We have a new patio! I've been hoping to have it constructed for the last three years, since our sunroom was finished. It fits in the square between the west wall of the sunroom and the back wall of the house, and it measures 16 ft x 20 ft. It should be said here that my wonderful husband was the brunt of many a joke because with every trailer-load of furniture that he brought from New York state to South Carolina, he loaded a layer of brick beneath the items. About 3,000 bricks made it from there to here over the year he went back and forth.
Now you might wonder why he brought bricks here. Well, it's because he and I had salvaged them from a house that was going to be torn down and relandscaped. These bricks spent their former life as a patio at the place, and they were free to us for the pulling out and carrying away. We worked together for hours doing that job, loading them into the back of his dump truck, and unloading those at our house. Sweat equity, I guess, you might call it. There were many more left behind at that place, but we'd reached the end of our energy.
He'd built our patio at the old house, and now he's laid this one down. The differences between the two areas is great. The old one was 16x16 ft, and was laid in soft, sandy soil. It was much easier to level, as the sandy loam was easier to move. This clay had to be chiseled away with a small pick ax, clods pounded into powder and moved with a hand-trowel, brick by brick. In our NY back yard, there were many huge trees, which shaded him as he worked. Here, there isn't a large tree anywhere in the yard (thank you Mr. Builder!) He worked out there in the hot sun, even though I begged him to work early in the morning, before the sun came around to the work site. (He ended up with a pale X on his back, where the sun had burned through his T-shirt and around his suspenders!)
One more difference that must be mentioned is this: we'll actually get to put our outside furniture on the patio, and sit on it! We didn't get to use our old one, due to the fact that we had a couple of granddaughters living with us and the patio was constantly covered with ride on toys and play equipment!
Since the patio is on the south and west, it'll be too hot to use it in the summertime, unless we go an extra mile (and expense) of building a trellis over it. But, the in the Spring and Fall, it should be perfect. The Spring breezes come up from the southwest, and it will be delightful at that time of year. The Fall sees very little in the way of wind, unless there's a storm brewing, in which case we wouldn't sit out there anyway. I forsee that we will use it a lot during those two seasons, especially if we are desiring a little more privacy than we are afforded on the front porch.
I am pleased as punch about this project being accomplished. I truly do a 'happy dance' every time I go out of the back door. I so appreciate all the work that Mike put into this, from the gathering of the brick to the finished product. He truly is a keeper!!!
Friday, September 9, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
September Song...
This month has started off beautifully. Our weather has cooled by just a few degrees, but it's most pleasant to sit on the porch and remain as comfortable as I was a few moments before while in the house.
My daughter came for the weekend...without her husband and two grade-school daughters. I always miss the family members who don't come, but I treasure the alone- time with my daughter. Generally we try to catch up on some scrapbooking together, but this time we chose to make some greeting cards. Erinne, who is usually a very creative gal, was having some difficulties coming up with any ideas for her cards. She 'stole' some of my design ideas, which wasn't a problem for me. It kicked her into gear, and she began to come up with a few of her own originals.
It's such fun to spend time crafting with my daughter. We put on the cd player, with soothing music, and we just let the creativity flow. Both of us have always loved music of any sort, and crafting too, in many mediums. We sing, we talk, we share, we joke, we laugh, we get serious, we sometimes cry. In a word, we commune...and all in all, it's a good time.
We've noticed on each of our 'alone-time' visits that time goes so fast. It is our one complaint. There is never enough time to do all that we want to or time enough to say everything we want to say. We cherish these times as they come too infrequently and are all too short. Family is important to us. I enjoy my time with each of the girls, whenever we get together, one on one. Gatherings are looked forward to, as well, but sometimes it's nice to have just one conversation at a time, catching up with each other's lives and concerns. I'm glad my oldest two are within two hours of me, affording us the opportunity to get together when their work schedule permits it. It is my hope that my NY daughters will one day move here, offering us the chance to visit more frequently.
