View Full Version : Summer Project Progress
I'm starting week 3 of my projects and I'm starting to run out of steam. Today was rough. I had such a hard time waking up and I'm still putzing about instead of working. I did a store run for groceries and supplies and that's about it. And it's already 10:05 am, my time.
I'm hoping tracking the progress will help keep me motivated. The goal is to do 6 hour sessions Monday through Friday. Saturday is odds and ends in the morning and fun in the afternoon. Sunday is rest.
Weeks 1 and 2 were great. Productive and satisfying. I'm on the tail end of project 1 and this is about the time when I start to lose interest. But I'm committed to finishing strong.
Ok... time to get started. Not time for nap! If I start now I'll be done by 4 pm. Pretty late start and finish. But doable and I'll still be done by dinnertime. And then several hours of relaxation before bed!
If you'd like to join in, feel free to write about your own summer projects.
I wanted to start a twin bed sized quilt for my someday guest bedroom.
So far, have been gathering fabric, and last Thursday, washed it all to get ready to start cutting.
But here I sit, not doing a darned thing about it. I just hate to start anything right now, not sure why?
Instead, I mowed the lawn, hung the laundry, did my day's worth of teaching, and am working on my stock portfolio.
I think I have too many catch up things to do, like my file project, that I don't have energy to start a new thing. I'd rather get out from under the mess. And new project = new mess.
I'm working on some landscaping projects this summer.
1)So far I knocked out one bed above a curved short rock wall above a natural shelfrock patio right off my back porch, where the vinca took over and killed out all the pretty stuff and you couldn't even see the pretty rock wall I worked so hard on when we built this place in 92. I now hate vinca vine. I'm tossing all the vinca over the edge of the driveway where the glass shop was built as ground cover for the hillside. I don't care if the copper heads go over to that side of the yard but I'm tired of almost grabbing them when pulling vinca in the beds. Also trimmed the forsythia bushes there and will replant with pretty stuff this fall.
2) Building a rock/glass dry streambed. This has been fun! Need to figure out how to get some hanging lights over in that area (solar) though there are trees. Still clearing out an area of that and need to move all the iris/lily somewhere else...maybe to 1, build a berm and replant some MO native things.
3)Need to trim raspberry bushes out front and build better support fence for both raspberry and grape.
4) Need to disassemble 2 raised beds (will possibly use some for berm in 2 will build up in 1 and add another layer or two of rock to the walls (I live on a rocky glade...an abundance of rock)
5) Re-do firepit patio. Natural shelf rock patio with a short rock wall curving around it. Considering adding peagravel over the shelfrock patio because it's a bit unlevel. Need to build up another layer or two of rock on the wall and add something behind it (not vinca!
6)Another invasive vinca killed flower bed over the short rock wall that wraps around the back corner of the house (house was build on shelf rock so there is a natural path that winds around the corner). Pull all vinca, replant (that use to be more of an english garden sort of flower bed but I'll go more MO native and glade/xeriscaping.
7) continue to pull/kill off ivy that use to grow up side of house (north west side)
8) walkway between shop and house: added hanging lights (to prevent stepping on snakes at night), needs to be re-rocked, and maybe a gate added at front to define the area (with a few pots of plants) and stepping stones in the rock fill to create something more than just (this is the way to the back door everyone uses).
9) add wood floating deck between back porch and shop/garage door. Currently it's just rock in a sand/cement base that has washed out from erosion and flooding rains. Tripping hazard currently.
10) front of house 3 beds and walkway all need redone. That'll probably have to wait for 2018 but it's in my plan book.
11) improve frog pond bank and planting probably in 2018 also in plan book.
12) redo veggie garden raised beds (add fence, rock base for paths, etc) 2019.
I'm lighting a bunch of citronella candles in the back yard and working from 8-9 pm every night when it's just a tad cooler but the biting bugs are out. Fireflys are fun to watch but I dislike the chiggers and mosquitos.
Just want to say, Float, your back yard sounds lovely, really enchanting. Post pictures?
I wanted to go hiking at two new places and have. My weight loss resolution on other hand....
TooSweetForMe
7-11-17, 10:24am
I wanted to get our garage cleaned out and organized. Thanks to my DD's DF, the first part is done. He didn't want Mom and/or I doing it with the heat the way it is. Now that it has all the trash and junk out o there, I can work on getting it organized whenever I have a chance.
Went into garage to fill up a garbage bag and realized that I should be going through one box a day, and throwing away what I can.
So that is my new summer project. It will also yield the 10 things a day I want to get rid of.
Too many projects to count. I'm not sure listing them publicly would provide the accountability needed to get them done (or even make significant dents in them all) but here goes.
I bought the stuff needed to seal the concrete patio. But between finding decent weather to clean the patio and then a couple of rain-free days to apply the coating and let it dry, well, that hasn't happened yet. There's also the complication that it'll be hard to disable access to the back of the house for a couple of days during that time.
I need to replace some of the wood around the frame of the garage door. While I'm painting the new wood, I might as well paint the garage window and a couple of the old windows on the house that need to live on for a few more years while that replacement project continues.
I finally landed that compost bin I was looking for (well, not quite what I was looking for but I have to do something with that and this at least wasn't a lot of money for something I didn't want). So now to find a way to recycle the old bin (if possible) and transfer the remaining composting into the new bin.
There are a couple of areas on the sides of the house that need to be cleaned up -- too many weeds and volunteer trees; not enough mulch or "direction" (what should it look like?). That has to be a cooler-weather project (that is, 80 is already too hot).
Time to clean out the garage. Been holding stuff in there for too many people for too long. They either want it enough to find another home for it or it hits craigslist or the thrift store or the curb ("Free!"). The stuff that has to be disposed of specifically goes to a city-wide cleanup in September; I volunteered to help direct traffic/unload stuff/whatever so (ObFrugal) I get to dump our stuff for free. Having a deadline helps.
Umm, I think that's it. That's plenty. I could power-wash and seal my mom's driveway and her deck. That really should get wedged into the calendar somewhere. But put too many things on the list and it's just defeating...
iris lilies
7-11-17, 1:25pm
My summer project is to address weeds, and keep lilies and iris weeded, fed, and cultivated to improve bloom for next year. This year iris bloom was not great, and there were some serious lilies diseases and problems.
My summer project is to address weeds, and keep lilies and iris weeded, fed, and cultivated to improve bloom for next year. This year iris bloom was not great, and there were some serious lilies diseases and problems.
IL, when (or do you) do you cutyour iris fronds in that fan shape? I have been doing that just to liberate some air flow for my roses.
Steve, what a list. It sounds exhausting and hot and all very necessary, but uh.
Am on my second garage box today. So far,not much discarded, just hung some pictures on the walls, including my zinnia painting by my great aunt. Now I want to reframe stuff. Also need to wash the fabric stuff was wrapped in. Everything sparks lots of joy, unfortunately.
