flutter through life in joy

I have always figured that the ability to compromise is one of the keys to a good relationship.  It is important to me that I make an effort to help others get what they want, without losing sight of what I want also.  I figured this was also the key to surviving my experience of farm-sitting this year.

With the myriad of animals on the farm, all on their own schedule, of course, my sanity depended on flexibility and accommodation of various feline, canine, and bovine needs.  I try to fulfil their needs and not lose sight of my responsibilities to their survival. 

Keeping such a goal in mind was especially valuable when I found out that some of the calfs had pink eye, and needed to be treated twice daily.  This involved me haltering them, tying them to a post, and spraying bright purple liquid into their infected eye.  This is typed and read much more easily than done.  I spent quite a bit of time patiently waiting for the calves to be in the perfect position where they wouldn't spot me tossing the halter over their ears, and under their chin.  Nonetheless, I spent the week with bright purple hands, and curious looks as I went into public.  Some wondered whether I was an unsanitary tattoo artist, I'm sure. 

In general, compromise worked well.  If I was lucky enough to get them in the correct position, and they were generous enough to allow me toss the halter over their ears and under their chin, I compromised, and tied them to the nearest post, forgetting my hope of tying them to the post where I wanted to.  One poor bull calf even decided that he was going to stay lying down, instead of standing up for the squirt in the eye.  Fine with me.  I compromise. 

After some time trying to reason with him that standing was probably easier for him, and most particularly for me, I gave in and squatted to attempt to tie him to the lowest rung of the gate, which is where he firmly decided he wanted to be.  I had forgotten that I had left the spray bottle close at hand by my feet, and sat right on it!  I guess my bottom won't be getting pink eye anytime soon, because, realizing what I had done, I stood and felt a very wet spot, looked around and saw a very purple-dyed pair of shorts!  Goodbye tattoo artist, hello...hmmm...I guess novice farmers are the only ones with purple bums!

Yippee!!!  I finished my first half-marathon yesterday! 

For the first 6 km, I was struggling with the fact that I had to pee....badly....of course there was a line-up just before the race, so I decided to hold it, and hope I could find a bush or something...apparently running with 100 other people (as opposed to the other 6 in the arctic) does not leave as much time to duck behind a bush.  Finally I saw the big blue box....I headed straight for it (I think that was the fastest I ran in the whole race!) ignoring the water and sponges people were thrusting into my hand screaming "the only thing I'm here for is that blue box!!!!!".  Phew....that felt good!

At the turnaround I slowed down and jokingly asked the mini-crowd there where the finish sign was...hee hee!!!

I didn't know if I would make my goal, but then, at the 1 km remaining mark two angels appeared by my side....Noreen and Melissa ran the last kilometre with me....so I was able to finish in 1h58.  My goal was under 2, my training had been close to 2, but it was a very hot and muggy day.  It was sure close!  Maybe another marathon is in my future?!?!

Painting the bathroom was my March Break project - not sure about the colour at first, but after 2 coats it looked much better.  Mom and I found great towels and shower curtain while I was visiting her!  The towel rack and picture still need to be hung, but I took down the crazy-glued ceramic one (and fixed the drywall!!), and am waiting on a brilliant idea on how to fashion a level so the towels don't slide off the rack - without going to the expense of purchasing one!!!  I think instead of "she's crafty", we'll have to start saying "she's handy" (just like her Mom!!!)

So I've been living in my house for about a month, and realized that I still have not posted mostly finished pictures.  Mom and I finished painting the open part which includes the kitchen and living rooms, and the entrance-way - all pictured above.  The furniture has been moved in, the proper floor was laid, and the kitchen cabinet doors were installed.  It is beginning to feel like home, but is still a little surreal!

This is the exterior of the house starting on the east, or road side.  Then going to the north-east, north-west, south-west, then south-east.  I have a gigantic front yard, with only a few trees by the roadside. I am looking forward to doing some garden planning, and cheap landscaping in the spring.  The south is the side with the deck, and all the windows.  I find that the sun heats the house really well during the daytime.  My plants and I love a bright sunny house!  Next jobs are to paint the bedroom, studio and bathroom, figure out what I'm going to do with the basement, and host lots of parties!!  I have a feeling this is never going to feel "finished".  So, I look forward to showing it off to friends and family....let the visits begin - I promise I won't thrust a paintbrush in your hands!!

Last Saturday my friend, Kelly, and I started painting the kitchen and living/dining room.  I love the colour....can I repeat this?  I love the colour!!!!  It sometimes looks grey, sometimes green depending on the light.  Thanks to Kelly, it looks fabulous.  The appliances were delivered later that day.  Hopefully I'll be in for New Years?!?!

Well, there is progress being made...the propane tanks are in and porches are staring to take shape. The basement has windows, and the floor is cemented, and dried!  Hydro is going in tomorrow, and plumbing should be done by the end of the week.  Good thing I was so busy with Christmas concerts last week - no time to visit and worry!!!

The septic was started this week, as were the porches.  The basement is being filled with gravel to be cemented over, and the roughed-in basement plumbing is finished.  When I was in the house yesterday, the heat from the sun in the windows made the house almost warm enough to take my coat off.  I am still excited, and starting to pack boxes here in my apartment!

This is the interior...the front door, the side door, the bathroom and bedroom, and the kitchen/dining/living room!

The two halves are crane lifted onto the foundation.

The rest of the foundation was put in today.  It is made mostly of foam panels....SIP...structural insulated panels.  I was at the site for a good part of the day.  As I drove up the second time, there on the road was my house waiting for me.  It didn't take long for the crane to hoist it onto the foundation.