There were six squirrels in several pictures taken at this same time. This is the best picture (and only four squirrels visible). Now, fifteen minutes later, there are two dozen birds on the lawn. “They” can see me in the apartment so fly away when I move toward the door to take a picture.  The squirrels are not afraid of me.  They come to the glass patio door and peer in at me!!  This morning they were saying “Where are the peanuts?”  ~~  Some people have Creamora, or Baileys, with their coffee.  I have squirrels with my green tea!!  LOL.

I spent part of the afternoon working on the two “pails.”  The pictures on the left show scavenged cement blocks with recently prepared cement, for weighted bases.  I hope, and pray, the galvanized-pipe framework will support Topsy-turvy upside-down tomato planters.  Center picture shows free gravel added for drainage–and additional weight.  Pictures on the right show the addition of planter soil.  I may buy a flat of potted flowers.  I may just plant some seeds?!

More thrift shop purchases for my backyard projects.  I’ll use Christmas tree stands to support poles.  I’ve no desire to repeat preparation of cement bases!!  (Too old, too tired, too sick!!) ~~ I usually stop at a Goodwill store that is on my route to, and from, the office of my chiropractor. ~~ When I “average” the costs of recent new items and thrift shop purchases, the overall cost of my backyard project is modest.  The pleasure is priceless!!  ~~  I’m eager for a warm weekend so I can place bird houses, and baskets (for nesting), in the nearby wooded area. (Display of bird houses temporarily mounted on Christmas tree stands.)

I received a beautiful handmade card from the staff at the office of the apartment complex. The printed message:

Life is full of many joys
and many happy things…
the beauty of the sunrise,
a flower, a bird that sings.
There are also certain people
who can make our world seem brighter,
who simply with a word or smile
can make a heart feel lighter,
and since you’re that kind of person,
may you find that each new day
brings many special blessings
and much happiness your way.
Happy Birthday!

The hand written message:

We are so grateful, Lorraine, that you are a part of the “Waxhaw Creek family” and also a valuable member of the “Wycliffe Associates team”! May our Lord continue to bless your life, encourage your heart, and surround you with His eternal love as you serve Him. In Christ’s love, Senior Services Staff.

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I hoped, and prayed, I’d hear from my children and grandchildren. In the 17th Century, Alexander Pope wrote: “Hope springs eternal in the human breast…”

Two other Alexander Pope Quotations:
“To err is human; to forgive, divine.”

“Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.”

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I published several blogs today but back-dated them to March 2nd (because of their subject material). See: (1) Update; (2) Another update!!, and (3) The Final Word?!?!

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Working on my projects while very sad for the families wiped out by the recent tornadoes.  We had nearby destruction right here in North Carolina overnight.  It is a dark gloomy, occasional rain, day!!.  ~~  Click on the pictures for more details.  ~~  Comment: 12:45 PM and four squirrels and three dozen Mourning Doves are enjoying seeds thrown in the backyard grass by yours truly.  The ration of whole peanuts has been devoured so my fine furry friends have to seek their treats elsewhere.  I’m carefully watching my sunflower seeds feeder—on the new support—because I’m certain the squirrels will climb the galvanized pipe poles.  Do squirrels eat tomatoes?  Will I need to put baffles on those poles??  ~~  Today, I drilled holes in the two five-gallon pails for drainage after I add planter soil.  I had to move one bird house because it provided easy access to a sunflower seed feeder.  I’m not certain where I will mount the other Bluebird house but I had to remove that Shepherd’s hook for newly constructed upside-down tomato plants support.  ~~  See all that clutter on the patio??  I’ll dispose of the extras after I utilize “stuff” for my creative projects.  (Promise!!) ~~ It is quite cool today (not certain of the temperature) but I have the patio door open. I’m enjoying the cool, fresh air; I’m breathing well (praise the Lord).

Postscript, 5:30 PM: It was necessary to clean up the accumulation of items in the middle of the living room floor.  (So I can bring in the squirrel feeders [LOL].  Otherwise, the raccoons will devour all.)  ~~  I not only saved galvanized pipe, and fittings, from Quartzsite, Arizona, in 2003, I save nails, screws, and a variety of items “because they might be useful some day.”  You’d be surprised how often I find “just the right item” in my voluminous “stuff.”  ~~  

Moments ago, I counted seventeen (or eighteen?) male and female Cardinals feeding on seeds in the backyard grass.  Such a beautiful scene to observe eight or nine bright red male Cardinals with their brown spouses.  (I’ve read they mate for life.) ~~  FYI: I’ve observed birds checking out the newly-positioned Bluebird house.  Sadly, not Bluebirds.

