https://merridee.net/2016/03/16/latest-hanson/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_1855.jpgRory in RedBright eyed in red. https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_1739.jpgRory sadAlmost the whole time I hung out with Derek and Bridget while the folks where here, Rory was grumpy.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_1737.jpgDerek and roryDerek is a good dad.2016-04-17T06:38:42+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2016/02/07/feeling-springs-creep/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_1728.jpgSigns of springs cornerThis bed seems to be the most lively. Especially excited to see the redwood getting so big.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_1732.jpgTacos This is home version of Plate of Tacos.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_1733-1.jpgLemonI finally bought a lemon tree. It's confussed about where we live and is blooming. Unfortunately, I wanted it smell crazy good but it doesn't/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_1730.jpgprimrosePrimrose are blooming! So cute!2016-04-17T06:26:14+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2015/12/22/feeling-festive/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_1725.jpgLily tieLily was so excited she wouldn't look at the camera — which is just how she always treats having her picture taken.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_1721.jpgFestive at kimball3 stockings!2016-04-17T06:12:55+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2015/10/04/keeps-on-giving/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1683.jpglovely mumsThese mums in the corner bed and a bright spot of happy while the rest of the yard is starting to fade.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1689.jpgOct. 4Oct. 4 harvest. Time to make eggplant parmigiana.2015-10-25T02:24:12+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2015/07/25/magical-nasturtiums-2/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1636.jpgHerb bedThe herb bed is also looking very nice this year. The monarda didn't do as well as last year but the black-eyed susans have been stunning!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1589.jpgcircle bedI overhauled this bed in the spring. Turned out very pretty!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1632.jpgBack of house lilyThe bed along the back to the house filled in very nicely this year, thanks to regular watering. Lovely lilies and back-eyed susans.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1655.jpgMallowThis mallow is a new addition this year. Mom had them in Colorado and I always like them. Turns out I still like them and they are new favorite. Hope they go to seed and I can spread them to other spots.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1588.jpgcircle lovelyThe full view of the corner bed. Magical nasturtiums indeed!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1656.jpgcoreopsisAnother recent addition. Sunshine coreopsis. Loving it!2015-10-10T22:37:20+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2015/08/19/bumper-crop/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1643.jpgBountyAug. 17's harvest. https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1639.jpgAug. 19Aug 19 harvesthttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1641.jpgProcessing tomatoesProcessing tomatoes2015-10-10T22:21:55+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2015/07/05/fourth-of-july-tomato-check-in/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1620.jpgtomato checkinAnnual Fourth of July tomato check-in.2015-10-10T22:02:54+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2015/07/03/a-seriously-pesky-problem/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1617.jpgGetting sunburnedLoving the sun on Whidbey — and getting a sunburnhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1616.jpgMom and dadMom and Dad's on a July afternoon — Great place to sit back and relax!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1576-1.jpgGarbage can of grossGarbage can of gross! Thing was just crawling with the little nasty demons!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1581-1.jpgPoor girlPoor girl! All shaved and looks like a deer.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1608.jpgCar rideReady to hit the road up to Whidbey. She likes to ride in the car but this ride wears her out pretty quickly. She did fit better on the seat without so much hair!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1618.jpgGrandpa chillinGrandpa and Lily spent some quality time chillin on the patio. 2015-10-10T21:58:52+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2015/05/10/in-goes-the-garden-2/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/garden-plan-2015.pngGarden plan 2015The Plan — Many a cold winter night went into dreaming about this!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1465.jpgPeppers and radishesPeppers and radisheshttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1462.jpghappy little treeA happy little maple treehttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1469.jpgEggplant winter squash beans and peas4 kinds of Eggplant, 2 winter squash (hubbard and delicata), beans and peas. And some very sad onions. Also argula and lettucehttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1466.jpgTomatoesTomatoes — 8 different kinds (Stupice, green zebra, lemon boy, orange, San Marzena roma, Pink, Branndywine). May be too many. Carrots and beets planted on the edges.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1470.jpgSummer squashSummer squash (zucchini, yellow, patty pan) and Butternut winter squash https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1471.jpgCucumbersCucumbers — Lemon and regularhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1464.jpgOverallOverall2015-10-10T21:33:41+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2015/04/28/no-april-showers-just-lots-of-flowers/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1416.jpgNew back fence bedNew back fence bed is slowly coming alonghttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1434.jpgHerb bed2Other view of the herb bed — So pleased the snap dragon came back (a few didn't, and I was sad.)https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1414.jpgNeighbors azeleaneighbor's azelea hanging over the fence. They took a tree down last year and this thing took off this year. So lovely (and I don't usually really like azaleas.)https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1433.jpgAjugaAjuga in retaining wall bedhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1371.jpgPorch potPorch pot — Primrose and my favorite hydrangea!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1409.jpgGeumGeum — So happy!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1373.jpgReplanted retaining wall bedReplanted retaining wall bed — came up with a real game plan for it after just spreading wildflower seeds the last few years. Everything but the primroses are from either Mom or other parts of the yard, so I didn't spend any moneyhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1411.jpgRetaining wall bedRetaining wall bedhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1396.jpgColumbine in frontColumbine in fronthttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1438.jpgHerb gardenHerb garden — Lilac is getting huge. I'll have to decide next year where will be it's "forever home."2015-05-12T09:08:17+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2015/04/12/wall-building/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1358.jpgWaiting for dirtI had a bunch of sod piled up behind the wall (from other projects), so leveled it out the best I could and then laid newspaper on top of it, then held the paper down with old fence boards. The wood planter box here is built on top of an old satellite dish base that I couldn't find anyone to rip out for less than $400, so it became a planter. Cucumbers did great there last year.