Feathering the nest

These past couple of years have been expensive ones for us. Converting our old home into an assisted living for our daughter meant we had to vacate the premises, leaving much of what makes a house a home behind for her to use. The entire next year was spent renting a home as we were loath to buy if Rachel's new living situation didn't turn out well. Last year saw us buying a new home but we were kind of pressed to make any improvements, not that this house needed much, and with two moves in little more than a year, we exhaled and took the rest of the summer off.

Now that's all changing.

Welcome to our fledgling outdoor oasis.



We turned our attention first to the back of the garage. Over the winter, we thought the plot of land alongside the garage would make the perfect spot for a vegetable garden. Due to the cold, rainy spring, we got to that rather late. The fence was placed to keep Leo out, sod was stripped and the bed planted. Finally. Noticing my neighbor's home--complete with a birdbath--drew lots of hungry visitors, I bought my own birdbath and placed it strategically next to the fence.


I'm hoping it draws enough birds to help with my grub problem. The flamingo I wedged into the top of the fence draws birds, too. The robins seem particularly enamored of the metal bird. Maybe they like the pink plumage. Myself, well I like its gaudiness. In fact, there are plans in the works for sheep in this yard, too, however, because we're inside city limits, the sheep will only be on the fence in the form of a mural.


I've surrounded the sundial with plumage of its own. Petunias. The air conditioner, while a necessary nuisance, is just plain hideous and you can't enjoy the sundial without looking at that big metal eyesore. I've been considering surrounding it with the ferns that have taken over my front yard and a serious transplant operation will be undertaken, soon. The greenery seen behind the sundial is a beautiful butterfly bush I planted last week.


While shopping for an inexpensive birdbath at the local Meijer store, I found this head and had to have it. Had to. He was a singleton with a broken nose, so the sales clerk gave me a good discount. He reminds me of the tiki enemies on a certain Wii game I play. I think the statue's nose lends him a subtle rugged, handsome look.


I also bought a flying pig for its likeness to Rambi the Rhino. Donkey Kong aficionados are sure to appreciate my efforts here.


Saturday, I got tired of looking across the street and envying my neighbor's outdoor hideaway. A quick trip to Pier 1 helped me change all of that. I bought 2 new comfortable chairs and cushions and re-purposed everything else. I think I need a little plant life for the porch, but I'm well on my way to creating a wonderful little nest. Sunday, I spent the day out here sipping iced tea with my best friend and spinning yarn(s).

It was a perfect time in a much more perfect spot.