On June 16, 2008 the Newbolds (Mike, Raya, Galen, Ewan, Ian and Clayton) welcomed baby sister Shannon Elizabeth.

I think Grandpa's hooked!

Even Dug gets some cuddle time

Paul's in the tub!  The cob bathtub, in the cob apartment is huge.  It is fully formed, although not yet ready to hold water. Erika meticulously sands the interior to a smooth (well, as smooth as cob can get) finish.  Meanwhile, Paul is trying out a couple of sealants.  With just the right amount of buffing the cob will gain a leathery feel.

The gardens in front of Old Main have expanded this year.  Jim, Doug, Dave, Barb and Lorna have been busy building up the soil, landscaping and planting.  Thoughts have now turned to protecting all that has been planted as the deer discover the buffet.

Jim has finished planting his berms.  Varieties include apple, black cherry, white cedar, plum, comfrey, silver buffalo berry, june berry, oak and cranberry. 

I had the opportunity to get outside for a while and help Dave create mulch walkways on the terraced hill south of Old Main.  It was great being out in the sun and gave me a new appreciation for my regular cool work station. 

Dave enlisted the Cat to move mulch for the paths at the edge of the garden

Dave smooths out the mulch.

No, they're not fuzzy green tights.  Jim has been out trimming weeds, which they evidently didn't appreciate, so they attacked his legs.