dbjc364's Blog

Tubs, porch & garlic,oh my..
Sep 29, 2009 | 2:51 AM PST
Tag: new plants lov compost..
Since we moved in a few years ago, the upstairs tub has always had a steady small drip,but no big deal.What I didn't like was the slight bow in the ceiling in the dining room where the tub is upstairs in this old house.Its one of those metal tubs, not sure what kind of metal but we know its going to be hefty getting it out.In anticipation of having to move any furniture up or down,Jim replaced the stairs banister/railing at the top with a new piece of wood, and made it so we could take it off when needed.So back then,we knew eventually the tub was coming out,and needed to be able to get it out with the least amount of headache.When we replaced the little sink he had made the counter piece around it so we can remove that sink to get the tub out and its a straight shot just a few feet to the stairs and down over.That can be disconnected anytime,and while we have brother muscles here would be a good time to remove it.Well,what was on the list was finally shoring up what looked like to us, a badly rotted porch. We could tell someone had given it a fresh paint job just to market the house so there were no surprises for us at that point.It turns out its just surface trim board rot on the outside around all the windows{8 of them} and the door.The problem was you couldnt open any windows because it had shifted enough and wasnt level the day we moved in-but we knew then eventually it would also be torn off and rebuilt,sometime in the 10 yr. span.So Rick took off the old white siding from below the windows down to the boards to see what he was working with, and only 2 small sections{sills} under the floor were rotted & giving way,causing the shift, and just simply not nearly enough blocking/cement supports anywhere.New short sills were snugged in-plenty of supports now, and leveled.He got it so close to level its just a hair off. Then what windows were stuck-dropped.None broke so thats good.lol.All the scraps we had on hand,so this time we didnt have to buy anything.We need the porch to hold out for at least 3 more years before being able to do anything,but Rick says, it'll last way beyond that no problem.Since being here I havent been able to completely wash the windows because they wouldn't open because of the level problem, and they get all the dust & dirt from the road,so you can imagine how dirty they are.Its not insulated,so it turned into our overflow/construction materials room.I quess now I can clean it up a bit,see if theres anything else that needs to go on the garage sale,and finally wash the windows.Well- we werent suppose to get rain today-but its rained all night-and dont know what it'll do today.We're just chucking the old mossy-dirty siding to the dump,they'll put on some weather proof rolled roofing over the boards to snug it up,and scrap plywood stuff for skirting.Since the fence is right in front of the porch you cant see most of it from the road,so I really dont care what it looks like long as the brunt of wind doesnt come thru.When we replace it,we should see a huge difference in air infiltration,because simply going from  boards with gaps to sheafing alone will stop that.All the wind from the mountains across the street hit the front of the porch/house,so its always cooler in his office and dining room.I cant believe the temps.Its 57*,back to shutting off the stove,sleeping with the window open and fan on.Jims day off today so I know I can catch a break, and get that bed ready for garlic planting as he could keep Landon busy long enough for me to do that.He only wants to hang out with the guys anyways,and he can as long as their not doing anything dangerous that he can't be around.Pappa usually takes him on the dump runs,so he'll be happy with that today.I'm hoping the rain stops or slows down so I can report on my next blog that I've planted my garlic bed.I can see the blueberry orchard also needs a mowing.I've got some beautiful flowers growing out of the compost pile that I didnt plant.They look like Mallow.A pinkish-purple,and I'd like to dig up the 2 plants and plunk them somewhere before he turns the pile with the tractor.The shower stall gets disconnected today,and goes for sale,I'm so glad to see that go. Its only a small stall about 2 1/2 ft. so I never could shave my legs in there.Rick took a shower in the new tub,and says that its simply wonderful,so much room,even though its a standard tub,and I have one of those curved shower rods, and there really is 33% more elbow room as they claim,so I'm glad I bought it.A full day today,and hoping my hands touch some dirt & plants besides just construction materials.

