In the Nick of Time
I took a photo of the Bridal Wreath yesterday right
before the rains began. After a pounding of 1.5 inches of
rain I knew I had gotten the photo in the nick of time.
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Noreen
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Noreen
My Mama Always Said . . .
Our home getting a much needed bath.
My mama always said Saturdays were for cleaning house. My sister Elvera will sometimes call to visit and she will ask “Well, are you done yet with your Saturday housework?” Silly lady.
Today was literally a Saturday for cleaning the house. We do have a gravel street to the south of us and the street to the west of us is a heavily used concrete
street. In the late fall of 2013 and even through the winter there is no end to what is thrust into the air from traffic. Dennis has been a faithful house washer over the years. It’s not as if he is doing it because he likes playing in the water. Our home just shines after he gives it a bath.It seems as if the spring of the year beacons us outside and we don’t mind keeping our home and yard up to snuff. Stauffer Ave is the sweetest place.
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Noreen
It’s Not About MPG
Fern Peonies soaking up the early morning sunlight.
This morning I was up at six as hubby Dennis had to do a road trip of supplies for his nephew’s concrete business. Of course it was coffee cup in hand as I headed out to the east garden to do a field check. You never know what will change from day to day. It has become a habit to slip my camera into my robe pocket. Again, you never know what you will run across to photograph.
The sunlight on the Fern Peonies was stellar. I do know that I will have to move these beauties come August. The Maple shrub in this little pod has become large enough that it is giving too much shade for these sun-loving plants. I was greeted by a hoard of mosquitoes before I ever hit my destination. I persevered long enough for a photo op, but knew my plan for the day that had included working in the flower bed east of the house was not going to pan out. There is no way to apply bug spray in all the areas that bugs find to bite.
I decided to take a small road trip. The number of miles per gallon is not always on the top of my list of priorities. My days of being on the road during the work schedule is history. I will say today my road trip brought me more blessings than I could have obtained if someone else filled my car with fuel for . . . the entire year. It just takes the single thought when one has to go from plan A to plan B and then act on it. Thank you Lord for the memories of this day.
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Noreen
It Sneaked Up
A morning of being outside with warm temps and low humidity was great. My first time at using an electric hedge trimmer. It sure went faster than the old garden shears. That tool may stay on the garage wall hereafter. What did surprise me was having a nap sneak up on me while sitting on the back patio. A breeze and happy birds chirping made for a very wonderful short nap. The best part is that so far . . . no bugs to speak of.
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Noreen
Grrr!
I happen to have the most even-tempered hubby anyone could ask for. But!! While mowing the yards today his rider mower began smoking like an Indian sending signals. The look of exasperation could not be missed. The mower is off to the Fleet and Farm for a diagnosis. Thankfully, neighbor Bob gave Dennis a loaner and the mowing was able to be finished. We have been mowing once a week for the last four weeks. Both Dennis and I are amazed how tall it was today just, waiting to get a trim. This may be a long season of mowing. On the plus side, the acre always looks fantastic when it has been groomed. Life on Stauffer: ya gotta love it.
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Noreen
And Now it Begins
A wonderful shower of rain yesterday and today the humidity is climbing and . . . the mosquitoes have arrived. Two bites in just a walk to the back patio. Dang! It sure was the perfect spring, though short lived.
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Noreen
Perfect Timing
Right on target for the Fern Peony to open for Memorial Day.
Over the last several days Dennis and I had used the mighty Mantis tiller to wangle around all the perennials throughout the course of our acre. We were surprised how dry the soil was, and let me tell you, the Mantis will dig down until you pull it back. It only cuts an 18″ swat, but that is about all I want to handle as the pulverized dirt is flying towards the back.
Hopefully, this year we will have tomatoes, squash and cucumbers as the seeds were plunked into the mellow soil. We are starved for full sun, but Dennis scoped out the best spots possible.
As of late this afternoon we have received a generous half inch of rain for our newly-tilled soil to soak up. As I said, perfect timing. There was no chance that there would be run off. Of course, Dennis was right out there to wipe off the patio chairs for a “sit down,” but the heavens aren’t quite finished with us yet.
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Noreen
Sunday – This is the Day the Lord has Made
Dennis and I are taking a quiet day embraced by
lilacs that literally take your breath away. -
Noreen
It Was a Great Spring Day
From high up in the Lilacs, Sweetie Pie
agrees it was a great Spring day. -
Noreen
A Glorious Day of Gardening
What a great feeling to be able to put away
all the garden gear as the square garden is ready
for the season. Photo by DennisWith Temps allowing for lighter weight clothing I didn’t need an invitation to hit the backyard. I put breakfast on hold for myself while Dennis enjoyed his usual breakfast of Oatmeal. I headed for the potting shed to get out the electric Mantis tiller. I had not been able to use it since the 2010 garden season and there was a bit of dust to blow off of it. After Dennis gave it a once over we were set to garden like there would never be another chance.
Over a period of time there was created a square garden in the backyard with multiple perennials. Dennis and I always make use of what we have on hand, thus using old bricks to outline the garden perimeter. It not only defines the area, it also was the boundary not to be crossed by wayward lawn mowers, grandchildren and grand puppies. As with anything, if it can harbor a weed, it will harbor a weed. Tipping the bricks out and using the tiller among the beautiful plants proved to be a balancing act as well as keeping a check on where that blessed electrical cord was. It was time for the bricks to be plucked out of the dirt they had sank into and nab those weeds that love to crop up in between them. The surprising thing about these bricks is that they are very, very old bricks. I swear they weight 5 lbs. each. My finger tips can attest to their quality. Tipping them out went much faster than putting them back down. Such a difference from the lighter weight terracotta new bricks used today.
A clean slat was achieved with Dennis helping out with the tiller. It can be a wily machine. It digs and will take a path of its own if not held back. I was fairly certain all of the plants that I had anticipated had made themselves known. It was the best time to use a sprinkling of Preen to keep down the volunteer weeds. Preen works wonderful when used on freshly tilled dirt and this dirt was fresh.What a great day with a light breeze and best of all we had beat the bug season. What would a summer feel like without swatting and dodging bugs? We can only wish.
After the square garden was tidied up, Dennis put the Mantis back in the potting shed − as he mandated this had been enough for one day. I easily said “yes dear.” Life on Stauffer is never boring, but it sure is sweet.
