May at Warp Speed

Do you ever have to look back through your pictures to remember what you did during the month?  That's how I am feeling about May.  On the 2nd, we flew back from #1 Daughter's college graduation in Ohio, and tomorrow will be June 1.  Must have gone through a time warp, is all I can say.

So I'm grateful for my camera to jog my memory …

ONE: LANDSCAPING

In a previous post, I wrote about Forestoration, the company we hired to beautify the spaces disrupted by the construction process.  We have not been disappointed.  So far, they have completed the hardscape; planting comes next.  Take a look at these before and after shots.

The greenery around this Douglas Fir is all native -

4 weeks from mud to miracles after the snow melted

I know a thing or two about drainage, having helped my Dad install significant piping in our backyard.  So it's saying something when I tell you that I was impressed with the drainage installed by our crew, which now looks like a picturesque creek bed.








Have you ever tried building a set of stone steps on a hillside?  I originally thought we could do it ourselves, but having watched these burly young fellows manhandle these stones, I am pretty sure we would have ended up in the hospital with crushed fingers, at the very least.  The team was so meticulous with the placement and leveling of these stones; the steps will last a lifetime, for sure.

TWO: INTERIOR DECORATING

While the crews were busy outside, we turned our creative juices to interior spaces.  Our tasks have ranged from the almost mundane art of hanging pictures, to a full-up design for our lower level guest bedroom and bath.  Spousal Unit gets the design award of the year (in my book) for his real barn wood headboard, which he made from scratch.  Check it out.

Not everything in this room is new to us. The desert picture over the bed was a gift to me from work colleagues when we moved from Arizona to Cleveland back in 1996.

The sewing machine shown in the picture to the right belonged to my mother.  We purchased the chair in the corner in 1992.  My personal contribution to the room is this carousel horse cross-stitch, custom-framed at Michael's with my input on matting and frame.  When I bought the design so many years ago, who knew it would fit so perfectly in this room?  I can't tell you how ecstatic I was when I saw the result hung on the wall!

Lower level guest bathroom

It is so pleasing to create combinations with items we already had, together with new purchases.  We (probably more me and not so much Spousal Unit) thrill to the pursuit in retail and antique stores, for items that will fit our chosen décor in a given room.

Upper left: birds and leaves candlestick

Upper right: small antique lamp

Bottom: new soap dispenser and vintage Orange Crush bottle 

Just today we located this bench for our entry.

Swap meet treasure - paid $5 (without the candles) for these 

two ornate candlesticks!

And along the way, you find things you weren't expecting, but you really need!

We have had a Stir Crazy as long as I can remember,

and I am (rightfully) concerned it's going to give out

one day.   Imagine my delight when we found a back-up

at a swap meet this month!

THREE: PLAYING THE PIANO

If you've been following my blog, you know that the movers were not able to put the upright piano on the lower level due to the snow and mud on moving day.  I am pleased to inform you that this situation was rectified on May 15.  In less than an hour and a half, Byron, Clint and Jimmy maneuvered it from the entry onto a truck and then around the back to its new home.  I am still looking for all my piano books, but I celebrated with a song I remember by heart - the piano actually sounds somewhat in tune!

FOUR: STITCHING

OK - May hasn't been so crazy that it hasn't offered some down time to catch up on my embroidery (and past episodes of American Idol and Heartland).  The "Thursday" tea towel is complete and "Friday" is underway.  I can even stitch outside, because Spousal Unit was busy …

FIVE: ASSEMBLING PATIO FURNITURE

Earlier in the month, the paint and stain crews returned for the final time to put the last coat of stain on the exterior logs and the decks.  This ultimately allowed us to move the patio furniture into its proper place, and free up the garage for vehicles!!!  Last week, we planted a few pots with annuals; the one on the front porch is a bit of an experiment what with all the deer around here.  So, far, no nibbling has occurred.  We think the ones on the back deck should be pretty safe from hooved critters.

Dusty Miller and Marigolds are typically safe from deer.  Also used Verbena, Ipomoea

Geranium, Lobelia, and Creeping Jenny

With decks on two sides of the house, as well as the front porch, you can always choose a sunny spot, or a shady area, as suits your fancy through the day.  So, when you think of me, just imagine me enjoying a coffee here …

lunch there ...



















and a glass of wine … anywhere!!!

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