This Week

Its been pretty uneventful around here the past couple of weeks.  Our big trip to CA starts on Sunday.  So grateful that my mom lives here, so that we can leave the dogs and the house knowing that everything will be secure.  Although, last summer's vacation ended up in an unexpected evacuation.  I don't anticipate that happening again since we've had nothing but rain here this summer.  Not complaining!  Just saying.

Anyway here's a few snapshots that we took over the past few days!

The pool finally got finished enough that we could add the the water this weekend.  The kids were pretty excited!

Except for when they got in and realized how chilly the water ended up being.  I had to bribe them with some spending money at Disney to go all the way under.

The little kids love jumping on the tramoline with their cousins. This is a ritual every Sunday at Grandma and Grandpa's house in the summer time.  This week I decided to join them for a bit.  They were thrilled!  Little did I know how much this works the core...Don't mind the blurriness of the photo.  Not one of Mr. Mann's forte's!

This week was the final golf tournament of the summer season.  While Caleb will still play a few rounds before summer ends, he is looking forward to trying out for the golf team again this year.  Definitely a passion of his.

Our Little Escape Artist

This summer has been a nightmare as a pet owner.  Something has happened to our girl dog. Something has freaked her out and caused her to behave like a mad dog--a thunderstorm? New neighbor dogs? The many visitors we've had this summer? Bunnies, birdies, teenage dog hormones?  I really don't know. All I know, is that she has become quite the escape artist and doesn't like to be in her outdoor enclosure unless one of us is with her. Seriously?  Seperation anxiety?  Aren't we a little beyond this stage??!! Mind you, the dog pen is larger than most city yards, but she doesn't know this.  She's only lived in the country and loves access to the bigger yard, and more importantly, her human friends.

At first it started with pushing and maneuvering her way between the metal t-post and fencing that was not permanently secured to the house.  So we cemented in two wood posts.  But she didn't care. She decided that wasn't going to stop her, and she climbed the wire fencing instead.

Doesn't that look make you wonder if she's already plotting her next move?  I'm certain she was!

Next we added a little extra wire to that section, but then she decided to climb over the gates.  So we added some taller pickets to the other side.  Not too nice for the curb appeal factor, but we don't really have a curb anyway!

Yeah, that didn't work either, she just climbed the wire right next to it.

Then we added chicken wire to heighten the fence. It worked, but we didn't have enough and she climbed the one section we hadn't done within an hour of our leaving her back there the first time.  The craziest part was that she climbed out, helped my mom with a few yard tasks and then climbed back in. BIZARRE!

(I didn't take a picture of this stage, because I was just too exhausted from dealing with the craziness!)

Well, with all of these wacked up antics, we decided to pull out the big guns.  While we had initially borrowed an invisible fence from our brother and sister that are dog owners, I was having a soft heart and didn't want to hurt her.  Given that we had tried a variety of humane ways and she was still misbehaving I had a change of heart.  Now, I was all for this drastic measure.  My only concern was that Quinn, our boy dog, would chew the collar Lilly would be required to wear for the shock system to work.  He's been known to go for her neck when they are playing.  For some reason, he loves collars! Maybe his dog food doesn't have the nutritional value he is needing?!  Anyhoo, enter Craig's dad to the rescue! He just happened to have an electric fence system that he wasn't using it anymore.  This one doesn't require a collar, so I won't have to worry about Quinn destroying it.  While we didn't really want ours dogs to experience the pain of the electric fence, we needed to nip this problem in the bud. There safety is our primary concern and getting out could cause them much more harm.

Seriously,  I can't quite understand how she couldn't love this area.  A custom built dog house, lots of room to run.  Plenty of shade and sun.  What more could you ask for?  

Well, Lilly was certainly not a happy camper that first night.  She tried two different escape routes that landed her with the unexpected shock.  She was so freaked out that she climbed over the one gate we hadn't added extra pickets too.  I know what you're saying..."Of course, she did!  What would you expect at this point?  Why didn't you fix that problem before you put her back there?"  Well, I was impatient and didn't want to run to the Home Depot for the bazillionth time, my friends!  It's fixed now, so if she gets out, I just have to throw my hands up on this one!

