Who Needs TV and Risky Business

Talk about real man's work, we had an guy come over and cut down the two big trees behind the barn. It was kind of exciting and worth at least ten minutes of viewing time for the kids, though I thought it was pretty fascinating in a dangerous kind of way. Those guys really earn their pay, which is not chopped liver, though it's amazingly dangerous work. When you don't work with trees, you don't give much thought to how heavy those things are. Even an 18 inch block of tree stump weighs enough to break your foot if it rolled onto it. I know, I've been there.

Either way, the guy finally came and did the job, and now one more thing had been dealt with in our lives. It wasn't exactly a simple process, turned out to be a bit of a rigmarole largely due to my neurosis, indecision, and inability to take action, but it finally got done. It helped that the guy who cut the tree was a doer who in a way didn't give me much choice in the matter... sort of.

And in an example that would make my mentor shake his head and wonder out loud how I survived puberty, the progression of events was not ideal. In my defense, I got a little ambushed on this one, but not before checking out my options. Of course, there's a story to it.

My Mentor had brought his biker/logger friend over and they gave us a quote on cutting down a bunch of trees, seven of them I believe. His logic sounded reasonable, but I had a couple of issues. First off, I didn't really want to cut down that many trees, and second, I didn't want to litter the woods with all that timber. I know it's standard practice to leave the trees to feed the soil, but seven massive trees would be a mess. In typical fashion, I sat on it and hoped it would go away.

No such luck. Finally, at the prompting of my Mentor, I sought out more opinions, and of course I started with some free advice. Free estimates are included in this equation. I contacted our neighbor who lives right down the road and happens to be a forester. Great guy, we met him when first moved here skiing on the trail and I've bought rough cut wood off him. Anyway, he came over and looked over the situation and said he didn't think we needed to cut all seven trees, and that he'd be happy to come and drag the trees away. He even said he'd give us cut boards. Wow, how cool was that?

Though he indicated that he could not cut the trees (he preferred to stay on the ground), he gave me the name of guy who he worked with, SD, and I called him. I also learned the difference between a logger, a forester, and an arborist. SD was local, too, which I liked. So I called him, he came over, he gave me a verbal quote, and said it would be no problem.

Riding this wave of euphoric enlightenment, I contacted another arborist, who gladly came over and gave me a quote which came out to be the same as SD, but much lower than the biker/logger. So I had a sense we were in the right price range. I was ready to call a fourth guy but decided it would be wasting his time.

Anyway, this is where things got a little more dicey. I hadn't heard from SD in awhile but had decided to go with him because he had a good working relationship with our friend and neighbor, GC, and he seemed professional and on the up and up. In other words, he showed up in a truck with his business painted on the door, which I equate with being a professional. The logger/biker had his girlfriend bring him over because he had lost his license. Not a good first impression.

Well, SD called and said he'd be over sometime during the week to cut the tree, but he hadn't given me a written quote or a proof of insurance. So I called him and told him I needed these things. Before I knew it, he shows up at our door and says he'll be over the next day to cut the trees. Wow, was he for real? I told him I needed something in writing and insurance papers, which he said was perfectly reasonable and that he would give to me. I couldn't help but think, "Fat chance," in light of the fact that he was coming over the next day.

I was a little stressed about it, and contemplated telling him "No way, Jose," even though his name wasn't Jose. There are liability and professional issues involved here, not to mention proper protocol. Either way, it looked like it was going to be done. One thing on our side was that he didn't ask for any money up front, and would give me an invoice upon completion, after which he would expect payment.

So I went with it. I could have been hard-nosed and told him not to do any work until he gave me the proper paperwork, but I didn't, so what's done is done. He came over in the AM, cut the trees, blocked up my firewood, left the board logs for GC to pick up, and chipped the branches into the woods. It snowed during the cutting, and right after we got hit with a major blizzard, so the evidence has been covered, but here is it, anyway. That's a tree stump.

I'm happy with it, no disasters occurred, and the trees are gone.

I'll take it. Until the next time, thanks for reading.

The Clock Ticketh and More Snow

It dawned on us that we'd better get on the ball in terms of the Christmas season. There is so much going on and we've been overwhelmed with house issues and work and all that other good stuff that we haven't been attending to the important things in life, i.e., the kids and the holidays. I think we're not too late, but time sure flies when you're having fun.

Speaking of fun, we got even more snow, and it's finally looking like Vermont in December("It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...), though it puts a little bit of a damper on house building projects, but nothing insurmountable. We hadn't had any real snowfall all of November and for most of early December, which was a bummer but again, it made fixing that barn a lot easier. When it did finally snow, of course being the Grinch that I am, all I could do was complain while we tried to cover the house, but again, that's just me being a whiner. What else is new?

