FIRSTS

I took this photo after our first snow, which was actually a week ago or more. We received several inches, but the ground was so warm that it melted nearly instantly. This little bit stuck around for most of the day and then was gone. We've had a couple of small showers since then, but nothing that stays.

We have dipped to the freezing line for a couple of days now, so I think the next snow we get will have a chance! White Thanksgiving! That's my wish...



We also experienced some other "firsts" within the past week or so. I tried my hand for the first time at staining, and found it quite enjoyable! I like detailed anal work that most people hate, so it's right up my alley. Yes, I enjoyed the lengthy prep work - the filling of holes with wood putty, the sanding, blah, blah. Here is an example of my work, as showcased on one of the office door jambs. You can also get a sneak peak at our decor. The doors will be stained to match, and the trim and paint are this color throughout.



Nadia decided to try her hand (literally) at staining as well! No, I don't typically allow my three year old to dip her hands into toxic chemicals. Just as I had opened the can (and told her not to touch it) I noticed that I had left my box of stain rags down the hall. I didn't even notice for quite some time that she'd "stained" the wall because she did a quick dip and run, smearing her hands on a door other than the one I was working on. It wasn't until I got to THIS door that I saw her handiwork! Thank God for touch-up paint.



Oh, and speaking of touch-up paint....



About two hours later, when Nadia had simply just had enough of coloring at her folding table and snacking on crackers, she decided to go for another first - painting walls! This is what happens when you leave a bucket of wash water with a dirty brush in it near a freshly painted wall (and have a bored three year old who has been suffering through long hours with mom and dad at "the office").

Poor thing. We haven't made her go back again.

The Marine Corps was established on 10 November 1775.

Our latest FIRST was attending a Marine Corps Birthday function, as veterans. We also joined the local Marine Corps League detachment. We had a lot of fun and met some great people, so I think it's something we'll enjoy getting involved in.

According to tradition, the youngest and oldest Marines present at any USMC Birthday cake-cutting ceremony must participate in the cake cutting. Derek was the youngest Marine present. He took some flack for picking an old lady who is literally older than him, but hey, it's only an eight month difference!



The Guest of Honor (center) receives the first piece of cake. The eldest Marine then gets the second piece and is supposed to pass it on to the youngest Marine, signifying the passage of experience and knowledge from the older generations of Marines to the younger. No such luck.....


The emcee is seen here instructing the Oldest Marine to pass the piece of cake on to Derek, but he wasn't having any of it! He kept looking at his cake like he couldn't wait to take a bite. After an awkward pause, some old dude shouted out from the back "You ain't gonna get it, boy!" And then the Oldest Marine just walked away with his cake. It was hilarious. Perhaps an "I guess you had to be there" moment...

Happy Birthday, Marines.

We are all well and plugging right along at this seemingly never-ending task of opening a business. When will we open our doors? Soon... very soon.