Pardon our mess....

I don't know how Troy instinctively understands how to do construction.  Maybe it's because he has a "math brain" and was accepted to Rose-Hulman (13th year at the top of US News and World Report's Top Engineering Colleges in the Country...Tami shout out!), but I watch him build the deck and am in awe.  He's only a couple of days from finishing up part one of the deck project (get deck built) to await the completion of phase two of the deck project (get roof built out).  And throughout this time, I've been the trusty screw hander-outer and board lifter-upper.  Brute strength is not really my best skill, but I can help in even a modest way (or especially in a modest way) to make things easier.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature seems to want to make up for a rather dry summer all in one fell swoop and we're getting some pretty constant, if only occasionally heavy, rain.  Our deck project is now mired in mud so it's on hold now until it gets a little dryer and the ground a little firmer. 

Yesterday, before the endless rain started, was a perfect morning for a little bit of a walk.  My employer participated in the Indianapolis Sports Corporation's Corporate Challenge and since my challenge is, was, and always will be an utter lack of grace and balance (and those pesky weak ankles), my contribution was participating in the 5K fitness walk (as well as an enjoyable, but less than successful effort bowling last weekend).  People, pets and kids in strollers walked the banks of the White River at a nice pace, just enough to get the heart rate up a little and feel a nice burn in the legs.  Not only did I get to start my day with an energy boost from exercise, but I got to store important knowledge from those parents around me for the days when  I will be one myself.  What was the most important lesson I learned?  It is not a good idea to give your child keys to entertain themselves with as you walk near the side of a pedestrian bridge.  Especially if your child has shown a propensity toward a future career as an MBL pitcher.  Nothing good can come of that.

Here's to a dry and mild week, another Sunday School lesson that will engage the kids and hopefully a completed deck before hunting season starts on Saturday!