6:25 PM: A bunny rabbit is on my patio looking for a treat.

Moments ago I was reminded of the Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.”

I can’t change the fact that the years have taken a lot of my strength and vitality.  Having been terribly self-sufficient, it takes Courage to ask for help with forty pound bags of planter soil, and cement.  Having been one to work in spite of pain and sickness, I recognize that I have to call upon Wisdom and request that a coworker cover for me.  I believe the last time I was this sick was three years ago when I suffered from the ozone poisoning.  I don’t know why I am currently suffering exhaustion, respiratory problems, strangling cough, and more.  I’ve spent a lot of time in bed; I’ve neglected the apartment–and missed two days work.  I didn’t have the energy to drive to the chiropractor this morning!!  Some of my readers will ask: “Have you gone to a doctor?”  My answer: “I don’t go to allopathic doctors!”  I believe in holistic health.

I neglected going to a chiropractor for decades.  I “believe” in chiropractic, and acupuncture, etc., etc., but would not allow myself to spend the money.  My spine is in bad shape from years of neglect and several severe accidents.  I truly believe the recent chiropractic adjustments are sending a message to every part of my body to promote healing and health.  The “healing” isn’t an overnight–or one adjustment–event.   I also believe in “spontaneous healing” but I sense my Heavenly Father has a message for me as I have hours of limited activity (quiet time).

With very limited energy, I mixed cement yesterday and set a pole in a pail.  The large five gallon pail (one of two) will support the Topsy-Turvy upside-down tomato plants.  The small pail will (hopefully) support the Bluebird house.  (Remember, I couldn’t drive the post in the ground so I’ll keep all above ground!!) I couldn’t finish the project: One more large… and more cement for the small pail.  “Yes, I used broken bricks and blocks so I didn’t need ‘all’ cement.” ~~ Check back; I’ll eventually complete my back yard projects!!

Playing in the mud: Cement!! I was anxious to complete the project.  Well, truthfully, I’m some distance from completing the Topsy-Turvy upside-down tomato planters.  But I’ll be able to erect the support soon. Furthermore, in a day or two, I’ll put the Bluebird house at the edge of the woods.  Now I hope Bluebirds will adopt the house so I can watch them come and go.  Who knew (almost two months ago) how the wrought-iron posts would eventually be used?? ~~ I love working on the patio and in the backyard. I’m able to breathe without coughing. Am I allergic to something in the apartment?? I’m eager for Spring and Summer so I can have doors and windows open!! I loved those months living in my tiny teardrop trailer because I always had lots of fresh air. The trailer was seldom closed up tight.

Pails were free. Posts were free. 40 pound bag of cement cost $2.68.

I'll add planter soil at the top for flowers or veggies.

Looks like it might not be sturdy enough!!

In the woods I'll add more weight.

Postscript, Sat. March 3rd, 2012: Almost–but not quite!!

More weight. That Bluebird house & pole should withstand a tornado or hurricane!!

Trying to find a fairly level place for the weighted base.

If at first I don’t succeed, try, try again!!

Hopelessly crooked!! I need an appropriate size wedge on the downhill side.

Moved to another location; still crooked!! I need an appropriate size wedge on the downhill side.

The view from the apartment. I still need to level and straighten the weighted base.

Actually, 12 noon, Sunday March 4th, 2012. I want this blog to follow… because same topic.  The fact remains, I am obcessive-compulsive when it comes to completion of projects.  (Oops, except the “downsizing” project!!) ~~ Sadly, the pole is not exactly straight. I did my best, and tried various possibilities. NOW, the Bluebird house can withstand a strong wind because it is resting against a tree limb. Furthermore, an “S” hook is securing the black wrought-iron pole to a limb.  I don’t need the extra weight of the cement blocks. ~~ OK, I can move on to another backyard project!!

Actually, it is 2 o’clock, Sunday, March 4th, 2012. I didn’t expect to be back with more comments, and more pictures, regarding the Bluebird house. I’m very, very weary of this project!!! A fifteen mile per hour wind shifted the unit that I thought was solid as the Rock of Gibraltar. (I just checked the Weather Channel for Waxhaw, North Carolina, and learned it is fifty-two degrees with 15 mph wind.) This is so frustrating!!! What will I do next?? (More about my resolution when and if I find one!!)

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Comparisons: Left at 11:12 AM, right at 1:41 PM..