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Front Walkway Renovation Projects

Excavations on the Front Walkway have begun!

Picture 005I started off by taking an pairing-edger to the entire perimeter of the walkway to establish a clean border, then I began rototilling the area (thankfully I had the foresight to water the area down over the preceding two days).  Also, I had established a firm layer of crushed rock along the eventual pathway more than two years when I first began this project.  Back then, I was only able to install the sod and sprinkler system, since we ended-up halting the purchase of flagstones materials in order to cover the legal costs associated with trying to retain primary custody of Ryan.

Picture 006

So, with all that prep-work already done two years ago, it was just a matter of shoveling the loosened dirt into a rather large pile up against the front-porch, which took the better part of four hours.  I had completed the work just a few minutes prior to Jana’s return from her weekly visit with Ryan in Corte Madera.   Wow…  it’s looking so much better already…

With the Walkway cleared, I can now begin laying-out all of the stone (how can you put together a jigsaw puzzle if you don’t have all of the pieces on the table to look at?).

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Front Walkway Renovation Projects

Beginning preparations for new front walkway…

Picture 010 The new walkway materials were dropped-off today, and I began preparing the walkways by scrapping the weeds out of the way.  

 

Had to bring out the newly purchased rototiller and give it a tune-up.

 

Then I had to go down to the local Home Depot to invest in a few extra tools that I’d need to complete the job, but I should be ready to begin excavating the topsoil that currently resides in the walkway Wednesday while Jana is on her weekly visit with Ryan in Corte Madera.   If I’m lucky, I’ll be done by Friday or Saturday…

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Ama & Papa Ryan Vacations

Protected: The promised movie clips of Ryan and Papa

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Ama & Papa Vacations

We’ve safely arrived in Southern California…

Well, it only took eight hours, but we have made it to Ama & Papa’s.   We left at around 4am, and got to the area around 12noon.  We spent some extra time out from the trip to have lunch at In-n-Out Burgers.

Once we got safely to Ama and Papa’s, we took some time settling down and relaxing.  I then took some time and fixed their back gate that was not latching correctly (and then promptly took a nap).

Ryan and Papa Bob spent some time playing on his Grand Piano, and Jana took two short clips of the session.  I’ll post them a little later…

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David Day Outings Jana Ryan

Protected: A day in the park

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Clyde Matson Passings

Memorial and Interrment details

My Mother decided that she would like to hold the Memorial for my Dad on Sunday 5/18 at 12noon.  

Internment will occur the next day 5/19 at the Dixon VA cemetery at 11:00a.m.  

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David Jana Ryan

Happy Mother’s Day!

"Happy Mother’s day Mom!   I love you so very much!" 
-David

"I love you very much, and I hope you like my pictures!"
-Ryan

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Jana

My Dream Job!

After more than twenty years of trying to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up… I have finally found the job that is a perfect fit for me.  Now I am making some progress on becoming a proofreader.  I can’t even believe how great it is to have a job reading for a living!!  It also has the hours I need (which is whenever – as long as I can meet my deadlines) and the perfect dress-code (whatever I want – I can even stay in my jammies all day if I want).  The best part, one that makes me really happy, is that having this job means I don’t have to miss any time with Ryan or worry about having to take time off if I am sick or on vacation.  I also don’t have to commute to an office – so that means I can save money on gas… which is really important in this day and age.  I like being able to help produce excellent books for the world to enjoy.  What could be better? 

I only wish I could have been paid for all the books I have read in my life – heck!  I could be a millionaire by now!!  At least once I really get rolling, I will be paid for reading rather than paying to buy the books so I can read.

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Jana

On the Second Draft

I am now working on the second draft of my first novel – which basically means re-writing the whole thing!! 

Actually, it’s good because I can take a fresh approach to the  book and make the changes that need to be made to help keep it flowing well.  It does feel good to finally be this far along in the writing process.  It took me a long time to to finally get 100,000 words written, which is about 300 pages, (and we celebrated!!) but I’m hoping that the rewrite won’t take as long. 

My biggest problem has actually been having too much material – so I just may have to write several books… bummer!  I really think it could make a great series though.  Frankly, even if I don’t get these books published, I feel I have to write them.  It’s just something I have to do.

The writers seminar that I went to a couple of weekends ago was really great and gave me lots of info I needed to feel encouraged enough to think I have a shot at getting published when I fianally get done.  This is all so exciting!!

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David Jana

Finally celebrating my 15year Service Anniversary

Between our busy schedule, and that of my boss, we were finally able to celebrate my 15year Service Anniversary.  Since Jana has introduced medon to Sushi, I decided that we would celebrate by going to our new favorite Sushi restaurant Nagato’s Sukiyaki.

In the picture to the right is the owner, Don, where he stands at the front bar creating all the works of art (aka "dinner").

Truly a wonderful place to eat if you are at all into Sushi…

We spent close to $150 that night, and boy was that a great night for me and Jana!