First week off for the summer

I have volunteered our family to check bluebird houses weekly for the summer. There are 20 houses and it takes us about 2 1/2 hours to check. Today was the first time for the summer, so it may take us less time as we become more fit. The most common birds we will find are of course bluebirds and then also tree swallows. The girls had a good time even though we are a little sore tonight. We dropped Mim off at a 3 day running camp so it was just Ve, Tuki and me checking..Tuki stated while checking "It sure is fun when we don't argue" .....ya think..... if you are in the area and one week you want to take a long hike checking out various stages of baby birds, you are welcome to join us.

young bluebirds almost ready to fledge

just hatched tree swallows

Ve and Tuki at Noah's Ark yesterday. we won't be going anywhere special this summer since my money and time is tied up in the last of my admin classes, so I decided to purchase season passes several months ago at a very inexpensive price. The Dells is only 80 miles away so really a doable activity within the confines of a single day. This is our first visit of the summer.

In the low note many expensive items seem to be breaking around the house: Here is a list of items that I have and will need to be fixed or  replaced within the next two months:

1. septic sump pump quick working - $400.00
2. windshield in the van has a crack - ??
3. condensation pump on the furnace quit - ??
4. bigger LP tank and filled with gas - ?? but at least 2000.00
5. garage roof leaking - $2200.00
6. oven burned out on the stove - ???

it amazes me how many things went kaput all within a few months of each other...I just need to swallow deep and pay the bills, and live more tightly.

In a high note I am either running or biking daily as well as walking, so hopefully my fitness level will slowly improve.