Around 11:00, I took a walk outside to access the leaf/lawn situation.  I had it in the back of my mind that I could probably get the last of the leaves done and the mower stowed on Tuesday after the front moved through.  Wednesday for sure.

That was the plan....

Next thing you know, it's 2:30 and I'm just getting back in.  Seems last night's rain (.1") melted most of the snow while not softening up the soil too much.

So I wondered.... and I was off.  Yeah a totally different day than I planned.  No TV movies and braising something in the oven.  Nope.  I ended up sucking up more leaves, adjusting the leaf guard fence, hauling out a hefty load of kitchen compost and, finally, shut down the mower, stored it in the shed and took the battery down to the basement where it will 'float charge' until Spring.  *whew*  I'm pooped.


Thank goodness for the leaf fence.  The nabes have no luck getting things done in that regard, so a lot of leaves are still blowing around in their yard.  I just hope they stay there for the winter (and out of my garage!).

I came in, grabbed a cold drink and an ibuprofen and decided to put up a quick post.  As I was putting this together, I checked the radar.  O. M. G. !! 

I'm very glad I didn't know this was coming while I was working.  I'm sure I would have let some things go thinking I wouldn't have time to finish.

All I can say is - I'm glad I went with my gut today, instead of following the original game plan.  Looks like anybody east of the Mississippi is going to get really wet and really really windy until Tuesday when the temps tumble again.  Oh yay.  Hang tight, everyone.

While Monday was a total wash out on several counts (a day-long rain soaking us with 1/2" of un-needed wet; squiring around my Mother who is no longer able to drive), I hit the ground running Tuesday.

First off my friend Craig (the genius carpenter) came by and while we stuffed ourselves with hot coffee and fresh scones, (click HERE for details) we discussed my 'wish list projects' for this year.  With my failing ankle, I can no longer dig so I'm going to need help on the tree & shrub project.  We also discussed things like the 2nd section of the cedar privacy fence, help with French doors, refinishing the heavy front door, rebuild the rotting compost & asparagus bins (using a composite plastic/wood decking) and the like.

He wanted to come today (Wednesday) to transplant some trees, but the ground is sucking wet and while I want to jump on this project before the crabapples in question bud out, it wouldn't do them any good if they were set in squelching mud.  Oh well, maybe next week!

Meanwhile I did spent a little quality time back in the shed getting the Snapper in shape for the season.  I inflated the tires, hauled out the battery where it was hooked up in the basement to a float charger for the past few months and installed it.  I also brought back gas and oil and topped them off.

Imagine my surprise and delight when I rolled it out, got on, and it STARTED RIGHT UP!  This is the first time ever with this thing.  No neighbor intervention needed! 


Other chores:  It being such a warm day that I  had to pop the tops off the WS containers on the deck so they didn't bake.


I also spent a some time in the VEG BED (click HERE for story) and did some general puttering around.

Today is supposed to be even nicer than yesterday and I'm off to check out electric pressure washers.  Because last year we got almost 5' of rain, the deck floor sports a green sheen of algae that needs to be washed off.  Same with the front walks and stoop.  This should be fun....!