All in the name of being barefoot.

I am only going to focus on the good things that have happened in the last couple of days. I swear I will not mention the fact I ended up going nearly 36 hours without sleep, had car trouble that nearly stranded me 1 1/2 hours from home, and found that bugs have eaten almost all the leaves off my cuke plants. Really, I am over that. I will even ignore that DH and I bit each others heads off because we each had had miserable days and expected the other to cater to us, almost ruining what was one of our few nights away from home and kids. I won't say a word. I will count my blessings. *smile*

Really, it has been good. I met a co-worker yesterday who brought me free landscaping timber. I am excited to use it to raise our wild onion bed (I suppose they aren't wild anymore, but they were from onions foraged in the wild origionally). I will also have enough to build a raised herb bed. I have always wanted one. I found my first banana pepper in the garden, and almost cried I was so happy. The bell peppers are just blossoming, and the zukes and squash are covered in blossoms. The cukes are being eaten by bugs, but I am preparing for battle and have confidence I will win the day. The beans look great, as do the peas. My kohlrabi appears to have been planted funny. In sections of the row, they are coming up too close together, and then there are big bare patches. Hmmmmm. I will blame dad shamelessly, as he planted that row.

I watched DD's vacation bible school program, and it was so fun! All the kids were in costume pretending to live in Bethlehem during the time of Jesus' birth. I am so glad DD found that church. I am not much of a church goer (long story), but the people at this church are so friendly and open. They have created a wonderful community for themselves. I hope that if munch decides to remain in the church she always chooses ones like this.

DD was very excited to be able to spend the night at a close family friend's house and go fishing today. We had to buy her a new life vest, as she grew out of the old one, but now she has a pretty new Barbie life vest to go with the Barbie pole and the co-ordinating tackle box. Her poor "uncle", who was the one taking her on this outing, was offended to the core by her pink fishing gear. He is a trapper, hunter, fisherman, outdoorsman master of all. The thought of taking Barbie fishing just about choked him, but I figure that if it makes her happy it's worth it. It was funny to watch him try to convince her that she should borrow his gear. She stood firm with her accessory choices, telling him she would rather use her own stuff because she always catches more with it. I can't wait to see their haul.

I got to spend the night away from home, as well. I travelled to an adorable little village in MN called Zumbrota. It is the home of the only remaining covered bridge in the state, or so the tourism pamphlets say. DH is in a band, and they play in that area regularly. It is beautifull. I would love to live in that area. I suppose it is about half way between Rochester and Red Wing, both also gorgeous. We have made some great friends in the area. Imagine rolling farms, hilly river bluffs, deep woods, all thrown together with some of the friendliest people on Earth. We stayed in "our" room at the local hotel. Yes, we have our own room that we always get put in (about once every 6 weeks), so it's almost as comfy as home. It was great fun, even if I was exhausted. I found out a friend there has just adopted their 2nd child, a beautiful little girl. Congratulations!!!! The more I think about it, the more I want to move there.

Poor hubby had a rough time. When the band got there, they were supposed to set up outside. It was very hot and muggy, and any of you who have ever had to carry band equip. know it is very heavy. After it was all set up (about 1.25 hrs worth of work), the bar owner told them a mean thunderstorm was moving in and they should move all the equip. inside the bar. So they did. By the time they were ready to start for the 2nd time, they were all so exhausted they looked ready to drop. On top of it all, they had to tear down at the end of the night, haul all the stuff about 2 hrs away, and set it up again today for a gig in another town. They might be ready to give up this rock 'n' roll lifestyle after this weekend.