Life As I Know It: The most outdated post ever

I started this post, uh, a long time ago... and then forgot about it. And then I remembered the post, added to it... and forgot about it again. At this point I should probably just trash it, but I'm pushing forward and posting it anyway.

The day after we got back from the North Shore (in September) I went with my dad to his farm. He wanted to clean up a little around the yard, and make sure the fire detectors and such were working. The renters he has are not the best in terms of keeping the place clean which is disappointing. Clothes were just thrown everywhere inside the house, toys all over the yard. I don't expect everyone to be super clean, but some of it I just don't get. The renter is really into hunting and apparently is working on getting a bear by 'bear baiting'. I'd never heard about this, but I guess you put out piles of sweet stuff to lure the bear and then you shoot him. Our renter has acquired a bunch of expired candy, breakfast bars, dough, and syrup. He has placed them in the shed, but some of the boxes are tipped over and a bunch are empty. It almost looks like a bear went through the boxes instead of a human. Anyway, I get that people hunt and I eat meat and all that, but something about this seems wrong. Maybe it's just me. I was just put off by it all.

Ugh, so I'm just put off by the mess at the farm and feel like it deserves better. I did get to see how the barn has been cleaned out (by my husband, dad, and some of my brothers) and it made me happy, but weirdly made me sad. This barn was partially built by my brother, Scott, (who died 7 years ago) and not seeing couches, and snow mobile gear bums me out a little. All that just reminds me of him.

My dad keeps mentioning that he's going to sell the farm and I don't know how much to fight him on this. I guess we'll see what happens, but for now I'm glad I can still go out there with my dad.

Last Saturday (haha - actually, weeks ago, but I can't remember how long ago), I had to work from 9 - 3 so Jesse and Riley went with my dad to his union picnic. My dad was hoping to see a couple guys, but due to some illnesses they weren't there. My dad's been retired for 25 years so the friends he sees at these events are starting to slim down quite a bit. Riley had fun bringing home free crap (thanks Wells Fargo for the tire gauges - just what my kid always wanted) and playing on the bouncy structures. Later that day I took my turn and brought Riley over to my dad's. His town was having a celebration (Medina Celebration Day) and we decided to check it out. Riley got some more bouncy house time, a train like ride, played on the playground, and most importantly (to her) was running up the big hill and then rolling down. I wish I would have recorded it because she couldn't seem to get the rolling down part and kept going side to side. She'd get up, change positions and try again. Took her forever to get down the hill, but she loved it. We stayed for the fireworks and she did great. For a kids who previously hated fireworks she didn't seem one bit bothered by these. She even begged to get closer even though we were right under them (my neck was killing me from looking up). Earlier in the evening the sky was an amazing color of pink, and purple, and blue. It was really fantastic to see.

Checking out the back of a police car

Apparently, I was also going to talk about our three sewer backups. I live such a fun life! So yeah, it backed up and the place that I trust couldn't come out so they suggested another place. They came out and seemed fair, but then it backed up two weeks later or so. I called them again and the owner was a total dick. I paid them some more money, but didn't feel good about it because the owner was a serious dick. Did I mention that? I have no patience for poor customer service. And then it backed up again and this time we just followed directions from my dad and all has been good since then. Anyway, avoid Ken's Sewer if you can.

Oh, and apparently I was also going to talk about the Tasting Room according to my notes in this post. While everyone else seems to be using Stitchfix to have someone pick out clothes specifically for them, I've decided to have someone pick out wine for me. This is a little more my speed. Basically, you fill out a few questions so they can determine your wine profile. Jesse and I decided to do it together which may have messed things up because while we both love red wine, I can only drink white (there is something in red that messes with me big time). After they determine your wine profile they send you 6 sample bottles which you drink and then rate. Based on that, they send you a case of wine. We got 8 bottles of red and 4 of white which was fine, but I wish there was more control in that first case. Each bottle averaged about $12 which is probably what we pay usually. We've since received our second case and I don't love or hate what they've sent us. Probably the biggest pain has been that we have to be here when they deliver the wine, but other than that it's nice to have wine brought to our door. I think we might try one more case because it's fun to explore, but all the wine they sell comes from Lot 18 so it's not like we can find a great new wine and then buy it at our local store.