Word Cloud

I thought this was really cool. I found it over at January 1, prowling along the ABC trail. It's called a word cloud. When I'm in funds again I'm going to HAVE to buy this t-shirt!

C is for...

Crochet Hooks!

I love the tools of the trades. A well crafted tool is a thing of beauty and a joy to work with, making any job easier. Aluminum hooks, while not my favorite, are light, inexpensive and easy to replace if I'm working away from home in a place where a dropped crochet hook might mean it vanishes forever. (Thinking of the SO's work truck!) The smaller hooks are all from an estate sale; I've used a few of them but the dainty work and thread is hard on the eyes.


Wooden (and one Fimo) Crochet Hooks

My favorite crochet hooks are wooden. I've been collecting these for awhile, and some have been in use for a few years. I went on an eBay rampage in December and picked up a few more. These are arranged according to hook size; the second one from the left, a Size G, is an aluminum hook with colored clay for a handle. Very comfortable to work with. Oddly enough so is the Size J, the brightly colored one at the far right with the fish for an end. My least favorite is the long Brittany Size H; I just bought the Indigo Size H beside it for a replacement. All of my favorites are handmade and, while expensive, are a delight to work with and I enjoy them very much. Sometimes people comment on my crochet hook when they see me working, rather than on the item I'm making!

Sun's Rise

After a day of rain and fog, the brilliance of the sun this morning seems almost unreal. The cockatiel is shouting a greeting to the light, and the dogs are out romping in the warmth of early morning. Cats are begging for breakfast.

Time rushes on, with a busy weekend that was full of activity, although little was accomplished! We went to town and got bunny feed and cleaned out the little truck. I worked some at the antique shop down the road and had nice visits with a few people, although customers were scarce because of the weather on Sunday. During the rainy, lazy late afternoon on Sunday after I left the shop; I dabbled around with the web pages, adding the No NAIS link to both blogs and catching up on a bit of blog reading myself.

Then after a light dinner we played Monopoly. Haven't played a game in years; and usually I lose. Except for Trivial Pursuit, because I know lots of really useless stuff. But I actually won last night, mostly due to a run of bad luck for the SO!

Thanks to the warm weather the starlings are nesting in the eaves. They've pulled a board away and we could hear the chicks chirping yesterday. I don't appreciate them as much as I do the other birds but I guess they are here to stay. When I went to feed the rabbits in the late evening drizzle, a flock of doves flew up from beneath the bird feeders. The wind was blowing so hard yesterday morning when I was feeding the feeders the little birds in the shrubs nearby were having trouble staying perched. They tried to fly forward and fell back, tumbling among the twigs in a flurry of feathers.

Personality Test

Your Personality Profile

You are funky, outdoorsy, and down to earth. While you may not be a total hippie... You're definitely one of the most free spirited people around. You are very impulsive - every day is a new adventure. However, you do put some thought behind all your actions. Still, you do tend to shock and offend people from time to time!

The World's Shortest Personality Test

It's a Truck!

My Little Toyota

It's finally here! After nearly a month in the shop, I HAVE A PICKUP! And it runs, mostly. I went by the shop yesterday to see if we had to rebuild the engine or put in a new one. Wally (I love having a mechanic named Wally, real fittin') said it's ready to go. He said the bottom end was stopped up. I didn't inquire as to what that meant; sounds sort of personal and only something a mechanic should know about a vehicle. But it's on the road, licensed, tagged, stickered and burdened with all the other expensive necessities of this regimented age. Much better than waiting for an engine rebuild or replacement.


Fiona

I'd like to thank Miss Fiona Bradshaw for standing in on my profile for a few days while I sorted through pictures to find the one that now appears. Since this has become more of a personal journal, I decided to move the logo to the other blog, which I hope becomes more of a rabbit, business and farm oriented diary.

