So… What’s been going on?
Life has had it’s ups and downs the past month and a half.
We lost Eileen’s favorite Uncle (her Father’s youngest brother) – and my favorite Uncle, too. That was a hard week for everyone involved. Stan and Elma had just celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary and I don’t think I’ve seen two people so in love after so many years.
Work has been the craziest of the time. Wars among employees, threatened resignations, real resignations, the busiest summer the owner has ever seen. Through it all, I seem to have found myself in the middle. Both sides come to me to complain and/or look for support. The owner has dumped more responsibility on me, including having to interact with displeased customers. My hours have increased until I’m continuously cruising the edges of a full 40 hour week — and occasionally drifting over the edge. Luckily, I’m only closing two nights a week, but I’m also working 2 full 8 hour shifts and usually a 9 hour shift on Sunday.
The Great Oregon Steam-Up occurred the last weekend in July and first weekend of August. Prior to that I was spending nearly all of my free days in Brooks, Oregon helping to get things setup. Then both weekends were completely consumed from about 9am until past 5pm each day. But it was all fun.. 
The Sawmill Crew
Someone mentioned the ice cream in yesterday’s picture. Every year a family from Washington state arrives at Steam-Up with their steam powered ice cream machines. They’re one of the big hits of the show.
I also had a couple of opportunities to steer a *big* steam powered traction machine. Built in 1911, I steered in a traditional tractor pull demonstration (the sled never stood a chance) and through the daily parade. Hot, smoky, dirty and oh so much fun…
Knitting — RSN. I’m finally finding the time and all I need is the desire.
Personal life — Big ups and downs, but I *think* I’ve finally come to terms with the situation. I hit my lowest point in months in the middle of July, but Eileen and I have had a couple of really good talks and while I still love the lady, I understand now that she still cares for me, but things just aren’t going to return the way they were. Not happy, but content to continue my current situation.
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