A Little Rest, Kind Of

We just completed a huge project: installation of our front yard. We still have a few things to take care of like plants and sprinkler nozzles, but the major work is finished. We dug out the sod, dug trenches, set the pipes, spread 40 yards of topsoil, raked/rolled the dirt over and over, installed a flagstone path, planted a boxwood hedge, installed lighting, and finally spread the seed and peat moss. Whew. My dad ended up coming over to help with the topsoil. I offered some champagne since that's what he and Chris drink together, but they declined. They were concerned that a neighbor would see them and make fun, because you're supposed to drink beer while doing yardwork, not something wimpy like champagne. I offered to pour it into red keg cups but they were still concerned. Anyway, here are a couple pictures...The night picture is fuzzy because I'm still learning how to use the different settings on the new camera. But you get the idea of how cool our house looks at night with the new lights. (Not just the path lights, but the spotlights on the house too...I've always wanted to do that.) I need to figure out what I want to plant in the flower bed. I have a few ideas but haven't made up my mind.

Today we got up early (thanks Owen) and got a lot done. All kinds of things that we couldn't do until all the dirt was spread, like wash cars, hose off the sidewalks/driveway, clean the garage, clean dog kennels, etc. We SO would have rather spent the day kicking back, but we really needed to clean. It feels so great to have those chores taken care of.

Chris went back to work tonight. It's been about three weeks since his accident. He still has problems with his neck and back but he was feeling good enough to work. I'm a little bummed and lonely tonight because I got used to having him home. Oh well, I'll get used to it again. Owen went to sleep early so I don't have anyone to entertain me!

Speaking of the little guy, he continues to make us smile. He's learning how to form his lips and make new sounds. Today he was making B, M and N sounds. He and Apollo are becoming best friends. Trooper and Raven don't seem to notice or care about Owen very much (which is fine with me...I was worried about jealousy issues with Raven). But Apollo just loves him! Even the cat is becoming friends with Owen. He lights up when he sees her and grabs her fur. Surprisingly, she puts up with it and enjoys the attention.

On a side note...We have a McCain sign in our yard. We have made several friends in this neighborhood with that sign. I hope everyone had a chance to watch the RNC. The speakers were amazing and so energetic, and it was great to see the excitement in the crowd. As usual I just loved hearing Rudy speak. Huckabee did very well. Watching Lieberman was like watching paint dry but hey, he can't make up his mind on which party he supports so I won't hold it against him. I don't think McCain gave the best speech of his life but he's not much of a speaker. However, it was SARAH who stole the show. She is simply amazing. Can we just elect her President?

But anyway...that was our day. Busy, but restful compared to the past couple weeks. And then we get to start on the back, which is MUCH bigger.