Let There Be Light!

I have been cleaning my basement. I am trying to gather the 'no longer needed' {ever} baby gear we acquired last year, in hopes of finding it all a new home. Also, sweeping and getting the storage space for our home canning in shape for the upcoming weeks. Yeah, you know where this is going...I got a little side-tracked. But just a little. It seems I have a smallish collection of unused lamps. While moving and cleaning, I found these two lamps.

Eck. The 'brass' one has been around for nearly 15 years. It has been sitting next to the other lamp, which I [LOVE] because it is so large and heavy, but seemed to 'wash-out' any area I tried to give it a home. So, I stopped sweeping (it IS rather hot today) and dragged them upstairs and right out into the garage. Luckily, I had picked up a NEW can of spray paint while looking for stakes for those yard timbers. ;-)   A few short hours later, this is what I have! 

Not only are they more stylish but they now 'match'ish. I have even thought of finding a tinier lamp and setting them as a trio on the same table. We'll see. For now, my step son is left to ponder 'where else I am gonna put a lamp'. I guess two 'new' items is too much for him in one day.  :-)  Now, off to finish that darn basement....  

Making your 'Yard Work'

I don't want you to think I am lazy. But, sometimes, things happen, and other things get tossed to the back burner. This is one of those things. When we bought our house about 5 years ago, our double intown lot needed help. Mind you, it was and is a great lot. It was just...empty. Over the years, we have added the usual things....a garden, flower beds, kids playset, a bigger garden, more flower beds. The area between our house and garage has always been a giant eye sore. Ugh. It is shady, sunny, weedy and a plain awkward area. Two years ago, this area became 'my area' to do with whatever I wanted. It was to be a planting area. I had pots and potting soil, hand trowels, watering cans. I was ready to begin my adventure. Then, one of those things happened that causes other things to be put on hold. My mom got sick. Really sick. With the travel and lack of time, most of our garden became overgrown that year and of course, my area went...to the weeds. I am happy to report she is doing wonderful (thanks to God and an awesome medical team!). And so last year, I was ready for it, but...it seems very difficult to tend to anything OTHER than a newborn! Which moves us to this year. Today to be exact.  :)  I turned this little are into a cuter place for around $35. The cost of a scoop of mulch. I pulled weeds, trees, and slugs out of this spot, tilled up some dirt to make it a bit more workable, laid the stacks of sandstone half hazardly around, and scooped shovel-fulls of mulch. (lots of them!) I am so tired. I had some yard timbers given to me, so I staked them along the edge of the driveway and sidewalk with hopes of keeping the dirt contained. (not all over the concrete) I used a handsaw to cut one timber to fit the angle. I know you may look at it and think it is not all that impressive. But to me, it is a huge accomplishment. Nothing grows there (except weeds!) and now it at the very least...looks presentable. While shoveling mulch, I added a fresh layer to a few 'neglected beds' and we extended our 'front path' about two or three feet. My hands, arms and back hurt, but I am so happy with the outcome. I think I will take it easy tomorrow :-) 

Book of the Month - Give it a try!

I thought I would share a great read with you today. My hope is to have a book suggestion every month, but...well...we'll see. The dog days of summer are coming (I guess this 105 degree heat index around here doesn't count!?) and this book is a must read for anyone loving the wonderful Southern influence on a hot summer day. I hope you enjoy, let me know what you think!