Remember last week when I said there were a few hiccups with the landfill for our backyard? Well, I hardly know where to begin, because the hiccups were really more like belches.
We had gotten three different estimates, and aside from the prices being wildly different, the amount of fill we were told to get was all over the place too. The first guy said we needed 16 yards of fill. The second said we needed about 30-40 yards of fill and yet another said we would need 90 yards of fill, and maybe 20 yards of topsoil depending on what we wanted to achieve.
My gut told me that 90 yards was about right, but we ordered only 50 because we figured that would be a good start. The guy came last Friday to spread it and I knew fairly quickly he had a few screws loose. We were in the house when we heard a loud scream and no, he didn’t lose an arm or leg (which is what it sounded like), but he did manage to get stuck in a few feet of mud.
It had been raining and the ground was wetter than it should be for that kind of work. Without going into too many details, his truck was brought to the backyard and he tied a chain to both the bobcat and truck and Fisherman helped pull him out.
He didn’t have enough fill to complete the job which wasn’t his fault, but I couldn’t wait for him to hit the road. He was constantly talking to himself and repeating the same things over and over. There must be something in the water around these here parts.
If I start acting weird, send reinforcements (and maybe bottled water).
So the bottom line is we need more fill, and right now the backyard looks like a disaster area. Since we don’t ‘do crazy’ we need to get someone else to complete the job but we need a few days without rain before that’s attempted so the ground has a chance to dry up.
Meanwhile, we’ve been working hard on the front of the house, and it’s finally starting to look like the people who live here might actually have teeth and clothing that don’t include suspenders or overalls. Mostly, we’ve been weeding and digging up endless saplings. That’s the worst part. There are literally hundreds of them and it’s impossible to simply pull them up.
Here’s a portion of the yard before we weeded…
and here’s what it looked like after a full afternoon of working on it…
There’s still LOTS to do, mostly the area to the right of the wood pile.
You see the area behind the arbor? That’s mostly weeds! Speaking of the arbor, isn’t that a beautiful hanging plant? I got it for just $12.50 on sale this week. That’s not a typo. The place where we get our plants typically has great prices, and this week everything is 50% off, making it almost impossible to resist bringing home a few things.
As much as I love a bargain, free is even better! I’ve gotten pretty lucky lately in that department. I picked up this birdhouse for free a couple of weeks ago. I love the cute little details!
This one I got at the same sale for only $5, and it just perfect for our rustic cabin. I’ve seen birdhouses like this for around $40!
If you look closely you can see two other birdhouses I got for free. As much as I like giving the birds a place to hang out, I kinda like the idea of being able to see the nests.
Speaking of which, we have three hanging baskets on the porch, and one of them has a nest and the babies were just hatched yesterday. This next picture is of the Daddy bird.
Did I have you going there for a minute? Well, Fisherman actually thought this was a real bird!
To be fair, from a distance it does look pretty realistic. π
A friend was combining two houses into one and had tons of stuff to get rid of and one of the things she gave me is this pretty quilt. It works perfectly on the sofa in our enclosed porch.
Here’s another freebie I received from my sweet blog buddy Jemma. I originally had it on our deck but moved it to the front where the newly constructed stone retaining wall is.
This Mallow is also planted in the wall and it seems to be thriving! I’ve never had this plant before, but I love the vibrancy of the leaves and the delicate flowers.
The deck planters are doing well too! The lemon grass seems to be doing a decent job at keeping mosquitos away, even though there’s very little of it.
Last weekend we had the Grands and their mom and dad and I made this cheese platter. You can’t see it, but there was a chunk of chocolate on the platter and I left it on the enclosed porch for about 30 minutes and when I returned it looked like a chipmunk had helped himself to the chocolate! There were scratch marks on one side and I can’t imagine what else might have made those marks. I wonder if chocolate is bad for them, like it is for dogs?
The weather was rainy last weekend except for the later part of Sunday which was when they were leaving so we took them to a place that has some games and go carts and Maddox and I had a go-around.