Just want to say, Float, your back yard sounds lovely, really enchanting. Post pictures?
I would say it was enchanting about 10 years ago...before the chickens ate all my pretty flowering plants and the evil vinca vine took over. I may do an album of photos after I feel it's recovered a bit or as I finish a project or two. It is a nice quiet area, very rural. Empty lots to either side (1 acre each) and 40 acres of woods behind me the hillbilly swears he'll never sell out.
I would say it was enchanting about 10 years ago...before the chickens ate all my pretty flowering plants and the evil vinca vine took over. I may do an album of photos after I feel it's recovered a bit or as I finish a project or two. It is a nice quiet area, very rural. Empty lots to either side (1 acre each) and 40 acres of woods behind me the hillbilly swears he'll never sell out.
It sounds idyllic. I would think it could also be ironically difficult to maintain a naturalized wooded landscape.
Steve, what a list. It sounds exhausting and hot and all very necessary, but uh.
Thanks, Tybee. The "uh" aspect of it is a little intimidating.
Tomorrow's high temperature should be in the mid-70s. Good day to get the compost project sorted. It's also the biggest eyesore so it will be a bigger win.
One of my doggies is sick. My boxer girl's had diarrhea since last week and it hasn't gotten any better. With the vet visits, giving of meds and cleaning up after her, I'm tired. She, of course, has plenty of energy and is running around like usual. This has happened before, when we first got her, and many expensive vet tests have revealed nothing wrong with her. She just has a very sensitive tummy.
I've been trying to stay on track for my projects but only getting about 50% of my goals done each day. I will probably scale back on the goals until she is all better. No sense in me being frustrated and disappointed in addition to tired and worried.
Today I'm going to catch up on some housework and take it a bit easier.
Goals:
3 loads of laundry - washed and put away
quick vacuum
scrubbing/washing of soaked Le Creuset dutch oven - I burned a pot of beans :( These pots are HEAVY. I kind of regret getting them. Heavy and expensive.
Clean out fridge and freezer, including the produce bins which have gotten dirty and need to be washed out and sanitized
bathe mini poodle if I can muster the energy (he sleeps with me under the covers so bathing him is important for my own sleeping comfort)
afternoon - sort out a section of the hallway closet which is stuffed with a bunch of stuff (will be able to use some of my too-large basket collection for something useful)
If I can stay focused, I think I can get the dirty/sweaty jobs out of the way in a few hours while the temp is still cool.
Maybe I will reward myself with pancakes. I'm trying to get away from food rewards, but I've been craving them since yesterday.
Good day yesterday. The reduced expectations helped. I was able to get everything done including bathing the puppy. And I rewarded myself with an afternoon nap instead of pancakes. I didn't get much done on the hallway closet but I got it started and that got made me eager to finish it. It's the very last thing in the house to be Kondo'd.
Today's goals: (I won't set a time goal, I'll just work until I feel tired or satisfied with progress)
AM - work on one garage wall to organize, clean, and tidy.
PM - work on hallway closet to organize, clean, tidy and purge.
How's everyone doing?
Even though yesterday was hot and muggy I got a bit done.
Cleared out the vinca from #1 goal (will still have to continue digging out roots as they pop up for awhile). I just took it easy and moved to the shade to clean glass orbs when I needed a break from the sun.
I think I'm about ready to start pulling/digging/cussing vinca on the wraparound wall. 1785 So much vinca!!
Took this next photo close to done on extracting vinca. Found I have one patch of Sedum - and a bucket full of weak iris and lily but everything else is gone. Back behind where the birdbath is leaning was a bed entirely of varieties of coneflowers. Coneflowers are a chicken favorite - all gone. 1786. *
Here is a preview of my dry bed. 1787 I also picked the last of the blackberries and trimmed them some.
* That's KuboCat laying across the rock. She came to us a couple months after DanaCat passed away. Kubo now lets me pet her at feeding time. She keeps her distance otherwise but she does appreciate the dirt bath from me pulling vinca. About where she is setting is where the copperhead was last year that caused me to stop this project and wait a good year to get my nerve up. So far no more copperhead though a good friend did get bit by one last weekend - very painful and because she couldn't identify it for sure (in the dark) they wouldn't give her copperhead anti-venom and she had to wait out the pain.
So pretty, Float, and thankyou for posting, love the stone, it looks so cooling.
iris lilies
7-13-17, 1:04pm
Besutifu, Float on!
That's beautiful Float! Thanks for sharing. I love the glass balls on the riverbed. And you're right, that's a lot of vinca!
I must be blind. I don't see the cat. :(
TooSweetForMe
7-13-17, 4:11pm
Goal for today - rest! Just got back from Norfolk with my Mom and sister so Mom could get her hearing aids. We have to go back in about a month to make sure everything is working well.
Beautiful dry bed, Float On! Kind of gives me ideas... Maybe it will give our neighbors ideas, too. They've been working on transforming their standard city lot backyard into an "oasis" with the ultimate goal of zero grass. I might mention the idea (and show them your picture if it's OK with you).
The weather today was wonderfully cool! I started early this morning on the compost bin and largely finished the project a few hours later. Largely, because I had to go buy grass seed to overseed the bare patches (what we had was gobbled up by unwelcome diners), and to figure out what to do with the old bin (which, thoughtfully, was made of 100% recycled plastic but does not appear to have a single recycling symbol or number on any part). Tomorrow I'll call the manufacturer to find out if it is recyclable plastic or if it now (ironically) gets to grace a landfill somewhere.
One project down. The weekend weather is supposed to be back up in the high-80s/low-90s and humid. Watering the grass seed will be the limit of outdoor activities those days.
Oh, I'm so tired. I finished the hall closet and gave my house a thorough cleaning, including a good old-fashioned mopping. Four and a half hours of sweaty mindless work and it felt great. I even took out two big area rugs to enjoy the beautiful clean hardwood flooring throughout the house. I'm thinking of just keeping them out for the rest of the summer. The house looks really nice with all the gleaming floors.
Will probably take the weekend off and just do a few minor things.
Congrats to my fellow workers! I hope you're enjoying the nice feeling of accomplishment that comes with getting some real work done on those projects.
Ok, new week. It's 7:30 a.m., and time to start the day. The most pressing project is the garage. It's become cluttered with lots of stuff, including some furniture, and is in real need of work. I keep putting it on my list but failing to actually get to it. A second project is outdoors and includes digging up some plants and potting them as well as repotting others and starting some cuttings.
This weekend we had a mini heat wave and we don't have A/C so it tired me out.
I also have some cooking to do and a bit of laundry, mainly the blankets that we use on the couch for the dogs. And the dog towels.
A good strategy would be to do a little bit of each. Maybe something like this....
