Keep Digging

I apologize about my negligent blogging behavior. This month all the rain has kept Orson and I indoors for most part. However, in between rain drops Orson and I have had fun spending time at Mom and Dads at the pool. He is becoming quite the diver and swimmer. He loves the pool so much that when we quit throwing the ball in he does it himself so he can jump in. He is becoming quite the water dog.

However...with those sunny days behind the rain came again and Orson was sent back indoors to stay dry and clean until about 10 days ago when we had another break in the weather and I was able to start digging beds for the house. But I must preface, as I write this I am sitting here covered in a red blanket of Poison Ivy. It is focused mostly on my face, neck, hands, shoulders, nose (yes, inside my nose) and throat. I do believe that domestication doesn't come with out a struggle.

As I digress...I began more landscaping on the first non raining day in over a month. I took to the flat head shovel and started digging...and digging....and MORE digging. I even put orson to work! Luckily it had rained for the previous 20 days, so that made the soil slightly softer...but the bugs more abundant and I swear more aggressive…..But 8 hours later, innumerable bug bites, and my first sunburn of the season I had two beds ready for planning. They measured 18feet by 15 inches and they teed out 9 feet and 6 feet on either side of my walkway (see pic). I finished just in time for the rain to begin again! So that dirt walkway quickly became mud....more mud, and more mud. With the break that Mother Nature gave to Orson and I we had a chance to recover and let our muscles recouperate and play in some of our new found mud. Look at how proud he is! Neverthe less we waited out the rain and began to plant on SaturdayJune 23rd......we were succeful in our efforts and planted 2 flats of loriape and a flat of Mexican Heather! I can't wait for it to grow and bloom.

But still more work needed to be done. On Sunday, June 24th, I laid down the mulch, trimmed trees (with a tall tree trimmer) and used a weedeater for the first time....This too was an interesting experience. I must give you some advice when operating one of these machines....Glasses are optional, but long pants are a must! With my new farmers tan, bug bites, and now cut up legs I will not be wearing any of the latests mini's anytime soon! Despite the wear and tear on me the work is satisfying and watching the fruits of my labor add value to my little house is rewarding.

All this said...and you must still be wondering how I got the Poison Ivy...well...This has to deal with the battle of my neighbors trees infrindging on my property through my fence...Yes, I went to war with the clippers to trimm back the wild trees and vines that reached into my yard. I got my weapon, loaded, and I clipped and pulled and cut and whacked down the untamed growth..and yes I must say that some of it there was not regular ivy, but Poison Ivy. Besides the sore muscles, cuts, bruises, Poison Ivy, bug bites and sunburn this is really a fun journey....if I survive it.

Til next time...Keep Digging!

Beginning of the End

94 degrees

7pm in the evening.......After a long day in the office I finally get to go on a nice jog! But to no avail there was at battle brewing again with that pesky green growth. It was time to suit up....and get OLD KILLER..... I do believe that he/she/it is learning quickly who is boss! (it could quite possibly be Orson..seeing that he fertilizes it) None the less.....


This battle although much shorter in time was equally as tiresome with the onslaught of the Texas heat (and ODD humidity). As my face glistened as the sun was setting (as you know..nice girls don't sweat we glisten) visions riding mowers were dancing in my head...none the less I pushed on..

I will say that after the fact I look at the house and with my addition of Inpatients, Caladiums, Autumn Sage, Dwarf Holly's, and some mossy stuff that blooms! The house is looking good..it was time to map out some new front beds. With stakes, string, and hammers in hand..I outlined my next project....the digging of the flower beds along the walkway! Once completed the house will truly look groomed..Similar to me after a good eyebrow waxing!
Keep tuning in for future updates and pics!

What is this thing we call a monocotyledonous green life form?

Family and Friends-

I have joined the world of blogging to keep everyone up to speed on my life, hobbies, and newest addiction...my house.

Yes, I have joined the world of the grown ups and made a major purchase that didn't involve denim, wedge heels, plane tickets, or a frozen margarita (well that may have influenced the purchase). I bought my first home in October, which I may add is the perfect time to buy a house. I was able to enjoy my newest OLD purchase without the manual labor of doing yard work. Well, that has definitely changed hence the beginning of my blog. "Memoirs of a new OLD home owner"

A bit of history.......

My home was built in 1946 about 5 blocks from the shores of White Rock Lake! It is a cottage by definition (that is word massaging for VERY SMALL). My home is set in a fun, funky neighborhood located in East Dallas, near White Rock Lake where it is known for its trees, friendly neighbors, eclectic architecture and local artists. Yes, I live in a hippie neighborhood and love every moment of it. It does have its advantages...for example....

I hadn't had to mow my lawn EVER and I knew it was time to do something about it when my ever so friendly neighbors were asking me if they could actually do it for me! They weren't buying the "African a-La-natural garden safari theme" anymore. I actually had to hire about 5 guys to knock down my milk weed (given that it was 5ft tall it could pass as a safari theme). However, from that moment on I have taken the lawnmower by the handles and pushed down the 50 x 150 lot of "grass/weed/rock/dog poo" mixture that I call a lawn.

After this exhausting experience with Orson (my newest member of the family) running circles around me pushing a old red engine through 6 inches of east Dallas jungle and battling this green morphing monster around me for 3 hours I must pose the question. Why on our green earth would anyone promote the growth and fertilization of this monocotyledonous green life form. I now have an appreciation for rock gardens!

Speaking of the "garden" this home that was a rental property for 23 years is a virtual white canvas for landscaping (rental property = neglected yard). So I along with thousands of other proud (yet stupid) home owners have decided to tackle this blank page this summer......Last week was the start of the front garden and dropping in 15 shrubs. I wish I could train Orson where to dig holes...although he has some strategically placed in my back yard ready for me to fill later this week!

Please come back to visit this blog for a good laugh, where I will keep you updated with pictures, stories of my home projects and ever changing life!


As I plunge into this week..I must remember a famous quote from Rudyard Kipling : Gardens are not made by sitting in the shade. I may have to add that neither are broken nails!

Til next time!!! Wish me luck