Early Morning Chill

This morning when I let TJ out for his first romp of the day, the air was so crisp it was painful to breathe. A thin crescent moon rode on the eastern horizon, in a sky of elusive color that seemed so close I should be able to reach out and feel velvet.

Now the sun is shining bright, warming the air. It won't be warm, but soon I'll be able to get out and tend the bunnies without the water bottles freezing back immediately. I know certain people that hate winter, but a day like this is invigorating. Sorry. But I do like a little winter in my year!

Sad to say we lost another cousin, this time on my mother's side. It's probably odd to some people; these cousins are often what would be considered distant in many families. But I live where I was born, and generations of both sides of my family have also lived here. These people are friends and neighbors as well as kin.

Watching TJ Grow

He's Getting MUCH Bigger

A two month old puppy that can drag a rocking chair across the floor may be an indication of things to come. Not that I appreciate the rearrangement of my living room. Or coming in this morning to see him gnawing the leg off the same rocking chair. A negative reaction from me and some time in his crate may get the idea across that furniture is not to be chewed on. Eventually. Lily is helping. Actually, Lily is a tattletale. TJ tried treadling the spinning wheel this evening and Lily barked at him, looking at me as if to say, "That's Mama's; I'm telling!"

Tagged!

I've been tagged by Cyndy and Cathy!

Four jobs I've had:

1. Worked for USDA (hate to admit that one)
2. Library Assistant
3. Paint Salesman
4. Purchasing at a country store

Four movies I watch over and over:

1. Bridget Jones
2. Four Weddings and a Funeral
3. Shirley Valentine
4. ?

Four Places I have lived:

1. Occupied Virginia
2. Maine
3. Upstate New York (for a very short time)
4. Home

Four Favorite TV Shows

1. Dr. Who (Absolute favorite; so I'm a geek)
2. Six Feet Under (On DVD; no cable)
3. Antique Road Show
4. Local news (I am so boring!)

Four Places I've Been on vacation:

1. Great Britain (twice)
2. Colorado
3. Nova Scotia
4. Hmmn, all the rest have been work/visiting family

Four Favorite Foods

1. Yogurt, any kind
2. Ice Cream, Ben & Jerry's (swearing off this)
3. Steak dinner at Woodberry Inn (can't afford this)
4. Fresh fried local trout

Four Places I'd Rather Be:

Can't say I'd rather be anywhere, very content at home, but I'd like to visit:

1. Bath, England, again and just stay awhile
2. Estes Park, Colorado
3. Nova Scotia and meet Dawn in person!
4. Italy

Four Sites I Visit Daily:

1. blogger.com
2. flickr.com
3. google.com
4. lots of favorite blogs

Four People to Tag:

I've seen this meme around for awhile, so I'll just say if you want to do it that would be great. So, JAG, have you done it yet?

Wild Times

Lily and TJ, happy at last.

During the night last night the wind woke me, roaring around the house and rattling windows and doors. I looked out to see the apple tree limbs twisting under a crescent moon in an otherwise dark sky. Lily snuggled with me on the bed, and it was cozy to listen, safe and warm with such a loyal little companion!


I've got her now!

There have been some wild romps around here lately, now that Lily has decided that having a puppy around isn't so bad. She's older than dog Lucky and can't play as long and as hard, but she does her part to use up TJ's energy! They squabble over the toys; Lily isn't good at sharing. Last night we went over to my brother's so that I could help Sue with some computer stuff. TJ came along and had a happy play time with Lucky.

Poor TJ had a frightening experience yesterday. Lily likes to lay under the computer desk near my feet. Since TJ is her little shadow and mocks her every move, I pulled all the cords up off the floor to keep him from chewing them. They were tumbling around under the desk and apparently a cord had slipped down and formed a noose. Of course TJ managed to get it wrapped around his neck, and of all the howling when he discovered it. Lily thought he was killed, and stayed right in my face as I crawled under the desk and groped around trying to release him. When he was free at last TJ crept into my lap, humbled and shaking, for comfort!