Today's goals:
Cook beef and rice
laundry - doggie blankets and towels
Garden - 3 hours of work
Garage - 3 hours of work
Three hours in the garage seems unrealistic, but I'll aim high and see where I end up.
SteveinMN
7-17-17, 10:43am
Into the 90s and sticky again here, so no progress for me....
Into the 90s and sticky again here, so no progress for me....
Sorry to hear that Steve! Hot muggy weather is the worst. You have no choice but to relax and stay as comfortable as you can. :)
Beautiful dry bed, Float On! Kind of gives me ideas... Maybe it will give our neighbors ideas, too. They've been working on transforming their standard city lot backyard into an "oasis" with the ultimate goal of zero grass. I might mention the idea (and show them your picture if it's OK with you).
The weather today was wonderfully cool! I started early this morning on the compost bin and largely finished the project a few hours later. Largely, because I had to go buy grass seed to overseed the bare patches (what we had was gobbled up by unwelcome diners), and to figure out what to do with the old bin (which, thoughtfully, was made of 100% recycled plastic but does not appear to have a single recycling symbol or number on any part). Tomorrow I'll call the manufacturer to find out if it is recyclable plastic or if it now (ironically) gets to grace a landfill somewhere.
One project down. The weekend weather is supposed to be back up in the high-80s/low-90s and humid. Watering the grass seed will be the limit of outdoor activities those days.
Of course that's ok....I came up with the idea then looked around on pinterest and saw a few good ideas. I've added a couple of little water pools with rocks for butterflys and bees and anything else that once to come along. I did get the iris and lily dug up another 5 gallon bucket worth beside the drybed so now we're talking about adding another dry channel and an island of perennials/grasses I got for the $1 sale at Lowes this week. That's what I love about gardens...always changing always adapting. I did order a small solar fountain to add to one of the water pools to add a little bubbly noise during sunny hours (it doesn't store battery power like the yard lights do so it only works when sunny).
I'm still dreading starting on the big wrap around the corner rock wall of vinca so I started a new compost area (3 pallets) since I'd filled the other one and tripped over a rock that my husband has complained about so I dug it up. About 3x3" was showing above ground and I dug down 8" under to pull it up. Then started on another little rock that was showing 3x5" above...it ended up being 44"x19"x4". I had to stop after I got it slanted on the shovel because I pulled something in the back. Spent all day yesterday taking care of the back and I'm ready to start again tonight. This yard just keeps on giving...rocks! 25 years and I'm still finding big ones. Oh, and I also started clearing off another area of shelf rock. The intent is to expose as much shelf rock in the back yard as possible and plant native glade plants.
Ok, new week. It's 7:30 a.m., and time to start the day. The most pressing project is the garage. It's become cluttered with lots of stuff, including some furniture, and is in real need of work. I keep putting it on my list but failing to actually get to it. A second project is outdoors and includes digging up some plants and potting them as well as repotting others and starting some cuttings.
This weekend we had a mini heat wave and we don't have A/C so it tired me out.
I also have some cooking to do and a bit of laundry, mainly the blankets that we use on the couch for the dogs. And the dog towels.
A good strategy would be to do a little bit of each. Maybe something like this....
Today's goals:
Cook beef and rice
laundry - doggie blankets and towels
Garden - 3 hours of work
Garage - 3 hours of work
Three hours in the garage seems unrealistic, but I'll aim high and see where I end up.
Good luck with your garage project, especially in the heat, that is on our fall list.
That's beautiful Float! Thanks for sharing. I love the glass balls on the riverbed. And you're right, that's a lot of vinca!
I must be blind. I don't see the cat. :( There is a sunbeam on her (my phone camera isn't great) she is straight in front of the wheelbarrel tucked into the dirt behind the rock wall in the 2nd photo...watching me with a wary eye.
Teacher Terry
7-17-17, 1:44pm
I have a big free standing jewelry case and rarely wear most of it. So I went through it for some to be sold for gold and silver, some to keep and the rest I am donating to a thrift store. My friend came for dinner last night and took what she wanted for her daughters and herself.
It is too hot to do much, so I tried amaretto, which I've been wanting to do. I like it.
rosarugosa
7-17-17, 6:59pm
Well that sounds like a pleasant summer project, Yppej!;)
Float-on - you are so inspirational!!! And it's kind of funny that you are swimming in rocks and I've recently bought a bunch of rocks for my garden. If I lived near you we could help each other out! :) Please post pics of your rock and water projects. I'd love to see them.
Ok, so yesterday was productive but not so much on the projects list. While I was cooking I decided to do a big batch cooking for the week and the same thing with the laundry, might as well do all the little odds and ends. So I ended up with 4 loads of laundry. After lunch I passed out on my bed. I had meant to change into my outdoor/cleaning clothes but my body had other plans. After my 90 min nap, I did a quick vacuum of the house and the kitchen floor was feeling sticky so I mopped it.
Then later I saw I friend I hadn't seen in a long time and was amazed at how great she looks. You can tell she really takes care of herself. And it made me realize that part of my thinking has been that after I finish all these big projects, I will have 'earned' the right to do some things for myself. And that's just silly. How is cleaning out the garage more important than taking care of myself?
I think that has been part of my blah feeling lately. I did two big projects and now, instead of charging ahead to #3, I feel distracted and uninspired. So I'm doing two things: I'm adding me time to the project list and I'm going to give myself credit for the work already done. I notice that checking things off gives me a good feeling of accomplishment when I do it on my daily list.
Summer Projects:
1. Kondo the whole house - DONE!
2. Deep clean the whole house - DONE!
3. Begin fitness routines
4. Begin physical pampering routines
5. Kondo the garage
6. Kondo the sideyard
7. Kondo the backyard
I love swimming but have been balking at the cost and have decided to accept the cost and get a membership. I'll be checking out 2 local gyms today. I haven't bought clothing in years and I'm down to a handful of shirts and underwear so end up having to do laundry more often than I'd like. I'll stop by Target and Ross today and pick up some things.
For some reason, I've gotten really bad at doing little things for myself that don't take any money and very little time. Things like soaking my feet (I walk and garden a lot and my feet really take a beating). I know that doing a foot soak and then a pumice massage will make me feel so good. Yet I don't do it. Taking better care of my hair, things like that. These things will be part of my pampering routine from now on. I should just call it self-care.
Anyway, I'm abandoning the garage project this week in lieu of setting up a routine for these two other projects I've introduced and for spending some time outside just enjoying the garden. The heat wave has broken and we're set to have some lovely weather the rest of the week. I might work on the gardens while I'm out there, I might not. I'll see. My period is due this week and that means low energy and lower back pain.
I also have to take the dog to the vet again this afternoon. She still has diarrhea. She'll get better for a bit and then reverts back. My other dog is perfectly fine, so it's just her. I love her dearly, but she is the most high-maintenance dog I've ever owned.
