Three Things I am doing this Spring:

1. Gardening. This year I have some very big projects. I added a very large bed (in which I am planning to plant primarily vegetables) as well adding space to some existing beds. I know this sounds ridiculous as I already have so much more garden than I can handle, but the one I added is in a very sunny spot and it is going to bring together two others and create a very pleasing area.

2. Building a fire pit! I am trying not to make this too difficult. The plan is to buy some large fieldstones (I have been going to the gravel pit for years. They know me.) and some sand, dig up the grass and throw it all together. Where I am hemming and hawing is in the siting of it. Our yard is surrounded by tree covered hills. I am also navigating a gazebo, a garden shed and a swing set. I am thinking about hauling the rocks, buying some good wine and then inviting over a couple of strong and opinionated friends (David and Dan take notice) and just let it happen.

3. Painting the house. I know I know, you don’t often see that dingy, yellowish tan, especially combined with the raised dark boards that bring to mind Elizabethan England and the Wild West in the same thought. That IS rare…and there is a reason, it’s hideous. Last year we had other big projects early in the Spring, so painting got pushed back until late June. We had big plans for getting one side done a month but then painted about 20 feet with a paint that was mistinted. I went back and forth on how white or creamy a creamy white should be. It got hot, we got testy and before we knew it, the summer was gone. We have been waiting for nightime temperatures to stay above 50 (how can you make the degrees sign on a Mac, anyone?). We are getting there this week.