How Often Do You Vacuum Your Bathtub?

As I was vacuuming my bathtub this week, it struck me as to how odd this would seem to others. About 15 years ago, my family had the choice to go house hunting or to start a remodel. I thought that a remodel would be wonderful! We weren't planning on moving any time soon and I would be able to chose the exact additions that I wanted. Well, the extra outlets were easy, we had a fish tank, needed more electrical outlets. Ceiling fans? Perfect! Extra large built-in book case? Yep, we homeschooled. Now to the bathroom...Beautiful white and green tile floors, an extra large garden spa tub, a separate shower, and plenty of cupboard space. I was in heaven. However.......we are on a septic tank. Somehow that little fact did not seem important until the first time I filled the tub. Two hundred gallons. And where would this water go? That's right, straight into the septic tank. What was I thinking!!??!! If you are on a septic tank, you are well aware of the importance of water conservation. Anything down the sinks, toilets, or tubs, goes right into the tank. In this case, less is better. And using the tub in the winter, when the water table is high and the leach line is filled with rainwater? No, no, and no. So, I love my house. My fish tank is well electrified by those extra outlets, ceiling fans work great, book case looks great. Garden tub? Well, as I was vacuuming my bathtub...LOL. And don't even get me started on those beautiful WHITE floor tiles. In a bathroom. What was I thinking? Be kind to one another.

And The Raking Goes On...

Trees are beautiful. They offer shade, oxygen, and a place for the little birdies to rest and raise their families. Trees are evil. They drop leaves and branches. They crowd against your house and wear off the paint. Sigh... They have two personalities. One they show in the spring and summer, being kind, almost thoughtful to those around them. Then comes the fall and winter. They get tired and grumpy. They get messy, creating what seems like a neverending abundance of leaves. Sigh... We purchased our home almost 25 years ago. It was in the middle of the lot, no landscaping to speak of, a little lawn, a few roses. As new homeowners, we couldn't wait to plant trees, flowers, all those things that scream "home". If only I had known then what I know now. I think I would have skipped all those deciduous trees and stuck with the evergreens. Sigh... And the raking goes on.

Brrrr...Is It Winter Already?

I will admit that I live in central California. Just how cold does it really get? There is no snow (well, we got an inch about 10 years ago) and I have never, ever been in weather below zero. But, where did this 31 degree weather come from? I was all happy, enjoying the fall days, then, major change. It is dark when I get up, about 4 am, thank you very much. I take the trash to the street. WHAT? I may have still been in my jammies, but brrrrr. Get dressed, kick the doggie out for a pottie break, bring him back in because he is a big baby, and off to work. I have a thermometer in my truck, wonderful device, but it does note the "real" temperature. Hmmm, 31? I could be making ice cubes without my freezer. I get home and take a peek at my cacti. The little tag says the plant can survive in temperatures down to 25. Maybe the sturdy ones, but I doubt that the aloes can make it down that low. So, my plans for the weekend? Well, I will be cleaning out part of my garage to make room for my various cacti, aloes, and other pretties. I sure know how to party! LOL We all do what we have to do, and if I want to enjoy my plants in the summer, I will be putting in some extra time to keep them protected in the winter. Have a great week and be kind to one another.

Where Did The Day Go?

Well, well, well, now where did the day go? I slept in, until 7:30 am, but when you are used to being up at 4, that is a LOT of sleeping in. Did my usual pick up and hide of all the stuff in the house that was left unattended this week, threw a couple of loads of laundry in, worked on a quilt, and then....the dog threw up. I know that doesn't sound like a turning point, but my dog just doesn't get sick. I looked a little closer, his ears were laid back, he wasn't wagging his stubby tail, and he wasn't following me around. He is 95 pounds of love and fun, adores me, and is just an all around sweetie pie. Most people are afraid of rotties, but he is my third and I don't think I would ever have another breed. He is loyal, good with kids, and stops people at the gate. Not that he would do anything, but size alone makes them wary. So, after a quick call to the vet, off to town for a check over. Four hours (and $300) later, still no answer. It's not kidney or liver failure, nothing wrong with his blood, and he doesn't act like something is stuck in his intestines. Now we are in a waiting pattern. I will be feeding him boiled rice and broth for the next few days. I am a bit worried, there is no telling what he could have eaten. As a puppy, he ate EVERYTHING, including the trim on the house! I am hoping that it is just a bug or too much horse manure. (Don't ask, I don't know why it's one of his favorites). So, the day has passed me by, but I get an extra hour tomorrow! Wishing all a great weekend. Be kind to one another.