There's going to be a wedding!

Our babygirl, 21 year old Emily and her long time boyfriend have committed to a wedding date. I have four months to help them pull this off! We're so excited. It seems that our son and his sweet lady will be married in 2011, so I'll need the practice. Life is good, days are too short, money is tight, and love is in the air!

Upcycled wood/recycled plastic composite raised beds

What a cool turn of events that resulted in some great raised beds. My Frenchman noticed that some composite (trex type) decking had been sitting around his work. It was once part of what used to be a handicap ramp. He asked and was given the materials and began cleaning them and planning our new garden area. Last week, he installed two of the three new beds (we're waiting until the sweet potatoes are harvested before we add the third). I was so excited to get started on the beds that I started filling them and mulching around them until I found myself trying to finish in the dark!

We've been digging and planting and seating in this record hot weather with high humidity.

It's been a good week and I've somehow kept in a fall mood as we begin planting like it's spring.

The Littlest Helper - An afternoon in pictures & video

Our grandson always brings excitement when he comes to visit, but last night he was ready to pitch in and help with some big projects. He always has time to pretend and dance, too!

Making his own pizza with Grammy

Helping Pepere wash cars

The fruits of his labor

Play time in Auntie's shoes

The Coop

I laugh as I write this. "The Coop" was once a place where the Frenchman and I (and most of our families and friends) used to go to dance on Saturday nights when we were dating and living in Maine. It was a barn with picnic tables lining the inside and the house band was the Ritcher family who owned the place. Strictly BYOB. They played for our wedding reception. It was quite a party!

The coop that we are installing is not as fun, but it's definately as creative. The Frenchman has built this chicken tractor (movable coop) from recycled PVC pipe and recycled PVC fence material. The only thin we bought was the wire and a few latches. 1/2" wire is suggested to keep snakes and things out, so here we go.

Here it is!

I'm proud that this talented carpenter has always been interested in reusing every scrap and has made some beautiful furniture from it in the past. We rescued a side table today from the landfill. I'll post that project as we get it underway along with the raise beds, and maybe a salad growing table. (He's sucha good sport).

The Dogs approve, too!

Saturday Morning at the Cottage

Ahh, to sleep in one day a week. It's such a guilty pleasure! The dogs and I puttered around all morning; I read and made sandwiches for the event, the dogs napped, and the Frenchman is in the yard working on the new chicken coop. Today I'm preparing to go to the bridal shower of a beautiful young woman, the bride of our young Director of Worship, Tom. The church will overflow with well wishes for them today and I'm excited to go.

Open Face Cucumber Sandwiches

3 small cucumbers (peeled if waxed) and sliced thin
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 package dry Italian dressing mix
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 sour cream
1 loaf rye cocktail bread (or regular loaf cut in half)
dill weed to garnish

Mix cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, and dressing mix together and refrigerate (overnight is best)
Spread each piece of bread with cream cheese mix, place a cucumber slice or two on top and garnish with dill.

Garden Update in Pictures

The fastest growing animal on earth?

Ok, I felt bad when my two children grew up right before my eyes, it's even more amazing to watch my baby grandson turn into a toddler, but I've never seen anything grow as fast as a chick! They are now 18 days old. These little buggers are changing daily. They obviously weigh more everyday and are more curious all the time, just like our grandson. They're starting to roost on nealy alnything and they are eating a ton! Here are a few pictures of "the girls"; Cocoa (Brown Easter Egger), Bella (Buff Orpington), and Daisy(soon to be a white Delaware).

By the way, our grandson has accidentally squeezed Daisy a couple of times, but she's still our most relaxed and friendly chick!

Today I got to spend time caring for my grandson after dinner which meant poop, came home and cleanned the chickens (more poop), and let the dogs out (you guessed it). The moral of this story is: the more people and pets you love, the more of thier poop you have to put up with.

Urban Farm Magazine

I just picked up the inagrual issue of Urban Farm Magazine. I feels good to know that I'm not alone out here!