SUMMER BEGINS

Our bathroom has been unusable for probably a couple of years now. We finally found the tunnel (income tax return check) and are beginning to see that there just might be a light at the end of it.

Do you have any idea how complicated it can be to install a shower?? There are a few layers of waterproof stuff under this backerboard that you see. Again, Dave is doing a very professional job and has gleaned all his know how from watching video after video on the internet of how to install a shower.

We are ready to pick out tile and finally do some things that will show! We have a vanity, vanity top, shower and sink fixtures already bought but they are all waiting to be installed because we have to get the shower floor and bathroom floor tiled first, right? And if you're tiling the shower floor, you're certainly going to do the walls at the same time, right? No, we don't have a window in the shower. That black square is a cut out that will eventually be tiled and will then be a place to put shampoo, conditioner, etc. The floor of the shower has to slant toward the drain so you don't end up with standing water. All sorts of complicated things to think about. You really have no idea how many procedures are underneath those tiles you stand on when you shower.


This is what we are calling a wild tomato plant. It just started grownig and do I mean growing! The tomatos are too big to be cherry and too small to be beef steak so we aren't quite sure what is sprouting up, but it is sprouting beautifully!


This will probably be the last year for plums. Besides, the birds get to them before we do anyway. The tree is getting much too large for its location and is beginning to do damage to the sidewalk. Dave wants to take it out this summer.

Now if this won't make any of you ex-patriates come back then nothing will. Take a look at what is growing on our side yard. And they taste even better than they look!

Austen and his swim coach.

Coach Mikesell gave Austen a very coveted award. It is the Grafton Weiss Pride Hustle and Desire Award. Coach Weiss was a much loved and respected Water Polo and Swim coach that passed away a few years back (only in his early 50's). He and Coach Mikesell were very close, so the award doesn't go to anyone that Coach Mikesell doesn't feel is worthy of it. Austen worked very hard this year, lettered, and made All Orange League second team. A very good year. We are indeed proud of him!

This one will be hard to believe, so that's why it is recorded on "film". Austen, at the banquet, actually talking to some of the girls on the swim team.

Looking forward to summer. School is out in 3 more days and I only have 7 more days of work!