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Eating out

Today I take Kay to the Senior Center for lunch. Then I plan on going to the board walk with Kay. It is just another trail. I missed the frog chorus this Spring. I don't know why. I guess I was just too lazy to wait until dark when the frogs start their croaking. We have a couple of nice, warm days. I hope it lasts for a little while.



Love, Bopcha

Sunday

Looking forward to seeing the Philly crew. Today, Bopcha took me on a walk around a lake on the Hewlett Packard grounds. Really pretty.



A man at Bi-Mart said the rain had killed most of his garden and he was starting over from scratch. Hope I can use that one on Judi. Dogs and I walked the field this evening hoping to see deer - nothing. I try walking quietly like an indian but an overweight, middle aged women with two little dogs is not exactly the stealth patrol.



Ramon loves the creek and I am terrified that he will fall in and I will have to jump in and rescue him. I guess that will be a true test of my love and/or as he goes drifting downstream that he has lead a long and happy life. You can pretty well bet I will be jumping in to rescue the silly mutt. Took the dogs to the chicken house and pointed out a mouse to Luis hoping that I could make him a good mouser - the mouse was quicker than the dog - it just ran off. Perhaps if I catch the mouse and put it in his mouth he will get the idea.



Can hardly wait to hear Judi's stories but she can't come back until some of the new plants I bought take hold. Time to close the chicken coop.

Lunch with Judy

Hello Everyone,



I have really enjoyed reading all the stories. Kay, your farm stories are hysterical. You remind me so much of myself sometimes. Of course, the honesty in which you describe 'all that goes wrong" makes it especially comical. It sounds like you are having fun at the farm but mostly you are cherishing your non-working hours. The rest of us that are working understand how you might be feeling :-)



Today, we had lunch with Judi. It was really nice to see her. We went to a good Thai restaurant, I think Judi enjoyed it. We got to hear about her traveling adventures - she seemed especially impressed with New Jersey, just kidding! She had a funny story about being in NJ and asking about ten different people for directions and no one seemed to be able to give her directions.



Sid and I will be out there very soon. We are ready to go on the projects. We are looking forward to it. At least we won't be sitting in an office, and dealing with demanding people - Yippie!



We look foward to seeing everyone next week.



Love,



Sandra



Tall grass

Our riding lawnmower has a sore throat, or maybe l.a.w.n.m.o.w.e.r. flu, but because it is laid up, the grass has grown ten-feet high (an exaggeration) but it seems to do better than Huffsmith's field of hay.



If I were a farmer, I would sharpen one of those scythes and mow it down.



Today the sun is shining. Whoopee.



Kay and I walked to the fish pond yesterday, about one mile round trip. I slept very well last night. I was tired! I have a few more walks to take her on.



Love, Bopcha

Funny Farm Stories

Kay, it is so much fun to read your blog entries! You aren't alone in killing plants - two of my cukes died last week. Will have to find some replacements today.



We bought a new tool yesterday - it is sort of a pick axe, but the pick side is wider. I used it to get rid of some roots that send up sprouts about every two feet or so. It worked well, and I really got a work out.



Today we need to find a place that will sharpen our lawnmower blades. We have several, and they are all dull. I remember Grandpa had a wheel that would sharpen stuff. Wish he were here to help us figure out how to sharpen stuff!



Mother, I reserved our Colorado rental vehicle. I wanted to get a Cadillac Escalade, but couldn't find one. Boo Hoo!



Love,

Dee

FARM LIFE

Was mowing the yard with the electric mower and Bop came out. Thank goodness I looked kind of like I knew what I was doing with the electric mower because no sooner had she left, the rear wheel fell off the mower. Figured out how to replace the wheel and then noticed the front wheels/tires (whatever) looked weird. Can't figure out why they look odd but they do and Sid I would appreciate it if you would take a peek at the electric mower.



For some off reason if you use a GPS to get to Bopchas, it puts you on the wrong side of the tracks. I got a cheap Magellan and decided to give it a try. Bopcha said that seems to happen to everyone using a GPS.



