The start...

Beth was up at her usual time of 6:30am and I got up at 7:30am. We got ready to go to the gym, but waited until the guys got here for the sidewalks. The were here around 8:30am and began working. We left for the gym and we back home by 10 am. I worked on the living room, dining room, and mud room. I did a quick surface vacuum and called it a day. I had to go to Best Buy and then to the grocery store. The guys finished up around 4:30pm and left for the day. They will be back tomorrow, but of course we are suppose to have heavy rain. But at least the process is under way and should be done by the end of the week.

Will it finally happen????

Beth was up at 6:30 and had her coffee and breakfast on the porch. I got up around 7:30 am and we both got ready for the gym. WE both did the treadmill to get our legs ready for walking next week.We stopped by TSC to get some bird seed and then came home. We then picked up all the brick around the flower in hopes the hardscaper guy will be here in the morning. We then had some lunch and I took a shower. I picked Rylee and took her dance class.  Dawn and Jo came by and we all had dinner together.

Rain again...

Beth was up around 6:30 am and I got up around 7:30 am. We took showers and had breakfast. I left around 9:30am for my hair appointment and then went to the bank. We had lunch when I got  home, then took Gabby home. then stopped at the mall, the dry cleaners, and the store. We had had some rain has night, but Philly got hit hard with about 8 inches in rain. We did not get that much here, but it nice to get some. We are hoping the hardscape is coming on Wednesday, as I am tired of walking in muddy on the back walkway. We will have to clean the deck off after all the sidewalks are put in as it is very muddy.

Some rain...

Beth was up and at church by 8am and back home by 9:15am. we had breakfast and read the paper. The then went to Staples, Target, GNC, and finally to lunch. We tried the new pretzel burger Wendy's had and it was pretty good. We then came home and Beth went out to do more yard work. I went downstairs and put all the new scrapbook stuff away. Beth text me that she was back in the house as it was raining outside. It lasted about an hour and then was done. She went back outside to finish. I put a pork tenderloin in the set it and forget and it was really good. It will b a busy week trying to get things ready to go on vacation Saturday, but it will all get done.

Packing...

We both got up around 7:30 am this morning. I took a shower and headed to Wal-Mart and Beth started on yard work. I only went after a few things, but ended up getting more than I thought. I was able to cross a lot of stuff off the list for our vacation. Beth got the front and back yard cut and some weed whacking. We headed from DJ and Maggie that they made it safe to the race track, but did run into some rain. I guess that is what we are to get tomorrow. I was able to get laundry done, packed sheets and towels, packed all the toiletries, and organize our purchases already made. So one week from today, we will be in P-town with Dawn, Jo, and Rylee. Can't wait.

Scrapbook convention...

We were up and out the door by 7:30am this morning. we had to drive to Lancaster to the scrapbook convention. We were going to park in the lot next to the convention center, but parked in the one 3 block away by mistake. But we were glad we did and the one we wanted was full. We made our way inside and started at the back. We had a great system, I picked up what I wanted and Beth waited in line and paid, while I made my way to the next booth. It really saved a lot of time and we were out of there in 2 1/2 hours. We then headed to the Total Wine & more store, but by accident we found the Kitchen Kettle shopping center that carried our square candles and stopped to pick up some more. We had lunch of smoke turkey sandwich and bake ham sandwich and they were really good. We then made it to the wine store around 2:30pm and made our purchases. We like this one better as it was bigger and cleaner. We then made it home around 4:30pm and both took a little nap before dinner. Maggie came over to drop off Gabby and picked up the grill and movies for Kyle. Good luck to the boys racing next week.

Melting pot...

We were both up around 7:30am this morning. I got dressed and went to the gym and Beth waited for Jojo to be dropped off. After I came home, I called and got an appointment to have 4 new tires and a front end alignment done next Thursday. We had some lunch and then Beth and Jojo put a puzzle together, but Jojo lost interest in it fast. I was on the computer checking on things for our Ptown trip. Kim picked up Jojo around 3pm and we left to go to the Melting pot around 4:30pm. They had a special tonight and we both love their food. We stopped at BJ's to get a few things for the trip and will make another trip there next Friday. We are off to the scrapbook convention tomorrow morning and then on to the wine store. Busy day. The temps have been really great and only in the low 80's during the day. We both love sitting on the back porch.

So disappointed...

