~*~*Ta~Da*~*~

We worked and worked and slaved away.

Last week, you saw the beginning of our little project out front.

Here is what has become of it.

And the real surprise is...

After two years,

we got the swing hung up.

I did a little trading: got rid of a desk and acquired the swing.

Brought it home, cleaned it up and sealed it.

Then there it sat.

About 6-8 months ago,

Mr. LB found the length of chain for 60% off so got it.

And there it sat:)

Finally, we put it all together.

It really is level.  The ground is not.

I know I should have a pillow and quilt draped over it for a pretty picture,

but that's not very realistic.

For two evenings now, we've sat out here and watched the water

shoot from the sprinkler after we we've finished-up 'out and around.'

Once summer comes, I imagine there might be a tall glass

of iced tea in our hands but still no pillows.

After the initial clean up,

Mr. LB took the rototiller to it and pulled out at least a cart full

of roots and these rocks.

These were just a few of the big ones.

I put those little ones in a ring around the base of the tree

because I planted a few beans in there to see what would happen.

I also planted corn, broccoli, and celery.

It's a little early, so I am just hoping we don't get a late frost.

I have other things started inside,

but of course, it's too early to put them out.

That is the road that passes in front of the house,

so we want some barrier,

but I will do more cleaning up and plant things with a purpose.

Did you notice?  We also got all the barbed wire and chicken wire out.

As you are looking at the swing, to the right

there are lilacs.

After they've bloomed, we will prune those way back and

clean all the mess out from the bottom portion

and gain even more ground.

I didn't have the heart to do that before they bloomed.

Depending upon where it is,

we have reseeded some the area with grass seed.

We do want some lawn, but

where there is good sun, is reserved for edibles.

Our goal is to have pretty much everything in the landscape

to be edible including flowers.

Think hosta, tiger lily, nasturtium, chamomile, balsam, etc.

It is a process.

None of it happens over night.

This little accomplishment seems big to us.

With every little bit we develop, nurture, and tend to,

we hope to create a natural 'grocery store.' 

Mr. LB is probably tired of hearing me say every time

we eat home canned veggies,

"I just can't believe how much better this tastes."

Not only is home grown/canned tastier,

it's better for us.

We use no chemicals to grow 'bigger/badder.'

Compost is a wonderful thing.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches