Wordy Wednesday {Beginning of The Barn}

I mentioned in my last weekly recap post that we had building materials delivered last Saturday morning to build a shed. It is not a kit. We are using plans to build a 12 x 16 shed with a porch that I am naming "the barn".

I chose a spot on the land that is more or less in line with the back of our house. I wanted to leave the land as open as I could because I really love looking out there and just seeing fields and trees.

Once we moved all the untreated wood into the garage, we started working on establishing the footholds for the shed. By the way, the chairs were used by the cats most of the time.

Here is what it looks like as of today:

PS The board are just laying there. They are not fixed in place.

Weekly Recap #12

{March 20 through March 28, 2016}

Gardening

• A few things in my garden did not survive a recent cold spell (it was 35*F Monday morning). And, I am fighting gophers. The peanuts, onions, strawberries, chives and a few others are thriving. The cucumbers (pickling) plants did not survive. I thought another plant would not survive because their fragile leaves wilted; but, it looks like they are making a comeback.

  We decided to replant some cucumbers (pickling) seeds in an old plant bed because 1) I am fighting gophers and 2) they grew well there in the past.

  

  We also had a severe thunderstorm come through one night that snapped my new lemon tree in half. I think there were a couple of problems to begin with. The tree was top heavy for one. It was like a wall to the wind and just kept blowing and bending it over. The way the tree was staked was another problem.

  Dan purchased some grafting tape on the way home from work. We taped it back together and then staked the heck out of it. I pruned off some branches from the top so that the wind can blow through it a little better. All of this happened March 24. The below picture was snapped on the morning of March 28th (today).

  

  I am amazed that it is still doing well. The leaves have not wilted and the lemon blossoms are still growing. One of them is about to burst open. However, I am forcing myself to not be so hopeful until a week or so has passed.

Quilting; Crafts

Bordered Hourglass Block

• I finished making blocks 4 and 5 (Section 1) for the Gypsy Wife Quilt. I chose and cut all the fabric (strips) for section 1 (and beyond as the strips are used continuously in the quilt). I have sewn up what I call “mini sections” within Section 1. There are three “mini sections” and two of them are done. I need to do the third and then sew them all together.

  I decided to quit using Mother’s sewing machine and go back to Jan(ome). I talked with Dan and we decided to take it in to get it cleaned up and checked out. I do not think it has ever been serviced. I am just paranoid about ruining the machine.

  

Shed

• We had materials to build a decent size shed that I am calling “The Barn” delivered this past Saturday (March 26). We proceeded to move a bunch of the material that was not pressure treated into the garage.
  

  We then proceeded to plot out the space and start establishing the base for the shed. The actual framing for the flooring and whatnot will be started this coming Saturday.

  The cats, especially Abby Gail, love the fact that we are out there working. She was in my chair for approximately 45 minutes just vegetating, watching us and keeping an eagle eye out for gophers and other critters. The disadvantage is that she does not sleep. So, when we came indoors for lunch, she had a hard time relaxing to nap. I was able to soothe her a bit while she insisted on being on my chest. She finally relaxed enough and headed for the top of the cat tree went to sleep and she slept hard.

  I crashed both days (Saturday and Sunday) and had to call it early (went to bed around 8:00pm). It is hard work and maybe a bit too hard for me. But, I refuse to quit. Doing these kinds of things keeps us alive and young, does it not?

Miscellaneous

• Since we are working on building the shed on the weekends, my recaps will now be Mondays to Sundays and posted on either Monday or Tuesday.

Strive for progress, not perfection.

~ Unknown ~

Feline Friday {Rotten Little Beast}

This cat is a rotten little beast.

For the first time in nine years (that I can remember), Gracie got up on my dresser and made herself a bed out of some clean pillowcases I had placed on top. I will need to wash them again and put them away. By the way, the pillowcases are not for guests.

I believe Gracie has been teaching Abby some bad habits. Why? I caught Abby Gail on top of the dresser a few nights later. Do you see those beaded jewelry hanging behind Gracie? Well, they have been placed in a safer spot so that Abby will not play with them as they could potentially be a dangerous toy for her. I think Abby is a girly girl because she does love some bling (strings of all kinds).

I have caught both of them sleeping on top of my dresser now and then since this first time (March 11). I think I spoil my kitties way too much. But, I do have compassion for my Gracie - more so than usual. She is getting old. She most likely feels safe up there away from both Abby and humans. You have to choose your battles when it comes to cats. I let them have this battle AFTER making it somewhat safe for them. After all, this is better than the kitchen countertops and table, Correct?

Wordy Wednesday {Gardening}

Dan took this picture on his iPhone. I was totally unaware of this until he showed it to me. I then demanded a copy as I loved the image especially with the paintbrushes in the background.

I decided to make a pile of rocks out of most of the sand stones we found while digging for the garden, trees and plants. Gracie decided to join me while Dan took a picture of me with my silly yard art. She put her lone paw on my thigh.

By the way, the strong winds blew over the top two rocks this morning. I knew that this was going to happen because they were precariously balanced.

Note: Both pictures taken on March 20, 2016

Weekly Recap #11

{March 13 through March 19, 2016}

Gardening

• The garden is coming along great so far. Almost everything we have planted has sprouted. We have had a few more severe thunderstorms; but, no damages to either property, trees or garden. A cold front came through dropping temperatures real low. Fortunately, not into freezing zone.

Quilting; Crafts

• I finished making blocks 2 and 3 (Section 1) for the Gypsy Wife Quilt. I have chosen fabrics for blocks 4 and 5 (Section 1).

  I have taken some pictures of the blocks; but, I have not yet uploaded them to my new computer. I need to get back into the blogging mind frame. I just love that phrase or term – gives me delicious shivers. It really should be “frame of mind”. Anyway, someday real soon I will get back into doing some blog posts.

  

Miscellaneous

• I I finished reading The Elfstones of Shannara by Terry Brooks and started reading the third book, The Wishsong of Shannara, of the trilogy. Like the first two books, I have read this dozens of times.

Action is the foundational key to all success.

~ Pablo Picasso ~