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?
Mohawk Valley Girl 