Greenberry's Amber

I sheared this lovely doe in the afternoon, after a morning of computer work. Amber is one of my favorite crosses because of the gorgeous color in the wool she produces. She's only 57% German and doesn't produce huge quantities of wool, but what there is is all beautiful color with little matting. I really enjoy spinning the wool from this line, because they have some Satin Angora in their background. Amber's wool has a slick feel and a shimmer that I adore when I spin it.

The bunny with the tummy upset, the Alm Uncle, is doing fine now, relieved of his heavy wool coat and with a couple of days of just hay to settle his digestive system. He thanks you all for your sympathy!

Ancient History

St Mihiel, France, During World War I

I've spent the last several days uploading old postcards onto my web site for sale. Some of the images are entertaining, with strutting turkeys in bright colors to celebrate Thanksgiving and cheerful children playing Halloween games. Interesting that nearly all of the images for Thanksgiving are quite secular, close to one hundred years ago. There's one I haven't scanned yet, of praying children, but the verse encourages gluttony rather than holiness. And another I haven't gotten to, portraying a monk, is frankly kind of weird.

But there's a collection of old postcards from World War I that are of a different tone. There's a series depicting St. Mihiel, France, where a major battle during the war took place. It looks like it was an old town even then, with stone buildings and an almost Roman bridge. I haven't taken the time to really research the history. The images I have show shattered buildings that looks as if they had stood through centuries of time, only to be destroyed by modern warfare.

When I was in England the age of so many of the buildings impressed me. We stayed in a castle that was built in Tudor times, and it wasn't uncommon to have a meal in a pub that had existed literally for centuries. Surrounded by dark wood scarred by countless feet and hands, knowing that generations had lived out their lives of work, joy and sorrow within the same walls, made enjoying a simple cup of soup an experience. We walked streets that had seen eons of change and yet somehow have kept their character of timeless beauty and age. There were modern intrusions, especially American ones: a KFC in Bath, a huge McDonalds in Chester. But beneath Victorian architecture stand Roman columns, firm foundations in a history that is nearly as much mine as it is of any Englishman.

I found some modern images of St. Mihiel, healed of the wounds of war. The scars are still there; cemeteries filled with simple crosses over the graves of soldiers, monuments to the brave dead. As a species we build, destroy, rebuild. War may be necessary at times, when the reasons for fighting are true and right and so much is at stake the high cost is worth it. Sometimes I think we need to look at our reasons more closely.


Storybook Dreams Alm Uncle

Here's a sweet fellow to think about. This is a very nice bunny, although I wasn't totally thrilled with him yesterday. No fault of his, though. With this up and down weather sometimes the rabbits get unsettled stomachs and this guy had a messy behind, just as it was time to shear off a gorgeous full coat. He also managed to spray the rest of the coat on his hindquarters that wasn't soiled by the upset tummy. So a portion of this shearing was wasted; I don't add stained wool to the production records. He still had a nice clip; I haven't weighed it yet but it looks good. And the texture is very nice.


Crocheted Scarf in Hand Painted Alpaca
I dyed this yarn last fall, hand painting it in the crock pot, I think. This was a commerical Alpaca I bought when I was running low on my angora/merino millspun blend. I called this color New Orleans; it turned out quite variegated. Most of it sold but I had three skeins left, so I thought a scarf was in order. Another simple pattern, double crochet and a weird twisted stitch I found for the cap I made. A pleasant project to work on, sitting in my crochet corner while the sun sets and the birds raid the feeders for one last meal before dark.

Gray Days

OK, So I like him. So what?

At 2 PM yesterday afternoon, Lily finally gave up and admitted that puppy charm was irresistable. Since then the two have been inseparable, playing so hard that they both are exhausted. This is great for Lily; she has been gaining too much weight and the romps will do her so much good. Great for me, too, because TJ is occupied and is already copying Lily's good manners. And some of her bad ones; she is teaching him to bark!


