I’m not talking about my son here. That boy is NOT lazy in any way, shape or form. He has worked long after I have melted into a puddle in the shower to ease my aching muscles. It’s the reason I have a hard time with summer. The outside work takes so much more muscle and energy than the inside work in the winter.
Quilting and sewing are easy in comparison to trying to replace lawn (if that’s what you call the close group of weeds). There was no way to grow a real lawn since there was no real dirt under it. Just thick oozing clay mud. All winter it was soggy and slippery as I did my careful squish, squish, squish dance to get to trash and recycling containers for weekly pickup. I layered cardboard in as many places as I had cardboard available from my move and anywhere I could find some used.
Looks kind of puny in there doesn’t it? Half a yard was quick.
It’s dried out a bit and that meant outside work must begin. First we rented a trailer after putting the hitch back on my car. Then we went to the landscape supply place and bought a half yard of river rock. It sure looked puny in that big trailer.
After we shoveled out the first load, back we went for two yards of bark dust. I had spread out some weed block and we shoveled even faster to get that out of the trailer. Then one more trip the next morning for a full yard of rock. Can you say ow? We (I) still have to spread all that wonderfulness. It goes a little at a time as the area is prepared. I also think there is a flaw in my plan as the entire property is slopping toward the house and rock around it. My brain hurts from trying to figure out a cheap fix.
Did you think I’ve just been running around on field trips and retreats? Well, I’ve done some of that and watched as my son put in two electrical plugs on the front porch where there were none. Now we can plug in Christmas lights and laptops to sit outside. He put up a flag holder out front and railing off the back porch so I don’t wobble off and started one up the terrace steps. Right now he is working on my car (something about steering linkage) and I pulled weeds, moved rock and spread more mulch. I have the easy work.
Tech Support being a mechanic aka Genius
More work to do but at least something to hold onto.
One post is in. Several more to go. The work never ends
In time for Memorial day to fly his flag.
The easy work was only so easy. I was still trying to find a direct path from my shower to an available Lazy Boy. I must admit it was more of a waddle than a walk to find it. It did not disappoint.
Comfy spot at the end of the day in my reclining lazy boy
Do you have a lazy boy that brings comfort at the end of a long day? How many summer projects do you have lined up?
From my heart to yours,
Marlene Herself
insearchofitall 
Comments on: "In Search of a Lazy Boy" (56)
The couches upstairs have footrest bits that pop up, but in the later evening I prefer to be down in our space. Here I have one of my grandmother’s old upholstered chairs and an ottoman on wheels that fills the need. As for plans, I have far too many for even me to complete. Time to start prioritizing. 🙂 Your yard is looking lovely, by the way. All that hard work will certainly pay off.
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Thanks so much. I sure hope it keeps doing well. Looks like the lavender may bloom soon. 🙂 Any comfy chair is a lazy boy in my mind. We all need a comfy spot of our own. I know what you mean about plans. I have plenty, just not the money to execute them. 😦 I’m hoping the hard work will loosen a couple stubborn pounds.
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Hi Marlene, after the last few days I would love for you to scoot over in your Lazy Boy as I am in need of one too! Your garden looks wonderful. Sounds like you keep busy as always. Hugs!
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When I’m sitting, I’m here. 🙂 It was a hot one today. Worse tomorrow. Out early than in. I have an extra lazy boy you could sit in while you visit. 🙂
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I’ll be over shortly! 😉 Today I am taking it easy! See you soon.
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🙂 Enjoy your weekend.
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Will do! Going to a local farmers market in the morning. Have a nice weekend too. Stay cool in the heat!
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Marlene, I clicked on all of your photos so I could see details of your hard work. You’ve done an amazing job. This is back-breaking work. You have my full admiration for a job well done. I hope your hot shower soaked a few of your cares away.
I’m so glad your son can work on your car, install safety rails and keep your computer humming. What great skill1
I love seeing all that color outside your front door. It’s pleasing to see the bees as well, a gift to any garden in my opinion.
