I went to estimate in Dumfries on Saturday the 19th to strip paper in 3 bathes. Then we went to Gail's Party in St. Leonard's, MD, despite the heat. It was actually really windy and not uncomfortable on the Bay.

Sunday I packed my things and went to Teri's to babysit(?) while she was in Florida. Everything went well there and I just was there to make sure things ran smoothly for a while. Got a bit boring but watched 2 movies, "21" and "I Am Legend". Came home Tuesday evening.

Stripped those darn bathes on Thurs. and Fri. but made good money. so it was worth it.

Sunday I went to Alexandria and papered a bath, which turned out to be fairly easy.

Today I am packing my truck again to go to Ocean City tomorrow to spend some time at the beach. On Thursday, Dean got us tickets to take the Ferry from Lewes, Del. to Cape May, NJ. and then a bus to Atlantic city for the day. There is never a dull moment around her, despite the fact that she's 74 yrs. old. Should be fun !!!! She says I'm allowed to gamble with $20----we'll see about that!?!? She absolutely hates gambling. Seems like a personal problem to me......................

HOT ! ! ! VERY HOT ! ! !

Well, I got the bushes bought on Tuesday and just about died from the heat. Planted some Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Finished the mulching on Thursday evening. There is no working much during the day. Today it was over 100 degrees. Despite this, I cut the back yard and trimmed some of the bushes and ivy this morning.

Also on Wednesday the new gutters went up. They look so good and we can only hope they do the job. The house is looking really good from the outside.

Tomorrow I have an estimate at 11 in Dumfrees and we are supposed to go to a Beach House Party at 2. Don't know about the party in this heat. Will decide in the morning.

Today Mike surprised me and said that after the new windows, he wants to get the interior doors replaced and all the woodwork. I still don't know what has come over him but I'll enjoy it for now. We also discussed getting Bath Fitters to reline the tub in M/bath.

Big Improvements

Last Friday, we got a new concrete front porch and had the very overgrown bushes removed so now we can see the front of the house. Just a few minor things to deal with and get used to but, so far, I LOVE IT. Today I plan on shopping for new bushes and hopefully get some planted, but as usual, I'm dragging my feet and not getting started.

Yesterday I worked a lonnnnnggggggggg day and am still trying to stretch out all the kinks and tight muscles. Have to start soon before it gets too hot.

Tomorrow the gutter people are supposed to be here but I am not real positive they will show up. I met them on a job in Sperryville and I sure hope they don't disappoint me. We'll see??????

Next we are going to check out getting new windows installed ( just a matter of Mike deciding which is the best bargain). He has already said he is going to have it done. Hurray!!!! Progress. Maybe the North Winds won't pass through the house this winter. Last winter I stapled plastic over the windows on the first floor and it made a big difference but looked crappy.

Newspaper----2nd cup of coffee------1 more cigarette and I'm going to get moving. I PROMISE !!!

HAPPY 4th

On July 1st, very promptly at 11:05 AM, my telephone appt. with SSA happened. They are proving to be very efficient. Now if my application goes as smoothly, I'll be happy.

On the same day, my nephew Paul, arrived for a break from his duties in the AF stationed at Nellis AFB in Vegas. One of his friends is at Ft. Meyer, VA. and agreed to take us on a walking tour of Arlington Cemetery on July 3rd. Other than 90 plus degrees, high humidity and old backs, legs and feet, we had a great day. His parents, Vicki and Larry, came along ( or should I say I went along with them) and they stayed the night and went to The Mall in DC for the all the craziness of DC on the 4th of July. This old lady decided not to tax my PARTS 2 days in a row. Yesterday, I drove up to their house in Cascade for a picnic with lots of family and friends.

Got home at 10:30 PM and about 11:30 Mike arrived home from Georgia, where he has been since February. I think he can't wait to get back down there already and says he'll probably go in October for the winter.

Tomorrow I start back to work on one of my least favorite things........stripping a laundry room of paper. Oh well, it's a job.