Finally.

After reading books, following schedules, posting charts, checking lists,

rewarding and lecturing on the benefits of simply

picking up and putting away.

It really can be this simple!

************

I'm excited.

This girl is about to become a teenager.

Even bigger than that,

is a very important fact about her birthday.

On March 6, 2000,

IT WAS 78 DEGREES.

Anything is possible.

**********

One last post from this grimy, grey time

then I'm back to lots of posts that never were

from summer 2012.

Short of it:

Doug, Solomon and I are headed out the door for groceries.

I ask Nathan if we can take his Jeep

and he replies that we can but we will need to get gas.

He is certain there is enough to get to Big Curve.

This is where we coasted, just into the Big Curve parking lot

before the Jeep died.

Apparently, vehicles have a limit

once the needle is on E.

I've always thought they would automatically

keep going until you reached the pump.

 At least we made if safely off the road

before losing steering ability.

That's Doug and Nathan (above) walking up to borrow a red can.

Apparently these days gas stations do not keep cans around

except the brand new ones that you can buy for $6.

You know, the same exact ones that fill 2 entire shelves

in our tool room.

Below is Doug carrying such a red can

that some super guy happened to have in his truck

and generously offered when overhearing our plight,

saving the $6 for my Starbucks.

Nathan still believes I made up this entire story.