Drum roll...
Sep 28, 2009 | 12:20 AM PST
Tag: a couple 2010 projects..
And the ending to the weekend was definitely nice,but not without yet,another challenge.By golly the drum roll,please...tub is up and running! Jim was totally shocked I wasnt trying out the bubble bath part-I said I can tomorrow,I could have done a double last night but I would have looked like a prune.I need to hang a curtain for privacy on the one far wall,but the mess is all cleaned up,and we can disconnect the shower stall downstairs,and the upstairs tub anytime now.Both spaces will be made into much needed closets-which is just as awesome as having a tub downstairs.For Jims first time plumbing in a tub,it took awhile but he did a good job.I can get somewhat foo-foo with the girly stuff,like hanging some temporary towel hooks,and having my girly stuff on the bath bureau,and towels in the drawer.You know guys,they usually dont care where stuff is-just that they have it. The cabinet we brought home is 4ft.,which is better than 3 ft., and will fit the wall good,but since I have to leave the stove in place there for now,it wont fit unless I move the stove out another 12 inches and right in the way.So we opted not too,and I have it in the dining room, and can redo it over the winter.Jim said he liked that idea better,refinish it now,then hang it as the 2 guys will have to get it up on the wall.He didnt want to hang it twice.Ah,well, I tried.The challenge of the new Core-A-Vent, roof to wall venting,is not working and the roof started leaking again for the hundredth time during the rain. Even though it was a straight down rain this time,leaking in 3 places.There's just simply not enough pitch regardless of what the instructions said.Got the buckets in place again,the sun reappears today,so Rick or Jim will have to do a temporary angled piece over that till next spring.Then it gets torn apart again, and redone using a permanent angled piece.We've been holding off doing the ceiling tiles till this situation is all resolved,and no longer leaks. A little insulation will have to be replaced as it is. I need to get outback today,and get the one bed ready for the garlic to be planted this week. Whatever side I'm on,Landon has to be within that area so I can keep an eye on him.He's probaly not going to like that,unless I can get him into playing his trucks in another bed-because Rick is back from my other brothers. He wants to hang with Rick of course with whatever he's doing at the time.And whoo!Hoo! he starts preschool Thursday! The teachers got the rooms switched,because of children overload.I have to attend an open house Wednesday,then go back thursday morning with my daughter to show where everything is.When she works I take him-when shes off she'll take him.Next week we should be on a more regular schedule.Another design change involving moving the back door is in store for next spring,which Jim likes, as its going to make his time of building the back deck easier with a straight shot instead of an angle.Minimal cost of materials-just Ricks labor,and he thought it was a good switch also.I have a friend who's been putting off making her kitchen bigger {her man wants to & he's a good carpenter},because she's nervous about making holes in walls.I said its a piece of cake-you should see what we do for fun & entertainment,and besides you'll lov it when its all done. lol.We got a real good drink of rain all day yesterday into the night.Full sun for another few days,so more flowers will start popping out again doing their last hurrah.I quess I can harvest the last of the squash this week,and check the size of the carrots.I've been wanting a greenhouse since we moved here,so we're going over the design,and we are going to redo a section of one wall in the gardenshed adding more light for a seedling bench,,then add a lean-to section.I have 8 windows available from the front porch that I can use.The one 16 ft. bed is already in place,but will add another narrower one for the other side.I quess we'll be hitting the drawing board this winter..

You lucky dog,,
Sep 25, 2009 | 10:54 PM PST
Tag: awesome yard sales..
I couldn't walk away this time. The last time in the store,I looked and walked away.I have a small grouping of the Purple Sensation Alliums,and the heads are good size,which I think are so cool looking,but this time they had one package left of the Gladiators which are even bigger-on my wish list.Two bulbs in the pack.So I got those.Then I might as well have just one package of the crocus for the bulkhead.I'll get to the fair,and they'll be some-but last year by the time I got there they were out of alot.I was dragging butt yesterday,and Landon didn't want to amuse himself with his trucks while I played in the rock garden,so I gave up on that idea for the time being,and we went and got some odd items and his halloween pumpkin.My garden bird has a boo-boo on his leg, so I'll patch him with duct tape,and re-spray him also a bright yellow. I have a few hrs. this morning to mess around out there before we leave,and Jim will go get his plumbing stuff he needs for the tub. Its suppose to be a soaker of a rain tomorrow for most of the state,so he's back to the tub project on sunday-which is the only way I'm going to get running water in that tub.All other days are left for the outdoor projects.update-we left later than planned,grabbed a really nice very late lunch at a chinese rest.,on the way there-just outside the fair,which was fantastic. We made a note to do the same next year.Since getting there so late-they stopped charging admission,whoo-hoo! that meant I had 20$ extra bucks to spend! I got 4 Allium Shuberetti-? bulbs,"the crazy hair"-looks like Einstein,& 2 garlic bulbs. The yearly 2009 tee shirt of course,beeswax candles,quart of Maple Syrup,all supporting local farmers.A nice cup of hot cider and we shared a fried doughboy after that nice lunch.We were there 3 hrs., and I was pooped out.2,000 cars per hr. is what they pulled in,wow it was busy this year than previous.In their 33rd yr.,because its an organic-agricultural fair, and thats whats all the rage now,,it was bigger this year also.The best part for me,was on the way,we stop at a few yard sales, and I found a top kitchen cupboard with glass doors for $35. I felt like I hit the lucky jackpot! Going back this morning with the truck to pick it up.I'm slowly buying my pieces,putting in storage till we're ready to gutt the kitchen.Its not too big- 3ft.- but will cover the one small wall,and give me another cupboard that I need,but more importantly its not too deep.We decided Jim would build the lower cabinet for that wall with the counter.We also decided to move the stove to a better position,so I'm pretty excited about that.Now I need to find a decent sink I like.It was a beautiful fall sunny day with a good breeze,and the smell of the leaves were just as good as a loaf of home baked bread.We have an old shoe mill in town with 4 floors,on the main drag,that they are turning into a yearly indoor flea marketplace. My dad and I are going in together for a space to set-up, and sell our antiques,garage sale items on weekends.I can clean out one bay of the garage,get my stuff down to one bay, and use it for what its intended for-my car. The yellow fence is about done-just have to remove the butterfly house,do that one little section and screw it back on.The bird got his boo-boo duct taped,repainted,now he's good to go for another season.A soaker of a rain by this afternoon they say,which is really needed.The tub gets worked on today! which will be the ending of a really nice weekend!

