My Screened in Deck

Finally!  On Monday and Tuesday Patio Enclosures came and installed my screened enclosure on my deck.  I love it!  I can sit outside in the dewy mornings and drink my coffee, or during a thunderstorm, or at night and not get eaten alive by mosquitos!  And the kitties love it, as you can see from the photo.  I had been thinking I shouldn't be spending the money but now that it's finished, I am very happy with it, and I think Steve would approve of it.  I may have to have a "deck warming" party later this summer!

Ohio Chain Saw Massacre

Well, Ok, so it wasn't really a massacre, just removing a dead limb from my flowering plum tree.  But it was the first time I'd used my little electric chain saw, what fun!  And I didn't hack myself to bits or bleed profusely!  I even wore eye protection, but I probably should have worn long pants.  Anyway, my friend Marina came over with all her garden implements to help me weed and trim the vines and shrubs at the front of the house.  It looks just "mahvelous" now, as it was getting quite overgrown.  I'm sure Steve has been looking down and just shaking his head.... he took a lot of pride in our yard.  But, it's looking much better now!  The question is, "To Mulch or Not To Mulch?"  I'm going to try to get away with not mulching...

Trip to the Vet!

It was time for Ivy Rose, Spooky and Rascal to make their annual journey to the vet for check-ups and shots.  I normally dread it, cuz once they hear the rattle of the carriers coming into the house, they scatter and hide.  Today it was like shooting fish in a barrel, even Ivy Rose was calm while I put her in her crate and took her to the vet.  They must know I've been stressed out lately.  Rascal is much more laid back about it than the others (see photo).  After I took the pic with Dr. Bieber she said, "Wait, I should have a more intelligent look on my face!!"  My vet loves the kitties.  IR and Spooky hid in their crates until I forced them out, but all's well that ends well.  Whew!  Wont' have to do that for awhile!

Shed Doors Finally Painted!

Whew.  It's taken some time, but I finally got out there and finished painting the shed doors.  Problem was that the type of stain recommended by Sherwin Williams (Woodscapes) didn't give me the coverage I wanted, so I had to put a coat of Deckscapes on, which is a heavier stain.  Moral of the story:  Use your own judgement when you're paying $50 a gallon for stain.  But for all intents and purposes, it's done, so that's one item I can check off my endless "to-do" list.  (By the way, Lady Gaga is great "music to paint by!"  Why not make painting aerobic? )

Next project:  Mulch Madness!!!!