Float-on - you are so inspirational!!! And it's kind of funny that you are swimming in rocks and I've recently bought a bunch of rocks for my garden. If I lived near you we could help each other out! :) Please post pics of your rock and water projects. I'd love to see them.
Ha! I started digging on the corner of this rock that was sticking up. Horrible shaky photo I took after I hurt my back. I think I'm ready to start digging again tonight or in the morning. 1796 I haven't decided where this rock will go yet. They say "You can tell how long someone has been gardening in the Ozarks by how tall their garden rock wall is." Behind my shovel is another area of shelf rock I'm clearing off. I get distracted and seem to flit from project to project.
I'm sorry your dog has been sick. You've done a wonderful job with your list - Kondo'ing and deep cleaning! I like that your adding personal self-care items to your list. We have to do that. I always add a few new self-care things to my big birthday list every year. I needed your reminder to soak my feet too. I'd love to treat myself to a pedicure but need my garden/kayaking feet to look a little better before I subject someone else to have to handle my feet.
It is too hot to do much, so I tried amaretto, which I've been wanting to do. I like it.
How did you have it? I've only put a splash in coffee.
By itself. I love almonds, so I just sipped about an ounce a day.
I found a good gym and I'm going to try them out this week. It's less expensive than the Y and closer to my house. They have a very nice pool, dry sauna, and jacuzzi. And I can do a monthly membership. I don't like the entrance with it's jumble of things for sale but it seems that's where they make their money so I'll just ignore it and go about my business. If I find later that it feels too hectic, I can always switch to the Y for the winter months. The Y is a few miles away (vs. less than a mile for the new place) but the pool is very nice and peaceful with big windows. And the whole place is deserted during the day. For summer, this other one might be just the thing.
Float-on: I always remember that you do an annual birthday retreat just for you. Oh, and I read somewhere that soaking your feet in water and vinegar will soften the hard callouses on the feet to make them easier to pumice. That vinegar sure is handy! And I'm sorry you hurt your back. Are you sure it's safe to get back to those rocks today?
Just got back from gym visit and it was great. I swam, I jacuzzied, I swam some more, jacuzzi...... It was wonderful. The pool area was busy enough to feel social but not packed. Maybe 15 people in the pool, another 6 or so in the jacuzzi, and about a dozen in the sauna. The sauna is very popular with the exercise crowd after they work out. The group was pretty diverse in age, fitness level, and ethnicity. Easy to blend in.
I'm going to try it at different times in the next 3 days to make sure I'll use it but so far, so good. I LOVE that it's so close to my house.
Good progress on the self-care project. I might focus on that this week. I was starting to feel the menstrual aches and pains coming but after my pool and jacuzzi, I feel relaxed and limp like a noodle.
Just got back from gym visit and it was great. I swam, I jacuzzied, I swam some more, jacuzzi...... It was wonderful. The pool area was busy enough to feel social but not packed. .
I'm envious of your gym choices! Our Y nor the other two gyms in the area offer a pool...so I move rocks and kayak. I'd like to try a paddleboard to build my balance...which doesn't exist.
I'm bummed. I took some photos with one of my cameras then left the house without the camera...only the cord.
Yesterday morning I worked on the dry bed from 6-9 a.m. before it got too hot. Found some more rocks in the woods and completed the island and split part of the bed. Sent husband a text that said "6 bags of river pebbles from Lowes are sexier than a bouquet of flowers"...so he brought home the pebbles at 6 p.m. to finish the split part of the dry bed. We moved some more glass on copper posts. I filled in the island and planted some $1 end of year clearance mini bush and plants and mulch. DH swept off what I'd uncovered on the newest shelf rock discovery and the big rock that pulled my back he walked it over to where I want to use it as a step.
To do on the back yard:
1. Decide where to put the iris and lily I've dug up.
2. Finish uncovering the shelf rock and build a little wall around the back side of it (may have to walk further to find enough rocks for that).
3. Create a landing pad at top of step (I think I'll peagravel it and place the big bird bath there.
4. Son #2 came home with yellow, orange, red coneflowers and said I need to build him a coneflower garden again.
5. The dreaded last wall of vinca (6ft wide by 30 ft long approx).
Wow, Float On - you are some kind of wonder woman. All that work sounds both amazing and exhausting. I bet you're sleeping great at night!
I've been working hard on my self-care project. :) I've spent about 6 hours at the gym swimming, doing Aqua Zumba, and soaking in the jacuzzi. I was chatting with a fellow exerciser and found out that Costco has a great deal on the gym membership - almost 50% off.
Float - I think you've earned some kayak time! And a pedicure too. Don't overdo it with the rocks. Or take a day off to photograph your accomplishments and share with us. :)
iris lilies
7-22-17, 1:29pm
For the first time in a long long time, both my house and my garden are clean and organized. I could host an indoor or an outdoor cocktail party tonight with one hour's notice!
Seldom do the heavens intersect in this way, usually it is only one or the other that is cleaned up.
In case we have overnight guests next week who are also garden buffs, I have to keep it this way for ten days.
even the dogs are sort-of clean! They need a bath, but their nails and ears ars in good shape. The cat is still shaved in her summer 'do. All here appear to be cAred for.
Damn, we are organized here. Tonight I will drink to that. :) BecUse, you know, it wont last. Sigh.
I'll have a glass of wine here on your behalf IL!
Yay Iris Lilies- enjoy the next 10 days!
catherine
7-24-17, 11:12am
For the first time in a long long time, both my house and my garden are clean and organized. I could host an indoor or an outdoor cocktail party tonight with one hour's notice!
Seldom do the heavens intersect in this way, usually it is only one or the other that is cleaned up.
In case we have overnight guests next week who are also garden buffs, I have to keep it this way for ten days.
even the dogs are sort-of clean! They need a bath, but their nails and ears ars in good shape. The cat is still shaved in her summer 'do. All here appear to be cAred for.
Damn, we are organized here. Tonight I will drink to that. :) BecUse, you know, it wont last. Sigh.
I feel the same way! With the double-whammy of DS bringing new GF one weekend, and DD bringing new BF the next weekend, what I didn't get done in the big push, I did in the week between DS and DD. My house looks great. And I have no work until my next project starts on August 2. I am in heaven right now with all the time in the world to spend with you guys, or on my kindle, or in my garden, or whatever.
I am determined to try to stay on top of it all this time. It was so nice last week to be able to prepare for DD/BF with only a few hours of cleaning, instead of a few days.
Clink, cheers, IL!
Perfect IL! Congrats on reaching that state and I hope you enjoyed your drink!
