Monday, December 27, 2010


Since we've been busy getting ready for the return of our youngest from Spain, baking cookies, and decorating the house, we haven't had much time to really dedicate to the Compound. So I thought I'd get philosophical, since we're approaching the new year.

Here are some things I've learned in 2010;

1. Things are not always as they appear.

We planted trees this year, and as we started to dig the holes, we realized the previous owners buried old roofing barrel tiles. They are not easy to dig up.

Our water table is only 5'down, and salty. Who would have thought?!

2. While working at the compound, I will never again have good looking finger nails!

3. My husband, the Moose, is incredible! It doesn't matter what the project requires; heavy lifting, standing out in the hot sun reaching temperatures with heat indexes this past summer of 115 degrees, digging out roots, etc. It was his sheer will that got the compound to where it is today. It's awesome!

4. 2-1/2 acres is bigger than you think! Once you get started clearing land, and then have to mow it all, you know size really does matter. It takes me nearly 3 hours to mow. Yes, that's on a riding lawn mower, and I get that baby moving!

5. Heat/Sweat is measured by the number of t-shirts you change in and out of for the day. Our record day was 6 shirts!

6. Our car can lock it's own doors when you least expect it!

7. Alligators are fun to look at when they are in the water, 15 feet away, but not so cute when they come on shore to take a closer look at your dog!

8. You can build just about anything, even if it takes a couple of tries.

9. Just because it's Florida, doesn't mean it has to rain, or be warm!

10.Peace and tranquility make up for all the hard labor.

11. New ideas and plans never stop.. nor should they. It's what gives us drive and determination to finish the next project. It's even better when plans are shared and accomplished with those you love.

That's it for my philosophy lessons. Best wishes for an awesome New Year!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Slugs

Well, call us slugs. We didn't do much again this weekend by way of "work" at the compound. We lost our garden due to the cold last week, so most of that is being pulled out. We planted some replacement strawberry plants, as the first batch barely came up at all. Maybe 20 out of 100 plants. The company was nice enough not to argue, and sent us 100 new plants. Those are covered, awaiting the extremely cold temperatures we'll get the next couple of nights. We are expecting a hard freeze Tues and Wed. Yuk!

The Moose, our daughter's boyfriend Kevin, and I put our boat in the canal, and went for a ride on Saturday. It was a blast. We were shocked at how deep the canals are, and then all of a sudden, your in less than 2'. The sun was out, and it made for a great day! Since we've been blessed with daughters, the Moose is thrilled to have another guy around on occasion to help with the heavy lifting.

Have a safe week!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Cold, Cold

Well, nothing much got done this weekend. I was down for the count with a cold, and it's really cold here! Lows in the middle 30's this week, and highs only in the 50's. It's too cold for me!

Darryl spent some time on Saturday digging out the ramp for his boat. There was one there already, but it was not maintained. He thinks we can get our 17' boat in the canals, but the only way was to update the current ramp area. I'll get photos this next weekend, when I feel better.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Nothing Much

Well, there hasn't been much to report out at the compound. We're still weeding, watering and picking in the garden. We've had some material brought in for the drive way area, which keeps down on the dirt and mud. Well, it will keep down on the mud, should it finally decide to rain! We're down over a foot here in Central Florida, which is not a good sign.

We hope to get at painting the container, and a head start on the chicken coop this next weekend. I'll keep you posted.