Update From Marrowstone Island... In case you're interested, dear family and friends, here are some pix to give you an idea of what we've been up to these past few months. [Caution: It's a LOT!]

First things first--we need a well. So a few less-than-towering alder trees have to go to make way for the truck.

A big red truck, that is, which should do the trick.

Not to mention our father-and-son well-drilling team.

Time to bite the dirt!

Cut to the chase--it doesn't look like much but now we have water!

But we need electricity, too. ("Oh, Jeff!")

Mr. Multi-Talent, constructing the temporary power pole.

Done!

And now for a little clearing (sniff sniff)...

...to make way for the new septic system. (And you think water is important!)

What we need is a big mean diggin' machine.

The tanks go in...

...and disappear beneath the dirt.

And now for the main attraction, the "Glendon" modules of this alternative septic system. [Interesting aside: Two guys, one named Glen and the other named Don, invented this system and thus the name. Not a joke but hilarious nonetheless.]

In goes the liner (not to mention a strange man in a floppy hat)...

...then gravel (look out below!)...

...and finally sand. (There's more to it than that but it's a trade secret--shhh!)

Two modules for our two-bedroom septic system.

Finally covered with dirt, these two lovely humps, which we affectionately refer to as "Glen" and "Don," flank our driveway, ready to greet guests.

So now we have the three essentials--water, power, and septic. Now what? Well, a storage shed would sure come in handy...

But a storage shed with a view? Well, whatever...

Two walls go up.

Then a third, plus the beginnings of a roof.

Of course, every shed needs a window...

(Wait a minute--I could live here!)

...not to mention a porch.

Did I say "storage shed"? What I meant to say was "cabin"! Yeah, cabin, a cabin, it's a cute wee little cabin!

Pretty soon it's time to start putting down shingles (nice legs)...

...and putting up siding (nice hair.)

(Oh, and nice outfit, too.)

Coming along nicely, this wee little cabin.

But all work and no play makes Jeff a tired boy--the camper comes in handy.

In the meantime, Sophie collects firewood.

But you know what they say about all work and no play...

Nice job on the siding, though.

Somebody should hire that gal (although she never seems to change clothes).

Pretty cute so far, wouldn't you agree? The architectural detailing on the porch is still to do plus staining the cedar siding and painting the window and door trim.

But that'll have to wait for another day...

Good Night From Marrowstone!