I am a Victorian Soul, who lives in a small townhouse that was built in the mid 1970's, not a huge Mega Mansion!! I just recently lost my Hubby Joe, who was a Retired Letter Carrier. I worked night shift as an RN on a Hospital based Rehabilitation( Physical Medicine) Unit for 37 years before I had Knee Replacement Surgery and officially Retired in 2019 after 41 years working in Direct Patient Care ... I am so glad that we retired at 62 years of age and got to spend that time together before he passed....I still do love Retirement!!!!

I DABBLE IN A BIT OF THIS AND THAT!!!!

" IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO BE WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE BEEN"
George Eliot
George Eliot was actually a pen name for a woman named Mary Anne Evans......

BLOGGING FOR FUN AND FRIENDSHIP!!!!!!

Sunday, April 25, 2021

Spring Front Porch and Yard, 2021

 

 

 

 

  Welcome to Debbie-Dabble Blog!!

 
I am so happy you decided to stop by!!
 
Today, I will be sharing our Front Porch now ready for Summer. minus the flowers I plant in all the pots.....
 
On Wednesday, not only did our son , Joey, receive good news that he will be starting a new job but he also received his second shot of the Pfizer vaccine..... 

On Thursday, he was as sick as a dog with a pounding headache, fever of 101, chills and muscle aches....

He said it was like having the flu but only without the coughing, runny nose and sore throat for which he was grateful for....

But by 2pm on Friday, he felt better and he said it was well worth it to now be fully vaccinated....

He was well enough to come over and eat this for dinner......

 
Holy Trinity Orthodox Church here in Wilkes Barre was where we were getting potato pancakes from every Friday during Lent 

This past Friday, they had a "Not Your Mama's Ziti" sale.....
 
 
 It definitely was not the typical Italian ziti that is so very prevalent in this area but BOY!!  Was it ever delicious!!!

 
Each pan was only $18

Joe got 2 pans and I froze one to have at a later date....

We have quite a plethora of birds in our yard because my one neighbor is always feeding them.....


He is always throwing out entire bags of peanuts which the Grackles and the Squirrels, who constantly bury them in all my flower pots!!!!!

UGH!!!

But I did manage to get this photo of these 2 together on his fence, 4 yards down......


Either they are walking in a parade or practicing social distancing!!!!

If you follow me on Face Book, you know I have posted many times about the situation and condition of the house directly next to me....
 
Over these 9 years, both water and electricity has been shut off because of lack of payment multiple times
 
$10,000 in back taxes almost caused the house to be sold at Sheriff's Sale
 
The condition of the back yard warranted us calling the HOA and zoning officer....
 
 
It has been a nightmare for the past 9 years and we knew the condition of the house was bad ...

BUT

The pictures that were taken by the realtor for the sale of the house hid a lot!!!

The rugs that were once beige are now BLACK,  I kid you not!!

The Dining Room ceiling is hanging down with a huge  hole in it because of not first shutting off the water when a leak was discovered and then NOT fixing a leak in the bathroom above
 

The ceiling in the Patio ( which would be the same room as my Den) is also hanging down from a leak in the roof
 
 
The downstairs toilet was in 5 pieces, there were holes in closet doors and some doors were not even on the closets and I do not even want to talk about the condition of the Kitchen and upstairs Bathroom

But the thing that will haunt me and make me wonder for the rest of my life is that the entire one piece unit of pull down attic stairs ( like in the Chevy Chase Christmas Vacation movie) is GONE!!!!

All that was there are a hole with broken drywall of the ceiling creating a border and a board over it!!!!

Did it fall out of the ceiling???

Was it taken out????

And where did it go???
 
Like I said, will haunt me forever because mine took 3 men to install!!!
 
On Monday, This is what my Court looked like....
 

I want to give a Shout Out to this local business because 4 of their workers worked from 10 am until almost  8:30 pm cleaning out this house with only taking a half hour for a lunch!!!
 
 
 
When all was said and done, this trash compacter was filled


Along with this dumpster......

 
All GARBAGE!!!!
 
Again, I kid you not!!!

Needless to say, we had a front row seat.....



Like 2 old men....

Wait!!

Joe is an old man!! LOL!!

