Summer has wound down and life is back into full swing here. Art class, 4-H, homeschool gym, science club and playgroup, plus we are thinking about a dance class for both girls and girl scouts for Abigail. The kids are loving it, and I'm not feeling overwhelmed yet. Everything but girl scouts is during weekdays (the 4-H club and dance class are organized by homeschoolers), so weekends and evenings are still free. That makes such a huge difference imo. Not having to rush around during the evenings or weekends, being able to keep the weekends and evenings open for family time, that makes life seem more relaxed and open to me.

Since we have decided not to sell our house, I wanted to change the chicken coop and run. We ripped out the raspberries, since they haven't produced much the last few years anyways, and put the run there. This way I also get my 5th garden bed back. Then, Luis built a coop in part of the garage, and there are ramps that go up to the window from both the coop and the run. They have so much more space now, and I don't have to worry so much about them in the cold winter. We can just close the window of the garage to keep them in on the cold days, and there is electricity to put a light on a timer or plug in a heater if needed. Luis did an amazing job building it all.

Speaking of Luis, a teenager called him "sir" the other. He isn't coping with it well. ROFL

On the knitting front, I have been jumping projects like mad. The cable weave sweater is nearly done, about 1/3 of a sleeve is left along with the collar. I've finished a pair of socks for Isabella, and another sock up to the toe decreases. I've made Lynn's poncho for her as well, except for the furry fringe along the edges. I need her to try it on again in good light; I think the hood might be too short, as much as I'd hate to rip that out. I've done a little work on the stripey sweater, the Jig sweater and my Rosemary's sweater too. I need to focus on finishing some of these up! I want to cast on a heavy poncho for me and water bottle holder too, but I'm making myself wait until something is finished!

A Hobo finds a home

Hobo the dog has found a new home with us. He's an Australian Shepherd/Heeler mix that we recused from the Humane Society a few days ago. He was a stray, but we believe he had a home before. He seems to be housebroken, but not really trained well for sit, stay, etc. He's quite intelligent and has been learning qickly. He's a great dog, pretty calm and good with the kids. He does have a slight tendency to jump on Luis and me, particularly first thing in the morning, but is quick to stop when we say down. Vincent and Isabella are still somewhat nervous around him at times, but they are starting to relax. They really like him, it just makes them nervous when Hobo tries to smell them.

Here's our Hobo: