The News and Views From Treesong's

Well, glory be! Both of my sons called me on Christmas. You have no idea how much I enjoyed that.

And, miracle of miracles, the youngest son has hired a couple guys to work on his "house project." A little background...he bought the house four years ago for $3,000!!! It was built between 1858 and 1910 and sits on a very large hillside lot about four miles out of town. My son is a business owner and very devoted weekend father so he has little free time. Work on the house - which needed to be gutted - has been in fits and starts from day one. Last night he tells me of all the progress and announces he's going to have the place operate on solar!!! I nearly fell off the chair. Then he says it's going to have a pantry - and maybe he'll stock it like his mama does. No sweeter words were ever spoken!!!

Then my oldest son, who's also fixing up a house he bought just prior to a tax sale for $245 (yeah, I know, UNBELIEVABLE) gutted his place and now has new electrical, a pellet stove, drywalled and knotty pine panelling throughout, and just finished ceramic tile on the first floor. He hopes to move in by February. His other place will be rented out and he's looking at another small house to buy.

So progress is progress and that makes me feel good.

As for us, we'll be cutting firewood later today. It's approaching 40 degrees but tomorrow's forecast is rain followed by a freeze, followed by snow.

And, as usual, my thoughts are on preps. We'll be in Traverse City Monday for Sweetie's heart test so that means an opportunity to shop. Aside from the gluten/wheat free foods at the co-op, I'm taking a second look at various gadgets and the little incidentals: scotch tape, ink pens and pencils, Elmer's glue, Wood glue, more wood matches, vitamins, boot laces, thread, and permanent markers. Be without any of these items when the need arises and it's a pain, a real pain. I can imagine a day when they'll be as valuable as the beads Indians traded with. They also have the advantage of being lightweight and compact so their storage space in minimal.

Two more pair of kitchen shears and another hand-operated can opener are on the list too. Both will be great barter items or future gifts or the inevitable replacement.

Well, it's time to make my laundry soap. Have a great day, Treesong