We now live in Kentucky, where you have to drive with your hand at 12 on the wheel so you can wave back to EVERY car that passes by.
To pool or not to pool.
06/28/2022 I really can’t believe that in 2 months, we will have been Kentuckians for a year. How? Why do I feel like we just got here yet when I really think about it, I get visions (more like nightmares) of Walt and the never-ending story. Time flies, especially when you wonder what in the heck you’re doing in Kentucky.
We’re slowly making this place look like a home, nothing is easy OR CHEAP. I would need a full-time job to be able to buy flowers like I used to, back when they were reasonably priced. It’s ridiculous now. Then there is our soil. We had 20 loads brought in. I was told (liar liar) that it was good soil. It’s not, it’s hard pack clay. We added 3 huge bags of peat moss and a dozen bags of compost and manure. It’s still nasty. Bill hooked up a sprinkler system immediately because he knew he wouldn’t want to listen to me whine and moan because I had to drag the hose to water. It’s not the watering I mind, it’s dragging the hose. I hate doing that. I can stand out there mindlessly for hours and water, but don’t expect me to drag the damn hose too. We planted along the front of the house and between the house and the driveway. That’s it so far, there’s always next year, I need to see if everything dies before the end of summer to help me decide how to proceed.
I planted a ton of Coleus, knowing full well they are an annual, it was late to be planting and I wanted instant gratification.We were trying to get the mulch off the trailer and it was windy as hell. Bill spent most of his time fighting with the tarp. It didn’t help that he had it tucked under something and I thought it was caught and moved it. Really windy.See, all pretty colors.My seat. Bill went all out on this.We need more mulch. We also need to plant at the back of the shop, the building in the back. I’ve decided we’ll plant hydrangeas there but not until next spring. Have to fix that soil first.I have Hostas, Yarrow, Coleus, Lemon Thyme, some Phlox that is almost dead and the sedums.I ordered 2 flats of this from Lowe’s, it’s gorgeous. I’m afraid it’s getting too much water. May need a plan B. I don’t have a plan B. I broke these into smaller sections and planted.The start of the drip irrigation.We got this raised bed online and we planted it the way they do for Hugelkutur. What it consists of is layers of materials that will decompose, instead of pouring a ton of soil in it. There is cardboard, tree branches, small logs, paper, straw, peat moss and dirt. Most of the stuff is growing well, except Cilantro. It hates me. I consistently try to grow it and it ALWAYS DIES. This has gone on for years, you’d think I would give up.
Before any of this garden stuff happened we got company! It was fabulous. My sweet friend Andee, who lives in Tennesee, {she’s one of the attractions for us moving to the KY, TN area} and her sons came for a few days. Andee and her husband are also the people who came and brought food and bone broth and leaf lettuce when Bill was in the hospital. We have not seen the boys since 2013, Bill hasn’t seen Andee since then either. It was so nice to have them visit. Let me say, she and Joel have the nicest, most well-mannered handsome young men (12 & almost 17) I’ve ever met. The guys were so much fun to be around, easy-going, and great with the dogs, they even cleaned up after our meals. Impressed….
Andee and I worked together at Bank of America and if you ask her she will tell you I deserted her. Looking back, I’m really surprised BoA allowed us together in the same building. We were loud and constantly laughing about something. She made going to work fun.
Anyhow, they arrived on a Tuesday morning. We took the dogs for their morning walk after they arrived so they could see the property. They’re big outdoors fans too, especially the boys, plus they love dogs.
Andee and me. Love you Andee.Some Highway love. You could pet that dog 24/7 and he would be happy.ConstructionBill and the boys made this thing for the dogs to climb on. They all get on it, they also sleep in the shade under it.When we lived in WA, Bill had a dump truck. In 2013, the boys were visiting us and Bill took them for a ride in the dump truck. He let Axel drive it and he ran over a tree. As soon as they came up our current driveway and saw the truck, they both said, THEY HAVE A DUMP TRUCK. We don’t really, it’s Aaron’s, been here for a month, wish he would come and get it.We had S’mores one night. Andee’s husband told me earlier about an app called Merlin by Cornell Labs. It listens via your phone and identifies the birds that are singing in your area. We have a lot of Barred Owls close to the house, some evenings we can hear 3 different ones talking. It was at dusk on the S’more evening, the dogs were chilling with us outside and Andee happened to notice a Barred Owl sitting in the tree above us, watching. Well, we’re pretty sure that was the kind of owl it was. It was a good-sized bird, it soon flew off. Bill sees them swooping the fields too.When the boys were visiting in 2013, Bill made them “swords” out of bamboo. It didn’t take long for Axel to find a weapon.This kid is his Mother to a T but he looks like his Dad.Salad and homemade Pizza (done professionally by Mason) for dinner.Mason placing the toppings on the pizza, it was done meticulously and methodically.We had an abundance of food.Mmmm, it was soo good.Bill and the guys did some shooting at targets in the backyard. A few days after they left, Bill mortally wounded a groundhog.
It was a lot of fun having them come to see us, we enjoyed their visit very much and anxiously anticipate the next.
We have several Killdeer birds here. One in particular laid her eggs in a small nest right alongside the driveway. NOT A GOOD SPOT. I walk down the driveway several times a day with the dogs and mama bird goes batshit crazy. She runs around with her wing sticking out, pretending she has a broken wing to get us away from her nest. She squawks like a banshee too. We don’t go near her eggs but it’s right alongside the driveway. I was afraid UPS ran over it today. He didn’t. Very strange behavior but I applaud her for her creativeness. There are now 4 eggs.
We are still walking the boys in the morning. Many times early because it’s been so blasted hot. We’ve noticed a variety of different critter poop and a ton of wildflowers. I also just realized we have a Mulberry tree, I’m not sure that I’ve ever had a Mulberry, but I will soon.
I read that they turn black when ripe.
Bill has been busy mowing and burning up expensive diesel fuel in an effort to keep the grasses low. There are fewer ticks that way.
Eating grass or poop. Max was eating so much grass that a poop got stuck in his butt. I had to help extricate it. I stopped feeding them sweet potatoes and they seem to not have so many poop issues. Sorry, TMI.So pretty up in the fields. The boys scared a flock of turkeys the other day. Three came back when called but Highway did a drop and roll in some juicy turkey droppings. Bill took him back to the house and scrubbed his neck. I think he was ready to wring it too.So nice when it’s mowed. Bill cuts paths in it for me to walk the dogs.
We (I) finally decided on an above-ground pool, it came last week. It’s 20′ around and 4′ deep. Plenty big to get wet and float. Bill has been working in the blazing sun to get the ground leveled. It took 2 trailers full of sand and a lot of compacting. On the day of the pool delivery, the driver called when he was close and Bill drove down to the end of the driveway with the tractor, loaded the pool on it, and brought it up here.
Almost to the bend in the drive.That’s a big box!Delivered to the yard. The truck was a tractor-trailer, there’s no place for him to turn around up here.
We set the pool up on Saturday, it wasn’t hard, just time-consuming. Instructions said it would take 60 minutes. I’m not sure who was able to do it in an hour but they are superhuman.
We put it in the front yard, much nicer view there and it doesn’t ruin our view from the house. Next is a deck around the pool, a yard and a fence to keep critters out.
When we started filling the pool, I was inside the pool and Bill was outside. He asked what the lump was behind me. I turned around and noticed it was a chunk of wood, maybe 3-4″ square, UNDER the pool. I had to get out of the pool, he lifted it up and I crawled under the pool to get the chunk of wood out. Fun times.
We started putting water in it and I got in to try and get the wrinkles out. I HAD to lay down, it felt so good.The rains came later the day we put the pool up. The rain was very welcome, the MUD, not so much.We have been gorging on fruit. The boys and I are addicted to blueberries and raspberries. Unfortunately, they can’t have grapes, but they’ve all been getting chopped watermelon on top of their dinners.
I’m still driving out of town for groceries every few weeks. On Friday I was parked near a cart return and as I was finished and getting in my car, I noticed something on the ground by the trash can. I leaned over and picked one up, there were 2. They are heavy and rather steam-punkish. I looked all around, there was not another car near me, nobody around. Since they were by the trash can, I figured, finders keepers. I love them.
The other side is solid gray.
We have pseudo WiFi currently. Bill found this thing that gives you a limited supply of data so I can use my laptop and not tether it to my phone for a signal. He’s currently watching something on the TV, which we couldn’t do prior to this gadget, unless it was a DVD. Things are looking up. We’re still waiting for Elon Musk to make Starlink available in this area. I sure hope it’s soon.
And last but not least, my friend Kyle who lives on Roatan sent me a message the other day that said “you’ve got mail.” At the Roatan Post Office.
Yep, my name is #11. This is how they let you know you have mail, someone writes all the names down, always in excellent handwriting. Then they photograph it and put it on FB. I’m almost positive it’s about my expiring car warranty.
Living on an island was a life long dream of mine. In 2012 I moved to Roatan and lived there for 4 months, went back to the US, packed up our belongings and sold our house. In Oct of 2013 we moved there permanently. Our house was completed in July of 2014 and we moved in. After 6+ years, I was ready to go back to the US. I made the move in Dec of 2019 and my husband came a year later. Here we are in Arizona, waiting for our island house to sell so we can sell this place and move on. I guess I'm more like a traveling mermaid.
Your Blogs are always interesting, especially for those of us who remain stagnant at the present time. Love hearing about the boys, your adventures & projects.
I haven’t been on the island since Covid hit it. They have new restrictions about dogs entering/ returning to the U.S. I’ve received word that the restriction has been lifted, I need to verify that before going down. Can’t leave Chewbacca behind, he’s too old & attached.. Hope its true. I’m going to be looking into it soon. Roatan is my happy place, I am way over due for a fix.
continue to enjoy life…Things are slowly coming together for you..Take care….
Hi Rosemarie, I was just thinking about you there other day.
I hope you’re able to go back with your pooch. I understand about not leaving them behind. These guys have me on a short leash, I feel terribly guilty if I am gone for long. I think we’re co-dependent on each other.
