Welcome to the Place Under the Pine!
A Blog about our Life: Family, Renovations, DIY, Crafting, Cooking, Parenting, Gardening, and life in our little world.
A BROKEN WASHER IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A LIFE LESSON
Pine Tree Post | Life Lesson Special
The other day I was thinking...sadly, there are many children out there who miss out on valuable life lessons such as riding public transportation. The children of the PUTP are
very lucky children indeed - they have many chances to ride the bus. The
experience of paying, dinging for a stop, and figuring out time
schedules is priceless, and will be especially useful when they are old enough
to take flight and leave the nest - b/c chances are they will not have a car
right away. Unproven science has concluded that a few bus rides to a kid will instill a sense of
adventure in them and help them see the bus as not intimidating but rather as
one form of transportation that can be used with ease. In the grand
scheme it will broaden the mind, make the child worldly and confident,
maybe even increase their IQ. If nothing else it will at least give
context to that song they all sing, "the wheels on the bus go round and
round".
Another useful life lesson that many children do not have the opportunity to experience is doing laundry at the laundromat. Luckily for the children of the PUTP they were given this chance last week when the old washing machine finally broke beyond repair - my respects to ol' Whirly who put in many long nights keeping up with three dirt attracting children. You will be remembered.
Heavy lifting. Use your legs - a practical skill learned at the laundromat
There are many skills one learns at the laundromat - budgeting, math, prioritizing, organizing...and most importantly patience.
There were many machines to choose from - top loaders, triple loaders, front loaders - and all had different prices and took different combinations of money. The children were given the task of figuring out which machine would be best for our needs, the cost, and what kind of coins we would need.
The Math King does some figuring - 2 Loonies and 2 Quarters = $2.50
Then the fun part - putting the money in the machines!
Guestimate the time it takes to dry a load - then figure out the cost @ 25 cents for every 7 minutes
The next couple of hours were a lesson in patience. A quick trip to the park was out of the agenda as it had started to thunderstorm and mindlessly watching the clothes go around and around was not stimulating for the kids. So, that invaluable skill of entertaining yourself was tested. What ensued was a mix of make-a-funny-face-game (thousands of 'funny faces' were made) and colouring.
Funny face #17
Funny face #211
Funny face #1086
Funny face #23400
These kind of experiences are something the children can take with them on their journey through life. There will be times when they won't have a handy washing machine in the basement or a car sitting in the driveway. They will need to know other ways to handle life - not only to survive, but, to thrive!
The garden has become an overflowing box of green. Local experts blame the weather. The ideal mix of rain one day and sun the next provide ideal conditions for this year's mix of garden plants to thrive. Listed below are some of the highlights.
Mr. Greenthumb doing some yoga beside the garden
LETTUCE - The plant that has gained the most from the wet/sun weather is the lettuce. A thick patch of leafy goodness continues to grow faster than it can be eaten by the local citizenry.
What would Peter rabbit think of this?
ZUCCHINI - The rain saturated soil sparked the zucchini plant to grow. And grow it did. In just two weeks it went from a small two leaf seedling to a massive garden-overtaking-pushy-neighbour to the surrounding plants.
Give it a centimeter it will take a meter
KALE - This plant seems to ignore the world around it and grows at a slow and steady pace. Recent harvests by local salad makers have thinned the plants, but, they seem undaunted and continue their consistent pace of growth.
Superfood
Last year's kale plant lived through the winter and sprouted in the spring. It surprised local greenthumbs by quickly bolting and flowering...then producing pods filled with seeds. The garden committee is overjoyed at this situation and plans on taking full advantage of the seeds next year.
Yellow flowers turn into bean like pods filled with seeds
RASPBERRY - In between rainstorms the raspberry patch has been swarmed by bees of all types. Old timers say they had not seen this much activity from the local pollinators in 'near a decade'. The fruits of the bees labour have started to ripen - the first sweet, red, juicy, raspberry was pulled from the plant this week - and the canes are bowing from the abundance of berries. Another record year is expected.
