It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time...

   I decided last winter, when the thermometer outside read 6 degrees, I wanted to redo my back yard. I thought about it all winter.  I did not want to build a gazebo or anything drastic or expensive. Nor did I want anything that needed Tommy or me to spend hours on a wobbly ladder, hanging on for dear life with one hand while cussing like a sailor at misunderstood directions. We have already done all of this when we built my art room.  I wanted a place to set our  swings, enjoy a fire pit, and cook out.  Most of all I wanted a place to enjoy rain showers, sunsets, family, friends and good music. A place to share beer, coffee and good ole Southern Ice tea.  I wanted a place to read and a place for old stories and new memories; a place filled with night sounds and lightening bugs. 

  Tommy was delighted that I would finally use all the 'pallets' that find their way to our home.  I love those things.  I can create all sorts of ideas from Pintrest; in a worse case scenario they make great kindling for our wood stove.

   The project was about to begin and would only take a minimal amount of time. We purchased a 12 x 12 foot canopy at Westlakes.  It was up in a matter of thirty minutes. Tommy bought me an red umbrella table for my birthday. I loaded up on flowers and gathered all my 'outside' furniture and began to create an outdoor room. I loved it!  We spent some good times out there.  Over the course of a few weeks, we made a wall out of pallets. That was easy but still harder than I thought it would be. Tommy's left arm is not 100% and it caused him pain...a lot of pain. I wanted him to quit but he refused. I love that man! Sometimes he drives me nuts but I can't imagine life without him. After saying all of this and meaning every word; I also have to throw in the fact that he gives the worst directions in the world!! He knows what he wants done and how to do it but I'll be damn if he can make me understand it!! The fence was created with minimal damage to feelings or egos.  AND no one was mentally pushed off a ladder--as far as I know.  Unlike the building of the sunroom when we were exhausted, hotter than hot we mentally threw each other through every window  and sliding door possible. . . well, in my mind, I did. However he threw the hammer first.

   All my hard work and bright ideas looked pretty and were very comfortable.  It lasted about a month.  The Spring rains began, stopped,  returned and finally moved in, refusing to let up. A night of high winds and my outside patio looked like this.

      I knew it was a temporary structure but I sure thought it would last longer than a month.  Once again it is cleaned up and usable without the canopy. I have plenty of shade in the late afternoon.  However I really did like the canopy. Either later this summer or next spring I am having a metal one installed. Tommy and Vicky will only pick out the color, location and add the pretty touches.  This will be a first for us.

     Here are a few shots of the rest of our yard. 

                         

                                                   

                                        
                                                                 front yard

   The wet spot to the left of the boat, which is filled with hostas and daylilies, I would like to place a small koi pond there.  Tommy doesn't want it because of snakes and Sabella would probably eat the fish.  Hmmmm still thinking this one over. He is probably right.

   

                                   Part of the back yard and pond---The pond, now that is another story.