Monday, May 19, 2008

Casey Got Wheels


Casey has torn her ACL in her knee. The vet says she should limit her activity to see if we can get her walking again. But she still likes to get out and about. Red wagon to the rescue!

Friday, May 16, 2008

Library Luncheon


The Parent Teacher group from our school has a Library Luncheon each spring. Hostess decorate a table to coordinate with the event's theme. This year's theme, "Beautiful by Nature." I loved this table.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Succulents Abound

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Saturday, May 10, 2008

Interersting Succulent


Hmmmmmm. I wonder just what this plant is called. Very pretty. The leaves are rigid. These types of plants are all the rage here in SoCal as garden shops take the lead in greener gardens. A garden of succulents takes less H20 but have a softer look than cactus.

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Friday, May 09, 2008

A Constructive View


Here is the rebuild of the forty-foot wall on the perimeter of my property. The first wall didn't last too long--about three months--before it leaned and moved. You can imagine why when you see the footing foundation which is required but wasn't included with the first wall.

The city inspector came by today and noted the whole rebar cage which was constructed yesterday has to be 3 inches from soil on all sides. This means this entire rebar cage will have to be lifted and placed three inches off the soil with gizmos called adobes. Additionally, not all of the sides have three inch clearance, so more excavation to be completed.



Here are the stacks of bricks (*), plants, and piles of dirt all dislocated because of the rebuild. I think I am being a really patient with this process which essentially is undoing all of the work which was just completed. I am pleased the landscaper stood behind the error and is doing all of this work.

(*) This is just one stack of bricks. There are several more scattered around the yard. Also, note the dirt is on top of the new pavers. Uggh
For those wondering why the first wall failed it is because the property below the wall is sloped. That means a condition called soil creep can compromise the integrity of the wall. Therefore, if someone tells you they can build a simple wall without footings on your property, but your neighbor's property is sloped, beware.

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Naughty Cats Like to Sit on Flowers


Who knows what goes through the minds of cats as they prowl through the neighborhood. For some reason, the cats think these flowers were planted for them as a soft floral cushion. Naughty cats...stay off the flowers. Thank you.

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Romantic Roses


A walk in the evening hours last night with a dear friend allowed for the discovery of some lovely neighborhood gardens. The roses climbing this garden entrance were stunning.

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