of the road that will lead to the rest of my life. And I want that life to be good. That much I know.
Then the other night, I did something I hadn't done in a long time. (Except when my cousin was here.) When I saw a gorgeous sunset outside my window, I went out and took some pictures.
Have a great day, my dear friends.
