Thursday Catch Up

Another busy week...I'm happy to report the pool is clearing up!  I spoke to the pool shop earlier in the week & was advised to continue doing backwashes (to remove some of the over chlorinated water) and add fresh water to dilute the chlorine.

It can take 5-7 days to achieve the right amount of chlorine...and we are getting there.  I likely will take in a water sample for testing tomorrow to see how we are doing.  At least the water is no long cloudy...and we can see the bottom of the pool.  So...it's coming.   Sun really helps the situation as well. 

Mr. Seventies is nearly finished planting the vegetable garden...would you believe we had frost the other night?  We tucked our potted begonias under the covered patio furniture and they did fine.  I think our temps are on the upswing again in the upcoming days.  

I forgot to share some new bedding (yes...I know)...but I wanted a softer, summery look.  I ordered these pretty sheets...the reviews were good...so fingers crossed they are good quality...

And a pretty duvet cover set...since removing the electric blanket from the bed...we have a plain white duvet (non goose feather) on the bed...I love how this one is similar to the guest bedroom duvet cover set...as all the pieces are tied...a really relaxed, summery feel.  And I'm a pink girl at heart...I'll share photos next week. 

It's cool here this morning...I have this comfy piece in this colour and a pretty blue as well...it's so soft...and can be worn with or without leggings....(I'm currently wearing this one with leggings).  Great for running errands and attending appointments...or hanging out on the deck!

The Birkenstock sandals with the soft foot bed arrived...and so far so good.  They are not as soft in the footbed as I would like...but they are okay...and are still comfortable.  And I really like the narrower straps....

I also picked up these ones...although not Birkenstock...they have memory foam footbeds...which are super comfortable...and who doesn't love polka dots?  And again....I like the thinner straps...

If you are a Dad, have a Dad or a step-Dad...a very Happy Father's Day!  We have a bar-be-que planned...with presents & special Father's Day cookies for Mr. Seventies and our son-in-law.  I'll share photos of the adorable cookies....almost too cute to eat!  Almost...

Thank you for stopping by!  Have an awesome day...

Beautiful Bloomers!

After a couple of hot, scorching days...cooler temperatures have returned.  For the time being, at least.  The gardens are thriving...and Mr. Seventies will be ordering yards of black mulch to spread in the flower beds.

Let's take a little stroll...and I will attempt to remember all the names of the different varieties.  The beauties on the right are Persian Cornflowers (perennial Bachelor Buttons)...and the darker flowers are Columbine...these spread really well...

We have a various varieties of Hosta...these are shade loving plants...anywhere it's shaded these guys thrive...we planted a number of them behind the new storage building...they are super easy to split apart in the spring and grow elsewhere...

We only have a couple of these amazing Iris..the colours are gorgeous...we plan on getting a few more...we have other colours...but this one is my favourite...

And this spirea thrives at the corner of the pool deck...we had thought to move it...but since it is doing so well...why mess up a good thing...

After four attempts to grow a climbing clematis...it appears this one is going to be successful!  Our daughter gifted this one to her father a couple of years ago...and it's climbing!  We think the blooms will be purple...cannot wait for the ladder to be covered in them!!

This is called Solomen's Seal...and I love how the branches arch...with pretty bell shaped blossoms...reminds me of a Bleeding Heart...

The newest rhododendron is blooming...and it's a pretty pink!  (why Mr. Seventies thought it was orange...is a mystery)...but we do want an orange one.  Our other rhodo...a dark cranberry colour...will bloom later...

This Whispering Willow...is gorgeous...we picked this one up a few years back at a green house on a return trip from Nova Scotia...

The lupins are starting to bloom...these are one of my favourites...and they grow everywhere...in fields...along the roads...

This these ones...on the back side of the pool deck..spread beautifully.  We cannot remember the name or where they came from...but they are beautiful...

And a couple of Creeping Phlox...growing along the back walk...these are great for walk ways.  When Mr. Seventies completes the redo of the front walk...I want some of these planted as they fill out beautifully...and come in a variety of colours.  And those little colourful pansies...are supposed to be annuals.  This is the third year for them...and they did not even die out over the winter..in the snow...they kept on blooming...

