Monday, May 23, 2016

Progress on the Deck

Wow, what a busy weekend! 

I'm sure with this glorious weather many of you were doing much the same as I was all weekend....spring projects and chores....and all of it outdoors!


The rain threatened to arrive a few times, but somehow kept passing us by. Which is both a blessing and a curse. Bad because I had to water everything. Good because....it's the first amazing spring weekend I was able to be outside all weekend long, planting my little heart out!

And my body is reminding me today that I am nowhere as young as I used to be. Sigh. 


The biggest project that is underway is the deck project. But, there has been great progress made, and the upper level is pretty much finished, aside from a little trim and touch up work. 


However, that left me with the question of what do I want to do with the lower level, both the deck and the posts/lattice. 


I honestly wasn't sure. I was so happy to have the upper deck done, and to be able to put everything back in place, that I needed to think on it for a few days. 

And then I was so insanely busy over the weekend I just couldn't make up my mind. 


I took photos this morning, so I could step back from the project and make the decision. 


And when I look at the photos I know without a doubt it will drive me mad if the lower portion isn't also stained to match the upper portion. 


Looking at the house from a distance, it seems ok to have the two-tone look. 

But I will be the person who is looking at it up close and personal, not from a distance. 

And the kitchen entrance, which I use exclusively, would drive me completely bonkers if it wasn't consistent. 


Decision made, work continues. 

In other news, my daughter captured a photo of an unusual bird visitor to our home. I had no idea this little bird even came for a visit until I loaded the photos into my computer. 


And I was blown away by his beauty....and had to search online to see who stopped by!

Via
It's a Scarlet Tanager - how incredibly lovely! They eat insects, so they don't come to the feeders. And apparently they like to hang out high up in the tree tops, so we wouldn't normally see them. 

Except that this week I finally flipped one of the bird baths right-side-up and filled it with water. I expect I don't have to worry about the water freezing again for a while, so it should be safe to do so....finally!

And, lo and behold, this little guy stopped down for a sip!


I must flip the other birdbath back and fill it up as well. Who knows what other treats may be in store for me?

What's wonderful in your world this week?

28 comments:

  1. I know you worked hard. I do love the results of the deck. Yes, you know what you want...so I am not going to say..oh that looks good.(It really does though):):) I loved your little bird visitor. Beautiful. I am sore all over to honey, from painting my dinky little bathroom. LOL> Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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    1. It does look good....which makes the part that is not done yet look worse than it ever did!! Ha ha I guess that's my OCD kicking in. Oh well!

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  2. I've always wanted to see a Tanager! They're so pretty. You sound so much like me. Everything has to be so-so or it will worry us to death!
    Brenda

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    1. I can't believe my daughter spotted it and not me - hopefully it will be back regularly! I've never seen one!

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  3. Like you, we were outside all weekend (and several hours today) doing yard work and gardening! Your upper deck area looks so welcoming and relaxing. Don't think I've ever seen a scarlet tanager!

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    1. Nor me, Melanie! My body is sore today from all the work - I will take it easy tonight, I think....although once I start wandering around the garden I keep spotting things to do!

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  4. Oh, things are really shaping up in your neck of the woods! What a wonderful retreat you're creating for yourself! I can just see you sitting on your deck on those splendid summer evenings sipping a margarita...or two. ;-) Put your feet up and relax, girlfriend...you've earned it!

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    1. Hehe a margarita - yummmmm!! Or a mojito - even better!

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  5. I'm so happy that you had such a lovely weekend to be outside and get so much accomplished! We have had rain here, it has rained straight now for several days, and it is much appreciated and welcomed. I understand what you mean about everything matching... it's good to get a decision like that cleared up! Your home looks wonderful! Spring is such a joy when it finally gets here :)

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    1. It truly is, this weather puts a spring in my step!! I wonder if that's how it got the name 'spring'....hmmmmmm!

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  6. Wow. What a pretty little bird. I've heard of it but never seen one. Thanks for the share. And good luck on that painting. I'm tired for you.

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    1. The painting is being hired out, thankfully! I have enough to do!

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  7. Dear Mountain Mama:
    I have never seen that bird and he or she is lovely! Your birdbath is also. The deck project is wonderful and will be so nice to relax!

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    1. Thanks, Bernideen! I picked up that birdbath last summer on a trip up North. I love it!

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  8. That certainly is a beautiful bird your daughter spotted! And it's a bonus it eats bugs :).

    All your work is paying off. Everything looks beautiful.

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    1. Thanks, Doreen! And yes, anything that comes around here and eats bugs is welcome....even the bats!

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  9. Yes, my body likes to remind me that I'm not getting any younger as well! Everything looks beautiful at your house. I'm headed out to get my hands in the dirt in just a few minutes and you are inspiring me!

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  10. Beautiful little bird...lovely picture! Your views from your deck are gorgeous. Yep, I would have to stain the deck all the same color. Epsom salts soak is just the ticket for soreness. xoxo

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    1. I really tried to be ok with the two-tone look but it was just not working for me!

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    1. Thanks, Deb - he sure is! I'm hoping to spot him myself one of these days!!

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  12. Replies
    1. He is for sure, Deb - I'm hoping to get a glimpse of him myself one of these days!

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  13. My body really reminds me that I am not getting younger!! I would like the lower deck stained to match the upper deck also. What a pretty little bird that visited! Nancy

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    1. My body reminds me daily....oh well, the alternative is worse!

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  14. Oh that little bird is so pretty! your deck is looking so pretty and like the perfect place to hang out and enjoy friends. :)

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    1. For sure, Debbie - it's time for a little deck party, I think!

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