I’ve had my eye on a Stressless chair for years, but it always seems like such an extravagance. They’re so comfortable.
http://www.vitalityweb.com/backstore/Ekornes-Consul.htm
I hope you’re feet are up as you read this. Hugs
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I just looked at the Stressless chair. They look comfy but they would be pricey for me too. These recliners that I bought with Tech Support have heat in the back as well as a massager. I’m trying to get the foundation work done first while he is here to help. I hope he doesn’t find a job soon. 🙂 I just need to come up with a barrier between the mulched yard and the rock. Planter beds are in the plan but he has to get the car done first. Now that’s an awful job. I have so many bees in my yard and it make me so happy. I’m going to plant more for them when I can. Hugs.
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Be still my heart: a chair with its own heat sounds divine. Mike drove a Saab when we first met with seat warmers, and I’m fond of telling people that’s why I married him. 😉 They’re amazing on a damp day, providing heat in just the right place.
You’re wise to get the big jobs done while you have easy access to help, though I know your children would be there for you when needed any time. I hope you’re not heating up too quickly. That is tough work with a hot sun beating down on you.
Are you adding planter beds or replacing the creosene ones?
Hurrray for the bees. They love our Salvia (Mexican Sage) as do the hummingbirds. There is also lots of activity there.
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Can’t figure out how to get the creosote logs out and then replaced without spending thousands on property I don’t own. So the planter boxes will go down below. As soon as tech support builds them. I keep him very busy. His sister keeps her distance. She is not fond of hard work. 🙂 Though she does help with the not so hard stuff. I stay out of the sun and heat. Can’t do either. Early morning late afternoon. Mid-day, inside. 🙂 P.S. I have (butt warmers) in my car too. I LOVE them. Won’t have a car without them now. My daughter loves driving my car because it eases her pain. Tech support bought her a plug in kind for her car this year. It helps her so much. What a wonderful invention.
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Yes, butt warmers. That’s what we call them too. I didn’t know you could buy them post factory. I’m driving a 15 year old van, so that might be something to think about next winter. Thanks for the tip. Tech Support is good to everyone.
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I think he got it from Amazon and it plugs into the cigarette lighter most of us only use to charge our phones with now.:) I’ll ask him later when he wakes.
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My van is 15 years old. It’s amazing all the new technologies that have come along. My favorite thing is the back up cameras. What a great idea. My biggest fear is hitting a toddler or small animal that I just can’t see.
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I’m with you there. Which is why I always back into my driveway. No one can sneak up on me that way. I have a clear view. I also tend to hunt for parking places I can pull through so I don’t have to back out. I walk a lot that way. 🙂 I’m ready for the smart cars that drive themselves. I know of 85-90 year old folks that still drive. I drive very little anymore because of my limitations. That would give me more independence but I would still be VERY careful. My suburban is only 10 years old but it is always working like a truck so I will be hanging onto it until it won’t go anymore.
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Our Stressless chairs are old enough to have that lived-in look and I hope they go on for ever. They MORE THAN JUSTIFY THE EXPENSE! Jock’s has a deeper seat for his longer legs, and mine fits me perfectly. Each has a stool for feet-up.
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They sound perfect. I tried to buy very inexpensive chairs a couple years ago when I first moved into my apartment. They made even my sons body hurt and he’s still relatively young. When neither of us could walk from sitting in them, I bought a better quality. It turned out to be worth it as well. I’ve seen the Stressless chairs. They appear to be quite comfy.
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Once the warm weather gets here, the work never seems to end. My job of putting in a vegetable garden and tending flower beds looks easy compared to your shoveling. My husband tills the garden and makes the rows and I come along and do the planting. We share in the weekly weeding but it is still a job.
Your recliner looks so comfy.