It's been a few of days now, and while she was definitely not herself that first day, she is adjusting just fine.

I look at her and tell her that I tried to be nice, but she left us with no other options.  We want to keep her safe from the dangers that exist beyond our yard. But then I remember she's just a dog, and realize that her self gratifying spirit probably only cares about chasing rabbits and birds!

And maybe a good nap on my favorite chair!

Photos of the Photographer

We returned from our visit with my dad who lives in Florida a few weeks ago, and were toying with the idea of meeting him in the Mesa Verde/4 Corners area as he was making his way to Utah to volunteer as an astrophotographer/lecturer for Bryce and Zion National Parks.  However, we decided against it, as we have a couple of other big trips planned for the upcoming months. One of them being with him in March.

Well much to our suprise--and a very pleasant one I might add--he called us last Monday night and decided to come stay with us for a couple of days.  Even though the clouds were abundant and the night skies were not cooperative, we kept ourselves busy.  His passion is definitely photography, and it brought me much joy to be able to take him to some great spots to capture just the right shot!

Thanks for a great visit Grandpa Buick!

Peace

Living out in the country has changed my outlook on many things.  There is something about the solitude and open space that has changed me. I will always be a city girl at heart.  There are days when I miss it greatly. Hanging out in the yard with my neighbors, the ease in the care of our yard, the proximity to our jobs, schools and shopping.  The noise and the distractions. (Mom, if you are reading this, don't analyze this and go to your yucky place!  It's all good!)  The country has changed me. My morning walks are much different now. I have always used the time to reflect and listen for God to place on my heart what He needs to me to know.  But now that there are fewer distractions,  I am appreciating the wide open space, the bright blue sky and the quiet in ways I never new I could.  

Often, it will just be me and my shadow for the 45 minutes it takes me to walk to the end of my street and back.  While I miss the occasional walker and their adorable dog that I would pass when walking in the city, I'm finding a new sense of peace as I walk in the solitude of the country.  I still love the noise and distractions of the city, but this is a part of life that I am learning to embrace! 

My eyes are averted to things I would have missed on my city walks.  Grassy fields with blooming flowers.

The view of the peak as I come over the top of one the hills.

Birds nestling in the branches of trees.  Look carefully!  He's a small little guy.  But he's there--in the center of it all!

And turning the corner to see this place. Our little part of the world we call Home.  

May your day be filled with joy in your heart and peace of mind!

The Garden

This spring we took on the renovation of our garden.  Nana planted a small garden in one of the corners the first summer, and then last summer we took on the whole area, but it was overrun by the weeds. It was just too big for us to manage.  So this spring, we decided to map out the area and make it a place that was manageable and beautiful.

After traveling to the east coast last summer and visiting the beautiful gardens at Mt. Vernon, we thought this could lead as a starting point for our small little plot of land. There are numerous gardens to walk through at George Washington's estate, but this one caught my eye.  Very natural looking.  They basically used the land and the plants to separate each section.  The paths were mostly grasses and a few brick pathways.

source

So when Craig, Nana and I sat down to talk about how our garden might look, we decided to take on a less is more approach.

THE GOAL:

Create a peaceful place to work the land and enjoy the fruits  of our labor come fall. And veggies, too, of course! 

The one thing that Nana knew we needed was designated beds for growing. Given that there are tons of trained gardeners to work the gardens pictured above, we realize that our garden will be a little less manicured. After all, there are just the 5 of us that will be maintaining our garden. And while the kids are a huge help in many ways, gardening it not really their forte!  The weeds were a huge issue last year, so figuring out a way to separate the fruit and veggies from the wild grasses and weeds was tops on our list. We ended up going with old railroad ties that were once used on train tracks across the U.S.  

With a plan in hand, we got started in late April. 

First, we rotatilled the areas where we wanted the beds to go.

Thanks to Uncle Eli for helping Craig get the ties and bringing them into the garden.  I'm not so sure Nana and I could have lifted them.  They are extremely heavy!

