A little Deck work!

We took a ride this afternoon to check out another Chicken coop

option. It was Nice, and I do admit the size is more appropriate for our

site. But I have to say that I still have my heart set on this one. He is

still anti-Chickens but I'm no quitter! I even convinced him to visit

my sweet friend that has chickens, and while it's still too Early to

call Murry McMurray, I do believe that we've turned a corner!

After chicken coop shopping we headed over to Costco to do a little

browsing. And grazing. I also Finally pulled the trigger on doing

what I've been putting Off for a few years. I finally replaced

the Umbrella on the deck. Why did I have to replace it?

Well... You see those holes? They are Mouse holes!  

Of the six umbrellas we put away three years ago in our shed, it was

the most Expensive umbrella, and my favorite umbrella that some

little Mickey decided to make his winter home! And, since we can't

stand Swiss cheese umbrella out by the pool, I decided this once

beautiful 11-foot Sunbrella umbrella would have to be moved to

the deck. Behind the house, where no one could see it. Except I

could see it. And every time I see it I get this urge to buy very

mean Mousie traps. Because every year these umbrellas get

more expensive at Costco. And worse, the style changed too!

But today I made peace...

This Japanese maple tree on the deck began as a seedling

born from the big maple in the Front yard. I love it! And,

in a gentle Breeze, like we're having right now, it

appears to be Reaching out to take your hand!

It's been a while since I've spent any time at all on the

deck. Why? Because the Pollen has been off the charts

the last few weeks and frankly, my Sneezing defeats the

the whole purpose of living on a Quiet road in the country!

I have Missed it very much! Fortunately for me, the man I love

doesn't suffer from allergies at all, so he's been Very busy back here!

Almost as busy as his plants! Look at this Strawberry pot!

His veg-bed is getting on Very well too!

My lambs ear made it through Winter just fine!

My new Umbrella fits right in!

I'm still not ready to Toss this one...

Who knows? I might just figure out a way to Patch it!

Good Morning!

Oh, don't mind me! I'm just here in the

kitchen making our Bagels for breakfast

You go back to your Breakfast too! As you were...

I'm a Gardener. Not a Farmer, he said...

So we were walking around the gardens tonight having our Usual argument

about chickens. I spoke to the chicken Coop contractor this afternoon

so I was doing my best to Convince my sweetie that we needed to take

a ride tomorrow to see the second Option for the coop I'd really like

to buy. I think the first option we found is perfect but he believes

it's too big and said $2,300 is a bit much. So this option #2 is a

thousand dollars Less and smaller. But he's not excited about

chickens like I am. He said, I'm a Gardener, not a Farmer! 

But really... How hard can it be to keep a few chickens? I even

have names picked out for them. I want three Hens and I want

to name them after Republican first ladies. I'm even willing

to feed them, water them and... No. I think that's it. Feed

and water. Oh! And photograph! And, collect their eggs! 

Look at this... This was the front yard just three weeks ago

And this is the front yard tonight. Lovely, isn't it?

I think so! I also think this cutie needs a little

up-lighting at night. He said he'll get Right on it!

My Mother's Day azaleas are about to burst!

But they always wait until Mother's Day!

This snowflake Viburnum is putting on quite a show right now!

And the Wisteria on the arbor here...

Is full of Blooms! Any day now...

I'll be sitting on the bench Sniffing up the wisteria!

And taking in the View!

I appreciate the view!

I love Hostas!

And my fish! We visited with Marsha at Marsha's Koi last

weekend. He went for fish food. I went for new Fish - We both won!

I got another Freckles and a new Nemo! He says we're at capacity

for fish. I say there's Room for more. Think fish-bunkbeds!

Why do my trees have Faces on them? So

they can Communicate with one another, silly!

This is Walter down by the pond

He's got a great view!

Can you count the number of Different shades of green?

I lost count too!

It's a great Hobby though!

Where are my Scissors when I need them?

Next to hostas, Ferns fascinate me the most!

This Lady in Red fern grows up from a perfect ring

Ahhhhhh.... Friday!

We don't have to set the Alarm clock tonight!

This area near the rose arbor where he planted several new Japanese

maples last autumn is quickly becoming my favorite Spot to stroll!

You already know how I feel about this Arbor and rose...

Yum!

I could pitch a little tent right here and Spend the night

under this arbor. Of course, as soon as the Critters

came out to forage I'd have to run back into the house!

Around the back of the pool we have his beautiful Azalea hill!

Poor guy! He tried to grow azaleas for me in California for seventeen

years. He insisted they would be beautiful and would Bloom their

little heads off. I could never figure out his Fascination with those

 those ugly, Crispy little brown bushes he always ended up with!

But here in North Carolina, he grows every variety

of azalea with the tremendous Success he deserves

I'm a huge fan of his Azaleas now. Especially this purple one!

This snowball viburnum falling over the Pool fence is heavenly!

They are So soft... They should really be called Cotton ball viburnum!

I see some of these making it into a Vase tomorrow afternoon!

Look at that!

Even his Sky Pencils are multiplying...

Just look at this adorable Volunteer!

You know - I do realize he's Right

He is one amazing Gardener!

But I really want chickens! So don't count me

out... I may just make a Farmer out of him yet!