Tag Archives: back deck

The Skull in the Snow

Posted on January 25, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

Alas, I failed to post yesterday. Today is Lame Post Friday, which I think I can manage. I sometimes have to ask myself, “What the hell, me?” However, I really do not intend this blog as a means of therapy, where I air all my mental and physical ailments and hope by talking, talking, talking about them to find solutions. I fear sometimes it becomes such a means, posting as I usually do off the cuff. Never mind all that. What I have to offer today as means of entertainment are a few silly pictures.

I did not clean my deck off. Oh dear, is that my finger on the bottom?

We got some more snow last night. Not a vast amount, but I thought it was just as well to push off the top layer. In any case, I had to brush off my car if I wanted to go to the grocery store, which I did. As it turned out, it was not a deep layer and it was quite fluffy. My chore was not onerous. As I was putting my shovel away behind the house, I noticed a skull in the snow on the deck. It amused me so much, I went and got my phone to take a picture.

It’s funny that skulls often look kind of cheerful.

I walked up onto the deck to take a closer shot. I suppose I should have shoveled the snow off the deck, but I can only do so much. Perhaps in the weeks to come I can make a greater effort.

Now he looks like he’s resting peacefully.

I took one more shot, because I liked the angle. I’m afraid this isn’t much of a post, but it will have to do for Lame Post Friday.

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Posted in humor, Lame Post Friday, personal and tagged back deck, blog post, blogging, depression, shoveling snow, skeletons. Bookmark the permalink.

A Lot of Help from my Family

Posted on June 13, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

A long time ago, my father did the laundry, and my mother marveled that she had been visited by the Laundry Fairy.

“The Laundry Prince,” Dad corrected her in a dignified tone of voice.

Well, the Porch Prince and two Lawn and Deck Princesses visited my house yesterday while I was at work, performing miracles for which I am very grateful. And a little ashamed, because I feel as a homeowner I ought to be taking care of these things myself. However, we all need help sometimes, and I am so blessed to have a family that helps me. After all, I often quote the song, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” My family are my best friends!

I do not have before pictures of the porch, but it was in sorry shape. It was concrete that had been eaten away by erosion, largely because Steve and I never replaced the gutter which the guy took off when he repaired the porch roof after we had just moved in. One of those things we always meant to get to but really only remembered about when it rained. I really wanted a wooden porch, and Dad had an idea to use the concrete steps as a base for building one. My Dad can build or fix anything!

He is amazing!

My sister Cheryl, one of the Lawn and Deck Princesses, sent me pictures. That was when I realized she was going to do something about Frankentree. I knew she wanted to, using the chain saw she had recently purchased (and not being one to perpetuate the Mohawk Valley Chainsaw Massacre) (I add for the amusement of my horror-movie loving readers), but I had rather thought she would pick a day when I would be there to help. She texted, “Too late!”

Who knew it could look like that?

I may have a a before picture of Frankentree. I guess I will have to give him a new name, since he looks all of a piece now.

This is from 2020.

The tree had only gotten more out of control, with a lot of the lower branches dying off. The lawn, also, has gotten out of control, largely because I have allowed the daisies and other invaders to grow unchecked. Mom and Cheryl cleaned out all under and around the tree, as you can see. They left the daisies, because some blooms remained, but I will be cutting them back soon. Cheryl suggested that I dig them up and replant them closer to the porch.

My back deck, too, has needed some work. It was covered with leaves from the tree which gives it so much shade. My two Princesses performed miracles there, too.

I may actually get to deck sit this year!

My three benefactors were waiting for me when I returned from work. They showed me everything they had done and offered suggestions for what I should do next. If only I could think of some way to properly thank them! They already have plenty of afghans. Any suggestions?

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Posted in humor, personal and tagged back deck, blog post, blogging, family, Frankentree, front porch, homeowner, mom and dad, sister Cheryl, yard work. Bookmark the permalink.

How Will My Garden Grow?

Posted on May 3, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

I thought I would try for an on-time Thursday blog post with another Throwback Thursday. I am a little afraid I re-use the same throwback pictures again and again. Of course I am too lazy to go back and check which pictures I may have used recently. I shall trust to my sometimes reliable memory.

Pretty!

I went back to May of 2017 and found this “before” shot of plants I had purchased for the container garden on my deck. It has been years since I have had a container garden, but I hope to have one this year.

I always hope they’ll fill in a little as the summer progresses.

Here is one of the pots from that same year. I always enjoy putting the different flowers together. I do not always have “the thrill, the fill, and the spill” that the gardening articles advise for an ideal container, but some of my containers are not very big.

At least two of these pots are now in pieces.

I also make use of different levels. I don’t know what shape those tree sections are in. They may be rotted by now.

I must get a pedicure soon.

And here is a picture of what I would like to be doing, eventually. Lounging on my deck, glass of wine nearby, enjoying an evening with my container garden. So I have pursued two purposes tonight: I made a Throwback Thursday blog post, and I encouraged myself to get my act together at least to the extent of having another container garden. May this turn out to be a Preview of Coming Attractions!

Wuss-out Wednesday, What’s Not to Like?

Posted on July 30, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

Here I am, ready to make my Wuss-out Wednesday Post. Full disclosure: I have had a couple of glasses of wine. In my defense… OK, I have no real defense. I just felt like having a little wine.

Steven and I decided to enjoy a little time on Front Porcherico, just for a change from out time in Back Deckahama. Yes, we are embracing our time at home. Full disclosure: I have had some drinks and food at area attractions. It is so difficult to strike the balance between keeping any germs to myself and still supporting local businesses. I am pretty sure I usually do the wrong thing.

I love to watch the sky!

Showers were predicted, and we watched some dark clouds move in. I tried to get a shot worthy to share to our local news’ Facebook page. What do you think?

View from the garage.

I went out back, following the clouds. Then I went back out front, to get a shot of Steven offering a toast.

Was he drinking to me? I like to think so.

He is a little backlit, and the sky in the background is not that distinctive. Still, this is my guy, enjoying a glass of wine with me. What’s not to like?

So this is my Wednesday Post. At least I shared a couple of new photos. Happy Mid-Week, everyone!

Mohawk Valley Girl