We agreed that while a new split rail fence would look great, the chainlink fence that is already there works just fine.  Removing a few sections here and there and repairing a few places that were broken saved us a ton.  Not just financially, but time as well, which we've learned is a huge deal out here. What would take us an hour at our home in the city, takes us 2-3 hours out here.  Not complaining, just stating a fact that we didn't realize when we took on this adventure!

Next, came the dirt.  It took six trips to the rockyard to get enough gardening soil to fill the 9 beds.

Then, came a huge gift from our friends.  They were getting rid of some pea gravel from their yard and asked us if we'd like to use it somewhere on our property.  Well, naturally the answer was, YES!

We started by creating a small area for a table and chairs.  Then we added a path from the main yard to the garden itself.  We still have a slew of rock left that we can add as we find a need.

Here's what the garden looks like today.  About a month into the growing season. 

When the previous owners lived here, they used this area for raising dogs.  I think they were breeders. There was four small kennel areas where the two larger beds in this photo are located.  The area where the wagon is will be become the home for future chickens.  We want this area to be a free range area for them once we build the coop and partition that area off for when we don't want them tinkering in the garden. But that's a project for another day!

We still have a long way to go.  Some things have yet to even sprout.  But it sure is looking good.  

I think we're going to have a bumper crop of peas this year.  My favorites.

The tomatoes are looking good.  No blossoms yet, but it's still early.

Mary, Mary, quite contrary.  How does your garden grow?

While the corn was not quite knee high by the Fourth of July, there's still plenty of growing season left.  The lettuce isn't looking too good after the last hail storm, but come rain or shine I have a feeling it will survive!  May not look pretty, but I bet it will taste yummy!

The peppers are getting ready to blossom!

Even the garden needs a little decor here and there!

The onions are doing great!  The garlic is still working on establishing itself.

A few of these spread throughout the garden are supposed to help with pests.  Let's hope they do their jobs!

I tried to transplant my strawberries from last summer, but they did not survive the shock.  After seeing these sweet little guys this week, I am hopeful that this new batch of strawberries will adjust well to their new home and take off in years to come!

I'm so happy with how it's turning out. Each year brings something new.  But this year is, by far, the best year for this little garden of ours. 

Happy Birthday America!

This independence day was very relaxing!  Craig had to work--as with every other holiday (except Christmas!).  While we've grown accustomed to it, we never like it when he has to leave.  We hung out in the garden in the morning, and then came in for a little nap.  Well at least the puppies did.  I'm not sure why I still call them the puppies.  They are two after all.  Maybe it's because they still act like pupplies.  Or maybe they will always be my puppies in my mind.  We shall see as they age.

 The afternoon brought a crazy thunderstorm.  I haven't seen that much rain in a long time.  While I am grateful for the moisture to green up our wild grasses, I sure hope the hail didn't damage the garden too much.

 We headed over to Grandma and Grandpa's for dinner.  It was delicious, as always.  So glad we get to hang out each week with them.

 Then we came home and saw that it dried out enough for us to light our fireworks and build a fire!  Woohoo!  Didn't think this would happen given how much rain was coming down earlier in the day.  The clouds were still lingering, but it turned out to be a wonderful evening.

These three after they finally got the waterlogged kindling started:
"We build fire!"

The first sparkler of the night!

Yes, Nana.  I am going to take your photo!  You are beautiful!

I think the kids overloaded their new instagram accounts.  Getting them "smartphones" this year has really brought them joy.  Who knew?!

The joy on her face makes me smile every time!

A perfect night for marshmallows.

Love him!

Fun on the driveway!

That there's the moon trying to peek through the coulds.

Our neighbors put on a beautiful show for us, too!

A sparkler duo.

Happy Independence Day.  

Happy Birthday America!

Lilly was a little freaked out by the fire and sparklers.  She even jumped into Craig's lap at one point in the evening.  Crazy dog!

We hope your 4th of July was filled with many great memories.  Afterall, that's what life is all about.  Enjoying the moments as they happen and making great memories along the way!