What's She Up To Now?

This and some of That.   Lots of projects always await me.  When I am in the mood they slowly get done.   First of all  -  because I was able to buy some supplies at Lowe's a few days ago ,  I decided I could work on what I now call "Water Central".

When I moved here, there were only two faucets on this fifth of an acre piece of property.  One on each side of the house.  So years ago I fashioned a way to have access to water via garden hoses to the outer parameters of the property buy using a rigid 3 inch water drainage pipe under the sidewalk. I used a water pressure nozzle attached to a regular hose to channel through the dirt under the sidewalk .  As much as I dislike dragging hoses around I have gotten quite accustomed to it.  As you can see in the above photo I have channeled the hoses under the pre-existing sidewalk.   OH! Please note all the rock that has been placed against the house when I have dug holes to place plants throughout the gardens.

This "Water Central" is across the side walk by my little Garden Shed .

And ,  the hoses cross under the sidewalk and around the back of the garden shed.  I am digging a trench for the drainage pipe and then covering with dirt.  This is clearly "a poor man's solution" to an annoying problem. Now , I will be running the hoses through the newly purchased flexible drainage pipe around  the shed .

I would like to cover the small area behind the shed with some cement pavers.  That 8 foot by 12 foot space is where I can store trash barrels and other garden equipment.  Living on a corner lot that has limited privacy has restrictions when it comes to hiding "unsightly stuff".  The area on the far left of the shed is where I have been dumping some of the yard waste.  The ground steeply slopes down to the Creek "ditch".  And, on that side of the shed, I would like to raise the ground level and plant some flowers along the garden shed .

If expenses were not an issue, there is so much that could be done with this little piece of property such as terracing down the steep slope to the Creek.  And, of course an efficient automated sprinkling system.  Can you imagine the trenching activity/expense with all the large amount of rock of varying sizes when putting in an underground sprinkling system.  All of my close neighbors have great systems and they have been very high dollar expenditures!

My new favorite Spray Paint is Rust-oleum Universal Forged Hammered Paint and Primer In One in the color Burnished Amber.  And, this is the paint that I am using to spray my patio furniture.

And, today I spray painted one of the chairs.  The paint really sprays on nicely. And, dries in 30 minutes .  It costs a little more than the paint I have used in the past , but I think it is worth it.   I hope to do more painting tomorrow.  The weather temperatures are very high this week, over 100 degrees, but I will paint in the early morning.

I am so pleased with how the paint job is turning out .  It is great coverage and certainly a nice hammered effect .  Unfortunately, the detail is not showing in my photos .   And, the color of my cushions are not at all what it looks like in actuality .  The color is a beautiful vibrant greenish blue that I think will go nicely with the outdoor rug.   Again,  the colors are far from true.  But, I just wanted to give you an idea of my plans.

I hope to get a little painting accomplished every day until the paint project is finished .  The warm weather makes for good "painting days".  I am trying to get a lot of outdoor work finished before the weather gets too cool for some of these projects.

Hope your week is going well for you.

Mary

Over The Bridge And Through The Woods

That's what the Girl  (that's me)  did yesterday !

It has been over a year since I made that little road trip to some stores that are larger and have greater selections than what is available nearby my home.  I'm talking about stores like Lowe's,  Big Lots, Walmart and JoAnn's.  I have found that it is not to difficult to live without those stores since Internet shopping is readily available with increasing sites available with no shipping charges.   Plus,  at my stage of life, how many things do I really need versus want??

The last few years have been quite difficult for me following many losses and unexpected events in my life.  This has meant that I have stayed a lot closer to home while I am slowly finding  my way back to a life with more Joy and Purpose and improved psychological Health!!!  Perhaps, the biggest changing factor for me has been the loss of so many (and I really mean many) close friends and four-legged "love bugs" that have departed for The Hereafter.   Even though I have lived alone for the majority of my life (for various reasons) I have found that at this stage of my life it is a lot more difficult to live day to day feeling enthusiastic, adventurous, creative and independent.