Holy brightness Batman..
Sep 25, 2009 | 4:04 AM PST
Tag: painting season..
I picked out the brightest intense yellow color on the shelf! Wow. It's the same color as the background Rudebeckia's that stand 8 ft tall,pom-pom shaped in August. The front has Stella D' Oro's,with an intense yellow-orange color. I stuck some silk flowers in there for color as the blooms are about done-but Stella is hanging in there and keeps popping them out.The Morning Glory on the blue trellis also decided it liked the cooler weather and popped out another bloom for me and decided to finally grow up the trellis. It may get some height to it yet before the frost hits it.High humidity again for 2 days-now its back down and getting cooler today.A little more painting to go on the fence and I'm done with that-today add some more dirt & mulch.Picking up nails with the nail magnet,had to order one online as the area stores either dont carry them or their real cheaply made like the last one that broke after just one summer {3 months} of using it,and it wasn't abused.This one is defintely better made, same price,so hope it lasts.That is just beyond my reasoning,that a lumber store/yard that caters to construction would not stock a product like this.As the house color is slowly changing from white with dark green trim to tan with white trim,I'll paint the bulkhead a brown,but dont think I'll get to it till next spring.As we change the color,whatever wall we're working on gets a new window,if they need it,or whatever structure changes need to be made.So it'll take a while to go around the whole house before its all done. I still need more loam around the bulkhead before I can plant some crocus.Their actually saying we're going to get one day of rain here shortly.Alot of the plants are going into a 2nd blooming now that its cooler and they've had a heavy morning mist a few days in a row.Since I cant mess with the raised beds right now,I'm messing around with the front rock garden,making and adding.A birdhouse decoration on the fence pole-maybe some bird will use it,a butterfly house on the other pole.I have a wooden bench that needs some attention and today I'm going to add that to this area and use it for plants,since its falling apart now,and cant be used for sitting.

Third times a charm..
Sep 23, 2009 | 12:17 AM PST
Tag: whew! done with that..
I picked up a batch of supposedly bamboo poles a few years ago.Big ones and small ones.We made a fence in back of the raised rock garden with another small brick garden for the Rudebeckia & Stella D' Oro's.Used jute lashing,thought we had it on good. Not.The weather and wind, it started falling apart & splitting in one season. As I had plenty,we did it again,going over the jute using wire and this time the end posts were 4x4's with the bamboo in the middle. Not.Again it started falling apart.Ok- I said-I'm done.I'm licked and dont want to play this game anymore.Get out the 1x3's and screws.I took it all apart and started over,rounding up scraps of wood.An easy short project-took him all of 20 min. to knock it together,but I was there much longer taming the wild wild west. I weeded the little bed-which wasnt too bad anyways,plowed thru the overgrown stuff in back of it with the rider to create another path.Took all the wild morning glories out of the small honeysuckle tree beside it,and gave it a pruning.Right beside all this stuff is where we've had the camper parked all summer,so once that was moved into the pole barn,I was able to mow the high grass,and thats what started us on this little spruce-up.The morning glories were climbing up the rope into the closed camper windows,,I thought Rick was going to get swallowed up for sure.lol. It took them 20 min. to get it backed into the barn,now its out of the wind & weather,and we can work on it over the winter,and dont have to keep up with the snow off the roof.We're finishing fixing it up, and selling it, as we want a pop-up.ok- now thats done,and transformed,I think the little bed needs a little more dirt,and some mulch.Another 1/2 day out there mowing under the other honeysuckle,and weeding/wacking around the rock garden in front of that this afternoon.Sometimes I write down what I want to do, and just go do it,other times, I just go out and walk around till I feel pulled in one particular spot, and give it heck.Both ways seem to work.This area was a pulling/bulling day.Rick finished putting on the bulkhead doors & priming,then with bucket in hand-went up on the roof and primed the peak trim boards, then back down and primed the kitchen window-he was in a priming mood yesterday I quess.Jim moved the heavy stuff with the tractor into the pole barn,went to the dump,partly cloudy but temps started to rise again to hit 75*. Had Landon for a few hrs in the afternoon, so Jim and him backfilled the bulkhead.After Landon left we tackled getting the furnace out.That went pretty good -took about 20 min.,as Jim had it all apart and ready.It was good size and heavy but the tractor did it.No stairs there yet-wont be till next year-but that also made it easier to get it out.We'll put a lock on the inside doors so Landon can't open the doors and fall in.I started cleaning/sweeping up all the cement debris chunks,and chunks of wood.There was a pad that the furnace sat on,so Rick will form that up to add to it & pour a new cement pad,to make it a bit bigger for the stove.That was the end of the day after supper project,and the temps were at 68* at dusk.Its 2 am and their at 57*.We didnt get any rain.For the last week, we've had to run the stove either at night,or early morning hrs.because it was so chilly. In the morning I took the big bowl of tomatoes and made a vegetable/hamburg soup in the crock, and a batch of stewed tomatoes-so I had none for drying,so I'll save that drying attempt for something else this winter.Made a big batch of rice pudding for the first time,came out pretty good and bisquits for the soup.I save my chicken stock & potato water for soups,and that does save a bit on buying stock over the winter and tastes good,but I cheat and use Bisquick most of the time,which makes a good bisquit.Well- we were all pooped out- but so very happy those big projects are done,and I was in bed asleep at 8:30,which is why I'm up so early.I'm keeping in tune for Halloween,with the whole summer of construction, I have cobwebs growing here and there as I look around.I'm not ready to tackle those yet,so they'll just have to wait for a bit more,and it'll give me something to do this winter anyways.The blueberry bushes are a nice crimson red this year-much prettier than last year.The "sewer hill" is fried and brown,as is the long grass strip in front.We dont water our lawn,but it'll bounce back next spring.I'll pick up some Horticulture cornmeal, and do all the beds,as well as apply some to the lawn with the walk behind, and make sure I include some every time I plant now.Besides Maine lobster being some of the best lobster in the world,along with maple syrup,our Jack o'lanterns run a close race. We've had a bad year across the state with all the rain in June & July,then blight,so the crop is real bad this year.But enough home gardens have steadily increased over the years,especially after the victory gardens,Mainers just kept on going,so there's enough roadside stands that have some.The farmers are also running short on hay from the weather being so nasty in the beginning-which makes the price climb.Thank god I only need one bale.Now that the cellar is insulated, we dont have to put hay up against the foundation anymore.Running at $4.50 a bale,that could be costly.We're having a huge energy push in our state.Maine has 9 million $$ to put into energy/weatherizing houses,and I sure hope they spend it wisely and it goes where its suppose to, instead of just lining pockets and being lost in administration costs.Big old New England farmhouses and a big elderly population,so its certainly needed.I hope we do get enough ground cover to help insulate,but also the deer herd took a beating the last few years,and permits are way down.From what we can see our economy has picked up and people are out spending money,in addition to every other house having something for sale on their front lawn.Cars-trucks-boats-snowmob
iles,stoves-windows-doors,and regular yard/garage sales are still going on in abundance every weekend,along with e roadside garden stands.The leaves are turning now,it looks to be a very pretty year for color,even though I do think Vermont usually outdoes us with that.

