Monday, September 19, 2016

Retiring to the Garden

I don't think I ever worried about filling up my retirement days. First, I just wanted to read and read, and read some more. However, the view from my reading chair kept beckoning me outside, and I began to spend more and more time in the yard.


The landscaping that came with our little adobe cottage was plain. Big trees and rocks out front; green lawn out back. Some of the trees fell down and some had to be taken out. A few remain and we are thankful for their shade. 


The plain landscaping was little trouble, but I like flowers. So I added some.


And some more...


... and "some" hollyhocks.



Out back, we added a flock of chickens and a plain little shed to house them. That plain little shed was no trouble until the roof started sagging. And we didn't like looking at it from our shady patio.


It only took us a couple of weeks of sweaty summertime work to make a big change to that chicken house. Bill ripped off the saggy roof (to the consternation of the hens who were sitting the chicken house attic nests at the time), and put down new plywood, roofing paper, flashing, and shingles. 


I painted and embellished. 


Windchime/door knocker/flower arrangement


A faux window box, propped up by a broken chair 
that was brought back to life with a little spray paint.


Window box detail, after a week or so: 
The flowers are starting to recover from being transplanted.

8 comments:

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

Clairz, you really have the NM vibe going on at your chicken coop. I love how you spruced it up. The chickens must be strutting now for sure.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Oh that chicken house is so cute! I hope those hens appreciate their beautiful new home. And loved seeing your flowers -- especially those wonderful hollylhocks which I remember from a previous post. I never did worry about having nothing to do in retirement either. Starting with but not limited to all those books.... who could possibly be bored with life these days?.

Margie's Musings said...

Your yard is so lovely, Clair. Yes, it is Margie! I lost you somewhere along the way but have now found you again. It's Margie's Musings. Do you remember me?

clairz said...

Margie, of course I remember you. I visit your blog almost every day, but hardly ever have left a comment. Since I'm not sure you'll read this here, I am heading over to leave another comment for you on Margie's Musings.

Margie's Musings said...

Ah ha! I did come back. You probably noticed I added your blog to my list. Thanks so much for visiting me.

Margie's Musings said...

I tried to access your blog again but could not, Clair...for some reason. Is everything alright?

Margie's Musings said...

I tried to leave a comment but it would not post, Clair.

clairz said...

Hi, Margie. You are accessing the blog but there will always be a delay before any comments are published. I'm sorry to say that a few years back several of my blogger friends here in New Mexico were "attacked" by a troll who left awful comments. When it happened to me I made all my comments subject to approval before publishing. It was an awful experience and one I wouldn't wish on anyone. It got so I dreaded opening the blog in the mornings. She has been blocked by all of us now. I'm sorry that any person should want to be so hateful.

I really appreciate you checking up on me. I think it's time for a new post so that people know that I'm still alive. Perhaps I'll do one after my knitting group meets today.