How Michael is like Danny DeVito...

Michael is my very own renaissance man. Since moving out here in May 2009, Michael has worked as a commercial painter, technical writer, Census supervisor, jury foreman, quail farmer, and my private contractor.

The above should tell you that Michael has been understandably busy. Following are just a few of the projects he has been working on.

Replacing the retaining wall in the front yard:


Raising quail (including building their multi-level hutch):

Taking an ash bath--their favorite pastime

Checking out their digs

The "fruit" of his labor

Tending the dogs:



Raising vegetables in our garden (actor portrayal):

Tearing down and replacing our siding and windows:


Ripping out our brick hearth and wood burning stove:

(Thanks Dad, Colin, Nathan, and Nate Ashby for helping Michael remove the stove!)

Next on the agenda: painting our house!!!

We have brought in a contractor to scrape down our popcorn ceilings and re-texture them (it was soooo much cheaper than we expected, and he had all the equipment for re-texturing), and as soon as he finishes, Michael will have yet another project to tackle when we get back from our Thanksgiving trip to Arizona (thanks again, Brent and Susan! We can't wait!!!).

What a talented man I married!