Summertime Projects

We have been quite busy this summer making our new home more "homey". Hubs and I have been very busy!

At the beginning of the Summer break, Hubs finished up the planting beds.

They are filling in nicely.

A look through the back yard toward our neighbors house. Hubs put in a rose garden!

He built a small deck out of the reclaimed wood from our old home's swimming pool deck. We plan to build a roof over the top that shades the afternoon sun. We can sit here and watch the sunset!

The tub is packed full of volunteer blooms from last year. The bees and wasps love these flowers.

I didn't have to plant anything new here this year.

I painted this old dresser red and gave it a burlap curtain. It stores lots of gardening things.

I painted this old cupboard red, too. I put lots of blue and red enamelware here just for fun.

You can see the deck on the back side of the garage. Hubs plans to make a window box and shutters on this little window.

The pumpkin patch is growing! My dad and sister made this scarecrow for me years ago. I love it!

A rugged little corner near the side gate. Lots of rusty things to decorate with. The scooter belonged to our son, Matt. He's 30 now! The stansion came from the dairy farm my husband grew up on. I've been collecting rusty old saws to make something out of. I think we have about 20 now. And, our lone Mulberry tree that we have to move this winter. It's planted too close to the leach lines.

What's going on, you ask?

Hubs loves to play in the dirt!

Hubs moved our pool from our other house in the desert, where our daughter and family live, and put it up close to our existing deck. He added the new wood part. The best part is the wood was 75% off!

And we found these wedding cake steps on Craigslist for a song!

And, I painted our patio set red!

I sure do wish that you might stop over for a swim and an iced tea! It would be a lot more fun with you here!

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Smokey the Gopher says, "Stay tuned for more garden updates!"

Blessings!

Patti

 

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Is It A Dinosaur?

This amazing sculpture is along one of the highways we drive when we are headed to the Big City to go thrifting, or hit Hobby Lobby! Isn't it wonderful! Grrrrrr! Love the teeth!

And, this dresser is a dinosaur, too. I found it at a local yard sale and fell in love with the soft, vintage green color, and all it's chippy-ness. The lady I bought it from said it was from the 20's, but I don't know.

The veneer on the top was quite ruined and partly ripped off, but the scroll work was too chippy-charming.

I could see under the chippy bluish-green that it was once yellow.

I decided to tuck rose print paper under the torn veneer. Then, I mixed up some paint to sort of match and dry-brushed the wood areas a bit, but not too much. It was missing a few knobs, but I had the round brass knobs in my stash. Again, Hubs said, "it's a good thing you never throw anything away!"

And here she is with more vintage-thrifty treasures.

Shabby-chippy for sure!

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School is out for me and I am finding a million things to do! We've been working in the yard like crazy. I've been scrubbing and cleaning the house - because it is soooo neglected during the school year. I've spray painted all the patio furniture and repainted two old pieces Barn Red. I've planted a zillion seeds - better late, than never. And, Hubs is building something wonderful for me! Hurrah for the handyman!

Good-bye to this....

Stay tuned!

 

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Hubs Has A Green Thumb!

We've been busy! We are beginner gardeners. We are learning as we go. I bought lots of seeds at the dollar store. .25 cents a pack. A good deal, if they actually grow.

So far, the radishes, lettuce, and spinach are growing, oh and a few beets, too. Oh, and the tomatoes. Beans and peas are almost ready to pop up. I think we are way to late on planting. It was blazing hot today! Probably 100 degrees! I don't even want to think what the desert must have been!

Last years flower bed came back in crowded! Is it too hot to divide some of the plants and put them somewhere else in the yard?

Lots of new planting going on! Hubs built 4 more raised beds, measuring 10 x 4. He also put in a rose garden! Thank you Sweet Man! It's not finished yet, but I am so excited. Every plant has a chicken wire basket buried with it in case the gophers come into this fenced in area. Every planting box has wire, too.

We've got the gardening bug. Maybe it's because we've been watching lots of English gardening shows on YouTube!

Stay tuned for gardening updates! I've got lots of cute things to show you!

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Thank you so much for the kind and thoughtful comments so many of you sent my way about McKenzie. I'm still crying a lot, and missing her so much. It's very comforting to know I am not alone. Thank you.

 

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Good Bye Sweet McKenzie

McKenzie, my sweet girl.

I am missing her beyond words.

McKenzie Rose

December 7, 1999

June 4, 2014

 

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Red Gingham Lovin'

Keely walked into my First Grade class eight years ago - no, she probably did not walk. She might have skipped, bounced or twirled, but she most definitely did not walk! How a child of 6 can have so much joy must only be because the sweet Lord was having an extra special Happy Day when He Made her!

Along with Keely came truly the most generous mother I have ever known. A gift giver! A cookie, cupcake and jam maker! Ultimate volunteer! Best hugger, exuberant encourager, and dear friend to me and every staff member on campus!

Sweet Leslie!

She gifted me this adorable casserole dish and tray as a good bye, as Keely graduates from 8th grade this year. She said, "it has Patti all over it!" I squealed with delight! Red Gingham! A white picket fence and a ladybug! A garden of sweet flowers! Ummmmmm, I don't cook very much, but this piece is so cute it's out on my counter every day!

Oh my, Sweet Leslie!

The Lord blesses me every time I turn around! Through kind and dear friends who know me. It really is a Red Gingham day!

 

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Little Red Came to Visit!

My Dear Sister in Law said she just could not wait till Christmas to give me this sweet Little Red Riding Hood cookie jar!

Isn't she the cutest thing!

Clock came over and said, "it's always cookie time"!

Littlest Angel was happy to share.

Now, didn't I hear somewhere that a collection begins with 3!

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I am so busy - wrapping up this school year! But, I have some great things to show you, so I'll try not to be gone so long.

Have a wonderful week!

 

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Rock a Bye Baby

 

I found this little dolly swing at the thrift store.

I painted it Cowboy Pink.

And, Tiny Thumbelina fits perfectly!

She is still as cute as ever!

Did you have a favorite doll baby when you were little?

 

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