Spring To-Do

We've been getting nice weather off and on (we just had hail about an hour ago!) so have been scrambling to try and get things done while we have the chance. Though we're renters, I can't bear to see the sad excuse for landscaping. Okay. It's really not that bad but I want to do my own thing, you know? We started a shade garden in the back yard where we've been desperately trying to grow grass for two years. Acceptance started to settle in that it's just too dark and damp in that particular corner.

We also tore up all of the plants that were growing around the fountain and put in some pretty foxglove. However, waste not, want not. We're transferring those plants into another sad, desperate corner of the yard that could use the color. Hilariously, a duck from the nearby marina waddled in to the backyard while we working, completely unafraid of us and even "helped" me with the digging (if you consider helping planting your body directly wherever I'm working).

The landlord graciously allowed me to have the shrubs out front torn down along with the completely border-inappropriate lilies on either side of the walkway.

I just looOoove what you did to my bathroom!

The deck is an additional project of a higher priority since that's where we'll spend the majority of our summer nights. I think it's only lacking an umbrella (let's not talk about what happened to the last two!).  Deck-time means grillin'! And new for 2010...smokin'!! We've been doing some trial runs of smoked meats and hope to be pros by seasons end. Look at that baby! MmmMmmmMmmm!!!