Are you going to cover it?

Perhaps one of the most common questions about our bridge is: "Are you going to cover it?"

So, here's a picture of the bridge from end-to-end, with the longest end measuring 13.5 feet or 22 boards. You can see it's not very long. With overhangs on both buildings, the number of steps of actual wet comes down to only two or three. Our answer to the question is, "nope we don't mind." In fact, we add, "we look forward to our mini outdoor experience and our pleasing garden experience." The true test has been this winter-of-weather. We've, in our short time of residence, had snow, wind, ice, rain and cold for some true tests. No regrets!

In the latter two pictures, I was on my back on the bridge looking up and to the side through the bridge.

A Dusting of Snow

views from the bridge...

Getting to the Details

New Bath Mirror

Ed & Lynae

We ordered a new mirror from The Island Framery and enjoyed the company of Lynae (owner of The Island Framery) in the process. She was generous and delivered the mirror and then stayed for dinner and a wonderfully entertaining evening of conversation.

Views From the Bridge

The Art of Mulching

I have been mulching for 20 years, or so, and find it a perfect way, and an easy way, to control weeds, protect tender plants in the winter, and improve the soil.  Here you can see the process:

• Lay cardboard or newspaper and cover with bark, chips or weed-free soil
• stop and admire work
• let everything rot and then plant

It's all so easy.  This mulching I did in about 3 to 4 hours.  It goes quickly and is far easier than spending hours and hours on one's knees pulling weeds.

Spring IS coming...

We've definitely had winter in the NW this year so when we can grab a semi-warm day for gardening, we do. And, when we grab it, the vegetable garden seems like a good place to put our energy. The pathways are newly mulched and the beds with either wintered over crops or cover crops are looking pretty good.

Erin, Brad and Barry dug many vine maples from Barry and Susan's land at North Bend yesterday.  Today they were planted at Grace Lane.  Their new home is surrounding our pond and providing us privacy to the east.   One group of maples was a line of small developing trees along a fallen branch -- perfect for screening.   By the time we were finished planting it was almost dark so the first view in the morning will be of our new trees.  The anticipation is a little Christmas-like.  

 Brad and Erin moved a couple of large rocks into place near the stream too.  There are three more rocks to place and then I can go back to work on finishing up the edges of the stream and pond.