Beth was up and at the gym by 8am. I had a dentist appointment and everything is good with my teeth. I stopped by the store and picked up a few things, then when to Colonial Gardens to get a half a scoop of mulch. I was back home by 11am. Kim had already dropped off Jojo. I changed clothes and went to unload the mulch. It did not take long and we will see how long this stays in place. We had some lunch and I had to clean the baby grill I have for DJ to use at Grands next week. Jojo and Beth went swimming and the water was a little cool. Guess we will have to put the cover back on at night. Kim picked up Jojo and Beth left with Liz to go look at her apartment. I did get the fire pit all set up, but we still need some more fire pit glass for it. The hardscape text and will not be here this week, but will be here next Wednesday. We were so disappointed, but what can you do.

Too much to fast...

We work up this morning to a real mess. We got over 3 1/2 inches of rain in a very short time period. I slept through it , but Beth was up and took pictures of the lake in the front yard. They were too dark to see, but we saw the effect this morning. We left for the gym and were back home around 10 am. I had dropped off my truck last night to get it looked at this morning and the guy said there was nothing wrong with it. The issue I was have was a normal response to a steep hill and after he explained it , it all made sense. So we went to go pick it up. I am getting new tires on it some time next week as they have to be ordered. I then stopped at Home Depot to get some dirt to fill in the hole the lake made. I will need to get another 1/2 load of mulch to fix the rest. But hey, the gutters worked great. Beth's brother and sister in law came over for a visit and to see the finished deck. After they left, we carried the grill and put it on the deck and it looks nice. we even had burgers on it and ate out side for dinner.

Finally some rain...

We were up around 7am this morning and headed off to see Dr. Bill around 8am. After getting adjustments, Beth had to go give blood and then we were back home by 10am. DJ was waiting for us and she took the rocking chair in the living room. We had some lunch then went to Target, Lowe's, and Wal-Mart. We saw DJ and Payton there also. We were getting ready to leave and it was raining cats and dog. I was finally going to see if the rain was running better n the gutters. So we headed home and 2 miles from home the rain stopped. Just our luck. So we did not see the rain in the gutters, but Beth there were a lot of old whirly birds out the end of the down spout, so it is working fine. We both had head aches from getting our neck adjusted, so we took a nap. I slept for 20 minutes and Beth slept for 3 hours. I made pork chops for dinner and then we dropped off my truck at the dealership to get it looked out. Can't wait to see what this will cost.

Cooling off a little...

I was awaken at 6:30 am this morning by a little tapping on my head, Rylee was up. So we got up and she had chocolate milk and we watched some TV. Beth left around 7:45am for church and was back home by 9am. I had a quick shower and we had powered donuts for breakfast. We then went swimming as it was a nice morning. DJ and her gang stopped by around 11:30am and Dawn and Jo arrived around noon. After everyone left, we came inside to change and I worked on the grill. I got it all painted and put back together. Beth cut the front and back yard. It was a little cooler and only going to get in the mid 80's this week. We have a chance of rain all week and of course the hard scape guy is going to be here to get the sidewalks in.

Overnight...

I got up around 7:45 am this morning and took a shower. Beth was up around 9am as I was leaving to go to the store. Dawn and Jo dropped off Rylee around noon and we talked a little bit about out P-tone vacation. They headed to NY where they were going to see a show and spend the night. We had lunch and then went for a swim. The water was too warm, but was still nice to swim. Gayle brought Beth's car home around 5pm, just as we were getting out of the water. We had chicken for dinner then watch a movie, The Jungle Book. I think Rylee liked it as she had never seen it before. She was off to bed with out a fuss and was very tired. W were to get rain the afternoon, but nothing occurred. Let's hope we get some overnight.

Deck chairs...

We were up around 8:30 am this morning. I took a shower and Beth had coffee on the deck. Gayle and her son came by around 9am to get the car ready for the car show tomorrow. Beth had her shower and we headed to reading. We had lunch a Chipotle and then went to Vanity Fair. We both needed to get a size smaller in shorts and shirts and Beth needed new underwear. We left there and went to Reading China and glass. Beth was looking for plastic wine glasses to be used on the new deck. After that we went to order new Adirondack chairs. We ordered 2 rockers and 2 chairs in tropical colors. We then stopped at the local fruit stand and got tomatoes, sugar plums, cherries, a cantaloupe, and a watermelon. We finally made it home around 4pm. I took a 30 minute nap and we then went to dinner at the Brick house. I had a burger and Beth had fried chicken. We then went to Pep Boys and to Home Depot. It started to thunder and we had a few sprinkles, but I still had to water. We are suppose to have heavy storms tomorrow night. So it was a busy day of running and another day of mid 90's and high humid. It is suppose to be in the mid 80's next week and will be so thankful.

