Elaine Dunham » Environment

Winter is officially here

Elaine — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:44:44 +0000

It was so cold yesterday and today, that I can not keep my outside cats water bowl unfrozen for longer than about half an hour. Actually it’s sort of amazing me that it’s freezing that fast. Ever 15 min. I’m going out the to punch a hole in the ice, or dump out the whole bowl and refill it. The sun is out this morning, but it’s not helping much. I dread going into town for groceries, believe me. This cold weather just plain hurts.

What a wonderful house

Elaine — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:31:51 +0000

I really would love to live here. It reminds me of a fairy home!

Mulch from recycled rubber

Elaine — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:42:48 +0000

When I arrived at my friend’s riding arena today I noticed that what had once been a soft dirt floor had been changed. She told me about a company called Rubber Mulch, and raved about it. She knew I had plans on turning our biggest empty barn into a place where the kids, grand kids and I could ride in the winter time and on rainy days. We are nearly finished gutting out the unwanted bins and stalls that we aren’t using, to make the arena. It has a dirt floor, but I was afraid if one of the horses shied or something made one of the kids or even myself fall or get thrown off, any number of injury’s could happen, landing on the packed dirt floor since it really was hard. I also worried about the horses legs due to the impact.

While examining the mulch my friend was using, I was surprised how shock resistant it was, not only beneath my feet, but also how her horses seemed to have a much better gait, even while taking jumps and turns. It wasn’t even dusty like the other floor she had had. Right then I decided to look into it more thoroughly.

While checking into the arena footing, I discovered that it was non toxic, never rotted or froze, and that is just to name a few of the great aspects. Plus, it also had a life time guarantee. It was said to improve performance, something all horse owners and riders are always looking for. It’s not just for riding arenas either. It can be used on play grounds…a great plus, and all kinds of other places and even used in landscaping. This stuff sounds great and from the way my friend’s arena seemed to have been transformed, it looks good too!

A long day

Elaine — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 05:57:52 +0000

It feels like it’s been a really long day, even though I just sort of putzed around the house and did lots of laundry, the regular desk cleaning and make a big supper for everyone. Have to say, I’m tired but not sleepy. I don’t like it when I’m not in the sleepy stage. Tired is one thing, but sleepy is another. Go figure. I might take the dog for a walk, though its getting really foggy outside again for the fourth day in a row. I like it, actually. It is rather surreal walking in conditions like that. We’ll see about my dog buddy and what he thinks though.

Goodbye Indian Summer

Elaine — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:02:28 +0000

It feels like the awesome weather we had for nearly a week and a half is now over. I walked outside to a shower of leaves coming down and a definite bite of frost in the air. It was nice while it lasted, but now it’s time to gear up for winter. Something I am not looking forward to at all.

Enjoying the weather

Elaine — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 23:46:10 +0000

I am totally enjoying the weather we have been having and it is supposed to be like this into the weekend and perhaps until the middle of next week. It’s warm, sunny and just beautiful. It’s so good to go outside without having to bundle up in layers of clothes. The leaves are turning and it’s awesome to look at the colors when the sun shines on the trees. Everyone knows I hate the cold and totally dread the weather, but for now, I’m so happy and in such a great mood because I can go outside and not being cold. I’ve even been taking longer walks than usual.

Headway on the gardens

Elaine — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 12:40:28 +0000

My gardens are nearly ready for their winter sleep, and I’ve been making plans for next Spring. Some of the ideas I’ve mumbled out loud to my husband, who just looks at me in this sort odd and “what ever you want, dear” way, then pats me on the head and goes on about his business. I hate being patted on the head, but being only 4’10″ I guess I’m a prime target. Oh well, the plans are coming together and though they may be different to some people, it’s my yard and if I’m happy with it, well…that is what counts!!

Will we need an ark

Elaine — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 22:38:26 +0000

Oh my, such a change in the weather. Yesterday we were all roasting. It was so terribly hot, even in the house, which is always rather cool, that we were sort of miserable. I think personally they were what is known as “the dog days of summer.” But the rains have seemed to have come and from what the weather guessers say, it’s not going to stop for some time. My back yard looks now like the ark will be needed soon.

Safty and peace of mind

Elaine — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:44:06 +0000

I hardly ever go out into my husbands garage. That is his domain. Actually, I think that is where his hoarding tendencies start coming out. He is a certified Harley Davidson mechanic and has literally thousands of parts, but after I went into that garage, I decided that he needs flammable cabinets. It scared me when I was out rummaging around for a simple screw driver, and some clay pots I thought I had out there, to see that there are some flammable cans ans items like that, that really should be put into flammable lockers so that there won’t be a fire.

We have kids and grand kids also, who have their dirt bikes, mini bikes and bicycles in the garage, and I believe that flammable cabinet storage is the safest way to keep the items that could catch on fire, or that are even hazardous out of reach if there isn’t adult supervision in the garage. There have been some break in’s in the neighbor hood, especially in people’s garages, and it would be very easy for who ever is doing this, to start a fire to “cover their tracks” and that too scares me.

I know I would feel a lot safer and not have to worry about flammable items and also fires, if these were all locked up. Also, with protection like this, and storage, it might make the garage neater.

Irene’s wrath

Elaine — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:35:52 +0000

My prayers are going out to everyone and their family’s who were in the path of this hurricane. The destruction was and still is, very scary. We are getting some left over rain, but living where we do, we are fortunate.