Well, anyway,      I really enjoyed my day even though I did not have a companion to travel along with me to laugh, purr or bark and share the adventure.  I visited Lowe's to buy the spray paint  that I am going to use to refurbish my very old iron patio furniture.  One Homecrest small adjustable-height table with two swivel-rocker chairs is from the 1970's and the larger table set with four chairs is from the 1980's.  I tend to always take the best care I can of my things/possessions and the patio furniture is in great condition.  A good spray coat of premium paint and it all should look sparkly brand new.   I managed to find a few other things that have been on my shopping list for quite awhile.

Then, I stopped in at Applebee's Restaurant for a small lunch of Fish and Chips with cole slaw.  It was nicely prepared and very good.

Then, off to Walmart for some paper products, cleaning supplies and a few miscellaneous items that have been on another list for quite some time.  And much to my SURPRISE, the 27,000 square foot expansion and newly remodeled Supercenter had celebrated it's grand opening in June.

This is the local store at the beginning of the store expansion one year ago.

The large grocery department looked very nice from a distance as I knew I was too tired to peruse the whole store I will have to check out the produce next time.

Later in the day I prepared some simple food for my neighbor and a couple of his workers in appreciation for all the many times he takes my yard/garden rubbish to the local dump.

I fixed some Mixed Beans with Ground Beef  (now , that's simple !)  with some garlic sourdough toast.  And, then to add the necessary "sweet stuff" I baked some Fudge Molten Lava Brownies.

The fellows were very happy with my little surprise for them.

That's a Splatter Guard that I am trying in an effort to not have so much grease to clean up on the stovetop.  I think I will like it.  Time will tell.  Very inexpensive.

Wishing all of you a Good Weekend and let's send positive thoughts/energy and prayers for all those impacted by Hurricane Harvey in the Texas region.

Mary

Seems Like It Happened Overnight

THE FIGS ARE TURNING PURPLE !

AND ,  THE TREE IS LOADED!

This year it looks like I will have enough to make a few jars of Fig Jam.   How nice that will be.

I've been noticing fig recipes lately from bloggers that sound really good.  I especially like the appetizers with feta cheese and honey.  There are so many ways to be creative with this interesting and tasty fruit.  Last year I prepared a Chicken recipe with figs and I plan to repeat it again this year.

This exceptionally large fig leaf with fascinating sun shadows captured my attention.  And, of course some infant figs tagging along.

Fig Trivia - The fig is a false fruit or multiple fruit, in which the flowers and seeds grow together to form a single mass.    It is a fruit without a visible flower - not like a tomato.


Also, very surprising to me ,  I have some nice looking Tomatoes that I anticipate being very tasty when they fully ripen!

Looking healthy , so far.   No sign of annoying Hornworm Tomato Caterpillars. The plants are in a raised bed and that may help.  At least it helps to inspect them daily since they are elevated. 

I have been quite surprised that the tomatoes are growing so nicely since the raised bed is a lot more shady than years past because of all the trees growing so tall.  Years ago,  I was able to grow huge amounts of tomatoes when there was more sun exposure.   At the time I had a large piece of trellis leaning against the redwood planter and my Cavalier Doggie , Lily would climb up the trellis to eat the Cherry Tomatoes that were planted especially for her ! ! !    OH, how I miss Lily - as much as I did the first day without her.   And, I sure miss My Special Man.

I am enjoying  the more comfortable weather .  Hope your weather in  your neck of the woods is pleasing you .

Mary

My Love-Ums

Joy comes in many styles and places.  And, what better place to bring joy to a Daddy than visiting him at work.   Little Lady reminds me so much of her Mommy (my Granddaughter) because she seems to have a huge reservoir of smiles.   Her Mommy was always smiling even when life wasn't treating her kindly as a little girl without an involved mother!    It looks like Little Man is getting ready with his tablet to help Daddy with some of his work.  Daddy has a new job so he can use all the help he can get.