Scan day...

I was up and at the hospital by 7:50am this morning. I got right in and we started the test. They had a new machine and I did not feel so Closter phobic with it. There were 4 test for a total on 1 hour laying very still. I was so glad when it was done and life could get back to my normal. I came home and had a pop tart with some milk and boy did it taste good. I started laundry and spent the rest of the day on the computer. Beth left around 4:30pm to go pick up Rylee. I went out and took the grill apart and power washed it all down. It will be ready to paint and reassemble to morrow and cane be put on the new deck. I am so tired tonight and will be glad to be back on my pills tomorrow. It will take a few days to get back to normal.

Radioactive...

I was up and on my way to the hospital by 7:30am. I got through registration and headed back to the nuclear medicine area. I only had to wait about 5 minutes and Andy came to get me. I had him last time I had this test. So I took the 4 radioactive pills and was on my way. I came home and Beth was outside getting ready to mow the grass. After she was done, We had some lunch and then went to Home Depot and on to the pool store. We had to get a cleaner for the pool as Beth was getting tired of doing it by hand. We then went to Pier 1, but did not find anything. Liz and CJ came by for a visit. After they left, we had dinner and I had to water. It has been very hot and humid the last three days, but the evenings have been kinda nice. We have spent time sitting on the back porch and relaxing.

Deck is now a porch...

I got up around 7:30am to the door bell ringing. It was John and he was here to fix the last cable on the deck. So after talking with him a few minutes, he went to fix the cable and I got dressed. I had to leave for the doctor's office around 8:45am. I got my second shot and will head to the hospital tomorrow morning for the radioactive pill. I came back home and Beth cut the grass and I worked in the flower bed by the house. Several plants paid the price for the new deck and a few will come around. I had several weeds to pull and things are looking better. This fall we will dig up the carpet lilies and thin them out and edge the bed better. So at least we have a plan for it. We then had lunch and took showers. We had to pick Rylee up at 3:15pm and get her to dance class by 4:15pm. So we sat with the other parents in the waiting room waiting for class to be done. They close the door, so you can't see what is going on. We came home and had dinner. Jo picked up Rylee and the head home. we went out and sat on the porch now and the deck is the uncovered part. It was kinda nice. We talked about our plans for P-town as it is about 2 weeks away.

Deck is done....

I got up around 7am this morning and took a shower. The guys got here around 7:30 am and finished the deck around 2pm. They still have one cable that needs to be attached, but lost a piece for it. So they will come back and fix it later. I headed out the door around 8:30am for the doctor's office. I got my first shot today and will go back tomorrow for the second shot. Kim dropped of Jojo around 9:30am and Jeff stopped by around the same time to see the deck. I spent the rest of the day finding my desk as it was a mess. Beth and Jojo watched a movie and Kim came to pick her up around 4pm. I went to the grocery store and found a no salt ketchup and potato chips. Yea me. I fixed dinner and afterwards we went out to water and move the deck furniture to the deck. We will need to work with the placement, but at least it is on the deck.

Grill pieces...

Rylee was up at 7:30 am this morning mad because I did not put Buster in her room last night. So up we all were. I took a shower and Beth fed Rylee a waffle. Beth then took her shower and we all headed outside. I started taking the grill apart as it needed to be cleaned before it went back on the deck. After taking the bars off, I discovered the burner has burned into and needed to be replaced. Beth finished putting the deck furniture together, and Rylee was riding the hot wheels car in the drive way. Dawn came to pick up Rylee around 11 am. We had a quick lunch and headed to go get the grill parts. we had to go to ACE as they carry Weber grills. We found a couple of things we needed, but not the burner. So we headed to the ACE by Beth parent's house and they had what we needed. We wanted to convert the Weber tank to a universal tank, but the part the guy gave us was not the right one. So we came home and both took a quick nap. I then cleaned out the fridge and took all the trash out. Beth had to vacuum the pool as it was very dirty. So tomorrow should be the last day for the deck and we are so excited.

Sleep over...

We both slept until 8:30 am this morning. We had showers and Beth had her breakfast and coffee on the new deck. Jo dropped Rylee off around 11 am. We then left and went to Lowe's and then on to McDonald's for lunch. They have the minion in their kids meal, so Beth and Rylee both got one. I got to eat the apples out our their meals and had a lemonade to drink. The then headed up to the Reading Farmer's market and I found a place that sells organic chicken and beef. So I got chicken breasts, flat iron steak, and hamburger. What a deal to find. When then came home and Beth went to 5:30pm mass while Rylee and I played downstairs. I then fixed dinner and Rylee played in the sprinkler out front  for a while. She had a good time. She went down around 8:45pm for the evening after watching a movie first. What a great day we had.

