Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Nail Guns and Lockdown

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        Clearing the fence in our deep backyard uncovered more than I wanted.

        In my zeal to get that project marked off my list, I didn’t plan on being able to see clearly into my neighbor’s backyard where he is storing a large

        PEPSI DRINK MACHINE, A SUBURBAN UP ON BLOCKS, and a TRACTOR.

        As a result, one thing really does lead to another.

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        So now, instead of traveling across Canada or visiting some exotic locale, people will know where to find us. 

        Where are John and Laura? 

        I think they are sitting in the backyard staring at their fence.

        Believe it or not, we are used it it.  This house and yard, which was a condemned HUD listing, has been a consistent money pit since we bought it in 1989.

        I wouldn’t trade a minute of it.

        My husband’s comment to me after this last unexpected expense?

        “Shut it down.”

        While the fence men were here  ( especially since I am now on lockdown), I decided to ask them for a FAVOR.

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           I asked them (in my best Scarlet O’Hara voice- which is really hard for me) if they would be willing to nail 4 boards together with their gigantic , loud NAIL GUN.

          Of course I was asking this from across the yard because nail guns terrify me.

         Ever since my husband and I watched all 5 seasons of HBO’s The Wire, through our Netflix subscription, I now see nail guns as the tool of a serial killer. 

         But…I needed these boards nailed and my little tack hammer wasn’t going to get the job done.

Choices:

A.  Ask husband to nail boards. Hmm.

B.  Overcome nail gun phobia and ask fence men for help.  Check.

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        This morning I searched for the best morning sunlight and started moving things.

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        Next project (after I prepare the beds, plant my tomatoes, and plant a million caladium bulbs)?

        I would really like a swing…

33 comments:

Debra@CommonGround said...

I'm still laughing from yesterday's conversation. I need a good dose of your funny business on a regular basis! And I'm so glad that you stepped out there to overcome this fear. Amazing what a project idea will do to make us brave even the most surly and scary fence man!
love ya,
Debra

Julie Harward said...

I guess it's true, fences make good neighbors! But he had a Pepsi machine..was it workable, it so, I'd have put a gate in that fence! Can't wait to see what you are doing with that Scarlett! LOL Come say hi :D

Vickie said...

A swing, huh? Well, git them boys to nail you one right up with their nail guns!

Looks like you're fixin' a sweet little gardenette there, girl. I like the ironwork, and say, maybe your neighbor would loan you his Pepsi machine as garden decor? ;o)

Beth in NC said...

Sorry about the junkie neighbor (ha). At least you have some privacy now.

Gotta love a swing. :o)

Glenda/MidSouth said...

I feel your pain about the messy neighbors. Sorry you had an expense because of an inconsiderate neighbor. I feel the same way about those nail guns. :) It amazes me that there are so many houses that the yards look like a junk yard, and the fact that the people don't care that their neighbors have to look at their mess, and it lowers property value. It breaks my heart to drive back to my old neighborhood. It use to a a well kept area, pretty yards, etc.. Not now! :( Ok - off my bandwagon.

Rebecca said...

Hi Laura
Sounds like our house... the money pit part anyway. We just got through some plumbing problems and now they want to dig up the front yard and lay new pipe...no end to it!
Blessings
Rebecca

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Hilarious! You know, everywhere we have lived it seems like there was always a messy neighbor....but a Pepsi machine? We are in serious Coke territory here! Linda

donna baker said...

Laura, after you take out the grass from your planter, line it with a thick layer of cardboard or newpaper. The earthworms love it and it will keep weeds out. Then add layers of peat, compost, clippings, more peat etc. This is called lasagna gardening and it works great.

DKG aka Scrappy Doo said...

So true. One thing leads ro another. We have the same problem with junky neighbors,drives me nuts!
I adore caladiums, the more the better I think
Have a blessed evening

Sandra said...

Yes, once that first "nail" is removed, it never ends ;-) Interesting combo of things that your neighbor has! You need to buy your own nail gun. Then there would be no limit to your POWER!!!

LPC said...

You are just reminding me how much I love white. Everything.

Deb said...

if he has enough junk maybe the guys from American Pickers will come to visit...and you can be on TV...and talk to them in your Scarlet O'hara voice...LOL

Mollye said...

Thanks for coming by to visit. Ohhhhhhhhhh your bed is going to be to die for. I am having visions of what could be planted there. Be sure to post on the afters. XXMollye

Terry Lee said...

hey laura! not sure how you found me but i'm sure glad you did!

i nearly spewed my iced tea when i read the part about using your scarlett o'hara voice!! i'm a GWTW fan from waaaaay back and many who know me even call me scarlett. i love and adore that creature!

anyway, nice to meet you and i'll be back too!

hugs,
terry lee

June said...

