Tuesday, June 30, 2015

THREE DAYS OF NON-STOP WORK!

This has been a 
VERY WEIRD SUMMER!

I usually get my flowers by the end of May.
Not this year.
No sir-re-bob! 
I didn't get my porches cleaned.
I didn't get the playhouse cleaned.
I didn't get the patio power washed.

I could blame it on that lingering cough
OR 
I could blame it on the weather
OR
I could blame it on laziness.

Let's go with the cough!
So---here is a hydrangea that I am 
"babysitting" for my daughter until
she gets moved into her new home.
This will be the 
ONLY PRETTY THING 
you see on my blog today.

Instead- I am going to give you a dose of 
REAL LIFE at MY HOUSE!

Ready?
This is how this looked when I started.
Then I moved on to this area!
This was after I had stripped things
and piled them in anticipation of
cleaning...it did not look like this
in the very beginning.
Then the wind carried me out to 
The Playhouse!
THREE BIG PROJECTS
in
THREE DAYS.
Yes- I can still move---
but barely.

And on Day Three
I enlisted some help to 
power wash the patio-
uh-huh!
Yes- He's a pastor but I am pretty sure
I mighta heard a naughty word or two.

Oh-Wait- Maybe that was ME saying them!

So- on Thursday-
If you are very, very good and promise not
to put the leftover soup from your bowl
back into the pot 
I just might show you some
AFTER PICTURES
of the above three areas.

Betting MyHero wishes he were back here.
Oh- Yeah...
I almost feel sorry for him...
A-L-M-O-S-T!

I'll be with my buddies at the VA this morning.
Can't wait!
your photo name

51 comments:

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

You've gotten a lot done in a few days...on a roll! I can't believe it's already July...where does the time go???
Blessings,
Cindy

LV said...

That is the way I have to work. Some days are better than others and have more get up and go. That's when I do the yard and clean house. In fact, getting ready to mow my back yard now. If you have time, drop by my place today.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

even pastors need something to repent over! lol

Pom Pom said...

Our little patches provide us with a lot of WORK, I know! It is worth it, though.
I hope you have a very cheery day, Diana!

Vee said...

You must be tired. I am tired just reading about your buzzing around! Oh I can't wait to see your beautiful spaces all fluffed and ready for the holiday.

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

You never failed to make me giggle.

I think you need a therapeutic massage now as a reward!

That playhouse is NEAT!

Sylvia said...

I totally understand, so playing with your 'buddies' is more fun than working any day! Right?

Tessa~ Here there be musing said...

You are doing too much, too quickly. You are making me feel like a slug. -pout-

Oh yeah, I am a slug!!!!!!

-grin-

And proud to be one!!!!

Hugs, hugs, hugs,
Tessa

Lynne said...

It's hard to pack it all in, isn't it, Sweet D? We still have the lower part of our back yard to primp before The Fourth! ( I have pretty much planned to be overwhelmed for the rest of the year.) Of late, my blogging has taken a back seat. We are hoping to travel to Boise to visit Jay, in early September, I shall order your book to read along the way. It looks like a perfect late Summer, long weekend read.
Take care!
~Lynne
w/L

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

Hi Diana! Good for you showing real life!! We ALL have those messes. We just feature the good stuff on our blogs! Take it easy. It doesn't all have to be done at once, or you won't have any energy to enjoy it later. How nice that your hubby helps you out. He's a keeper. -Jenn

Down On The Farm said...

Whew!!! Can't WAIT to see the "after" pictures!!! Blessings from Missouri to you!!!

Donna said...

Sounds like you've been working your tail off, Diana! Had to laugh over your two legged one hot mess:) I can so relate to your summer. This is the furst one that I didn't get to buy my usual car load of hanging baskets, herbs and plants for our many planters. Sniff, sniff! Can't wait to see your reveal!

Kathleen Grace said...

Better late than never ;) besides, I think your home and gardens are absolutely beautiful, yes even before you cleaned them up! Sometimes I am perfectly happy with the mess around here to be honest, but I still feel great when I get things cleaned up. I tackled the bathroom yesterday, washed the rugs, scrubbed the shower walls, the whole nine yards. It felt so good to get it done!

Kim said...

Your place always looks great with the water as a backdrop...messy or not! I'm behind, too. The weather has not been cooperating and I just have no motivation to do anything outside!

Junkchiccottage said...

It was a big job but I know you have it lookin good!!! Have fun with your Va bff's today.
Kris

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Your daughter's Hydrangea is beautiful. Diana I think I should fly you here so you can help me with my neglected due to renovation work household chores, lol.
xoxo

Kelly said...

Well despite having everything in disarray right now, I still love your backyard! the mature trees and the view of the bay can't be beat. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it all.

SImple and Serene Living said...

Is it summer already??? Oh well no pretty flowers on my patio this year, but I did clean and scrub it right before they came and blew grass all over it again. SIGH!!! Got your book yesterday. Can't wait to sit and read it on my no longer clean patio. xo Laura

Ron said...

I am waiting in anticipation for the "after". Good Luck. I am also headed out to do yard work in this HEAT.........

Susie said...

Diana, Tackling 3 projects at the same time would be a loss of all three if it were me. LOL. I have to stick with one at a time. This summer has been too wet and lots has been just left to ruin . So Sad. I think your work will show when you post your pictures...cause you are a good decorator. That is a pretty hydrangea...hope it takes root. Maybe your Hero will rub you down , when your muscles get sore. Blessings to you, xoxo,Susie

20 North Ora said...

Sounds like a lot of work to me! How are things going?

Judy

Art and Sand said...

Life goes on ... right now there is no way I would take pictures of our guest room. But, after I take photos of all the wedding props for the wedding planner and florist to view, our house might be back to normal.

Glad you are getting things done.

