one week later...and continued two weeks after that

The kids are getting used to the new routine and so far we have had no major blow ups over homework and the like, but it's early days... Charlotte has already been behind the eight ball when we discovered papers in her bag Monday morning. Why did we wait until Monday morning you are asking? Well, we didn't. On Sun afternoon I specifically requested the kids look through their bags and get me any papers that needed my attention, and ensure that there was no un-noticed homework. Charlotte actually brought me a paper needing my signature, so how was I to suspect that she hadn't really gone through the bag? I guess that I have to monitor her every move, oh goodness, I am not looking forward to high school.

Even four weeks into the school year, things seem to be going ok, even with Charlie, but the first math test was last week, and we did find an english test with a "D" result... I will continue to take deep breaths and be stoic.

Helene is a safety guard and seems to take her responsability seriously. We took the day off on Friday to come to Chicago and she was worried because she had a job at school. And Luke, well he turns tomorrow and all things seem to be going well with him for now.

We have been in Chicago since Friday afternoon and we have walked our butts off (oh how I wish that were true). We have walked and walked and saw lots of things. We rented a four person bike and pedaled for an hour as well. The kids really enjoy themselves here. Last night we went and saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the IMAX theater. It was very cool. Then we walked back from Navy Pier and stumbled in at around 11, we had been gone for 12 hours. It is great. There is no tv in the apartment, just a radio and some card games. It's a lot of togetherness, so we are generally good to go home by the time the weekend is over.

Work is going well. I have had a lot more involvement in the sales area. Our new director is finding his stride and has decided that including me is a good thing. We will see if it continues to unfold that way, my annual review is coming up at the beginnning of next month. We shall see.

The vineyard lost about 400 vines due to the rain - a whole lot of rain. We also lost about half of the new plantings. So far, it has not been an awesome year for us at the vineyard, but we didn't expect a walk in the park, and guess what? We are not getting a walk in the park.

just keep swimming...