Gardening Time

Terry left Saturday and arrived safely home. Will never be able to thank her for all she did for me during her stay. It is overwhelming and I am so thankful to have had her 24/7 x 7 help. Thanks! The "boys" also miss her and are listless w/her departure. Almost hate to tell her they have slept in daily until 6-6:30am (DLST). 

Changing my schedule and going to noon Mass at the Cathedral for awhile until the AM back stiffness subsides. Moving slower in the AM and being the chief cook/housekeeper and dog sitter finds me a little short on energy. I am up and around and building up stamina each day and know I will be a force to reckon w/come gardening time. Finding it is easier to drive and sit at noon rather than rush in AM and pay for it later. Who'd thought one would get a little smarter as they grow up?

Speaking of gardening time. Joe aired up the tire on my garden wagon yesterday. Promised I would not be using it---noticed the tire was low (full of approx. 200lbs of top soil) and want the wagon operational when I am. Thanks, Joe! (Also thanks, Vicki and Joe for the delicious smelling Thai food---plan to dig into it this evening.) Have ordered some native grasses and expect them to be delivered the week before my MN guest (AKA Kat) is expected. Hope the weather is great as we are planning on some outdoor gardening time.

Keith is coming over to remove (pull up) some metal stakes and will trick him into digging up my leaning the wrong way Oak Leak Hydrangea.  Have given that shrub more than one opportunity to "straighten up" and feel it is time to remove it once and for all. Have commissioned Allie to be my official lawn mower (under the guidance of Kevin) this summer. Thinking Alex might take over when Allie makes her yearly trip to VA.

WOW, a few days off has left me bloggingly verbose---sorry. Stay healthy, safe, and keep in touch.

Love, Mom

Busy Times at Ma's

Working on office---still peeling wallpaper---coming off nicely (real picky to not poke walls) and thinking w/the time spent on it this is might be more of a career than a remodel. Find music helps pick up the wall paper removal cadence --- Madonna's "Breathless" and "Chicago" CD's were the hit yesterday. Might just give them another go today. The pic shows some progress (2walls completed/portion of other 2 in progress.) The green is the previous painted wall beneath the wallpaper.

Having bids for an underground sprinkling system. Have lugged hose around for the last year. This has been a harsh, around the clock, extremely hot, and humid summer. Should get the 2nd bid by Monday.

Still have stones/rocks to lay down to border walkway on East of house. Neighbors had the big tree cut down yesterday between our houses and now there is a sunny spot(s) for some shrubs to disperse through the pathway.

FYI: Keith had surgery on his left knee today to repair some cartilage. He is home and doing well. Someone in NJ having a birthday tomorrow. All of you stay healthy, safe, and keep in touch.

Love, Mom