Tug of War!

My house is even more of a disaster than ever, with puppy toys everywhere and rumpled rugs. Since housekeeping comes way down my list, poor Dad will just have to put up with it! Usually I clean up if I know company is coming!


Mohair/Shetland Crocheted Cap

I finished this little cap last night. This is some of the roving I dyed last winter and then spun up and as always I enjoyed working with it. This was a fast project, finished in a couple of evenings of watching Six Feet Under DVDs. The pattern came from The Little Box of Crocheted Hats and Scarves with a few minor modifications by me.

I spent most of rainy yesterday working on the computer and then helping out a little at the antique shop. Waiting to see if he needs help there again today. If not it will probably be more of the same, since gray clouds are hanging low over the farm. I might get a bunny haircut in, since it's still fairly warm. I've got a lovely fellow just coming due for shearing!

At Home

Greenberry's Bina Wade

Another pleasant day, with warm sunshine and lazy clouds drifting across the skies. That was yesterday. Today the wind is howling again and rain is hurling against the windows. January in the mountains.

I worked on the computer yesterday morning, until the sun came into the windows and I could no longer see the screen. Good excuse to get out and work on bunny chores, and bring a gorgeous doe in for shearing. Bina looks a bit tense because TJ was howling, angry at being put in his crate while I sheared the doe. She settled down beautifully, though, and I was very happy with the quality of her wool and the quantity! This is the best wool rabbit I've produced here, I think. This was her second shearing and I was able to harvest 10.5 ounces of prime, gorgeous wool. The minimal amount that wasn't prime wasn't enough to register on my scale. Woolybuns Puff 'n Stuff produced almost the same amount at his second shearing, so I'm thinking that a litter from the two of them in a couple of months will be amazing!

I spent a little time with my friend Kym; a nice meal at the winery where she works was a great treat. We had a lovely visit despite some sadness. Her dear friend dog, Roxy, is very ill; the vet thinks it may be bone cancer. So if you have room for a couple of gentle spirits in your prayers, they both deserve the thought. I had to go home and hug my dear girl after talking with Kym.


Lily and TJ: Fairly Peaceful

TJ has been pulling every cute puppy trick in the book, trying to get Lily to love him. He's making some progress, although she still gets grumpy. She has some arthritis in her back and he insists on crawling all over her. But she likes to play chase with him outside, if she thinks I'm not looking!

Puppy Camp

Tj stayed with my brother's family while we were gone. They have a lovely collie type dog, Lucky, who seems to have really enjoyed TJ's visit. I'm very grateful for the good care he received, and Sue helped Dad with the bunnies every day. Everyone was in great shape when we got back. TJ gained two more pounds while we were away and grew a LOT.


TJ's New Friend, Sweet Lucky


They Played...


And Played...


And Played...


And PLAYED!


Until There Was No Play Left.


Being Little.


Played Out.

Thanks to Sue for the great photos. TJ has his own little album now at my Flickr site.

Charleston Trip, Part 2

Middleton Place

On Monday we left Charleston, a bit reluctantly, and visited Middleton Place, a plantation with formal gardens not very far away from the city. I was most interested in the gardens, but the house was very handsome. Even in January a formal garden is lovely.


Formal Gardens, Middleton Place

Stately live oaks tower over elegant designs and long narrow paths that lead to secretive nooks with interesting statues and plantings. This was a rice plantation, something I had never seen or considered, and it was interesting to see the expanse of the flooded fields below the garden and get hints of the work involved to grow and process rice. We walked through the gardens and by the house, and then visited the stable block, where there were volunteers and interpreters demonstrating the necessary work to keep a large plantation going in the late 1700s and 1800s. The volunteers were knowledgeable and friendly, and we enjoyed talking with them and learning a lot about the work done.


