Uh-oh, look what followed me home

A telephone call from our single loyal reader reminded me that I have grossly neglected to post any aschmidtlife updates in quite some time. My alibi of course is, and remains, an overage of work resulting in a shortage of free time. I know, SSDD.

Until recently, not much has changed around here from my perspective. We're adjusting nicely to the new kitchen space, Ava continues to grow uncontrollably, spring has sprung and Alex has made sure many of last years perennials returned. She's even coaxed our aspen tree to shoot up tens of new trees across the front yard - all of which we will let grow to maximize shade in the summer heat. In the back yard, Ava has a new playhouse, courtesy of our neighbor, Jay. We've actually had it on the property for a bit over a year now, but it needed lots of cosmetic rehabilitation, a new roof, and a good permanent parking spot in the yard. Incrementally, with the help of the Aunts, Mic & Kelly, we managed to get 'er done.



For a change of pace, I spent half of June in Washington DC at "the office" supervising the construction of various equipment I've been toiling over since January. While I was away, with Alex's encouragement Ava began to have regular success taking care of business in the water closet rather than in a diaper. At this point, we are actually out of diapers, and into pull-ups or standard issue underwear, whichever is appropriate for the situation.

Also while I was away, a stray car followed me home. Actually, I orchestrated the purchase in early May to be synchronous with my business trip. The plan was to fly to DC, work, and make my return trip to Detroit where I'd take ownership and drive her home. Three-quarters through my stay in DC, I was invited to return for an additional week to help keep construction on track. Naturally, being the exceptional employee that I am, I accepted. Because my non-refundable company paid airfare was taking me to Detroit regardless, I proposed that I drive the new purchase back to DC, and when my stay there concluded, drive home. In exchange for my above-and-beyond-the-call flexibility all my fuel costs were paid from Detroit to DC to Denver :)

The new car is to be the current family wagon's replacement. No, it's not a minivan, but another Audi wagon. The significance of the upgrade may not be apparent to those not familiar with the brand, but I assure you, it is a giant leap forward in nearly all measurable categories. Enough beating around the bush, it's a 2002 S6 Avant. One of roughly 1120 in the US built only in 2002-2003. (Data cited from a recent Audi of America inquiry). The S is for SPORT and Avant = wagon in Audi-speak.

Unlike monikers casually thrown onto the backs of other cars like "GT", or the word "Sport", zee Germans mean business when they slap an "S" badge onto an everyday production car. To avoid further belaboring my new car joy, I'll let you read the published Car & Driver review.

Here's just about the only picture I've got of the new car - taken about 30 minutes after returning from my cross country drive, bugs & all.


We took a Colorado day trip last week - here we are on Hoosier Pass


Out & about in CO