Summer time and the living is easy

It's been a while since the last entry, mostly because moving is, well, not so much fun and moving into a house is, well, not as easy as it looks. But I am happy to report that we are in, the house is shaping up, and the the backyard jungle is just about tamed. Let's put it this way: the tomato plants go into the garden today.

I have to say that living in a house you own is a completely different experience from anything else. In a month and a half, I have taken on the jobs of contractor boss, building super, tree guy, and safety expert. The amount of new knowledge crammed into my head lately has been insane; it's been one of the more enjoyable and tiring aspects of home ownership.

The neighbors to the right of us are nothing short of amazing. Our first night after the move, when we were sweaty, dusty, and swamped in boxes, they brought us dinner. Seafood risotto with jumbo shrimp and scallops. Need I say more?

The other neighbors have all been very nice and welcoming as well, but that seafood risotto will always be one of the tastiest meals I've ever had. Even if we ate it on the staircase (the only flat surface we could find.



CJ, shown here cruising the house with her buddy Tomoki, has adapted marvelously. We were more than a little concerned how she would handle her third major move in two and a half years -- that's a lot of transition for a three and a half year old. But after maybe one rough week, she settled in nicely and is quite happy. She's been helping with the gardening and tree pruning, and even mowing the lawn.

The best part is that yesterday was her second day at the swimming pool and after only a little hestation, she was swimming like a champ. Takes after her mom, of course.

That's all I have for now. I'll have a more complete photo tour of the new castle, and maybe some video of the backyard at some point. Right now, I'm going to sign off, snag the sunday paper, and finish my coffee on the front porch.