This weekend will have to hold me until next time. There will be a few trips, I'm sure, before the holidays...and then Christmas will bring the eldest girls and their families to join my mother, brother, my husband and I, here at our home. I'm reminded of an old song lyric.."And the days dwindle down, to a precious few...September, November...and these few days, I'll spend with you. These precious days I'll spend with you."
My daughter came for the weekend...without her husband and two grade-school daughters. I always miss the family members who don't come, but I treasure the alone- time with my daughter. Generally we try to catch up on some scrapbooking together, but this time we chose to make some greeting cards. Erinne, who is usually a very creative gal, was having some difficulties coming up with any ideas for her cards. She 'stole' some of my design ideas, which wasn't a problem for me. It kicked her into gear, and she began to come up with a few of her own originals.
It's such fun to spend time crafting with my daughter. We put on the cd player, with soothing music, and we just let the creativity flow. Both of us have always loved music of any sort, and crafting too, in many mediums. We sing, we talk, we share, we joke, we laugh, we get serious, we sometimes cry. In a word, we commune...and all in all, it's a good time.
We've noticed on each of our 'alone-time' visits that time goes so fast. It is our one complaint. There is never enough time to do all that we want to or time enough to say everything we want to say. We cherish these times as they come too infrequently and are all too short. Family is important to us. I enjoy my time with each of the girls, whenever we get together, one on one. Gatherings are looked forward to, as well, but sometimes it's nice to have just one conversation at a time, catching up with each other's lives and concerns. I'm glad my oldest two are within two hours of me, affording us the opportunity to get together when their work schedule permits it. It is my hope that my NY daughters will one day move here, offering us the chance to visit more frequently.
This weekend will have to hold me until next time. There will be a few trips, I'm sure, before the holidays...and then Christmas will bring the eldest girls and their families to join my mother, brother, my husband and I, here at our home. I'm reminded of an old song lyric.."And the days dwindle down, to a precious few...September, November...and these few days, I'll spend with you. These precious days I'll spend with you."
Sunday, September 4, 2011
AWOL
Yes, dear readers...I know. I didn't tell you that I'd be absent...and certainly NOT for this near-week period. Please rest assured that I'll be writing again on Monday..or at latest, Tuesday. My daughter hasn't been here since Christmas, and we're 'playing' and talking, and otherwise using our time together, so I know you'll all be forgiving!
See you soon....
See you soon....
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Soap Operas...
One of my blogger friends mentioned the demise of the soap opera she watches. It took me back to my early womanhood when I was at home with my babies. It seemed they liked the 3pm hour for their afternoon feedings. I'd turn on the TV, which in that time, broadcast only game shows, talk shows and soaps. I started watching General Hospital, and I got 'hooked'.
I'm almost ashamed to admit that. But, it is the truth. I watched almost daily, to be sure not to miss a moment of Dr. Steve Hardy and his girlfriend, and later wife, Audrey. There were twists and turns, sickness, sorrows, deaths, resurrections, weddings, you name it...it was there. Things were written into stories that would never happen in real life!
There was a story line that involved some sort of mafia characters...every story must have a few villans, you understand. After awhile of talking about the 'Ice Princess' who was the 'head' of the evil operations, she made her first appearance. The beautiful, violet-eyed Elizabeth Taylor did a short stint as the Ice Princess. She hatched a plan (and pulled it off) to freeze the entire area (I've forgotten the name of the city) from an underground weather station. She wreaked havoc, and when the story line was over, those characters were gone for good.
But of course, they were replaced by others. Somewhere along the line, they introduced Dr Leslie Webber's long-lost daughter, Laura. She stayed on the show for a very long time, and in time, she was the main character. She had a sweet and loving relationship with Luke, and though they went through fire and rain, they ended up married. It was said that more people watched their 'wedding' than any other show to that date. Truth? I don't know, but we who watched were certainly intrigued by the whole thing.