1825 There was just a corner peaking through. This is how far I've cleared a 4th section of shelf rock. Tom dog was enjoying the dirt! I'll peagravel above the big rock my DH moved for me in that step up area. I was discussing with DH what sort of bench we should add there and I'll put in another bird bath. Started replanting a few things along the rock wall that I cleared of vinca. Will probably still fight vinca that comes up from roots. I'd like to take out these two old cedar trees but there are electrical lines to the house and shop right beside them (we can't have buried lines due to all our shelf rock. The one on the left was covered in poison ivy after 3 years of chemical warfare and cutting I think it's all dead. Or at least cut them tall - then have someone chainsaw them into something. I think it may be the perfect spot for a hammock. 1826
1824 Probably has too much glass in it right now but some will move as I finish other areas. I think I'll add a peagravel sitting area to the right and a few small bushes along the back top left side (need to be careful of the electric co easement behind, they come through every few years and cut down the redbuds and everything else in the 125 year old fence line. There is a patch of native cactus. Last year it had over 100 yellow blooms this year the oldest part of it got some sort of fungus of death. I need to find out if it can be saved or if I should dig it all up.
Float - your last photo reminded me of that Shakespeare play that happens at night... I don't remember the name... but you know the one with all the fairies and lights in the garden. If you decide to put a hammock between the trees, send me a pm with your address and I'll send you a hammock I have. I received it as a gift and I've never used it and just don't have the space for it. My yard is too small. It's soft fabric so folds into a small package, is very pretty, I think it's from Mexico and has lots of pretty colors in it.
I'm doing okay on my own projects. I signed up for the gym and I'm really enjoying it. I've gone almost every day. The Kondo and deep cleaning of the house has made it really easy to keep it looking good with not much effort. I have not done much in the garage or yards since I've been focusing on the self-care. Swimming tires me out! I hadn't done it in years and I'm really out of shape. But hopefully that will start to change soon.
I'm starting to feel lazy seeing all the work Float is doing but I guess I'll just have to sit with it. :)
ETA: I think the hammock looks similar to this one:
https://images1.novica.net/pictures/7/p208350_1.jpg
Self-care..... feeling like the challenge of avoiding, tolerating, discussing, etc... the unpleasant element on this forum is interfering with my self-care. I'm not interested in adding unpleasantness to my life - especially when it doesn't serve any purpose. I'm wondering if I would be better served seeking community elsewhere.
It sucks because I've really enjoyed this thread in particular. I like knowing that Float is over there in her own world working hard and that we can encourage each other along. Yeah, it sucks. It pisses me off too.
iris lilies
7-25-17, 2:38pm
IL, when (or do you) do you cutyour iris fronds in that fan shape? I have been doing that just to liberate some air flow for my roses.
Steve, what a list. It sounds exhausting and hot and all very necessary, but uh.
Am on my second garage box today. So far,not much discarded, just hung some pictures on the walls, including my zinnia painting by my great aunt. Now I want to reframe stuff. Also need to wash the fabric stuff was wrapped in. Everything sparks lots of joy, unfortunately.i didnt see your question earlier.
i dont cut iris leaves unless they are flopping over onto a sidewalk which happens for only 5% of my iris plants. If you do it for the health of roses, well ok, but thats not for the health of iris. Probably it doesnt hurt them all that much, though.
There is no physiological reason to trim iris leaves UNLESS you are transplanting them. Then, you trim leaves and Roots both. Big leaves cant be supported by trimmed roots in transplanted specimens.
gimmethesimplelife
7-25-17, 2:50pm
I've read through this thread and it's a little funny to me living in Phoenix, AZ as the summers are so intense here - these type of projects, especially if they involve work outdoors, get put off until the weather cools off a bit (typically the second or third week of October every year). Around that time a cold front will move down from the Northwest and the temp will plunge to 85F or less and the nights will get nice again, too, and then work like this seems doable once again. Every year around the middle of October I do boatloads of yard work...trimming and cutting that I'm just not going to do in this intense heat. Rob
Float - your last photo reminded me of that Shakespeare play that happens at night... I don't remember the name... but you know the one with all the fairies and lights in the garden. If you decide to put a hammock between the trees, send me a pm with your address and I'll send you a hammock I have. I received it as a gift and I've never used it and just don't have the space for it. My yard is too small. It's soft fabric so folds into a small package, is very pretty, I think it's from Mexico and has lots of pretty colors in it.
I'm doing okay on my own projects. I signed up for the gym and I'm really enjoying it. I've gone almost every day. The Kondo and deep cleaning of the house has made it really easy to keep it looking good with not much effort. I have not done much in the garage or yards since I've been focusing on the self-care. Swimming tires me out! I hadn't done it in years and I'm really out of shape. But hopefully that will start to change soon.
I'm starting to feel lazy seeing all the work Float is doing but I guess I'll just have to sit with it. :)
ETA: I think the hammock looks similar to this one:
https://images1.novica.net/pictures/7/p208350_1.jpg
Wow! That would be so kind of you Geila. Would you like a few glass orbs to toss around in your garden in trade? I have looked and so many trees in my yard and decided they were too close or too far apart and then I saw these from a different angle. I hit a 50% off sale at lowes....spent another $50 on small bushes and plants. I'm hoping I can keep them alive till fall. May need to plant in temporary spot until I can catch up. Yesterday I took myself to a movie in the evening (free since my son works at the theater) I just couldn't bear the idea of going home and working in the yard. I always get a heat rash.
I try to stay positive and avoid a lot of hot topics unless I can find something nice to say. I'm starting to find a lot of closed facebook groups that don't put up with much - a newer gardening group "backyard paradise", a hummingbird migration group, etc. I've enjoyed the life of this thread.
I've read through this thread and it's a little funny to me living in Phoenix, AZ as the summers are so intense here - these type of projects, especially if they involve work outdoors, get put off until the weather cools off a bit (typically the second or third week of October every year). Around that time a cold front will move down from the Northwest and the temp will plunge to 85F or less and the nights will get nice again, too, and then work like this seems doable once again. Every year around the middle of October I do boatloads of yard work...trimming and cutting that I'm just not going to do in this intense heat. Rob
I hear you Rob. I'm kind of forcing my way through my list working really early 5:30-7:00 a.m. or the last hour before dark 8-9 p.m. right now. If I went outside right now at 2 p.m. you'd probably never hear from me again - she died of heat stroke or heat exhaustion. I get a bit depressed when spring plantings dry up and I'm trying to avoid that by changing my own gardening from old fashioned to more arid style (more like what you are used to).
Float - have you ever tried Nandina? Common name is Heavenly Bamboo. It's not a true bamboo but a shrub that looks a little bit like bamboo. Anyway, I could totally see that fitting in nicely in your place. It evergreen, gets red berries and red foliage in late winter/early spring, is drought tolerant, and birds like it. And it spreads very slowly so you get free plants every year. They are also easy to transplant so you can spread them around. But it's not invasive!
Oh, Midsummer Night's Dream! That's the play. I've seen it twice and it was performed outdoors both times.
