CCH related:  Santa's Hut has been gutted inside.  Larry Hansen and Lloyd tore out all of the inside decorations, lights, and greenery and then took out the OSB wall paneling and tore up the three layers of carpeting.  The space in the walls was full of mouse nests, wasp nests, and a six inch by 15 inch bee hive.  We removed all the window trim and then removed one of the windows that had all the panes broken out.  We will have to remove at least one of the ceiling panels as a predator has chewed a hole through the panel and through the roof sheeting.  He didn't get through the shingles so we may find him petrified when we remove the ceiling panel.  Santa's Hut is in bad shape.  The electrical will be all torn out and Butch Schnulle and Associated Electric are going to rewire the Hut.  The old wiring was a combination of 20 years of add-ons with 4000 feet of string lights and extension cords.  The paneling will have to be replaced, the ceiling fixed and all repainted.  Then decorating will have to occur.  The new fire place is in and ready to be installed.  We need a 5-6 foot tall slender artificial tree for decoration.  The out side is in pretty good shape except for the hole in the roof.  The new fire place has arrived and will be installed after repairs are made to the Hut. Progress is being made.
 
The Elf Hut will be painted this week and is close to being ready for use.  
 
We lost two members to attrition last week.  Jeremy is moving back to New York and Wendy Piersall has had somewhat of a job change and has elected to leave.  We wish them well, but will miss them.  The good news is that Jeremy's replacement is interested in joining our club.
 
CCH is getting cranked up so stay tuned for directions and volunteer opportunities.  The blood drive is approaching and volunteers are needed.  Habitat for Humanity project happens on Nov. 6. My what a busy time of year.
 
And not to forget Mother Nature, get those bird feeders ready.  Winter is approaching.  I haven't heard the migrating sandhill cranes yet, but I'm sure the have started their migration up north and will be passing soon.