Saw the farm cat in the field hunting this afternoon. That is only the second time I have seen her since I've been on the farm. I take it that she does not like dogs. Speaking of dogs, I temporarily lost the one dog that does not run away. I spent a lot of time looking under buildings because I just knew that his harness got hooked on a nail and he was trapped. After much calling and looking he finally just reappeared. No idea. Have seen a lot of field mice both in and out of the chicken house. However, the dogs never seem to see them.



Did not leave the farm today. To nice a day to waste in traffic and Bopcha had Repak and/or Gleaners.



Looking forward to June 14.



Too bad you all have to work and I would love to say that I am just dying to return to work and/or find a parttime job - NOT. HAVING WAY TOO MUCH FUN KILLING JUDI'S PLANTS WHICH I NOW HAVE TO GO REPLACE.

Hooray it is Friday!

And, it is going to be sunny this weekend!

What a treat!

Nothing very exciting is going on. Worked on jury instructions all day long. Whew!

Noah is thinking about getting his final hours of school in this fall. If he takes 10, or maybe it is 15, he can get a minor in Economics. Anyway, he will still walk in the ceremony on June 14th, so whatever works is OK with me.

Love to all,

Dee

I am sleepy

Got into work at 6:30 a.m. and now (12:30 p.m.) I am overcome with sleepiness. Yawn!

Tonight Bill and I go to a fundraising dinner. Hope my face doesn't crash into the food as I topple over.

Love,

Dee

Ticks

After reassuring Tiffany that she wasn't in any danger of getting a tick, tonight I found a tick on Luis. I washed both dogs in flea and tick shampoo and then used tweezers to pull the tick out. I don't feel as comfortable out walking as I once did. Went on the web to make sure I knew how to remove the tick and see if it was one that might carry lyme disease. It didn't appear to be the dangerous carrier tick but a plain brown dog tick. Gross, gross, gross. I am itching all over and just know that the ticks are running rampant all over my bod.



Judi if you read this blog, I am not sure that any of the plant you had starters for will survive. We planted some but because of the ongoing rain, I am afraid that we messed up (we as in Tiffany and I). So do not worry about coming home early to harvest any crops. The good news is that I saw the black cat once. We decided it was either a black panther or the cat. I have been putting food out and some mornings it is gone and others not.



The chicken coop seems to be a haven for little gray mice. Moved a board by the side of the chicken house yesterday and two of them ran off.



The freezer at the farm is working again (hopefully for a long time). Unfortunately, we lost the food that was inside when it stopped working. The good news is that there was a sale at Albertsons today and I managed to put some meat back into the freezer.



Bopcha and I went to the First Alternative for lunch today. I ate but poor Bopcha had very little. Lots of interesting things and the girl at the checkout stand knew Bopcha by name and called her the beautiful Virginia.



Looking forward to Sid and Sandra coming out.



Aloha for now, must go search my body for bugs.



From Kay

Went to the seminar at the Monastery. Of course we left the house a little after 7 and made it in such great time we were there a little after 8 and it started at nine. I couldn't get the Magellan done correctly going so I gave up and used my MapQuest directions but of course as soon as we arrived, I knew what I did wrong and we used it coming back. It brought us back a slightly different direction. I think I could grow to love the little bugger although I have a tendency to turn a street before I am supposed to. I am always afraid that it won't give me the beeps that indicate - turn now. I'll learn.



Coming back from the seminar, we stopped at a wildlife place and saw some ducks and geese and I guess there is a fishing hole that is a short walk in. Bopcha said she had taken you and we plan to go some other day.



Tomorrow we go to lunch at the First Alternative. Tiffany and I went to the cemetery yesterday and found Granny's grave and a few others but not Uncle Matts. Mother drew me a map of where he was located and today Tiff and I went back and found him. There is a small rural house in Alsea for $350 a month. At that price not sure it has heat.



Bopcha said Judi was in Florida but heading to New Jersey. We had a message on the farm phone today from some lady that said Judi left her clothes. So I assume it was Maryann in Florida. I called Judi's cell and left her a message in case she was looking for her clothes.



I have not seen one single turkey since I came to the farm. We used to see them all the time so I don't know what happened to them.



Nothing new just waiting for the big day and Sid's arrival. I'm sure that is going to be a little hectic. Tiffany got out and did some more weed wacking today but we aren't even making a dent.

