Splashes of Orange

By now you realize I'm all about the color grey.  That's just my color.  I've said it before...I live in the world of gray, grey, griege, green grey, pewter and silver.  But, one day I may just add some color.  And if I ever do I'm going orange - just a splash.

Classic Urns Part 2: Planters

Recently I did a posting about classic urns and I can't get past it.   Every year I haul home more outdoor pots, spend a small fortune on plants and then don't properly provide them with enough water.  So, by the time the July heat wave hits the plants are dead - probably because I lose interest due to the fact that the end result never comes out as I intended.  It seems I'm not able to get the planters and urns I want because - as a smart person pointed out to me - they're too damn expensive.  But, maybe this year I'll have better luck.  I still want to add some over sized 'vessels' around the pool this spring - if it ever gets finished!  I also like the idea of planters clustered around doors and entrances or randomly placed along paths and walkways - which I would just scatter around the pool courtyard.  These pics are choice options but, I'm now on the search for more 'valued cost creative solutions' for large things to plant big stuff in.  Any ideas?  And don't suggest a stack of old tires...I realize I live near the Alabama border, but I do have my limits!

Cool Things To Do With Trees

Sunday I had a guy over to discuss removing a dozen trees or so trees from around the property.  They're just renegade pecans or small oaks I've let grow over the years.  They now have gotten large enough that some are getting in the way of the real landscaping and need to go.  That got me thinking about these photos.   "Maybe I could get creative with these trees and turn them into yard art", I thought!  Then I got my sanity back and just did this post instead!  Plus I'm kind of all about instant gratification so waiting 25 years to sculpt a tree isn't my idea of a rousing good time.  But, it's a nice thought if you've got the patience.

And if you smoke a lot of dope and have plenty of time to kill why not try this option...

Classic Urns

It's been raining here so there's no news to report on the pool re-do.  But, knowing the pool dudes will get that liner in sooner or later has me continuing to think about what to do the rest of the empty courtyard space...Large classical urns could be in the future!

New Year...New Hole...

...in the ground...

The poolman cometh...

Two days after Xmas I woke up to find this outside the backdoor.  Doesn't everyone want a cement mixer for Xmas?

The Pool Dudes were here most of that week...

...removing the old liner.

When the liner was installed years ago it was a very dark blue.  Once Pool Dudes drained the pool you could see that below the water line the liner had been bleached white!  Can you image what that shit would do to a bad dye job!  I may need to rethink my Miss Clairol color choice!

After the liner was removed...

...we were left with an ugly concrete shell...

they framed for the new steps in the shallow end of the pool.

Today they removed all the framing, including around the new party shelf we added in the deep end...

One will now be able to sit in the deep end and dangle your limbs in the water while sipping a summer cocktail. 

The shelf is large enough for two people or three if your closely aquainted...

The new entrance steps are SO much better...allowing me to gracefully glide into the water.

The dudes will be installing the liner soon...I hope...