Wife Story

Trunk or Treat


The early, heavy snow storm took out our trees, power and forced Halloween festivities to be cancelled. We managed to have the annual Trunk and treating for the Cedar Lake Community the Friday after Halloween.

More: Photos

Aussie II


Karen bought our first Aussie Grill in Arizona. We used it for 6 years, but finally the charcoal tray and the grill were rusting away. It was time for a new grill. The first Aussie cost like $50. It lasted 6 years! I went out and bought another Aussie. I am hoping for 6 more years.

Why did you buy a whole grill if you only needed parts?
Parts:
* Charcoal tray $15
* Grill $15
+ shipping
Is about $45

A new one with all new parts was $48 and was here tonight not two weeks from now.

Wine Country Trip


After years of whining about it reminding me, I finally agreed to go to California and see the Wine Country.

The hotel, airline and rental car points had piled up, so the trips was practically free. Jim Ridgway was assuming command of the Operational Support Center Alameda. We did the “math” and decided it was time.

After 21 Wineries in 5 days, I was ready to try anything BUT wine. I managed to have a few beers and even tasted olive oils! Karen shipped so much wine home, the trip was far from free.

Photos: Wine Trip

Fence Saga: Thanks


A gracious note and bottle from the neighbors (Liebig) after a long struggle to place the fence and clear the brush that troubled our border. My wife elucidated the project from the “Girl Perspective” after I became hopelessly mired in not wanting to do more work or spend the money necessary to make this project an asset to both our properties. She communicated with our eastern neighbor and reached an amicable resolution.

Fence Saga: Done!


The nice, new, level fence is done! So much drama over borders, placement, level, clearing and this is the result.

Photos: Fence

Fence Saga: Supplies


The cedar planks arrived today. The gates are being unloaded in the picture. We are finishing the grading along the fence line to achieve a level fence.

Fence Saga: Liebig Decision


Choose, but choose wisely!

Is it better to cede territory to the Liebigs and build above to the stone row. This in hope of avoiding trouble at inspection time over maximum 72” height.
OR
Build closer to the line, 8 - 10 inches lower and be able to see over the fence (I am 73” tall).

Grrrr!

Fence Saga: Hutchinson Compromise


So far the compromises include staying on “our side” of the Chain Link fence. One survey indicated it is on our property. Two other surveys agree it is mostly on the line.

COMPROMISE: Our new fence will be on “our” side of the property line

Fence Saga: The Clearing


We have 3 little dogs. We want to enclose the backyard so they can frolic and play. We have three legal opinions on where the property lines are laying.

Plenty of surveyor fees, arguments with the Title Company and hour of discussions with the neighbors. We are starting to clear the land and plot the fence line.

Where is Mommy?


Why did you take Mommy to the airport? Did we do something wrong? Please go get her. Now.

Bad Puppy!

Bad Jake
That is a corner of “Mommy’s” expensive, custom, matching pillows. The blur in the background is the criminal responsible trying to escape justice. To paraphrase the old saying, “Wait until your mother gets home!”