Look at CJ go!!

This may not seem like much to most, but to us it's a huge improvement. We didn't think CJ was ever going to run and play in the backyard again, much less catch frisbees. I'm happy to say he's been doing this for the last three days and he wants to keep going! :-)

Going back to work is relaxing....

We had one of those weekends where we needed to go back to work in order to have some rest! The weather was perfect for yard work so we tackled one of our big projects on the list. Saturday morning started early as we rented a sod cutter and made the planter beds on the South side of our property bigger. We also swooped them a bit for some interest. Additionally, we made a 'planter island' around 3 trees. After returning the sod cutter we set about putting roughly 60 plants in the ground and 2 new trees. We moved 4 trees, planted about 30+ bulbs, removed a couple bushels of weeds, put the sweet pea starts in the ground, de-thatched and mowed both lawns and mowed the back lawn for a neighbor. The last project was to get all the plants/trees watered and our little messes cleaned up. I know I'm missing a few things, but that's the majority of our work. This photo doesn't really do it justice, it's much prettier in person. The plants were all one gallon so picture it in a year or two as they mature.

An all around update

Spring has sprung here in Western Washington, so you know what that means: we're gettin' busy and havin' fun! So, here's the latest...

I've been working as a substitute paraeducator and secretary for one of the local school districts and it's been fun - sometimes challenging. Helping the kids, teachers, administrators and parents is really rewarding. Yesterday was beautiful and sunny while I spent about 2 hours as 'recess teacher' and the rest of my time in a kindergarten class. It's hard to call making paper butterflies with 3 kids work. :-)

We've planted a lot of trees the last few weeks, a short list: Contorted Filbert, Hinoki Cypress, Witch Hazel, Leland Cypress and Sequoia. I think this brings our count up to just under 30. This coming weekend we are going to a special wholesale perennial nursery that opens to the public only 5 times per year. Last year we brought home about 60 plants, this year will probably be the same.

A few weeks ago we went to Seattle with a few friends. Daryl and his buddy Bill went bar hopping while the gals toured (and tasted our way) through Pike's Place Market. Of course we stopped at our favorite Mexican Restaurant, El Puerco Lloron.This was bar #5

The following weekend we went with 2 couples to Outback Steakhouse and had a great time!
This past weekend Daryl and I rode the ferry to Whidbey Island and did some hiking, then found a picnic table on a bluff overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Olympic Mountains. What a great day!!!Never one to follow directions.
CJ has been on his anti-fungal medication for just over a month. His liver test after 30 days came back good; so (for now) we are clear to continue with the meds. We'll be checking everything again in a few months. CJ has been a bit more like his 'old self', he wants to play all the time and is running a lot in the backyard.