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Thank you for reading. It is a cozy chair with heat in the back and a massager built in. Since I bought this place last summer, I’m doing foundation work. By next year, I should have a better handle on it. I have help from my son for a short time, then on my own again. Gotta work fast while I have help. 🙂
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I want a rocking chair so much. I used to have a really comfy one. Your yard is looking amazing lady! So glad you have help. I wish I could do something with our yard. But no money, equals no nice yard. So I will enjoy yours instead! 🙂
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I’ve run out of money too. So no plants. Just need to please HOA. Almost there. Organizing the yard is as important as organizing the house. I’m glad you don’t have anyone breathing down your neck about it. It’s a trade off. Thanks for reading.
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I have a memory of the first photos you shared with us of your new home – it is looking very different now!! The house itself looks happier – the plants look healthy, even the bee looks happy- but the work looks very hard! I recall that once I could do all that stuff so easily by myself, now it just goes in the too hard basket! I salute you for your determination and skill in bringing your new home up to scratch and beyond. I would not be surprised if you make it to that chair and don’t leave for a good few hours!I It’s so important isn’t it to have a chair you love to bits and is ‘My Chair’ 🙂 I don’t own a lazy-boy – but I do have an extremely comfy deep chair and an ottoman to put my feet up on so kitty and puppy can crowd onto the available knee and leg space. [Not so restful for me, but they love it! 🙂 ] I have to say I am so impressed with the way your children support and help you – having a live in tech-support/mechanic/labourer/painter and general roustabout has to be the best thing ever!! 🙂
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Thank you, Pauline. I don’t have a lot of room for an ottoman so this works well. I had to get these because the old chairs were causing back and hip pain for both of us. I spend a lot of time on the laptop so I need to be comfortable. My son is a Renaissances man. He dabbles in everything. Even cooking. Does his own laundry, dishes, cleans up, and likes to build things. Yay1!
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You did good! 🙂
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The house looks wonderful, Marlene! So nice to see Old Glory going strong. You deserve some time in that Lazy Boy.
Yes, I have my cozy chair that I migrate to at the end of the day. It’s like coming home. 🙂
Thanks for sharing the progress!
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Thanks for reading Jill. I was going to wait till after I painted the house to put up the flag holder but it just seemed like the right time. I have a street lamp right next to it so It’s lit all night. Aren’t those cozy chairs wonderful when your bones hurt? 🙂 I’m glad I have one.
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Me too!
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Nope, no cozy chair for me . . . Mum used to have two recliners, but she gave one to my brother when he moved out (he’d been staying with us a few years ago, then she sold the house; he moved south of the river and Mum and I moved to the old apartment building where my Aunty lived off and on for nearly 40 years – she was a real gypsy and just loved to move . . .) The other chair Mum gave to my cousin when my brother moved in, as he brought his furniture and it was all pretty big.
My sister here bought Mum a Barcalounger; the sort that stands you up once it’s plugged in; also reclines. It’s getting plugged in this weekend, I think. I don’t care much for it; it’s leather and either too hot or too cold. I love old ’30s furniture and way back before then. Not likely to own any, though. I just dream and drool, if you know what I mean 🙂
What caught my eye immediately, though, was the quilt (I assume) that adorns the back of your cozy chair; stunning! I love the asymmetrical design and also it looks like one of those that are sewn with the seam edges facing out. My friend Mrs. Crafty made one for their bed, and it’s also gorgeous. I think you need to post some close-up photos of that quilt (in your spare time, of course). maybe next winter, or will you be wrapped up snugly in it by then?
Your yard is coming along so well; I have no suggestions to solve your potential water problem except installing weeping tile, which likely isn’t in the budget; besides, the owner should take care of stuff like that, right? The only thing I can think of would be to dig a couple of fairly deep trenches to channel the water into little streams down past the house. Not sure that would work for you, though.