Dense is how to describe the berry to plant ratio this year
If yard saling were a sport the citizens of the Place Under The Pine would compete at an Olympic level.
The family as a whole makes an ideal yard sale team - they posses a mix of skills and abilities :
Vision
Bargaining Skills
Cuteness
Stubborness
GRIT
To see this team in action is truly a life changing experience one needs to witness. It is extraordinary what they can do - what may look like a pile of trash to some can be combed through by the team in seconds (often with only a glance) and any gems, or diamonds-in-the-rough, will be identified...then the negotiations begin.
Watch this short video clip and get a look at the talent this team has for yard salin'
There are many reasons the PUTP does so much garage saling.
Save Money
Be "Green"
Find Unique Things
Tradition
The Thrill of Treasure Hunting
To Kill Time
Fodder for Haul Videos
The following picture represents all of the above mentioned reasons.
The Garage Sale Smile!
Found at yard sale: 1 hockey chest protector ($1), 1 set of hockey shin pads ($1)
Save Money - $2 paid ($50-$75 saved from a new purchase...or about 97% savings)
Green - Reused (one of the three Rs)
Unique - Where else would you find such a small chest protector?
Tradition - We had used sports equipment as kids and we turned out just fine!
Thrill - We went out looking for hockey equipment and were willing to spend some paper money...ended up only spending a coin (twoonie)!
Kill Time - One Saturday morning out of the way...and the kid's had zero screen time!
Fodder for Haul Video - again, pushing the haul video https://youtu.be/6XhXodbI95o
Other notable finds:
Purple Shelf - You need vision to see past the purple haze. This shelf's narrow width is the ideal size to fit in the PUTP's front foyer and hold the ever growing pile of shoes. With a little paint this shelf (that only cost $3) will be the perfect solution for our bomb-gone-off-shoes-everywhere problem.
I would love to see the room this shelf came out of.
Baseball Glove - For the first year T-Ball player the only equipment you need is shoes and a glove. A worn-in glove for a couple of bucks from a yard sale is sure to make any T-Ball player happy.
100% real pleather!
BMX Bike - Children's bikes seem to be on of those items that do not hold much value after you drive them out of the toy shop. The team bought this barely used BMX for $5. Compared to a new bike this purchase is pushing a 95% savings! That is just smart shopping!
The bike fits...but, the helmet does not.
Ah, there we go. A yard sale helmet $3.
More Hockey Equipment - One major deterrent from kids joining hockey is the perception that it is extremely expensive. That can be true, if one buys all new equipment. Suiting up can start at $300 and the sky's the limit. However, with yard sale bargains the team has done it for around $20!
Skates of all sizes ($2 or $3), Elbow pads ($1)
BBQ set - Not the most exciting purchase, but, this set came to the PUTP for $1. This is an example of cut throat bargaining. Stick with the price you want to pay, not the $10 sticker the seller put on it, and more often than not you will 'win'.
Dress - Clothing is a hit or miss item at yard sales - prices, quality, and style vary so much. However, every once in awhile you will find that perfect item (your size, your style, good condition, great price). The best part about clothing at yards sales is the unique pieces you can find. This year the PUTP team has had good luck and come home with a few great fashion finds.
Fun dress
A new stock of t-shirts
Books (and games) : For a book loving place, like the PUTP, yard sales are like treasure chests just waiting to be opened. A majority of garage sales have books for sale. They are one of those things that depreciate in value by 95% with just one use. Every single week the team comes home with a stack of books. And, who can blame them? At 50 cents what bookworm can resist buying the entire collection of [insert any series name]?
On a similar note - since yard saling season began trips to the library have virtually ceased.
Stock those bookshelves for $5
It can be a thrill finding that one book you are missing from a series.
