Life update: Finished basement and State Conference

Great news--the basement is complete!  In all honesty, the basement was done a while ago, but there was a window that needed to be replaced and it was on back order or something, so the only thing that has changed in the past month is the window.  But, we have written the last check and started moving things down to the basement!  I'll post some pictures once we get it all settled in (which may be a while--we're not in a big hurry), but thought I would cover some things I think I had previously neglected:

Storage closet

Looking across the living room from the storage closet to the bedroom

Bedroom closet and door (and Darby)

The unfinished portion

Extra storage under the stairs

Last week was also the State 4-H Conference.  For the past three years, I have been volunteering for the State 4-H Council, a group of about 40 juniors and seniors in high school from across the state who use their time and talents to promote the 4-H program and also plan and host the conference.  Conference is open to all 8th-12th graders and is 3 days of workshops, motivational speakers, and dances and is a great opportunity for kids to learn and have (too much) fun.  As a State Council adviser, I moved in with the council on Sunday and stayed through Thursday morning, though I went to work every day and met up with the group in the evening.  I was exhausted!  This year was bittersweet as it was my last year working with the group--I decided to step down before I became too busy to devote the time the group deserves.  I also know others who would like to work with the group so this gives them a chance to work with them as well--my sister is my replacement!  This year's council was an exceptional group and worked very well together and it would have been hard to top them!  I will miss the group, but more so this year's kids.  It's young people like them that make me excited for the future.

Work is picking up--I began pollinating some early material last week and today was busy in the field.  So it begins!  But there is a light at the end of the tunnel--Rick and I booked rooms and a Red Bus tour at Glacier National Park tonight for the end of the summer!  Can't wait!