Spring has arrived. We are working outside and totally enjoying the better weather. While there were no major projects this week, many smaller tasks occupied us.
Our “fairies” arrived at their home at the base of one of our oak trees.
These are Pam’s addition to the oak tree flower bed. Fairies were waiting for comfortable weather before their arrival. They tend to stay all summer but retreat to warmer locations in winter. (Pam is hoping to tempt them into Heart House’s snug when summer ends this year.)
Bulb flowers, planted last fall, are beginning to bloom. Hyacinths are being looked over by Gretel the lamb and they put out a pleasant scent. Tulip heads have formed, but wisely the tulips held off on blooming until weather supports the flowers.
Daffodils are beginning to hit their stride. The ones shown below join plants from previous years.
Outdoor projects: The lawn was mowed and Weed & Seed was spread in an effort to help control dandelions. A couple of bare areas were frisked up and grass seed applied. Tarps used outdoors through the winter for wind protection – on the back porch and NW corner of the dog run – were taken down and stored. A metal grid, intended for Grandpa Ott morning glories, was installed on the west wall of the south porch. Becky detailed the inside of my truck, and it looks better than when purchased.
All of us have appreciated the improved weather and the ability to get outside and work on tasks and projects. Sunshine boosts spirits, particularly after the 4th wettest April on record. Our energy bill indicates the past month, on average, was 9 degrees colder than last year and “energy days” (requiring either heat or air conditioning) were up by almost 100 for the year already. We hope May is more “average” than April.
Becky continues to monitor daughter Lilly’s condition, which appears to be good after her surgery. Becky is also busy arranging the closing details on her new home; it appears moving day will be in the first week of June. The sale of her Rice Lake place will be finalized the 2nd week of May. It’s a busy time for Becky!
Pam has added a few more decor items to the laundry room, and is additionally working on “Heart House” wreaths.
There are always projects underway in this house!
I have begun to edit my VHS tapes to create individual events instead of leaving just one long file with multiple sections. This adds extra time to the conversion process, but I think the effort is worth it. For example, I just finished a 1984 tape that had a reunion, footage from around the house, Easter, a visit to my brother’s place, a visit from the Paroubek grandparents, and a visit from my sister Carol and her kids Stefanie and Jennifer. (We celebrated Jen’s birthday.) This 2+ hour tape yielded no fewer than 6 events. The conversion project continues.
Warmer weather means house painting will soon commence. We will begin by doing what we can from ladders, although not much is unpainted at that height. Portions of the west wall can still be done that way, but soon we will have to rent a man lift to reach the higher levels. Our goal is to get the west wall done this year at a minimum; ideally we should finish the entire house but that may be a reach. Time will tell.
Photo Archive
The year was 2000 and we took a family trip to Arizona.
I should mention that Felicity’s and Toby’s middle names are Elinore and Henry, respectively, named after this couple.
That’s it for now. Thanks for looking in!
Pam’s Penny
OK, sunny weather is finally here. One thing I do miss about living in Colorado is the many days of sunshine that state enjoys annually. Days and days and days of dreary NE Iowa spring cloudiness has certainly been a drag.
Work projects start to shift from interior to exterior as temperatures permit; I’m thinking about breaking out a bucket of red house paint. Which means I may not complete all the wreaths [I have in mind for the porches] by the patriotic holidays, however, I’ll display wreaths as they are ready. Fabric for this particular wreath project was purchased last year – so, what’s the rush? Don’tcha love retirement…
Happy Trails.