No pity parties allowed!

Its been a month of unexpected surprises,

shoot, its been a year of them!

But isn't that what makes life interesting?

Its how we learn and how we grow

into the person we are supposed to be!

Late last year we found out

our family friend had Stage 4

Pancreatic Cancer...expected to only survive two

months.

He lived 8 months, and when I say he lived

I mean he L*I*V*E*D it!

He savored every relationship.

 Everyone he met

was more than a friend, they were family.

He became a second father to my oldest son

and many other boys over the years.

He left behind a legacy that has impacted

a generation of young men.

He demonstrated what a difference it makes to have a happy demeanor

and positive outlook on life...and just loving people...

NO MATTER WHAT.

Last week our friend Rodney went home to Jesus

and I do believe Heaven is smiling!

Thank you Rodney for such a beautiful gift.

Today, Im headed to the airport to pick up 

my sister, Jill, and my 7 year old niece.

My sister and I a few years back. We were visiting Coupeville, WA

It has been a few years since

she has visited us.

They love to come during the 4th of July

because its a extra special treat to 

do fireworks!

They can't do them where they live because

its WAY too hot and dry.

I have the guest room all cozied up

and ready for their visit.

There was no time to paint it, but I know she

will enjoy the fresh flowers from

the garden.

I added 3 quilts to her bed.

It has been a cool Summer for us...

and they are used to the Phoenix heat.

Having them come is a happy surprise!

So...we may rename our home "The Money Pit".

ha ha...seriously.

Remember that movie??? Im living it!

This was before we moved in. We have removed the grass on the slopes
and put in perennials and bark. We added a storm door in white,
put in new outdoor lighting.

I should do a post on the importance of a GOOD

home inspector.

NEVER use the selling agents inspector....

NEVER decide not to be at the inspection...

and get a second opinion on anything that seems questionable!

I know, I know, after  buying 5 houses I should

have known this. But if you

remember from my earlier posts,

my husband was living in San Diego for 2 years

and I bought this one on my own

 (with his confidence...poor guy)

THIS week alone,

we found out that the roof was not installed properly

and has been leaking into many parts of the house.

Fortunately we have not noticed any serious problems to date.

The gutters are all leaking and draining in bad places.

AND the house REALLY needs a new paint job

with some dry rot and bubbling paint and unsealed windows.

(with 3/4" cedar siding, its not a quick fix)

The "New" furnace still has all the original

1930's ducting and one bedroom was completely

unvented...hence the damp/moisture problems.

After getting many estimates

it looks like we will have a fixed roof, new gutter system,

and freshly painted house by the

end of the summer.

Thankfully, the furnace will only need some tweaking in the Fall

to prepare for Winter.

Its not what we had hoped to spend money on this year

especially since these things passed inspection

according to our inspector a year ago.

BUT

Lesson learned, and we can put it behind us.

Beans and Rice

for the next year though.

 ha ha ha

Thanks to Rodney...I will appreciate the bright side!

Hey, if you are headed up to Poulsbo for the

3rd of July Celebration,

be sure to stop in at the Poulsbo Antique Mall!

I added some more things this week.

Maybe we will see you there!

xoxox

Jodi