We're getting back to a routine. It doesn't seem possible that we've been home for less than a week. It feels like much longer. We're settling in.
The newest news:
We bought a cantilever (which means off-set) umbrella for our deck.
Last year, we noticed that it was terrifically sunny and hot when we wanted to use the deck. Nothing changed. (Didn't expect it to, of course.)
So. . .last year, we began window-shopping on our computers, looking for an awning. We even went to a store to buy one, but the back area of our roof was too steep to use one . The drop would have been 4' at the edge. No one could stand there. Except a midget. And. . . According to the internet , it was very expensive to buy a custom-made one, and we didn't want to spend that much money. So. . .Awnings were out.
Then we thought of an umbrella table. That took up too much room on a 12 X 12 deck.
Then our next thought was an off-set, or cantilever umbrella. Okay. We wanted one that was at least 11.5 X 11.5. The computer price range seemed better, and it was more likely not to take up that much space, if it were on the side, than in the middle of the deck. Okay.
Low and behold. . .there was an add for one in the Target-store circular, 11.5 X 11.5. They had it on display at our local Target in the back of the store (where the Christmas decorations were set up in that season). Unbeknownst to both of us, we both looked at it. It was just what we wanted. It was the right size, a good price, and it had wind-vents towards the top, to prevent it from launching itself up and over the roof. When we both realized we'd seen it and liked it, Paul went to the store, got it and proceeded to put it up. The stand required sand inside it, so that winds wouldn't carry the umbrella away. Paul got two 50-lb. bags. But it wasn't enough to fill it. So I went down to Lowe's while he continued to put it together, and got 3 more bags full. It does look good.
However. . .it takes some getting used to. . .
It reminds me of being in a sailboat when the sails are up. The umbrella turns about 5 degrees (I'm guessing) when it's windy. (They said it would.) But once you get used to it, it's fine. Kinda neat. And it does shade the whole deck. It can be adjusted to keep it shaded when the sun is in any spot. The whole thing is definitely a plus.
Something I'd like to do, is to make use of the base as a garden. The square base is kind of an eye-sore. It does takes up room where it is. It needs to be prettied up. After thinking about it, perhaps we could make that into a "flower garden" by adding some potted plants. . .nice red geraniums, (?) if "we" can make the base level. I'm sure my Hero can do that. He can do anything.
Gracie story: Marian, my brother Bob's friend, made some lovely beautiful portable pen sides, which she loaned us for Gracie in Florida. (She raises papillons.) Then Paul decided to make our own, for up here, so Gracie could be confined to an area. Well, she's learned how to climb over it. I haven't seen it, but Paul did. Guess that's the end of that. Plus. . .We'll need a baby gate on the deck, I guess. She's learning how to climb up and down stairs. There's always something. . . but wouldn't want it any other way. She's bouncing around here with so much energy and health. She's fun to watch as she amuses herself. Or sleeps.
Guess that's all the news from this edge of the woods. . .what's happenin' in your neck o' the woods?
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