The Superior Express -

What a week, or weekend I should say. I forgot my age again and volunteered for a project that took twice as long as I’d expected. If you remember, awhile back, I wrote an article about Lowell Tuma, who was renovating a house here in Nelson on First Street. Well, he is finally ready to list the home on the market and needed someone to clean up the construction mess and make it look shiny and new. Me being me said, “ I can do that.”

Once upon a time, 20 plus years ago, I did that type of work all the time. I cleaned homes, and I did construction clean-up on residential and business properties. I guess I forgot what a difficult job that can be. I am one tired woman. That type of activity uses a whole new muscle group, and my body is currently reminding me of its existence. That’s ok, though, the weekend job put us a little closer to being able to attend Jacob’s graduation next month, and for that, I am thankful.

I find it funny that I can clean like that, yet my house looks like a hurricane went through it. Currently, the kitchen area smells like a dead mouse, and I can’t find the source. Oddly enough, I haven’t seen any mice or evidence of one anywhere in the house. I suppose it’s possible one found its way into the warmth through one of many holes in the foundation, and the cat found it, ripped it in half and left it in the crawl space. That’s her usual MO. She won’t eat them. Although in the past she has left half for me in my house shoe. That was a rough morning.

George has been busy attempting to organize the barn, aka garage. It is crammed full of supplies for the house. Whenever we find something on sale or second-hand that we need, we pick it up whether we are ready for it or not. So for the next couple of weeks, we will be working on finishing projects in order to clear space in the barn. We plan to tackle the front porch first and foremost. I will probably be the go fetch and carry for the project, so I may work at getting a coat of primer on the front of the house. The to-do list around this place just keeps getting longer.

My walnut trees did well this year. It’s like walking through a minefield with aerial bombardment. It’s a guess as to whether you twist an ankle or receive a concussion. If anyone needs walnuts, don’t hesitate to come by and grab a few. I was thinking of harvesting some for myself, but I may not get to it, and there are plenty for man and squirrel to share.

Our Marine recruit, Jacob, just can’t catch a break. First, he had pneumonia, and now they have removed his wisdom teeth. More recently, he fell off the top of the “stairway to heaven,” it’s a 30-foot ladder-like obstacle that recruits climb to the top, maintain a low profile while crossing over, and then climb back down. He said, “It’s tall and a long way down, but I’m fine, somehow.” This week is finals week, and he was stressing over the written exam in his last letter, but I know he will do fine. They leave San Diego for Camp Penelton at the end of this week for what he calls the “fun stuff.” Part of that is the Crucible; It’s not fun stuff.

My Army boy is preparing to be moved to a new duty station to reflect his reenlistment. Being separated from his friends after being together for the last four years will be rough on him; we are optimistic it will be a good move for him. Pray for my boys if you would. X’s & O’s.