Hump Day post

I am actually home from work today because of a sick kid. I felt guilty leaving him since he was at the level where propping him on the couch with plenty of fluids and the promise to be home early felt like a crappy idea for a mother to do.... I'm glad I did stay home -- it gave me a couple minutes to putter around in my backyard. I discovered that when the guy from SBC telephone came into our yard (to put down flags--I have no idea why..the kids let them in the yard while I wasn't home..), he left my back gate standing open. That completely pisses me off...So I am rigging it in a way that will not allow them to get in again. If my dogs had gotten out, I would have been completely pissed off!

I found another really neat blog today! It was actually one that is in the magazine/book (it's in the magazine section, but at $14.95, that puts it in the book arena for my budget...) ARTFUL BLOGGING by Somerset Studio....there are many really neat artist bloggers in there, so this artist is just the tip of the iceberg...Check out Judy Wise and her wonderful blog!


Since I was actually hanging out and dreaming of creative endeavors, I decided to make the jump and order the artist's trading card kit from European Papers. I love ATC's but so far have been only dreaming of doing them...since they are small, I decided there really is no excuse not to jump in and DO IT! So, hopefully by next week I will be posting a couple of ATC's a week...

I am contemplating planting some morning glories around our patio area, but discovered I am going to have to amend the soil heavily--it is rock hard. I have the book "Lasagna Gardening" and I think that will be the perfect area to practice that theory. We've had a problem with the soil running down the side of the retaining wall and onto the patio. I was going to cement in the decorative rocks that compose one part of the wall and seem to be a primary point where the leakage is happening, but then I realize we have a colony of toads that inhabit the hole and chinks of the rock wall in that area. Now I am trying to come up with a plan b--I really like those toads and would hate to see them harmed or displaced because of my actions....I will start the lasagna garden portion an build a retaining area to keep the soil in while I am waiting for mother nature to do her thing and give me compost....Then I will plant a heavy spot of morning glories. Morning glories are best planted in a place where they are expected to be the only plant---ever. They take over completely and then continue to grow long after you decide to change out the flower bed. This I know from experience! I will probably do most of my planting after the heat of the summer. I am not a hot weather and humidity person, so I have not done any outside work to our new house. I will start my flower beds for next year when it cools off. That will allow me to continue to add stuff to the garden throughout the fall and winter. By the time late spring roils around, I can just plant as needed....

I found a really neat pen pal site last night http://feliciasullivan.com/?p=579#comment-22871 and had to put my name in the hat. I love writing letters! While computers are convenient and I love the fact that you can electronically connect with hundreds of people you wouldn't otherwise have the pleasure of running into--there is nothing quite like receiving a handwritten letter in the mail. It allows you to take a little time, sit down and connect...I love the writing part as much as the receiving. Unfortunately, most of my friends are not letter writers. I have been known to send 5 (and more) page letters....and most of them go unanswered...so hopefully by listing on a pen pal site, I can connect with someone who not only writes, but responds back as well..