Well, it's not the Bay and it's not exactly a dock.  I'm sitting outside our office and it's just beginning to get dark.  I'm watching the rush hour traffic slide by on Hwy 183 and the painters toiling away here at the facility.  We're getting a facelift with new countertops, paint and floors in the office and painting of the gate and fences outside.  So while the carpenter is inside, I'm fortunate in being able to set up shop with my laptop and bare necessities outside!  Such a deal on these glorious Autumn days.  Right now, tho', Mr. Sun is sinking, it's pretty darn breezy and the temperature is dropping.  Really sweet, eh?  Getting to work outdoors a bit.

We are a Toys For Tots drop-off location this year.  The Marines brought our materials yesterday.  It was so funny...I knew they were to be here shortly and then started hearing a good-sized chopper approaching.  When the guys got here, I told 'em in fun, "Gee, when I heard the chopper I thought you were bringing the stuff in by bird!"  That gave 'em a couple of smiles.

The carpenter is working from late afternoon until about midnight, which is really late for us.  Last night we played a leisurely few frames of snooker, watched some tele, and then hit the blankies after eleven.  We don't sleep that soundly when someone is banging away in the office, so we might as well chill out a bit.  Nothing like a few frames of snooker and some soothing Celtic tunes.  Of course, it's even better when you win 2 games out of 4!  HA!

This week really has been hectic and tiring with coordinating the remodeling crews.  Then there's moving stuff out of the office...moving things back in for business in the morning...moving stuff around here and there.  Lots of physical labor we're both doing.  Whew!  I'm looking forward to being off Saturday and Sunday! 

I planted a Fall veggie garden and the beans are doing their Jack and the Beanstalk thing already.  Since being here, we seem to have acquired quite a collection of potted plants...guess we really are putting down roots here.  I've got a portable greenhouse ordered which is to arrive tomorrow, so I guess Sunday I'll be putting that up and showing the plants their new home for the winter.  Although not Minnesota, we will surely have some freezes this winter and I don't want to lose my plant friends. 

It's darker now...the lights will come on soon.  I'll wrap this up for now, try to upload a photo or two perhaps and then close up shop!

One more thing...good vibes, thoughts, and prayers, please, for a dear girlfriend of mine who is yet once again playing the waiting game.  She has survived several devastating bouts of different types of cancer, each time with strength, grace, determination, humor, and faith.  Although we have not seen each other in quite some time, her voice is one I love hearing on the phone.  Meeting each other by Fate, our physical time spent together has been short; however, we have a bond of affection and understanding that runs deep.  She came into my life at a time when I needed exactly what she offered and I hope that in some way I have been there to give perhaps what she has needed at different places along her path.  If you're reading this, my Texas Girlfriend, yep, it's you.  I love you and am grateful for your presence in my life.  I'm holding space for you.  I look forward to seeing you again and spending time with you.

Peace, strength, love, and light to all!