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So, you know how the shoemaker's kid never has any shoes? Well, the landscaper's wife didn't have any landscaping. Unitl now! Woo-hoo! Finally, John did a big installation around the house. I basically told him that we would not have the BBQ (see below) if he didn't do a nice big construction job, complete with pavered patios, walkways and mucho plants. I wanted hydrangeas and I got them! I'm very pleased with the outcome and thought I'd share. : ) This is my little private patio off the sunroom. I'm still looking for a gate for the columns and there will be a white picket fence along side the columns as well.

This little area is directly across from the sunroom. I can't wait for all these flowers to bloom. It's been so hot and dry lately that the flowering plants are not flowering. I've been hand watering, but that's not the same and a good old fashioned drenching.

Ah, no more playing "slip-n-slide" down the lawn. Our nifty new walk makes it a breeze to go from deck to driveway without twisting an ankle. This is probably my favorite upgrade so far. Now I'm anxious to get the front steps and old walkway ripped out and replaced (see old stuff below).
The front steps and old field stone walk at right will be removed shortly. John and I haven't decided what we're doing with the steps yet, but the walk will be the same as the pavers above. The stepping stones will join the two walks together, and more stepping stones will go to the right of the house and lead to the columned entrance to the little patio. Once the plants put down their roots and the grass comes in a bit, it's really going to look beautiful!
So the annual Sweeney Neighborhood BBQ has come and gone. This was definitely the best party yet. We had neighbors, family, and members of John's softball team over this past Sunday to enjoy some fishing, volleyball, horseshoes, and of course, damn good grub.The highlight of the day's meal was the pig, as it usually is. Our brother-in-law, John, came over first thing in the morning to prep the little pig,
and then manned the roaster until it was time to dig in. We also served the usual burgers and dogs, with some barbequed chicken and sausage peppers and onions. Guests brought side dishes and all 85 people did some serious damage to the food! Major chowage, which was great.All in all, it was a successful party. I wish I had pictures of our guests, but I was too busy socializing! I just post so pre-party shots:
Fred & Celine).....equal one hell of a party. Kudos to our neighbors, Alayne & Bob for whipping up a quick and fantastic shin-dig this past Saturday. We met Alayne & Bob a few years ago when they put together a block party and were kind enough to extend an invitation to John and myself (not on the block-just a bit down the road). When John and I started having our Summer BBQ (may require separate entry) 3 years ago, Alayne was the first to RSVP and offer to help out. She and Bob are really fantastic and Saturday was the first time we really "hung out" with them. Alayne didn't have to do much to lure me to come over....she merely mentioned that Bob would be serving ribs, she'd be serving champagne and we'd be lounging in the pool all afternoon. I was hooked.A few of Bob and Alayne's other friends came as well, (pictured are Fred & Celine)
and the next thing you know the champagne was flowing, ribs were flying and everyone was having a grand time. I think it was Celine who spotted the trampoline, and well.....alcohol and trampolines don't mix. : ) I have to say, I felt like a kid jumping around on that thing. It was great! Nothing like really letting loose and forgetting about adulthood for a while. I came away from the trampoline with only a bruised ankle, which for me is really good. John was all set for a trip to the hospital.We partied well into the evening, with the lightsticks making their debut after nightfall. Somehow, they ended up in our champagne glasses. There was some initial concern about leakage of chemicals from the lightsticks, but at last count, we're all still alive. Luckily, we survived the diving board as well.Good times. : )