A Roof Over Head

I am writing tonight with the express purpose to show gratitude for a roof that does not leak. I know I have written about our roof issues in the past and tonight I can report the issue is resolved. It wasn't free, but I am grateful we had the means to handle the project that, expensive as it was to us, is priceless for peace of mind.

Living in Summit Park brings with it many amazing features in nature, most of which are big...BIG snow storms, BIG rain storms, BIG moose; since we have moved into our home we have also experienced some BIG repairs. The first time our roof leaked we had a roofer come up to do some work on the areas we suspected were the issue...problem solved. NOPE. We had them come back out - still no go. We had the roofers come out over 5 times to work on the same issue and they were never able to solve the problem.

Over the last 3 years we contemplated just repairing the section that gave us the most grief and we probably could have gotten away with it, but in the end we decided to go for broke and replace the whole thing so we could get a long time warranty on the work and feel confident we took care of the issue. Travis got 3 bids and we got the work started.

Can you believe the whole roof is in the picture listed above? Let's forget for a minute this is the wrong product and had to be removed and the new stuff brought in - another story for another day and just the name of the game when doing a large construction project. You may also be wondering why the siding was removed from the house. Well, one of the problems was the siding was installed incorrectly and was one of the main reasons the roof was leaking. we had the whole upper level installed with new siding that now we have to paint, but it looks good and we feel it will solve the issue.

The roof took about 6 weeks to completely finish. During this time there were about 4 major rain storms - we thought the leaking roof was bad before? We had to move our leather couches out of our living room because the roof was creating such an issue for us during one storm and it just makes me that much more grateful the project is done.

One of my favorite pictures. That skylight there looks right into our master bedroom and bathroom. Talk about a surprise the first day they were up there and barely making it around the bend to huddle in the only blind spot in the room, wrapped in a towel, waiting for them to move on. After that experience I was sure to be dressed for the day no later than 7:00 a.m. and I didn't even chance using the 'facilities' after that time.

We actually have talked a lot since we moved here about covering up the skylight. It makes it pretty hot in the room during August, but they covered the skylight up for a few days while they were working and I cannot believe how dark and dreary it was up there...we left it and I am glad to feel confident I would have hated not having it.

On Sunday there was a HUGE rain storm. I think this is the first real rain storm I was actually able to enjoy since we moved here 3 years ago, knowing the roof was doing it's job.

 
Now we just need to paint the new wood and all will be set for winter. The very week the roof was done I took these amazing photos of a rainbow on my way to work. I felt like it was there just for me.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Participitating

Yes, I spelled it that way on purpose. Our office started a Community Foundation this past Spring and we have done 3 main projects so far and are onto our 4th of the year. One of the issues has been getting information out to the company, the other issue is not getting everyone involved even though we know people INTEND to get involved or donate or bring stuff, etc.

I decided it was time to put together a formal presentation that can be delivered to the agents in a fun way and to get across our point that one has to decide to participate and then take action. I enlisted the assistance of my MOST creative and AMAZING sister, Amy Drake, who, after a few trial and errors, came up with exactly what I had in mind:

Once upon a time a certain Community Foundation requested the assistance of its 

Tator friends to assist with a few projects meant to better the lives of others...

there were several different responses from many different Tators:

This "Dictator" is a real hot head - He likes to tell everyone what to do, 

but very rarely makes any effort himself:

These "Spectators" watch all the action, but never really have the whole picture:

The "Commentator" is NEVER at a loss for "Wahhs":

These "Couch Potato's" had NO Comment:

Especially THIS one:

The Urgency to "GO" is almost too much for this "Anticipitator", 

she's always getting ready, but just never heads out:

The "Participitator" decides to take action, 
learn and try new things and, as a result,
makes a difference to those around her

I am super pleased by this little story and feel it will be meaningful and fun as I explain the various options each agent has to "participitate" in the Foundation and how, with a little effort, a small group of people can make a very big difference. 

THANK YOU my beautiful sister Amy!! I asked and I received - you are the best example of a "Participitator" that I know. This is her working on our first attempt at the "Tator" persons...

Love you!

I AM Grateful,

HB

Diva Quote: "We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop." -- Mother Theresa 

Gammy

Today we got to go to my parents house for a BBQ. Travis and I usually only stay 2 - 3 hours when we go to visit with family and today that felt short. I had a very nice time talking with the siblings and my parents.

I was thinking about the most recent family events and remembered when my Mom took us all up to Rainbow Gardens in Ogden; this was while my sister from Florida was in town. My Mother has some very precious memories of going to this place with her mother and we had a really nice time together. I was able to spend several hours with my sisters and their girls, here are some of my favorite pictures from that visit:

I loved spending the day with my sisters, their daughters and my Mom; I hope we are able to do it every year...maybe even somewhere new each year - very good idea Mom.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." -- Bernard Meltzer