Life in my house that I own, all on my own!, has been great. It's so lovely to live on the lake in a community that cares. The views are great. There are deer, finches, Eastern bluebirds, kids, waving people! It's wonderful. My house is now a cheery periwinkle with dark brown trim. I painted the entire house by hand over the months of May and June. I've put up a cute decorative fence. The garden is flourishing. I keep getting letters from realtors asking if I'm interested in selling my house. Uh no! I'm fixing it up for me. Apparently, I'm now living in the new hot spot of town. It's only 15 minutes further in driving than where I last lived IN town. Got a new car too. Finances have come far. Relief! Now if I can just win the lottery this weekend, it'll all be paid off.

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The boy started his senior year of high school on Monday. Actually, he "started school", when school ended in May. He'd decided to take 6 AP classes (he has dropped one, and I'm glad) this year, and had homework all summer long. I keep asking him if he's a glutton for punishment, ha! At the end of the school year, I told him had to get a job, of any sort. It didn't matter if it was busboy at the dock restaurant a half mile from our house. Any job. He needs to get out there! It's past time. He hemmed and hawed. I let it go for a bit. At the beginning of summer, I asked him what his goals were, just for fun. He said he was going to make $100 with his jewelry making business, look for scholarships and apply to universities. I looked at him incredulously. Not the school/money stuff. He has that in the bag. He made high scores for scholarships and university acceptance. He's talked with the most regarded bioinformatician in the country. He knows those are done. He's told me he'd make money with his jewelry before--I've heard this song and dance. Sure, he sells a thing or two here and there. He's even got a business partner. But do they do anything? Nope. My nextdoor neighbor told me I should go to the farmer's market in our area. What? We have a farmer's market? After she told me all that was there, I said, sounds good, I'll check it out. Except for the jewelry since I have a person with whom I commission work. She knew what I was talking about. She suggested the boy go sell there. He did. He sold $143 worth of goods. It's only once a week, but he got out there. Now if he'll just get to getting on those university plans ;) Today, he finally gets his driver's license. He's been dragging his feet for YEARS. He'll be eighteen in a couple of months and has been satisfied to ride the train or bus or with me since we're going the same way. That worked fine, even for marching band since we had a carpool. I didn't mind driving once a week. The carpool died this year; they all graduated except him! So he had to finally get it. He's been able to drive, so now it's down to formalities. Cross your fingers and toes. And your hair, arms, legs, whatever you got! It's already a stressful year for the boy, but I know he's gonna land on both feet ready to run.

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The weather is magical this year. Not sweltering oppressive heat. Just cool breezes and sun. Sad that that summer is running out with all the pretty zinnias, sunflowers, lavender, etc. and all the birds and butterflies that are visiting. Guess it'll cool down and I'll stay inside long enough to notice the inside needs painting. New and different projects, but the nest is coming into my view. I feel like the garden. I'm in the summer of my life, but winding down. It's ok. I'm at peace with that.

Flyin' shoes

by Townes Van Zandt

Days full of rain
skys comin' down again
I get so tired
of these same old blues
same old song
Baby, it won't be long
'fore I be tyin' on
my flyin' shoes
flyin' shoes
till I be tyin' on
my flyin' shoes

Spring only sighed
summer had to be satisfied
fall is a feelin' that I just can't lose.
I'd like to stay
maybe watch a winter day
turn the green water
to white and blue
flyin' shoes
flyin' shoes
till I be tyin' on
my flyin' shoes

The mountain moon
forever sets too soon
bein' alone is all the hills can do
alone and then
her silver sails again
and they will follow
in their flyin' shoes
flyin' shoes
they will follow in their
flyin' shoes

Days full of rain
skys comin' down again
I get so tired
of the same old blues
same old song
Baby, it won't be long
till I be tyin' on
my flyin' shoes
flyin' shoes
till I be tyin' on
my flyin' shoes