Oh Laura, if I can quit laughing long enough, I just want to say "I know we are soul sisters for sure now". How you ask? Because of the nail gun phobia! Definitely the prefered weapon of a serial killer! I wouldn't have even been in the same yard with men you likely don't know, let alone asking them to help you nail four skinny little boards together in said yard!lol And I don't think Scarlette would have either!
Hugs to you friend!

Sewn With Grace said...

Love it! Can't wait to see what will be growing there!

Theresa said...

Oh, you tickle me SO with your stories! I love it that you got the workers to nail the boards together. I love the way you are already decorating the area in the sunshine. Find you a swing, I have one in my back yard and love it:) Have a blessed day dear Laura!

trash talk said...

L.B., I'm with you...nail gun, machine gun...all the same to me!
As long as you don't hear banjo music coming over the fence...it's all good. BTW...don't look at my backyard right now!
Debbie

Marguerite said...

Look at the bright side, privacy can be a good thing. And you could plant lots of ivy or morning glory, along the fence to soften the look. Good job, getting those guys to make your frame! And a swing sounds perfect! Enjoy, cher!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

If you can talk your fence guys into building you a swing with your Scarlet voice, I want you to come talk my husband into doing a few things around here. Your flower bed will be wonderful! Can't wait to see it with flowers. laurie

Julie said...

oh my,...feeling your sighs... as they say...we don't own a house...it owns US!!! Always always always something else to do, and something to be added that was not expected...sigh. Nailguns are extremely LOUD! I get my son to operate the staple gun, even when I recover seats. My on My and those constant POPS when wood floor is being put in. Your nervous system will just about check out!!!!!! And yes I agree. they are dangerous...scary! Your garden box and adventure looks like fun. Can't wait to see the reveal when you are done. Yummy summer home grown tomatoes... hugs.

Nocona said...

Love it! You are my kind of woman. My favorite way to ask for things is.. "Is there any reason why......" You were paying them to do a job. Why not ask them for help. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I love new followers and comments. I also love finding other Texas gals.

Barb said...

Hi Laura, such a delightful post! :-)

I can help you with the Scarlett O'Hara voice....just any old time. hheheheheh

Thanks for your sweet visit.

Barb ♥

Nancy's Notes said...

Oh Laura, you really crack me up, I love your writing style and wit! Love all of your projects, you are an amazing lady and sure can get a job done...my way!

Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting, means alot to me. Have been in Atlanta and just returned home today, need to get back the fun! It's coming along...snails pace.

Scribbler said...

I enjoyed this post! And, I feel your pain.

We had to get a fence year before last for privacy reasons. I like it now, but I was pretty ticked off that my vacation went out the window that year!

Scribbler
http://scribbler-unfocused.typepad.com/

Brenda Pruitt said...

Hon, I had an eight foot fence erected recently. And I have wonderful neighbors! But I do like my privacy. Good for you for "sticking to your guns!"
Brenda

Debra@CommonGround said...

Love you, Laura Belle, you're the best! So good just to see you sitting there!

Lorilee said...

Howdy Laura! I always love to hear from other Texans! Thanks for saying Hi at Cackleberry. I love the zinnias in your header. I am hoping to spend time in my yard this week since it is our Spring Break!
Blessings,
Lorilee

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Thanks for your sweet visit today to my St. Patrick's tablescape -- hope you'll show us your "greens" -- I want a raised box garden too -- but we have more trees to take out before that can happen ....sigh!

Jojo said...

Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. Your blog header is beautiful. I'll be following and looking forward to more great stories!

P.S. It just isn't the south without some interesting neighbor "yard art!"

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Hi so glad to meet you! Love your blog!

Chatty Crone said...

Hey you have hit a group of gals I know - Jojo and Linda - they are great women from Georgia.

I laughed so hard with your blog. You have a great sense of humor and courage.

Yes you thought about what to do with getting the boards done and you did it! Go girl.

And the fence - I have to tell you we had the same thing - except ours goes by winter when the leaves are off the trees and summer in full bloom.

We had an acre between the backs of our homes - we have long lots. Okay in the summer no problem, but in the winter the boys back there have this huge BLACK tarp and have made it into a tent/play house (the boys are older) where I guess they go and hide out. It is so ugly!

Another reason for spring!

Sandie

Nola said...

I know about the money pit thing; if I didn't have this house, I'd have some cash. But as it is, it all finds it's way into the house or the yard. Enjoy your new fence and your new raised bed!

 

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