The daughter and grand daughter of the original owner's, who were lovely people and like a second set of parents to us, have lived there for the past 9 years

In that time, they managed to destroy this once beautiful home!!!

The daughter passed away last Summer, leaving her brothers, owners of the home, the responsibility of the grand daughter who at 39 years old , never worked, was supposedly an agoraphobic who mostly prowled our neighborhood at night dressed all in black with her face covered and had untreated mental issues....
 

We found this by our car one morning after her escapades at night....
 
 
 
Not to mention the banging on the walls at night and the screaming and yelling at all hours!!
 
Well, the nightmare is over and they have moved the grand daughter out, who by the way was living there until yesterday!!!!! 

Closing on the house is Friday....

We are anxious to see who the new owners are and what they will be doing after they completely gut the house..

Will they use it as their residence or a rental.....

We pray for good neighbors....

But a word to the wise when drawing up your will and if you consider leaving your home to relatives, be sure that they have the financial means to properly care for the house.....
 
This was the issue here along with a hoarding issue

Now back to our Front Porch and Yard......

It actually has been set up for about 2 weeks now.....

I started with having Joe move everything off of the Front Porch.....


He then decided to watch me work......


Frankly, I prefer him out of my way!!!

I much rather do things myself.....


LOL!!

First, I swept off the porch carpeting from all the things that accumulated there over the Winter....

I then ran the sweeper over the carpeting.....

Next, I rolled out the outdoor mat that we bought at Ocean State Job Lot 2 years ago.....


It still is looking pretty good.....


I cleaned everything that had been on the porch over the Winter and started to move it back onto the porch.....




Since the black urns that I had in front of the pillars for a few years bit the dust after this Winter, I moved some of the pots I had around and decided that I would leave them as is and not black them black like I was originally thinking of doing......


Joe brought up all the Porch Decor and Garden Art from our storage shed....



Now it is ready for some warm weather porch sitting......

 
Again, I am sticking with my red, orange and yellow color theme for the front of our house 
 
 

It has provided a nice transition into Fall over the past several years.....

Yes, that is the front porch of the house that I just mentioned......

I just realized that you can see the Meals on Wheels bags thrown on the other front porch......

Sorry......


Faux greenery in an orange lantern.....


A new addition this year is the black and white checked ribbon bow on the lantern.......


You will see this ribbon used in other areas of the porch.....
 

I made this wreath several years ago and this year, I freshened it  up by changing the bow.....

To this one.......

Brightened it up a bit!!

 

Again, because I have weeping mortar ( popular in the 70's when the mortar was not wiped off and smoothed out) I can hang things off of it.....
 

 

In my last post, I shared how I upcycled this Valentine's sign that Joe bought for $4 on Clearance in Big Lot's but since he had a $5 off $15 coupon, it actually was FREE!!!

I painted the hearts in red, orange and yellow to go with the color scheme of the front of our house.....


The black and white checked heart lead to the addition of the bows I made from the same type of  ribbon.....


Joe even drilled a hook into the brick because it kept falling down when it was windy....

 

Also hanging on the wall is Joe's Penguins paver and a Home sign....


Looks like I need to freshen this up with some fresh paint and a coat of polyurethane.....





Bought the red pillows and cushions for the chairs 2 years ago......




In the corner of the porch.....


Another bow on top of the tree that is kept on the porch year round.....



I put a solar light in this red lantern.....


And a Fairy and an Owl on the table....





The black urns that were in front of the pillars bit the dust after this Winter's snow and ice.....


So in keeping with my Goal of not spending money needlessly and shopping my own house, I moved these square planters over in front of the pillars....


In place of where the square planters were, these pots were my neighbor's who said I could take whatever i wanted from her yard when she moved last year so they were FREE!!!!


I was going to paint all 4 black but decided not to for this year....


   These planters will be planted with orange and yellow marigolds....
 
A paver that says " Angels Gather Here" on top of my rusty bird bath......


Here in NEPA, it is not safe to plant any type of annuals until the 3rd week of May when the threat of frost diminishes.....
 
That I have learned from experience!!

Looking down the sidewalk......

 
 The front flower bed under our Living Room window....


Joe bought a new black gutter extension and painted part of the gutter black so it would not stand out like a sore thumb like the white one did last year....


