3567 miles...

3567 miles...Three thousand, five hundred and sixty seven miles. This is how far away my husband - the love of my life- is moving for the next three years. Ketchikan, AK. Not by choice by either of us, just how things are working out. The Coast Guard thought this would be a good place for him to go on his twilight tour. (last one before retiring.) Of course we could have gone with him and part of me wishes we were. Reasons we're not, mainly - the house. We bought our first home in Connecticut not even 2 years ago. A fixer-upper. Doesn't need tons of work, but just enough that we can't sell it in this crummy economy or rent it out due to the things that need fixing or updating. We've been through this separation thing before due to wherever he was stationed...like many, MANY other families. Usually, something like 4-6 months. But this is definitely a lot longer. :?

My main reason for this blog is so I have a place to record things that are going on here at home. A place to quietly count down the days, weeks and months that we are apart. (I say months and end there because I fully expect him to fly home a few times to see us for Christmas, graduations and such.) =0)

I have some things planned to keep myself busy. Makes the time seem to go by quicker. Work, of course. I only work part-time but that leaves a lot of time to spend volunteering with the kids at our fire department, making quilts, knitting. (some of which will go to the firehouse to use on their calls) going to church and helping out with things there, keeping up with our menagerie of animals and organizing our home and life! I've tinkered with making our own laundry soaps..applesauce, maple syrup etc...but I've always wanted a farm, a way to be as self sufficient as possible so that will be my goal while he's away. Time to get things organized! Guess I can't really have the farm just yet...at least not a big farm, but I can be content with our little raised ranch house and a big yard with a veggie garden and chickens. =0)

Need to revamp my "honey-do" list before he has to leave...much to be done.