That son of yours is a real keeper; his mama done raised him right, as they say. You are very fortunate that he is both willing and able. Not to mention currently unemployed except by you 🙂
I’m glad to see you are taking care of yourself, at least somewhat. I’m not fond of extreme heat, either. One summer when our oldest son was four, his Dad and I worked on a 16-acre farmlet that was half orchard, a quarter pasture and a quarter truck farm (veggies, etc.). The temp would go to over 100F some days so we got up before the sun, moved all the irrigation pipes by hand, ‘grazed’ our way through the garden for breakfast, then retired to the groves by the irrigation ditch for a midday rest. We would lie in the shallow water until we were chilled, then lie on blankets in the shade until we heated up again; then back into the water. Late in the afternoon, we would move all the pipes again. We also fed and mucked out the few farm animals that the owners had. I loved those days!
~ Linne
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You are quite correct about the quilt, Linne. It’s called Ragtime and the seams do all face up then get clipped and run through the wash many times to make it fuzzy. It’s also made of flannel cotton. Very cozy. Made it 15 years ago. My mother didn’t like the rag side. I’m working on getting photos of my projects on Pinterest but I’ll post it on my blog soon for you. I moved here to Oregon a couple of years ago hoping to avoid the extreme heat. Who knew the world would tilt sideways and the whole west coast would be experiencing extreme heat during the summer. I go in and out of the shower during the day to survive. A heat stroke when I was 10, just coming to Georgia from Germany, altered my ability to cool myself. I’m with you on the old cozy furniture. It’s hard to find the good stuff without paying a great deal for it. I’m just happy to have a couple of places to sit since I started with nothing 4 years ago. I did have my bed but it’s now almost 15 years old too! Sounds like the farm life suited you. A wonderful experience for the memory banks to get you through the rest. Have a wonderful weekend.
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A lovely posting. My Lazy Boy (it’s seasonal and works only during spring/summer/fall) is to sit on the Muskoka Chair in my backyard at the end of the day of caring for my Mom, caring for myself and looking at the stars and tonight I saw fireflies for the first time this year. The splendour of nature is a fitting and stylish accessory to my Lazy Boy. My summer projects are to relax, be out in nature more often and start making plans for my future so that the uncertainty doesn’t clutter up my Lazy Boy chair.
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Thanks for stopping by Harlon. I haven’t seen fireflies in years! We don’t have them in this part of the country or maybe I don’t see them because I’m not out at night anymore. Once it’s dusk, I don’t see all that well. Or maybe the bats have eaten them? Time out in nature is a favorite and I enjoy it so much. You deserve the time to sit in your chair after taking care of your mother. I give my son all the chair time he wants after helping me all day too. I don’t know what I’d do without him but he will move on soon enough to another life of his own. Maybe next summer I can just sit and enjoy this summers work. We call those “Adirondack chairs. Very comfortable. Future plans are always in the making and they can certainly clutter more than a chair. Best of luck with them. Someone keeps throwing a wrench in my plans. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend.
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Your home and garden is looking so beautiful Marlene, and what a wonderfully comfy Lazy Boy (and not for one moment thought you meant your amazing, hard-working son!). Yes, it is such a pleasure to sink into a special chair at the end of the day. For me, it’s the left side of our sofa. Love the flying flag, reminds me of my California life. Have a great weekend Marlene 🙂
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A triumph of a post – for surviving all that hard work. Sadly we had to part with our purpose-built house and large garden, as it was getting to be more burden than pleasure. Now I enjoy the view across fields to woods, with only a pocket-sized lawn in between.
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Thanks, Viv. My goal here is to get this maintenance free. Taking out the lawn is essential to that. I’ve noticed most of the seniors here doing some version of that if they don’t hire out someone to do the work. I can’t hire anyone so it’s on me. I love to putter in the garden but wanted just a small one. Since I’ve been here less than a year, this year is all about getting outside done while I’m still energetic enough to do it. 🙂 Time is ticking.
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and here. We can’t do anything about the lawn – the terms of our lease require it to remain, but we can’t plant a hedge or flower beds. It takes Jock ten minutes to mow, so you can tell how tiny it is. We have a load of plants in pots on the patio, but they’re not a great deal of work.
