About this time (give or take a few weeks) 20 years ago my Mother and Father-in-Law asked (then pregnant) me, "Do you think this baby would rather have a pool or a pony". Well, duh, that wasn't a tough question to answer! Of course this baby wanted a pool! Oh, did I say this baby? Naturally, I unselfishly meant the one in my tummy!
So...they installed a pool...and now we live in their house, so WE have this pool! It's been relatively trouble free for the 3+ years we've lived here! It's never required much more than normal wear and tear maintenance. Until this year! And, really, what we're doing now is also normal wear and tear...but it's "big" maintenance....a new pool liner! After 20 unheard of years (average liners last 5-7 years) this one fell apart during the winter. What we have in the back yard is so yucky the "Creature from the Black Lagoon" wouldn't live in it. So, replacing the liner is not an option, it's a MUST!
In, fact! We killed a water mocasin in it a couple of weeks ago...at least before he died he ate all the frogs and tadpoles that were in there!
So...the reason for the pool liner discussion! We were able to come up with the deposit for the pool liner, it's been ordered and has arrived in the big city of Mena. Now we're waiting for our time slot for Family Fun Pools and Spas to install it. And, of course, then the final 1/2 payment is due.
In order to raise those funds, we've had a garage sale today! And are more than 2/3's of the way having all that payment! It's really pretty exciting! And...there's no moral to that story...just what I've spent the last 36 hours working my tail off for...and still have tomorrow morning to go!
And! Since we're getting a new liner and "sprucing up" out there, Doug's scored into a really nice pattern, all the concrete and tomorrow will start staining it! We chose black, hoping for a nice marbly pattern and color with the "old" gray concrete. We've been told that "old" doesn't accept the stain that well...Doug thinks it'll come out more dark brown than black. Guess we'll knowin a few days now...since he'll spray the first coat tomorrow. So glad the rain has stopped for a few days!!!!!
As for the rest of my news! Nikki's out "running around" tonight with a bunch of girlfriends. That's really a first, so if I seem boring, it's only because I'm making myself stay away until she gets home!
Nathan's moved back in (he hopes to not have to stay long) from college. I think he'd rather eat a worm...or two or three! He's "Mr. Independent, I can do whatever I want, wherever, whenever .... and you'd better be ready to play my game by my rules"...it's definitely going to be an interesting summer! (Don't misunderstand! We're VERY exciting to have him back home...just an adjustment!)
Valerie, yes, I'm liking "Captivating". I'm listening to it on audio rather than reading the book. I listened to most of it last week going to/from Russellville...and was pretty impressed with it. However! In my old age, I have to hear something several times before it sinks in and stays with me. There was definitely alot of food for thought! I'm anxious for another "road trip" so I have time alone to listen to some parts again and finish it! I think it's definitely worth the read! Thanks for asking! (And I'm enjoying your writing, as always!).
Well, folks, mostly you Mom's out there! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! I hope all your kids bless you immeasureably on Sunday! 'night. | 