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1378.jpgDirt movedRetaining wall bed and new 4x4 planter filled. Also topped off my existing beds. Still had way too much dirt, so there is huge pile of it on the other side of the yard. Figured having too much good dirt is not a bad thing.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1345.jpgoutlineThere is a slope along my backfence line that is a total pain in the ass to mow, so I decided to put in a retaining wall and level it out. This is mid-February — blocks laid out just to make sure I don't suck at math again.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1376.jpgbig-ass pile of dirtA big-ass pile of dirt — 4 yards of 4-way garden mix. https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1359.jpglily supervisesLily Dog is an excellent supervisor!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1356.jpgwall builtDidn't take any pictures of actually making the wall but I followed the usual basic steps — Dug out trench for blocks, leveled it, filled with 3 inches of paver base, tamped, and set the block. After the first layer was done, I unloaded the wheel barrow straight on to the wall. It went pretty fast. Only had to stop a few times to cut end blocks. 130 blocks total.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1386.jpgbed plantedPut in irrigation to all of my beds. Filled in with plants. Since I spent almost $800 on the blocks, dirt, irrigation, there was no budget left for plants (expect for garden veggies), so I had to make due with moving and dividing stuff all ready have. Might be kind of thin this year but it is going to look great in the long run. And I don't have to mow it! https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/kimball-backyard.jpgKimball backyardStarting point when I was looking at the house back in 20122015-05-12T09:04:34+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2015/02/14/valentines-day-pre-spring-with-love/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1343.jpgRed primroseRed primrosehttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1340.jpgPulmaneriaPulmaneriahttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1338.jpgHellebore in bloomHellebore in bloomhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1342.jpgHellebore upcloseHellebore upclosehttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1351.jpgPrimrose in backPrimrose in back — so whorey for primroses this year!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1336.jpgPulm blossomsPulm blossoms — Burst out in the middle of my day working in the yard!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1341.jpgHelleboreHellebore2015-05-12T08:37:35+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/04/30/april-flowers/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0908.jpgBuckets from MomI sent Mom a wish-list of stuff that should bring me if she need to divide anything. She delivered big time! Most of this will go in the new back of the house bed but some will be in the front too! Awesome!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0919.jpgFront doorMy early favorite this year was the pulamnaria! But everything else was doing great too! https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0915.jpgFirst tulipThis is my first tulip bloom of the season -- and it is orange (well, peach)! It bloomed on the day Mom and Dad went home.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0944.jpgSouth drivewayThe south driveway bed was about a week behind the rest of the yard and photograghed better. So cute!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0917.jpgSide yard hyacinthThe crocus were finished but the hyacinth have been so lovely and fragrant! Whole pile of cute!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0934.jpgTulipsThe tulips look amazing! Wish I could have gotten a photo that really captured how cute and cheerful they are but no of them really turned out.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0938.jpgAlong the front patioThis is one of the better shots -- all of the cheerful along the front patio.2015-03-22T09:45:57+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/12/18/full-blown-sparkle/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_1286.jpgCanopyI draped the strings from the top ring to the back of the sconces. Original plan was just one string pre arm but it looks weird, so I did a second string for each arm.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_1193.jpgSconcesOnce the arms were turned upside down, I went to Lowes and picked out a few options for new sconces. A poll of my family and design-savy friends confirmed my choice of the sparkly one. Of course, they are about 4 times more expensive than the others but worth it. Also tested how the strings of hexagon crystals looked between the arms. Liking it so far.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_1301.jpgFinishedAll finished. Love how it looks. Even with lights turned off, super sparkly in natural light.!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_1300.jpgcrystal stringsI had to hand bead all of the strings that would drape from the top ring and between the arms. Fun project to do while watching tv.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_1299.jpgBetween armsThe strings between each arm. Haven't added the second canopy strings yet.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_1295.jpgCanopy stringsStill working on the canopy strings. Also found a larger pear-shaped crystal that I have had for years and decided to hang it off of the bottom for an extra little piece of bling.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_0266.jpgdining room beforedining room before -- check out the reflection for the full scope of the cheap, boring.2015-02-07T22:42:11+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/10/02/lilys-whidbey-weekend/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1211.jpgMom and dadsMom and Dad's house on Whidbey Island.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1216.jpgLily shedLily checks out the potting shed.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1230.jpgChillin with the boysAfter a day of lots of running, Lily chills out with Grandpa and Uncle Kevin.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1227.jpgThe viewA panorama of the view from the porch.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1221.jpgVivi swingsVivi likes the zipline at Uncle Al's place.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1219.jpgBridgetteGrandpa helps Bridgette do the zipline while Kev swings with Vivi.2014-12-27T04:50:13+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/12/15/not-funny/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/12-14-14-d01-intro.jpg12-14-14 D01 introLife cover. Wrote story and designedhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/12-14-14-d08-intro-jump.jpg12-14-14 D08 intro jumpLife jump. Continued the meet the comics story. Still written by me.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/12-14-14-a01-comics.jpg12-14-14 A01 comicsThe A1 story I wrotehttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/12-14-14-a05-comics-jump.jpg12-14-14 A05 comics jumpThe jump page from A12014-12-27T04:49:05+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/10/01/a-mothers-generosity/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1231.jpgNot clerodendronThis is not clerodendronhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1214.jpgclerodendronThis is a clerodendron. I really love it and am wishing mine what this awesome!