How Can I Blog Without a Camera?

Something has gone horribly wrong with my sweet little "purse" camera! We are in the process of deciding to fix it or replace it so I go day after day with no camera. It feels funny not having my trusty documenter of my life tucked inside my purse. I have missed so many photo ops recently that I just haven't been inspired to blog. But in the spirit of keeping you updated, here's the latest.
Maryanne and AJ took posession of their house on the 4th of August. It's an old house that they are renovating top to bottom. AJ and JJ have been re-wiring, replacing all the outlets and switches, adding outlets and cables and things too complicated for me to even remember. JJ has been so wonderful in sharing his genius for all things and teaching AJ how to make his home safe and user friendly. Jana has pulled babysitiing duty with Porter so Maryanne & I could paint. And I have found that all the things that make an old house charming are also the things that make you crazy when you're trying to paint. We have used the best paint and have still had to do at least 3 coats on every surface. I can't tell you how many feet of beautiful carved trim and millwork I have painted and painted and painted. I was one step from being institutionalized (which by the way sounded pretty good at the time). Now the painting is done, some furniture is in place (but needs to be cleaned), part of the backyard fence is up and the hideous and overgrown landscaping out front has been removed. There is a very faint light at the end of a very long tunnel. The kitchen is completely torn apart so that's the next big project that needs to happen. Once that's finished, a move-in date can be scheduled and our nest will be empty.

In the midst of all this, my Dad rented his house and had to move ASAP. We helped with the big stuff 2 Saturdays ago and then last Thursday got the house completely emptied. Marek was going to help finish the garage that night so hopefully all went well. Poor Dad & Jeanne. They worked like dogs in miserable Oregon heat to make this happen on such short notice. I need to check in and make sure they're still alive.

This past weekend Maryanne's parents came to help on the house so we had company as well as busy. Maryanne, AJ, Jim & Glenda worked from 9:00 a.m. till about 6:30 p.m. I took Porter around the MCNary Estates garage sale all morning so the workers could actually work. And boy did they! Around 1:00 Al and Porter & I showed up and started in on paint, fence and landscape. By the time we got home that evening, all of us were exhausted. I think everyone was asleep by 10:00.

Next morning some went to church, and some stayed home and ate donuts. At 12:30 we all headed out to the Oregon State Fair. Maryanne's folks went and picked up their three oldest grandkids so all 10 of us wandered around and enjoyed the fair. Al and I are going back tonight to meet Jana and JJ and JJ's folks for dinner and the Fair "after dark". Should be fun!

Hopefully I'll have a camera soon so you won't be completely bored by my posts. I truly believe that a picture is worth way more than 1,000 words.