It’s early morning, and I’m in the enclosed porch now, by far my favorite place to be when it’s not too cold. The birds are busy tending to their babies and serenading me.
Unfortunately, so is the neighbors dog, who barks incessantly when he’s alone.
But nothing’s perfect.
I am waiting for Fisherman to wake up so we can continue the retaining wall. That man can sleep like nobody’s business. As for me, I don’t need much. Maybe 5-6 hours at most, but every so often I make up for it. On Wednesday, we finished up the first row of stones in slightly under two hours, so maybe we’re finding our mojo. Hope so, because a Dr.’s visit this week revealed Fisherman shouldn’t be lifting heavy objects. Seems he has a cyst on his wrist and that would cause it stress. So guess who will be recruited to do the heavy lifting?
We will need to take an unanticipated trip to the Apple store later today. My keyboard for my Mac isn’t working, which pretty much makes blogging almost impossible. So I’m typing this on my iPad, but will hopefully finish it up tonight from the comfort of my desk. For me, the iPad has way too many limitations.
Or maybe I’m the one with the limitations. 😉
This is the first time I’ve had planters on the deck. I’m happy to see what I’ve planted so far is doing well. I bought a few of these deck rail planters and I love them. They just straddle the top of the railing. No muss, no fuss. We found them at a local nursery, but I know they’re available on Amazon, and I’m sure other on-line sources just in case you’re interested.
I planted some lemon grass in the hopes that it will help repel mosquitos. Looking at what I have compared to what I saw on Pinterest, I’m not too optimistic my measly display will cut it.
I’m really drawn to the vibrant color of Gerber Daisies this year. I found some geraniums in orange too, which I’ve never seen before. Have you?
See that angel? I just got her this week, via a giveaway the lovely Jemma from athomewithjemma had a few weeks ago. Stop by and say hello. I know she would love to meet you! I don’t think this will be the angel’s permanent home, but until things shape up in the yard, here she will remain.
Years ago we took a trip to Palmas Del Mar in Puerto Rico, and I’ll never forget the aroma of the hibiscus that seemed to be everywhere. Surprisingly, they seemed far more ubiquitous there than in Hawaii, and even more fragrant.
I’ve got quite the bumper crop of herbs too. Parsley, rosemary, cilantro, and tons of basil. I see some pesto in my future.
We went to a true ‘country’ flea market which was a short drive from the camping site last weekend. There were lots of antiques, mostly tractors, which really don’t interest me that much, but I do love me some vintage cars. 😉
Can you imagine the amount of work that went into hand carving this? Just look at the detail!
And while not exactly antiques, who could resist these cuties?
Now about our weekend RV trip…I wish I could say it was all fun and games.
Turns out we had some serious electrical issues. The heater went on by itself at around midnight Saturday, and couldn’t be turned off or adjusted until the next day. NOT fun for someone who likes to sleep with a temp around 60. The pilot light for the water heater kept shutting off, making a hot shower impossible, the grey water tank wasn’t draining properly, which caused the water to back up in the shower, and the fuse panel was crackling, which is kind of scary.
And that’s the good news.
J/K.
The good news is everything they say about campers being friendly and helpful is true. I don’t know what we would have done without their assistance. We got through it, and learned a few things in the process…one of which is we need to take a few more short trips before venturing down to Florida next winter for three months. The issues are hopefully being fixed this week by the dealer. Fingers crossed.
And in case you’re wondering, we did have the RV inspected by an independent garage. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it?
I think I hear Rip Vanwinkle now. Be back later tonight.
Ok, I’m back.
And I have a shiny new keyboard to show for it. 🙂
We did a little more work on the stone wall. It’s getting a little easier, and Fisherman (maybe I should call him ‘Rip” from now on?) is helping me pick up the really heavy ones with his good hand. We ventured out to do some shopping for things we need for the RV mostly and stopped off at an Estate sale on the way. This may sound funny, but I thought of you all while I was there. I think some of you would have had heart palpitations seeing all the treasures! I’m at a point where I don’t want to get anything unless I really need it, or it somehow speaks to me. I ended up getting 10 large size mason jars for just $2. I like to make this tomato sauce every year and I never seem to have enough of the right size jars. Now I do.
Is it me, or do any of you feel a little strange looking through someone else’s stuff, knowing they’re gone? I find it somewhat sad. A lifetime of collecting, sold to strangers or worse, thrown away. I overheard the women in charge of the sale tell a shopper the woman’s daughter was overwhelmed with all the stuff her mother left behind and didn’t want any part of going through it all. A couple of year’s ago I wrote a post about just that. I wonder if people realize what their family members will have to go through after their gone.
