The Yard

 (photos from our yard's glory days)

(this last one shows the previous owner who I am told was a master gardener)

The other day, Ian interrupted a serious conversation that Brian and I were having to say, "All you guys ever talk about is money and the yard."

It is true.  We've been a pretty focused but boring pair lately.  It has been nice to get so many projects started on our house and the yard is a big one for sure.  The grass is completely, 100% dead.  Before we can plant new grass, we are installing a new sprinkler system.  Before we begin installing our massive watering apparatus, we need to figure out what to do for AC, since we have none.  So far, the weather has been merciful.  But, warmer temps are on the very near horizon.

When the dandelions first bloomed a month or so ago, it was one of the most breathtaking fields I have ever seen.  I'm not saying that to be sarcastic.  Our lawn looked so happy with literally hundreds of their bright yellow faces covering every inch.  It was almost sad that Brian had to kill them all with round-up. 

I have had the feeling since the first day we moved in and our neighbors started to introduce themselves that everyone is pretty anxious for us to get the yard going.  Apparently, this house use to have one of the nicest yards.  But, sadly, it has been neglected for so long that some of the ornamental trees have even died.

Our neighbors are so incredible.  Now they are talking about getting a group of volunteers together on a Saturday to help us put in the sprinkler system.  Can you imagine?  It makes me feel really happy and blessed.  When we bought this house, we wanted to make it a really cool place for our kids to finish growing up.  But, sometimes, when I look around at all the projects, I wonder how much of their childhoods will be left by the time we are able to make this the place we want it to be.  Having a nice yard for them to play in by next summer would be so nice.  When Brian told me the news, I said, "Well, let them help with the front yard since they have to look at it," and he said, "No, they want to help with the backyard too."  What kind of people care enough to donate their time so my kids can have a nice backyard to play in?  Another reason I love living here.

In the meantime, I think we need a little get away with a rule that no one talks about the yard (or the money it will take to landscape it).