As noted in previous posts, I had begun working on installing the permanent dog run to replace the temporary run set up last fall as we moved in. This week the new pen was completed, at least for now. Now all we have to do is open the back door and the dogs are in their run, no more escorting them in-and-out of the old gate!
We may add some decorative elements to the enclosure over time, probably decorative boards on the front of the wooden posts to hide the screw heads. We have seen solar-powered lights that are designed to fit on 4-inch square posts and may add a few of those to dress up the post tops.
Pam did all the painting, including the blue corner triangles in all 3 gates. The run consists of 12 wood posts set in cement, (8 bags of QuickCrete at 60 pounds per bag) along with 13 steel posts and 3 custom-built gates. The outside of the enclosure measures just under 142 feet and required 2 rolls of 1″ x 2″ x 48″ inch mesh fencing. (This fence design only comes in 100 foot rolls locally, so we have some left over.)
Sharp eyes may note the new tree shown in the North side and West side photos above. The local farm supply place, Theisen’s, had plant stock at 50 percent off so we picked up this Amur Maple. I hope it does well in its new home and lives up to its fall color reputation as shown in this internet image:
Now it is on to more projects. Next up will be the repair of the east porch, which needs some new flooring to replace a corner of deteriorating wood. After that, painting the repaired porch will be in order.
I am also planning a trip to Colorado in mid-July to visit The Lot and take part in a motorcycle rally. I’m looking forward to that.
Around the house, more flowers are in bloom. The day lilies, very common in this area, grow like weeds and have a bunch of blossoms. Other lilies, such as those shown below, add their color to the mix.
In other respects, the week was routine. Grocery shopping, lawn mowing, laundry, taking care of the cats and dogs, running out for paint and supplies. We did get out on Thursday for a driving trip to our favorite antique store located in Elkader, Iowa. Lunch was at an Irish pub in Elkader, followed by Dairy Queen cones on the way home. We wore our masks, as required in the antique store, and practiced social distancing at the pub. Even with COVID restrictions, it was a good outing.
Photo Archive
The Weiner Mobile came to town in the fall of 1990 (?) so we had to get a family photo with it!
That’s it for now. Thanks for looking in!
Pam’s Penny
I’ll be subdividing hostas and adding them to the north [lawn] side of the dog run. The existing hosta plants at 702 are huge – some easily 4 feet across – and have grown too big in scale for the planting beds in which they reside. One hosta has already been transplanted next to the newly-installed north gate; you can spot it far to the left in the North side photo shown above .
Happy Trails.
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