Here's a quick update before the Birthday party and en masse gathering of family and friends:

Bob mowed the front field with sickle bar mower a few weeks back; Bob, Daniel, Jen, and I had a (small) brush fire to clear a space in the middle of the field for Carlie's fire pit last weekend (no mishaps); the ceiling was painted, back door fixed; Bob replaced the rotten bridge railing support; yard mowed; twin bedroom rearranged; plans made for tents and sleeping arrangements, food, drink, etc, etc.

Let's hope the weather is not quite as hot as it has been lately and everyone has a safe trip to THICUT for the PARTY!

Jen helped planning for the BIG event coming up on August 1st (actually HAPPY 80th TOMORROW, Anna Ruth, Aunt Sandy, Toots, Pudy, Amos, Mormor!!!). Painting, fixing, digging for new plants is in the works. We've had rain today, finally. The grass and flowers really need it!

Pond cleaning! Anna Ruth and I emptied the pond and cleaned out all the muck on the bottom. We left a bit of water in the bottom for the fish. I don't think we lost any fish in the process. Pulled three water lily pots out and only put one back. They were masses of leaves and roots! And SO heavy! Now the pond is being refilled with clean water. The fish will be SO happy! It was a beautiful 75 degree F day with sun and clouds, wonderful to be outside!

Break In.

Along with everything else going on... Thicut was broken into on Tuesday afternoon. Anna Ruth was volunteering at the E. Haddam Library; ADT called me to say the front door was breeched. The police were sent, I called Anna Ruth and she went home and walked through the house with the police. The alarm had gone off and scared the would-be burglars away before they disturbed anything. Daniel stopped by on his way home from work to check on her; she decided to stay. The door on the driveway side is damaged. She called the locksmith and they were able to fit a new lock Wednesday morning.