The lilac hedge is still covered in blooms...everything looks so much nicer and more colourful.  And with the trees leafed out...it amazes me how things over winter and come back year after year.

It's confession time...I did something incredibly stupid regarding the pool.  I took our water sample in for testing...so we could balance the water and start the summer season.  I was instructed to add what we call buffer...which I did...without any problem.  Two small buckets...one hour apart.

Then is was time to add the chlorine...2 kg or roughly 10 cups of powdered chlorine.  In the container of granules...is a scoop...which I presumed...stupidly...was equivalent to two cups.  So I added 5 cups to a bucket of water, mixed it up....and dumped it in the pool. 

Only to discover the scoop...was actually a three cup scoop!!  So...we ended up with cloudy, over chlorinated water!  For the past couple of days...we've been pumping out the water..and adding fresh water in an attempt to flush out some of the chlorine.  There is a chlorine neutralizer that can be purchased to remedy the situation...I'm hoping the pool store will have some in stock today.  I'd like to have clear, sparkling water sooner rather than later.  Stupid mistake on my part for sure...

We spent a morning cleaning the large window inside and out in the family room.  And took apart our fans and gave them and the blades a good cleaning...ready for warmer temps to return.  Our house stays really cool in the summer...until about supper time...when the sun comes around to the front of the house.  I love the heat..so we are not bothered by it.  Not to say I could live without air conditioning in our vehicle though. 

I hope you have a great day wherever you are.  Stay safe...and remember to be kind.

And.....Pool Is Operational

But not without a few days of frustration...why are things never simple?  We knew the valve on the sand filter needed to be replaced.  While the pool company has a location here...the main branch is about a 35 minute drive from us.  We were assured a new valve was set aside for us at the main branch...and since son-in-law works close by...he went in to pick it up.

And....there was no valve there....it needed to be ordered!  With no idea how long it would take for arrival.  Son-in-law left empty handed.  After numerous attempts to contact both branches by telephone...voice messages left...no one returned our calls.  Their reasoning... "they are busy".  Well...duh...it's pool season!  When did you expect to be busy...February?  Oh..and the valve we needed...was inadvertently sent out to someone getting a pool install.

I went in to our location..and advised them...this issue was going to be resolved...that day.  How did that need to happen?  I might have been a bit abrupt.  Now...they had a sand filter there...which they were using for parts...and it still contained the valve we needed.  Huh?  Anyhow...for an extra $60 we chose to replace the whole sand filter...along with three bags of sand required to fill it.

Just one hitch...there were no sand filters at this location.  Not a problem...daughter, grand baby & I made the 35 minute commute to the main branch...and voila.  After enjoying an impromptu lunch...we headed home with new sand filter in tow.  

This is the valve...which in retrospect had served us well for 12 years...that caused all the problems. (this is the new one that came with the filter tank).

Mr. Seventies was under the deck installing the tank to the pool pump...I decided a photo of the box would have to suffice...

We held our breath as he turned on the pump...although I have complete faith in Mr. Seventies and his capabilities.  I had been assured if he ran into any issues...a pool technician could come...but I really don't put a great deal of stock in that...since we've been led down that garden path before.  Mr. Seventies replaced the backwash hose as well...we had a roll of it on hand..

So far so good!  It's pretty icky...but we have excellent water flow and circulation...

Mr. Seventies will get me a water sample tomorrow...and I'll take it in for analysis.  Usually a bottle of buffer is required...then it's just a matter of adding the chlorine, pucks and algicide.  And in no time...the water will be clear!

Once it is...the steps will be set in...and swim season is underway.  We had a couple of very hot days...temperatures broke previously set records...a cold front has moved through today...with a strong wind. But we will be ready for hot weather now!  A few days of sun....and we will be ready to put the solar blanket on overnight.

Looking forward now to refreshing swims!

And Just Like That....

Summer finally arrives!  We've been busy the last few days...lots of work going on outside.  Mr. Seventies has been busy spreading yards of soil and compost in the gardens.  A large order of black mulch will be ordered to top off the flower gardens.  These days the grass grows really fast...with mowing being needed every three-four days.  As well...daughter's front step retaining wall is in need of repair...Mr. Seventies & her husband worked most of yesterday to uncover the cause and damage. 

