Pam – Page 117 – New England's Narrow Road

It’s Almost Fall, But I Am Planting To Beautify My New Yard

fence and rock garden — Trying to Beautify the Yard

Well, I am all moved into the new house and I’ve been busy trying my best to get the place fixed up. Some things I am doing myself, such as yard work and planting. I’ve already weeded and made a small garden in the rocks by the driveway and along the old fence which I decided to keep. At first I thought I might paint it, but I’m not sure, and that would be something that can wait anyway.

Fall is a great time to plant perennials so I’ve been checking out the local farms and stores for some to add to the yard. Tenney Farms (one of my favorite places) has a bunch of perennials that are overgrown and not so pretty, but I’ve picked up some good stuff in the past few weeks. I added a red rhododendron to the side yard and a couple of peonies (one is white) to the fence garden, along with tall, red daylilies and little stella d’oros (which I love too), and a white phlox.

I found a great looking Astilbe at the farm too and that is in the front near all the trees. I have a lot of shade in the front from the tall trees that line the road and the sunny, but small, back yard was full of blackberry bushes that I have been pulling out. Not fun! I’ll keep the raspberries which are not in the way, and not as nasty.

I planted a red coneflower and yellow daisy back there which will grow among my veggies next spring. Fall is a good time to get ready for next years growing season so I feel like I am accomplishing something and in the Spring there will be at least some color in this yard.

The only plants worth much that are already here are a few leggy lilacs, and I found two, small azaleas that look like they are barely surviving. I’m moving them into more sunny areas so hopefully they will do better. Already I am looking forward to next Spring, for the first time in years.

This is what I have spent most of my time doing, that and getting my son ready for school which starts next week.

How to Plant Perennials (homeandgardenideas.com)
Planning A Garden: Sunny Spots (hydrangeasblue.wordpress.com)

Fall… and Christmas… Already?

Why are we always pushing things. Can’t we just enjoy what is in the here and now? I am just beginning to enjoy summer and it’s almost August. I worked for 5 hours in my yard yesterday to get some clean up done and some flowers planted. I suppose most people have done this in Spring and now they are off vacationing or doing fun things during their summer Saturdays, but I am behind.

Then I got a notice that I had sold 100 beach Christmas photo cards! Wow- some people do plan ahead. In the online shopping and selling world, it is really too late to begin making Fall items to sell. The items will take some time to get “out there” for people to find, but I opened a new Zazzle “Fall Colors” wedding store anyway. Most of my fall wedding stuff is hidden in my main store so I thought I’d get it all together, along with new things, to make it easier to find.

I love the Fall season and cherish every moment of it. Now that I have moved I won’t get to see the color around the lake, but look forward to seeing what this new area has for color. It’s an opportunity for new photos. But, today I will enjoy the summer day, and not think ahead.

A Camp Style Bathroom

green and yellow bathroom — Camp style bath

Now that I have moved, I have to get used to new things all over again. Or should I say, “old things” that are new to me? I love that I have windows in both my bathrooms, even though the one downstairs only opens a few inches, due to the fact that I am not strong enough to shove it open more. Almost all the windows in the house are old and balk at being opened. A bathroom without windows is pretty dumb. It’s the one room that gets steamy and needs fresh air the most, so why is it that houses are built without considering that? I lived for 3 years in a rental with a tiny bathroom and no window, so having windows now is like heaven to me!
The upstairs bathroom (in my picture) reminds me of being at camp. Why on earth anyone would paint their bathroom bright yellow and dark green is beyond me. Even the stall size shower reminds me of going camping and taking showers in the hideous camping bathrooms – except that I love my shower. It’s small, but the water gushes out and it feels so good. Then I put up my window fan and pull in the fresh air and give thanks that I am standing in my own house – camp bathroom and all.

The Last Big Move

Cutest house on the island — Image by kendura99 via Flickr

Although my motto is “never say never”, I am hoping that this was my last big move. I found a house I could afford on my meager resources and lo and behold, I was approved for it! The process was a long one – 3 months altogether (I think a house can be built in that time frame)- but it was worth the trouble because now I am once again a homeowner! It feels so good. (NOTE: The house pictured IS NOT MINE.)

After being without the internet for about 2 weeks, it will feel good to be able to get back to my everyday blogging and Zazzle work, but first I must change my address with the many places who need the update, and I need to organize my office workspace. Right now I am working off of a card table that jiggles with each word I type. I am surrounded by unpacked boxes and a rolled up rug waiting to find a spot on the floor. My bills are scattered over a desktop that I can barely see and fans are running to keep me cool. Who has energy to do anything in this heat?

The heatwave began here in the northeast on the day I had the movers coming and I’ve been sweating ever since. I am thankful for the shady trees in my yard, but even they couldn’t help cool us off yesterday when the temps were outrageous. I do have one more move to make – emptying out the storage unit – but there is not a lot in there. I’m hoping for cool days the end of next week.

So far:

the fridge was out of commission for 10 days
there was a mix up with the Comcast cable/phone/internet company which made me wait an extra 5 days for service
My Zazzle paycheck was 4 days late (due to address change)
The woodstove came with me and is stored in the garage- long story (Anyone need one?)
My nice washer and dryer wouldn’t fit through the shed door by the basement so I can’t use them.
The locksmith cancelled at the last minute so I hope that I don’t lock myself out before he gets here next week.

Aside from all that, I need a new car and I have a list of fixes to make to the new house that must be done before winter.
But, it’s all good — I am a homeowner!!