RETRO TUPPERWARE - Everyone knows that classic Tupperware works the best (and it was made before fun chemicals like BPA were invented) and they never seems to wear out. The PUTP team will often spot this increasingly rare item and move in. Sometimes, the price will be so reasonable (50 cents an item!) that it will be purchased sans bargaining - out of respect to the product and the seller (Garage sale rule of conduct #123-03)
Keep your eyes peeled for dependable Tupperware
FUN MUGS - One way the PUTP citizens spice up life is with funny coffee mugs. The best way to obtain unique/fun mugs is at yard sales. Sellers are typically more than happy to get rid of said mugs and therefore the prices are usually very reasonable or can be added onto any additional purchases as a 'freebie'.
TOYS - Toys are a necessary evil of the yard sale. They are the sole motivator for the younger citizens of the PUTP to 'waste' an entire Saturday morning driving from one drive-way to another. There is no other word that better describes the purchase of a yard sale toy other than a BRIBE. The children are brided with the promise of a toy if they attend yard sales. The PUTP is already over its maximum toy capacity, which usually means these yard sale toys are used for only a short period of time and either resold or donated to charity.
To make the most out of the toy situation the team uses it a learning experience with money. A budget of $1 or $2 is allotted for each child to spend as they see fit.
Barbie car. The boy's said it was a 'must have' item.
A One Direction Doll - already missing shoes!
BEDSIDE TABLE - This is an example of what we call a yard sale success items. Bought for $5 this table was dusty, a bit wobbly, and coated in chipped black paint. It only took one screw fixed the wobble. Two coats of navy blue paint to finish the look. And, now it sits in the boys room holding the CD player, a fan...and whatever else the boys put on it during the day (pokemon cards, cups of water, lottery tickets...)
Yet again, this year the team has sharpened their yard saling skills and have proven they are still a top tier garage sale team. With the season almost over they can look back with pride at the treasures they found.
To keep on top of their game the team has already made up a training schedule which includes watching this youtube series Garage Sale Scavenger Hunt.
Happy hunting.
Whipping winds caused a bit of stir in the garden last week by snapping some support strings causing the PUTP's prize winning raspberry bushes to fall over! Luckily, there was only minor damage. The canes have been strung back up, tied to supporting poles with new rope. These poles were then lashed to the fence for extra support. If this year's weather is going to be windy, the PUTP will be ready for it.
Aah, our over-nutured plants cannot handle the wind!
Other than the raspberries, it has been a very slow start in the rest of the garden. The kale is sprouting near a small pitstop the Fairies can use on their way back to the Fairy house.
Tiny Kale near the Fairy rest area
Although, this weekend saw the most gardening activity in weeks with the planting of the tomato plants. Only one set of little hands, lil' Oskie's, were around to help. Gardening is not a chore to him.
See, tomato cage
Lettuce is leafing, Zucchini are zucching...the garden is in good hands.
SECOND YEAR IN A ROW THE FAIRIES WILL HAVE A NEW HOME.
The
Fairy-Home builders are at it again. Donating their time, energy, and
building supplies to help ease the homelessness crisis of the Fairies.
You
may recall that last year this same crew worked on a house for
Fairy-anity (Click Here) and helped at least one Fairy find a home. That one house
did make a difference, however, there are still countless Fairies out
there sleeping under leaves and curling up into flowers at night. More
Fairy houses need to be built.
To
accommodate the varied tastes and needs of the Fairies, this year's
Fairy House is markedly different than last years. First off, the 2015
house is located right in the front garden instead of under the big pine
tree. The colour scheme and fencing is also more subdued by the use of
natural colours and materials. And, as with human housing, a built-in
pool is not always a desired feature.
The Pebble Place
This year's Fairy House (The Pebble Place) was loosely based on designs by a well know Fairy architect Rockcandy, who's mantra is: BE FUN. BE FUNCTIONAL Location, location, location - This year's house is located in the primest of prime locations : amongst the hostas and lillies of the front garden. Close to amenities such as the water spout, the front door, and the outdoor power outlet. The neighbourhood is sparsely populated, recently mulched, and always a priority when it comes to outdoor infrastructure improvements. As well, there is no chance of the lawnmower accidentally rolling over any housing. What more could a fairy ask for?
