...meanwhile, back at the ranch...

To keep up their "chick magnet" status, all the Simpson men are reading the Twilight Series. Joseph and Jacob are already finished with all the books.
"Look Ma, I can fly!"
How to celebrate the arrival of a new baby in a family: Get a pedicure, since you can now actually see your own toes again. To make it even better, bring along the baby's Auntie, and a cousin so everyone can get in on the action.
Dinner with Jim and Wendy. Jim works for Alan, and their family just moved to Fort Mac from SLC, Utah. They have 4 of 12 still at home. A son leaving to serve a mission in about 3 weeks, and 3 in high school. We are very glad they are here.
Bill and Wendy talk over dinner. Wendy made the curtains for the house with about $10 worth of fabric from a local store.

A favorite activity around these parts these days is to pick up a guitar and make up funny songs. Dinosaurs are the topic of this version. Sam is going to post it on youtube, so check it out, ya'll.
This is Bob. Bob is from Newfoundland. Bob is our new best friend. Bob installed our new kitchen cabinets, built-in buffet (shown), and kitchenette in the basement. We are so pleased to have the new cabinets. We are almost ready to throw a party to celebrate.
But before we celebrate, there is work to do in the backyard, so, "Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's off to work we go... "
First we order another load of top soil, and dump it in the yard, just like in California.
Then we eat one of the tomatoes we grew this year, just like in California. Our test garden yielded info on the poor condition of the native soil, hence the need to import more top soil (see above) It was reasonable though, only $400 for 10 cubic yards.

Raking the top soil to grade (spread some dirt on the locals)
And we try not to screw things up, especially with the slave-driver (dad) close by.
When the boss is away, the hired help will take unexpected breaks they think they earn every 5 minutes. They made a throne, and a small tunnel.
At the end of the day, we get to layout our plants, all purchased at a local garden center for 10 cents each. About half are perennials, and half are herbs, but for 10 cents, you cannot go wrong.
This is Bishop Harper. He loves to garden also, and has the most fabulous peonies and roses. And now I have the starts for some too! I am so excited to see how they do.