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1215.jpgpergolaMom's Pergola. Super pretty. She is working on a new fencing option to get rid of the mesh gate.2014-12-05T10:45:51+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/09/19/feeling-saucy/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1189.jpgtomatoesBlack krums and green zebrashttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1188.jpgLemon boysLemon boys. These made awesome sauce!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1190.jpgtomato mixThe full mix, from a different harvest than the other two pix. The yellow boys became the sauce to go with the zucchini, which was transformed into a kick-ass veggie lasagna.2014-12-05T09:16:25+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/08/07/illuminating-family-history/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1162.jpghall hung unlitIn hall -- all assembled and unlit. So much nicer than the horrible boob light!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1060.jpgchandelier beforeI posted this picture on a few internet sites to see if anyone had any input of their value. Turns out there isn't much.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1164.jpghall hung litIn the hall -- all assembled and lit. Pretty!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1166.jpgbraker boxThe braker box -- sent this to Dad to see if I was smart enough to replace what I thought was a blown breaker -- turns out, not blown, just some dumb wiring on kitchen switches.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1169.jpgKitchen litFinally hung in kitchen! Such a pain but worth it. Also noticing the bulbs get really warm to stand under.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1156.jpghall base hungbase hung in the hall. As usual - was harder to install than it should have been.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1171.jpgHung kitchenFinally installed in the kitchen -- light off. So lovely!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1059.jpgChandelier piecesSo much sparkle -- all of the pieces spread out on my desk.2014-09-21T23:21:11+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/07/11/mid-summer/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1143.jpgFront under windowNew hostas are being a favorite under the front window.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1135.jpgRose bushRose bush is looking really nice this year. Hoping I am finally getting a handle on the black spot.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1144.jpgFront porch cornerSome cute color in the front porch cornerhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1155.jpgsquash harvestFirst big squash harvest! Also lemon cucumbers, beans and the first of the grape tomatoes!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1149.jpgCucumbersThe cucumber and winter squash bed is doing great and producing. Letting the argula bolt was a very good idea.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1142.jpgIMG_1142https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1148.jpgBeans back of houseThe beans are going nuts. And the new bed along the back of the house is filling in and looking cheerful.2014-09-21T22:24:56+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/06/05/fourth-of-july-tomato-check/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1127.jpgpeppers beets Peppers are looking a little washed out. Carrots and beets doing well, as are tomatoes. Sadly, what I thought was a stupice tomato is really some kind of red grape tomato -- that means I won't have a good red slicer this year. boo.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1131.jpgCucs winter squashCucumbers and winter squash. This bed is proving to be hard to keep watered -- It dries out SO fast!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1128.jpgSquashSquash, beans and argula (which has bolted but I am keeping to help with pollinating the squash blossoms).https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1134.jpgTomatoes potatoesTomatoes and potatoes both doing good. Radishes are almost done.2014-09-21T22:07:16+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/07/26/lilies/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1138.jpgpurple in frontPurple in fronthttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1136.jpgOrange in frontOrange in fronthttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1170.jpgYellow yarrowYellow with yarrowhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1147.jpgLily with lilyLily with lily -- kind of blurryhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1158.jpgpeachpeach in back house bed with Shastashttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1072.jpgLily dogLily dog -- my favorite Lily!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1088.jpgSmall yellowYellow at end of berm near sidewalk.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1112.jpgpurplePurple in front bermhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1117.jpgYellowYellow in back house bed.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_1146.jpgOrangeOrange and yellow in front porch strip.2014-09-21T21:54:50+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/06/23/welcome-hummingbirds/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_1118.jpgpink monardaThe pink monarda is also blooming but the hummingbirds don't love it as much. looks cute with the lavender and feverfew. https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_1106.jpgBerm endLovely yellow coreopsis at the berm end.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_1103.jpgmonardaEvery time I go outside there is at least one, and usually more, hummingbird enjoying the monardahttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_1086.jpgradish harvestHarvest -- radishes, strawberries, beets, basil (trimmed off to encourage bushiness) https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_1090.jpgiris and mom daisiesSiberian iris and mom daisies in the front yardhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_1105.jpgMr Kern shastasThe shasta daisies Mr. Kern gave me are blooming and being super cute in the front yardhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_1140.jpglily under plumOrange-ish with magenta mums under plum tree.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_1107.jpgfront bermThe front bern looks lovely right now2014-08-11T02:17:47+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/06/10/feverfew-forest/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_1068.jpgGarden peppersThe peppers are looking a little washed out but the beets, 2 tomatoes, carrots and eggplant are doing well.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_1070.jpgtomatoes and radishesRadishes and 3 tomatoeshttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_1069.jpgpotato potPotatoes are still going crazyhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_1072.jpgLily loves sunLily loving the sunhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_1071.jpgsquash and beanssquash, beans, arugula and onionshttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_1067.jpgbackstepsThis little project is ending up really cutehttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_1063.jpgHerb bedThe herb bed is overflowing in huge feverfew and chamomile. https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_1078.jpgIMG_10782014-08-11T01:55:41+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/05/27/more-garden-pretties/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_1043.jpgFirst StrawberriesThe first strawberry harvest of the year. Came from the 5 plants that a co-worker pawned off on me. And then they multiplied and are baring sweet bounty!