Hand Spun Yarns, Dyed with Natural Dyes

We saw one small room, packed with antique spinning wheels and looms. Of course this was the one picture that didn't come out with the cheap camera. One wheel was very much like my great-grandmother's. Both in looks and performance, as the volunteer spinner and weaver informed us when she came back from her break. Fiber person gravitates to fiber person, and we had a lovely visit as she told us about the early days of spinning and weaving on the plantation. And then we discovered that she had once lived near my home, so it was lots of fun to talk about her time here. She informed us of how hot it is in the Low Country during the summer; we had already had suspicions! There were sheep on the plantation; we didn't have time to go search for them.

In the next area a pleasant lady informed us about soap and candlemaking, and showed us a primitive but very effective method of grinding corn. The young man that worked with her was crocheting a lovely ripple baby blanket for his sister, who was expecting a baby any minute. Funny that I ran into two crocheters this trip, and no knitters. Maybe crochet is making a comeback!

A potter who was doing lovely work, a blacksmith and a cooper, who was very interesting and had a wonderful lathe that worked with a large wheel like a wool wheel, also told us about their crafts. There were large horses in the paddocks and chickens in a pen. I took lots of pictures and hope to get them up in the next couple of days at Flickr. Since I forgot my digital, I'm having to scan them all!


Simplicity Scarf

As I said, I managed to get quite a bit of work done while we were gone, and finished up the second scarf last night. The Simplicity Scarf is from my favorite Brooks Farm yarn, and I love the way the colors pool in this pattern. Looks like flames to me. I made a fringe for this one, although I don't like making fringe. But I put the fringe on loops of single crochet; not so many knots and I like the effect.


Shells and Stones Scarf

This little scarf was a bit of a nuisance to make; I started over three times before I figured out a pattern that I was happy with. The Jacob wool in the center is heavier than the angora on the edges. This is all handspun, in natural colors.


Closeup

I originally planned two rows for the shells, but they just didn't look right, so I scrounged around and found enough handspun angora for a third row. That seemed to finish it off better. This scarf is soft, soft, soft. The Jacob looks a bit brown in the photos; it is more gray, but not an exact match for the angora.

Nice to be home again. It's cold this morning but the wind has stopped blowing. The dogs have been outside for a long time and seem quite content to wander around in the yard and lay in the sun. Yesterday the water bottles were frozen in the morning; it's hovering below freezing so they may be icy again. Today I have to work at the antique shop, doing paperwork, and maybe head over to my aunt's for a much-delayed computer session. Good to be back into our routines!

B is for...

Bunnies, of course!

Charleston Trip, Part 1

Low Country Civil War Show

We spent a lovely weekend in Charleston, South Carolina, setting up a booth at the Low Country Civil War Show. This is my favorite venue; the auditorium is right in downtown Charleston, surrounded by the beautiful houses and streets of the city. On Friday, after setting up the booth, we were served a great meal by the promoters, and had the chance to talk to some of the other vendors. I met a fiber lady, of course, right across from our booth who has been teaching herself to crochet. She had some pictures of her projects, lovely pieces in soft pastel colors, and was working on a large granny square afghan, also in the soft colors. I had to talk bunnies to her, of course!

Another neighbor on the floor was from Virginia as well, with a son and daughter-in-law living in Arlington. We compared notes on the changes in Northern Virginia over the last few years. The SO knows a lot of the other vendors, and spent some time walking around and talking while I minded the booth and crocheted. I finished one scarf during the weekend, except for the fringe, and almost finished another. My part in the Civil War shows is minimal!


Cruise Ship and City Sight

Saturday was cool, with some strong winds. The weather report was for tornados in the area, but I didn't hear of any problems. I spent the morning at the show, and then came back to the room for a nap. The room hadn't been done, though, so I went downstairs with my book to sit in front of the fire and read. It was pleasant, even in Charleston, to feel the warmth and curl up in a cozy chair. Then I got myself up and headed out to see a few of the sights. The wind wasn't pleasant, so I didn't go far.


