Catching up

We are still heavily involved with painting and renovating at the house.  The tile is down in the butler's pantry and has been grouted. Next will be installation of the new cabinets, counter tops, back splash and sink. Today, we are painting the dining room. It seems like the first floor is just a big mess, but we know it will come together soon.  At least, it won't be a four month mess like the kitchen renovation was.

We did take a few days to go out on the boat last week and went off the grid with regard to the computer. It felt good to not check email.  I did read a few blogs in Reeder. Other than that, nothing with the iPad other than watching a movie.  The crew was working at the house and the supervisor made sure that everything was going well. It was a good time to get out and away from the confusion while the old tile floor was being torn up.  Too much noise to stick around!

All else is going well.  We have emerged from the summer heat to enjoy the beauty of fall in the Lowcountry. The weather has been cool at night but warm during the day. Even though the outside beckons, we are not going away until the first floor painting and decorating is done. The goal is to finish up all of it in two weeks or less.

On Saturday, we are going to a black tie wedding. It has become quite the event in town.  So we will be dressed to the nines for the evening ceremony and reception.  A tuxedo and formal dress occasion probably means that both of us will be really uncomfortable by the time the ceremony is over.  We are planning to take some more comfortable clothes to wear for the party after the reception.  I am much more comfortable in worn jeans and a sweat shirt, but it might be fun to see how a group of us friends look when we clean up a bit.

The greatest news of the week was that a young man I sponsor just received notice that he and his parents have official visas and are documented residents of the U.S.  He will now be able to get a driver's license, get his bank account, and start applying to colleges.  It has been a long and difficult path to get to this point.  I am incredibly happy that the visa came through.  Muy feliz por ellos.

I'll be wielding a paint brush until I check back in again.  I'll leave you with some photos from the week.