After finishing up our shopping, we had an early al fresco dinner at a Mexican restaurant, then took the scenic route home and stopped off at a country store for some dessert. I couldn’t resist indulging in a cannoli, my all time favorite thing to eat. I’m justifying it since I’m doing all the heavy lifting ;).
In other news…
Our son-in-law Josh is in town from Singapore for a few days, sans Sarissa :(. She was debating joining him, but decided against it. I can’t say I blame her. It’s a looooooong flight and they did it three times last year. Twice for two of their friends’ weddings and once for theirs. It’s hard to believe their first anniversary is coming up this month. I put together a wedding photo album for them, and one for us. I really enjoyed the process, although it’s very time consuming. Now I know why photographers charge so much!
If the weather holds up, I’m optimistic the stone wall will be completed by next week, and I’ll be sharing some tips…like ‘hire someone to do it for you’. :/
Sharing At
Tweak It Tuesday
Red Rose Alley says
Doreen, you won the giveaway at Jemma’s, good for you! How I love that angel, it’s so pretty. Your flowers on here are gorgeous, and what bright colors they are. Don’t ya just love those old vintage cars? So sorry to hear about your husband. Yes, no lifting for awhile.
Have a fun weekend, Doreen, and yaaaaay on winning the giveaway. Jemma is one of my favorite gals in blog land.
~Sheri
Doreen says
Thanks Shari! Yes, Jemma is a sweetheart, and I love my angel. I also got a stone-like cleaner for the grill which works really well. Yup, I made out pretty good :).
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
I love that angel she sent you. There’s got to be an easier way to lay out that flagstone. I’ve done it myself, so I know it hurt my hands, wrists and back. How about hiring high school boys to lift them and lay them out. Once they’re laid out, you could fiddle with them. In TX, I had someone come in, because the flagstones kept slipping in the sand, and putting that stuff down. Oh geez, what was it called. It’s like ground up rock. And that made a huge difference in how they laid and didn’t move. I do feel funny going through someone’s things. I just don’t get the joy of going through other people’s junk anymore. I went through a phase when I loved garage sales. Not really anymore. It’s really kind of creepy. And how much junk can one accumulate anyway?
Brenda
Doreen says
I’ve heard of using geraniums for that purpose Dewena, but never tried it. One thing I’ve tried that seems to work is tea tree oil or lavender oil. You’re right about the RV, and yes, we are glad it happened while we were close to home and with people that were knowledgeable and helpful.
Doreen says
I think what you’re referring to is stone dust.mwe have that and it’s helpful to use, but plain old dirt works too.
It’s hard to get people to do things around here. We are in the middle of no where. It’s actually ok. It’s hard work, but it will be very satisfying to know we did it when it’s done.
Dewena says
I know retaining walls are hard work as R.H. used to build them at lake houses, backbreaking work. Your flowers look like they know summer’s not far off. I do love Gerber daisies too. Have you ever grown citrus scented geraniums? We keep a pot in the front and back and pluck a leaf to rub on arms and neck to keep mosquitoes away. I cut sprigs for the house just because I like the scent.
A country flea market is so much fun! You never know what you’ll find. I guess having a few things go wrong on your first RV trip was bound to happen and better now than later. I hope your husband’s wrist is better soon, Doreen.
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
You’re flowers look spectacular Lady! Keep up the great work!! I love the bright colors. And that angel is so pretty. She looks quite pleased with her new home. 😉
Hope the hubby is better soon. If he’s anything like mine he’s not a happy camper when he’s incapacitated in any way. But I imagine you’re gaining some nice biceps yourself so that’s not a bad deal, right? Can’t wait to see the wall when it’s done! Now get to work on that fairy garden stump. Lol
I know what you mean about looking through others stuff, but I think if you think of it that they want someone else to enjoy those things because they can’t anymore – it makes it a little easier. I know I’d want someone to enjoy my things instead of letting them sit in some basement in the dark.
So sorry Sarissa can’t make the trip, but you’re right in how understandable that is. I can’t imagine how long that trip must be! Safe journey for your son-in-law. HOpe you have nice weather to finish your projects! Your last line literally made me LOL!!
xoxo
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Oh and I forgot to mention how peeved I am, on your behalf, with the RV problems!! What’s with that?? If it was inspected by someone that doesn’t seem to make sense that it had SO many things go wrong. Hhmmmm- it does make you wonder. I hope the dealer can fully take care of things as that’s the last headaches you’ll want on your big trip in the future. May the RV gods smile on you soon! 😉
xo
Doreen says
I agree. It sucks the big one, but we are glad it happened when we were close to home. The dealer will fix the issues,so hopefully there will be hot showers in my future ;).
