Summer?

It hasn't exactly been summer-like around here despite that it's officially here. Today we barely hit 60 after being about 102 degrees just 2 weeks ago. We've got like 3" of rain in just a few days, but at least it's not flooding here.

We've got a 95% complete garage, a nice garden planted, and plenty of other small projects going on. I'm avoiding anything math and teaching related for a while after a heavy spring of both moderating an online course and mentoring a student teacher. I'm reading fiction, moving lots of dirt, digging deep holes, and cutting stair rail lately. It's very relaxing.

If you're not aware of what's going on in Minot, check out the news. It's quite sad. My uncles will lose their home (if they haven't already) and about 1/3 of the city's residents will lose them too. This isn't a water-in-the-basement sort of flood; but rather a cover the roof sort. Most people won't recover. The home we grew up in will be gutted. My parents, however, are fine. One uncle is living with them and they have some provisions.

The Children's Museum was a great place to escape the cold rain today (see below). Phoebe is a turtle if you can't tell what it is she's wearing.

Summer!!!

Summer is here and in full force! As we are cleaning out old garden beds and tearing up new ones (you can see in the garage picture the half yard that currently has basil, kale, about 25 tomatoes, 6 broccoli, and a couple of squash plants. Out of view is a second garden plot with 7 squash and pumpkin plants), we are clearing out old bulbs. As a result, we had some nice irises on our table for the week.

Our garage is coming along. Our builder is doing a superb job. Anyone need a builder or remodeler, let us know. We'd recommend this guy in a heartbeat.

Phoebe was thoroughly enjoying harassing me with the spray hose yesterday while I was trying to get a few more plants in the garden. I was soaked. Today we went to a graduation party for a co-worker's son and she was quite shy, until I asked her what we did in the garden yesterday: "did you spray dad with a hose and get his clothes soaking wet?" I'm sure we'll be out there some more today.