What makes those things so addictive? Are we so bored with our lives that we must watch a story-book portrayal of life? I know that the writers of these things give you just enough at a time to draw you back....especially when they give you a 'cliff-hanger'. All I can say is this, I guess I needed that entertainment and then I got hooked.
Once I went to work, full-time, that was the end of that. I lived my own life and didn't have time for the nonsence that appeared on the TV screen at 3pm each week day. And, do you know what? I didn't even miss it.
I'm almost ashamed to admit that. But, it is the truth. I watched almost daily, to be sure not to miss a moment of Dr. Steve Hardy and his girlfriend, and later wife, Audrey. There were twists and turns, sickness, sorrows, deaths, resurrections, weddings, you name it...it was there. Things were written into stories that would never happen in real life!
There was a story line that involved some sort of mafia characters...every story must have a few villans, you understand. After awhile of talking about the 'Ice Princess' who was the 'head' of the evil operations, she made her first appearance. The beautiful, violet-eyed Elizabeth Taylor did a short stint as the Ice Princess. She hatched a plan (and pulled it off) to freeze the entire area (I've forgotten the name of the city) from an underground weather station. She wreaked havoc, and when the story line was over, those characters were gone for good.
But of course, they were replaced by others. Somewhere along the line, they introduced Dr Leslie Webber's long-lost daughter, Laura. She stayed on the show for a very long time, and in time, she was the main character. She had a sweet and loving relationship with Luke, and though they went through fire and rain, they ended up married. It was said that more people watched their 'wedding' than any other show to that date. Truth? I don't know, but we who watched were certainly intrigued by the whole thing.
What makes those things so addictive? Are we so bored with our lives that we must watch a story-book portrayal of life? I know that the writers of these things give you just enough at a time to draw you back....especially when they give you a 'cliff-hanger'. All I can say is this, I guess I needed that entertainment and then I got hooked.
Once I went to work, full-time, that was the end of that. I lived my own life and didn't have time for the nonsence that appeared on the TV screen at 3pm each week day. And, do you know what? I didn't even miss it.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Aftermath...
Fortunately Hurricane Irene did not hit the area where my kids live. She did, however, send storm surges and wind from her outer walls. That did enough to keep the officials and the Highway Dept., as well as residents, busy for awhile.
There will be roads to clear, storm drains to clean out, trees to cut up and remove. There will be areas near the beaches, owned by the Town, which will need new asphalt. There will be beach patrols to remove the debris and make sure things are safe for people to use the sands again.
As for us, my daughter lives in my Mom's rental house. There are three trees along the road, owned by the Town, located fifty or so feet from the house. Correction... there were three trees. Long after Irene's strong breath blew off in a northerly direction, she pulled something unexpected. There are now two standing and one lying across the roof of my daughter's 2011 Chevrolet and blocking the garage door and the front door. They have one access in and out of the house. I don't know if there's any damage to the house, per se, other than the rain gutters, but once the tree is removed, we'll know better.
Meanwhile, phone calls have been made to the Town and to the insurance companies. There has to be paperwork and claims filed. The Town will have to inspect. The insurance companies will too. Then, I guess it's a waiting game. My daughter will have to get another car, once it is determined how her carrier will deal with this mess.
I'm 900 miles from home and my daughter. I wish that I was closer, so that I could be more help to her. She told me this morning that there's nothing I can really do, but listen to her, and that I am the one she 'dumps' it all on. I don't mind. That's what Moms are for, isn't it...at least one of our jobs.
The poor kid has had a heck of a year, thus far. She's the one who had the gangrenous appendix and surgery in May. The loss of work while hospitalized and recuperating affected her finances, already strained. Her medical insurance has a large deductible to be met each time there's a surgery, so there's a debt load she certainly didn't need.
There are so many things to be grateful for, even in this. My daughter and her girls are fine, albeit, upset about the situation. The home they are in is liveable. The car is fully insured. This could have been so much worse. In a few years, this will all be forgotten, but for now, there's a lot going on in our hearts and minds. We'll get through it, we always do, but life sure can hand you some surprises!
