In anticipation of a brand new year...

As ever I have a big heaping list of things I want to accomplish in 2014. But the truth is most of those things are just a to-do list for myself, so here are just a few of the really big goals.

1) Save money for 2015 trip to Italy.

2) Create an efficient office space and build my basement studio.

3) Officially launch Little Bowerbirds etsy store by May 15, 2014.

4) Spend the spring and summer in the garden, and grow more edible things than just tomatoes.

5) Finish at least 6 house projects - studio, insulate attic, lay the patio, under cabinet lighting and backsplash in kitchen, and two yet to be decided!

6) Keep a calendar and make a planner that suits my needs.

7) Show my love.

8) Make the time necessary to be creative.

Image: Goodnight Little Spoon.  Fonts: Bryana Aningsih Shara, Champagne & Limousines.

Gardening and Blackberry Jam

This day started out strangely indeed.  After a night of fitful sleep I wound up staying in bed till noon.  A combination of back pain and exhaustion must have hit me just right, and left me feeling downright useless.  But at least the afternoon was more productive than my morning.

A few days ago Richard's Uncle Roger and Aunt Nancy let us know that during their recent landscaping they removed a lot of day lilies perfect for transplanting.  We were excited to use them in some of the barren spots in our front garden.  My in-laws kindly picked them up while they were out fixing Uncle Rogers' computer...at which point we discovered there weren't just a few day lilies - there were more than forty full-grown plants.

We spent hours this afternoon getting them planted, and we still have seven more lilies to plant in front of the railing by the front door.  But first we need to get that dirt loose enough to dig up.  All this gardening reminds me that I really want to start keeping a garden journal.  Especially as we add more to our already plentiful gardens.  Currently the day lilies are less than photogenic, so for now here is a rose, the tiniest rose growing at the edge of our lawn a couple inches off the ground.  The bloom is about the size of a half-dollar piece.

I spent an extra couple hours in the backyard cleaning up all the overgrown mess that happened while we were in Maine.  Oh, right, we just got back from a two week vacation to Maine, but that's another story.  While I was out there Richard made another batch of blackberry jam.  Judging by how heavy the  blackberry bushes are this season we'll have to make a few pies and buy some more canning jars!

Rummaging

Another week and weekend gone. We saw the end of the school year and saw off the dozen teachers that retired from Richard's school this year. It was a bittersweet event, made all the sadder knowing that we were also losing our principal to a forced reassignment, but that is a tale for another time.

But don't our peonies look gorgeous? I just love when everything is in bloom. 

I helped run a rummage sale at my parents' home on Friday and Saturday. I really do love wheeling and dealing, whether I'm buying or selling, but it certainly doesn't hurt to make a little pocket change before our trip to Germany.  And when we get back I'm planning on using the summer to sell more. At the risk of discussing finances (gasp!) ours will be quite tight this summer. After saving for our European adventure for so long it was quite a blow when we finally had to pay for everything. 

Between our traveling, and the planned vacations of the family I work for I'm losing six weeks of nannying, and despite setting up the library this summer Richard doesn't get another paycheck for ten weeks. I'll be selling every where I can - Craigslist, half.com, rummage sales, etsy(!), and every place that wants my vintage clothes collection - I think I'll use our long flight to strategize and do write ups for online postings. 

Garden in bloom

We've made the most of the lovely weather we're having this weekend and have spent most of our time outside working in the garden. Despite the time and effort it takes there is just something so satisfying about pulling weeds.

Nearly everything is blooming, and working close to the lilacs is the best smelling work there is. Garden work is wonderful for my mood...but rough on my knees and back, so I'll just spend the rest of my Sunday afternoon enjoying the breeze and some lemonade. 

Tulips and Summer Rain

Yesterday our tulips were basking in the summer sun and today they are getting a much needed summer shower.  The rain is also cooling our house down to a lovely temperature and our rain barrels are well on they're way to being filled which bodes well for our vegetable garden this summer.  

Monday, lazy Monday

It is nearly noon on a Monday and I'm almost amazed at the amount of work I haven't done yet.

After a few weeks running at full tilt I really needed a quiet morning to myself.  I'm not running any of my usual Monday errands and I'm not worried about it.  I know the holiday rush is imminent and it just makes sense to have a little relaxing time.

Matthias came to stay with us for a few days and helped me get started on the breezeway turned dining room.  We cleared it out and primed the brick veneer wall and the terrible brown ceiling and walls.  Next step is the final paint color and hanging the new (from our old apartment) curtain rods and the new (actually new!) curtains.  I have some "before" photos to prove just how strange the "brick" wall and drab brown walls and ceiling were.

I probably shouldn't get started on the cold ceramic tile floor, the plan is to find an area rug big enough to cover most of it, but the plan may change.  But really - it's a room with a tiny vent, three exterior walls, and as yet no insulation in the roof, in Wisconsin.  So to say that floor is cold is an understatement.  I keep my slippers by the kitchen door just to cross through this room in the morning.

As for today - after I finally make some lunch and tea for myself, I'll get down to some housework and chores, but no painting today - I'm saving that for a day when I am less sore.  Maybe if I finish all my chores, I'll even sit down for some creating tonight.

Happy Weekend!

I'm so glad I was able to spend some time in the garden on this lovely day, but I am sorry that the growing season is over and we won't be getting any more tomatoes or peppers.  Richard expanded the recycling area to make room for our new cart while I worked on pruning back the overzealous blackberry bushes, and took out the veggies to get the raised bed ready to rest for the winter.

Blackberries! Well, no more till next year.

There are so many lovely plants on our land, and I'm happy to say I have yet to kill any but I'm really just learning as I go.

I already know that next year we'll plant only one cherry tomato and one early girl, and that I need some lessons on growing eggplant before I try that experiment again.  And I think next year I'll leave the pepper growing to my in-laws.

Now if I just get cleaned up I'll be ready to go to a dinner party tonight!  Happy weekend!