When moving to a new town as the family recently did, it is important to find the library early on.  As Mommy wrote with the next photo , "You're never too old , too wacky , too wild , to pick up a book and read to a child .  -  Dr. Seuss"    Oh , how wonderful it would be if I was close enough to read to my Love-Ums !

I pray that their childhood continues to encompass multitudes of happiness.  Healthy parenting has always taken a lot of love and certainly a lot of hard work.   The family of my Love-Ums will be moving into a newly build house in November, just in time for Christmas!   They are currently renting for a few months.

I continue to work with a Psychologist with a focus of  reuniting my little family before I die.  It is a very slow process but there certainly has been some progress. It is extremely difficult when we are possibly working with an adult with traumatic brain injury since infancy.   I am looking forward to the day when a diagnostic MRI can be accomplished and hopefully a treatment plan.  The biggest word right now is Acceptance and that can be a huge attainment.  One moment at a Time.

Even with all the worldly complexities I wish you a fulfilling and joyful week.

Mary

Very Busy With A To Z

But let's start with a quick healthy lunch.   So often when I get busy I hate to stop and take time to eat, especially if I am working outdoors.  However, today I made myself go inside and put a quick salad together.   Grabbed from the refrigerator.

Lettuce
Tomatos
Avocado
Green Onions
Red Kidney Beans
Artichoke Hearts
Pickled Beets
Real Bacon

And topped it off with High Priced, High Calorie Girard's White Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing (0n sale).

Sinful 120 calories  (mostly fat) for one 2 Tbsp serving.     To be more accurate - - - healthy before adding the dressing!

And then, a little bowl of Red Cherries for something sweet.

Most of my recent hard work has been outside.   No surprise there!  Still have a little more power washing of some of the sidewalks.  Lots of clean up of weeds,  downed tree limbs and leaves  and tree trimming of what I can reach and with ladder.  I will be calling a Tree Trimmer man tomorrow to trim the Cedar Tree branches over my garage.  And, I still must get someone to clean the roof and spray for mold, moss and algae on the roof shingles.  Plan to use highly rated Wet&Forget.

Two wonderful things happened this week that I must share with you.  First, when I went to the Post Office to pick up my mail,  much to my surprise,  I received A Class Action Case check for $150.00! On many occasions I am tempted to NOT open each and every piece of mail.  But, I won't give that thought any time in the future.

Second,  and most miraculous is that a young man who is the son of the man across the street who occasionally takes my yard waste to the dump for me has returned SOBER and CLEAN following a year and a half relapse with serious drug addiction.  I first met him a few years ago when he first became CLEAN.  He is such a likable young man and I was so surprised and crushed when he relapsed.  He reunited with an old girlfriend who is still using and moved away.   He had been working with his father and is now back again working with his father. On occasion he and his father have done work for me.  They attend the church across the street and there is a tremendous support system.  I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw him and talked with them on Tuesday.  There were lots of big hugs and rejoicing. God is good !!!

Until next time.

Mary

Have You Ever Done This

DUMPSTER DIVING

Well, maybe not quite like that!   But, how about picking things up at the dump that have been put aside for whoever may be able to use them?    On a rare occasion I may see something that I can give a second life to and have a home for.    This item was in perfect unpainted condition so I grabbed it - - - as if I needed something more to store in my already stuffed garage that is bursting at the seams!

Take a look.   It will be perfect to store some pillows in or other things, on my patio that I have new plans for next year.   I want to put a rug and canopy out there in the springtime.   I am hoping to get my very old (30 years) iron patio furniture spray painted this year before the weather turns too cool.

The is the rug!  Yes, I weakened when I got caught up looking at Wayfair Sales.  And, I know what canopy I would like to get.  It is a lime green that will go well with the shades of green.   I know, I know, my budget is skinny but this project is giving me some needed enthusiasm about "getting a life" in the not to distant future!  I feel that I must meet some people and begin to enjoy togetherness again.  Life is such a mystery!  Time will tell!

And this is the canopy on my wish list.  It is 10 feet by 10 feet.

