Two Weeks at Home (What Have We Been Doing?)

We had two pretty busy weeks at home.  In a way I wished we had been camping because we got the first hint of springtime and that makes me want to go somewhere.

Bubba was busy outside.  He bought some black spray paint and painted our outside furniture after blasting off all the loose paint with the pressure washer.  It is now a nice shiny black and looks great.

No leaves in this picture.  It didn't last long.

He replaced our hibiscus plants that just never seem to survive cold weather with two new ones.  One of them has two different color blooms on it, one is a peach ruffle and the other is a deep pink ruffle.  How cool is that?  It’s a good thing because until I realized that they were both on the same bush; I couldn’t make up my mind which color I wanted.  Bubba chose a big single bloom for the other one.  I love hibiscus.  They bloom like crazy until cold weather and I just love looking at them.  As I’ve said before, the hibiscus has a good life lesson for us in that the bloom only lasts one day.  To me that says make the most out of the time you are allotted.  I think $20 for two plants that bring so much beauty to our summer days is well worth it.

This is the plant with the two different color blooms.  The peach bloom is not there today.

We also bought a beautiful green fern for our newly painted cart.  I’ve been roasting a lot of vegetables lately and they usually call for the addition of parsley or dill after they have finished cooking so we thought we would try our hand at growing herbs.  I now have parsley that is ready to clip and the dill is also growing nicely. 

While Bubba was working so hard outside, I was sewing doll clothes.  I really enjoy this although I’ve not seen Amelia playing dolls enough to think that she needs very many doll clothes.  It is a fun thing for me and not nearly as stressful as sewing real clothes.  I’ve now got three Halloween costumes complete with trick or treat bags for our next trip to Atlanta.  I think Amelia will like these since she requested a witch dress and a ghost costume (“But not a sheet, Nana”).

The ghost headpiece is made from an old laundry bag.

Bubba was called upon to assist with the witch’s hat.  (It involved precise measurements.)  I also found a clothes rack on Pinterest made out of pvc pipe and Bubba built it in about five minutes.  He also cut down some baby clothes’ hangers for her doll clothes.

American Girl Clothes Rack

I put up my Easter decorations even though I know that no one will see them but Bubba and me.  Amy and family are going to Baton Rouge for Easter.  But I always tell Bubba that we are worth it.  I’m pretty sure I believe that.

As I was decorating I came across some wreath making items in my craft box that I never finished , who knows how many years ago.  I finished two new ones.  Then I was inspired and after consulting Pinterest, decided to make Amy one for her front door.   I love the hydrangeas used on wreaths, but I discovered rather quickly that they need a 24 inch wreath and not an 18 inch.

My wreath

Amy's Wreath

I also went to Marianna and had a pedicure done by my old friend Tori.  She used to work with me at the prison and I’ve missed her.  She is just getting started in cosmetology and she did a wonderful pedicure.  It was nice to visit with someone who speaks English while getting my toes done.  She did a great job and I will be going back to see her.

My piggies are ready for spring.

What’s ahead?  We’re going to Atlanta soon to see Amelia in a play and we have some camping planned.  After that we have some time at home again.  Our yard needs raking AGAIN.  The beauty of the spring flowers is totally messed up by the brown of all the leaves.  What is so bad is that Bubba has already raked front and back clean once this year.  Another chore that I’ve been putting off since I retired is washing the windows.  I can’t even remember the last time that we cleaned windows other than the ones in the living room.  Fishing should be getting good soon and we’re looking forward to some good fresh fried bream. 

 It's beginning to look a lot like spring! 

Except for the leaves!

I know that I haven’t mentioned diet in a long time.  I seem to be maintaining within three or four pounds.  We continue to eat healthier – a lot of fresh vegetables, whole wheat products instead of white wheat, and as much fresh fruit as we find in season.  It’s almost time for pineapple to be good again!  We also have salad for our lunch a couple of times a week.   My foot problem has finally healed.  I’m almost afraid to say it because I don’t want to jinx it.  I’m starting to walk more and I’m enjoying it.  What more can I say?  Life is good.