Friday, August 21, 2026

5 thing Friday - fence, flowers, muffins, small tasks, photo album project DONE

When the tree trimmers left, I noticed that the entire length that included the gate was barely hanging on to the post.  I thought it was post rot because its so moist back here.  Now that the canopy is higher on these trees, it can dry out a bit.
But. It was termites.
 
My favorite fence guy came to replace the post.  And this was what it looked like on Thursday morning.  Fence fixed, just needs a clean up.
I straightened out those edging bricks and the red rocks, then I power washed all of it.  I will probably seal it like I did the deck. I bought some red rocks to fill in, and will treat for carpenter ants and termites.  Never a dull moment.
While Charlie was here he replaced a random picket. Ha. (the whole fence should be power washed but I'm not gonna) Then he told me that he also repairs sprinkler systems - WHAT!  So next week I will survey all of my pop-ups and he can cap them or replace the heads and help me program the watering.
A late afternoon (dark) photo of my weekly small bouquet for the kitchen.  For $3, it is a visual reminder to show myself love. This can come in many forms: taking a long nap, eating lunch out, laying on my couch with a book, sitting on my deck with my morning coffee...all because someone loves me - ME.
While I waited for Charlie to finish the post, I made some banana muffins with mini chocolate chips for my breakfasts.  This is mainly why I don't buy bananas. Probably I should just buy fewer.  I froze most of them and will pack them in my work breakfasts.
after
A quick-ish project: clean your A/C coils and remove leaf debris from around the unit. I guess its been 2 years since I have. The hardest part was holding the fan up with one arm, doing everything else with the other. I ended up getting a bruise on my arm from I-don't-remember, and a burn on the inner upper arm.  Plus, yes, I should have done this project earlier in the day.
before
But its done now.  Off the list. Always - turn off the A/C, turn the HVAC breaker off, unplug the unit, lift the grate being mindful of not damaging the fan blades, clean out leaf debris from the unit's pan, spray both inside and outside of unit fins with the "shower" setting of your outdoor hose. This time I also used a Simple Green spray cleaner I found in the garage and I let it sit for about 5 minutes.
Making my yard 1% better when I can - cleaning out under the crepe myrtle.  I demolished a bunch of overgrown tradescantia (Wandering Jew).  I sprayed the rest of a bottle of weed killer back there, too.  After the pop-up back there is fixed, I will add some sod, so close-up views to come.  Another 1% item - I distributed a bag of mulch under the trees and such out here.
That photo album project is underwhelmingly over and 10-12 photo albums have been condensed to a little less than a full 5 and are in their new forever home.  Its going to feel so great not to see this on my to do list!
Have a good weekend,


Gina

10 comments:

Pattie Tierney said...

I always feel like a slacker when I’ve read what you’ve done for the week. You certainly stay busy and get a lot accomplished. Those muffins look good. I’m really in the mood for something pumpkin-y, this happens to me every August. I have a wonderful recipe for a pumpkin streusel muffin that I may just make over the weekend. At the moment I’m having my Fireplace redone, from the contractors’s model that was in the house when I moved in, to a stone façade. It’s one of those things where I’m not entirely sure that I like it but it’s too late to turn back now. Yikes! Have a good weekend, Gina!

SAM said...

My daughter brought me sunflowers and they instantly brightened my dining room and can see them coming in the front or back, just make me smile. Reminder to myself that flowers are a welcome kindness and I should buy for myself more often.

Juhli said...

You are such an inspiration to me. I really like the 1% better mantra. I've been telling myself "It's better than it was" after finishing and looking for 15 minutes or less tasks but will add the 1% better to my mental list!

Cat said...

I'm most impressed by the photo project. Well done!

wolfek said...

What garden zone are you in? I have wandering j indoors but I haven't thought about it being outside. I'm in 7b.

kath001 said...

I'm another admirer of the 1% better idea...a reminder it doesn't have to ALL be done, just slow and stead progress!

Kim said...

That was a lot of stuff!! You should buy yourself another bouquet for all you accomplished. I'm tired just reading your list. I think the photo albums look great, I need to do the same thing.

Granny Marigold said...

Your A/C looks great but I'm sorry you got bruised cleaning it. Sounds like it really is a 2 person job. How great to find your fence guy also repairs sprinkler systems. Now that's going to be done too. What with the muffins and the whole photo album project you really had a productive week!!

Joanne said...

Yay for having your photo project done! The yard is looking so lovely.

Ur-spo said...

lovely ! 💕