The switch begins..
Sep 21, 2009 | 2:33 AM PST
Tag: relocating tools..
While Jim started leveling out the dirt floor a bit more in the pole barn for the switchover,I started hauling out everything I could move by myself out of the tractorport. No rain for today-so it didnt matter if it was outside. A possible shower Tuesday-so it needs to find its destination today.Whatever was left required man muscles,so as he did that,I filled the garden cart with stray garden stuff to put away for the winter and decided to check on the raised beds.I picked the last of the remaining tomatoes & 3 squash.Then started pulling up all the plants that were done.I ended up with another bowl of tomatoes,that makes 6,so for a bad year that was ok.There are 4 more squash left to grow just a bit more,the temps dipped sat. nite to a frost at 32*.We have one medium size cuke growing that I'll have to pick or the frost will get it.I threw the plant stuff on both sides of the beds so this morning I'll round up the pile to be discarded in the field.While I was on that side of the yard-it has been a while since I mowed-other than a small area,so today it needs mowing.The tractor-port is now called the fuelshed,and the pole barn is for the tractor and all its implements & camper etc. I can put away the remaining smaller stuff,as the big stuff is moved,and pellets are now in there.The truck is filled and ready for a dump run on tuesday.Tuesday is cellar day,removing the furnace,and cleaning up down there,and another pellet run possible. I covered one empty bed with the black weed barrier,have another to do also-otherwise I'm going to have a whole lot of extra work next year. This weekend coming is the fair,so whichever day is the better weather day is when we'll go.The area around the bulkhead is all dug up & being filled anyways,and I'd like some more crocus,so I think I'll put some there as their small and wont be bothered by the doors opening in the late spring. As I have alot to be moved for flowers/bulbs I wont go crazy at the fair,but I'll have to get a few new bulbs plus the garlic. Personally, I'd like to get rid of this one wide strip of grass in front & replace it with stone/rock and an herb bed and/or flowers.Then I wouldn't have to mow there,so thats something to ponder on for the future.A full day ahead of sunshine for us.Took Landon to the "Discovery Museum" for kids, 3 floors of entertainment,lizards & snakes,,science stuff,musical,medical,astronom
y.They had some pretty good stuff to occupy a child,and we just gave him free rein and followed him around. After that he knonked out on the ride home for a short nap-then another 45 min.at MacDonalds playground & lunch.He had a good time & a full day for sure.Pappa sure needed a nap when we got home-but no way was Landon taking one as he already had his.I popped in a movie,and he settled down with his cheese & crackers,and waited for his daddy to come get him.I think his mom should take him again in early winter for a couple hours,so he can play again,as theres alot to experience in just one visit.

Projects coming to an end..
Sep 18, 2009 | 2:22 AM PST
Tag: clean-up on aisle 2..
As exspensive as they are,we couldn't buy a ready made bulkhead top even if we had wanted to.There are too many obstacles in the way & a bit tricky as it is just building the top..So in the end, it ended up being less exspensive.Today he puts all the primed pieces together.Pics are posted in album.We're also going to get a ton of pellets first thing this morning,and I need to get prices on the coal.Lots of straightening out and clean up around this side of the yard thats for sure. The furnace gets removed from the cellar on tuesday.Jim will get back to removing the dirt pile on Sunday. For Saturday we decided to get the heck out of here & take Landon to a kids museum for a day of fun and relaxing.Even though theres still much to do, the pressure is off the building phase of both projects.I have lots of time to clean up this week as I dont have Landon till next thursday again, except for a short time so my daughter can go to a doc appt. Somehow her finger got irritated,and started swelling-maybe an ingrown nail?..so her hubby thought he'd save them some money {$80}and decided to pop it for her to drain.He puts the flame to the needle-thought they got it all out-but it didnt drain all the way and left some goop in there which became worse infected, and continued to travel up to the knuckle.Needless to say she was at the doc's by Thursday-with an ex-ray to make sure it didnt go into the bone.So that was at least $200,and a follow up this week.And the doc told her just a flame to a needle wasn't sterilizing it,and she's lucky it wasnt worse.Just a regular blister is one thing-but pus is a whole different matter.Antibiotics, pain killers & a splint on the finger.I dont think she'll do that again..

