The Squirrel Box (4)

A Few More Details

Now we be done!

I said it was done but I was wrong. I posted 'final' photos of a squirrel nesting box yesterday and within 30 seconds I realized I wanted to add two more details.... a railing for the balcony and a branch for the face.

The railing and trim are from lovely bits of Wortley Village lath

Okay, now I can say 'voila'.

: )

Please link to The Squirrel House (3)

Photos GH

The Transition Zone 2

Three in a Row

On Tuesday I started a set of 100 walks/jogs/bicycle rides that I will call 'The Transition Zone'. I will be hoping to recover fully from a mild but lingering foot injury, and hoping to walk a little less while jogging a little more.

During the last set of 90 walks/shuffles (aka 'Speed Up, Man'), I perceived positive changes. While walking and shuffling - within my limits - I felt stronger and jogged faster and farther during intervals. I hope to continue to see the same improvements during the next four months.

There is no doubt I am making good, gradual progress related to The GREAT Canadian Comeback, moving from couch-potato-like to fitter and healthier. And I am quite content to take my time... because I have the time.

Photos from along the way:

Springbank Park is busy even on a weekday

Please link to The Transition Zone 1

Photos GH

My Morning Smile 12

Vigorous Vines

No need for fertilizer!

The hop vines seem to be growing six inches per day.  I wish I was this healthy!

Please link to My Morning Smile 11

Photos GH

The Squirrel House (2)

Big, Sturdy, Soon for Rent!

White pine barnboard (two different shades) for starters 

Most of the initial, large pieces of stock required for this squirrel nesting box have been cut, sanded and assembled. Side door needs hinges, roof needs to be attached (one loose screw, easily removed with one hand while owner stands on a ladder), and a lot of trim needs to be cut today.

Definitely more to follow.

 Balcony will be attached next, then the western cedar trim 

Side (clean-out) door requires hinges and a latch too

Please link to The Squirrel House (1)

Photos GH

Rietveld Chairs: 1937 Design (9)

Four in a Row

There are more photos on file of 'work in progress' re four Rietveld chairs but I like these the best.

Finished, strong, clean lines, slick.

Oh yeah, they're comfy!

Time to deliver.... by bicycle. How's that for service!

Please link to Rietveld Crate Chairs: 1937 Design (8)

The Transition Zone 1

Successes Continue to Mount

July 10 - 12 included a good conclusion and a fresh start

Sunday, July 10 was a busy day. I cycled for over two hours on city pathways (east to Highbury Avenue; west to Springbank Park), and later walked a mile before settling down at a local pub to watch the Euro 2016 final. 

Monday was a significant day. I walked/jogged 4 miles in my neighbourhood, chatted with a former student (from 1980 approx.) along the way, and once I crossed the finish line I recorded the 90th and final entry in the "Speed Up, Man" set of walks.

And on Tuesday I started the next set of walks.... in easy fashion. I walked downtown for a couple of cold pints - whistling a happy tune - and counted the effort as #1 in the all new and exciting set of 100 walks entitled "The Transition Zone." I call it that because as I continue to make gradual but noticeable progress related to 'The GREAT Canadian Comeback', there is much work to be done.

My shuffling and jogging are in the early stages and experts would say I need to make vast improvements in the strength, stamina, speed, and smooth departments. Hey, no arguments from me.

Photos from along the way:

 Lovely soccer field at Chelsea Green Park, Adelaide St.

 A runner heads east toward Highbury Avenue 

 The city pathway takes us under Adelaide Street

 I cycle west and over the King St. Bridge

 Busy Maurice Chapman pathway near Springbank Park

I call this photo "The Big Goof"

Please link to Steady As She Goes 12

Photos GH

My Morning Smile 11

I Can Grow Vines

Moments ago the trumpets were covered w black ants. Friends or foe??

I don't have a green thumb. I hope for rain and encourage good results by standing back, out of the way.

So far, my methods have worked out well for trumpet and hop vines.

Hops vines will be blooming soon

Please link to My Morning Smile 10

Photos GH

Birdhouse Repair: One Old Farmhouse (2)

Red Red Red Details

Almost ready for a new season on the farm

There was room for red paint so I applied red paint. There was room for a new front porch so I added a new front porch. I had red cedar on hand so I attached a new red cedar roof.