Doesn't that look better????/

 
 Almost the same set up as last year only I moved the toad stools into this flower bed.....
 
The pots in the flower bed will be planted with red impatiens....

 
Now these urns were rescued from the garbage at our church 7 years ago.....

 
Well, that finally bit the dust as when Joe went to pick them up, the bottoms fell out!!!

I did get 7 years out of them though......

So I decided to keep the long planter that was between them here on the retaining wall and move the planter from the other side over to here....

 
They can be easily slid out to gain access to the back of the flower bed and will be easier for me to water..... 

I will be planting these with red begonias.....

The front flower bed on top of our slope with all my Garden Art and solar lights.....
 

 The azaleas are not in bloom yet.... 


 
 
 
 

Red impatiens will be planted in this vintage watering can......




My park bench......



The black pots will be planted with red begonias and marigolds...
 





And this is the front of our  townhouse.....

 
 The phlox on the slope are not in bloom yet....

 
But they are starting.....
 

Soon this slope will be ablaze with color....

 

I also wanted to share this view from our Front Porch one evening....
 
 
 A mix of clouds and Sun.....

 
 
 
I am looking forward to spending many an afternoon when it is shady on the front porch this coming Season.....

In my next post, I will be sharing how I got our Back Patio and cottage Garden back yard ready for the Summer....




So I hope you will stop by to visit again soon!!

Stay safe, healthy and most of all, HAPPY!!

Thanks to those who took the time out of their busy day to spend a little bit of time with me!!

If you do not have a blog, PLEASE  give me some way to reply to your comment, maybe by including your email in your comment.  If I can not find a way to reach you, I will reply on the post where you commented so please check back......


I am linking up to these parties:
 
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18 comments:

  1. Miss MerryApril 25, 2021 at 2:01 PM

    So pretty! Your porch is such a welcoming spot. You guys really worked hard on everything. We haven't started yet. First things first, the entire side of the house needs the vinyl siding scrubbed. We had fun the last time we deep cleaned it. It was a hot day and we had some young grandsons helping with the low spots and squirting the hose while my husband and I climbed and scrubbed the porch ceiling and house. I am concerned because I can't reach like I used to with my arm. But that is not going to stop us.

    What a nightmare. I can't imagine how thrilled you were that someone was willing to take this one. Your joy when the compacter and dumpster pulled up! Your outrage when you saw what was coming out of there. And the scary woman - I hope they get her some help, too. What. A. Mess. So glad that things are getting better.

    We are blessed that the neighbor who was here when we bought our home in 1978 is still our neighbor. She is in her late 80's now and I have told my husband that when she passes we will have to buy her house. I can't depend on luck to see who moves in. I want to pick the person out myself.

    ReplyDelete
  2. DianeApril 25, 2021 at 3:22 PM

    Wonderful pictures and what a fun post Debbie.

    Hugs Diane

    ReplyDelete
  3. BetsyApril 25, 2021 at 7:36 PM

    Good job of getting all cleaning done on your porch. I think Joe was just keeping tabs on you making sure you were getting the porch in order correctly. (just kidding) My husband is like that at times. He said he just likes watching me work. Well ya know that don't last long and you should see how fast he moves when I hear that.
    What I wonder did that woman think she was gonna do with that knife? That is scarry. Glad they are gone from your neighborhood. Gosh, what a mess that place was in. Nice clean place the next family has to move in to it looks to be. Happy week ahead. Betsy

    ReplyDelete
  4. VeeApril 26, 2021 at 1:38 AM

    I love your blog, your energy and positive words. I hope you get a wonderful new neighbor! You really deserve it. Thanks, Vee

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasApril 26, 2021 at 7:15 AM

      Vee,
      Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and for letting me know that you did by leaving such a kind comment!!
      Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
      Hugs,
      Debbie

      Delete
  5. Melisa- pinkernpunkinquilting April 26, 2021 at 2:00 AM

    Your front porch is so pretty, Deb. Love that outdoor rug too. Those little mushrooms are just too cute . We just finished pressure washing our porches the other day . Now I need to decorate them too. I look forward to seeing your back patio . Have a great week.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sandi MagleApril 26, 2021 at 11:48 AM

