Wednesday 3 August 2005
10:46 a.m.

It's a cooler day so far, windy; what a pleasure to go out walking in it this morning after putting a thin layer of varathane on a shelf for the boys' room. The hound and I made a wide tour of the farmyard perimeter before I came in for breakfast, dishes, a bit of computer work and some soup stock started on the stove.

Already some small accomplishments so I can sit at the desk and focus on work for a few hours without feeling distracted by other things needing done.

This afternoon, Everett will become a bike rider, against his will. One day he'll surely thank me for forcing him to learn. It's been such a struggle every summer that we always give up with him in frustrated tears. He's 12, for cryin' out loud! and should be able to accompany me on leisurely rides over gravel roads. I'm determined. He's dreading it.