No rain..
Sep 17, 2009 | 1:32 AM PST
Tag: more frogs..
Its looking more and more like the beds wont get the attention they need for this year.As I need the tractor and jims help,there's still too much to do with the construction stuff going on. Its going to be one busy spring when we finally do get to it.The pole barn is done! The rest of the priming can be done next year.The new chimney was ordered,will pick it up on the next trip north-Columbus weekend. And its getting dang chilly around that coffee pot area in the morning with the gapping hole in the roof. The bulkhead is almost finished! Rick started building the top-making it out of pressure treated and plywood-just couldnt see spending another $500 for a metal top this year-so will probaly just leave it wood.A bit tricky of a space area- as he has to work around the solar panel and the garden window for the doors to open up.The inside floor of the pole barn needs a little more leveling out,but we can start hanging stuff now.A whole lot of tweaking to do and picking up dirt etc. now.Soon as Ricks done with the top today, then we can move the furnace out of there this weekend,and get the stove down there.Cant remember when we last had a September like we're having.No rain and lots of sun-warm days but chilly nights.Everything is very dry now,high fire danger,so we do need some rain-but their saying another 5 day stretch of no rain.And, whats up with the frogs this year..? Their starting to hop back in the hole coming out of nowhere..hopping around the cellar floor..

A nice weekend..
Sep 14, 2009 | 2:45 AM PST
Tag: humming along..
I ended up with 5 pair of pants and at least that many shirts.What a gold mine! I'm all set for the next season! What was marked pumpkin that Rick planted on top of the loam pile-turns out to be yellow squash also! there are 3 so far-so they might make it before the hard frosts.I dropped off 2 squash and 2 garlic at his sisters yesterday on the way thru town-they were out buying dwarf fruit trees.I saw she had started planting Siberian Iris & Lily around her new patio this week.A short nap when we got home,then had enough time to start the second wall putting up sheafing.We got 4 more panels up. Today I'm back on painting 4 more panels for Jim to hang tomorrow.I'm using a roller-its quite fast-set-up on saw horses-but will take the morning I'm sure,doing both sides. The sun is still hot but I'm inside in the shade of the roof with a radio,so its a great setup.Rick ran out of cement yet again- but is close to being done now,he'll be able to finish that today,then it cures for a few days before backfilling.I have to wait for the painting part to be done- but am reading instructions on the dehydrator now-and washing the parts today,so will make 2 pies with that probaly on tuesday when I can get to the food stuff.Checking to make sure I have my winter spices stocked up on hand,as I hate running out in the middle of making something-and as one gg member stated the local retailers just arent on the ball these days.When you know its a season and people buy alot of the product then you'd think they would order enough & frequently.We buy local also-but have to do frequent shopping on here because of that.Picked up a solid door in very good condition for the shed entry up north for $10 yesterday,which was a good find.I'll also set that up on saw horses to prime while I got that mess out.All of a 5 minute shower between sat and sunday-then sun the rest of the time.

New garden clothes..
Sep 13, 2009 | 1:11 AM PST
Tag: everywhere yard sales..
I had my one good day of no interruptions of painting the pole barn with Landon and that was it for now.He did a good job and stuck with it almost till the end,and I finished up the last panel.At least the whole back wall is done.We both had a good nap after that. Another bowl of tomatoes got picked.I bought a food dehydrator end of last summer-I ought to dig it out of the box and give the tomatoes a good ol' try.After we get back from a job today I think that'll be my thing for the afternoon.In the morning we had to go pick up a spring base for a bed,a cabinet at Ma's,and the dump run.Then the  guys got back to working on the pole barn/bulkhead all afternoon- I said I'm getting the heck out of here for the afternoon and go get groceries and hit every end of year yard sale on the way up and all the way back.Jim says,"oh-oh- we're not going to see her for awhile!". And right he was.What a good time that was! I strayed off the beaten path,and glad I did, I loaded up with clothes for myself for a change,a good armload for $8.Many of my clothes end up getting that paint and garden look about them,so it was nice to have found my size,and enough of them.Usually I'm shopping for Landon or Jim,so that was great.At the Family dollar store I got Jim and Landon some new sweats they needed.I checked out a huge Flea Market set-up in a building,spoke to the managers on rental space,got my groceries-checked on the prices of a front loader washer next door at Sears, and headed back.I start saving as much as I can for a front loader next month,and by late spring/early summer will have it here. Mine still runs good-so I'll sell that on my garage sale.Hit all the yard sales on the way back,and didnt pull in till 5:15.I knew I wouldnt feel like cooking, so Mrs. Buds pot pie was just waiting to pop in the oven.Jim had got all the upper wall studs in place, and Rick got to the top of the bulkhead hole with his blocks.After the job in the city this morning-then they can continue on their projects for the afternoon.Jims got all day tuesday too to work on the pole barn walls-so by the end of tuesday,it should be close to being walled in.So dehydrator it is today!!...and making a pumpkin pie.We found out the "Common Ground fair" is the weekend we want to go north,so we're delaying that trip till the following week.I had that feeling that was going to happen.But that fair only comes once a year so it wins out.Strickly a products/agricultural fair with no rides other than ponies,and lots of good food.I hope the sun is out & 65-70* that day!

