August overview

There are so many things to write about! Have I started every post this way? Possibly. I'll just cut to the chase while I can (the kids are occupied) and start with the most fabulous day we had yesterday. Well, actually, I won't. About a month ago, we spent a night in a very rustic log cabin on a massive property called Otter River Farms. I think I'd searched for unusual accommodations or something and found this place; there are five or six bare bones cabins (no plumbing, no electricity) and a few campsites, and guests have the run (ish) of the property. We went fishing in a small pond, swam at the fishing hole, and battled bugs around the campfire - all before turning in in the one-room abode. I only booked one night because I was afraid the sleeping situation would be atrocious, but it was fine! And that's thanks to the several hours we spent at the beach. Longer story short, since the kids had so much fun in the surf at Port Burwell, Steve found a wave tracker app and we went back for more yesterday morning... and then were chased away by hurricane warnings and torrential rain. Ha! It was so much fun - the beach and surfing part. The kids slept well after the first body surfing session, and then slept well again last night.

We are enjoying our last days of summer vacation as a family - I have to (/get to) go to work on Tuesday! I found myself a temporary job teaching French at a school in the south end, and, well, I'm back and forth between excited and ... hm... nervous? I'm not sure what it is BUT - I like to be prepared and right now there is SO much up in the air that I might not be as prepared as I'd like to be. However! School has been pushed back one week, so with students starting on the 14th and teachers starting on the 1st, there might be enough time to feel somewhat prepared (I'm hoping). 

We spent another week at the cottage (the week before last) and it was the best week of the summer for me. On multiple occasions the kids played together - and solved their own problems - for hours. This never happens! It was glorious. We were in good company, had great food, and enjoyed a rare day trip to a gem of a spot called Callaghan's Rapids (pics below). 

We are having our front porch replaced, and to cut down on costs Steve is doing some of the work. He will spend many an hour up in the attic where wood is piled up in the painted or to-be-painted pile. We found a contractor that we really like and with his help are trying to figure out the best way to tackle the many things that need to done around here. We'd love to start with the top floor, but the dilapidated porch took priority. Some masonry work needs to be done too, but we are still hoping to get the ball rolling with the master suit upstairs. Jordan and Alana are still sharing a very large bedroom, but we want them to have their own spaces - and sooner rather than later. All in good time I suppose! The housing market here is just crazy right now, and while we're confident that we're making a great investment in our home, the list is somewhat intimidating. One step at a time! I hear Dory: "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming..."

(Marlin looks how I often feel...)

I'll leave it at that. Until next time!