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_1021.jpgRosesI don't like roses but these still make me smile. And I almost have the black spot under control! Such high maintenance!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_1044.jpgHerb Bed walkwayThe purple and red looks cute with all of the white little daisy flowershttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_1037.jpgHanging basketMore purple in the basket but there is a red verbena that came up from seed so the whole thing will be very striking soon.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_1026.jpgLewisiaI was so disappointed about my lewisia last year -- I got them from a magizine cause they looked so cute and it said they were a hardy fast-growing boarder. They did squat. Was thrill today to see one finally bloomed!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_1032.jpgPatio potI am sucker for gerber daisies and I got a killer deal on this one. The yellow and the purple are so cute! https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_1049.jpgclaradendrenMom gave me this last year and it didn't bloom, so I was really happy to see it do its thing. And it smells really nice. The rest of this bed is a mess but claradendren cheers everything up.2014-05-28T04:16:19+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/05/17/stepping-it-up/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0997.jpgstepsSteps and pillars done. Weed clothe and mulch laid. pots planted with honeysuckle, snap dragons and verbena. Green pots to mask neighbors weeds.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0965.jpgRocksready to rock and roll. Guy loading the cinderblocks for me was worried that my truck wasn't up to the task. I laughed!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0947.jpgShovelThe shovel that I inherited from Grandpa Doman (so it is at least 15 years old) met its match against the yucca. One more reason to dislike yuccahttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0904.jpgWeed killThis has been covered since early March -- 2 months isn't really long enough to kill some things but it was a good start. https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0992.jpgFernsI told mom I wanted ferns. I do but not really for this bed. May be a tempt home or maybe not -- I like and they like it there!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0994.jpgBob's redwoodMy friend Bob gave me a redwood sapling that he got in California last year. Happy that it is hanging in there!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0996.jpgRetaining wall bedFixtures are doing fine but I need to move some things around that came up from seed and then fill the holes.2014-05-17T08:51:53+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/05/14/getting-better-every-day/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0973.jpgFront bedUnder the window gets better every day! The lupin! And then there are all these little surprises every where. Awesome!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0975.jpgIris and lupin againI moved the iris from in front of the patio and door to where they would get more sun and I could use their height. https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0962.jpggeraniumPink geranium, dusty miller and feverfew making the front corner cutehttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0986.jpgIris and foxgloveThe transplanted iris are doing great but a big surprise is the foxglove. I didn't know what they were so told Mom to pull them. She said wait -- so glad I did!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0977.jpgfront berm fill inAll of the moving around and transplants are taking hold. Splash of color with added bedding plantshttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0988.jpgpoppies and lupinPoppies and lupin. Poppies add a great splash of color that is dominated by purples.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_1002.jpgBack of the house bedBack of the house bed still looks pretty sparse but considering it is weeks old, nice start. Only 2 deaths so far -- daily lily and some rubeckia.2014-05-17T08:13:14+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/05/12/in-goes-the-garden/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0964.jpgThe veggie haulThe veggie haul -- all of the stuff I got at Portland nursery. There is also some bedding plants in here to fill in borders and pots. Also the herbs that will go in the herb bed.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0956.jpgonions and radishesThe onions and radishes a week or so ago. The other seeds are also planted here but most have not made an appearance yet.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0958.jpgPotatoesPotatoes seem to love this black pot. I have already added soil twice and they will need it again in day or so. Crazy -- I have never grown potatoes, so they fill me with wonder!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0966.jpgGardenEverything planted and looks good so far.2014-05-17T07:05:00+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/05/06/weekend-update/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0955.jpgSatellite bedI was hoping to rip the satellite pole out but it was too expensive. So I made lemonade out of it. Should be a good spot for cooler veggies.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0953.jpgColumbineColumbine have always been one of my favorite flowers. There was a meadow in Colorado, where if you hit it at the exact right time was a blanket of blue columbine -- so wonderful! This white one has been a real treat this year. https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0949.jpgBurm bottomWith the hyacinth and tulips done, I moved the calenglia around and moved some asters. https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0950.jpgshowcaseThe bed under the front window is being fantastic! The hostas are a recent addition from Mom. Aphids gave the lupin a ravaging but I think they are gone. Gets better every day!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0948.jpgLupinThe lupin are beginning to bloom. I can't believe how big they got. Looks like the iris are going to bloom this year too -- surprise considering the hacking I did to them!2014-05-17T05:44:13+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/04/10/longing-for-less-lawn/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0899.jpgDay oneDay one I managed to get about half of the bed dug out.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0911.jpgAll dugAll dug out. Then I put in a border of river rock along the back of the house. Lily approved.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0925.jpgPaving stonesFinal part of the project was to put in the concrete pavers. 17 bags of 50 lbs concrete. I had very selective memory on how not fun these can be to make!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0903.jpgPile of sodI piled all of the sod with the old pickets. This area is turning into my trash heap. Need to get serious about this project!2014-05-17T04:21:17+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/04/03/a-stand-up-job/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0942.jpgBreakfastTuesday morning breakfasthttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0943.jpgDad takes pixDad takes a picture of our handy work to brag to his friends (apparently they were all sad he didn't have pix.)https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_1004.jpgGate openGate open. We had to move the board that edged the mulch but without measuring (or really thinking about it), it was the prefect length to square off the bed. https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_1001.jpgGate from backyardGate from backyardhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0999.jpgGate closedGate view from the streethttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_1003.jpgGate openI love the french door-style!