projects...

So while we are waiting for the backyard stuff  to get finished up (still waiting on the permit) I have been working on little projects here and there.   The state of the backyard has left us with a lot of mud but that doesn't stop the beans from using the space......enter mud and fence posts!

But we have been visiting parks when it gets really muddy.  Here is one of our local parks that is still loaded with summer color thanks to an impressive use of annuals......

On the home front things are busy so creating comes when the beans are doing projects or when I have some time at night.  I finished my first crochet project.  I have SO much to learn but am inspired to continue with classes to keep learning new techniques.

I have been using my old drapes to make ornaments...

pinecones from the garden to make giant acorns for fall...

and a scarf to keep the beans warm this winter....

Wishing you all a wonderful week!
Happy creating friends!  

beauty and the thief

There is a thief lurking in our backyard and he isn't afraid to strike when people are around!  Mr. Nutkin (the squirrel) as we like to call him, is notorious for taking toys, plants, you name it.  Yesterday one of the beans left a water cup by the tree and Mr. Nutkin picked it up in his mouth and jumped up over the shed with it.  All the while we were chasing and having our words with him.  But nothing shakes this guy!  The most disappointing thing he has gotten away with were my "Bluesette" dahlias.  I was looking forward to seeing these bloom as they are a smaller variety of dahlia and I thought they would compliment the front of the border in the back.  

Luckily he didn't get away with these.....   

"Cafe au Lait"

Ahhh don't flowers make everything alright?!?!  

Happy Making, Baking, and Growing Friends!!!

moving moments...

I can tell you one thing....life is rolling on down the road.  Things are shifting and changing around every bend and I am just trying to soak it in before the moments move on.  The house is in flux, 2 out of 3 beans will be in school soon, the back garden is under construction with plants being moved to new homes.  Nothing earth shattering...just the stuff that makes you aware of how fast it moves and to give thanks for what you have.  

GARDEN MOMENTS

the evolution of a little bare patch that has found some new amigos 

{Goat's Beard, Knotweed, Creeping Jenny, coral bells, Wild Ginger, Ligularia}

{Balloon Flower}

{painted fern, Japanese Forest Grass, Solomon Seal,}

{phlox and butterfly weed}

 {Goldenrod}

 {Lungwort and Montrose White Catmint}

 {ornamental onion}

 {Joe Pye Weed}

{Shasta Daisy}

HOUSE MOMENTS

our little pad is finding its groove

{Before}

{and now}

ART MOMENTS
a collection of pieces

a sketch of a painting about to be started...folk art inspired

BEAN MOMENTS

my dirt lovers looking at a bug

Here is to a week of creating and finding beauty in the little things.

Thanks for being awesome!

Linking up with....Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop & Creative Country Mom's Garden Party.....thanks for the feature!

outdoor spaces...our pit problems

We have a big project approaching next week to fix our problems with our sunken in patio...aka the pit.    Let's just say that it basically turns into a pool when we get severe storms, and we have had our share this summer as our weather patterns are getting more extreme.  We currently have sand bags around our back door to keep the water out of the house when it rains.  

The pit dressed up for a party and my little rock garden below that turns into a waterfall when it rains.

The idea is to shrink this pit area up and connect it to an upper deck that will be going in off the kitchen.  The old railroad ties just can't hold back the water anymore so they will be replaced with stone.  The concrete slab will be removed and permeable pavers will go in to allow the water to seep into the ground.  We also have to regrade as the grade is currently pitched towards the house.   

Our dining will be relocated up to the deck which will be nice to have right off the kitchen.  We have decided on installing a ground deck.

Some outdoor spaces for inspiration....

via~MyVibe My Life

via~Items By Design Bird

via~Houzz

via~Houzz

The timeline of this project is not perfect.  Many of the plants surrounding the pit are grasses and shrubs  so they should move fairly easy.  And I have been moving my rock garden perennials all season so I feel good there as well.

I am concerned about my dahlias and veggies as they are in the main location of action, but this is the timeline we have to work with so it is what it is.

 Veggies outside the kitchen to relocate if possible....

That's what's shaking here..what's shaking by you?!?!

Make it a good one folks!