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Sounds perfect in so many ways. At least I’m allowed to plant things here. It’s an odd arrangement in that I own the house but lease the land. I will probably be here my remaining years. My books have refuse to go back into boxes. Have a wonderful weekend.
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and you
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Looks like you really need a good place to rest your sore muscles after all that work. Looked really good after the work in the garden.
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Thanks for stopping by. Still a lot of work to do but getting better every day. We are having more heat today so I won’t be out as long. I so want it to look nice and peaceful when I’m done. Have a wonderful weekend.
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Your garden is beautiful. You and your son did a great job. 🙂
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Thank you. It’s a labor of love as you know. I love doing it. The kid indulges me by building handrails so I don’t fall down. 🙂
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What a beautiful lot you have! I am like you, the winter projects are so easy because they require little muscle but the summer work ouch. I much be a sadist because I love the feeling of tired muscles at the end of a good work day.
I have the same problem here. My house sits at the bottom of a steep hill so all the water pours down to the house. I plan to put in swales to keep some of the water from flowing down to meet the foundation and attaching rain barrels at the base of the gutter downspouts to keep that water from soaking in at the foundation. Hopefully those two things will make a big difference and the sump pump won’t be quite so essential anymore.
My summer list is longer than summer will last. There is the deck that needs finishing, I just found out that the one ramp will have to be taken apart and rebuilt which has me a bit angry that it wasn’t done right the first time. The small porch needs a new floor, new ceiling and then all the trim painted. The house needs power washed and the yard landscaped and raised beds built. A retaining wall needs built on the far side of the drive, and and and. I finally decided to take a bit of pressure off and make this a 3 year project to get the entire outside finished which includes new siding, painting, replacing a window, and getting solar panels on the roof.
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Smart girl Lois. Your list is a carbon copy of mine almost. I have a list of what will be done this summer and the rest will wait. I have a lifetime to finish this and don’t want to have nothing to look forward to. 🙂 Glad you are taking this into smaller chunks. Pressure washing is scheduled after the next rain and the car is fixed so it can come out of the driveway. Once it’s good and dry, I paint. We have our own pressure washer and paint sprayer. It was cost effective not to rent. Used the paint sprayer at my son’s house and now mine. There are drains around the house that go into the sewer and the downspouts go directly into them as well. I just need to keep the mulch from washing into the rock. Everything tilts toward the house and it needs a barrier of sorts. The solution will come. I should be out there now while it’s cool but afraid I’ll wake people. Oh well. Off to work while it’s cool. Hugs. And DON’T WORK SO HARD!!!
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I am so excited to be able to skim the photos to help me recall from my memory – because I actually SAW all this work in real life! And you two are an awesome team. I wish people could see it in real life because your place is *beautiful.*
Tech Support is a gem. I can’t wait to bug you both for tips and tricks to help me plan my work at the new place. Also: visits are welcome and I’ll provide the food and drinks!
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I’ve been wanting to send you an e-mail to let you know how much we enjoyed your visit. We are looking forward to a visit with you and would love to offer any help you might need. He has his area of expertise and I mine. He”s a good kid who wants to help his old mom. 🙂 He’s also enjoying the first real vacation he’s had in 20 years. A little time to change directions. Keep us posted as to when the move happens and if you need any help.
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You are the BEST! Thank goodness for blogging. 🙂
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Oh my! You are working so hard you make me want to run to my Lazy Boy- oops I don’t even have one! I will have to kick Thommmee out of his. Just reading this post has made me exhausted. Your yard looks fabulous You can tell that you put a lot of work, hard effort, and love into it. Pretty soon you will have it exactly the way you want it and you’ll be able to relax and kick back. (right!) It looks to me like it’s about done. But then isn’t there always something else lurking – waiting to be finished?
