Projects, Miscellany
With Linda Watkins and Jasper, winner of "Best in Show," a benefit for the Humane Society
of Central Oregon. Okay, so I'm not the greatest face-painter in the world. So shoot me. No, better
not encourage the government.... Sooo, we've spent significant time this year volunteering for our local humane
society. The work has given us a great deal of satisfaction, and our rewards have been many, not to
mention opportunities to not act our age.
The Backyard...Before. Yikes! One of us got the bright idea to do our own backyard landscaping. Thought
it'd save us a ton of money. Well, okay, we didn't pay a landscaper, but the chiropractic and yoga instruction
bills have been astronomical. First, we hauled in 15 yards of dirt. They do deliver, but trouble is, they
only deliver to the front yard. I lost count of the wheelbarrow trips. It was May, and starting to
get hot. Dale left for the day and I called Labor Ready. Okay, that helped...for that day. But then there
came the seven yards of rock and seven yards of mulch, installation of the drip irrigation system, laying
of the brick walkway, and planting, planting, planting. If the yard had been any larger, we'd both be dead.
Of course, if we were dead you wouldn't be reading this....
The Backyard...After. I didn't actually think it would ever get done. By June we were dragging around
like zombies. Dale persevered, and began building the wonderful pergola he designed. My
contribution to the pergola consisted mainly of painting and holding up a few boards while Dale nailed. In
the end, though, an inviting and private space was created to relax and have outdoor dinners, and hang out
laundry without offending the neighbors. Next, Dale built a meditation space in the corner of the yard, which
will be a nice space for contemplation when the landscaping matures.
Window Seat Dale constructed this nifty window seat in the office so we'd have a cozy place
to sit and watch the snow fall. Somehow I thought I'd never have to say something like that again
when we left Minnesota, but here we are...back in four season land. Yes, those are the blinds
Bobby McGee ate for dinner one fateful night.
Okay, I won't quit my day job (if I had one). My friend Ruth thought it would be a hoot to paint a
face peeking through a "porthole" over the jacuzzi. Well, I'm no artist, but I managed a reasonable
facsimile. Come to think of it, the tub hasn't been used in quite awhile. I have some more projects planned
for my "free time." But, as we've discovered, we have less free time than ever since Dale "retired."