BACK TO THE ROUTINE

Fall in the Northwest is my favorite time of year. We actually turned the heater on for the first time in about 4 months. There is nothing like crisp cool air and autumn color to make you want to cozy up in front of a fire and snuffle with someone ( I actually meant snuggle, but then the fall usually brings head colds too!)

We are getting used to being back in a routine, school, seminary and Chuck traveling a lot for business. The only one who doesn't have a routine yet is Becca- she is still job hunting. Her summer nannying job ended when the kids went back to school.

My dog business has slowed way down- 3 of my dogs were summer clients only, so I have lost them, which leaves me with only one permanent client right now. Although I am doing some more fill-in work for other walkers. I am trying to use this slow time to focus on getting some advertising. I have 2 ads coming out in local neighborhood publications, and I got some custom decals with my business name and web-site to go on the back windows of the truck and Suburban. Since school has started I have gotten a lot more hits on my website, and more email inquiries, but none have gone anywhere.

This year in seminary I am teaching the freshmen instead of juniors. It is a very small class of 7 students with 2 autistic boys in it. I think they gave me that class because I am the only female teacher in the building. I really have to stretch to keep everybody engaged and with me on subject. It is a learning experience I am enjoying, but it certainly keeps me on my toes.

Jared just got his braces on yesterday, so he is eating a lot of yogurt and smoothies right now. He doesn't want to smile, but that phase should pass quickly. Soon he will forget that he is even wearing them.

As I mentioned, Chuck is doing a lot of traveling with his new position in the company. He was in Denver last week and New Jersey this week. I think his car is parked at the airport more than in the garage. It feels so good to have him home on weekends.