A few years ago, I had a patio canopy and it was really nice to eat outside and enjoy nature and the fresh air.  Or, just sit and relax or maybe read a book.

The spray paint project is always fun for me.  I always enjoy it.  Now, I just have to buy the paint for the patio furniture.  I already had the green paint that I used on the basket.

It is so funny how some of these posts come together differently than what we think.   This post evolved just because of a can of spray paint !!!

Are you enjoying your weekend.  It is a lot cooler here.  Thankfully.

Mary  

OK Now - Where Was I When The "Computer Gremlins" Last Came To Visit

One thing that I know for sure is that I have been very busy and getting a lot of different things accomplished along with many (way to many) frustrating hours in my "Computer Repair Room".   How is that for creating a new room in my house?  Not really.  After many periods of despair and feeling defeated,  I finally have my computer devices and the Internet "singing the same song in harmony from the same hymnal".  And, I am getting closer to using my new Windows 10 computer all the time.  It really is a nice machine.  I still have to transfer a lot of data.  Call me crazy, but I get very restless when my computer isn't working correctly, especially if I get myself locked out.  Lately, passwords have been driving me cuckoo.  In the past I seemed to be able to remember most of them but now I have had to change some and I am getting them all mixed up !!!  -  even when I write them down.  Is my age starting to play havoc with me ?  It better not be.

Progress at the Cemetery Burial Plot has been good.  Last week the surrounding curbing was completed and the workman even can to my home (which is only a five minute drive from the cemetery) and picked up a lot of the rock from my garden to use for a little decorative touch on the top surface of the curbing.  For what it is worth  -  it gives it a little personal touch.  The next issue is to decide on the head stone.  We have been talking about using one of the large rocks from my garden as the headstone.  I thought it would be less expensive but that is not the case.  Most of the large/boulder rock that I have is granite and not a very good rock for engraving.  However, the workman pointed out a rock in my patio rock wall that is called Columbia Marble that may work well.  We'll just have to wait and see how all this goes.

Look at the huge size of the boulders setting around my garden.  They are from the excavation of the property before the house could be built.   I really like them.

How crazy is this?  A few weeks ago on an impulse I bought 2 little 4in. by 4in. plants, one a tomato and one a zucchini.  I didn't get them planted right away and they would dry out, I would water them and that went on for a few days before I got them popped in the dirt.

 And look,  I sure was surprised to see this beautiful zucchini and below is a beautiful tomato.

I like these surprises.  Hopefully, there will be more to come.

Another large outdoor project is underway.   I have English Ivy covering the one side of the pathway that stretches along where the water flows when we have heavy rains. It's a ditch that I lovingly call The Creek.

Can you see my bridge at the distant end of My Creek?

English Ivy can be very invasive and the time had come to corral it. More importantly, since the area was covered with cedar tree seedlings and an invasive plant called Wild Perennial Sweet Pea I decided to remove the surface of the ivy and the other offending plants and then allow fresh ivy to once again cover the slope. See that little purple spot. That is the purple (no fragrance) wild sweet pea flowes that have been spreading their long tentacles all over the ivy.

As you can see, I only have a small portion left to clear.  This is time consuming work especially since my methods of accomplishing many things is quite different than a very abled body.  One without a back injury!  I usually sit on the ground on a nice large foam cushion and cut away all the surface roots with a hand pruner.  I usually can only work for about two hours at a time.   I am like a little turtle just creeping along and then marveling at how much I get accomplished!   And, of course, since I really like being outdoors  -  it works for me.

This is the Iris and Chrysanthemum flowerbed with bluish/purple Petunia border months ago.

 And now, it won't be long and the Yellow and Maroon Chrysanthemums will be in full color.

My power washing of the moss covered cement is almost completed.  I delayed finishing because my neighbors were visiting their second home next door  and the power washer makes a lot of noise. They were here for over a week.  So, I can soon finish that project.

More project updates next time.

I hope you are enjoying your week.

Mary