Dewena said...

It still looks beautiful to me, Diana. And what are the tall columnar shrubs? I love them! They frame the area so nice.

I think you chose the best thing, going to the beach together instead of getting your flowers in early.

Have a lovely Fourth, Diana!

Dewena

Anonymous said...

I gave myself 16 projects this summer....and one is almost finished....yikes and that is not including everyday life and living. Not sure why things have to be so busy....the only time I have taken a breather is reading your book and then I let Lucy take over the struggles of life, she seems to handle things a bit better though.
Louise

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Your view of the water is spectacular! Love that! Hope you didn't work too hard and be sure to reward yourself with a prize. That's what I always do. ;)

This N That said...

I'll take the Hydrangea...Looks like it's normally a beautiful area..

Rue said...

Hi Diana :)

That's a lot of work! Don't break yourselves. I still have so much to do in my yard, but it's too darn hot out there and it makes me lazy as all get out.

Your vacation looked wonderful. I so hope to get to the beach this Summer. We'll see :)

Saying a prayer for Bright Eyes. I hope she's doing better.

xo,
rue

living from glory to glory said...

Oh, you made me smile... Love all that you share, but today it reminded me of myself. As when I have the mojo I get things done around here. But this year has not gone according to plan. Camper project is only half finished, garden and flowers wiped out by hail, our huge tree is but a stump..
Looking forward to the after photos (smile)
Hugs, Roxy.

Jane@Bluebird1959 said...

That darned life always gets in the way! It looks like you are making progress (sort of, lol). Looking forward to see everything all gussied up on Thursday...now go take a break! :) Jane

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

You are on a roll Diana!! I know you will be happy when you're all done...then you can sit back and enjoy!

LostRoses said...

Wow, that's a lot of projects at once! I'm behind too but I blame that on an extra month of winter - May. It should never snow 7 inches on Mothers Day and drop hail the other weekends! You're moving right along!

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Oh sweet friend, my goodness. So much to do, but I'm glad you'll have help, but still! You have been under the weather and not feeling all that great for quite long, my friend! I can't wait till Thursday, not only so I can see your house done and set, but specially so you can be satisfied and have a rest and enjoy your outdoors.
Please take care and have a rest until then.
Hugs,
FABBY

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Thanks for thanking me, lol! You didn't need to thank me, I am an American too and grew up in NY and went to school there and worked there and married there. I love and admire my country the USA and Ecuador too. My dad, who was Ecuadorian taught me to love it, admire it for it's freedom, respect it and to be of a particular party he though would suit me. I voted in the United States for the first time and my childhood memories are all there.
FABBY

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

I'm behind on my spring projects...the bushes are over-grown...the creeping charlie has taken over the back yard, weeds are in the front flower garden, the shutters need paint, a gutter needs to go up, ...send HELP! It's nice that your hubby helps :) !!!
warmly,
deb

Pam Kessler said...

It will be fall in a few weeks,so you could have just skipped it for this year. Although the girls would miss their playhouse wouldn't they!

Red Rose Alley said...

Oh, so much work you have done, Diana. I bet it feels so good having three clean spaces though. Can't wait to see it all when you're finished. I've always loved your patio area, it's charming. And the hydrangeas are gorgeous!

love, ~Sheri

amazingsusan said...

I'm going with climate change :( XOX beautiful plants, well worth work I bet <3

Linda said...

I'm way behind too and am blaming it on laziness. I bet everything is beautiful now!

Beemie said...

Ok you made some real progress...the hydrangea is beautiful...you may have to kidnap....oops I mean borrow it for a bit longer.

Joy Junktion said...

Yep, had another dust storm last night, I'm sure your patio and yard look MUCH better than mine :) Have a good night! Cindy xoxo

Rose L said...

You make me smile

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Well, I know one word you can take OUT of your vocabulary....lazy! You could never be called that! You get SO much done, you and your hero! Have a wonderful week my friend. Sweet hugs, Diane

Gert said...

Wow, I wish I had your energy! I have nothing out back "yet" this year. But plan to buy some plants this week. (I hope) can't wait to see your after shots!

Anonymous said...

You have been busy! We got 3 sides of our house pressure washed before the heat just got too intense. I look forward to seeing it all. That is a gorgeous plant!

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh Diana - all I can see is the beauty !!!
Can't wait for Thursday now :)
xox

Penny @ Penny's Vintage Home said...

You are just a whirlwind of energy my friend! Can't wait to see more of your lovely backyard...hugs...

Anonymous said...

Diana, what an adventure! You always make us smile! I'm so far behind on my chores this year; there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day! You, lazy, never! You have had your hands full this year! Don't work too hard! XO, friend!

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Diana, you have been very sick and I am sure it took a long time to get your strength back. So don't be so hard on yourself. You go go go taking care of everyone, even those vets. I know they look forward to your visits as you light up there life with your good nature, smiles and laughter.
Your home is beautiful and I am sure it will look terrific. Now stop and smell the roses and relax and work on your new book. i am waiting to read another one of yours.
Don't over work yourself dear friend.
Mary

Maureen Wyatt said...

Hate to say it, but I'm glad to hear someone else is as far behind as I am. Honestly, I do blame the endless rain we've had. Maybe this week will be better.

karen@somewhatquirky said...

You make me feel so much better. I still have the Halloween pumpkin on my back porch. I haven't planted one flower. I haven't put mulch down. The list is VERY long. But I'm not the only thing that is behind. It's July 1st and my daisies are still tight buds. Only one of my hydrangeas has bloomed. Oh, yes, my iris did bloom - in June!

cynthia lee designs said...

Sounds like you have been really busy!! We've had so much rain that nothing looks very good around our home outside. The landscape looks like a jungle, but can't do anything about it until the wet ground dries up some.
~Cindy