Saturday, May 23, 2009

It's a Hope Update!

A month ago, Pete and I attended a live telecast by Dave Ramsey, Town Hall for Hope, a message about hope in the current economy's storm of fear. The video is up on hulu (my TV replacement) and available to watch for free. I highly encourage anyone reading this to watch it, and head over to his website if this sounds like something that interests you. It's an hour and 40 minutes, so watch when you've got some time. You can watch it in standard resolution or high resolution, it is up to you.

The Freshest

A few weeks ago, Pete and I went downtown to the Farmer's Market on the square, but didn't arrive until 10am or so and it was the first weekend opening of the season, so there wasn't much there. I've wanted to go earlier, but could never get myself up at 6 to do so.
Today, was another story. Since Pete didn't want to wake at such an hour on the weekend, I figured I'd try a different market than the downtown one.  Driving in the rain, I headed out to the FM in Middleton. Unfortunately I must have had the wrong address or wrong date, because I couldn't find anything.  Maybe another location would bear fruit (haha)...so I tried another place that is supposed to have a FM. But no, the second location was a dud too. I ended up taking a different way home, and ironically, stumbled upon white tents! With vegetables! And honey! And milk! A real Farmer's Market! By now, it's pouring. Of course.
The good thing with the rain is that not many people were out, so I only had to wait in line behind one person in one booth. On the other hand, I was completely soaked by the end of the trip.  I think my favorite encounter was with a vendor who was about 13 or 14, very polite but rather unhelpful. When I asked what kind of lettuce a particularly beautiful chartreuse head was, he laughed and said, "Oh, no! Don't ask me that! I'm not sure what kind it is, but Mother likes it best."  So I think to myself, well, if "Mother" likes that one best, I can't go wrong!
And I now have some deliciously fresh produce, bread, eggs, honey and preserves. Excellent.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Well ya see, it's like this

I sort of fell off the face of the blogearth. But I do have some fantastical news!
SOLD Yes, our house has sold, we closed on Wednesday, May 13, and the paperwork was finalized on Friday, May 15. The payoffs went through yesterday, and our mortgage accounts are at $0. (ZERO!) Yes, I know that is how it works when you sell a house, your mortgage(s) get paid off. It's just crazy to actually see that balance.
While we took a huge hit in the price and ended up having to pay (literally) to get rid of the place, it is no longer our responsibility, no longer a weight dragging us down. It is a monetary setback, and we are now back at square one with savings and debt reduction. On the other hand, we have gained valuable experience and knowledge. So, it's done.
Thank you everyone who was praying for us for the last year about our house!
Secondly, I have a job interview on Friday, which is really encouraging, especially following the situation with the house. So, more prayers requested, if you're willing to send 'em up!
Thanks for stickin' with me if you're still reading this blog, I really appreciate it!