MOST of the four pallets of paving stones are in place(s)
My back is 'strong, like Ox' and my head is full of more ideas for improving the front of the property.....
MANY plants are being planted, transplanted and imagined.
Seeds in dozens of containers are springing up in the greenhouse and on the back deck.
Possible snow tonight and a low temp of 30 degrees F

Yeah, its Mothers day, bring on some snow...... and wind

Ugly, but soon to be fabulous floor.

I thoroughly enjoyed my morning:
up at 5AM
computer, blogging, reading, craigslist work (YAY FOR THAT SITE!)
listened to the "Jesus Christ show" online.
traded emails with a Nigerian scammer, and still made it to church by 9am.
Good service, wonderful people and breakfast out with friends.
Home to mess about this place before heading south in a few hours to start my work week early.
I have plenty of challenges this week, and opportunities to shine.
"God keep me going strong, in the right direction,
let what I do matter, and what I think and say honor you."

have you ever..

Have you ever worked really hard for someone, for no tangible pay, and only at the very end realized that it was God working through you to bless someone who really needed the help?
That happened to me today. I just wanted to say here, "Thank you God for using me to help this young family, and forgive me for grumbling in the midst of it. I am totally blessed that you gave them a great place to raise their cubs, and that you used my muscles mightily ( ouch) to get most of their furniture and household stuff out there in one day."


For those who ask, my mom is doing well, we had to put her oldest dog down this week, I know that was difficult. Mom has significant back pain, and we are considering cold beam laser
to see if it will help. Has anyone heard of this? I think its been in Canada for many years.

I am working a lot in concrete staining and sealing - seems I am headed that direction more and more. It is very satisfying, like painting on a concrete canvas, and very enduring.

tale in two pictures

below, a serene duck pond.
I love ducks, even when the start quacking at the first gray light of the dawn.
These live across the street from me for as long as they are on their nests and raising their young.

below that - my pond away from home. I pampered myself with a night at the Raddison, where even the bed has a remote control ( Select Comfort) for good sleeping after a day of concrete, and a good hearty breakfast in the morning. I liked the mirror shot, reminded me of my friend Carmi, and all his hotel pictures.

I have added e few new friends to my list of favorites
Do check then out often - and ALWAYS go see Minerva,
She has excellent writing skills, a great vocabulary, and a pure heart.

how I spent my week

just hanging out with my bird friends, ( in Oceanside)
Eating good seafood,
Mixing it up.
so to speak
Doing something HARD
and rewarding
making lots of mess
and putting another
400 miles on the
Ford.

You know what? I am having the time of my life! Notes: i just liked the shapes and colors, the seagulls caught my eye first. second pic - poured concrete floor - in process, design will be enhanced by stain to be applied later.

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I am the luckiest man on earth!

or so it seems
today I drive 3 hours south to
Carlsbad, Ca
and do some of my favorite type work
stay down near the ocean ( it has been too long)
and take on the same project Tuesday
and then scoot home while it dries/ cures
for a dental visit Wednesday ( there goes my luck)
and Next week I repeat the trip for finishing touches.
Oh God, you are so good!
Thank you all who pray for me

the Bird bath

I made this from concrete. I had it at the other house, and moved it here. within two days of filling it the yard was full of all kinds of birds drinking at my portable "fountain". i try not to worry about the birds in the old place missing their drink, but I am glad that I get to share my water and my yard with so many chirping friends.
It got me to thinking, like almost everything does. That caused me to take this picture, and then of course I bring it to blogland for inspiration and entertainment.

Where is the water in my life? What vessel holds refreshment for others and how do I place it where they can get the most from it? How glad I have been to drink at the well of others through this last several seasons. You know who you are, as I will not withhold my comments if I get sustenance from your blog or email, or IM's. So when I get filled and am refreshed, then I need to "put something out there" for the other thirsty souls. I am so thankful for a conversation I had with a new friend this morning, and the courage and boldness that I was given to say strong words and to pray a prayer of direction for this dear one. I trust that God will use our time for His eternal good, and raise up a hedge of protection around this daughter of His and her young family.