The pool is not up an running...the valve on the sand filter needs to be replaced.  The valve has settings for circulation, draining and back wash (needed to clean the filter).....and when turned on...it will only operate on the back wash setting.  So...there goes all your pool water.  Mr. Seventies was quick to discover the issue...and visited the pool supply store.  The valve was not in stock...but is available at their second location in Summerside...so one is being brought here today....or that is what we've been advised.

We took a couple of days and refreshed the stain on the decks and stairs....I'll share a few before and afters...the pedway to the pool deck....

And after...looking much better refreshed....

The smaller deck....when not in the pool...this is where we live during the summer months....

And....my favourite hang out spot....

The bin beside at the end of the love seat stores the furniture protective covers...we put them on during the over night hours...or rainy days....

The steps leading from the small deck to the driveway....these take the brunt of winter...always requiring shovelling to remove snow....

But....much nicer after having two coats of fresh stain applied.  We also replanted pots of begonias...they are looking a little worse for wear but with fresh soil and miracle grow...they will be flourishing in no time....

We re-stained the pool deck as well...I didn't take many photos yet...as the pool is looking pretty yucky right now...but we use this area as a spot to sit & dry off after swims.  We discovered the first year we enjoyed the pool....it gets extremely hot there...too hot for this old gal. We won't even allow Liesel much time there...the decking is too hot for her paws (and our feet)...

It's a great spot to sit & dry off...but that's about as long as I spend there.  Once the pool is clean and operational....I'll share photos of the deck and steps out there....

We hung our string of solar lights along the pedway...they are just so adorable...

And at dusk...they came on without a hitch....you have no idea how much I adore these....

So yah...that's what has kept us busy the last few days or so.  And...Bed Bath & Beyond were having a sale...and I'm picking up new lamps for the family room.  Daughter wants the striped ones I have in there currently...and I am more than happy to pass them on to her.  These ones are 25" high....and I'm hoping they are more a cream colour than white...

And I happened to be in Wal Mart and found this pretty table runner on clearance...and I'm not one to pass up a bargain....the forsythia branches just might end up in a wreath...I'm having difficulty finding one I want for outside at the back door...so they just might get repurposed if I am not successful locating one....

The lilacs are in full bloom here currently...I picked a few bouquets to place in different rooms...they smell amazing...

And lastly...I want to share a half white-half pink blooming heart shrub we have growing.  They must have cross hybridized....we've also discovered a bleeding heart growing underneath Liesel's ramp off the pool deck!  Go figure...

We have so many varieties of tulips....my favourites...

The veggie garden is tilled...and Mr. Seventies planted rows of potatoes and onions...likely this evening and the weekend he will plant the rest.  We're always later planting here...but reap the rewards on the other end of the growing season.  

Today I have a list of things to pick up...it's going to be extremely hot for the next 2-3 days...and I have a date with grand baby...she loves to splash in her baby pool her Mama sets up on their deck for her.  Have a couple of bottles of bubbles to take....she loves when you blow bubbles for her.  We cannot wait to see her in our pool...in her little covered pool float and safety vest!

So that is what has been going on here.  Have an awesome day where you are...and thanks for stopping by!

Monday Catch Up

We've been out & about to garden centres...and working around the yard & gardens. Mr. Seventies had a few yards of compost delivered and spent a couple of days getting it spread in the flower and vegetable gardens. He decided to till the veggie garden...it finally stopped raining for a few days.  We have potatoes & onions planted so far....

We took a short drive to a beautiful garden centre and country market...Mr. Seventies picked up a couple more perennials....while I browsed the market area...first beautiful item to catch my eye was the gorgeous hummingbird cushion...

And only that our back entry is too small...this adorable hooked mat would have come home with me...it would have fit if it was laid vertically...but that isn't the look I wanted...

And of course....bees are everywhere and on everything it seems...adorable...and the little bee covered glasses...I didn't even notice the wall decor in the back...with a large bee in the centre...

And this cute planter was so tempting....

I'm crushing hard on this platter...which was available in two sizes...this was the larger of the two...(and bottles of honey available of course)...

