Pause with Jacob

Hello Givers of All Good Things,

I am called Jacob and I am the beloved (and some would say) spoiled Lab that shares space and life with the owner of Dale’s. Herself is a nice little old lady and I’m told she is very good with figures but I can vouch from personal experience that she is not gifted with foresight when it come to all things mechanical around our home.

This page is being written so that you can possibly avoid some of the problems we encounter almost on a daily basis. Knowing herself as I do I will have to update every month!

Let’s start with common sense. Don’t begin a small project without a plan. If something is desired but not essential think it through. Write down the scope of the work to be done and make a realistic budget and stay within the limits of your plan.

This year a very small tree died in our front yard. (It was a favorite of mine and it did not die because of my attentions.) Herself decided that the tree would have to be removed and something similar would have to be put in its place. Small project - jerk out the dead tree - enlarge the hole (I could have helped with that) - drop in another tree. Once that tree was out she thought the whole area looked lacking so why not remove and plant just a few different things. Great! Then herself decided the sprinkler system was inadequate for all the new plantings (I did my best). So…..why not revamp the sprinkler system. Then herself takes it into her head that the black rubber edging really looks tacky around those beautiful plants (I really liked digging up that great chewy stuff and I miss it.) Why not put some of that concrete edging stuff around the several newly planted areas. (Nobody told me not to walk on it until it was set up).

Great bones in heaven! Now the yard is looking pretty nice and I’m so happy napping and chasing squirrels along the fence line. Herself decides that the fascia on the house needs replacing and the iron railings as well as the supporting pillars all need a refresh with new paint. Finally the driveway had to be resealed for some reason known only to herself. That was the last of it (so far) and let me tell you that sticky stuff they used on the driveway really should not be walked on for at least 24 hours.

Here it is midsummer and I think we’re probably through for the season. (Dogs can pray and I do).

Looking back I’m thinking we should have left the dead tree and thought of it as an Art Deco decorator item in the front yard.

So, Givers of All Good Things, remember when you have a small improvement project chances are the new will make the old look old and in need of something more to bring it all together. Just a bit of planning and visualizing the finished job will save you a lot of time and money better spent on treats and toys.

Thank goodness for Dale’s. I spent a lot of extra time with the guys this season helping them at my house!

- Jacob