So Thankful For The Rain.

Aaah, what a lovely feeling to wake up to this...

To say that we needed rain is an understatement! Everything is so parched and dry! The rain also brought relief from the smoke from the forest fires. With the combination of rain and cooler temperatures, the large fire burning in our area is now mostly contained. The Evacuation Notice has been downgraded to an Evacuation Alert. We were not on the list but with the way the wind was blowing, it wouldn't have taken much for things to change quickly. So we, along with many others, are very thankful for the rain!

We have a serious knapweed infestation in some areas here. This land has been neglected for a long time which is very sad.  Our neighbour told us that it used to be in pristine condition about 10 years ago so we'd love to see it restored to that. To combat this infestation, we have brought in some outside help in the form of our friend's goat. What is a nuisance to us is an instant vacation for him. He practically ran at it and started devouring the seed heads, which is just what we wanted. The plants are just flowering right now and they are at the perfect stage to destroy. We don't want to use chemical sprays so this is a good alternative. For all of us. The goat included.

This area is relatively free from knapweed but if we leave the other area alone, it won't be long until this area is infested as well. 

I'm happy to say that the geese are doing well. And getting big!!

When you are working outside....

...this is a most welcome sight! Aaah, coffee. Thanks, Joey!

This is a great way to stay cool on those hot, uncomfortable, nights. Those particular clouds don't look inviting though.

More rain on the way? No complaints here.

Heading over to the house, the basement is finally ready for pouring concrete.

There was a lot of leveling that needed to be done.

Thankfully, everyone pitched in and it's finished. Unfortunately, the concrete company can't fit us in until next week so we'll have to wait to pour.

The back stairs have been backfilled and are also ready to pour. 

Sometimes a little perspective is needed. That is the purpose here. To see  our progress. Especially when we can't always see it day to day. 

Things looked a little different....

Eight months ago....

Seven months ago....

Six months ago...

Five months ago...

a couple weeks ago....

And today!  It's very encouraging to see it this way.

So this week, we will focus on things that have been put on hold while the basement was being prepped for concrete. There are so many little details that need to be taken care of, I'm almost glad we need to wait to pour so we can deal with some of  them. After the concrete is poured and the basement walls are framed, the electrician can come and do the wiring. After that, we should be ready to drywall. In between that, however, there are only about 1,000 other things that need to be done. But we are tackling them one at a time. One foot in front of the other, slowly but surely. It's such a great feeling to check something off the list! (As long as we don't get discouraged by the list itself!)

We are so thankful for everything the Lord has helped us to accomplish. He is faithful and we give Him the glory!

Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.