On seeing the weather forecast for this week (lows in the teens every night) I decided that today would be insulation day. So, after a while planning other things that I would need for the right-side cabinets, it was - yes - off to the Depot. I actually had to make two trips, 'cause the insulation took up the whole back of the truck, so there was no room for the wood and other stuff! But, after a couple hours, the garage attic is now filled with lovely fluffy pink stuff:

We'll have to wait till tomorrow to see how much it improves the garage heating - I was too tired after crawling around up there on my knees to keep working. And of course, I made sure to wear the appropriate safety gear at all times (you'll recognize "the Suit" as well, I'm sure):

I found myself sort of wishing that we had arranged to talk today... it's very strange being here without you, especially when I have to keep reminding myself that it will be for a few weeks. But, it's "good stewardship" to keep the costs down, and if we can chat every other day, I guess that will make a good start. Have to remember to look into the phone calling card for you tomorrow...

I guess that's all the news for this time. Hope that your visit to the cardiologist was productive, and that you had the chance to ask some more detailed questions. I'm sure it's tough, but stay positive, and keep your hope and faith up. Talk to you soon.

Introduction
So, I thought that I would keep a running diary of "the projects" and other such things that are going on while you are away. If you get a chance, then you can check in, and see what I've been up to, and maybe then it won't feel like you're so far away. First project up today: finishing the bookcase.

First Musical Selection (after Car Talk): John Denver. I heard "Hey It's Good to Be Back Home Again", and I thought of you, and wondered if it does feel good to be back in your country of origin, with your family again. I hope it does a bit. Song right after that one was "Grandma's Feather Bed" - that one reminded me of you too!

So, on to the bookcase: I did 3 more coats of poly, and it seemed pretty good, so I decide to try to see if I could get it in place. Took the curtains down... nope... cut off some of the back top corner... nope... cut off something else... nope... got it stuck on the front edge of the bricks... got out the hammer... pounded... pounded... pounded... and She's in! Won't be coming back out, either! Next, time, I'll leave a little more room on either side. You can see what you think:

Oh, and you see the two little chips in the picture on the ledge? Parts of the windowsill I had to cut off to get the shelves in - BUT, I'm pretty sure I can glue them back on :-)

And that's not all - I also cleared out the CDs and tapes from the other side, cut out the ugly pine trim, and painted the top wall:

Now I'm stretching out on the couch to watch "Troy", and thinking of the projects for tomorrow. Good chance that whatever they are, they will involve a trip to Home Depot!

I hope that your trip was not too tiring or stressful - right now, I'm guessing that you'll be on the plane to Adelaide. Be in touch when you can. It feels lonely here already.

Oh - you can use the comments link to respond, if you want - that way we can have our own little "back and forth", in a bit of a nicer format than just email.