    Bless Creeping Phlox....wow, you have a lot going on here now, too. And, our house was built in 1972 with weeping mortar...my husband has always hated it, and I'm partial to it...it's holding after all these years. We have only replaced a bit on the corner of the porch that got wacked...lol, hugs, Sandi

    ReplyDelete
  7. Denise/My Home of All SeasonsApril 26, 2021 at 12:29 PM

    Oh my gosh Deb! The porch looks gorgeous and is so inviting. I love the colors. The red rug looks amazing and your sign turned out so cute! I can sympathize with Joey as I experienced the same with my second shot. But like you said, it was well worth to get our lives back. What a nightmare with your neighbors! I'm praying you will get some wonderful ones this time around. I will be starting my porch this wednesday (after what I hope will be the last snowfall on Tuesday.) Thanks for sharing your lovely porch and have a wonderful week!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Creations By CindyApril 26, 2021 at 3:30 PM

    I do hope you get a wonderful neighbor! Girl, I just shook thinking about that girl prowling around at night with all black and that knife! GOOD GRIEF! So glad to hear Joey is doing well. Praise the Lord for some good news! Girl, I wish I had your energy! My front porch is so in need of sprucing up! I need to at least decorate my bakers rack on the porch and spruce thing up a bit! Maybe I will tackle that project this weekend. That Ziti looks yummy! I need to make a pan of that myself. Haven't had that in a while. I love Pasta. Hope you have a great week. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  9. handmade by amaliaApril 27, 2021 at 12:10 AM

    How nice it would be spend a summer's evening on your beautiful porche.
    Amalia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  10. Kim April 27, 2021 at 9:47 AM

    Wow, what a mess at the neighbors, I hope that the new situation is much better! Your porch looks amazing. I love the red rug and all the pretty accents. What a wonderful place to relax! Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Judy at GoldCountryCottageApril 27, 2021 at 4:28 PM

    Debbie, love the red and it will be so pretty when all the flowers are blooming. What a deal you had to contend with for 9 years. I can't even imagine that! The only time it may have been fun was Halloween. It sounds pretty creepy. Hope you are enjoying springtime..xxoJudy

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousApril 28, 2021 at 3:22 AM

    The porch looks fabulous!all you need is a cold beverage ! Hard work always is so well worth it. Enjoy!
    Lisa @ Sweet Tea N Salty Air

    ReplyDelete
  13. JeanieApril 28, 2021 at 10:16 AM

    Yikes. The knife on the car would totally freak me out!

    Love your porch look. I think Rick and his brothers need that company for his mom's house!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Katie MansfieldApril 29, 2021 at 11:09 PM

    I wonder who is boarded up in the attic? Creepy. The knife! Yikes. I'm sorry you have had to live with that next door. I hope you have good neighbors this time.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiMay 4, 2021 at 9:44 PM

    Hi Debbie
    Your front porch looks so pleasant and comfortable. I was sad to read about your next door neighbors, but happy the house was sold and I hope you will get wonderful new neighbors. My mother grew up near Wilkes Barre, PA! She may have even attended that Orthodox church growing up. I have wonderful memories of visiting my grandmother in that town. My grandfather was a coal miner.

    ReplyDelete
  16. NikyMay 5, 2021 at 7:01 PM

    Oh Debbie, your patio looks so colorful and inviting. What a lovely space for you and your family to relax. Too bad about your crazy neighbors, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you that better owners are ahead. What a nightmare.
    Thanks for sharing at Sundays on Silverado!
    Niky

    ReplyDelete
  17. French EtherealMay 6, 2021 at 6:13 PM

    Debbie, your front porch looks wonderful all set up for late spring/summer!! Joe is a trooper to go get everything out of storage (aren't husbands wonderful??). I work with kids who I know for sure one of them will become like this lady who had issues... If they don't stay on their medicine... Glad they moved out and that the house will be redone. What a nightmare for you all!!!

    Anyway, on a happy note, I was happy to feature your post at Share Your Style #302 yesterday evening! I love the squirrel and bluejay! I pinned them to my Animal Friends board. Of course, I usually pin several photos every time and one to my Share Your Style (under French Ethereal). <3

    Hope the new neighbors are quiet, are gardeners and become good friends with you!
    Hugs,
    Barb :)

    ReplyDelete

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