Real estate is 90% location
The house name, The Pebble Place, comes from the magnificent pebble walkway. An inviting path, lined with pinecones, leads the way up to the front door.
Premium riverstone is used to create the walkway
The door is a custom designed, hand crafted, wood door made by Elli. Hot glued popsicle-sticks have proven to hold up to any weather thrown at them, ensuring the Fairies will be snug and secure in their home.
All Fairies love entertaining outdoors. A lovely (and functional) wood chair and table set, set amongst the flowers, is sure to be well used by any Fairy family. This charming set was imported from Riley's garden supply, located only a few kilometers from the PUTP.
To add some fun, a Fairy sized tree swing was installed. This feature is sure to bring squeals of delight from the younger set. Its location, set on the opposite side of the path, will give enough distance from the adults to allow everyone to have a grand time.
Tire - formerly part of a lego set
The Pebble Place - come out to the open house and see this Fairy abode before it is claimed. Directions: Front Yard, head south two steps, east two steps and look for the sign "Fairy Lane". Actual street address is #1 Fairy Lane.
I am joining Ginny and her Yarn Along gang again, sharing our yarn work and books. To see more knits and books click on the button below.
This week I continue on the crochet elephant for Oskie. I have finished crocheting all of the pieces, now comes the daunting task of attaching them all together. It's tricky work, getting all of the pieces to attach and lay just where you want them too.
CLOTHES, CLOTHES, CLOTHES, MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC, BOYS, BOYS, BOYS - a long title for this book full of short, blunt, sentences. It is a memoir from Viv Albertine, band member of the pioneering all girl 70's punk band The Slits. I heard her interview on Q and thought she sounded interesting. I know nothing about the 70's British Punk Rock scene, am not that much of a rebel myself, but, the book is still very relate able. It's more of a coming of age story, how Viv finds herself in a world that looks down on 'punks' and women...and especially punk women. There is still that theme of sex, drugs, and rock & roll which I find pretty interesting - it's like taking a trip to a foreign world.
AROUND THE HOUSE - We've been reading tamer things with the kids. We seem to be on a Judy Blume kick. I've also started reading Lost in the Barrens to Lolli. At first she didn't think she would like it, but, we are getting into the exciting part when the boys become stranded...and she has changed her mind.
Funny, even though she is nine Lolli still loves being read to.
Elli's Reads - Fudge always makes six year old's laugh.
Lolli's reads - Margaret (being read by Mom), Lost (being read by Dad)
The sun has finally shone its powerful beams down on the garden - things are growing!
The last week has seen the citizens of the Place Under The Pine hard at work getting the garden ready for another year of growing. Sticks, pine needles, garbage, and the lot have been cleared away leaving a blank slate of dirt just waiting to be planted.
As with previous years, the Dirty Hands youth program is in place again encouraging the young ones to get involved in all aspects of the garden from planning to harvest. Last weekend the youngest member of the PUTP was out spreading some nice fresh black earth.
This little guy spread many bag of Black Earth - bought from Canadian Tire for 97 cents!
This weekend the first seeds were sown into the soil. A perennial favourite, and #1 garden food of Elli, the classic 'mixed salad lettuce' was planted. It is expected that this somewhat hearty green will sprout up and withstand any cool weather that could come its way.
Already clad in his summer outfit (bike helmet, shorts, and flip flops) Elli plants his fave garden food.
Last season a half dozen raspberry canes were transplanted to the front yard, along an used section of wall. Even in the shade of the house and the big pine tree the canes from last year are already growing bright green leaves...and new canes are sprouting up from the ground! It looks like a second raspberry patch is well on its way.
Welcome new plants, we will treat you well, and eat your berries.