Double Porches

I just walked around the corner from the hotel and there were so many beautiful houses! A mansion that I could see from my room, as well as all these handsome double porches. I could spend days just looking at doors, fences and gates.


Gated Courtyard

Between the houses there are often small paved areas and little gardens, charming little nooks of privacy in the busy city. Almost every house has some planting around it, with some fenced yards and walls.


Paved Yard

I'll never be a city girl, but I do enjoy the visits, especially to a place as lovely as Charleston. We don't have a lot of time for sightseeing, though, so I snapped pictures on the run as I had the opportunity. I forgot my trusty digital; these are from a throw-away camera scanned into the computer.


Church on Calhoun Street

Soaring steeples are a characteristic of the Charleston skyline, and the churches are lovely set with the beautiful houses surrounding them. Some are grand, with high steeples and stained glass.


Small Church

Some churches were small, tucked onto quiet streets and surrounded with old trees and gardens.


Porch Door

A architectural feature that always interests me is the placement of doors in solid walls that lead to open porches. I imagine this is for privacy, but it makes for an intriguing entryway.

A show is hard work, packing stuff up to carry down, unpacking and arranging the booth, and then dealing with people all day. We didn't paint the town or anything, spending quiet evenings. The city was busy, and it was fun to just watch the people passing by as we sat and rested. Young cadets from The Citadel, lots of tourists, young people walking and riding bicycles, all passed by as we had dinner and watched the evening come in. Cool weather didn't seem to slow things down, and the moon rose over city lights and busy streets.

Sunday was the second day of the show, but I spent the morning being lazy before heading down to the auditorium to finish the day and help pack up. Monday we headed out, taking the time to drive downtown to see the houses along Battery Street. We have some stereoviews of houses in Charleston, taken in 1865. A couple of clues on the cards led us to the very houses pictured so long ago.


Battery Street Houses

It seems strange to think that these houses saw the war, and all the changes that have happened since. They've survived bombardments and generations that don't always appreciate the stately grace of old homes and old ways. Time has been kinder to Charleston than to many places; at least on the surface it looks as if the old ways and architecture are still highly valued.


Old South

Sunshine Again

Sue's Owl at Home in California

Yesterday it rained. And fog rolled in to shut us away from the world in billowing dark clouds. Hard to be ambitious on such a day, although we did get out to the gym early. TJ refused to stay outside, even long enough for potty chores, and suffered a set back in his training as a result. Patience, patience! Lily came in soaked and disgruntled. I spent the day on computer chores, although I longed to be out with the bunnies.

This morning the sun is bright and the frost is burning off the grass in record time. The new steps are a little icy, there on the shady side of the house. The dogs are out romping in the new warmth, TJ following Lily and the cats around at a clumsy trot. I'm getting ready to clean up the house and then head out to the bunny barn for cleaning chores there. Early tomorrow morning we leave for Charleston. Everything here will be well looked after, but I don't want to leave behind a terrible mess.

My sister-in-law received pictures of her owl gourd, added to the collection in California. The new owner is very appreciative of her talents and the gourd has a place of honor in the collection.

Simple Luxury

Crocheting Scarf from Brooks Farm Four Play Yarn

Back to this wonderful yarn; I adore working with it! This is a very simple pattern, just single crochet rows alternating with double crochet and chain stitch. I'm thinking to jazz it up a little with an unusual border and fringe. It's going to be a pleasure carrying this luxury project along to Charleston and working away at odd times. Just going to Charleston is luxury for me. I love walking through the beautiful parts of the city, admiring houses and gardens.

