Q: What do you call a watermelon that can’t make up its mind?
A: On the fence…
By the time I discovered the sole watermelon growing in the garden, it had become firmly wedged in the fence.
As it continued to grow there, I feared it would become the ‘butt’ of many jokes…
Sadly, it split itself off the fence and never had a chance to properly ripen.
On the same back fence grew wild morning glories. They would open each morning, obediently closing in the afternoon sun.
To be honest, the rest of my garden didn’t fare much better than that poor watermelon.
The corn that showed such promise in June had withered and died on the vine come August.
The well-formed and abundant tomatoes turned black and mushy on their bottoms and the sunflowers began to droop.
Let’s not forget these beauties. They could have taken first prize in the ugly carrot contest.
I’m thankful that I was not planning to feed myself with my harvest this winter…
Though I managed to kill everything else, I had a modicum of success with cherry tomatoes in pots.
While I murdered vegetation, Josh continued to move forward with the buildout of my new living quarters.
I got a lot of satisfaction from knowing the plywood I bought in November for $35 a sheet was now worth $50…
When he left, my job was to clear out the lower level and move everything I could to the mezzanine. I started with this flooring.
I rigged up a pulley system using a ladder and straps. Hand-over-hand, this was the third time I had moved it.
You know I was happy to see the sheetrock cleared off…some women go to the gym.
When Josh got back, we prepared to move the sheetrock from both ends to the middle.
The boards on the floor are my stair treads. The weight of 90 sheets of drywall should take any curl or “cup” out of them.
With the perimeter clear, the electrician can begin wiring. I can actually now visualize my kitchen.
And this lovely large pantry with room for a freezer under the stairs.
My electrician and his huge shiny red truck is here!
Ken was great. He came and went, doing his thing, unnoticed by me.
Before long, I have colorful boxes and dangling wires everywhere. It was so exciting to finally get to this point!
Speaking of dangling, you’re probably wondering what’s with all the hanging stockings…
Here’s your Heloise hint of the day. If you’re bothered by flies, put a bar of Irish Spring into a knee-high stocking and tie to a stud or nail. This works.
I won’t tell you that the upkeep of this acreage isn’t a lot. After it rains, I swear I can hear it growing…
I am at once golf course and jungle, as I continue to battle those huge ruts by the pond.
I continue to make progress, and this is way more fun than going to the gym.
Of course, a machine like this requires routine maintenance, such as changing the oil. I use it a lot, and it was overdue.
I didn’t particularly enjoy it, but I didn’t hate it. It did build my confidence. The Jeep will be next…
In a somewhat abrupt switch of gears, it’s typical of me to be figuring out curtains before the windows are even in.
Not sure if these will work. When I went to look at them from above, Bella decided she’d had enough of being left out.
Those stairs are extremely narrow and steep. I thought for sure I’d have to carry her down.
Curiosity satisfied, she turned around and went back down on her own. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?
This wall has got to go. AC ductwork doesn’t like 90 degree turns and the clearance is just too tight as it is.
Back in April, before I could even picture a mezzanine, Josh was preparing for this day.
Four months later, he’s ready to finish the job. This is amazing!
NOW we’re ready for HVAC. I’m happy to have Ballance in my life…
He ran his joists strategically, so Josh revisits the plan with the installers to be sure everyone is on the same page.
It was a typically hot August day, but Tray and Doug were amazing. Consummate professionals, they even cleaned up after themselves!
The ball is now back in our court. Josh needs to frame the wall and the chase in which the return and upper registers will fit.
Fabricated of scrap from the studs, the prototype shows the contour of the bench which will cover the duct.
So the AC boys showed up this morning and did their thing. I am now ready for a rough inspection.
Although we derive great satisfaction from this project, it’s not all work. Joshua had a birthday in August.
Family and friends are good for the soul. He even got an original poem from me.
Dearly beloved, we gather here today
To have a meal or sing a song, but if I have my way,
We’ll love on this man Joshua- father, husband, son,
And friend to many others, before our time is done.
Now we could sing you Happy Birthday and raise a glass or two;
Dance around the tables, or throw confetti at you.
All these things are well and good, and show you that we love you,
But when it comes to fixing things, there is none above you.
You build our houses, repair our cars, and do it with a smile.
Always gracious, uncomplaining, you go the extra mile.
Retaining walls and swimming pools, applying paint and plaster;
Electric, plumbing, carpentry- Is there nothing you can’t master?
We approach you with our problems too numerous to mention,
But you always seem to find the time to give them your attention.
Then come up with a solution, attacking it with zeal.
There is no mistaking it- your love for us is real!
So let’s get on and celebrate with a bloomin’ onion or two,
But I have one more question- is there nothing you can’t do??
Happiest of birthdays, Josh, from all us with love.
May God’s great blessings shine upon you, forever from above.
This season of my life is uncomplicated, simple, and satisfying. I find great pleasure in God’s handiwork.
On a recent foggy morning, as I walked with Bella on the path, I thought I was seeing things in the adjacent pasture.
There were a myriad of cobwebs, made visible by the early dew. It was breathtaking and spectacular.
Oh, and about the title? It’s from the book of Nehemiah, a lesson in prayer and tenacity. I think it shows the need for firmness in God’s work. Shalom and be blessed, brothers and sisters.
It really looks great! Thanks for sharing and God Bless.
Tommy
Happy Birthday to your very talented son. Your house is starting to look more like home. We love you Marie. That watermelon never had a chance. Like us if we don’t pick a side and stay in the middle we never fully ripen in the Lord.
Tired just reading about all that is being done but it is amazing! Can’t wait to see it finished. Love the poem. You are blessed indeed! Love and hugs!
Amazing to see the progress! So happy for you♥️♥️♥️
May the Lord grant you His continued overshadowing presence, unction, strength, protection, love, Grace and encouragement. May He continue to help you to quiet your soul and hear His “still small voice”. B’shem Yeshua! 🙏❤️
Hi Marie
Mazeltov! Your place is and is going to be amazing!
Mazeltov and G-d bless xxx Malka
I love seeing the progress made here. I also enjoy seeing Josh’s handy work. His work truly is art. Keep up the hard work, you’re killing it. Many blessings to you all, Kim.