Nesting

Since we are now in the final stretch it's time for the nesting efforts to get going in earnest. To has been working very hard to get yard work done since we have never really tackled the outdoor landscaping. He has put in 4-6 hour work days each Saturday for the past 2 weeks in peak summer heat. I have tried to help but can only make it about 1-1.5 hours. So most of the work here is To's hard work!! We still have a ways to go, but this is a good start.

Before - Side of the house last Autumn
Boxwoods and brick borders, side bed with grass

Work in progress - new stone border, tamed boxwoods


'Bias taking a much needed break from the heat
Side flowerbed planted

Front of house with new stone border, tamed boxwoods, tied glads, and Mediterranean heather

FanDANG-go

Today we celebrated out 11th wedding anniversary. We had to joke a bit at how different 11 years is then the first year or so. Our idea of the great day was sleeping in (till 800), working around the house, and exchanging presents - - which this year consisted of ceiling fans and a wheelbarrow. Kind of gives new meaning to the phrase 'hot and heavy'.

'Bias spent most the day assembling ceiling fans, only to have our existing ceiling fan ('the jellyfish') blow out when he was installing the fan in the kitchen. (I should note that 'Bias had nothing to do with the fan breaking. He was responsible, as always, and had the power turned off in the section of the house in which he was working.) Our theory is that it was fan envy. After being the only fan in the house for 5 years it couldn't handle the younger competition. The good news is the light in the fan still works and it has a life time warranty.

We also decided to cook lobster at home this year instead of hitting our usual haunt for anniversary celebrations, The Trellis. Once again we were comparing our choice of menu selection with what the executive chef at the Trellis might select. We went with our usual appetizer of Fritos, followed by Lobster with edamame, tater tots, and champagne. Not sure Gordon Ramsey is going to pick us up any time soon, but we sure enjoyed ourselves.