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
Oh gosh, I’m glad you said that, Doreen. I went to estate sales quite a bit when I had my booth, but always felt a little sad. Of course, I say that and I still went through their things looking for bargains for myself and my booth. : )
Sorry to hear about your RV troubles, but hopefully you get it all taken care of. Better you found out now then before you made your trek to Florida.
Your flowers look beautiful. We’ve been having just enough rain that I don’t have to go out and water my plants every day and the ones I just planted are really starting to take off.
Cindi says
Oh! I love Gerber Daisies! I love them so much that I bring their pots inside during the winter and they stay in my bathroom! LOL!
OMG! I hear you about trying to sleep with heater on! I like it cold at least cool or I can’t sleep.
You are such a trooper, dealing with the RV issues. I would be cranky.
I love going through most estate sales but yes, sometimes I get a weird feeling and I just leave. It’s like I feel that the owner is there in the home, watching and disapproving or sad… and I don’t want any of that energy!
My Dad’s home was just the opposite. Not very much to go through. He had his few items labeled and dated.
Yep, a note on a coat rack that said “your Uncle Roy made this in shop class in the year 1930” things like that.
He was true minimalist. If it didn’t serve a useful purpose, he didn’t keep it.
I used to rebel against it but now I hope to make my own home simple and just items I need or love.
Good luck with your wall and be careful of your backs! I’m forever hurting mine.
Thank you for your kind words and well wishes. Someday I need to read through your blog and see what all I’ve missed!
xoxo
Amy @ StowandTellU says
I haven’t seen that kind of rail planter before, but i love how these new fangled products make life easier, in most cases! Though it may not be enough to ward off the mosquitoes, the lemon grass is looking likes it’s going to do well. I might have to add lemon grass to one of my own.
I’m so sorry you had those issues with your RV, but knowing you could lean on the other campers had to be a nice consolation.
Emily says
Congratulations, love the angel and she looks so pretty next to the planter and flowers. You’ve certainly been busy and I’m sure the retaining wall was a big project. Be careful with your back. Sorry you had problems with the RV, but lucky you had campers to help out. Sounds like FL will be a fun trip!
Have a great day………
Cindy says
I hope your wall gets finished soon and Fisherman watches his cyst and it gets better
Love your angel. Pretty and your flowers are vibrant. Beauties
Cindy
Jemma says
Hi Sweet Friend,
May I Mother you for a moment? No Lifting!! I mean that-I lifted 4 kids, men, women and who knows what else and had major inside issues. Yes, I do exaggerate, but not about the inside stuff.
(Hire it done. Now, I’ll be quiet:)
I am happy that you are happy with your wins, the angel looks just perfect on your deck and thank you too for your kind words:)
Your RV adventures are so interesting (sorry about the troubles, but you handled it well) and I know that the folks you meet along the way are going to become pals for a long time.
I love your flowers and oh the daisy is a real show stopper.
Warm Hugs and no lifting-
xoxo
Jemma
Cathy, 1929 Charmer Cottage says
I’m with you whenever I go to an estate sale I feel as if I’m intruding in to their private lives uninvited. I aways feel sad doing it. But then I know whatever I buy I will cherish and treasure, and I know that would honor them Sorry about your problems with the RV. Things around here have not been running smooth either. My back is out, raining constantly and can’t get my flowers in and now hubs car broke down…so feeling stressed. Your flowers look wonderful…be careful with the stone wall….don’t hurt yourself!
Vicky Hunt says
What a delightful post Doreen! So many pretty photos. I love the orange flowers and the angel you won is just beautiful! She looks perfect there until you find a new home for her. So sorry to hear about all the issues with the RV, but hopefully they will get them repaired and the next trip will be better! Enjoy the herbs…I absolutely love basil and in fact just used some my mom grew today in a recipe. I could eat basil daily I think! Have a wonderful week and enjoy visiting with your son in law. 🙂
Kelly says
That fair looked like a lot of fun. It’s so fun to look at old cars like that. They just don’t make them like that anymore. It’s even more fun if you see someone driving one on the street! All of your flowers look beautiful! You took some gorgeous photos of them. Hope your husband’s wrist gets better soon so he can get back to normal living! No fun to live with physical limitations.
Jane says
I now know how followers have a hard time commenting on my blogs—you have do many things going on!
Best of luck with the RV and yeah—get the problems ironed out before you do the biggie trip. The wall—gosh, can you hire some college kids? So sorry about your guy’s wrist problem.
I’ve heard of Jemma, I will go have a peek. Your planters look so pretty!
Have a good week (I know that doesn’t fit the bill right now but try!)
Jane x
Doreen says
When I was writing the post I thought ‘this is like a Blondie post’ lol.
Jemma is a sweetheart. Do go check her out Jane, and I promise I will have a good week. I’m not gonna let a few stones get the best of me ;).