In other news…
Some of you have asked about Brenda’s campaign. While we didn’t raise as much as we had hoped, we were able to raise nearly $4,000 dollars and the good Snews is the campaign is still up and running so if you’d like to contribute be all means do so! I know Brenda is extremely appreciative of any contribution, no matter how small.
We’re going to see Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett on Tuesday at Tanglewood. I thought she did a great job at the Grammy’s and I’m really looking forward to it. (Fingers crossed it doesn’t rain, because we have lawn seats.)
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Jemma says
Good Morning Pretty Lady,
Well, goodness you have all been very busy and isn’t it strange how the earth seems to soak up all that soil? Your are making great progress, and oh your flowers and sweet birdhouses (actually you fooled me twice) they are so charming and perfect for your woodland setting nestled among the forests glen. This is such a magical setting and I am very happy to spy that the Angel has a very special in your garden!
Love the smiles on Maddox and your faces and oh your sunglasses are too cute, you are such a pretty missy!
We are going to the home-site this morning, I am itching to get on our little slice of Texas land, taking my camera and hopefully will be able to get some good shots of some longhorns and maybe the elusive bobcat too!
Oh, so thankful that the fund for Brenda has been so successful!
xoxox
Jemma
Doreen says
You’re so lucky you are getting to build a home from the ground up Jemma, and I am glad we are able to take this journey with you.
We’ve actually seen bobcats here as well. Just last week one ran in front of my car crossing the road. I guess bears, turtles and other fuzzy creatures just like me ;).
xxx
Dewena says
What a lost of work you two have done outside, despite being distracted by a strange man delivering fill! One area at a time, you’re taking back your yard from the weeds and it sure makes your plants show up nice. Did you put down mulch after weeding? I only asked because after R.H. saw the pictures I put up about my unkempt garden, he spent 3 days out there working! After he got through he started putting down mulch, 15 bags at first, and then our little Milo got sick from chewing it. I googled it and learned that you don’t put it down around dogs. He had to shovel up every shred of it. Next, without my knowing it, he put down lava rock. It is so ugly but I didn’t dare say a word about it or I think he would have left home!
I love the wood arbor and that beautiful purple flower hanging basket, and the adorable little birdhouses!
I don’t know who is the cutest in the go-cart, you or Maddox, so I’ll only say that you both are dolls!
Doreen says
We did put down mulch Dewena, but it was just the chipped wood left over from when we had our trees cut down. I figured that was a good use for it right now, and when that runs out we will go a different direction. We don’t have a dog, but I also didn’t realize that it was toxic to them. Perhaps it depends on the kind because we used to have a dog and cedar mulch and there wasn’t a problem.
Your poor hubby!! And no worries, it will be our little secret ;).
(Thank you for the compliment, but I think Maddox has the cute factor locked up) lol
Olympia says
Great images Doreen, so glad to have walked in your beautiful area and what a happy photo is this last one!
Wishing you a glorious weekend!
Olympia
Red Rose Alley says
Oh my, look at those purple flowers. Your garden is looking so nice, and there’s Jemma’s sweet angel! I loved her when I saw it on her blog, and I love it still. Gardens are a lot of work, but they are definitely worth all the care we put in to make it a special place for us to relax; they are so peaceful to me. I wanted to thank you for your comment on my “story” post. You are one of the ones who was not only saddened for the women who lost their purses but for the ones who took the purse as well. That is what I wanted to convey. It was such a sad thing to do, all around. And it hit me even more knowing that it was during a holy ceremony. You are a wonderful lady with a good heart, and I just wanted to let you know that. So glad I found you in blog land. :~)
~Sheri
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
You made a lot of progess with your weeding, and it looks great, Doreen! All of your planters are looking good, too. Love those birdhouses…they’re so different! Too bad about the crazy guy doing the landfill. And, you look great in a go-cart!
tammy j says
reclaiming space from a forest …
i applaud your sheer ENERGY! ohmygosh!
