Monday, May 25, 2009

Before...

Actually, before I post the "before" photos of the deck and the pots I had to fill (it took two days!) I want to give you our good news.

Our new little granddaughter, Paige Susan, was born a week ago today.  Weighing in at an even 8 pounds, and 21" long, she's a nice sized girl (just like her daddy and aunties) and doing well.  I'm still amazed that my teeny daughter-in-law had such a good sized baby, and has bounced back so quickly. I'll be going to meet the newest member of our family next weekend - just booked a flight out!

Memorial Day has been work, work, work!  We like to have lots and lots of pots of flowers on our deck, especially since we do virtually no gardening in the yard, thanks to the local deer population. There is, however, that landscaped berm in the yard, and my Oldtimer worked on that while I potted the plants.  He's still trimming and weeding the berm, and the pots are all done now, but I'm a little less than satisfied.  I think that may have something to do with nothing filled in yet, the plants we wintered over in the house getting a little puny looking, and everything that I planted appearing kind of small and ill-established so far.  I know they'll fill in soon.

It was a task, I tell ya...  And though I did all the planting, it was my Oldtimer's efforts that got the pots placed about the deck and dirt hauled from below.  Here are a few BEFORE shots:







And then there's my Oldtimer, doing his shaping and trimming and looking for all the world like "Pigpen" in the old Charlie Brown comics.  Don't let those bottom two photos fool you - they are not some artsty depth of field photos with blurred backgrounds; they are photos of the lilac bush with all the dust blowing by that my Oldtimer stirred up!



Today the pots are planted and arranged, front and back.  There are a couple shrubs and perennials to put in the ground, the deck has to be hosed down, and I have to scrub the fountain pot and make it presentable again.  I'll have some "during" shots shortly.  Right now, it's back to the vacuum, scrub bucket, laundry, and Windex... and back to the day job tomorrow!

7 comments:

Norma Soulet (AZArtist) said...

I love your deck and the potted plants look lovely!

Jennifer Rose said...

you have a great looking deck. i love that hummingbird feeder, so very colourful :D

Michelle Eaton said...

Congrats on your new little Grandaughter!

Love the photos :)

Serena Lewis said...

Congratulations on the newest addition to the family! Lovely photos!

Shashi Nayagam said...

Your deck must be looking lovely with all those beautiful potted plants. I am sure your garden will be looking great too.

Shashi Nayagam said...

Oh I was too quick with my fingers.
Congratulations on the birth of your new grand daughter.

joggerellablog said...

More Congratulations and I like her name, too! Susan was my Mother-in-law's favorite girl name.