There will be roads to clear, storm drains to clean out, trees to cut up and remove. There will be areas near the beaches, owned by the Town, which will need new asphalt. There will be beach patrols to remove the debris and make sure things are safe for people to use the sands again.
As for us, my daughter lives in my Mom's rental house. There are three trees along the road, owned by the Town, located fifty or so feet from the house. Correction... there were three trees. Long after Irene's strong breath blew off in a northerly direction, she pulled something unexpected. There are now two standing and one lying across the roof of my daughter's 2011 Chevrolet and blocking the garage door and the front door. They have one access in and out of the house. I don't know if there's any damage to the house, per se, other than the rain gutters, but once the tree is removed, we'll know better.
Meanwhile, phone calls have been made to the Town and to the insurance companies. There has to be paperwork and claims filed. The Town will have to inspect. The insurance companies will too. Then, I guess it's a waiting game. My daughter will have to get another car, once it is determined how her carrier will deal with this mess.
I'm 900 miles from home and my daughter. I wish that I was closer, so that I could be more help to her. She told me this morning that there's nothing I can really do, but listen to her, and that I am the one she 'dumps' it all on. I don't mind. That's what Moms are for, isn't it...at least one of our jobs.
The poor kid has had a heck of a year, thus far. She's the one who had the gangrenous appendix and surgery in May. The loss of work while hospitalized and recuperating affected her finances, already strained. Her medical insurance has a large deductible to be met each time there's a surgery, so there's a debt load she certainly didn't need.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
In Preparation....
All week-long, all over the TV channels reports of Hurricane Irene have been broadcast: Irene over Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and where she might go next, seas rising and falling and surging against the sands, the storm's projected paths. All of the East Coast has been watching and waiting.
I am far from the coast, and we have seen no wind or rain. But, still I am affected by this storm and it's fierce behaviors. Because two of my children and two of Mike's, a number of grandkids and numerous friends are in her direct path, Irene is on my mind too. I have sent instructions and suggestions, lists and good advice to my girls, who were too young to really know what a Hurricane is like, and what preparations should be made. I could tell when I spoke to one of them on the phone earlier this week, that she was not realizing the importance of it all. I think she thought I was just needlessly worrying. This morning, she said she's beginning to get an inkling that there might be something to worry about.
I was hoping they would join together in one of their homes or the other, but it seems they're planning to stay in their respective places. I suppose it's up to them, but I'd be happier thinking that they are together. Of course, being 900 miles away, there's not much I can do to help them prepare...or listen. There's nothing Mom can do to 'fix' anything so that they stay as safe as can be. It's one of those times when I wish I could control things, but can't.
So, I've done what I can, and hopefully, they have all done what they can do to clear their yards of furniture and things that can propel through the air on a stiff wind. I pray that they've found what food they need should they lose their power, and not be able to cook anything. I hope they've got enough ice to keep their perishables cold enough that they won't need to throw too much food away. They've got books to read by flashlight and camping lanterns. They've got games they can play. They will be 'locked down' together, my daughter and hers, my other daughter and her friend (s).
And...they, as with all my friends who are in the line of the hurricane, will be in the hands of the protective Lord, because I've already placed them there...in preparation.
I am far from the coast, and we have seen no wind or rain. But, still I am affected by this storm and it's fierce behaviors. Because two of my children and two of Mike's, a number of grandkids and numerous friends are in her direct path, Irene is on my mind too. I have sent instructions and suggestions, lists and good advice to my girls, who were too young to really know what a Hurricane is like, and what preparations should be made. I could tell when I spoke to one of them on the phone earlier this week, that she was not realizing the importance of it all. I think she thought I was just needlessly worrying. This morning, she said she's beginning to get an inkling that there might be something to worry about.