Trappist Abbey

Yesterday Kay and I attended the Landowner Field Day in Carlton, Oregon. We were met by Peter, who wore a long robe down to his feet, shook hands with us, and made us welcome. Also Scott Ferguson and Mark Miller were there and a few others who were members of Trout Mountain Forestry. We were very early which gave us a chance to introduce ourselves and engage in conversation prior to the arrival of the main group which came from alll parts of Western Oregon.



Enough said. After lunch I asked Kay to leave with me because I was very tired sitting on the hard chairs and so we did.



Today the sun is shining. Tomorrow someone from Home Depot is going to come and take some measurements in the kitchen. Oh, what a busy time!



Also, in case you look at the posting time of this entry, I am trying to use up an hour after taking my monthly Boniva pill.



Love, Bopcha

Tuesday

Hello everybody!

I am really busy at work, which is a good thing.

We are really looking forward to having everybody out for Noah's graduation. It's funny how one notices all the stuff that could be improved upon once you know people are coming!

Love,

Dee

Mothers Day Greetings

Dear Bopcha and all Mom's reading this.......



Just a quick note to let you know I'm thinking of you on this day. Happy Mothers Day.





Joe Bonamico

Headed to Corvallis

I'll leave for Corvallis today (Friday) at about 4 p.m. or so.

I'll call you, Mother, once I am underway.

Love,

Dee

Corvallis Project

SCHEDULE







Template: Thursday May 14th



With an arrival window between: 10:00 – 1:00







Install: Tuesday May 26th



With an arrival window between: 11:00 – 2:00



________________________________________



Preparing for the template for your new countertops is an important step in the process. Detailed preparation for your template will help to ensure a timely installation. Below is a list of items and procedures that are critical for a successful template appointment. Due to the possibility of having unforeseen changes at time of template – it is imperative that a trusted decision maker be onsite for this appointment to ensure that any changes made meet with your approval.



Preparing for Template:



• All appliances new and/or existing need to be onsite for the template appointment.



• Your countertops must be completely cleaned off to maximize the template crew’s ability to accurately measure the area.



• Any backsplash must be removed (tile backsplash only needs the bottom row removed). If you have included backsplash tear out in your order, we will remove the backsplash at time of template.

If you would like to add backsplash tear out please contact your project coordinator.



Preparing for Install:



• Removal/Tear out of existing countertops:

o If you have included tear out in your purchase, Precision Countertops will be responsible for removing your existing countertops at time of install. Once the existing countertops have been removed our installer will verify that your cabinets are flat and level. If the cabinets are not flat and level this will postpone the countertop installation.



o If you did not include removal/tear out service with your order, we highly recommend that you tear out your countertops at least 2 days in advance in order to verify your cabinets are flat and level.

We do provide cabinetry services. If you would like to add this to your order, please contact your project coordinator.



o All plumbing and appliances must be disconnected prior to the install. If you have included plumbing disconnect services with your order, Precision Countertops will be responsible for the removal of all specified sink, faucets, and appliances.

*Hard wired appliances are the responsibility of the homeowner. These require an electrician.



Thank you for your business. Your attention to these very important details is greatly appreciated.



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Knowing what to expect is an important part in building a good consumer relationship. We hope that this document will help you to be an informed consumer. Additionally, it is our interest to provide clarification for all phases of the countertop installation process. Please review the following information.



• Quartz Surfacing



Composed of about 93% quartz combined with resins through a highly advanced process, Quartz Surfacing is a dense surfacing material.



Quartz Surfacing has greater, scratch and stain resistance than natural stone. It also possesses greater color consistency than stone.



However, it does have slight variation in shade and particulate distribution. Additionally, it can be scratched. While it is a dense material care needs to be taken to maintain its beauty.



With this in mind we do not provide compensation to you if your actual countertop varies in color or structure from the samples that you viewed previously. All our stock is beautiful and unique in nature.





The Seams in Your Countertop



There are many factors that we use to determine seam locations such as:

• Grain direction [movement] in the stone.

• Actual slab size of current inventory.

• Layout of the project.

• Final placement of seams will not be determined until production.

• Fabricators use experience and judgment to best utilize the material.



NOTE: The seams will be visible and felt by touch of the hand.