Joplin Journal Volume 9-8, Issue 1

From the Editor's Desk:

I know, I know. It's not Saturday. Well, in case you haven't noticed, I haven't gotten a Joplin Journal out in several weeks. That's because my Saturdays have been filled to overflowing and I just haven't had time. So, since I am sitting here at home alone with no one to talk to, I thought I'd write this and send it your way so you can at least know what on earth has been going on.

Weather Report:

Last week it was hot. Like 100º hot. This week hasn't been as bad. We had some rain this afternoon and then the sun came out again. It feel like summer is starting to think about fall. Or maybe that is just me.

"Genius Burns":

We won't spend much time here. Yes, I am still writing. No, it is not much. I'm still working on trying to complete the 100-for-100 challenge. Today was day 79. Last week I used up my "grace week" and didn't write anything at all. This week I'm managing to fit in about 100 words or a little more each day. I'm on the home stretch of this challenge and I really want to finish it. There is one other girl who is also trying to finish, so we are trying to keep each other accountable to get our words in.

Project Prognosis:

I'm not even sure what my projects are right now. :) I have things I want to do but don't have time for.

• Update Website – Ha! I haven't done anything with my site.
• Blog posts for August – I need to finish the last post.
• KDWC – Camp is over! Done!
• Work on the house – More on this project in On the House.

Nature Corner:

We've had Monarchs on one of our flowers that is in the milkweed family. They must have laid eggs because we ended up with 18 or so caterpillars. Now we have none. But don't worry, they didn't get eaten. They have moved off to find the perfect places to become chrysalis. We found one already waiting to turn into a butterfly, another who was ready to become a chrysalis and who is now a beautiful green chrysalis, and two other caterpillars in search of the perfect home. Sarah has taken some pictures, but I don't have them.

On the House:

We have been working. The boys got to come over two Saturdays and help tear things out. The first day we did a lot of taking down shelves, and only got a little of the actual demolition done.

The next Saturday they got to help take paneling off, tear off lath and knock off plaster.

Then I've been working. Dad's helped when he can, but he also has to work. We've torn off all the lath and plaster, I knocked down the ceiling (and have perfected that fine art), and torn out Mom & Dad's closet. We do have plastic over the door to the closet, but you can look all the way through the house now if you sit on the couch in the living room. Today I was working on taking down the last chimney. No, it's not all down. It was probably about 9 feet tall, and I think I've gotten about half of it down. It's a solid chimney; no hollow middle. The stove pipe went into it around the 7-8 foot space. The room is rather a mess even though we try to clean it up after each day of work.

The goal is to move Mom and Dad out of their room Friday morning and start tearing their room apart.

Oh, we are getting a new AC/Furnace next week! Very exciting!

The Music Stand:

I haven't touched my violin all week.

KDWC:

Camp is over. We have a mini camp scheduled for mid-September.

Swimming:

Last Wednesday I went over to babysit most of the kids while Jimmy, Megan, and the two older boys went to a funeral, and Krista did school. That was fun. Drew was in charge of lunch and did a good job of making mac & cheese. After the others got home and the older kids helped Jimmy pull orders, we went swimming. Grant has his own little plastic kiddie pool that he plays in for a little while, and Kinsley didn't play in the water at all. There was a lot of splashing and falling off the inner-tube backwards. Yes, I did get water up my nose when I was dumped several times without warning. But we had fun. Now I can say I've gone swimming this year.

Sewing Room:

Sarah is working on orders and staying busy up in her new sewing room.

Read Another Page:

I wish I had something to report here, but I don't. I have several stories that need covers designed, or synopsis written, but they will have to wait.

Teacher's Lounge:

Closed until . . . Fall? It will depend on the house project.

Book Nook:

Reading? I've done a little. Only 4 books. Here they are. Deep Blue Sea, John Jacob Astor, Boy Trader, Exit Betty, Cupid's Quest. That's it.

Farewell:

Sorry for no pictures. Hopefully next time I can have some pictures to share. Tomorrow I'm not working on the house. Grandma & Grandpa are coming down to see the house and eat lunch with us. Then we're babysitting all the kids in the evening. I need a day off. My arms are tired and I've discovered muscles I forgot I had. :P Until another day!