Pretty mums,,
Sep 9, 2009 | 4:55 PM PST
Tag: low night temps..
Everyone up here says if you use cow poop to let it age at least a whole year-so it doesnt burn the seedlings/plants.Which is why I need to get some before mine runs out.Farther along today,Rick got the back wall all sheafed in.The inside he primed before putting it up,so I wouldnt have to go around all the studs,and its got good coverage everywhere.I'll tackle the outside tomorrow.Then start another batch of panels to prime.By the end of this weekend by golly that part should be almost done or done.I got on the phone this morning, and played war of the Lumber Lords.When I got the lumber store down the street from us on the phone-I already had my 2 quotes from others-when he gave me the price, I said"Your not going to make me go all the way to Home Depot for this order of OSB are you?-Its $6.77 there"-this guys price was $7.98 per sheet.He ended up coming down a bit more. I didnt tell him I really didnt want to go in the first place-I'd rather have it delivered,but I wanted a better price-especially since we've built most of this place the last 3 years with their lumber anyways.So he gave me a better price on the cement blocks also after I told him the other store beat him by 2 cents also.So they delivered everything,and Rick's good to go for a few more days.All the time-when Rick or Jim go in there-their friendly people,and always wondering what we're up to now.We live on a main drag,and the main salesman says to Rick- "I went by the place the other day-holy cow, they got some building going on there".Their going to run out of room!-they have to buy another acre I think." lol. I said, Rick- did you tell him,well-we sure as heck haven't been building freaking tree houses!....he said no he just laughed and said yes they do need/want another acre..but not too soon. Well,I did my job in town,but after another menepausal 2 am night, I felt tired,made supper and thats it for me.Pile up the dishes and do them in the morning when I have more energy. I have the window box right near the steps, so at least I have 2 mums blooming and looking pretty to greet me when I come home.Since I'm leaving it up all year,now I can put some decor in it for the different seasons.I know Landon will want to prime with me tomorrow,and I have a small 4 inch roller he can use.I just have to find some old clothes we dont care about-cause I'm sure he's going to wear part of it.That should be funny...

Random Ramblings..
Sep 9, 2009 | 1:37 AM PST
Tag: much going on..
Well, I happen to like poop.It makes my gardens grow.Some people don't like talking poop,but I do.Its a rather delicate subject for some.We were given about 7 truckloads of horse poop that was aged for many years.I think I need to find another source,get some more in early spring,as finally my pile is dwindling.That makes me sad.That pile lasted me 6 good yrs.Ahh- that stuff is like gold.And I heard the price of gold is way up too...lol.Anyways, back to poop.Everything poops. Including us.I am a firm believer,that what goes in,must come out.The one thing most doc's and other TV personalities,usually dont discuss much,is cleansing.And that cant be stressed enough.Yes-taking into account the types of food thats eaten,the amount of food thats eaten,but what about poop? Most people think its normal to go once a day.And the reason I know this,is because I have unusual conversations with people sometimes.Its not normal. If 3 meals go in,then shouldnt 3 come out?Isn't it a math thing? watch an animal-they eat all the time-and poop all the time.So-if we're not doing 3,then shouldnt we help it along, and then maybe-just maybe its connected to the weight gain?? Parasites,? but who wants to talk about that? Most people don't. Its a bit on the disgusting side,and most people would rather blame eating too much red meat.Even though its not just for undeveloped countries. Its very common here in the good ol' U.S.A., and plays a big part in weight gain.And as far as women go,I truly feel hormones play a big part in it also.If the hormones are tweaked,no amount of diets are going to help.Anyways those are some of my random thoughts on poop.I appear to be having a problem with downloading pics in my album.I'll have to wait for the comp guru god to awaken and see if he can fix it.Rick got 3/4 done on the metal roof yesterday,before it got too hot.He also poured the cement form for the cellar door-trying to smooth it out a bit from all the jackhammering.After my morning job,and he finishes the metal roof, we're headed to Home Depot for the wall sheafing.I have one beautiful Morning Glory out of a whole pack of seeds. Just one.And I got a pic,but have to wait.The blue is so nice against the blue trellis.I also accidently pulled it up during a furious weeding,and promptly set it back in, and it continued to grow.So today I'll give it some water-poor thing must be thirsty.I froze up 2 bags of tomatoes,need to check again today for anymore.I could tell the front tomatoes just were not going to make it,so I started pulling them.And they looked so good in the beginning.I'm just glad I didnt spend alot on gardening this year. I cleaned car no.2,now it needs an oil change-then thats all set for awhile.We're on a bit of a push,and we can't let up.I need the fuel shed straightened around,and ready for fuel.We can rest later on,when the outside is cleaned up and we have heat for the winter.I havent read the Almanac yet,I'm hearing thru the grapevine we're in for a doozy of a winter.It doesnt matter how many inches we get,long as we have heat.Now that we have a fuel shed, we dont have to store pellets in the garage in front of the garage bay door. Its been 2 yrs.,and the door is just tacked up there,waiting to be hung correctly-but the pellets were always in the way.And the door cant be used-so the car cant be parked in there.Its a vicsous circle.Where's the spell check on this thing?So by golly-this winter Jim says its getting done.A nice visit with his sister/brother-in-law the other night, and she had a large new patio built.The company did a good job,and built a small firepit in the corner.Its really quite nice,and goes with the style of their house.It wouldnt go here, as our house is quite different,but it defintely goes with theirs.She's planning on a line of Lavendar surrounding one side of it-which will be very nice indeed.My line of Lavendar will be going out front,soon as construction calms down-and on one side of the back deck.Rick picked the first ear of corn,not too bad shape for a bad year.I think we have 7 ears total.The squash is hanging in there,Ricks been watering everything the last 3 days.