but it’s looking so beautiful. as are you! sitting there so cool in your glam glasses with adorable maddox. love that name.
xoβ₯
Emily says
I love you are mixing work and fun! I see a lot of progress with the weeding and of course the hanging plant with its color against all the green foliage looks stunning, great snap! I love bird houses too and the little house that looks like a farmer’s market is adorable. I sure hope you have some dry weather so you can finish your landscaping. Concert sounds like fun, I love doing that with friends. Chairs, quilt, nibbles and wine makes for a great evening…………
Doreen says
I hope we have some dry weather too! It’s been raining since yesterday. π
Thanks for your visit Emily and enjoy your weekend.
xxx
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
A free quilt that pretty? You lucky girl you! I thought the bird was real too. Are you wanting to plant grass back there where the guy got stuck? I had a garden home once, and where I didn’t have decks built, I pulled up all the grass (at least you wouldn’t have to do that) and had that same flag stone like you used put in. However it kept shifting in the sand. So I went to Plan B, which was having someone come out and put this chopped up granite type stuff. I never can think of the name of it. But it makes it very solid between the flag stones and I no longer slipped and fell. If you can think what that stuff is called, let me know. I block on some words every time! You wouldn’t want it all over. But gardens with a little path would be phenomenal back there. And the great thing about that stuff is you never have to mow, and it doesn’t wash away. Geez, I wish I could think what that stuff is called!
Brenda
Doreen says
We’re planning on adding a firepit on the right side (you can’t see it in the pic) and maybe a raised bed or two on the left. There will be some grass also and a path or two as well. Thanks for the tip about the granite. When the time comes we will look into it, although I doubt very much it will be this year the way things are going!
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
Me again. I think it’s decomposed or crushed granite. That was the greatest stuff!
Brenda
Sue says
Good grief – great back fill story that I loved hearing about. I did not know lemon grass keeps mosquitos away and will remember that. Just love all your photos of the yard and beautiful flower basket and bird houses of course. It is remarkable what you guys have weeded so far and the after photo is just stunning. A turkey came to visit us last week and had a walk around our yard that had extra long grass due to all our rain and rain and rain. He must live nearby or at the neighbors little farm as he was not startled by me following him around taking photos.
Jane says
That is a ton of heavy duty work you are doing/having done. The ground really is wet. When we have yards of sand delivered at the lake every spring, there is no way around it…the ground and grass close to the shore is marshy and the truck weighs a ton. Hubby preps by laying tarps and big sheets of plywood for the truck to gain traction on. He has it down to a science. You guys did a fantastic job with the weeding. I can imagine how crappy of a job that was. I hope the wet ground made the pulling easier.
Don’t you love the sales on flowers right now? I have to replace a few plants here and there that totally drowned but it will cost pennies. I’ve also learned to hang one of my indoor plants outside by my door until the flowering plants from the stores go on sale in June. Oh, I love your arbor and birdhouses. That little dove does look real!!
I’m glad the Go Fund Me page is doing well—makes me believe in the kindness of the human race just when we’ve given up.
You are looking good in those sunglasses! π
Jane x
Julie says
Wow Doreen! You have been doing so much work with the back and front yard. I do hope it all turns out the way you want it to look. You sound so busy and hope you can enjoy the summer. Take care and have a nice week.
Julie xo
kelly says
i’m very impressed with the yardwork that you’ve gotten done so far! I know that is a daunting task when so much needs to be done. Your flowers look like they’re all doing so well. I love the pretty hanging basket on your arbor! It’s a great pop of color against all the greenery. The man that was working in your yard sounded like he needed some anger management! LOL! Maybe he was just having a bad day. Hope you are able to get that project completed soon.
Doreen says
Lol I think you’re right about the anger management Kelly. There’s a lot more to this story than I’ve told here, but that guy was seriously whacko. I really know how to pick ’em!
