Lists

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Another full day working outside, and little by little, everything is finally starting to come together! My to-do list was about a mile long, and Tim's wasn't too shabby either.

I mowed the lawn, moved the last of the bricks, cleared out garden beds, cleaned up the yard, and started putting everything back where it belonged. Meanwhile, Tim hung my window boxes, assembled a couple more chairs, put together my new deck box, and installed a solar light over the back door. I also ordered new cushions for the hanging couch and chairs, along with a few slipcovers where they were needed. At this rate, I just might get everything looking the way I want... before fall arrives!

Jess stopped by for a visit, and since she had my son-in-law's truck, we made a quick trip to Job Lot. I was thrilled to snag the very last large deck box they had in stock, exactly what I needed to keep all the outdoor cushions clean and dry instead of getting damp and icky every time it rains.

The best part? I paid $250 and received a $200 Crazy Deal Gift Card. At this point, I think the majority of my net worth is tied up in Crazy Deal cards! Some people invest in stocks or real estate... apparently, I invest in Job Lot. Thankfully, the gift cards never expire, and without Benny's around anymore, we all seem to end up at Job Lot at least once a week anyway. I'm pretty confident I'll have no trouble spending it.

After working outside all morning, Tim and I decided to "take a quick break" on the deck couch. The next thing we knew, we were both sound asleep. I guess our bodies decided that nap wasn't optional after all!

I woke up, feeling as if I had slept for hours but thankfully it hadn't been too long. I made a quick trip to the grocery store,  and Tim and I headed over to my daughter's house for dinner. My son met us there, and not long after we had settled onto the deck, my daughter and Cash arrived home. It turned into one of those perfect summer evenings, good food, good conversation, and everyone gathered outside enjoying the beautiful weather. Link and Kyle were off watching a golf tournament, getting everyone together becomes more of a challenge as the kids get older. 

Of course, as the evening wound down, reality crept back in. The weekend was coming to a close, and a fresh to-do list immediately started forming in my head: fresh bedding in the guest rooms before Bridie's visit, laundry, groceries, getting the house in order... Oh, what I wouldn't give for one extra weekend day!

Next weekend almost feels like we'll get that wish. Tim has Friday off, and I have Monday off, an odd combination, but we'll happily take it. With Bridie, Greg, and the three boys coming to stay, I highly doubt any house projects will get crossed off the list. And honestly, that's perfectly fine. The work can wait. Time with family, especially our grandsons, is worth far more than anything I could accomplish with a hammer, a lawn mower, or another trip to Job Lot. And our patio is just about ready for a party!! 

"Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family." — Anthony Brandt