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0895.jpgFinishedThis is the finished product. Basically 2 days of hard work. Looks great!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0779.jpgPiled up panelsI piled the panels up in a corner that is someday going to become a flower bed so I don't care about the grass. Then I spent a very rainy day off breaking down the panels and stacking the wood. It was very therapeutic! https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0748.jpgFence goes downFence lost the battle with the wind.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_0751.jpgCharles' out houseNeighbor Charles' little outhouse was collateral damage. Once I got the fence panel off of it, we stood it back up and it was only a little worse for wear. 2014-05-17T04:03:51+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/03/03/a-wild-time/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_0873.jpgBearThis is the grizzly bear. There were also 2 black bears, which were much smaller and cuddly looking.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_0862.jpgTigerTiger. They had a ton of them and even a few white ones. https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_0879.jpgBaby zebraBaby Zebra! SOOOOOO cute! I love baby animals so much!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_0866.jpgLionLion. We followed a feeding truck around so all of the animals came up to the fences to get their dinner. https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_0882.jpgVivi and dadVivi and Dad playing blocks.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_0888.jpgVivi and momVivi likes to sit at the tall counter stools. She's just chillin' with Grandma.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_0878.jpgGiraffeMy new giraffe boyfriend. He kissed the leaf right out of my lips. That is the most action I have seen in a while!2014-04-04T05:46:05+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/02/16/the-thaw/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_0740.jpgSuddenly greenThings are growing again!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_0739.jpgHellebore and daffodilsHellebore are blooming and the daffodils burst out of the ground a grew 4 inches in a matter of days!2014-04-04T04:45:24+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/08/14/flower-vignettes/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0602.jpgmallow and cosmosmallow, cosmos and bachelor buttons behind the retaining wallhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0614.jpgnasturiumsnasturiums amid the basils, lemon balm, feverfewhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_06073.jpgbachelor buttonsBachelor buttons, callengula and chamomile in the herb bedhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0605.jpgDaliaA dailia I randomly bought last year and came up in a pot, next to asters, marigolds and parsleyhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0603.jpgmallowMallow, callengula, bachelor buttons behind the retaining wall.2014-02-11T09:31:54+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/08/13/vegetables-of-my-labor/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0598.jpggarden 2The beans continue to be the top producers. The winter squash isn't doing much at this stage. The patty pans aren't as productive as the other summer squash but doing ok. Arugual has bolted and will need to come out soon. Other lettuces are really bitter and will probably end up getting composted.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0597.jpgtomatoesMy favorites -- the stupice -- is pretty small but producing. The green zebra is proving to be the most promising. The black beauty is also doing pretty good.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0595.jpgGarden bed 1Peppers in the front -- not ready yet but lots going on there. carrots are still pretty small. 2 tomatoes -- slowly trickling in. zucchini and squash producing a few a week.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0601.jpgvegetable harvestBeans, carrots, zucchini, yellow squash, patty pans, cucumber and a pile of tomatoes!2014-02-11T09:03:44+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/02/10/snowmageden/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/img_0735.jpgSnow cookiesWhite chocolate chip, coconut cookies. I didn't have any regular white sugar (I know, super weird), so I used raw sugar. Gave them a nice molasses note. Yum! If only I wasn't out of milk. sad https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/img_0733.jpglIly in the snowThe snow and cold didn't seem to bother Lily.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/img_0730.jpgsnow saturday morningSnow on Saturday morning. About double from Thursday night.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/1545787_10203276755708739_1286182237_n.jpgsnow -- Thursday nightAlready 5" of snow on Thursday night2014-02-10T22:07:13+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/01/20/scourn/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/img_0725.jpgLIly post-bathPoorly Lily is seriously feeling sorry for herself and cursing my name!2014-02-08T23:36:17+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/01/08/christmas-trees-of-different-kind/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/img_0717.jpgLouisiana-style shortribs First crockpot adventure. Louisiana-style shortribs with spicy coleslaw. YUM!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/img_0712.jpgtrees temp homeMost of my new little trees will have to live in the garden until I can come up better plan.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/img_0711.jpgTreesA bucket of baby trees -- but what to do with them?2014-02-08T23:34:59+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2014/01/08/ho-ho-ho-hum/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/img_0719.jpgGoodbye Mr. KernMr. Kern rocks out at his goodbye party at Scott Hewitt's house.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/img_0710.jpgChristmas LightsHouse looks super festive with Christmas Lights!2014-02-08T21:47:49+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/07/11/another-side-project/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0550.jpgorange lilySuper cute orange day lily. Have I mentioned that I love orange? https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0549.jpgDinnerSteak, grilled zucchini and a arugula, blueberry and corn salad. (arugula and some of the blueberries are from my garden, as is the zucchini.) Holy crap it was delicious!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0548.jpgGrillingA rib-eye steak and zucchini from the gardenhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0553.jpgherb garden side bedLooks super cute. On the other side of the walk, the blueberries are doing great. And the chamomile and callengula are filling out. I also threw some sunflower seeds that Eric Murray got in a wedding invitation last year in the ground and was surprised, not only that they came up, but that they are doing great. 2014-01-10T08:33:19+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/11/13/the-spare-room/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_0700.jpgNew rugLove the new rug, also from Ikea, and Lily likes hanging out in here too.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_0699.jpgDesk spareroomMoved my desk from the living room. https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_0698.jpgIKea curtainsI bought these curtains from Ikea ages ago and were suppose to include hem tape but it didn't so I had to get creative with a swag instead of my standard straight. Sorry about photo quality -- even in the middle of the afternoon it is still kind of dark in here (but it IS November, so kind of expected.