The end of a nice vacation..
Sep 7, 2009 | 2:18 AM PST
Tag: building never stops..
Even though we did nothing special this last week, he's getting his pole barn built,so that is special just the same.Jims at his last day of vacation today-and gets to get back to the building of his barn. We havent been able to get together with his sister all summer-she lives just a short jaunt away in the city,so today we're getting together after supper for a beer.We left friday to go up north-it gave us a very full day saturday,to work on the other house and a couple hrs in the morning-then headed back.Kind of a long trip to just work one day,but the 3 of us accomplished enough.The one pair of extra hands seems to do the trick.All the grass was quite high again,so I mowed with the push mower near the house.I couldnt take the rider this time as we had too much other stuff to haul with us.Its going on the next trip though.My ambitious aim was to start priming the kitchen ceiling/walls.I forgot my step stool at home,so used a chair,and my back feels it now.Up and down in that chair all day,the ceiling is done!,1/2 the walls!,and I need a good dose of "Tiger Balm",as the back has taken a day to realise what I put it thru.But by golly-I am satisfied I got that much done-and it makes a huge improvement.The next trip I can finish the walls & trim,and be done priming that room-and I'll remember the step stool.We're only planning 2 more trips before we shut it up for the long winter.The back shed overhang was shored up,the 2 ft. rotton end cut off and new posts/carrier beams set/secured.It should be fine for many years again,and gives the future occupants a place to store a rider and push mower.That was Ricks job,he got that done in pretty good time, and put in the 2 new dining room windows.What a very nice improvement they make also.Jim worked on the shingling again of the lower half,and got 1/2 way to the windows.The new cedar shingles against the new windows looks so much better- and we're sure it'll also be warmer also.We will start earlier next year-hopefully April-as we have materials now stored up for inside or outside.We really have no desire to be landlords,so its going on the market,but will probaly rent it,as long as we dont have a bunch of problems.Since we live a distance away,its not worth a bunch of headaches associated with a bad rent.We can handle about anything with the building fixing up,and would like to see someone not abuse it,and enjoy living there,as its a nice large quiet spot.Nothing too earth shattering for home improvements just alot of tlc needs to be done that was neglected-or fixing what someone else didnt do.Now the little roof has been replaced,so that was a good hurdle to get past.At least now we know thats done and wont cave in over the winter.The main roof has never had gable vents,which is a simple and inexspensive thing to do for a roof,so one doesnt rot it out,so Rick will put 2 in on the next trip.And yes-that main roof will need a redo in a couple years is a quess after checking it out.There are 3 roofs,one down- 2 to go.Here,at the homestead, today Rick & Jim get back to the pole barn,Ricks to do the delayed roofing today-while Jim does the walls.I have Landon-so mowing the grass-watering etc,are in store for us today.I might be able to get back to moving a couple more perennials too.Rick picked a "Danvers" carrot last night,that one had a nice shape,and big enough.Another bowl of tomatoes,so have enough now to freeze up a batch.And catching up on all the laundry.With no rain for over a week,everything is quite dry so have to water now-no rain in sight for another week they say.I have Tuesday-wednesday off from Landon,so will be able to to that.The bad news is-after meeting with his new teacher for preschool at 9 am Thursday- by 2p.m. that same day we got a phone call saying there would be no preschool for now- they would call us if any further developments.Well- I dont think the teacher took off with the principal,so it must be lack of funding.Why this wasnt secured in place ahead of time-instead of wasting peoples time is beyond me.I dont think preschool is a high priority-but I think he's ready for something like that-so thats a bit of a bummer.More time in natures classroom is what he'll get for this year,which is certainly a good thing.

Making a switch..
Sep 3, 2009 | 1:23 AM PST
Tag: boys & dirt..
The boys,Jim & Landon-puttered away on the small barn in the morning hours,studding up the back wall and adding more supports.Since it was more low key,Landon was allowed to work with "Pappa" and be on the construction site.Having his own tape measure,and other tools,he kept repeating,"Come on,lets get this thing going". We got work to do",anytime Jim sat down for a break.I had pulled the small table over and provided drinks and Oreo's for a snack in the shade.I had a distinct feeling it was going to be a dirty day..He went from one thing to another,ending up playing at/in the rain barrel on the corner of the garage.Of course he ended up wet,but with all the dust & dirt on him,it really didnt matter.After a couple hours he got bored with all that, went out back with me while I mowed the fence line.I was watching him as I mowed with the push,he decided the new gardenbed was a great place to be,and he laid horizontal in one we had been filling with loam-by this time he had his shirt off,I think he thought he was at the beach.lol. Man,he was some dirty by the time he crawled out of there-but I think he had a great time.Of course,in the shower he went when we came in for lunch,but I think he had a real good time out there, as he took a good nap.At the end of the day,at the small table we ate a pizza, and I got to looking/mulling this barn over, and thinking out loud,said, this would make a better tractor shed to use for your tractor instead,because its got great height.Much better than the actual tractor shed,because of wood storage overhead, he has to pull in very slow and watch the top so that he'll clear it.In this he could still have storage overhead,and on the walls,and not be bothered by any of it.His post hole digger is hung temporarily-but he's been wanting a much better set-up,with a better hanging design in mind,but somewhat hampered by the height of the bay.He liked the thought of that much better,so it was decided then,that's just what he'd do.So we're doing a switch,and we'll put the wood supply in the tractor shed.The tractor now has a new home,with more storage room.I puttered & filled 2 more bags of blocks,and since its all dry now,I covered the bags over with a tarp till I get them moved into the shed.With 2 good size piles of gravel in front waiting to be smoothed out,theres alot of good size rocks in there and all around the pole barn.. I think I'll make this next flower bed from these. I thought it had full sun- but its shade till about 11 am,then full sun the rest of the day,but thats still fine,I dont think most of the flowers would mind during the heat of summer.We also decided to move the Mountain Ash tree to a better spot-as its right on the corner, and when it gets bigger, it will be touching the barn if not hampered by it a bit. Its still small,so we can wait till next spring for that.I can move a couple more perennials this afternoon,along with cleaning the cars & a small job uptown to do.The first thing is Landons morning meeting with his new teacher. I also need to freeze up a batch of tomatoes today.I'm going to have to water,as the forecast goes till next wednesday with no rain in sight.

