bears and bugs... perfect!

We just spent a week camping by a beautiful lake. It was hot, there were bugs, one bear and a nasty looking spider and snake. We were living outside so all was to be expected. It was good to be away. When you are self employed.. you never leave the office. never. Calls come in from 7 AM till 10 PM. Sometimes on the weekend too. We are responsible for our customer's homes when on a project .. so if it rains heavy or there's a strong wind... we're on standby.. cause you just never know! ...

This past year we've battled heavy snows, much mud, torrential rains. We were on standby a lot. So to get away... really away gives us a chance to breathe, relax and rest. That all happens of course after the heavy work of preparing then setting up camp is complete!

We both (the Carpenter, and me the Artist) are readers. I'm much more so... I read every day usually and especially so when on vacation. Before we left I found a very good book for the Carpenter.. he was buried all week in "The Last Run" A true story of rescue and redemption on the Alaska seas, by Todd Lewan. I read.. "Lunch in Paris" A love story with receipes by Elizabeth Bard- about an American journalist living in Paris who fell in love with a man and the food of Paris. It was good to see the Carpenter relaxing and enjoying a book. Mostly I see him jumping into his truck headed to a job site or Menard's for supplies.

no kindles.. just good old fashioned library books!

We know many people wouldn't think of camping as a vacation. But to us it is. We are both outdoors type people and we deeply appreciate the opportunity to get away. Even if it means a lot of work, heat and bugs. It is just priceless to get up each day and do whatever we want for one whole week. priceless.

Why am I writing about this? Because this blog is about all aspects of our life as owners of a small construction company. Owning your own business isn't easy. The best part is you only answer to yourself and your customers. Vacations come few and far between. Sick days are minimal. It's a hard life.. but a rewarding life. 

And last week was rewarding.

~ the Artist