Friday, March 12, 2010

work in and work out



We're feeling a bit optimistic today. Of the 13 pieces of glass we have the sandblasting done on 7, the stencil is cut on one more and by the end of the day today two more stencils will be cut and at least one more sandblasted. Also, I am getting the last bit of art work done that I have been putting off and it is at the reprographic shop getting enlarged to full size. Still have to do the cream etching on all the panels and we are taking 3 days off next week (spring break with the g'kids), but it looks in the realm of possibility to get it done and installed by Easter. That would make them so happy. That would make us happy too.


After I got my work done for the day yesterday, I went out into the yard here in the city. My SIL and the g'kids were out clearing out stuff from the winter. I lost so much here during that week of temps in the 20s. All of these things froze to the ground...night blooming jasmine, star of india, plumeria, hummingbird bush, angel trumpet, hibiscus, bougainvillea, ginger, plumbago and I think the banana trees. And these were not small young shrubs. These were large mature shrubs. I started cutting down the remains...the trunks of my beautiful plumeria and my star of india, the hummingbird bush. The yard already looks so bare and still so much more to cut down and haul away. Some things I think will come back...the plumbago, the ginger, the night blooming jasmine, the bananas. I have hopes for the star of india and the hummingbird bush and the bougainvillea but I fear the hibiscus, angel trumpet and plumeria are gone.

It's been a beautiful week here, supposed to cool down a little this weekend. Remember this picture last week of the sweet gum tree budding out? 


This is what it looks like this week. See the baby gum ball?



























18 comments:

  1. We lost several huge limbs from our giant old pine trees. They just couldn't stand the weight of all that heavy snow. We're several weeks behind you, in the spring department.

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  2. We have some trees down and I haven't even begun to see all the damage of winter......

    Great feeling of accomplishment to finish a job, isn't it. Almost as good as getting paid.....

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  3. Maybe the freeze is nature's way of clearing things out a little? Making way for beautiful new growth, new plants, a fun trip to the nursery picking things out? Have a nice weekend!

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  4. It hurts to lose mature plants - they are like members of the family ... almost! That gum ball is interesting - don't believe I've ever seen one.

    Happy for you that your work is proceeding smoothly.

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  5. Oh! My goodness! I hope it survives. Have faith on the rest of them too.

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  6. I hope they come back! Being a gardener myself, I know how cherished the plants you have nurtured over years to maturity mean!

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  7. You have such beautiful plants in your yard. So sorry about the loss due to a freeze. We have been living in a frozen tundra since December, so I have no idea what is living under that mountain of snow. But I'm always surprised what does!

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  8. So sorry you have lost so much of your plants and shrubs! Winter has been harsh this year. Especially in places that don't usually have such low temps. Hopefully the majority will come back. Good news on your project!! Sounds like you have that well in hand! Can't wait to see it.
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  9. I've always loved the outdoor spring clean-up, even though I end up getting bruised and cut and really really sore. It's the most rewarding kind of yard work. I love your photos.

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  10. The baby gumball is so cute! And you guys are mighty sandblasters. I salute you!

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  11. Oh Ellen, I have the same thing here. I've been cutting back & burning brush. My beautiful bottle brush that was as tall as the eaves of the house is brown. I fear it is totally dean & will not even come out from the base. Some smaller ones look okay, but the big one may be toast. Here's hoping much will survive.

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  12. I know you are excited about your progress. I can imagine the beauty from your shot.

    Many people have lost trees this year. We did not lose as many as we did in the ice storm last year but we still have lots of clean up.

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  13. Well, now i need a nap- You are one busy person- I want your energy! Pleases send some as soon as possible- I need to roll away from this computer and into some sort of productivity.

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  14. Love the gumball AND the thistle!

    I hope you haven't lost your precious plants. I hate that winter claims so much beauty. Thank goodness you and Marc make up for that with your lovely glass art. I am in awe.

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  15. Sorry for the cold-snap damage. Hope all the work gets done smoothly and safely and beautifully (of course) by Easter.

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  16. That dogwood days and luna nights one is gorgeous

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  17. Oh, that's sad! I'm sorry to hear you lost so much. I lost a lot of my herbs too...particularly the sage, I think. We shall see.

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  18. I haven't even begun to see all the damage of winter......
    home jobs india

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