Nice hearing from you.
Looks like great progress on the outside and the dogs are going to love the pool!. Good luck with the hydrangea. I planted one four years ago and it’s grown very little but now is starting to bloom a few flowers but not much. But that’s my fault because I never checked the pH of the soil. Remember Rome wasn’t built in a day so you and Bill have a lot of time to get everything done that you want to. Thanks for your blogs and keeping us all posted with what’s happening with your always interesting life!
Thank you SOOO much for another blog, I love seeing the pictures and how the house and yard are coming together. So glad you got your pool! I will be down there to see you before the snow comes! Can’t wait to “thrift shop” with you!!!
I think this is your best blog so far. You must be a work horse. I don’t ever want to do as much work as you do. I really like the pool. I have an inground pool, yet, I’ve always loved the above ground ones better. Idk if it’s because I grew up with an above ground or what, but, I love them. How’s the lions & tigers & bears there? I’d be carrying bear spray with me, walking those doggies. You probably should tweet Elon about the internet. I betcha he hasn’t thought about rural ‘tucky. XO!
I don’t know if there are bears around here, definitely lots of other critters. I figure the boys will scare a bear off, they chased a coyote out of his den.
I’ve always had inground pools except when we lived in Washington state and had an 8 week summer. This is fine but I feel so guilty getting in when the dogs can’t yet. I really need to accept the fact that they’re dogs and not human, prob never happen.
We got more mulch yesterday and I bought more plants. I just can’t stop. I finished planting them this morning after I cleaned up the kitchen and vacuumed up the huge balls of dog hair. Never ending.
It’s hot out, I think the pool is calling me. Thanks for reading!
Sounds like your getting things done. We spend a lot of time in our above ground pool. I was going to send a picture of our pool but don’t know how. Well enjoy🤗
Thanks Candy, I’ll be able to enjoy it a lot more when we get the deck built, he’s in the process. The water is actually a little too warm for me. Reminds me of the hot tub pool in AZ.
Mermaid on a Raft 
Your Blogs are always interesting, especially for those of us who remain stagnant at the present time. Love hearing about the boys, your adventures & projects.
I haven’t been on the island since Covid hit it. They have new restrictions about dogs entering/ returning to the U.S. I’ve received word that the restriction has been lifted, I need to verify that before going down. Can’t leave Chewbacca behind, he’s too old & attached.. Hope its true. I’m going to be looking into it soon. Roatan is my happy place, I am way over due for a fix.
continue to enjoy life…Things are slowly coming together for you..Take care….
Hi Rosemarie, I was just thinking about you there other day.
I hope you’re able to go back with your pooch. I understand about not leaving them behind. These guys have me on a short leash, I feel terribly guilty if I am gone for long. I think we’re co-dependent on each other.
Nice hearing from you.
Looks like great progress on the outside and the dogs are going to love the pool!. Good luck with the hydrangea. I planted one four years ago and it’s grown very little but now is starting to bloom a few flowers but not much. But that’s my fault because I never checked the pH of the soil. Remember Rome wasn’t built in a day so you and Bill have a lot of time to get everything done that you want to. Thanks for your blogs and keeping us all posted with what’s happening with your always interesting life!
Come visit, open invite.
Love, love, love reading your blogs!! Things do seem to be looking up for you and Bill.
Jeanette
Thank you Jeanette, slowly but surely, we’re getting there.
Thank you SOOO much for another blog, I love seeing the pictures and how the house and yard are coming together. So glad you got your pool! I will be down there to see you before the snow comes! Can’t wait to “thrift shop” with you!!!
Hi Deb
You are so lucky to have Mulberries. Iâm from Iowa and LOVED them. Enjoy! Love your posts.
Jan
Thanks Jan, the birds and squirrels love them too.
I think this is your best blog so far. You must be a work horse. I don’t ever want to do as much work as you do. I really like the pool. I have an inground pool, yet, I’ve always loved the above ground ones better. Idk if it’s because I grew up with an above ground or what, but, I love them. How’s the lions & tigers & bears there? I’d be carrying bear spray with me, walking those doggies. You probably should tweet Elon about the internet. I betcha he hasn’t thought about rural ‘tucky. XO!
I don’t know if there are bears around here, definitely lots of other critters. I figure the boys will scare a bear off, they chased a coyote out of his den.
I’ve always had inground pools except when we lived in Washington state and had an 8 week summer. This is fine but I feel so guilty getting in when the dogs can’t yet. I really need to accept the fact that they’re dogs and not human, prob never happen.
We got more mulch yesterday and I bought more plants. I just can’t stop. I finished planting them this morning after I cleaned up the kitchen and vacuumed up the huge balls of dog hair. Never ending.
It’s hot out, I think the pool is calling me. Thanks for reading!
Sounds like your getting things done. We spend a lot of time in our above ground pool. I was going to send a picture of our pool but don’t know how. Well enjoy🤗
Thanks Candy, I’ll be able to enjoy it a lot more when we get the deck built, he’s in the process. The water is actually a little too warm for me. Reminds me of the hot tub pool in AZ.