So here I am at the Mason’s Lodge Leadership Program here at Rocky Gap Resort in Cumberland. The kids are with Mom, Dad, and my sister Crystal for the weekend. It has been a very long time since I have had so much “free” time on my hands. Seeing how I have no interest in the workshops in the “ladies program” I hope to start a good book, finish Kyle’s blanket that I have been working on for three years, walk the nature trail around the lake and check out the aviary that is near by. Carlo will be in workshops all day and I will hopefully get some free time with him tonight. We are different people without the stresses of the house, animals, kids, and my parents. How can we keep this feeling upon returning home? What do we need to change to make this happen? I guess this is something to think about as I walk the trails this afternoon . Perhaps there will be an animal that will cross my path with some much needed answers ; - ) Will Let you know! Tata for now.

~Shanna

Snow! Snow! and More Snow!!! What a crazy week it has been! I have a new found appreciation for my Toro Snowblower. That little baby saved us from so many more aches and pains.

Glad it is over. As much as I enjoyed being home with the family and burning through my vacation hours, I would rather have enjoyed that time with them in a semi tropical country enjoying beautiful new sights and foods. Guess that will have to wait for some time later in the year after I recover my vacation hours. Glad everyone was safe though. The only damage we incurred was the pool cover. That poor thing took a bitting and finally caved in. Here are some pictures of these events.

~Carlo

We run to work, run to soccer, up to the Grocery store, squeeze in a haircut or dentist appointment, and let's not forget to pump the gas to get us home! They are with me all the while keeping up without complaint to where some days I look back and realize I have not stopped to take the time to look them in the eye and say thank you. ...Recently It has come to my attention that no matter how fast I get something done and no matter how far ahead you think you're prepared for, it unavoidably comes back and has to be done all over again. ...We have discovered the power of clear open communication in our household these days and in doing so we can look in a little deeper and be there for one another as needed. ...To stay positive and loving with one another during these difficult and trying times, and to always remember where we came from.

~Shanna

Talk about dry.... the garden has slowed down significantly due to the fact we have to water minimally. But hey, nothing like the flavor of a ripe
garden tomato sandwich with a halapeno on the side! We love this time of year. Today we will be purchasing boards to complete the new dog
yard and I can't wait. Elvis and Nubbie are getting bigger and louder all the time but still cute as can be. Their temperament is amazing and it leads
me to believe that Nubbie will be a great mom come April and hopefully will be very easy to milk. They know their names and routine very well and
are quick to complain if they notice us walking away from the garden without giving them their weeds. The chickens are free range now and I am amazed
at how fast their color and size changed because of it. The eggs are tastier as well. The deer fencing we put up to keep the chickens out of the neighbors
garden has holes where the rabbits have chewed through, leaving perfect little arches for the chickens. Needless to say, more work and money will
help get us to the point where everything is contained...... you would think five acres would be enough, always something though
We love being outside until 10 p.m. this time of year. Hanging with good company, swimming, grilling, weeding/ harvesting, brushing the goats, playing with our dogs, and
tent pitching are some of our favorite past times. We missed our traditional camp out this year but with it being my first summer in years with no
pain I am excited and eager to tie up the loose ends around here.
The school year is on our front porch again. Time for shopping for supplies and this year we will be changing curriculums. I don't look forward to cold morning
walks to the barn but I love the thought of snuggling by the fire with a good book, snugly child and a warm bowl of homemade soup. But for now let's do some rain dances and enjoy what is left of the summer!

~Shanna