I would happily accept any orb that you wanted to send me. But don't feel obligated to do so. I've had the hammock for 10 yrs and never used it. I also have a hammock chair (was also a gift). The thing is that I put it out as a decoration last year and left over the rainy season so it doesn't look brand new anymore. It looks like this, well this is the design, it doesn't look as perfect anymore (if you're interested I can send it as well):
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/07/ac/15/07ac15bf7624103da3e8ce1fb55326b7--garden-hammock-swing-chairs.jpg
nandina:
https://www.bluewaterbaltimore.org/wp-content/uploads/technowoodgarden-it-e1429119600806.jpg
Midsummer Night's Dream:
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AREmKTkdjiw/maxresdefault.jpg
gimmethesimplelife
7-25-17, 3:30pm
Float - have you ever tried Nandina? Common name is Heavenly Bamboo. It's not a true bamboo but a shrub that looks a little bit like bamboo. Anyway, I could totally see that fitting in nicely in your place. It evergreen, gets red berries and red foliage in late winter/early spring, is drought tolerant, and birds like it. And it spreads very slowly so you get free plants every year. They are also easy to transplant so you can spread them around.
Oh, Midsummer Night's Dream! That's the play. I've seen it twice and it was performed outdoors both times.
I would happily accept any orb that you wanted to send me. But don't feel obligated to do so. I've had the hammock for 10 yrs and never used it. I also have a hammock chair (was also a gift). The thing is that I put it out as a decoration last year and left over the rainy season so it doesn't look brand new anymore. It looks like this, well this is the design, it doesn't look as perfect anymore (if you're interested I can send it as well):
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/07/ac/15/07ac15bf7624103da3e8ce1fb55326b7--garden-hammock-swing-chairs.jpg
nandina:
https://www.bluewaterbaltimore.org/wp-content/uploads/technowoodgarden-it-e1429119600806.jpg
Midsummer Night's Dream:
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AREmKTkdjiw/maxresdefault.jpgNice! I remember Heavenly Bamboo from my five years in Portland, OR! I miss it, too. Another plant I very much miss from my days in Portland is Photinia ( think that's how it's spelled?) It's young leaves and a nice dark red which contrasts well with some other plants that do well in the PNW. Rob
Yes, Photinia is very pretty. My climate is a little too dry and hot for Japanese Maples but I've been babying some along and I finally have a small tree, maybe 10' tall and it's just so beautiful. I think I would love living in Portland or any other Oregon town. I once visited one of their southern towns and I just remember how clean and fresh their air was! We have a pretty Japanese Garden here in town but I'm sure it's not the same. This is my little Japanese baby:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c116/jkom51/2012%20Dec%20best%20shots/JMpl-Sango.jpg
I am feeling beyond virtuous! The weather broke, humidity is lower so I cleared, weeded several flower beds and because my darling, industrious husband finished fixing a porch railing so I painted it and the thresholds and the windowsills that were in dire need of paint. So it has been a productive day.
gimmethesimplelife
7-25-17, 3:56pm
Yes, Photinia is very pretty. My climate is a little too dry and hot for Japanese Maples but I've been babying some along and I finally have a small tree, maybe 10' tall and it's just so beautiful. I think I would love living in Portland or any other Oregon town. I once visited one of their southern towns and I just remember how clean and fresh their air was! We have a pretty Japanese Garden here in town but I'm sure it's not the same. This is my little Japanese baby:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c116/jkom51/2012%20Dec%20best%20shots/JMpl-Sango.jpgNice! I miss Japanese Maples, too, and those cherry, or was it plum trees that many grow by their sidewalks in Portland.....and the air is so clean and fresh their a good chunk of the year due to the rain.....I do miss it a great deal but here I am and there are many unique plants that grow here that won't grow in Portland, you know? Rob
I am feeling beyond virtuous! The weather broke, humidity is lower so I cleared, weeded several flower beds and because my darling, industrious husband finished fixing a porch railing so I painted it and the thresholds and the windowsills that were in dire need of paint. So it has been a productive day.
Congrats nswef! That is indeed a productive day. I need to get out there and be productive myself. Enjoy your virtuosity!!! :) You've earned it.
Nice! I miss Japanese Maples, too, and those cherry, or was it plum trees that many grow by their sidewalks in Portland.....and the air is so clean and fresh their a good chunk of the year due to the rain.....I do miss it a great deal but here I am and there are many unique plants that grow here that won't grow in Portland, you know? Rob
Okay, last post before I head outdoors and attempt some productivity! DH and I visited your part of the world some years ago. I think it was Tuczon... Anyway DH has a work thing and they put us up in some swanky hotel with a pool and fabulous desert views. It was early May so I spent the whole day at the pool swimming and ordering drinks and snacks. The evenings were amazing! We would go into town and have dinner and every one was out. So different than here. We had so much fun. Then one day, we decided to go out in the middle of the day to some botanical gardens, I don't remember the name. Oh my lord. We get there and the sun is HOT and there is NO shade. Okay, maybe a little shade but not nearly dense enough for the sun and heat. Here in the SF Bay Area, May is usually still very cool. So we had no clue. Anyway, we scurried around from tree to tree trying to find some shade and then as quickly as we could, we hightailed it out of there and ran back to the hotel and the pool. That was our first and last daytime excursion. We were there for 5 days but learned our lesson quickly. I do still remember how awesome the evenings were though. Going out at night in shorts and tank top or little sundress makes you feels so young and carefree. And sexy! :D
Float - I just looked at the hammock chair and I'm going to wash it and dry it. Then I will take some close-up photos and post them here in a couple of days, that way can see if you want it. And don't feel bad if you don't want it. If it's not something you think you'll use, I'll probably just donate it to GW.
ETA: In washing this, I see that there is quite a bit of mildew throughout the fabric of the seat and on the loop that would be used to hang the chair. The fabric is cotton and I'm worried that it would not hold safely for use. Even if I remove the mildew with bleach, the integrity of the unit is compromised (and maybe even further compromised with the bleach). So it is probably not a good idea to give or donate it. I'm going to just throw it out. But I will send you the other hammock, which is in excellent shape.
I'm not sure I'm familiar with that shrub but I love anything that goes red in the fall. I'm looking for what I want to replace in the beds in front of my house and that would be beautiful in front of the dark brown. Bonus that birds like it.
Too bad on the hammock chair but thanks for being cautious. Looking forward to the hammock.
Our heat wave broke yesterday but my schedule is packed. I may not make it out to the gardens till Saturday morning and I was really hoping to get a lot done before my husband comes back from SC.
I love Japanese Maples so pretty and yours is beautiful!
