If you build it, zen will come

I know, I know....this is turning into a freaky ass home improvement blog.....

OR SO IT SEEMS. 

At this moment in my life, remodel has been a friend of mine when life struggles have not been so nice.

I assume that is why I choose to report on stories and pictures that show progress and finish.

I will eventually get to my family shenanigans when I know more of where our lives are headed.

So, in the mean time, you will have to endure countless step by step pics and also my enthusiasm in the process of a fulfilling outcome..........

home improvement style!

Our backyard was treated like the ugly stepchild.  While we spent time and money on completing the front landscape, we had to let the back-40 be content until we could produce funds and energy to get our ideas in motion.

We started with adding four established maple trees, along with one peach and one apple tree to eventually shade our entire lot.

Then we added four extra pads of cement.

[Remember the Tongan crew that laid the cement in flip flops???]

Dirt was brought in to level the ground to get ready for sprinklers and sod.

Randy was bad ass in his lil tractor.

His body filled the entire cage.

We bought a "do it yourself" gazebo from Costco.

The boys were great helpers with the construction.

[Costco sent me a $200 gift card a month after the purchase saying the price had decreased!!!!!  Have you ever heard of such a thing??? Costco ROCKS!]

My expensive, custom built gas fire place was worth every penny I paid!

It has been as therapeutic for my 'end of the day' thoughts as a psychiatrist would be. 

 The fireplace has been money ahead in that aspect!

Final product :)

This outside living has been my relaxing get away.

Zen would be a good way to describe the feeling it gives me.

[My metal chairs have been moved to at least 6 houses in their lifetime.  I have bought new cushions a couple times, but the structure of the chairs continue to hold up.  They started as a cream color, and with a couple cans of metallic spray paint, and Jax as a worker bee, they were transformed in one afternoon!  In fact, the pic below shows the old paint color vs the above pic with new paint.  Don't discount what spray paint can do!  Especially now days with the different colors and textures available.]

2 types of basil, cilantro, and chive is about as experimental as I got with herbs.

[The damn cilantro has already turned to seed!!! What an Asshole!!! 

 I looooooove cilantro!]

 I am NO green thumb!  I planted a few things that I felt I could manage with my god given  black thumb.

Sweet potato vines are beautiful/rich in color and hearty!

[Quite a few of my ideas came from seeing Amie's yard last year.  Thanks Amie for the inspiration!]

This dahlia usually is full in bloom with yellow/pink blossoms.  You will just have to use your imagination. 

This is one of three water-pot gardens that I made.  Each one has had it's AMAZING moments, 

and  their NOT-so-amazing moments.  

They are kind of an experimental mind-fuck if you ask me!

The extreme joy they give me in their advancement is off the charts!! 

You think I'm kidding?????

 I'm NOT even kidding!

But their overnight demise has me pissed and frustrated because I don't know what would have changed in their environment to kill them off after being so full of life. 

I have two pots left and one is negotiable if it's going to thrive or give up.

[I would TOTALLY do these water-pot again!  The anticipation and glory of what they create on their own is fantabulous.]

Randy built up a rock wall to the lower part of our property to create a "campie" environment with a REAL wood fire pit to roast hot dogs and marshmallows on.

I hope to find a year end deal on light weight benches to put around the pit.

Riv and his friends really like this area.

I'm pretty sure it's because it's secluded!

Let's just say that I've walked up on a lil 'kissy face' going on behind this rock wall!!!!  Oy Vey!

This is my latest purchase.

It's weird and worn, and EXACTLY what I've been looking for as a table between two chairs.

$20 from Home Goods.

Man....I LOOOOVE Home Goods!

Please tell me you've been there!?!?!

I've got a few decently thriving flowers on my front porch.

Don't ask me how they've managed to stay alive!

I think the flower Gods have taken mercy on me this year.

I am thankful!

This large drum is the same as the one we have in the back yard for the fire pit.

It is a piece of equipment Randy works with that is too warn to be used as a part any longer.

They have worked fabulously for the pit and a desert planter.

 My array of ground cover has turned into a beautiful flood of chaos. 

Out of everything I have, this is still my favorite outdoor decor.

I think it's because in my world, 

pigs DO fly.....

which equals: 

'The unimaginable can be accomplished'

At least it gives me hope.