"we don't know anybody who could read summary translations made by an online translator." Laurent, I would be happy to proofread pages from an online French-English translator. Moi, je n'e/cris pas la Franc,ais des anne/es, mais je peux la lire sans difficulte/. I'm an English-language editor and writing teacher, and I was fluent in French at one time (not too long ago), so I could certainly compare an English translation with the French text of your web pages. You are welcome to send me an email from my member page if you would like to talk more about this. (Write in French or English, as you prefer.) Votre site est merveilleux - riche en enseignements et si, si beau. Amanda

Here I am all showered, dressed, and ready to brave the pre-dawn chill and head to work at my preferred time. I have a small job to finish up this morning and then heaven knows what awaits me. ;) I am definitely "into" the whole house purge, you guys. Instead of continuing the protective measure of averting my eyes from areas of accumulated clutter I've embraced the "refuse to live in fear" motto and I've methodically made a list and begun chipping away at it. The place looks great and I feel great about it. The reaction from the helpmeet is mixed, he likes the cleanliness but is nervous about my ruthless approach to the many tomes that haven't been cracked in over 10 yrs. and my unwillingness to give him any more time to go through them himself. Time's up, baby! When I return from work this afternoon I'll throw some more clothing destined for the thrift into the washing machine and begin systematically going through the Lab.. I have lots of old fabric, items of abandonned clothing (the bane of dry cleaners and alterationists), and old notions that are taking up too much space. I wish some of you crafty types lived down the road, I'd send it your way happily. ;) I want it all pared down for the move across the driveway to the Salon. Idyll Camp has definitely kindled a fire under my hindquarters, you guys. This is one reason I'm not feeling housebound or winter weary, on the contrary, I'm wondering if there will be enough time to get it done before Idyll Camp. :) Wow, Marian, that orchid is just lovely. I smile every time I think of you puttering around with your plants. I've been meaning to ask you how you carry your wood indoors. Do you use a log carrier or do you just carry an armload? I'm trying to come up with a containment system for the Salon that is attractive and efficient. Eyed the log holder on the clearance page of the Sturbridge Yankee site Cynthia mentioned but was too cheap to spring for it, lol. There HAS to be something here that could be suitably repurposed... Its good that the puzzle is out for Nolon to pick at when the mood strikes him. You know, I never had the presence of mind to provide a puzzle for Mum, something I regret now. Loved the shots of Doobie and Ted, Kathy. Anyone who says cats aren't friendly has never known one that is much loved and fussed over. Our's like to chaperone us when we're outdoors, too. And there was a lot of getting into the boxes and bags destined for the thrift this weekend, too. Lots of Kodak moments. Well, time to get rolling so I may return home and continue the progress. Wanna place any bets on how much of the culled stuff actually makes it to the kerb this morning? ;) Cozy up, guys.

Good morning, everyone. I'm tired; it just dawned on me that it's probably the cumulative effect of about 2 hrs. of sleep last Saturday, dealing with Mum, duh. I solved the car problem yesterday afternoon. The auction turned out to be a bust. The cars were all high mileage and many of them were actually quite old (10 yrs.) so Mike decided there was nothing he was interested in bidding on. The few that caught his eye didn't meet the reserve. So, I went to the local used dealer and purchased a car I'd already tested. Paid more than I wanted to for it, but it is in nice shape, drove nicely, has new brakes, and new skins. Has some power "toys", and the bottom line is, I don't have to juggle one car with the helpmeet. Like it or not, I have to have wheels. It would perhaps be different if this was a one income family, but it isn't (I could commit a felony if I had to remain here with Mum all day long... ;) ). Wouldn't it be wonderful to live in an area with public transportation? I will drop the big rig off with Daddy this afternoon and then walk down to the dealership to claim "the prize". Any bets on how long it will take me and Rex to crap the interior up? I received a call from the car donation place last night. Seems they don't have anyone in my area to tow the car away. So, it's back to the drawing board on that count. I'm less than thrilled, but this too shall pass. It really IS small stuff. Essentially, so was the death of my car. A PITA, but beyond that. I was thinking of terribly fortunate I really am. I have lived frugally, saved responsibly, and have worked hard for good credit. It all makes things like this less stressful. Would that it was so for many others. The helpmeet put the hydrangeas to bed yesterday. They have wire cages around them and they're filled right up with oak leaves. It ISN'T how I was planning to handle them, but he had a bee in his bonnet to get some outside stuff done yesterday, so I was "overridden". Not sure how I quite feel about that, but right now I have bigger fish to fry (sorry Sylvia), so I'm lettin' it go. (How mature of me). Time to go wake Sleeping Beauty. I have to give her a lot of credit, actually. She gets up with me and goes to bed when I do. Occasionally, she gets a little crabby, but usually she's fine; more interested in talking to the cats and the dog. And remarking how nice it is to see the sun wake up. I picked up the mantel yesterday. I went to the bakery and purchsed some cookies for the guys. They put the soapstone in the car for me and then they ALL came out to thank me for the cookies (8 of them). I was interested that they suggested I rub the stone with mineral oil to deepen the color and really accentuate the veining. I'm not sure, though, I really want to do that. I'll try to get a shot of it up soon so you can see for yourselves. I still have to find a hook and get the helpmeet to install it, so I can hang some artwork over it. It's all about accessorizing, ladies! :) I know I've missed things I wanted to comment on, but I really have to skeedaddle now. The chilly air will be spilling into our area today and tomorrow. Winter is here. I noted the sunset was 4:14 yesterday afternoon, but soon the back of winter will be broken, friends! That one is for YOU, 'bug... :)

...ou au Jardin Botanique de New York. C'est peut-etre le meilleur j.b. aux E.U.! Et si vous voulez pratiquer l'anglais (ecris) a l'Internet je voudrais bien vous aider- SI on peut aussi ecrire en francais! Bon chance et amities, Cathy