There's room for another birdhouse on the porch

So far, so good.

More to follow.

Please link to Birdhouse Repair: One Old Barnhouse (1)

Photos GH

My Morning Smile 10

Went to a Birdhouse Sale...

I set up camp five steps inside the fence

Saturday AM - I drove to Art in the Barn event in Dorchester at about 7:45 and set up my gazebo, card tables and 38 birdhouses. Shortly thereafter I noticed a few horses were nearby, enjoying their morning workout.

Cool.

Good track for training for my next marathon : )

Please link to My Morning Smile 9

Photos GH

Birdhouse Repair (1)

Needs New Roof and More

Would you throw it out or fix it?

I spotted this rustic barnhouse on a friend's property and was told it would likely be thrown out after a new one (one of my farmhouses) was purchased.

I said, "I can fix it up and you can have both... old and new."

Should I have opened my mouth? Repair can be a lot of work. Selling a new one is much easier, especially if the new one is already done - and it is!

My friend agreed to have both, so now I have to put some energy where my mouth is.

Prediction:

This will be fun and my friend will be pleased w my efforts.

"Oh yeah, it needs more than a new roof!"

Please link to Birdhouse Repair: Three for the Price of One

Photos GH

The Production Line (5)

Wren or Chickadee Houses

Three of six are ready for storage now that the paint is dry and eye hooks/string are in place.

One has a painted roof and two show off the red cedar used in construction. Which do you like best?

Please link to The Production Line - 18 Birdhouses (4)

Photos GH

My Morning Smile 9

Hear Them Toot!

A touch of rain glistens on the tooting trumpets

The trumpets continue to make themselves heard.

The hops continue to take over the world.

Please link to My Morning Smile 8

The Production Line (4)

Red Power

I enjoyed attaching the red trim and perches to three cedar birdhouses yesterday. The colour works for me.

This afternoon I will pack the car with three dozen houses for a Saturday sale. These will definitely be included.

Please link to The Production Line - 18 Birdhouses (3)

My Morning Smile 8

Trumpets About to Trumpet

Anticipation!

I will check on this collection of trumpets after morning coffee. I bet a few have opened and are tooting their own horn.

Please link to My Morning Smile 7

Photos GH

The Workshop's Production Line 2

Variety Pak on the Production Line

 Half of the cedar houses sit like ducks in a row, ready for trim

Old western cedar will catch peoples' attention.... I hope

Eighteen birdhouses are being rapidly assembled for Saturday's big sale in Dorchester, ONT. I already have 30-plus ready to go but I feel the urge to stuff the car for this event. The shop is litter with body parts, for birdhouses as per usual, for three different models.

The Western Cedar Slat House:

The Red Cedar Standard

The Wren/Chickadee 2-Minute Model

Once string is attached, one only needs 2 minutes to hang it on a branch

More to follow, once colourful trim has been assembled.

Not seen in photos - four Rietveld chairs also continue along the assembly line.

: )

Please link to Upcoming Projects: 18 Cedar Birdhouses and More

My Morning Smile 7

Hop Vines, Trumpet Vines... All Fine

Hop vines entangle year-old spruce branches

These two vines provide a good deal of pleasure (including shade) this time of year. Trumpets are trumpeting and hops are hopping, and growth occurs rapidly, almost before my eyes.

Hop vines have their disadvantages. They tend to take over, and if you attempt to tame them they will fight back. While moving vines yesterday - onto branches of old limbs - I received prickly scratches on the inside of both arms that turned red by evening. Nothing too severe, so I will very likely do the same in the future, perhaps while wearing a long-sleeved shirt.

 Trumpets blow their own horn for a week or more

When the trumpets fade the hops flower

I expect the hop vines will flower this month, a lovely time of year in my opinion.

Please link to My Morning Smile 6

Photos GH

My Morning Smile 6

Lost in Space?

While my son vacuumed his pool, I snapped pictures of the vacuum hose as it floated past my feet, as in a slow-motion, outer space sort of way.

Link to My Morning Smile 5

Photo GH