Julie says
Hello Doreen, your flowers are so pretty! So sorry to hear about your husband and lifting heavy things. Please be careful when you are doing the wall and lifting! To bad about the little problems with the RV! I hope you have a nice week.
Julie
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
That fair looked fun / all those RV issues, not 🙁
rue says
Hi Doreen 🙂
Sorry about all your RV troubles. I’ve had one that had more trouble than it was worth and it wasn’t fun. I hope it all gets fixed 🙂
I love me some vintage cars too 😉
I hope the bugs leave you alone!
As far as estate sales. Yes, I really do get upset at those, but when I come across one, I go in and I show respect. A lot of people don’t. They just toss things around like their searching for garbage. Personally, I really need to go through more of my stuff, because I don’t want my kids to have that burden. I actually started thinking about it a year ago and started in on it. Hopefully I’ll get it done soon.
I hope you’re having a good Monday 🙂
xo,
rue
Poppy says
Hey House Honey,
It’s been a while, huh? Boy, you’ve been busy! Love your flower box; the daisies are adorable! Sorry to hear about Fisherman’s hand; I hope it’s healing nicely. Thank goodness your RV quirks were quickly taken care of, thanks to the kindness of strangers. It’s always so refreshing to hear about such great comradeship, when one needs a helping hand, or two! Jemma’s angel is perfect in its new place or residence among the pretty flowerpots.
It is sad, indeed, when a loved one passes and their collection of personal belongings, whether it be bric a brac or clothing, is not respected or honoured, or at least, filtered by family or friends, to be saved and cherished, as a fond memory of the dearly departed, but left for strangers to sift through, reject or accept, rather mindlessly.
Hope you had a nice time with Josh!
xoxo
Poppy
Marilyn @ Pink Paper Cottage says
Hi Doreen…. stopping by your blog after you visited mine.. and wow! what alot of neat things here! I’m going to take my time browsing all of your wonderful posts and projects, etc. Right now, my computer is just about not working at all…. it keeps freezing up and won’t scroll and I keep getting ad pop-ups… so I think a gremlin has snuck in somehow. For now, I’ll say a big thank you for setting up the gofundme account for Brenda! She does not deserve all of the big mountains that have been placed in her path for her to climb. And no… I’ve NEVER seen orange geraniums before either! That would be awesome to find some. Your photos are beautiful too. Once I get this computer working better, I’ll come for another visit! Marilyn
Doreen says
Uh oh. It DOES sound like a virus Marilyn. I assume you have Windows? After a horrible experience I switched to a Mac and haven’t had any issues since. Be careful with Microsoft support. Sometimes you *think* you’re talking to them but you’re not. Scary!
Thank you for the visit! If you look around, please know I have closed comments on posts older than 90 days (cuts down on spam). See you in the trenches!
Pattie @ Olla-Podrida says
What gorgeous photos! Your parsley looks absolutely amazing. For whatever reason, I struggle to grow parsley;. Everything else is thriving, but the parsley is a bit spindly and sad looking. I even managed to sprout seeds from a passion fruit, but parsley growing eludes me.
Red Rose Alley says
Doreen, you were one of the few people who were familiar with duck oil. I had never heard of it, but you should have tasted those fried, they were delicious – such a good flavor and crisp on the outside. I am browsing through these gorgeous pictures once again, and smiling.
Have a fun weekend.
~Sheri
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
So much to comment on here, Doreen! Your pots look beautiful! I love sitting on my deck, too, listening to the birds and the…lawnmowers 🙁 I pretty much get 6 hours of sleep during the week, and catch up on weekends. Mr. GS can sleep anywhere and everywhere…about 9 hours a night. Your Gerber daisies are beautiful – I had them a couple of summers ago – now, seeing yours, wish I had gotten some this year. I never have luck with Cilantro, my favorite herb. What’s your secret? Sorry to hear about all of your problems with the RV, but I’m sure you’ll work them out by the time Florida comes. Have a great weekend!
Cecilia says
Oh no about the RV. I hope you get all the issues fixed! Love the orange Gerber Daisies! The angel is adorable. And I’m looking forward to seeing the wall all done. Sounds like you’re getting a good workout. What a bad time for your husband not to be able to lift anything heavy. Yikes. I can’t imagine not taking the time to go thru a loved ones things although it can be very overwhelming. I hope I can just leave enough behind to bring fond memories to mind but not so much it’s too much to deal with. Hope you have a wonderful week!
Doreen says
I agree Cecilia. That’s exactly how I feel about things when I’m gone. Some people just don’t ‘get it’. They think the more the better.
The wall is done! It’s in today’s post if you’d like to see it :).
Have a good weekend!!