Siding into Spring

Hello faithful blog watchers, and welcome back to another edition of Trenda's Travels. This cool Sunday afternoon finds me in one of my winter sweaters with socks and shoes--a far cry from the shorts, tank tops, and sandals I've been wearing a lot already this summer. The past week has been rainy, windy, cold, and, well, very spring-like. Despite the elements, life has been in full swing...
As has been my hammer. This spring brought about the long awaited (and dreaded) siding project that was handed down to us from on high (our Homeowner's Assoc.) last fall. Basically, they gave us two options: either scrape and repaint the house, or reside it. And if we failed to comply? Banishment from the Vineyard for our family and every generation of Trenda to come. O.K., so it wasn't that serious, but we would be faced with fines and the scorn of many a respected elderly person that constantly walks the path through the Shire (which runs right behind our house).
This project has been in the works all winter, although we've hardly had any progress to show for it on the house up till a month ago when Mr. Ed from Montrose came up and put the metal wrap on the windows and door frames. Then Mr. Ed got shingles the weekend we were supposed to kick off the siding extravaganza. No, not roofing shingles, the sickness shingles. I guess they really hurt--poor guy. Slow start? Hey slow and steady wins the race. Now if I can just find a way to get this thing done by June 1. That's our deadline, and I fully intend to make it--even if I have to rent floodlights and work through the night (our H.A. will love that:o).
So I finished another chapter in life this Friday. I'm no longer employeed at Crossroads Fitness Center! As a going away present, my buddy and fellow coworker Levi got me a Strawberry Shortcake cake that read "Good Luck Graham." Why Strawberry Shortcake? Your guess is as good as mine! The smile you can't see over the computer is one of satisfaction and excitement for the future. Even if that future is cleaning carpets for a summer, it is the future. Seriously, it should be fun working with Greg again, in all his craziness. I'll only be able to work Monday through Wednesday this week, as Andrea, Ellie and I are flying to Tennessee on Thursday to hang with the fam down there.
Big news down south, my lovely sister Hilary is getting married in November--whoo-hoo! Her fiance Tyson is a great guy, and I can't wait to have him in the family. I first met him when Hil was in college, and have seen him several times since. It'll be great getting to hang with them both this next week and dream about the big day.
Ellie learned to clap about a week ago. She's such a sweetie! She watches her hands intensely as they go together and come apart, not quite sure why it's so cool, but diggin' it all the same. She's got the concept, as she's started clapping when she's happy, or when someone makes her smile.
Physically, she just finished pushing through her second tooth on the top. She now has two on the bottom and the top two coming in. While her smile gets cuter, we've paid the price in sleep. The past few nights have been long and exhausting with a cranky, teething baby up every hour of the night and early morning. Needless to say, the nap this morning after church was beneficial for Ellie and her weary parents.
She's also starting to thin out, if only a little. While still a big baby, she's more active--waving her hand and arms, reaching fo objects, spending lots of time on her tummy. Still no vertical progression as far as movement goes. She's in no hurry it seems, and when I think about her crawling around our non-child-proofed house, I'm in no hurry either. It's nice to put her in one spot and know she'll be there when I get back.
Well, Andrea and I are off to Bunco tonight, for the first time in about six months. It should be a fun time, as there's always lots of food and laughter.
Before I sign off, I have to let you know that Andrea's getting into a new business venture. It's selling Arbonne skin care products. She went to a party at our friend Jenna's house, and she got hooked on the product. As the days progressed, she decided she wanted to sell it as well. So shes' really excited about it, saying this opportunity has caused her to dream again! It's so great to see her determination and excitement for what's to come. I'm very proud of her, and excited to see what she can do with the business!
Anyway, we hope you all are well in your respective place in this great story we're in. Give us a call or shoot us an e-mail if you want to chat and catch up. Plus, the 3/4 sided house is always open for you if you need a place to eat a good meal and rest your head. Ellie will surely entertain you as well;o)

Love and wild blessings...
Graham, Andrea & Ellie

P.S. Check out our new dishwasher!
Before: The original 1980's model was cream colored, complete with fake wood trim. The two options controled by the big silver knob were "Noisy" and "Noisier."
After: The new ("new" to us, "used" by the previous owner) white Kenmore gels with all of our other white appliances, plus it's got more room and doesn't make the kitchen sound like a train depot. Also, notice the silver hardware on the cabinets and drawers--yet another Spring project.