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_0697.jpgspare bedrooomCast off extra furniture includes inherited red love seat, which present problems when pondering alternate paint colors.2013-12-02T23:45:02+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/11/10/garage-glam-up/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_0696.jpgNuts and boltsI put away all of my random buckets of project supplies and reserved the tables for the tools I use a lot -- aka the drill bag, etc.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_0695.jpgTool wall tidyI gave up on the hooks for new. Maybe laterhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_0694.jpgCupboard doneAll filled up again.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_0669.jpgWasher and dyerThis is pretty organized but I just wanted to show off my badass washer and dryer -- they sing to me!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_0668.jpgTool wallI wanted to do real hooks on the wall for the garden tools.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_0667.jpgGarage messJust piles of stuff everywherehttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_0675.jpgShelfpaper detailA detail of the shelfpaper. Pretty cute. but should ponder the idea of painting the wood.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_0674.jpgShelfpaperCleaned out and lined with shelf paperhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_0671.jpgCupboard beforeNot much in here cause nothing put but what was, was a mess2013-12-02T23:43:15+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/10/24/lily-kins/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0652.jpgLIly at Shirley'sLily quickly remembers why she doesn't like it at shirelyshttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0651.jpgMerlinThe arch-enemy. Not plotting evil but just a spastic doof. He is a collie like Lily and can be smart but usually he is just a pain in the butt.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0649.jpgLoganShirley's little boy Logan almost always gives me a lecture about how Lily is his dog and I can't take her home with me again. Then he forgets and, much to Lily's relief, I take her home with me again.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0653.jpgLIly in carShe is looking pretty sad cause we are home after running errands. But she was all smiles on the road. She did get kind of twitchy when I ran into a shop really fast -- acted like she thought I had abandoned her. 2013-10-30T09:45:52+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/10/21/spring-staging/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0647.jpgBulbs60 tulip, 60 crocus, 24 hyacinth, 8 snowdrops. There are already some daphs under the window and grape hyacinth by the drive way, otherwise those would have been included in the mix too. https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0641.jpgGarden goneEverything got ripped out except the carrots (which have been long, big and delicious), arugula, late august planted peas and radishes.2013-10-30T08:43:47+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/10/19/feeling-tropical/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0654.jpgPineapple sage in bloomNot the best picture, but the pineapple sage really does look striking with asters.2013-10-30T08:02:06+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/10/02/well-this-blows/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0626.jpgasters fall overI eventually tried to prop these up but didn't chop. A frost will be here soon enough and then I'll cut them back for real.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0624.jpgFloppy cosmosAll the cosmos and some most of the bachelor buttons and asters fell over with no hope of propping them up again. I chopped some of the worse ones but tried to coax most of them back into looking decent. Also the yard waste bin was full.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0620.jpgcut flowersA few sunflowers, cosmos, asters and feverfew2013-10-30T07:13:18+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/10/01/waking-on-the-brighter-side/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0636.jpgWindowGot the lace curtains hung at the correct height and then put the old bathroom shelf in the corner to hold all of the books and bed stuff. I don't love this bit but am to cheap to shop for anything new at this point.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0633.jpgEast WallI don't really like my standing mirror anymore but I don't have room in my bathroom to do my make-up in there, so it had to stay and be inconvenient. The Renoir poster was a present from Kevin when he was an intern in D.C., so is 15 years old and looks like it. The hanging lamp I inherited when someone left in the basement at the Rex (I have suspicions but that makes me want to keep it more.) Blanket my mom made me, little table and then shelf. https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0632.jpgClosetI took the closet doors off when I first moved in. I have hated closet doors for years. But I knew at times it does need to hide, so I hung the curtain rod I insisted on bringing from the Rex and then lost one of the finials for in front of it.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0631.jpgMirror and bedOnce again, my furniture doesn't really fit the space but I love it all too much to get rid of it. The mirror was Grandma Hanson, the dresser I got in middle school, headboard I refinished, lamp was Grandma Domans.2013-10-30T06:52:34+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/08/26/symbolism-in-sunflowers/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0608.jpgSunflowersThey are 8 feet tall and ready to bloom and making me cheerful2013-10-30T06:06:39+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/07/28/hectic-hot-and-dry/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0580.jpgblueberriesThe blueberries, sunflowers, chamomile, etc. https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0576.jpgretaining wallThe wildflowers in the retaining wall bed are being awesome and getting so tall. I can barely see the gate anymore, which is covered in morning gloryhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0572.jpgMonardaThe monarda, morning glory and snap dragons are all doing wellhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0569.jpgHerb bedThings are doing ok in the herb bedhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0567.jpgbasil and fennelbasil and fennel are doing well. Filled in the gap under the eve with river rock.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0561.jpgFront porchGolden rod and lupinhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0560.jpgFront - so much colorFront - so much color2013-10-28T23:02:55+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/07/05/4th-of-july-tomato-gauge/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0533.jpgBehind the retaining wallThings back here are going gang-busters! tons of cosmos, callengula, mallow. Plus morning glory on my garden gate. So cute!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0532.jpg4th of july gardenThings are chugging along but not as great as I hope, considering new soil and all.2013-10-28T21:48:39+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/06/28/the-lovely-spring/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0547.jpgMore monardaI discovered that monarda is one of my new favorites. This pink one in the herb bed is so cute with the lavender.