Fall Arrives...

Fireweed up here has bloomed to the top and gone to seed already. Natives say snow is 2 weeks away when the fireweed is gone. Tree bases are standing in puddles of gold from raining leaves. We've had several small overnight snowfalls coating even the lower mountain slopes but melt off the next day. It's downright chilly out, so we are hurriedly trying to get ready for winter.

Took my jeep in this morning so they can fix the heater, headlights and a few other things that Husband didn't feel up to crawling around underneath to check out.

Yesterday the Pavers came and moved all the stuff sitting on pavement - taped the bottom of the buildings - tared all the cracks - put a better seal around all the building bases and circular driveway edges - then topped it off overall with a heavy tar based sealant like they use on the airport. It's always fun watching crews like that work. They are so coordinated it's almost like watching dancers. Neil took his chair out on the porch to straw boss while I flitted around snapping the attached pictures.

Have talked with people coming to bring dirt to fill up places in the yard where we buried stumps that have since rotted away and left lawn dips. Dirt needs to sit and settle over the winter - then will need to be replanted in the Spring.

Trying to get a few projects out of the way in preparation for putting the place on the market sometime next year. Decided to wait until after Spring for exterior painting of all the buildings so they will look fresh then.

Time goes by soooo fast. It's been almost 20 years since we started building this place. So it's time things are needing touch-up attention and we just are no longer able to keep up our old pace. Even Neil seems to be looking forward to getting someplace where it is someone else's responsibility to do maintenance. There's alot to keep up with three buildings, a large yard, snowplowing, etc. ....and neither of us are using our shops so much anymore. Seems right to turn the care over to a younger set and go find easier ways to have fun. The fun really was in the journey (building experience) - not the destination. Time to experience new things.

One of our neighbors up the street sold his place last month and, surprising us, got full asking price; so figured we might as well drop a line in the water next Spring. He seems to think we are in a unique selling position with our 3k+ paved runway - plus crosswind runway - plus float plane landing - extra large hanger/motorhome barn and fully furnished carpentry/mechanic shop - plus 2 BD 2Bth home w/garage. Fortunately, since we insulated so well, it costs no more in utilities for our 3 bldgs than it does one average home.

Am compiling stacks of retirement community brochures to check out if the plan comes together. Financially we could stay here for less money than anywhere if we just continued to ignore the upkeep. But it's too sad watching what we built deteriorate, and hiring Alaskan labor is not cheap.

Almost ready for the white stuff to fall. I do believe I've heard sleigh bells....Naw.....Must have been Halloween goblins dragging chains.