Time for Other Things

The summer has started out with freezing cold and then oven temperatures then back to cold again. It’s in transition, just like many of us. Summer brings so many more projects than hours in a day as many of you know from experiences of your own. No more leisurely moments under a cozy blanket reading and writing. Summer always brings hard work even though it’s deeply enjoyable.

These are gone now but so pretty I wanted to include them again.

Mine has had an explosion of work, starting with getting my carport repaired. My son connected with someone who is somewhat family, (long story) and this sweet young man squeezed me into his very busy schedule while giving me the friends and family discount. (Still not cheap) It turned out there was a lot more rot and incorrect construction than originally anticipated. I expected that and made provisions for it.

Those kids (to this old lady) worked darn hard and did an outstanding job. I painted the plywood white before they put it up and the new support beams the color of the house so they would fade into the background. They should have been put there when the carport was built 14 years ago. I’ve had to wait 5 years to get it done but the next owner will feel so much safer now.

It all got wet on the edge

The dump requires them to bag every bit of old roofing. It was tested for no asbestos but now there is more plastic going into the landfill. Sad.

Painted plywood to make the roof not so dark.

I don’t believe in child labor laws. She parks her car under it, she helps paint.

Why on earth did they construct it like this. Can’t change it now but they made it better

It has to fit in one load

Now I have to paint the rest. It looks a little out of place here.

The whole outside edge was rotted from water seepage.

I painted the 4 posts but one needed to be longer so I still have one left to paint 3 sides. They did the back before it went up.

If only I could afford a skylight there permanently.

More damage than expected.

Almost invisible posts to support the carport

 

We are coming into inspection season in our park so my list is long. I have a yard sale planned for the last week of June to raise money for our animal shelters and lighten my load. I will be pressure washing my house, fence and porches then painting all that has worn down in the last year or two.

Free oregano that no one wants.

The garden is perking up nicely and several containers of green waste (weeds) have been recycled to compost. I will be painting the underside of the rest of the carport, the shed attached to the carport and some railings that succumbed to the rain this year. There are so many chores that need doing in the summer months that I almost don’t look forward to the warm weather. I don’t get as much time to write or sew. I’d like to sit under my trees with my feet in the dirt and know everything is in order. I’m sure I’ll get there by September. Maybe.

My little Dogwood tree has bloomed later than others in the area. Maybe rosemary is giving it a run for it’s water?

Hydrangea and Albizia tree.

Nigella (love in the mist)) coming back each year now.

Weeds everywhere so it’s hard to find the good stuff

I’m going to have to take some out. Can’t give it away fast enough

I didn’t realize they would get so big

My kids say I create work for myself and then lament over the fact that I can’t get it all done in record time anymore.  I’m my own worst enemy. They may have a point.

So there you have it. My explanation of why I blog or visit your blogs rarely during the summer months. This weekend will be about getting stuff out of storage and ready for sale and donation.  I’ll try to visit again soon.

Happy Summer Solstice to you all. We will celebrate tonight wrapped up warm. It may get to 70 degrees today for a minute.

How about you? Are you finding time for things other than chores? Are you your own worst enemy or do you find the hard work creative and fulfilling?

From my heart to yours,

Marlene Herself