Oh what do we do in the Summertime?

My, my how the time flies. I think about posting things on here quite regularly, but the ebb and flow of daily life always places options in front of me, and it would seem that everything else has been winning over actually documenting what goes on!  But this is what we do in the summer time!

It is all a blur really, since the cherries are done, and the other fruit isn't quite ready yet, we have moved on to other projects like ripping out the bushes from the front of the house, this was no small feat, but we are really enjoying the results and perhaps once we get the roots dug out there won't be water issues in the basement! We have been to Powell Gardens a couple of times enjoying all the wonderful things there- right now they have big bugs on display which are just fantastic. I made Joe take one Saturday off so we could spend time together doing something besides yard work!

The humidity is officially here, zapping away all energy reserves.  I have to play chicken with the rain storms to get my lawn mowed and we like to always have 15 projects going on at the same time, inside and out, so that not a single one gets completed.  The wildlife here, most notably the deer and groundhogs, make Joseph very edgy since they do rotten things like eat all the goodness that we have worked so hard to plant. They leave it alone for a little while, then suddenly sneak up in the wee hours of the morning and strike with no thought of their actions.  Joe keeps a vigilant watch, but all these rain storms wash away all the critter deterrent that we have applied- sometimes I wonder if it is really worth all the extra money and time and frustration!
Well even with all that other stuff, I do admittedly really love certain parts of the summer, like watching the fireflies in our backyard- it is something to behold.  God is good, because he blesses us with these delights even in the face of hideous things like chiggers and humidity.  I am just very thankful for central air conditioning, especially this year; I wasn't brave at all to use the attic fan with the windows open as I usually do, nope not me, not this time.  It got hot and I turned on the good old AC, I am happy with my decision!

So what have we been up to??  Well, Joe is running around like a mad man trying to complete all his projects at work, and home and church- he really could use a vacation, too bad he can't have one!  I have been keeping busy with some different jobs all stemming from my association with Joseph's employment.  It has been interesting, but I really like the flexibility of being able to choose my own hours and do be able to do some of the work at home. Among other things, I have been wiring action boards for the organ that is being installed in Roanoke Virginia and have allegedly surprised some folks with my amazing skills! What can I say?
This week, we have taken Kaija, Izzi and Eli in to help out at the shop- they have actually been very helpful and have put their creative minds to work, and more importantly, a smile on their dad's face!
Zach has been up in St. Joe for scout camp this week and we are missing him, it is far too quiet without him here! Not sure what we will do when Joe is in Virginia and Zach is tromping about the country with Gram and Papa and some cousins for the National Boy Scout Jamboree. Yikes, we will just think about one day at a time right now- don't want to get ahead of myself too quickly!