Teacher Terry
7-28-17, 11:07am
Last year my DH planted strawberries and raspberries. He used thorn-less plants so it would be easier to pick. WEll 3 years ago we inherited my son's 80 lb shepherd/husky mix. Guess what -he loves berries! Last year we would yell at him and he would stop but still ate them all when we were not outside. So this year he is 12 and I figure his last summer so we skipped the yelling part. Sure enough he checks his berries everyday.
iris lilies
7-28-17, 4:16pm
Last year my DH planted strawberries and raspberries. He used thorn-less plants so it would be easier to pick. WEll 3 years ago we inherited my son's 80 lb shepherd/husky mix. Guess what -he loves berries! Last year we would yell at him and he would stop but still ate them all when we were not outside. So this year he is 12 and I figure his last summer so we skipped the yelling part. Sure enough he checks his berries everyday.
Aww, cute. Unless you want those berries, then not so cute!
Lily Bean, our foster dog, was eating green apples and green pesches brought dwn by the swuirels last week. That is, b efore she went to her new home.
New puppy, so new summer project which has taken over all other summer projects.
So far, so good!
Midsummer I learned company will be coming in September, so I have started on small projects - sanding and painting part of the kitchen ceiling that bubbled when I boiled foods due to no exhaust fan in the kitchen, securing rugs with double sided tape that slip around, etc. Inexpensive things that just pile up over time.
I am so impressed by those of y'all who do these home improvement chores in the summer. I get too wound up wanting to be outside, gardening and in general enjoying being outside! I think I will have to stop being so avoidant.
Teacher Terry
7-30-17, 1:21pm
IL: my DH did want the berries but as it is probably the old guy's last summer he can have them all. He is the most mellow sweet dog on the planet but he is also protective of my tiny dogs and me too.
Nothing really new to report I moved more rocks, dug a little to reveal more shelf rock, started leveling an area by the big flat rock and will order a load of pea gravel soon. Lovely weather this weekend with cooler temps and lower humidity. I moved quite a few rocks from the woods and property behind me and with all the messing around in low undergrowth, old built up leaves I managed not to get bit by brown recluse or copperhead. I'm beginning to feel like I'm pushing my luck so may slow down on trips into the woods for August.
Float - It looks like you're still making progress. Fyi - I shipped the hammock and you should get it Thursday.
Since the pool and jacuzzi are now a regular part of my routine, I'm adding a new item to my self-care. This morning I added a Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred workout to my morning routine. Total workout time is about 25 mins, including warm up and cool down. It gave me such a nice burst of energy that I only had 1/2 cup of coffee, and hopefully that will give me enough energy for the day without interfering with my sleep.
I was in the garage looking for Float's hammock and became really frustrated with all the extra stuff we have in there. I really need to let some things go. Some will be easy, but others I know will be hard. One of them is the stash of fabrics I've collected over the years in the hopes of turning it into lovely projects - cushion covers, curtains, etc... Well, it has not happened. It's not happening now. I'm losing faith that it will ever happen. So what's the point of having all those bins full of material?
Another is a set of wedding china and glassware that was given to me by a dear friend and neighbor when they moved (china is from their wedding, not ours). The china is from the 70's and is very nice and very simple, which I like. But I just don't see myself using it. But I feel bad getting rid of it. If anyone here is in the Bay Area and would like to have it, let me know!
I might have to add some garage time this week to ease my frustration.
Teacher Terry
7-31-17, 1:50pm
Geila, I can say from experience that the more you let go the easier it gets. I wish I could convince DH of that. I have decided that no matter how nice something is if I am not using it I will let it go. Tybee, I am getting a puppy on Sunday. I know it will be a lot of work. The last puppy I had was 12 years ago and most of our dogs have been old and rescues so I am super excited about this little guy.
I am going to focus on health more than I have been. I not only avoided the candy jar at work but told several people about my resolution to help keep the pressure on myself to honor my commitment. I also took some circuitous routes to avoid walking past it. The boss is out this week so not there to see my inefficient roaming.
Yppej- I'm sure that inefficient roaming is good for you!
This weekend about did me in. We had cooler weather. Mid-70's windows open kind of weather. I attacked that other area of vinca. In August in SW MO I spent 8 straight hours pulling vinca and ivy...and didn't break a sweat. My knees...that's another story. So sore. But I did it. The back yard is free of vinca and ivy (except what I left growing up a tree or two). Now I have two areas ready for barrier and rock. I found a few treasures that had been hidden by the vinca for years. It was a successful weekend. Our temps are supposed to start rising again.
Yay, Float!!!:cool:
On Saturday, Dh and I tackled a bit of the garage and got rid of a bunch of stuff. I now have one wall that is 3/4 empty. I repurposed some bookcases that I took out of the house and built a wall of shelving, but at only 12" deep it should keep us from cluttering it too much. And it's all white so it looks nice and clean.
I did day 8 of my new morning workout this morning. I'm still swimming almost every day. And I've been getting seduced by the zumba and cycling classes going on when I pass by on my way to the pool. So this week I'll probably check it out. I find that being active during the day and saving the swimming for later works out really well. Last week was warm and I was swimming till 7pm and that was great. I might see about adding a morning zumba or cycling class since my morning workout is only 25 minutes.
And this week the weather is gorgeous. So I'll be sure to include outdoor time each day.
I've been getting seduced by the zumba and cycling classes going on when I pass by on my way to the pool.
:+1:all I have to say is be careful with that cycling class. A friend had knee surgery then started a cycling class as part of her rehab and now does IronMan competitions - swim/bike/run. Might be something to add to your fierce 50's list!
:+1:all I have to say is be careful with that cycling class. A friend had knee surgery then started a cycling class as part of her rehab and now does IronMan competitions - swim/bike/run. Might be something to add to your fierce 50's list!
Mmmm.... I best be careful. I will avert my eyes from now on. :)
I have a friend in her 50's who began Crossfit a few years ago and is madly in love with it. She's competed in several of the games they have. And she looks amazing. I've been wondering what to put on my fierce 50 list... I think I've got to push myself out of my comfort zone a bit more. Not sure where though.
I am decluttering and dieting. Yesterday I tackled some file folders because I was looking for a paper and couldn't find it. This always gets me to throw out some of the junk I have to look through to find what I want. I also tackled evening gowns.
It's a week and a day now with no trips to the candy jar and I am down 2 pounds but my feet and ankles still bother me after I have been sitting or lying down, so I want to shed some more weight before my annual physical in October to see if that helps. This morning I walked before work, and yesterday also got in 20 minutes walking plus 2 1/2 hours yardwork.
I am decluttering and dieting. Yesterday I tackled some file folders because I was looking for a paper and couldn't find it. This always gets me to throw out some of the junk I have to look through to find what I want. I also tackled evening gowns.
It's a week and a day now with no trips to the candy jar and I am down 2 pounds but my feet and ankles still bother me after I have been sitting or lying down, so I want to shed some more weight before my annual physical in October to see if that helps. This morning I walked before work, and yesterday also got in 20 minutes walking plus 2 1/2 hours yardwork.
