Joplin Journal Volume 9-10, Issue 1

From the Editor's Desk:

Has it really been a month since I've written and send out a Joplin Journal? Wow. I'm not really sure what happened. Last Saturday I was at a wedding, the Saturday before that . . . I guess I was just doing Camp and maybe working on the house? I don't remember. The days are running together and it feels like our weeks go Sunday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday. Or maybe we'll have two Fridays or two Saturdays. In some ways I'm glad it's October since it means it's starting to get cooler and the house is moving toward completion. But let me see what I have to fill you in on.

Weather Report:

We've still had warm days. A few days in the 90s, but it's been mostly 80s and the nights in the upper 60s with some in the low 60s or an occasional 50s. We had some rain last night. A few trees are just starting to turn colors. I'm ready for some real cold to get them really changing and so I can wear some long sleeves. :)

"Genius Burns":

Here and there I've gotten some writing in. Not much, but some. I'm trying a new ending for this year's Christmas Card story. And I have a few ideas for some other projects that are started. But I don't have much time to write again.

Project Prognosis:

I guess I've done some things.

• Update Website – This one will have to wait.
• Blog posts written – I really need to work on my October posts, and some others too. I just haven't had time.
• Five Fall Favorites – That starts on Monday! I still need to get some little things finished up, but I'm pretty much ready.
• Work on the house – More on this project in On the House.

Nature Corner:

Yesterday I saw 8 woolly bear worms (that aren't bears or worms) and according to a few of them we'll have a harder winter, but according to a few others we'll have a mild winter. Hmm, not sure who I believe.

I also saw a small praying mantis, a good sized walking stick, we have two zipper spiders, and the squirrels have been busy getting nuts stored away for winter.

On the House:

We have new windows in Mom and Dad's room. And a new window in the hall. The wires have been run for the electric outlets but a few of the old boxes need moved so they are level with the walls. (Can you believe the walls weren't straight? :) ) We have the sub-floors down, the closet is framed and just a few boards need added to finish the places for the two cabinets (one for the sewing room and one for Mom and Dad's room.

Someone is supposed to bring some of his crew and put up the Sheetrock hopefully the end of next week. We are still trying to find someone who can do the mudding and taping and texturing after the drywall is up. I think two guys are supposed to come today and look at things.

Once that is done, I can paint! Then we'll have to put in floors, do the trim and move them back in. Maybe, just maybe they can be moved in before November!

Babysitting:

We haven't had the kids much. Well, we've had the little ones some but the others have wanted to go watch Krista's volleyball games. And since she plays at the Boys & Girls Club which is just a few blocks away, Mom and sometimes Sarah, go and watch. Last night Kailyn and Kinsley stayed here and ate supper. Then Kailyn got to ride her bike and Kinlsey got to swing. Then Jimmy picked up Kailyn and Sarah and went to the next volleyball game leaving Kinsley here with Dad and me. It was super easy with just one little one. :)

The Music Stand:

I played at the wedding last week. It was an outdoor wedding and yes, I did end up getting sunburned. But it was so pretty and the weather was beautiful.

Now I should be practicing the Thanksgiving song.

KDWC:

We had a mini camp in the middle of September. But that didn't even last two weeks, which was nice. Now we are making plans for the November camp. But at least we don't have much we have to do right now.

Sewing Room:

Sarah hasn't been very busy right now. But things will probably pick up. She is still sewing, but she's had time to bake some chocolate-chip cookies for us. :)

Read Another Page:

I just ordered proof copies of 4 pocket sized books. Two are just pocket books and two are Christmas Collection books. Want the titles?

Beyond Comfort

Keeping Up Hope

Because of a Christmas Tree

A Little Christmas Gift

Teacher's Lounge:

Closed until January. There's no place to teach.

Book Nook:

You'd think I would have gotten some books read in the almost month since I've written a Joplin Journal. And I have. A little. Mrs. Knowlton's Investment, All Over Town, Sustainer's Smile, John Burroughs Boy of Field and Stream, John Peter Zenger: Young Defender Of A Free Press, Her Opportunity. The first and last books were short. The two biographies were Childhood of Famous Americans. So it's not a much as you might think. I did read another shorter young readers book, but I haven't reviewed it yet.

Farewell:

The end. Perhaps I have something else to say, but right now I can't think of it. I don't know if I'll work on the house today or not. Dad was at a men's breakfast at church this morning, so I don't know what he's planning on doing. And I do have things I need to do. Like preparing to teach Children's Church tomorrow. Hopefully it won't be a month before I write again. If it is, maybe I'll be able to say the rooms are done. :)