Ruth and Naomi: the saga continues

I've been side-tracked, ranting about cell phones and being nostalgic about my Dad. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, things are progressing. Those of you who are just tuning in to the little mini-series melodrama of my life can find the back story at my June 16 post, "Ruth and Naomi..." (I cannot get my link thing to work...me, I'm sure)

My mother-in-law is getting settled, but it is a much, much slower process than we had hoped. We are giving ourselves pep talks about how we have no schedule but our own, and I think we're relaxing a bit.

One problem is that I am so stinkin' busy. This is, really, a good thing. I am blessed to have lots of business (although, this is, of course, a mixed blessing in that much business for me means others are divorcing...oh, yes, there's plenty of that, unfortunately). I am working long hours, so there is not a lot of time for me to help MIL settle in physically.

She has contracted for her deck. The materials have been delivered, and we expect construction to begin tomorrow or Tuesday. Her little shed has come and is so very cute. Her carport is on the way; we expect it on Monday as well. So progress is being made.

Still, there are boxes everywhere, and my mother-in-law is finding out that she does not have the stamina she had even two years ago. These pictures were taken a week or so ago, so it's better now; but you can see what we're dealing with:



The main thing is that in spite of our settle-in difficulties, we are happy! One of the most forlorn feelings of being single again was having no one to wonder where I am! It was unexpected for me, but when I realized that I could be as late as I wanted coming home, it also occurred to me that I could run off the road and be in a ditch and no one would know I was late~not good! So, we are accountable to each other, and I think that is a healthy thing. And I think we have both enjoyed having supper mates each night.

She is waiting to get her dog until she is more settled. In the meantime, my two have loved having her here, too. My dogs sleep in the house with me each night. In the morning when I leave for work, they head to "Grandma's house," where they stay all day until I return. When my car turns the driveway, they head home, waiting to greet me. MIL says that they stand guard each day for her, alerting her when the construction guy is approaching or the meter reader arrives. This is probably what Chili looks like to the meter guy.

This is misleading--the photo was snapped while Chili was barking at the horses, and he's never bitten anyone. But the meter guy doesn't know that! MIL loves that security, and I think it is funny how the dogs transfer their "duty stations" dependent upon who is at home! Of course, there is the added attraction for them that she lets them into her house (especially when it is very hot or when it is raining) and, then, there is always that treat thing...Here's Scout with her "I want" look, which is hard to resist.



I'd show you outside pictures (shed, etc.) but, frankly, I'm embarrassed! It's been raining a lot here, so the grass is high. I might be able to mow today (if the rain lets off long enough to let everything dry out).

So, I'm happy to report, we are progressing! Thanks for tuning in again.