Plans for my garden are constantly evolving. This morning I began to consider where I’d put perennial plants when we have frost. (With our scorching temperatures, I have to “think cool.”) There won’t be room in the storage building!! How will I cover them??  Specifically, the Cape Honeysuckle as it is growing tall rapidly. I’ve been uncertain where to mount the galvanized-pipe structure (originally designed for my Topsy-Turvy upside-down tomato planters). Today (in my mind’s eye) I saw the answer. Move the picnic table so it is neatly aligned with the two large trees. Put the two cement bases adjacent to the sidewalk and assemble pipe. Prior to freezing temperatures, I can move the planters and cover them with a tarp secured to the pipe between trees and the galvanized-pipe structure. A flat-roof “tent” structure. On a much smaller scale, I covered Verbena plants with a tarp in North Carolina. ~~ The “picnic” table may never see a picnic!! I’ve always considered it for plants.

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With all that hard work (LOL), I spent the afternoon in my recliner, in the air-conditioned trailer!!

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Ninety-five degrees as I publish this blog; ninety degrees this morning when I took pictures of the picnic table.

Today only!!

How can I improve the appearance of my garden? (I slowed down but I didn’t stop. The heat and humidity drove me indoors!!) Earlier, I sat in my lawn chair and considered alternatives. Next time I shop at Lowe’s, I’ll purchase a thirty-gallon black plastic trash can ($15.88) for the planter for the Cape Honeysuckle. I won’t transplant it until late Fall or Winter. (I’m restricted to container gardening.) Large planters are extremely expensive so the trash can is a good idea (IMHO). Over the next few months, I’ll toss pine cones in the bottom because they make excellent drainage material. Miracle-Gro soil from planters–where plants expired from Texas heat–will go into the trash can. (I recycle, LOL!!)

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Après déjeuner.

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“Feels like” 105 degrees!!

How do I de-accelerate?? I need to stop but the brakes don’t work.

Well, my faithful followers know I am referring to “can’t stop,” “one-track-mind,” obsessive-compulsive, etc., etc. ~~ I’m not asking for help with my projects; I’m asking for help so I can slow down!! Monday nights I square dance and I’ve promised myself I won’t overdo during the day. I had the best of intentions: I’d go shopping for paving blocks, metal pipe for TV antenna, and a plumbing fixture or two. Yesterday, Lowe’s; today, Builder’s Supply. Neither retailer had the size fitting I needed for second rain barrel. (First rain barrel has standard size; second rain barrel does not. Frankly, I thought I could buy locally and not order a specialty item. A bilge pump flexible hose  [from Lowe’s] is OK for first rain barrel but too small for second….) ~~ The kind, considerate, thoughtful volunteer knew just what to do!! Now I am prepared for the next major rain storm and can store upwards to one-hundred-thirty gallons of rain water. The last two pictures show a plastic chain that will have rain water “dancing” down the links.

Overwhelming numbers for me!! I’m the “poor little rich girl.” I’m poor, money-wise, but extremely rich in blessings!!

Below, left, over $2,000. deck and ramp. Below, right, possibly upwards to $3,000.

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Three-thousand-four-hundred dollar deck and ramp!!

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Ladies and gentlemen, to your left, my less-than-$100-patio. (Even with the purchase of fifteen more paving blocks.) My construction project didn’t break the bank!!

A remarkably pleasant day; no humidity; lower temperature!! First two pictures show the area before current project. ~~ I don’t know where to attribute the credit but I’ve always believed in “I can.” I’ve enjoyed so many projects through the years because I accepted the challenge and–with time and patience–worked it through. In my humble opinion, this looks so good I plan to buy at least fifteen more paving blocks. In my minds-eye, I see a section of the patio extending out to the fountain. I’ll wait a while (I think).

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There’s a proper way to bury electric lines.

Follow the instructions; don’t imitate my “make due” project. 

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Speaking of “make due”: The fountain is there because I’ve covered an ugly tree stump. **If** I could call on Maintenance for assistance, we’d wrap a chain around the dead rotten stump and pull it out with a truck. I’d fill the hole with dirt and display the fountain elsewhere in my yard. There’s an old saying: If wishes were horses then beggars would ride; If wishes were fishes, we’d have some fried.

Perhaps I’ll move the planter–with Bluebird house–to cover the stump?? (That planter has a cement block supporting the bird house, and lots of soil. It will be a struggle to move it!!) The Facility Director recently informed me that my site stops with the tree line; I can’t have planters in the field.

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Note: In fairness to management and maintenance, I’m the only CARE resident with a yard “full of stuff.”

… 55 gallons of rain last night!!

Unbelievable!! My yard–and beyond–was a lake. This morning I discovered the new rain barrel was full to overflowing. **If** I’d had time to connect the two barrels, the second barrel might be full too. First the pictures taken last night and this morning.

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Below are pictures taken of the new rain barrel. I believe it is a nice companion for the first barrel. From previous experience, I knew one barrel would fill quickly and I’d need an “overflow.” I never dreamed I’d see that demonstrated within hours after receiving…. Next project: A short piece of garden hose and two hose clamps linking the two barrels.  Inexpensive and effortless. ~~ Last picture: A new wind chime with beautiful glass butterfly. (Four CARE residents went to Coldsprings for lunch and shopping.)

I’m told we experienced over five inches of rain last night. I’ve had this rain gauge for many months but never got “a round tuit” so it could do its job. This afternoon, I attached it to a short metal pole with bolts, nuts, and washers from my vast collection of miscellaneous. More rain on the horizon so I’ll have more accurate information next time?!

In case you don’t have one!!

My word for today: Acute. Stress on this old body is acute but the desire to complete the project is ACUTE. Can’t stop!! It was a cool morning. Rain in the forecast–maybe as early as this afternoon.  I’m hoping the rain will help settle the paving blocks.  It will certainly soften the ground where I plan to lay ten more blocks.

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The pain is worth it!! I’m delighted with “a cute” rain barrel!! I had it unpacked within ten minutes after FedEx delivered.

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Just could not stop!!