A busy day

Today was lovely and busy! Sun most of the day with occasional clouds. Because of the pollen and tree crud, we put off cleaning the back area where we have a stone patio and therefore have not been able to cook back there. I did get some flowers planted in the two planters and cleaned off the table and two chairs. We tackled the rest today, power washing the furniture and cleaning up stuff. Between that and general "neatening" it looks nice. I still need to clean the grill - it's on my things to do this week list. Right now it's thundering and the sky has darkened. Just as well as we are tired. I do hope the rain will hold off as we plan to grill chicken on the grill on the wrap-around deck. That along with fresh asparagus and fresh (well, trucked in fresh) corn.

While working outside after lunch, B was in the front getting the bucket and car wash (he has been washing cars daily) when he came charging up the front steps. He raced into the house to shut the slider so Honey couldn't go outside and got a pail of soapy water. The cause for this burst of action was a snake he "found" as he picked up the bucket. Apparently it was after a mouse.  I raced for the camera and took pictures as B dumped water on the bugger and off it slithered.

Right at the bottom of the steps in the garden. At first he "froze" but when B dumped water on it, it started to slither.

And as it slithered, it went after the mouse

And emerged with the poor mouse. Fortunately, B dumped more water at that time and the mouse got away and the snake slithered off. ICKY

Mother's Day Weekend

We had lovely weather over last weekend and the start of the week By Wednesday rain moved and stuck around through Saturday. Today (Sunday) the sun is out and it appears to be the start of a nice day. A bit cooler and tonight we should be down to the low 30s. For that reason I'm holding off planting the herbs I've had on my kitchen window area for the past several weeks. I did clean the planters and move things around on the middle deck so I have an idea of what I will plant where. I'm going to do more flowers and not space them out so much so some of the planters will be moved. I'm thinking of placing several planters along the fenced in area where Honey plays with something that is supposed to be deer proof.

We got the new blinds up in the master and second bedrooms yesterday. They really look great! I then vacuumed and put things away so the main level is really rather neat!

We expect to warm up this week and I'm looking forward to no more heavy coats for evening and early morning walks. More boats are out on the lake and last weekend the summer lake noises were there. This week end it's rather quiet - maybe everyone stayed home due to it being Mother's Day weekend.

Hope to get out this week for more herbs and flowers. Something to look forward to.

Cupboard Elves

I love my cupboards! They are solid pine with movable shelves. However, I think I have a shelf elf! The shelves are adjustable with little holes up the inside so that you can change the height of the shelf. Just last week the under counter cupboard came apart. The little plastic gizmo that fits in the hole had come loose and down came the shelf. Thankfully, I had a high pot below and that held everything up until I fixed it. I do try to check every so often and renewed my efforts. Today I saw, as I emptied the dishwasher, that the gizmo was missing in the second shelf that holds glasses. I found it, replaced it, and all is good. Tiny problem, good solution, I do still love my kitchen cupboards! Now if I could just get that elf to stop taking the gizmo out!

A nice but gloomy day

We just got back from Tractor Supply - a store that's geared toward farm and animals. It's in Hamlin, about 15 miles and B suggested it as it was too gloomy and wet to work outside as we had planned. Not being one to turn down a shopping expedition, off we went. The last time we went I found a pair of boots that were perfect for outside in the wet woods when walking Honey. So, I headed to that area again and found another perfect pair more like a cowgirl boot mid calf rather than knee high. So, I'm booted up for outside wear! We also got Honey some food, a toy and a new leash. We use the retractable kind that lets us pull her in when need be. And, B got a western type shirt and two "generic" caps (no logo). So, while not a long trip, it was profitable for all three of us!

Gloomy day but warmish with temperatures in the low 60s. Monday was really nice with sun and temperatures in the mid 60s. Those darn fly like May bugs are out. Why they are called May bugs when then arrive in April I don't know. Perhaps because they stick around until May. They don't bite but really swarm around you so you end up swatting them. 

Leftover lasagna for dinner. I made a casserole dish full Sunday and will heat it up in the oven with a large salad and some fresh sugar snap peas. While we have cooked out on the grill twice so far, I'm really looking forward to eating outside when it gets a bit warmer. Maybe later this week.

It's SPRING

Finally, it feels like spring! Yesterday was so lovely. Temperatures got up to the lower 70s and we enjoyed being out with no coats. The daffodils are growing and B has raked the area to the side of the driveway. We are going to celebrate with hamburgers on the grill - our first of many cook outside meals. Happy Dance!