One more day...

We were up around 7:30 am this morning. The guys were running last and did not get here until 8:30 am. The worked really hard today and had an couple extra people with them. They only have the cables to run, 3 top and bottom rails to install, few pieces of side board, corner gutters, and cleanup to do. So I would expect Monday they will be done with everything. It looks really nice and I was going to take pictures, but it is raining. So more pictures tomorrow. Day 2 of the diet was a little better today. We are going to Reading tomorrow to see if we can find ground beef or chicken with not additives in it. We are watching Rylee tomorrow day and night, so it should be fun.

Day one of no salt diet...

We got up around 7:30 am this morning and took showers. I had to be real careful and remember to not eat things I could not have. I started baking cookies and DJ and Payton stopped by for a visit. After they left, I finished baking all the cookies and decided to go down stairs to catch up on my TV shows. Beth vacuumed all the floors and mopped the kitchen. The guys were still working on the roof and the electrical guy was here. I came up stairs for some lunch and it was not satisfying at all. I know from the past that the first 2 days of the no salt diet are the hardest. So I finished watched my shows and Liz and CJ stopped by to visit with Beth. I came upstairs and finished making the cake pops. We are giving the cookies and cake pops to the guys tomorrow for doing a great job on he deck. I do not think they will finish tomorrow as I still a lot to be done, but we will see. We watched Rylee for a few hours tonight as Dawn and Jo went to a good bye party for a friend of theirs. So now we are ready for bed.

Almost done..

We got up at 7:30 am and went to the gym. We stopped by Tractor supple on the way home and were back home around 9:30am. we decided to go see Despicable Me 2 at 12:10pm and took Jojo with us. After the movie, we stopped by BJ's wholesale club an then dropped Jojo off at her house. The guys were just packing up for the day and go most of the ceiling done. The are hoping to finish up on Friday, but I think there is a lot of work to get done before then.

Beth was up at her usual 6:30 am and I got up around 7am. The guys had additional 2 workers with them today and things got knocked out fast today. John came by around 8:30am and we talked about the cable rail for the front and he said he would get it ordered today. I talked to the guys about moving the ceiling electrical box and it would not be a problem. So as you can see from today's pictures the roof is coming along. We are getting so excited for the process to be done. Beth cut the grass today and I had to shop for my special diet food. It will start on Thursday and run for one week. So if is only fresh fruit and veggies, natural peanut butter, matzo crackers, and maybe some chicken if we can find a place that sell fresh poultry. We had Rylee for a couple hours this evening. She started dance class today and Dawn dropped her off and then went to her ball game. We ordered pizza and wings for dinner and she loved eating the wings. Jo picked her up around 6:30pm.

Hardscape...

We were up and out the door by 8:30am his morning. We both were in needs of adjustments from Dr. Bill. It was my anniversary date and I got 2 free movie tickets. Beth will get her prize next time we go. We then stopped at AD Moyer and picked up all the replaced parts and windows for the house and they were free. Beth had a lifetime warrant on them and boy did it pay off. We arrived back home and the electrical guy was here. So Beth turned off the electric to the box outside while they moved stuff around. The guy worked more on the roof most of the day. Beth installed all the window stuff and I am not sure what I really did all day. Seems like I was busy, but can't really say I did anything. The guy came to look at what we wanted done with the sidewalk and back side walk. He had some good ideas and will send us a quote in a couple days. After everyone left we went to look at the roof and found an issue for tomorrow. The ceiling fan is where we talked about it, but because of how the roof slants, the fan will not fix. So they will have to move it back a couple of feet. Should not be a big deal now as it is still all open.

Darn gutters...

Beth was up and at church by 8am. I got up and put a roast in the crock pot and got dressed. Today was the day to look at the gutters and we picked the hottest day to do it. I was able to get the ladder up and see what was going on. After about an couple house, I found that all three down spouts were clogged at the top and one was clogged at the bottom. So no wonder the rain water would not drain out. So finally around noon everything was working good. So now on to fix the damage the rain water made. I had to go and get a truck load of mulch and stopped and picked up lunch. The temperatures were at 93dagrees with 90% humid. The only good part was the first t-shirt I had on got cooled down by the water cleaning out the gutters. So I came home and Beth was busy in the garage putting patio furniture together to get rid of the boxes. We had lunch in the garage, cause we both were soaked with sweat and dirty. I then unloaded the mulch in the front flower bed and it looked like it did before the rain issue. I had a wheel barrow full left that I will spread tomorrow. I helped Beth with the furniture and we finished up around 4:30pm. Dawn, Jo, and Rylee used the caddy to go see the boys and brought it back around the same time. We both were hot, tired, and very smelly from a long days wok. We took cold showers and then went out to eat and I was to tired to make and clean up from dinner. I rained about 5 minutes after we got home and the gutters are working wonderfully, so it was time well spent. The back gutter is not doing so well as a 20 foot section is missing. Oh well.

