Here in Alaska ( especially in the area I live).... dry cabins are somewhat common. Meaning there is no indoor plumbing. That does not mean there are not 'homemade systems' that are put into place to have water accessible inside for common uses such as washing dishes, cooking, brushing teeth, etc.

What a sweet relationship with your Matilda. I am so so sorry for your loss. My heart hurts just reading your post. Losing our best friends is one of life's hardest grievances. Hugs Jenny.

Thanks for the update and thankful for no brain injury. Praying here for healing and recovery as well as his needed surgery.

Thank you for informing us. I am sorry for your loss. Condolences to her family as they grieve. Greta was a positive member of this community and she is missed here.

I just want to give a you hug 🤗 My heart aches just reading your story as I can relate to the 'soul crushing' you are experiencing right now though mine was not job related. You are worth a job that you love!! You have worked so hard and I can tell you are a great employee just with your heart and empathy alone. I pray the right door is opened for you and you find a great fit. Keep your chin up.... Prayers being sent.

Got it! I will send you a birthday card 🙂

OH that is true! Hadn't thought about that. I will check my messages as I have last years list 🙂

Maybe we should start our own thread and just 'blab' back/ forth so we can reach our 50 posts?? Then we can PM! problem solved.

July 13 birthday.

If you can send me a PM, please do. Since my accounts were merged I am being recognized as a new user ( been here for 10 years) and can’t start a PM until I reach 50 posts. I am not a frequent poster ( more like a regular reader) so that’s going to take some time to reach.

Penelope. Just because we have a Newfie named that and I think it’s incredibly sweet 🙂 But I also think Fern is adorable.

I agree completely with a trial period. Sometimes it is just not a good fit and you want to be able to back out politely and easily. Is this neighbor also a friend, or just a neighbor? How much do you know about the child? A 3yo can be a ton of work depending on child/ parent styles and 8 hours per day is a long day no matter what. I agree with others that you need to see what the going rate is in your area. You can easily look at care.com or something similar to see what rates are. Of course there are variables for years of experience, education, certifications but it will give you an estimate. Here the average rate is $20/hr.

Wow... I am so sorry. How incredibly stressful for everyone.

What a beautiful week and such great connections with your kiddos! That sounds so lovely.

Never heard of these. Another one to google them...

Competitive swim club and boy scouts along with outsourced online classes once they became teens

What exciting news! Congrats!!

@Quill what a great idea!! Love it.

Love reading but never have read any cozy mysteries. This one sounds interesting and worth checking out. Thanks for the review!

Let me know if you want a pen pal? I miss letters too.

When is your birthday? I will mail you a card 🙂

Agree with you completely on some cheer in July. Actually it is always so nice to receive mail. It’s a dying form of art. I used to hand write my mother and both of my grandmothers regularly but lost all three in the last few years. I do send my sons letters and cards still as well as participate in Letters against Isolation. I miss receiving mail though. I had a mail forward on my address so that’s strange. I am sorry the card was returned to you .

Homeschooled for 14 years before I graduated my last one this past May. Best advice was to not try and recreate ‘school’ at home after I pulled my oldest out of the public schools in 3rd grade.

I am with Mrs Tiggywinkle… Christmas in July would be fun! I am game for that

Thanks D! This is one of the highlights of my winters..... which is super dark and well below zero cold. I love to sit around my warm pellet stove and not only write out my cards but also read them. This is a blessing you are organizing so thank you!!!