Lawn and some odds 'n ends...

Lawn Services are here today.

Got a chance to point out our new plantings before they got the chop.

'Tarped' off both front corners of the porch.

Still waiting on our gutter guy for a response and this will keep heavy splash-back from hitting the corner column bases and porch deck.

Battling some winged ants (not termites, thankfully) that have been munching on some compromised wood in a decorative piece on the right side porch railing.

As soon as they are kaput, I'll start repairs.

Had a whole lot of plants that Bethanie (Unit #5) got from a friend's garden.

Some were put in (largely at front tree bases) but other's dried out in the sun over the past couple of weeks. Used them to top gravel and rocks in the 'ravine' that was developing along the left driveway entrance. Viable plants were placed on top. With the root bases and growing plants on top we may have a nice solution to that looming issue.

Will water and watch!

Used our remaining 'Resolva' supplies to hit weeds and grass growing in sidewalks and poking through cracks in the driveway. Will need to pick up more, I am sure.

Moved the bags of mulch, topsoil and grass seed from driveway and front porch - behind the large front entrance-way bush.

Public area 'gussy-up' project continues.

Have not been able to get to the planned cleanup of the outer front doors but hope to do so soon. Planning to wash and then use a natural polish as the first step. Sealants can be considered after we see results.

Did some clean-up in the basement. Am monitoring dumpster levels just before pickup and as I see an opportunity space-wise, I add some junk...

Also spent a couple of hours knocking down cobwebs. They are by no means all gone - but it does feel less like Lily Munster's bedroom now.

Filled in the Groundhog hole (and tunnel) along the front sidewalk. He/She seems to have happily re-located to the stump on the back garden hill and can be occasionally seen eating weeds from the old garden patch. Personally, I've a mind to live and let live but if the wee critter becomes a bother - there are natural repellents that we can use. 

Turkey Buzzards continue to think of this place as their own private spa and resort.

Keeping the lids and hatches closed on the dumpster will probably result in less potentially surprising encounters. We may be a grand vacation spot but I don't think we should offer a free buffet.

Another reminder that all of the projects that I have listed to date on this blog have been done as volunteer labor. I am tracking hours and effort so that Owners will have a baseline on what we should expect to pay to keep this level of detailed attention.

The same applies to furnishings, furniture and art provided for public spaces and entrance-ways (all are on loan or have been donated - condo association funds have not been utilized). I am keeping an inventory of items either on loan or donated for public space and/or resident usage.

Anyone else have projects they are planning to pitch in on or things they would like to add for public spaces or community use?

Let us know!

-Patrick