For weeks, I have had a mental image of using relatively inexpensive items from Goodwill to expand the project in my backyard. Today I accomplished most of the things I had planned. See how the “topper” is now secured to the pole and will eventually support flowers in hanging baskets. If the cement in the Christmas tree stand is not sturdy enough, a 14.3 pound bar bell will add extra weight.  ~~  Two Christmas tree stands are at the edge of the woods (but you can’t see the stand with bird house fashioned with limbs).  ~~  It was a beautiful, warm day as I attached baskets in the woods.  It is possible the birds will adopt these for their nests.  ~~  I was “wounded” when I stumbled into a bush with very sharp thorns!!  I slipped and fell a couple of times!!  But I’ve enjoyed the fruition of the earlier “mental image.”  I wrote in an earlier blog If you build it, they will come?!.  Now I’ll sit back and wait.  I also wrote a blog titled Enough!?  ~~  The Topsy-Turvy upside-down tomato planters will be another project but it is still too early to plant tomatoes.  ~~  At the end of this day, I can report that I have very little backyard “stuff” on my living room floor.  Tools are in the storage room; “seed and feed” squeezed into the storage containers on the patio.  ~~  Best of all, I saw Bluebirds visiting the Bluebird house!!  ~~   Hallelujah!! ~~ “Chicken” bird house in a tree, in my front yard.  Probably only a decoration?!?! Cowboy Boot bird house now on my front porch. Likewise, only a decoration. (Those last two were an “impulse purchase” from Hobby Lobby. After much research, I now know that it is unlikely that a bird would adopt either for their nest.)

I had a whole lot of unhappy critters today.  It is now 3 o’clock and I have turned my back on the outdoor project for some rest and relaxation.  The birds and squirrels watched me working on projects, and scolded and chattered at me.  They wanted to get to their feeders!!

I said I wasn’t going to mix cement again. The exact words: “too old, too tired, too sick.” I couldn’t “Mickey Mouse” a way to hold the poles erect in the Christmas tree stand. Cement was the only solution!!

 
It was a chilly morning but I was anxious to work on the project. I wore a warm sweatshirt. It warmed up and has been a beautiful day!!  First, I cleaned the corner and relocated the clutter.  One day soon, I plan to advertise a lot of those things “free.”  ~~  In due time, I had cement in the Christmas tree stands.  Consider this: I’ve seen “umbrella” stands (to hold an umbrella over a patio table) selling for $29. to $45.  I created three satisfactory stands for less than $13.: Three stands from Goodwill cost $10.; cement from Lowes was $2.86.  I already had the galvanized pipe and fittings.

Postscript, 5:05 PM: Can you see the blossoms??  They just burst out this afternoon!!  I know it is hard to capture the image with the camera.  I can see it clearly with my old, tired eyes.  ~~  The third picture was “an afterthought,” half an hour after the first two.  Oh, so pretty!! I am so-o-o-o-o-o ready for Spring!!

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!!