Phantom Whispers:

I have a good excuse this time for being gone so long. Honest...

Back in May we had a college roommate move in with us until she could get on her feet. Now college was a long time ago, so we've known her for over 37 years (augh, really?). She has taken over my computer for filling out applications. I let her but I didn't think it was going to be this long. I don't know if my computer will survive this. Anyhow, no job yet but she has a generous move out deadline.

So, she was on my computer...a lot.

I have discovered things about myself. I have found I really have a hard time doing much of anything when there is someone else around...who talks...a lot...who comments on pieces I have just started and don't want to talk about. Anyhow, it's not her fault but I'll be glad when she is settled elsewhere (as will she).

Onward to other news...

We have a yurt! I am so glad that we now have a structure (other than my outhouse) at our property. Our 20' yurt is a warm and snug place we won't have to set up every time we go to the property. We have a sleeping platform and everything. We can now cook on our stove without the wind whipping the flames around. The Mailman has been awesome, doing most of the work himself and maintaining his pleasant demeanor.

There is a guy in the area who helped The Mailman set up the yurt and was also going to paint a mural on the outside of the yurt to cover the stains (it's a used yurt that had been packed away for a while). He got started but the weather got too cold and his paints started to freeze on him. Whether he finishes or not, isn't a big deal because we can paint as well so ...

This Christmas we got a surprise visit from my nephew, the Construction Guy. It's been about 9 years since we last got to see him. He's my brother Carlisle's son. Carl is deceased now but I can see his wrinkles in Construction Guy's forehead.