Rylee to the movies...

We were up early again this morning. We had to meet some people at the Sear's parking lot at 8am. The person Beth was to meet had to change her meet time, but mine was right on time. We purchase a Toy Story 3 landfill play set. We then went to Colonial Gardens to look at trees and plants. We did not purchase anything as we wanted to get some better guesses as to the sun shine in the area. We then headed to Oaks to the movie theater. We were meeting Dawn, Jo, and Rylee to see Monsters U. It would be Rylee's fist time at a movie theater. She did really well and ask questions. We then went to eat and came home. I had to water the flowers at it got to 92 degrees and very humid. So now were are all going to see the fireworks are the fair and then Rylee will be staying the night.

Roof time...

Beth was up around 6:30 am this morning and I got up around 7:30 am. She left a little before 8am to go drop off an item we sold on the yard sale site. After she returned, I headed for the gym. The guys were already here working and it was going to be a hot one. I started a load of laundry and then realized I could not do laundry as the dryer as right where they were working on the roof. So waited until they left to do it. They made good progress on the roof and will be back on Monday to start again. We put a couple of bag chairs on the lower deck and sat outside for awhile and it was nice. Can't wait until they are done. I do miss swimming in the afternoon, but not much longer.

Happy 4th of July...

It was nice sleeping until 8am this morning. we got dressed and started getting things ready for the party. I had to slice the roast beef and took everything down stairs. Beth took Buster to DJ and Maggie's house for the day and then stopped to get beer. Everything was ready to go by noon and then everyone kinda showed up at ones. We had a great day for swimming and no rain in site. We ate around 2pm and then swam some more. It was 7pm when the last people left and I picked up Buster. So it is back to the guys working again tomorrow and I expect them to be finished by the end of next. So Happy July 4th to everyone and hope it was a safe one.

Railing...

After talking to the guy it was decided that we need a railing along the front part of the deck. Beth and I looked as several different types and decided we wanted to go with a cable type railing. We have to talk to John and see what the cost is, but this is the best solution we could find. I went to the gym this morning and saw the truck coming to the house with our steps on the back. When I got home, they had the little steps attached and were working on the larger ones. It was another day of off and on rain and very humid again. The deck is really starting to shape up and we are so excited for it to be done. They started the roof structure and we talked with the electrician about what we wanted. He will be out Friday or Monday to do his part. The guys actually asked us if they could work tomorrow. we never thought about them work on July 4th, but they understood when we told they we had people coming over. We are having roast beef sandwiches and we all have had a lot of burger and hotdog lately. The rain seems to be stopping for the next several day and temperatures will climb into the low 90's next week. We thing they will finish up by the end of next week and then it will be ours to enjoy.

Slight problem...

We were up early this morning. I talked to the guys about several things on the deck and we found that the front of the bottom deck is to high and might need a railing. This is so not what we wanted. I spoke with John and we came up with a couple of things, but I don't anything will work. So we left it alone for a while and will talk it over later. I began making Rylee's treats for school tomorrow. There were cake pops in a push up tube with red and blue icing. There were really cute. Beth had to mow the grass, but it spit rain all afternoon, but finally after dinner she got it done. The guys got almost all the deck boards on and will start on the structure for the roof and stairs tomorrow.

Progress...

We got up around 7am this morning. We took showers and headed out the door. The guys were here working already and it looked like it was going to rain off and on all day long. We headed to the Kutztown festival. The humidity was really high, but the sun was no were around. We purchased several things and had to make 3 trips to the truck. We were able to miss all the heavy down pour by being under a tent or inside a building. We finally left around 2pm and stopped by Fleetwood, the Amish store,  on the way home. The guys were just leaving as we pulled up. From the pictures above, they made good progress today. The frame was completed and the decks was starting to be laid. It is really starting to take shape. I have a couple questions tomorrow for them, but we are hoping things move a lot with all the rain expected.