All consuming..
Sep 2, 2009 | 2:46 AM PST
Tag: picking up nails..
This post has been edited by an administrator

Jims on vacation this week,and it turned out to be our best weather week all summer at the same time.Night temps every night now hover at 40*-daytime temps shoot back up to 75-80*-but this time with no humidity.A long stretch of no rain in sight for right now is a blessing.Pole barn building pics are in,and a general description.Since my brother has a construction co.,we hired him-he did the digging of the 4 ft concrete piers,and placed the nine of them,and did the bulkhead hole in a day.We're just doing a gravel floor.All building prices have gone up across the country, we used our local Home Depot and the lumber yard down the street.Needing to go rugged because of winds here,we used 4 x 6 posts, 4 x4 cross members & supports with 2x10 carrier beams.It is protected a bit because its on the side of the garage.Made sure everything was braced real good since Rick had to climb around like a monkey.We changed the initial list of materials of roof rafters from 2x8's, to 2x6's.All the 2x4 bracing was taken down after Rick was done, and using for the studs in the walls-which Jim will work on today.Rick is on another job for today,and will be back tomorrow for strapping the roof, and secure the metal.Since we're trying to stretch the almighty dollar like everyone else, we decided we didnt need sheathing on a pole barn,it'll just be a bit loud in there when it rains.As long as the metal is secured good,we saved some money.This is definitely a 2 person job-3 would be better.The roof metal gets delivered today,bringing the cost to $1900.00, a little more for the walls-est.-$200,and adding the digging in,for a total of $2600.00-not including Ricks labor costs.A much needed structure,but this is the last of the building we're doing for awhile so we can recover.We're just going to prime the walls for now,till we save for some siding.Next year,Jim can actually take a real vacation,and we hope to go camping.The hen house will be attached to one side of it.The opposite side is full sun,where another flower bed will go.I picked up all my weed mess,and did more on the wood pile,I think today will be more of the same.

I couldn't resist adding one of the pictures of the barn. ~Witt

Its Pole Barn time..
Sep 1, 2009 | 3:11 AM PST
Tag: cleaning up..
The Pole Barn which is small compared to a regular size barn, is finally getting built. Its 18 x 22-basically a large tall shed. The guys started saturday,today they put up the roof rafters.I'm busy weeding,putting my lumber pieces of odds and ends into sacks for burning later on-that I gathered in a pile from all this construction the last 3 years. Keeping Landon occupied in the dirt pile with his trucks & doing other things,,since what he really wants to do is build with the guys,is proving to be a challenge. I'll take him up to the playground this morning for a bit,before I get into the wood pile.Since I harvested the garlic,I've started moving some perennials into that bed. The barn will hold our fuel for heating,namely wood-coal-pellets on one side,with the lawn mowers,and anything that we can hang on the walls. The small camper will just fit on the otherside,sticking out a bit,but we didnt plan on building this for this camper anyways,it just happened that it mostly fits and will be out of the way for plowing.So far, the sad looking tomato plants have given us 3 good rounds,with a few more to pick,the plants themselves look terrible. The ones in the front of the house wont make it-and I dont believe will give us red tomatoes,as the plants will die before that with whatever it is they got. I won't put any of this vegetation in the compost as I'm not sure if its blight or not.Today I'm back on weeding & wood pile,and if I keep at it,I'll have this area cleaned up in no time-and will be all stacked in the barn.The floor pad for the bulkhead is done also. The furnace is taken apart,the motor & small pieces being put in a tote.Having a 7 day stretch of sun,we decided to stay on the barn,delaying the trip up north, and leaving Friday.Jims halfway thru plumbing the tub in when it rained the other day.The pole barn changes the front rock bed from full sun to shade now,so the spring bulbs are getting moved into the rock bed behind the gardenshed.Since we lack shade here,thats fine with me,and hopefully this time do a better job and lay some mulch down.The move of the strawberries will wait till next spring,as I know I'll run out of time.I look forward to next spring when I know we dont have to do any structure building,and Jim can fire up that Mantis,and I can just sow long lines of seeds in the front.