More simple luxury in quiet pleasures yesterday in warm weather. Happy dogs lounging in the sun, and lazy cats dawdling about their business while I worked on the bunny house and cleaned some cages. I get behind sometimes, especially in cold weather. For the first time in awhile rabbits were able to play outside, on dry ground that seemed warm. Birds filled the quince bush, preening in the sun and looking like plump little ornaments spread through the twiggy branches.
The simple pleasure of sitting in the barn, shearing a docile black doe while piles of gorgeous angora stacked up in the containers around me. Eliza had a mad race around the bunny pen when I released her; glad to be free of a heavy coat. All the rabbits seemed to enjoy the sun and some freedom of movement, and the inquisitive Labrador puppy that finally ventured down to investigate the pen was cause for curiosity rather than consternation.

More simple pleasures in the evening, settling into my crochet corner and starting the new scarf with the gorgeous Brooks Farm yarn. Lily curled up beside me, chin on paws, while TJ played himself into exhaustion at my feet. The day cooled as darkness came in, and I went to bed to read with my little bed shawl across my shoulders.

Little Guardian

Dad heads out over the field for a morning walk, unaware of the keen eyes following his progress, ready to bark a warning if strange cats or birds approach!

Plans for a Beautiful Day

Crocheted Merino/Angora Scarf

Even though I spent the weekend quietly, it felt wonderful to be able to do something at last. Instead of just languishing on the couch. Dad and I watched Joan Hickson's Miss Marple and I finished the shell scarf. I also worked awhile on the computer. Mindless cut and paste stuff, but still something accomplished as I started putting more of the book catalog on the web page.


Shetland/Mohair Crocheted Hat

I finished this little hat some time ago, and set it aside to see if I would ever like it. I think the brim needs to be a little wider with the flat crown. A local B&B wants to open a little shop at her place, and I thought hats and scarves might fit in with her needs and represent local crafts, as she wants. I need to think about some summery hat patterns, though, as her busy season is for warm weather, not cold.

TJ, the Lab puppy, has slept through two nights now without getting me up for a potty run. So I think I'll head back upstairs to my bed tonight. The couch is quite comfortable but Lily insists on sleeping with me. It's not quite long enough for both of us!

The day has dawned warm and bright, with some high thin clouds. I have so many plans for work on the bunny barn this week. Some gorgeous coats are due for shearing and I expect to spend a pleasant time this afternoon starting to set things to rights down there while the sun shines. Late Thursday or early Friday we're heading out to a Civil War show in Charleston, South Carolina.

A Real Christmas Treasure

Old Wooden Steps

When I moved into the old home place in 1994, there was a lot of work that had to be done to it. Just getting it in shape to live in strained my limited resources at the time and I just managed the basic walls, floor, wiring and plumbing. Later I added the siding and bought windows, and had the back door moved to the side to make the little porch more useful. When we put this set of wooden steps in front of the back door, the plan was to add a wrap-around porch to this side of the house. I'd still like to do that but other things are going to come first.

Over the years the wooden steps deteriorated and finally came off the wall, sagging with a broken bottom step resting on the ground. I propped them up with cinder blocks, which was fine for me, if a little tricky to navigate with a load of water bottles. But since Dad has been living here the steps have been a problem. He had trouble getting in and out, because of the sag there was a drop from the door to the first step. I'd been meaning to do something about them but just never got around to it.


New Steps

This is what my brother brought us for Christmas. He came by just before Christmas to 'measure' but I was busy and didn't really pay attention. I felt sort of bad later, because I told him we weren't doing lots for Christmas and didn't need any more 'stuff'. He just grinned and when he came back, I had to agree that we needed these! The day Sam was supposed to help us set the steps was so hectic that I forgot to call him, but the SO and I put them in place without any real problems (except we broke the shovel handle!). The picture makes them look lopsided; they are really quite level and sturdy. It may not seem like it but a gift like this is truly thoughtful and loving; trust my little brother for that!

I think I'll use the old steps as shelves for potted plants, near the house or near the store. A dear cousin of my mother's has a set of concrete steps in his back yard that used to belong to a house that is no longer there. I've always liked the sort of mystic idea of steps leading to nowhere; not sure where that comes from but the image is appealing.