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0546.jpgbasilsThe basils and fennel are doing wellhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0544.jpgMonardaMonarda, yarrow, day lilies, and poppieshttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0542.jpgFront porchPoppies, feverfew and snap dragons along the front porchhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0541.jpgSide front bedLots of color and cutehttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0540.jpgPlum treeThe shasta daisies and yarrow surround the pulm tree at the front of the side yard bed2013-10-28T21:34:55+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/06/11/stewing-over-the-herb-garden/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_0530.jpgHerb garden first plantingIt will do for now. Doesn't look terrible and I know that things will grow.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0527.jpgHerb garden 2The blueberries are between the long walk and the patio, with chamomile and callengula. Transplanted a chive, but still not enough to fill things out. So the compromises began, starting with a trellis of morning glory that can up from seed. https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0526.jpgHerb garden startI plopped my bounty in the ground but things looked pretty bare.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0525.jpgLily in the dirtI moved some lilies from a pot and put in some manardia and Hyssop. The pots will have herbs that are notorious for getting overgrown -- lemon balm, oregano, mints. 2013-10-28T21:10:14+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/06/06/magical-nasturtiums/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0523.jpgMore siberian irisThe north corner of the porch is framed by siberian iris and wintered over snap dragons. I love the purple and yellow.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0520.jpgSiberian iris and dianthusSiberian iris from Mom, dianthus and some other treasures.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_05181.jpgMore nasturtiums The little guy is down by the plum tree, joining the yarrow and alyssum that I planted from seed. So cutehttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0517.jpgnasturtiums 1Magical nasturtiums by the front proch2013-10-28T21:09:26+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/06/03/steps-in-the-right-direction/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0515.jpgLong path not doneOnce again bad at math -- I under budgeted the number of concrete bags I would need to do the last few feet. No worries, easy to mop up after work one evening.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0514.jpgLong PathThis is about 20 feet long and only took me about 2 1/2 hours to make. I love how it looks!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0510.jpgShort pathThis project was crazy easy -- mix concrete, pour into mold (seen leaning against house) smooth out and move to the next one.2013-10-28T21:07:55+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/05/19/oats-and-beans-and-barley-grow/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0482.jpggarden plantedI followed my original plan. Hoping for a great bounty.2013-10-22T09:36:29+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/05/18/a-dirty-dirty-job/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0476.jpgretaining wallAnother blank canvass ready for some fun!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0475.jpggarden boxesFull and ready for plantinghttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0474.jpgDirt gone3 days later. And some seriously sore muscles, I had moved it all.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0473.jpgPile of dirt6 yards! The picture does not do it justice -- it was literally to my waist and took up most of the driveway. Holy hell, that is ALOT of dirt.2013-10-22T09:34:14+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/05/22/growth-update/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0502.jpgBeech in leafThe beech tree took forever to leaf out compared to some other trees but totally worth it. So handsome!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0493.jpgUnder window bedAll kinds of fun happening here, including lupine, iris, brunerra, columbine, etc.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0490.jpgfront bed springIris, snapdragon, geranium, etc. all looking great.2013-10-22T09:29:06+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/05/11/the-push-and-pull/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0484.jpgrototilledAll done. I had to throw down some blocks to get a across the muddy pit. Lily was particularly unhappy about tromping through the mud. I liked the stones so much, I decided to set them deeper and keep themhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0471.jpglily on dead grassLily really likes sitting on the dead grass -- maybe it is extra warm or something.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0467.jpgdead grass 2I has the utilities come out and mark where the lines were. Nothing scary than hitting the gas line with a rototiller -- fortunately they are mush deeper than I am planned on going.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0466.jpgDead grassThe plastic did its work and now time to rototile2013-10-22T09:26:58+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/05/11/one-cool-cookie/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0464.jpgAfter ceiling fanLooks pretty snazzy. And it a fraction of the time that it did at the other house. Experience is a blessed thing!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0458.jpgBefore ceiling fanThe before -- I LOATH boob lights!2013-10-22T09:24:03+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/05/08/signing-bonues/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0459.jpgIrisLovely iris in the front yardhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0508.jpgroses 2https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0507.jpgrosesA lovely surprise2013-10-22T09:20:59+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/05/02/my-new-roommate/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0612.jpglily the supervisiorShe loves to be outside with me. Depending on the time of day she will sit in the sun or the shade and watch me work. I always have to be in sight , unless she is getting into mischief such as pooping in the neighbors yard or meeting a dog friend on a walk in the front yard. https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0618.jpglily wakes me upHer favorite trick is to rest her chin on the side of my bed and whine when she thinks I should get up. She HATES it when I read in bed before getting up in the morning.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0635.jpgLily on the rugSo many rugs to sit and shed on.2013-10-22T09:17:28+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/04/22/pow-pow-power-tools/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0456.jpgGarden boxesLowes cut down the long boards for me but I had to cut the 4x4s myself. And then I got to screw them all together. The back bed has a bean trellis made from a 2x2 and left over mess fencing from the old house. sturdy and super awesome looking! https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/screen-shot-2013-10-21-at-9-15-09-pm.pngGarden planSite helped me map out how much space all of the things I was hoping to grow would take. https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0451.jpgfirst planting 3The existing iris and snap dragons stayed put.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0450.jpgFirst planting 2Some of the things from the old house were bigger and helped make the new plantings not look so sparse.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0447.jpgFirst planting 1Things in the ground but need some time to grow.2013-10-22T09:13:44+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/04/08/shopping-spree/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0443.jpgThe bountyThere is a whole lot of cute packed into the back of my truck.