Joanne Boulter says
I just came over from Have a cup of Mrs. Olson’s blog. It is so nice to meet you. I have enjoyed reading through your blog, it is really full of wonder thoughts and ideas. Looking forward to get to know you better. Jo
Doreen says
Thank you Jo! I appreciate your visit and I was just over at your blog and I *think* I followed you but I’m not sure. There didn’t seem to be a way for me to put my email in so I’m not sure *how* I’m following you.
Cathy, 1929 Charmer Cottage says
Yard work is hard work…wow 90 yards that’s a whole lot of dirt! But as always after all the hard labor it will be worth it. the rain has been putting a damper out this way too. All the work in the greenhouse the flower can’t pop because of all the rain and NO sun! I can’t believe you scored that quilt free–wow I sure don’t have neighbours like that? I thought the bird was real until you said it wasn’t? Are you sure about that? Glad to know the brick wall is still holding up!
rue says
“itβs finally starting to look like the people who live here might actually have teeth and clothing that donβt include suspenders or overalls.” BAHAHAHAHA!!!!! That right there is hilarious. I lived in small towns (if you could call them that) in Virginia and Ohio… I get it. The workers there were umm…. different, that’s for sure. I think your yard looks really fantastic, actually π
Love the picture of you and Maddox in the humber car π
xo,
rue
rue says
Humber?? LOL Bumper.
Doreen says
Our town gives new meaning to the term ‘small town’. I had more people in my high school graduating class than in this entire town!
xxx
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
What a bummer that it continues to kind of be a “pain in the rear” project, but hopefully you’ll be able to resolve it soon.
You guys are professional weeders! It looks awesome! Glad you haven’t been all work and no play. Love the go cart photo!! Love getting the updates with how things are going. Keep us posted further with the projects! xoxo
Cindy says
WOW Doreen you have your work cutout for you with the property. I must say we don’t miss having huge property anymore. Besides me not being able to help anymore we were too tired of being overwhelmed. Love you free items and the angle is a beauty. Looks like the chipmunks have a lot of nerve by you. They must not have gotten the memo…STAY AWAY FROM THE CHOCOLATE.
Cindy
Doreen says
Yup, I think the chipmunks around here are quite brazen, just like the bears! Remember last year when a bear broke into our screened in porch? I guess I’m just an animal magnet ;).
Our property is really quite small, around 1/4 acre. Last night it rained so much and so hard it woke me up. We haven’t had more than two days where it hasn’t rained, so it looks like the backyard may stay looking like that for a while.
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
Your front yard looks lovely and I’m sure your back yard will be as beautiful someday.
Jann Olson says
Hi Doreen, you really have your work cut our for you girlie! I have mallows that reseed and come back every year. Love them for that! Your large pillow is a sweet gift from Jemma. She is a sweetheart! I was not able to comment on your link to the meet and greet party, but I enjoyed the first part of your family history!
hugs,
Jann
Doreen says
Hi Jann! I didn’t know mallows reseed. Thanks for the info. I’m not sure what pillow you’re referring to? Maybe the quilt? That was given to me by a ‘real life’ friend. Jemma had a giveaway on her blog and I got the garden angel from her.
Thanks for stopping by Jann! It’s always good to see you π
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Doreen…I am so sorry you are running into such difficulty with your back yard….actually we are ready for no back yard!…Love your beautiful flowers…and that quilt that your friend gave you is beautiful…love the pic of you and Maddox in the Go Cart…and can’t imagine a chipmunk coming into your enclosed porch and eating the chocolate….well they know that chocolate is good for you!
susan says
Wow! You’ve really been working hard, Doreen, but it has paid off. Your property looks beautiful! And so did that cheese platter you made for your family. I love all your freebies, especially the beautiful quilt on your porch.
Amy @ StowandTellU says
Your yard is beautiful, even the weedy parts, lol, but man-o-man you pulled a lot of weeds. What is it about home improvement contractors that a homeowner usually has a different contractor finish up what the first one started?
One Christmas we put all the desserts out on the table in our screened in porch and somehow the mice got to them. We never could figure out how they got up on the table though, hahaha
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
Teeth and suspenders; LMAO!!!!!