Monday, July 26, 2021

News from the Homefront

It looks like things will soon get moving in the construction and renovation areas.  All the fence pieces are finally here to repair the storm damage in the secret garden.

We're hoping The Fence Guy can get started this week, weather permitting.  In preparation, Alex did a bit of weed-eating ...

The landscapers can't come till August which will give me time to dig and separate the iris and day lilies in that area, as well as put some thought into how I want it to look and function in the future.  I visited a new-to-me nursery this week for inspiration but they focus mainly on flowers.  I did come home with a couple of hanging baskets that were the weekly special.  I will definitely be going back there in the spring!

The ceiling in the deck enclosure should be installed this week, but not till the electrical wiring is in for the fan which is waiting in its box in the garage.  The fascia boards and new gutters will complete the covered portion; we'll just have to live with the old decking until the new gets to the warehouse ...

In the kitchen, I tried a couple of new things over the weekend.  On Saturday I used the One Sheet Pan pork seasoning on thick chops ...

... which I then braised in onion gravy in the oven, low and slow.  Petite Yukon potatoes and frig-vegetable medley (a/k/a leftover bits) completed the plate.

It was delicious, I must say!  Yesterday I did fresh green beans in the IP with a smoked ham hock.  Another winner!

We've had quite a few new visitors at the bird feeder -- a couple of mourning doves, a red-winged blackbird, cowbirds, and catbirds -- in addition to the finch regulars and squirrels.  This poor catbird misjudged the landing ...

... but with loud encouragement from its mate (or parent), it eventually regained its composure and flew away.

Nothing new to report from the sewing room, just the same-old same-old -- Hunter Star blocks, one after the other.  The additional yard of palm frond fabric has been washed and will get cut today.

It's been too hot and humid to do much outside, even kayak.  So maybe I will have more to report from the sewing room soon.

3 comments:

  1. Keep cool!
    I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with your secret garden!

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  2. You have some fun projects going on outside of your sewing room! I'm with Gayle... looking forward to seeing your garden work.

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  3. That looks like a tasty meal, indeed! Would love a recipe link for those IP green beans, as an alternative to doing them on the stovetop. Happy sewing, Libby!

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