Friday, April 11, 2008

End of my leisure days

We removed the rosemary (which I had earlier thinned to 1/4 its size) altogether. It was a direct view from my kitchen window so we decided to use the prime space for more flowers. We trellised the pink jasmines back against the wall (and planted a new one too) and added a Delphinium, Azalea and other flowering groundcovers. Here is my first mulching experience. I remulched a few days after this photo was taken because I read mulch should be 1 of more inches thick above the ground. We've also been spending a few early evenings weeding and working around the yard.



Denise gave me cuttings of her Chinese wisteria which I planted in the front yard. I hope for it to hang over the front fence. She also gave me cuttings of her plumeria and Arabian jasmine. I planted the plumerias in pots for now and the Arabian jasmine in front of the Pink jasmine. Arabian jasmine is sampaguita which is the national flower of the Philippines.

I've been doing several errands this week requiring me to leave Max & Cooper home (not something I've done while I've been home). After coming from one earlier this week, I found that Cooper has been doing a lot of digging in my newly planted garden beds. Cooper was a heavy digger when he first lived with us but he stopped after 6 months or so. I figured this is because he's feeling more secure about his place in our home. I think he is sensing I will be leaving them home alone again so the digging has started. I am torn between wanting to give them full access to the yard or just keeping them in the house while I'm at work. I think I am going to keep them in the house until he becomes more confident and then slowly give them outside access. I hate the thought of not having him around me all day. As a consolation, it is only a 10 minute drive from work to home so I plan to come home for lunch as much as possible.



I was shocked and disappointed at Michael Johns' elimination. I voted several times for Carly last Tuesday because I was afraid she was going to be next. I just love her version of "Here You Come Again". I think I will download it from iTunes. I should have put in a few votes for Michael but I was too lazy to punch in new numbers (it was easier to just hit redial). I was a big fan of David Archuleta especially after hearing his version of "Imagine" but he no longer interests me. I am turning into a major Duff Goldman fan!!! I love Ace of Cakes!!!!


We are closing on refinancing later today. We decided to do this to avail of lower rates and hopefully get our monthly mortgage down. To the contrary, we will be paying more because portions of the loan will have a much shorter term. The closing could not have come at a better time since I'll be getting a steady paycheck to help out with the payments. We are so blessed. We can feel the Lord's hand in everything that's recently transpired in our life as things just fall into place.

6 comments:

steele life said...

awesome testimony builder huh?? well, your yard will look nice no matter what. and poor cooper! how sad. miss you guys
sam and sara

Unknown said...

Yeah for the new job and yeah for the ACE of Cakes. I love that show too. I don't get to watch it very often but it is so crazy what they do to make cakes. I am glad that your job is so close. That will be nice.

Dave and Marie said...

thanks, I have times where I miss my longer hair, but, then I get over it. Dave just buzzed his off a couple of days ago. Don't you just love the food network? It's my favorite show. I just love paula dean and bobby flay, but most of all I like Iron Chef America, speaking of which I better get off.

Sandy said...

It must be hard returning to work and leaving your boys at home again. It's nice that you're so close to home, though and I know you'll love your job. It sounds wonderful.
You two have been such a blessing in our lives that we pray for you every day. We're glad your prayers are being answered.
Love you!!

Sandy said...

Ellen, will you come help me hang pots from my fence. Mine keep pulling the nails out of the wood. Maybe I need cement-block fences. Do you do those???

Ellen H said...

Plant hangers are what you need. Mine came with the house :)

Our irises are blooming like crazy!!! I need to upload photos soon.