Yppej, I love the fact that you have a whole category for evening gowns! That is so cool.
I do have the excess file folder problem, though. . .
Look Geila! I took your advice and relaxed.1856
The hammock is so big and comfy...I might just live in it for awhile.
Where's the rum & coke?!
I was teaching my son to make margaritas before we hung it up on the trees (on the rocks not that fluffy icy fo-fo stuff) which may be why I was a little cautious!1857
I was teaching my son to make margaritas before we hung it up on the trees (on the rocks not that fluffy icy fo-fo stuff) which may be why I was a little cautious!http://www.simplelivingforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1857&stc=1
That looks so good. I just finished my workout, I'm hot and sweaty, and would love one of those right now. And look at that - no fancy glasses needed! I love those jars.
A cool morning today and the time to work on it so I cleared the spot by our air conditioner of the volunteer trees and all the twigs we'd deposited there over the last couple summers of lawn mowing. The tree trunks will dry a bit; the twigs went into our firepit and were dispatched pretty quickly. I also pulled out the weeds that were there and shooed away two gartner snakes which were not moving very quickly for the cool morning.
I still need to figure out how to finish that area esthetically. There is landscape fabric (did not know that) and river rock mulch (which matches the mulch near it) that I should go through to get rid of twig shards and creeping charlie. And I saw some lily-of-the-valley along the chain-link fence that I should either transplant it to someplace we could see it and smell it -- or eradicate it because the dog and kids could get into it. That might be a good place to replant our milkweed and just let it do what it wants. Shame we can't see it from inside the house, though.
My next goal is to reduce my carb intake. My reward will be feeling better.
TooSweetForMe
8-10-17, 8:40am
My next goal is to reduce my carb intake. My reward will be feeling better.
Good luck! Hope it works.
My next goal is to reduce my carb intake. My reward will be feeling better.
Thats a hard one! I love carbs. That was just a stock photo I pulled off google images but yes, love the reuse of jars. If I didn't have a bunch of glasses I had DH make over the years that is probably what I'd use. I've actually been saving jam and mason jars for the boys for their first adult apartments.
Yesterday I spent the entire day outside flitting from one thing to another and burned a bunch of really old falling apart firewood in my little metal outdoor fireplace, moved rocks, dug up vinca and ivy roots, hauled 4 wheelbarrel loads to my hillside beyond the studio. I was kind of hoping the smoke would scare away the black flies that seemed to be camping out. We're expecting rain today and it seems they always bite hard just before a rain. And then...I got out white christmas lights and wrapped 3 trees and a forsythia bush because I kept thinking that would look cool from the vantage point of the hammock (which I am taking very good care of/I bring it in every night). Photo from pinterest, it was too late when I thought to take a photo. 1859 So I've joined the lights up year round club I guess!
these posts make me move a bit more..scrubbed the porch siding, the only place where wet and forget doesn't solve the problem as the porch is covered and screened in. It looks great! We are trying to clear out landscape timbers, putting them in the garbage a can at a time. The front porch rails and floor have been painted, now to work on painting the sheds....AND the groundhogs seem to have lost interest, but I need to put hardware cloth around the base of the one shed that is not a groundhog home to keep it NOT a home.
Float - your stamina's impressive! I love the lights on the trees. I've been trying to convince dh that we should do outdoor lighting so we can enjoy our garden at night. He's weirdly resistant to the idea. He doesn't even like to have the porch light on.
nswef - glad to hear this thread is helping you! I think Float is the one who is moving us forward. :)
Carb reduction is hard for me too, so I'm doing it in phases. First I will limit the simple carbs to breakfast.
Last night I tried the cycling class and it was fun and a good workout. Good teacher, great music. But dang, that bike seat is hard on the behind. Today I tried U-Jam, I hadn't heard of it before. It's a dance workout, similar to zumba but with hip hop music. It was a lot of fun, lots of Bruno Mars, and I learned some new dance moves. At one point the teacher turned off the overhead lights and these other cool lights came on that made the place feel like a club. So fun!
I was a bit worried that I might feel out of place in the classes (lots of young people at this gym, not like what I was used to at the Y) but was happy to find them both very diverse. Lots of different ages and fitness levels. Today's U-Jam had lots of ladies in their late 60's and 70's and they all looked like they were having a blast.
Yesterday I successfully limited simple carbs to breakfast. Later in the day I was very tempted by the fresh bagels I picked up at Costco but was able to resist. It helped that I stocked up on apples, salad greens and a fresh rotisserie chicken. I made salads for lunch and dinner. I also picked up eggs and sausage for breakfast. And this morning, instead of heading out to breakfast, I made it at home. The next item I will phase out will be the sugar in my coffee. I will replace with Splenda. I also picked up some cooked Portuguese linguica and broccoli for quick and tasty meals.
I've noticed the light starting to change. We have lots of trees so the light patterns are easy to observe. Last year the SAD symptoms hit pretty hard the last week of September. I don't want to worry unnecessarily, but I'm keeping the change in the back of my mind. The best precaution I can take is creating a solid schedule that will provide the most physical and mental/emotional resources for me to draw on once the symptoms begin.
It's been a busy and physically active week and I'm feeling lazy today. The big breakfast I just had probably has something to do with it too. But I had lots of coffee this morning so I need to work it off otherwise I won't be able to sleep well tonight. I'm going to post my to do list for today to provide a measure of accountability for myself.
To do Today:
Walk - done
Workout - done
late Breakfast - done
4 loads of laundry - 1 done
Clean most of the house
late Lunch
Bathe poodle
Clean bathrooms
Pool and jacuzzi
I've been lazy in the garden project lately. Had to put off buying peagravel for 2 back yard areas because of needing new tires. Got too hot to clear off shelf rock. I did finish a tiny little area and transplanted iris/lily here along with a little bush. At the goodwill I found a small Easter Island Head for $1 which reminded me of the special we watched not long ago about how they moved those heads. I decided to splurge $1 and add it to the garden and see how long it would take the husband to notice it. Took him 9 days!
1904
The Easter Island head is cool. Our relative has left but now DS is preoccupied with back to school, so the mouseproofing insulation project is on hold indefinitely.
I've been lazy in the garden project lately. Had to put off buying peagravel for 2 back yard areas because of needing new tires. Got too hot to clear off shelf rock. I did finish a tiny little area and transplanted iris/lily here along with a little bush. At the goodwill I found a small Easter Island Head for $1 which reminded me of the special we watched not long ago about how they moved those heads. I decided to splurge $1 and add it to the garden and see how long it would take the husband to notice it. Took him 9 days!
http://www.simplelivingforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1904&stc=1
This is very cool! And I'm not surprised about the hubby not noticing. Dh is the same way.
I say we take a break until fall! Of course, fall is only 2 weeks away, but still. Two weeks of rest and relaxation will be an excellent way to end the summer.
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