We got out second storm within a couple of days, and it was a winner. We must have gotten about a foot of snow, how cool is that? I think it's time to hit the slopes, and I think we may look into that next week, if not maybe this weekend. I hope my foot holds up. We made the most of the white stuff, getting out there and playing and dealing with important logistical issues, like shoveling a path to our wood and raking the roof. Our new short term plan on that roof is to eventually get a new roof put on, but in the mean time, rake it as much as possible to keep the snow from turning into ice. That would not be a good thing, but I think with a little diligence (not my forte) it can be done. Plus, when you have such hard working helpers, anything is possible, if not even enjoyable and fun.

Today is Thursday and I have to go get the snow tires put on our car. I think we're the last people in Vermont to get that done, how embarrassing. Just have to make it to the tire guys, and then I can breathe a little easier.

Until the next time, thanks for reading, and thanks to cema for the pic.

First Snow and Taking a Break

It seems like it's late, but it finally snowed. We probably got around 2-3 inches, with nice coverage. The irony of it all is that I've been pining for snow since October and when we finally got it, all I could wonder was, "Why now?" I was in the midst of wrapping up the barn and the cold weather makes it hard to do certain things, so as I was applying I&W shield, the snow came down on my head, making the flashing wet and compromising its adhesive qualities.


The kids came out to play and loved it, and I regret that I couldn't stop what I was doing to enjoy it with them, but I felt a sense of time urgency in getting this stuff done. What a bummer. Responsibilities can be such a drag. Then again, it's up to me to get my priorities straight.

I managed to get enough done to get into my snow clothes and play with the kids. We had a major snowball fight and since it was two against one, dad took a beating, which is the way it should be. It's hilarious because the kids built snow castles on the roof of the car and I wasn't really paying attention to it, so when I went to the store to get some vittles, I came out of the parking lot and couldn't figure out what was on top of the car, only to realize I'd been driving around with these architectural masterpieces. A good way to showcase their engineering prowess.

We also went and got our Christmas tree. We got to our usual spot, the local lumber mill Wrights, and picked out a winner. It was later in the evening and the snow was coming down in sheets, giving us the full White Christmas effect, but since it was late in the evening, we couldn't really set the tree up inside. So we left it on the porch, where it fell over and looked sad and lonely the next morning, but it was a momentary situation.

I've managed to move along on the barn and feel a little less stressed about time, though there are still a countless number of things that need to be done. Even still, I can stop obsessing over the thing. We are one step closer to sealing the beast up. I don't feel like I can stop altogether, but at least I don't have to think about it 24/7. Maybe just 15 hours a day.

Until the next time, thanks for reading.

Why Don't We Do This More Often?

We had a playdate with our good friends the H's, and as usual, had an amazingly good time and left scratching our heads as to why we don't do this more often. The kids play on their own for hours, and by the time we are ready to leave, or they're ready for us to leave due to assorted obligations, the last thing anyone wants to do is leave. There is just so much they enjoy doing together, and it's always nice to share stories in the trenches with my comrade, CH. Either way, it had been maybe two months since we'd seen these guys.

It was difficult tearing myself away from the barn, because the weather was beautiful and an ideal time to get some things done, but you can't deny your kids an enriching good time. Also, CH offered to watch the kids if I ever needed to get some work done sans interruptions. AND, CH's husband, my good friend DH, has every tool on the planet, not to mention a truck that he is happy to let us borrow. I'm going to use his extension ladder this weekend.

We didn't want to show up for lunch empty handed, so I scrambled to make whoopie pies in the AM. They are actually a pretty simple desert, they just take a little elbow grease to whip up the batter and frosting. We brought a pineapple for the lunch, as well. A locally grown one, of course.

CH is one of the most plugged in people on the planet. She knows all the cool things going on and is a fountain of wisdom. I always learn about cool happening in town through her, so it's good to touch base. She is also filled with good advice about homeschooling. She's a certified Vermont teacher, after all, so a good person to talk to about learning.

Best of all, the kids operate at the same speed. They are on the thoughtful, cerebral end, they all love books, they don't watch TV, and find intense, loud crowds to be overwhelming. Plus, N is in awe of C, so he not only has a bit of a hero figure, but a good source for hand me down clothes. He is very meticulous about what he wears, the only pants he'll wear are the custom tailored ones from Grandmum, but when they get the seal of approval from C, he's more inclined to accept them.

We had a nice day, it must have lasted at least five hours, and by the afternoon, I was getting anxious to lay some ice and water shield down, and we had to get to Shepard's Pie for the big show.

We left saying we had to do it again soon, but we say that every time and then months pass by. We'll see how it goes this time.

Until then, thanks for reading, and thanks to Yamamoto Ortiz for the pic.

Great Performances

I fully acknowledge that I'm being a shameless parent here, but I can't help but comment on A's performance on Friday night. But first, a little backstory.

She had her guitar lesson on Thursday and she learned a new folk standard by John Prine, a family favorite, BTW. KR was commenting on how quickly she picked up the song, which was not a difficult chord pattern, but even still, A gets credit. We hung out and had a tea party with these amazing Dutch caramel waffles, incredible.

