The Arbor Project

 

 Some weeks ago, before the rains of May hit us, we ordered a super nice cedar arbor from Wayfair.

We had considered a large pergola to be placed in the backyard, but we simply could not locate a spot that would have tons of sunshine for the Wisteria vines we wanted to cover it one day.

So, I chose a spot in the front yard, and instead of a large pergola which would have looked too large and out of place there, we instead ordered the arbor.

It arrived in two boxes and needed to be constructed from all of the pre-cut pieces of cedar.

Luckily I have a husband who loves projects and was more than willing to put the arbor together in his basement workroom.

 Then the arbor sat on the front porch while my husband dug the holes to pour in concrete for footers since the arbor had to be kept from blowing over in a windstorm.

And once that was done it was time to erect the arbor

A wonderful neighbor friend came over after my husband had attached the two sides and the top to make it into one structure,

 and together they lifted it into place and attached it to the four footers which would keep it in it's place on high wind days.... we hope.

 

The four wisteria were planted, one at each corner, and they already seem to be growing quite well with all of the spring rains we have had. 

 Next we placed furniture beneath the arbor to get an idea of the look we want at the end of the project.  A neighbor gave us this three piece set, but the metal chair legs sink into the soil and would easily tip over, as would the love seat.... it's a very sweet set, but in the end we decided that this look would be a bit 'over the top' in the front yard, and would most likely never be used as a social seating area anyway.  

We do like the love seat without the cushions, and without the two side chairs....

so we decided to keep it simple.

The chairs would not be used

 We both liked the simpler look of just the four foot love seat, so in order to keep it from tipping over we decided to order the cobble stones and mulch.  There is a small concrete square beneath each leg hidden beneath the mulch so this sitting space can be used without fear of tipping.

This look also means that my husband will not have to use a small mower or weed eater under the arbor.  He can just stay on the riding mower and go around the arbor area which means less hassle for him.

 Here are some shots of the final look of the arbor.

 The look as you come up our driveway in the evening.

 We are very happy with how this project turned out, although the cost was more than just the arbor itself.

Arbor

Four Wisteria plants

Concrete footers

Cost of upgraded nuts and bolts 

Weed netting

Cobbles

Mulch

And someday I think I want a cedar bench rather than the wrought iron one.

Accomplishments And An Ambulance Ride

 It's been a month since I posted so thought I would catch you up on Life On Sprinkle

Grandchild #1 went to Iowa state in track and placed sixth in the state in girls 100m Hurdles.

She's totally pumped for next year since she is very young to have done this well.

Only a sophomore and rapidly moving up in the track world.

We are totally proud grandparents.

Woot Woot to Madeline!

Grandchild #2 took his very first trip to Washington D.C. after raising money to be able to to.

This is a huge step for him, and Anthony really enjoyed the trip.

We are soooo proud!

Another big woot woot!

Grandchild #3 played in his very first basketball tournament and took second place.

Check out that big bling bling medal hanging around his neck!

Go Drake!

You rock and Grandpa and I are totally proud of you.

That was woot woot number three!

 

 We ordered a very large cedar arbor for the backyard from Wayfair, but considering we want to plant a 'full sun' vine on it, we are instead installing it in the front yard.

 

 The arbor comes in nicely done pre-cut pieces, and then you build the arbor yourself.

Two sides with slats for the vine to grow on, and also a top piece to the arbor.

It didn't take my husband long to lay it all out and screw the pieces all together.

 It's all sitting on the front porch waiting for the cement footers (which he dug a few days ago before the RAIN fell, and fell and fell) to dry completely. 

 We decided on wisteria as our vine for this arbor.  They are so gorgeous in the spring with great looking lavender colored hanging blossoms.

 Needless to say, the front porch is a jungle at this time.... but a lovely one I must say.

Yesterday was my very fist experience with riding in an ambulance due to not knowing what the terrific pains I was having, along with heavy nausea and vomiting.

They arrived at the house and after I had settled into the ambulance administered pain and anti-nausea meds.

Four and a half hours later we were home from the hospital.

I slept a lot in the afternoon, feeling only tired and worn out.

A CAT scan determined that this was a single kidney stone and there are no others awaiting their turn to be born into this world.

What a pain and waste of an entire day.

So, today I spent the morning lounging on the porch, and then picked lettuce as well as the last of our asparagus from the garden, some of which I delivered to the neighbors.

I'll be grabbing a few groceries this afternoon, and hopefully discovering that my iPhone still works, the one that I rinsed in the colander along with the freshly picked lettuce.... my bad.

What's new with your world?