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0439.jpgMom and DadMy Mom and Dad -- aren't they cute. Even with the raspberry on Dad's head from falling over. He needs to stop doing that.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0438.jpgMom diggingWe filled the wheel barrow up with all sorts of fun for my yard.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0436.jpgMy folks houseThis is the house they built a few years ago. It has an amazing view across the Skaggit Bay over to the Cascades and Mount Baker.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0434.jpgMom as a tulip angelMom as a tulip angel -- quite fitting, I think!https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0432.jpgTulip fieldsTulip fields in La Conner. The lines of blooms in one of my favorite thingshttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0429.jpgTulips in La ConnerAunt Debbie, Uncle Al, Aunt Linda, Uncle Larry in the tulips in La Conner2013-10-22T04:11:09+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/04/01/a-little-side-project/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0445.jpgDriveway side transformed 2Looks much better. Sorry I about the poor photography and shadows. But you get the gist.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0444.jpgDriveway side transformedDug out a little bed. Plunked in the bushes and some davidii, spread some of the mulch.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0369.jpgSouth of driveway2 leggy rose bushes and current home to the mulch removed from the front porch. yuck.2013-10-22T03:36:17+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/03/15/black-death/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0360.jpgBlack plastic patioI laid black plastic to kill on the grass and put all of my pots I moved from the other house and random bricks for the crumbled retaining wall to keep it in place.2013-10-22T03:33:19+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/03/10/planning-the-foundations/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0358.jpgSod pileBy the time I was done with front beds, I had a pretty big pile of sod.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0356.jpgFruit treesClosest house is a Desert King Fig, Cherry tree (5-kind hybird), and Brown Turkey Fig.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0367.jpgFront under windowConnected new side bed with the front porch bed, which I expanded out another 2 feet.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0365.jpgNew front bedNew bed between my property and neighbor Charles. Then planted plum tree and put in stepping stones for the mailman.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0366.jpgFront porch afterReplaced mulch with pavers. Added desk and chair. Potted up lily and added some primroses and snapdragons. Cute, cute, cute. And dry.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0353.jpgFront Patio beforeMulch has to go. And repot tropical lily thing.2013-10-21T21:09:47+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/about/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0337.jpgmemehttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0469.jpgLilyLily's favorite thing to do is supervise while I work hard. 2013-10-19T10:12:20+00:00weekly0.6https://merridee.net/2013/03/30/new-wall-stacks-up-to-hard-work/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0374.jpgFinished wallCompletely worth all of the drama and hard work! Looks great. But I'm going to need a lot more dirt.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0370.jpgRetaining wallTotal underestimated the number I would need.2013-10-19T09:35:53+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2013/02/20/best-tree-ever/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0351.jpgTri-color beechAwesome new tree2013-10-19T08:29:45+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2012/12/25/guests-for-christmas/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0333.jpgLily in a tieLily was officially unimpressed with me putting this tie I got from my boss on her to help her feel festive. Didn't work.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0332.jpgLily floor nappingNapping on the floorhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0327.jpgxmas lightsI framed the front porch in lights. Looked super festive!2013-10-19T08:05:13+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2012/11/22/pinterest-is-flithy-liar/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0397.jpgFlower paintings unitedTesting them out on the back of the couch to see if they will do. Seems finehttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0402.jpgFlower paintingsDon't look too closely, but from a distance they look ok.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0328.jpgFlower paintings unitedI slide them all together to make them look like one piece2013-10-19T07:51:07+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2012/11/19/cramming-it-all-in/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0412.jpgLiving roomThe armoire is gone but the art still needs work. And a run to pull things together.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0304.jpgMom in Living roomMom by the little white cabinet and Rex paintinghttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0306.jpgLiving roomGetting things arrangedhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0292.jpgArmoir It looked good but couldn't stayhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0291.jpgIMG_02912013-10-19T07:08:55+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2012/11/01/the-bathroom-blues/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0223.jpgBathroom storageNo storage at all except for a narrow ledge and a medicine cabinets2013-10-19T06:38:30+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2012/10/18/ceilings-should-be-white/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0299.jpgYellow KitchenKitchen painted yellow and the cabinet doors removedhttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0298.jpgYellow KitchenKitchen painted yellow and coat hooks and all decorated uphttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0286.jpgBlue, decorated bathroomFinding both the rack on the counter and the shelf were a big adventure -- once again, if I want it, it must be completely unreasonablehttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0285.jpgBathroom after paintThe bathroom after paint (pale blue) and decorated.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0265.jpgDinning room before painthttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0264.jpgKitchen before paintKitchen before painthttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0263.jpgKitchen before paintLook at the fancy new fridge! It is huge inside.2013-10-19T06:37:50+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.net/2012/10/01/the-blank-slate/https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/is-bo4fbpnzjkgt.jpgKitchenRemodeled kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/is-bo027004ggv11.jpgKimball househttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/is-1mekl6riz8sil.jpgThe front doorFront door seen from the the door to the garagehttps://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0222.jpgThe bathroomThe bathroom with some upgrades, including new sink and toilet, and small granite shelf.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0220.jpgClaire at KimballRealtor Claire takes me to check out the Kimball house. A few iris and annuals in a small strip across the front.https://merridee.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0227.jpgBack patioThe back patio as seen from the middle of the yeard2013-10-19T06:37:28+00:00monthlyhttps://merridee.netdaily1.02016-04-17T06:38:42+00:00