Anyway, we left and forgot A's bag of music at KR's house. This escaped our notice until Friday night, when we were going to see KR's band play over at Shepard's Pie. KR mentioned that there would be a possibility that A could come up and play a set with her, so naturally we packed up her guitar and got in the car. A said she forgot her music bag, so we went back inside and looked for it, but no luck. I said she probably didn't need it because if she played, they'd do a song she knew.

Her response was to ask, "What if we play the new song? I don't know the words." I thought, what are the chances she was even going to play? This wasn't KR alone, but her band, in a more formal setting. I just said it wasn't a big deal and we had to go. You can imagine how that went over. Of course, being the big softie that I am, I relented, turned off the car, and went back into the house and downloaded the lyrics to the song. I was going to get the chord pattern, as well, but they were different than the ones she learned, and I didn't want to confuse her.

She was happy to have the song and read/practiced the lyrics on the drive over to Shepard's Pie. We got there early, got a table and had a killer meal while the band played a wonderful set. Well, as the band took a break, KR called A up to the stage and sure enough the played the new song. A belted it out and did a beautiful job. So calm and collected. What I find so amazing is that she had just learned the song, didn't even know the lyrics, and had the wherewithal and courage to go up and perform it live. I would have been petrified. The audience loved her, and the musicians were all very nice to a shameless, insecure dad like myself by coming up and complimenting her on her abilities at such a young age, not only her playing but her singing.

What a fabulous night. Just for the record, Shepard's Pie has great food and a really nice setting. Good vibes all around, the staff really gives you the feeling of being welcome. We had the Tuscan Chicken Lasagna and the Chicken and Black Bean Burrito, both amazing. The burrito was a little spicy for the kids, but I loved it. I had the chili and it was great, but a lot of meat. In fact, it was pretty much all meat, with a few beans sprinkled in. Good stuff, but not for the faint of heart.

Of course, we finished it off with a killer piece of chocolate cake and an eclair. It was a fun night, and a wonderful experience overall.

Until the next time, thanks for reading, and thanks to Lucio Mondini for the pic.

The Weather and Taking a Break

What is up with this weather? I heard on the radio that up near Portland ME the temps were around 70 degrees. Can you believe that?

Not that I'm complaining, the weather has made it easier to work outside, and there's plenty to be done. My understanding is that it's going to get cold in the coming days, so I really need to stay on top of what tiny steps of progress I can make.

In the midst of my looming deadlines, I got a call from our good friend CH and she asked if we wanted to come over for morning playdate. I said yes without hesitation because we love hanging with them, but part of me was screaming "No!" I've got way too much to do. Oh well, sometimes you have to hang up the tool belt and have some fun. This darn barn project has become a bit too all-consuming, anyway.

Besides, I'll get to work in the afternoon, and it'll be good to catch up with the H's since it's been awhile, and you can't put ice and water shield on when there's frost on the sheathing. So it's all good... sort of.

Until the next time, thanks for reading, and thanks to TJ SMITH for the pic.

The Inevitable?

As much as I've been trying to avoid it, it seems unavoidable that I'm slowly but surely becoming a suburban housewife, though I still don't do ironing. The only things missing are the minivan and soccer practice. As the kids get older, the number of activities just seems to escalate, and I spend my days packing lunches and carting them around to assorted enriching programs while chatting with other moms about the latest episode of Oprah. Actually, I'm more of a Jerry Spring fan. Just kidding.

Anyway, with the holidays coming, things are really heating up. With A in choir, not only does she need to get to where she's going, but I've volunteered to help out. How can you not? When you think about it, the woman who is leading the chorus has no kids in the group, she's only helping out of the goodness of her heart, and she's taking classes to get her degree, which is pretty amazing when you think about it. A testament to community involvement. So when she asks for assistance in various endeavors, how can any self-respecting parent say no?

So I burned CDs with the Christmas music for the kids and am in the process of making props for the show. Part of me wonders if they are getting too ambitious with several songs, props, costumes and even choreography. These kids are under 10 years old, how much can you expect from them? Then again, what have you got to lose? Their kids and they'll have fun no matter what, and you can't let the fear of something that may or may not happen stop you from trying. It'll be fun no matter what.

The choir leader CS is still asking for volunteers to help out during the dress rehearsals and during the performances, and I can feel myself leaning towards helping, but man do I not have the time. I'm trying to cajole R into helping, but if I nudge too hard it'll push her over the edge, so I have to watch my step.

In the meantime, there's plenty to do around the homestead. There's a ways to go on phase one of the barn, but we're getting there. A has been doing great on her guitar, and N loves his drum lessons. It's too cute to see him practicing his basics, he's so earnest, which makes him a good candidate for lessons. He's not just wasting the instructor's time.

Until the next time, thanks for reading, and thanks to sulaco229 for the pic.