Happy Thanksgiving

First Turkey + No Salmonella = Success

Broccoli Soup, Martha's Big Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans

And Banana Cream Pie.

Ivy League of Doom

One minor project was to seal up a couple of loose bricks on the back steps. While I was out there, I decided to take a look at the ivy growing up against the brick. Sure enough, the ivy was pushing its way into the mortar and coming out again a few inches or feet later.

I began ripping out the ivy and discovered a second set of steps 180 degrees from the first. They are now blocked by a railing and had been sodded (can you sod non-grass?) for the ivy to grow.



With the ivy gone, I was able to see the crawlspace beneath the steps and porch. I don't think these boards are meant to hang down.

Hmmm. The top of the steps are supported by a couple inches of this loose stone and the sodden toothpick you see that was once a solid 2x6.  The weather has been getting cold and I decided I did not have time to fix this right. I did spend half a day under the crawl space putting insulation back into place, removing piles of wood that would invite termites and eventually, rigging some support that I think will suffice until spring.

Poor Cav. The front wheels were practically coming off the ground. At least, it felt that way. No pics of my fix; I forgot to take any as darkness descended. Just as well, I suppose, since I'll want deniability when the whole thing comes crashing down this winter.

Open Says Me

The very first thing I did on my first full day in Toad was change the locks. This is a good idea anyway of course, but I decided I couldn't sleep another night in a house that requires a key to let you out. That's right, this picture is on the inside. All three doors leading out of the house needed a key to turn the deadbolt even from indoors. So if I woke to a fire, I'd be searching for my keys just to escape. Is this normal? Am I the strange one?

Before.

After.

Landscape

The backyard is supposed to be covered in perennials. So I guess magical things will happen over here in the Spring.

Suppose I must learn to trim hedges.

Stupid Ivy. More on this later.

I do really like this red oak tree in the middle of the yard.

Something must be working. Just look at the wildlife my backyard attracts.

I wanted to make brownies for Carla's birthday. Since it was also Halloween (okay, I missed her birthday by a few days) I wanted to add some Autumn flair.

Unfortunately, the orange frosting came out looking more like Cheez Whiz than pumpkin. Luckily, the "Crazy" candles keep it from looking tacky.