I Can Only Imagine...

I recently drove to NH to deliver various things to my children living up North. On the way home the song "I can only imagine" came on the radio. I had never heard it before, but it certainly has caught my attention.



With no one to talk to, it gave me plenty to ponder.

When I got home I shared the song and my thoughts on wondering how I would react with my mom... Without hesitation she spread her arms wide imitating a child requesting a hug and said, "Daddy"!

She's so right... that's what I would want the moment I cross over. I believe our "heavens" are as unique and individual as each of us. Much like in the Robin Williams movie "What Dreams May Come" Excellent film.



But now my non-traditional ways of thinking are conflicted with my traditional upbringing.... Do you think God would be offended if I wanted to see my Daddy before meeting him? Or perhaps, my God, knowing my heart, would send Daddy to the gate to wait for me... I can't believe God would hold this desire against me... I guess... I can only imagine...

Pergola and Porch Progress... or the lack thereof.

Mouse has been busy delivering children to various far off locations so that they might improve their minds. Rat seems to have been poisoned by a bad deli hoagie and not been feeling well at all. And on top of it... the weather has not been cooperating!! It's either been unbearably hot or raining cats and dogs... mice and rats don't like cats and dogs!!!

But before the chaos hit, Mouse was able to power wash and sand the old stain from the remaining wood, prep the area for laying the new planks and cut the 4'x 8'pressure treated plywood into 5 1/4" strips to lay under the composite decking to bring it up to the proper height.

Hopefully Rat will feel up to working with Mouse sometime soon and we'll get this project done!!!

Mouse with hammer strikes again....

It's just as easy to cut railing for one deck as it is for two.... so with Rat's blessing... the front deck is also getting a face lift!

Before...


After...



For the future...

It just keeps getting better...

With each and every detail added to the pergola, it just keeps getting better and better. The first fire was lit and with the help of a spot light I was able to view the nine or so deer that joined me in the darkness... I just love sitting out back... it's my new sanctuary

Rat and Gopher Girl Got it On!!!

Rat and Gopher Girl got it on this weekend!!! All the overhead construction is complete!!





All that's left on the list is... steps, lattice, fascia and handrails!!!!

I'm loving it!!!!

From "Mouse with hammer" to "Gopher girl"

When first I began to rip apart my deck it was with the simple intent of replacing the planks... and then, with hammer in hand, the project took on a life of its own and before I knew it I was intending to build a pergola with the help of Rat (bigger stronger version of Mouse).

I had hoped that I would be able to play as big a part in the rebuild as I had in the demo... However.... I went away for a month and had surgery a week after my return...plus, I know when I have gotten in over my head and I am just thrilled to be able to help in any way possible.... so just call me "Gopher Girl" because I "go for" this and "go for" that...

Once I learned that Rat used to build decks on the side and with his business partner, complete as many as three in one weekend, I figured... just turn the project over to him... it will turn out a whole lot better from sheer experience. He cuts using a circular saw with surgeon like precision... it's very impressive to watch.

I like to think that I am being of help... but to be honest... I believe he tolerates my presence more like that of a young child, curious and trying to learn new skills. He is kind and patient and an excellent teacher.

I do believe we work well together and have collaborated to create an excellent design.

However, without his help this project would not be any where near completion. It's looking pretty awesome, so far, and he deserves all the gratitude and homemade iced-tea I can generate!

Abbey strikes again....

It really is quite curious... If it is a groundhog or feral cat and Abbey spots it... she grabs it with the intent to shake the life out of it... and usually does, rather quickly.

But when it comes to the babies.... like bunnies and birds or toads, she seems more curious and playful than anything. She could easily close her jaws around them and end their lives... but instead she carries them around in her mouth with the goofiest look on her face like she just got caught with her paws in the cookie jar. She does not intentionally hurt them.

In fact, when the baby bunnies decided to disperse, just as she was going outside, it was rather comical to watch her run back and forth in four different directions trying to pounce on them as they hopped away.

But this time I find myself a bit helpless. Somehow she ended up with a baby mocking bird in her mouth. The poor thing was smothered in doggy drool, and calling for its mom. The bird itself was not injured, Ben was sure to check it out thoroughly... but I have no idea from where it came. I searched all the trees and nesting boxes nearby and am unable to find the nest from which it fell.

So, much to my dismay, I made a makeshift nest in some taller grasses close to where Abbey was spotted and left the little one in hopes that its mom will find it and continue to bring it food until it is fully feathered and able to fly.

It's got a lot of beak to grow into!!!