Patio - with lighting

Thankfully installing the lighting today wasn't too strenuous because even with a nice breeze and a 16 inch fan about 16 inches from me as I worked, my clothes were drenched by the time this project was completed. Humidity levels were maxed out today.

I had a photo shoot in Peoria this evening and was afraid I'd get home after dark - too late to shoot a picture of the finished product. However, getting home in time wasn't the problem, but rather the rain that was just beginning. So, this shot was hurried and the grill is still in the photo but at least I got a quick shot.

Rain, Heat and Flowers

Good year for flowers!

More patio, etc.

Approximately two feet separate the old fence and where the new patio starts. That area was originally planned as a space for flowers. This plan would frugally save from purchasing about 25 square feet of flagstone. Then we decided it would be a good idea to have a raised flower bed. Then we saw and liked the idea of building a column. And oh yes, these we might as well put a light on the column (not yet installed) and you can see what is coming can't you. That 25 square feet cost more than the entire patio stone cost!!

Oh well, at least we like it so far. The project designer has chosen to mix stone colors a bit and so we hope when it gets all done, it all works together. The stones are glued so redesign will be a bit rocky!



These flower beds were hurriedly finished Sat morning before we headed south to spend some time with my folks. Brenda is ready to travel but came out and planted some flowers while I finished watering other plants.

Opposite side

Brenda persuaded me to pose quickly before heading in to clean up for our trip. A bit more and this area will be complete. Then on to the next area.

Patio Progress

Rain slowed progress for a few days but this morning the final pieces were installed,
locking sand put in and now on to the next phase which is borders, plants, etc.

All too true

Patio

With the backyard and former dog pen in need of some sprucing up and also in need of some help because of drainage problems, we moved some dirt around, moved fence, etc., and of course, took no pictures.

With the grading done and no place for the grill, picnic table and such, the idea of a patio came to be. Here it is in the partly done stage. Hopefully in the next few days I can post a photo of what it looks like complete....

Spring Turkey

Unfortunately, I have to keep the "turkey" in my title singular due to Mr. Tom keeping his distance despite my dogged efforts to arrange a meeting.

Fortunately, Don worked out an early morning, opening-day arrangement with a 22-23 lb gobbler and secured his first non-grocery store turkey. Here he is strolling down the hill with his catch near where I was hunting.

Good job!

Look at the turkey's head and they are on the ugly side I suppose.
But their feathers are beautiful and even more colorful than this photo indicates.

Since you can't shoot a hen in the spring, the only shooting I could do was with my camera. The bird in front is my decoy and the one in back is the real one.
(In case there is some confusion here)

These two jakes (1 year old toms) were close enough to shoot but I thought a tom was nearby so I didn't pull the trigger. The tom never showed himself so...
At least I got a photo.

Since Don was done hunting, he had time to fish.
His second cast yielded this nice large mouth bass.

As well as some crappie.

Dad headed to the lake also and pulled in a few to add to the collection. They tasted great for supper after a full day outdoors.