I was able to get a large kennel put together tonight in our garage for when the Goldens are wet or covered in mud and a great risk to the carpet and furniture, let alone all our clothes. I do not remember if I shared a couple of days ago or not of how I had to carry each of them, one at a time, through the house and into the basement when they were sopping wet and muddy from the rain. It’s not that I cannot still do that, but an 80 pound dog it not easy on the stairs, nor am I of the age where I find that kind of work appealing anymore. Wet dog is a recognizable smell, and not one I like on my clothes. This new kennel should work fine.

The Goldens are something I enjoy doing very much. They are all great dogs, each with their own personality, and are all a lot of fun. Plus, they help me deal with the stresses and strains of everyday life…..after all, I am married to a scientist!

Anyway, all this has taken too long to do, and I am fried, so I need to call it a day. But God sure knew what He was doing when He made Goldens. I am so very blessed by having them in my life (and when wet and muddy in my garage!)

Goodnight my friends and God Bless.

Tom+

There is more wind tonight than has ever come out of Washington DC……okay, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, in that there seems to be more wind there than anywhere. But the storm, though it was only interspersed with rain, was enough to make me wonder if we were not in a reenactment of the Wizard of Oz. It was really blowing.

But after our men’s group, I was able to get home to the safety and security of our home. Most of the power was out between St. Patrick’s and our house, as well as most of our neighborhood. But the power grid appears to run through just a block over and our street had lights. I felt badly for those without power, but I was thankful that ours was on…..particularly every time I heard that sump pump working.

But the day was pretty good. Our new (non-defective) floor was delivered and will begin to be installed on Monday. I was told our house should be completed by next Friday. And Amanda and I even agreed that we would get the couch and chair that will go in the family room, completing everything, before she leaves to visit her mom in Kansas next week. Yep….by the time she gets home I will have everything set up. It will be wonderful.

Anyway, lets hope the wind dies down and power is restored everywhere. These are violent winds. Pray that they do little damage and that everyone in their path remains safe!

Goodnight my friends and God Bless.

Tom+

Suddenly I looked and it was 10:30! Where does the time go? I know I have been busy, but time has just flown today. Ben and I did take Scott to lunch, since he is still sick and unable to go to school, but clearly that was the most exciting part of my day!

The good news however is that everyone is getting better, and hopefully by the weekend everyone will be fine. The restoration company will be here in the morning to clean the carpets in the basement, and that will finish off the basement!!! Our flooring should be in by Friday and then installed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday next week! Yes, the house may be done by the 20th! (Of course I have believed that before, but I am praying hard!)

I have to say though that I am looking forward to it all being done. I just want it to get it back to normal. Life when it is normal can be boring, but I LOVE my life when it is lived in that Mayberry sort of way!

Okay, it is off to bed for me. Amanda is watching Demetri Martin and it is almost over, as the day is as well. My hope and prayer is that your day has been blessed!

Goodnight my friends and God Bless.

Tom+

I am being watched/supervised as I type out this blog entry. Ben has somehow made his way into my bed and though his mom is asleep, he seems to be waiting for a Bunnytown video or a Veggietales video to pop up on the screen. Unfortunately for him, neither will be happening, but you cannot fault the little guy for his faith!

Amanda and Scott are still both sick. Amanda seems to be getting a little better, but was unable to host the Women’s Bible Study tonight. Scott and I took a trip to the doctor which included x-rays, antibiotics and other meds. Scott was also told that he got Ben’s pink eye, but that is no wonder. They are always wrestling with each other.

Steph and I seem fine, and apparently Ben is too…other than selective baby insomnia. Treatment is of course a trip right back into his room, which will be happening shortly, unless by some miracle he happens to conk out!

Anyway, please continue to keep Amanda and Scott in your prayers. Life is hard when you are sick, and they both have had a rough few days. It would be nice to just seem them both feeling well and have a little normalcy around the Tirman home…..oh I can dream!

Goodnight my friends and God Bless.

Tom+

Today has been an unusual day. The days Amanda does not travel with me are few, yet today has been one of those days. Amanda’s illness has lasted all weekend long, and I hope and pray that the morning will find her better and on the road to health. Scott is also sick, but his symptoms are more flu-like. Please keep both of them in your prayers.

I spent most of the evening putting together two very large bookcases that will replace some of the furniture we lost in the pipe-bursting incident. I was glad to get to the end of this project, as well as to the end of the day, because it seems as if I have not stopped going since I got up. (yes, I know that is improper English….but I am tired) I am just thankful that all the parts were there, that they all went together as they should have, and that Monday will not see a work-in-progress when it dawns. Lord knows we have plenty of those already.

Anyway, I will head up to bed and get a good night’s sleep. Hopefully all this illness will pass without being handed off to anyone else!

Goodnight my friends and God Bless.

Tom+