I was hoping they would join together in one of their homes or the other, but it seems they're planning to stay in their respective places. I suppose it's up to them, but I'd be happier thinking that they are together. Of course, being 900 miles away, there's not much I can do to help them prepare...or listen. There's nothing Mom can do to 'fix' anything so that they stay as safe as can be. It's one of those times when I wish I could control things, but can't.
So, I've done what I can, and hopefully, they have all done what they can do to clear their yards of furniture and things that can propel through the air on a stiff wind. I pray that they've found what food they need should they lose their power, and not be able to cook anything. I hope they've got enough ice to keep their perishables cold enough that they won't need to throw too much food away. They've got books to read by flashlight and camping lanterns. They've got games they can play. They will be 'locked down' together, my daughter and hers, my other daughter and her friend (s).
And...they, as with all my friends who are in the line of the hurricane, will be in the hands of the protective Lord, because I've already placed them there...in preparation.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
This Morning
"Oh, what a beautiful morning! Oh, what a beautiful day!" This August day is starting out with temperatures in the 70's, which will rise to the mid-80's. It's clear without a sign of that horrendous humidity we've suffered with this summer! It is glorious out there!
The front door is swung open, and the fresh air comes through the screen door. It feels so good, and has already taken the inside temperature down by three degrees. It doesn't feel stuffy in here any more! I long for days like these, and I believe I'd be quite pleased if it stayed this way year-round. No, I wouldn't. I'd miss our one yearly snowfall and the crisp, cold, short winters, and the brisk Fall breezes that cause the brilliant colored leaves to dance. I'd miss the summers too. Really, I would, as much as I gripe about the awful heat! It is actually because of each season's misbehaving that I appreciate the good days that we see!
There is a cacophony of sound coming from our front porch. There's enough breeze this morning to move the windchimes quite well. As the long copper pipes join, the deep, mellow notes fill the air, reminding me of the cleats hitting the aluminum masts in the harbor back home. The other windchime
is smaller and higher-pitched. It seems louder, and the sound goes through my head, almost causing me to take them down. But, I don't...because it's quite melodic when it plays with the deeper one.
That just made me think about people. Some are easy to be with, some are not. We might like to eliminate those difficult ones from our lives. But they are here, in our lives, for some reason. If they work together with others, the harmony of life can be so sweet! If they work against everyone they meet, it may be more uncomfortable, but having them in our lives will be giving us something to grow through. That is not a bad thing, however uncomfortable, is it?
So, this morning is a joy! It is a wonderful entry into another day of activity, of lessons and growth. I'm already enjoying the presence of it and I thank the Creator for it!
!
The front door is swung open, and the fresh air comes through the screen door. It feels so good, and has already taken the inside temperature down by three degrees. It doesn't feel stuffy in here any more! I long for days like these, and I believe I'd be quite pleased if it stayed this way year-round. No, I wouldn't. I'd miss our one yearly snowfall and the crisp, cold, short winters, and the brisk Fall breezes that cause the brilliant colored leaves to dance. I'd miss the summers too. Really, I would, as much as I gripe about the awful heat! It is actually because of each season's misbehaving that I appreciate the good days that we see!
There is a cacophony of sound coming from our front porch. There's enough breeze this morning to move the windchimes quite well. As the long copper pipes join, the deep, mellow notes fill the air, reminding me of the cleats hitting the aluminum masts in the harbor back home. The other windchime
is smaller and higher-pitched. It seems louder, and the sound goes through my head, almost causing me to take them down. But, I don't...because it's quite melodic when it plays with the deeper one.
That just made me think about people. Some are easy to be with, some are not. We might like to eliminate those difficult ones from our lives. But they are here, in our lives, for some reason. If they work together with others, the harmony of life can be so sweet! If they work against everyone they meet, it may be more uncomfortable, but having them in our lives will be giving us something to grow through. That is not a bad thing, however uncomfortable, is it?
So, this morning is a joy! It is a wonderful entry into another day of activity, of lessons and growth. I'm already enjoying the presence of it and I thank the Creator for it!
!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)