July 15- 25

Day 874-884
Counting the days of this journey is a habit, but when you look at the number, wow! It has been a long time since our lives changed. Oh well, change is change, and brings the challenges of life along with it. Who would have thought our so called life plan would have such a curve in it? I remember telling someone our path was pretty straight, but I sure had to eat those words! I was told just recently that we were passing our test of love with flying colours, but that is all dependent on the day. We certainly have rough ones, patience wears thin, and we definitely see too much of each other. All in all though, we have figured out a new routine, and are becoming more involved with life in general. The real worry of the first year has eased for me, and I find myself taking more time for myself. I actually finished a quilt top last week! That is a real accomplishment, believe me. Glenn was able to take care of himself well enough while I was sewing, and I have altered my habits enough to go at it in fits and starts, which was not my usual MO. Time heals or at least lets you adjust to all wounds.
Enough of the philosophy, we are getting closer to digging. Our house plans are finished, and the builder was putting together a cost sheet. When that is done, we'll sign a contract and give him some money, then the dig is on. It still seems unreal, and I can only dance around the idea of rooms and colours. Glenn and I are having a discussion about Blue vs. white laundry appliances. I really don't think Glenn cares, but he really can't resist arguing about it. That is so normal, I can't even tell you about it. Most women are on my side for the blue ones, and I think Glenn is a bit amazed, but is staunchly defending that white will never go out of style. (Like he cares about style. Remember the duct tape on the sandals?) We are a bit floored at the prices of major appliances, so the shopping is starting. I wonder if it is worth a trip to the States? I have no idea what that would entail. Any comments would be welcome.
Our Colin will be 27 tomorrow. Unbelievable. He was such a good baby, and a good kid all along. It is fun to watch him and Chelsey figure out their budget. Let me tell you, they are good at budgeting! They are flogging the system as much as it can be flogged in the summer to get the title through. I think we are having company tonight, and possibly tomorrow. The kids are coming out today to work on a few things around the yard, Chris wants to use the camper next weekend, so they will figure out the last problems, and pack a few more things into it. I think we will try to go while Jackie and Johnny are on vacation. They move next Friday, and start their holidays in August. I think we can do it! We have an old push lawn mower that needed some work to get it to run. Johnny started on it, then I got a bit curious, and talked to our neighbour who works on small engines. He suggested we clean the magnet on the fly wheel, which I did, and lo and behold, we got her running! I was shocked, as I have a history of hate for Briggs engines! They will use it and will save a bit of money not buying a new one.
Glenn has made a lot of improvement in his speech. He was cracking jokes at a family weiner roast, and I didn't have to translate. That is great, and really encouraging to us. Who knows where he will end up, but every little thing he gets back is a bonus.
'Til next time,
Louise

June 30 - July 14

Day 859 - 873
My, the time is flying by. We have been to another wedding and are planning to attend a 40th anniversary on the weekend. July is half over, and we haven't turned a sod yet, but with all the rain, perhaps that is OK.
Glenn is not getting as much stretching as he needs right at the moment, and he still is able to get his right hand open and moving, so I am thinking he is doing a fair bit on his own. He can move his ring finger, which has been a problem from the beginning, so that is progress. I would like him to stand more, but the weather is a bit against us. He is playing with computers more than he is standing, and I should help him more. There are too many things we should be doing! I need a bit more discipline! We are adjusting more all the time, I can understand him almost all the time now, and more and more people can too. That is a relief, not being able to talk would kill me!
We had a bar-b-que on Sunday, and lots of people came to say hi that day. It's funny that we had not had that much company over the past few weeks, then lots came on Sunday. It was a nice day, and we met Chelsey' parent for the first time. Colin and Chelsey ran the meal, we provided some of the side dishes, and enjoyed meeting them. It was good to have all the kids together.
Dale has now made an offer to buy a house in Edenwold. We are pretty sure he will buy it, and working on getting a mortage. He was told that the fellow he was renting from had sold the house, and it would be the new owners property at the end of September. Dale wasn't told to move, but he expected that would be the case, so he took up the opportunity when it came. Boy, all we talk about anymore is mortages, houses, renovations, yard care! I think my kids have grown up!
''Til next time,
Louise