Playhouse has new siding and the girls have grown up!

Years ago, with the help of my brother-in-law Bill Nielsen, we built
this playhouse for our girls.  We recently put on vinyl siding to
improve the looks and help preserve it

We have been working super hard this last month doing improvements to our backyard that we've wanted to do for a while, motivated by our hosting a dinner gathering for some friends and their recent finalization of their adoption of a wonderful little boy.  It was one of those things, where one project led to another and then to another and a few thousand dollars into it, we have added some wonderful features to our backyard.  One of those improvements was the siding of our girls playhouse, which was originally built out of wafer board, and painted.  The years had taken it's toll on both the paint and the wood, but we not only wanted to keep it, but also have a place that one day our grandchildren could come and play.  We originally built it, so that at 6'10" I come come to "dinner" or visit my girls without having to bend my head.  It proved to be a wonderful gathering place for multiple girls, giving each of them their space to play.  Our oldest now teaches elementary school and is looking for her first home, our youngest is a semester or so away from her associates degree at a local college.  Memories we seem to be able to hold in the context of their time, but everything else tends to grow, which is a good thing.

Today, which is Father's day, is also the 7th anniversary of the beginning of my blog.    My first blog was about my feelings as a father and while I didn't know if anyone would read my blog, I have been pleasantly surprised at the results.  That first blog, continues to find its way into my top 10 blogs from time time, reminding me that there are other dads who may a feel the same inadequacy as a father as we struggle to do our best.

I have also been interested to see that the most widely read blogs are about family, mine in particular.  I didn't really start it out that way, but I have on occasion written about the people who mean the most to me.  Of particular note, is the fact that one of the pieces I wrote about my wife on Mother's Day has become the most popular. 

While most of my audience is from the United States, it has reminded me that the questions or thoughts I have, may have interest elsewhere. In the end, I mostly write for myself.  I am grateful that others are interested.  It has given me an outlet to share thoughts and impressions and even on occasion pass along my review of a local business or something I thought was interesting or helpful.  Carlton's Corner always has a place for my girls to come back to, whether or not it's in the playhouse!  I am very fortunate to be their father and the wonderful blessing they have been in my life.  Thank you to those who take the time to read on occasion and whether I know you or will get to know you, you have also blessed and made my life better.