Please forgive the pause in blogging. We're happy and healthy around here, but there have been many interruptions -- the reality of life crossing best-laid plans as it has the tendency to do.
Most notably, a dear lady passed away last week. Ms. Bonnie helped me with research for my book about preserving family recipes, granting me multiple interviews and welcoming me into her kitchen for a biscuit-baking session. She was ninety, lived a good life, left behind many loving family/friends, and was ready to go, so there is less sorrow than simply missing her. Godspeed, Ms. Bonnie! (Below: Eli and Ms. Bonnie in 2009)
Eli was out of school three days last week with the snowfall. (We still have a little on a roof a week later!) The weather already had me behind on my to-do list when last week also marked my re-entry into Weight Watchers, in-laws as houseguests, and Valentine's Day. Whew!
As for the high point of the chaos, I heard back from my new editor on Friday and he loves the book! (Insert Snoopy happy dance here!) The next step, standard at my press, is to send it to two reviewers. This week I'm scrambling to make small changes before that happens. So exciting!
As for the noisiest part of the chaos, right now there are two dump trucks in my driveway, a bulldozer in the back yard, and a chain saw whining away.
After many false starts and glitches, the hole where the previous owners had an above-ground pool will finally be filled this week. I suppose we could have just called it a "water feature" and embraced our little muddy pond until it finally eroded into the North Georgia Grand Canyon, but I will be so happy to have a yard where my kid can safely play by himself!
In the above picture, The Pit was just a mud hole, but there were times it was almost completely full and had its own waterfall.
More pictures to follow when the job is done and I catch my breath. In the meantime, I must give a quick shout-out to my friend N. She probably would not like to be named here, but she helped us salvage as much deck wood as we could. Not only do we have wood for some raised garden beds, but we also kept a good bit of lumber out of the landfill. Thanks, N! We couldn't have done it without your know-how, loaned tools, and muscle.
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