How cute are these owl cushions?  Would look so cute sitting on a bed...or sofa...

I had a chuckle when I saw this adorable sign...hopefully I'm fairly good at both!!  

I decided to join Mr. Seventies in the garden centre...I took a couple of videos...a gorgeous water fall...with fish in the pond...and I've tried numerous times to upload them from my phone to share...to no avail.  I've resized the files, attempted to email them, upload them...and nothing is working.   And....I didn't get photos...which sucks.  But I did get a couple to share...this beautiful gazebo...oh and the fragrance of the flowers was amazing...

The garden centre is huge....with flowers and plants both indoors and out...you can see the water fountain in the background in this photo....

This is an indoor plant...I thought it was so interesting...and pretty...have no idea what it is...

We decided to venture to a green house in the city...which was having a sale...with a bountiful selection of annuals, potted flowers, perennials, trees, shrubs and so on.  I spotted a gorgeous two coloured peony (its a double bloom)...but Mr. Seventies said we had no room left in our gardens for another peony...since we have four already.

I left him to peruse the perennials while I went inside to check out the annuals...and before long he joined me...carrying the peony!  He said we'd make room for it since I loved it so much!!  I pulled out the photo stake before he planted  it...how gorgeous is this going to be when it blooms?  Beautiful pink and coral...and love that it is deer resistant...although we have no deer here.....lol....

While Mr. Seventies was planting our new addition.....I picked a pretty bouquet of tulips...

Mr. Seventies plans to extend the garden along the walkway off the pool deck...there are so many varieties of tulips now....and it would be nice to have a few more....

We are watching the long range forecast for next weekend...cloudy and warm is what we need to stain the outdoor decks and steps.  And get the pool opened for the summer...

Another project on the horizon is re-doing the front walk....the large walking stones have settled...and we've decided to lift them & place them on the crushed rock area of the drive...and the new ones we set in that area last year...will move to the front walk...we need to pick up two more...for a total number of eight stones needed.   Sand is needed to spread under each stone...so rather than purchase umpteen bags of it...we will get a small trailer load of sand brought in.   I'm pushing to hire this work out...but Mr. Seventies is again....pushing back...wanting to do it himself.  I'll ask our son-in-law to come be a strong back and help out...I know he won't mind at all. 

And lastly...I've had a real struggle to find suitable sandals this year...I've ordered a couple of pair...and returned them.  As much as I am not a fan of Birkenstock...I ended up with these ones.  The have a soft footbed...and don't make me feel I have Freddy Flintstone feet!!   The colour is khaki..and I like that they don't have the wide strap bands.  I have sandals for dressier wear..but need something for slipping on and getting out & about. 

Miss Liesel has a spa appointment this morning....I'll run a few errands while she is "enjoying" her treatment.  She has an amazing, gentle, patient groomer...a perfect fit for Liesel. 

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great day wherever you are!!

Only Took 30+ Years!!!

For our Azalea to finally bloom!  Usually these shrubs are easy to grow...we somehow got a finicky one!  It has taken years for her to finally show off her colours!!   I see them everywhere...and had planned to pick up one in orange...but shied away from doing that as this old gal took her sweet time in blooming!!  We are thrilled to see her in all her glory....

I've considered getting a Cricut machine but am hesitant to venture into that world!  My oldest daughter has one....and has made some interesting decor items....including a beautiful window for her sister as a wedding gift.  Going to give more thought to getting one....in the meantime...this decal is now proudly displayed on my new vehicle!  (bit of an obsessed Outlander fan...in case you hadn't realized)...

Also have this one....but will hang on to it for now...I might just add the dragonfly to a window...(I have it in white as pictured)...

And a couple of cute pieces I picked up...I love this cute top...perfect for wearing with denim capris...the style is very flattering...and the colours are so pretty...

And this comfy dress/top is so me!  It is so soft...and can be worn on it's own or with capris, leggings or jeans...very casual....

Today is going to be warm and sunny...looking forward to a beautiful day!  Made the decision to have my hair cut short for the summer...I did this last year as well.  Much easier to keep...and my hair grows fast...so if I decided to grow it out again...it won't take long....

Hope you have an awesome day...stay safe wherever you are!