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You tickle me. I have 3 recliners in my den. Everyone wants to put their feet up in this tiny space so those work better than chairs and ottomans. A couple are very cheap and not all that comfy but will do for a short while. I wish I was about done. Then comes the pressure washing and house painting this summer. I am praying for an early winter so I can get back to my lazy endeavors like quilting. Have not touched my machine in 2 weeks.:(
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How lucky you are to have your son come over and help you create your sacred space that you call home. Yes, outside work is hard on the body (I’m a farmer) but the aches remind me of a job well-done. And epsom salt baths work wonders!!
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I so love the work outside too. My yard is where I have a moving meditation, stilling my mind as my hands move as though knowing what to do. I was outside over 2 hours this morning from 5:30 to 7:45. I feel as though I had been to a chapel. I ache but it always feels so wonderful. Like you said, from a job well done. I do miss a tub. A stand up shower must do. I’m truly grateful my son is here and that I had a place for him to come during this time of transition and change for him. It all worked out perfectly. 🙂 Have a wonderful day. Thanks you for stopping by.
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You’ve done sterling work on your garden Marlene and it’s looking tremendous! My favourite chair has a high back and wingbacks (I’ve never quite adapted to the trend for low backed-settees and chairs). You’ve certainly earned your relaxation time in your chair while your garden continues to thrive!
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Thanks for reading Clare. Now I’m going to find that book on no mow yards. I don’t think just mulch is going to do it. It’s a funny thing about being in the yard working, I forget to think about food until I come inside, then I’m too tired to eat. The perfect diet. 🙂
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My goodness, you are as busy as the bee in your picture. It looks really nice. Fresh mulch changes everything…and I love the smell of it, so does my dog. She puts her nose in and roots around coming up with a bark face.
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I’m going to need another 5 yards to finish the yard and some boards to make a barrier between the mulch and rock. No more grass to cut if I have my way. Actually, no more weeds to cut. I imagine dogs would love to smell the mulch. Mine did that with snow. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. Hope you are doing well.
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The changes that you’ve made in just one year are gorgeous and remarkable Marlene. Thank goodness for your helpers. I can’t imagine how sore you were. I planted perrenials a few weeks ago and felt really sore for 3 days. We also have very clay soil here. Basically, I dig a whole three times as big as what I’m planting. It always involves lugging heavy clay out of the yard and that ain’t easy. Then to figure out what to do with it. I picked 4 bags of weed and shrubbery in the lane and raked it all out there. Good times, good times. LOL.
I tend to suffer thru the soreness and ignore the aches if I can. Hard work doesn’t tickle so what else can we do? We do have a tub with jets but I hate using so much water and only indulged once last winter when I had a wicked cold. I’d like to rip it out and make the shower bigger but that’s a whole nother mess 😀 Jim has a reclining chair, but he’s usually sleeping in it, HA. With a cat or two on top of him. They all sleep over there. Such a lively little family I have.
I generally take over the sofa and stretch out (all 5’2″ of me). I like to put the heating pad under me, it feels so good on my back. Have you ever tried one? I think I’m done planting for this year. We’re having a rainy weekend and I’m happy to take a break. Happy 1st year anniversary too us!!! (BTW, I sang that in the tune of happy birthday) We’re hard working gals Marlenie-bean, high-5! now let’s hug it out xo K
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(((( )))) That’s a big hug from me. I had one of those tubs in my house in AZ. Used it 3 times in 12 years. Hot water tank ran dry before I could fill it. I too wanted to rip it out and put in a bigger closet. The mr said no. I have heat and massage in my new Lazy boy!!!! I’m 5’2″ as well! Used to be 5’4″. Stretching out on the couch is necessary in the afternoon to rest the back. I want to keep going, the back does not. 😦 We have been quite busy for a one year anniversary. I got my keys on the 13th and started work on the 14th. Didn’t get moved in till the 26th. Then my son was here for a week and then my sister moved in. I think I know what it feels like to be run over by a truck. :))) Hang in there. It will all work out perfectly. So good to hear from you.
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