Monday, September 19, 2005

3rd night with our princess

Okay, okay, I promise not to go on too much about our little princess. "S" had the midnight to am shift as I had to work today. Once we realized that if you cut off the water, she won't get up so much, she only got up once in the night. "S" said she had to play for about 1 hr. after her little bathroom run. Love her and hopefully she'll be night trained soon. She went for her first car ride and I think got a little under the weather. Had to have a long nap at Grandma's and Papa's. On the way home, she was much better.

Sunday, September 18, 2005

2nd night with Ms. Biscuit

Well, we have survived. Biscuit slept in her kennel all night. All night but not through the night. How's 11:30, 12:30, 1:30 and 3:30. She slept in her kennel and I slept on the floor right beside her. "S" took over at 6:30 and I crawled back into bed for a very long sleep. I finally realized at the 1:30 pee session that her water must go. So I think tonight will be better. It has been awhile since I've had to toilet train, but it is coming back in little spurts. We love her and this is just part of it. Another week and all should be fine. She's very good at telling us she has to go out and only 2 accidents in the house.

As for our anniversary, we went out to dinner, but was so tired from the night before, we didn't make the movie. Oh well, the thought of a warm dark room would have made me fall asleep in about 2 secs. Thank goodness I have a wonderful husband, who was as tired as I was.

Saturday, September 17, 2005

You know you are loved when your husband works two weeks straight on your vision, but doesn't get it, until he's done. And a brother who helps on his days off because he knows how much his little sister wants this done. Somewhere, these two have gotten each others DNA, because they work so well together. And, they love measuring tapes as much as I do. I love you both, and Happy Anniversary to my husband, you are the best.
P.S. Husband standing, brother kneelingPosted by Picasa
The following pics are of the evolution that has taken place in our yard. The eye sore of a yard is gone, and hello to the great wall of Steve. We had a beautiful brick patio (about 1500 sq ft.) and a yucky yard. Now, we have extended the retaining wall, about 100 ft, and made room for another arbour and two ramps. One is 8ft wide, wide enough for a vehicle to back up onto the lawn, and one closer to the "crater", which is 6 ft wide, wide enough for the quad and trailer to get through. The wall was a work in progress and changed quite often. Everytime someone came over, usually with a beer in hand, a suggestion was made, that we never thought about and changes were made accordingly. This is probably why it took 2 weeks to build. However, we think all was worth it, and we should be able to do anything now. I have also included a pic of a machine that no one, who is landscaping, should be without. The "Sod remover machine" makes quick work out of the toughest jobs. Earlier this year, we created a 150ft garden in about 1 hr. 1/2 hour for the sod to go and 1/2 hr. for the rototilling. Easy as pie.





We made it through our first night with Ms. Biscuit home with us. She is as mellow as we thought. She only whined at bed time in her kennel, so guess who slept in the king size bed. Nothing less for the new princess in the family. Okay, okay, I know this is not a great thing to start, but call us soft. How could we not, after she has spent 8 weeks with 9 other little bodies. One night won't hurt. Posted by Picasa

Thursday, September 15, 2005

Where does the time go....

I had a gentle reminder today, that at one point, I used to blog. We have just finished the 100 ft. retaining wall. Okay, okay, my husband finally finished his wall. I love him dearly, but do not, and I repeat, do not touch his masterpiece. It is formally called the Willea wall. This is indestructable. Which is probably a smart thing, as we have 3 precious hooligans.

The bed's have been cut out, the pool is being drained as we speak, I have worked 6 days straight and after all the time away, I'm not convinced that work is for me. I have been blessed to be home for 8 years, with our children. Being here everyday for all of them. I gave up a great career, but obviously, not that great, as I have had no regrets.

Why did I go back to work? Not for the love of it. Don't get me wrong, I really like my job, but reality states, that if I desire more gardening things, I need to go back to work. We have 1 acre, and only about 40% is landscaped. See my dilema. Grand ideas = mom going to work to pay for her plans. However, after 2 weeks of sweating and sometimes swearing, my husband took me out today to show me his masterpiece. After he showed, he explained to me what he's going to do next spring with more retaining wall. Yes, he's got the bug bad... Maybe if it becomes both our hobby, mom can stay home and work around the yard....

It is amazing the things that happen in your garden in 6 days. It was like Christmas and a bad hang over all at once. As I was wandering, I was amazed at the beautiful flowers blooming. Rosa "Joseph's Coat" still takes my breath away. I planted Glad's late this year, and the most beautiful deep red's came out while I was at work. The hangover part.... all the weed's, deadheading and the dreadful horsetail, what is a girl to do? A good stretch off before I go back to work for a couple of days, then is should slow down again and I may even get 10 days off between work days.

Our baby girl, Biscuit, comes home tomorrow. I can not wait. So not only will I be working on my garden, I'll also be teaching an 8 week old puppy to stay out of my gardens. When do I realize I have enough on my plate? Yes, usually when I'm knee deep in it and wonder how it all happens around me.

Thank goodness for a wonderful husband, who indulges me, holds my hand when I'm scared and stands beside me when I take on another task. I love you honey.

Okay, I think I've cleared my head and now it's off to bed for a good night's sleep. Nighty night....

Friday, September 02, 2005

Good Morning to you all

As you can tell, summer is winding down and the project lists start again. So, I was a little shocked that when I finally sat down to watch the news last night, for the first time in a long time, I was devastated to see what was happening with all the people from hurricane Katrina. My thoughts are with these people and I hope all can get it together.

As far as new projects, my poor husband got a crash course on evolution. A few years ago, we put in a beautiful 1500 sq.ft. brick patio. That was supposed to be it. Well 2005 brought my brother getting engaged and wanting to get married in our yard. Great, super, wonderful. You see, we work better with pressure and deadlines. Our 5 year plan is now 1 1/2 yrs. So my husband has had to learn how to continue on a retaining wall for another 120 ft. and pick up the hedge and listen to me constantly talk about what I am going to do. Then Sandy comes over and adds her ideas, and my husband, now walks away. However, he complains in the morning, but by the end of the day, he is saying how beautiful it will be and he's glad we are doing this. He does remind me that I keep saying "Just this next garden and I'll be done." Done for the moment that is...... Evolution my man, evolution and Sandy!!!! She has great ideas, a wonderful coach and she still gets excited when I get so excited.

Thank goodness for people who don't like Rhodo's.... My garden is fairly new, most of it only 2 years old. So you can imagine how small stuff is. We have new neighbors, who's yard is severly overgrown with plants. Bad planting, or did a previous owner not know about division and thinning. Who cares, because I now have reaped the rewards. I stopped and asked if they were going to toss. And as a matter of fact, they were going to toss 10 year old rhodos and if I wanted, I could have. I was elated. 2 huge rhodo's in my yard. Wow, what a difference. I stopped there yesterday, and found out it is "5" Rhodo's. Yeah huh!!!!!! This of course has sent me over the edge. Kids, hurry up and go back to school so I can go and dig my rhodos..