HOUSEWORK

I know I said I would not be one to write on your blog, but I immediately felt a little guilty. I am not one to pick up the phone, nor am I one to chat on the computer, but I will write a few words in answer to your previous blog, which by the way I just scanned.

It sounds like you are engrossed in a few physically taxing projects. I like mom's idea of allowing nature to take care of the water problem. I thought it was just a few days ago that you were speaking of having no water in your well or very little water but now it is a swamp in your front yard.

Well, on the rare occasion when I have watched the town station, when they throw their weight and power around and refuse people access to their own property to build under some bs guise of limiting the building of facilities, except of course when it is a large enough company to grease the right palms, The builder has suggested plants not only for aesthetics but also to absorb water. That was also a suggestion made to us when we looked at property that had a hill that sloped toward the house and was obviously not properly graded and would never have been allowed to be built on long island but since it was upstate they get away with a little more. Take a look at hgtv.com for some landscape ideas or go to a nursery and get some suggestions.

Now to the digging trenches, you have a little more moxie than I do because I would rent equipment and then hand it over to the boys. I have gotten past the age where I will take certain risks physically. I smell my mortality and it does not smell good.

I hope I do get to see your new ceramic tiles in your den, I am sure they will look fabulous even though I do not even remember what you said you were doing for a design. I would forget my head if it were not attached.

We are currently packing and loading and preparing for our move. I have given some thought to change for the new house but I want to live in it a little while and see what the house is asking for.

gardens and tile

Hello, ladies.

It's been busy around here, with projects popping up every week. We just started the tile project in the living room. Most of the carpet and backing is up and we're creating our own design with black and reddish gold tiles. I expect slow going, but its not as if we have a deadline.

We figured out a solution to that drainage problem in the front yard. Rather than having expensive drains installed or having equally expensive grading done, we'll work with nature rather than against it. I've already dug a trench for a dry creek bed. It'll run from the deepest part of the yard to the drain in the side yard. If I run an arm from the concrete walk, it should also take care of the water that collects at that edge as well. Lots of work, but better than maintaining a swamp in the front yard. Besides, I've always loved rock gardens. This is a great excuse for getting one going.

Now, the back yard is a different story. No swamps, but lots of erosion. We planned on building retaining walls, but mom suggested we might find plants that will do the same job. There's already an oak starting to grow at the top of the hill, by the horse paddocks. I'll just let it be, if it wants to be there. It'll create interest and a nice bit of shade for the horses.

Paul bought himself a very nice camera and I still have the one mom bought me for Christmas (or was it my birthday?), so pictures of these projects will follow.