Mums, Kale and Ornamental Grass

Another Labour day is behind us. Isn't it amazing how we can automatically notice a change in weather with the first day of school?  You can definitely feel fall in the air.  Even though it isn't officially fall yet, we are so accustomed to the social ritual of returning to school, to work and to a routine, that we automatically forget that we are still in the summer season!  Part of this could be on account of the commercial aspect - whereas department stores have been preparing us for the "back-to-school" sale opportunities for weeks now.  Even without any children in school, it is difficult to escape all of the marketing madness.

For me, I not only enjoy the cooler weather, but seem to get rejuvenated with the gardening bug!  August always seems to be the month where your gardens sometimes get neglected because of vacations, extremely hot weather and lack of rainfall.  We are thankful this year as there was not a lack of rainfall the entire season.  It was wonderful, the grass is still green!

Generally, the change of summer into fall leaves a not-so-great feeling at the pit of my stomach as I know the inevitable winter is riding on fall's coat tails, but as of recent I have taken to embracing this time of year because of the ways that you not only can decorate your home on the inside but also on the outside.

So, I go shopping for potted mums and kale!  I take to switching things up with our urns in front of the house.  Potted mums are always an easy choice due to the fall colour selection and their hardiness.  The primitive side of me, loves to match them with kale, ornamental grass and burlap!

Today at lunch, I went in search for kale and have to say it is one of the hardest things to find!  I am determined next year to grow it myself and then I can have as much of it as I wish.  I did however find some lovely deep burgundy coloured, ornamental grass, so later this evening it is certain that I will be tossing the wave petunias to the compost (face it they are so past their expiry date at this point) and saying hello to my fall urns!

I will be sure to take photos to share.

   

I think that we have made it, or have we?

For anyone who has lived in an old home or is currently living in an old home, it comes as no surprise that there is always something that needs to be done! From the beginning, we made a list (often on paper, but always in our heads) of tasks that we needed to accomplish and wanted to accomplish. At times, as with any list, you feel overwhelmed however days and weeks surge by and one-by-one items get ticked off the list!

This summer is our fifth summer here and for the very first time, we feel like we are getting somewhere - that we can sit on the veranda and not immediately look out and see a possible new item or two to be added to the "to do" list.  (It was getting to the point where we had to schedule a time to enjoy the extension of wonderful space that we do have with our veranda). I guess the feeling is somewhat one of content, but in addition it is the feeling of accomplishment. We are both thrilled with what we (with the help of family, friends and some great local experts) have been able to accomplish thus far.  

Many lessons have been accumulated along the way and many more to come I am sure! We are not professionals at this; however we are in the position to provide valuable advice which applies to many situations. A favourite and maybe the most useful, is to always gather as much information about a project before you start. Ask as many questions, ensure you get the answers. Moving forward with a smile and an idea is sometimes just a nice thought!

What we are doing has not gone unnoticed by many within the community. Positive reinforcement is often provided by the odd passerby. This in itself warms us as we do hope that the community that we have chosen to make our home in and to raise our family in, is able to benefit or at least be appreciative of our determination to restore and maintain this stone house.I am sure four years ago there were doubts as to how far this young couple could go with this project, for us, there was never a doubt in our minds.  

There are many more evenings this summer where we have taken the time to sit on our veranda and enjoy the weather, our backyard and our family. But never fear; there is still a list!

New Photos

I received copies of two old photos today - one of the rear of the house and one of the general store.  Thanks Roger!

Notice the delicate veranda railings!  

I would date this close to WWII as there is electricity which did not come to Harrowsmith until the late 1930's.