little update

Sparse posting lately. Sorry. We've been quite busy! Here's the latest:
-Uncle Deacon and my Dad both came for an overnight visit. We didn't get to see Uncle D as much as usual but we enjoyed a breakfast out with "Pop-Pop" and a little shopping trip together to pick out:
-a new washer and dryer! John installed it this morning. I am so tickled with it that when we ran out of dirty clothes I started gathering up blankets/sheets/curtains, just to hear that beautiful machine hum along. It's a beautiful cherry red color and so very CHEERFUL that I am debating whether or not to take the closet doors off our laundry area to see it?!
-The dishwasher was merely clogged (Kelli, you were right!) and John MY HERO, fixed it right away. He rescued me just in the nick of time, and I didn't have to resort to hand washing. whew!
-The boys and I went to Portland for 2 days. We painted and worked on my brothers house, as they are getting ready to sell and move to Michigan. We'll go back next week for 2 more days and help paint the exterior a beautiful green color named "Thyme". Since it's in our Spring plans to paint our house a similar color, I am excited to see how it looks!
-Getting ready for a yard sale next month so I am deep-cleaning, organizing and de-cluttering. I prefer Fall to the traditional Spring for such activity, since that is when you are getting ready to be indoors the most, isn't it?
-We set the alarm for 3 AM on Monday night to see the lunar eclipse. Sam's response to the blood red moon was "Wow! I guess it's easy to see why the Celts and Druids thought it was a sign of the coming Apocalypse, huh?"
-trying to keep up with the garden and harvesting. Lately lots of blackberries and zucchini are going into the freezer. Soon, basil and tomato sauce. Planning on picking peaches soon, as they are John's favorite.
-Josiah is spending a few days in Portland. He has never been away from home this long, and his absence is sorely felt. He's having a great time helping care for his 3 year old cousin, and being thoroughly spoiled by his Aunt and Uncle but I confess I will be glad to get him back! The Kraft grandparents are coming for a long weekend visit, and will pick him up and bring him along on Friday.
-John is bracing for his 37th birthday this weekend! We'll go to the Coast, his favorite place and enjoy time with Lee and Claudia. If you see flames in the west on Monday, that's just the candles.
-The boys and I started driving for Meals on Wheels once a week two months ago, and we are still loving it. Each boy takes turns, hopping out of the car at each stop and delivering the hot lunch with a smile. Each son has their favorite senior "customer". When we worked the route today, 2 people asked after "your biggest boy" i.e. Josiah. I missed him too, as without his reminders, I missed the correct turn TWICE! That boy is as good with directions as his Dad.