Dear Annette,

There is no estimated time of completion for renovations to the house at Golden Grain Farm. There is also no deadline for getting moved out of the house we're in, so there is no pressure aside from coming up with the cash to pay for everything we want to do before moving in. Drywall, paint and flooring, some electrical wiring; I think Scott even wants to re-stipple the ceilings; the whole kit'n'kaboodle will be done before we live there. A new furnace is essential. Don't get me started; there is a long list of repairs that must be done shortly after we move in— new shingles and insulation, new siding ... oh yeah, we bought a real work project. And this is just talking about the house. The barn and outbuildings need repairs too. Our advantages are that Scott knows how to do most everything and has the energy of 3 men, and that the house is only a mile away.

Scott has to find the time to work over there, and I have to do the same; that's the biggest hurdle right now. And he has to lead the way; he's the one who knows how to do everything. He's also the one who already works seven days a week, so there's the challenge built in.

You know what it's like, having just done it with your new place. I am afraid; I am very afraid.