OK, I have another confession to make.
When living in Kansas City, I had many dinner parties…as one might expect coming from a dedicated tablescaper.
And I particularly remember one such dinner party…even though it was at least 20 years ago, my guests commenting on my tablescape and all the decor I used to carry out my “theme”.
Added to that was the dinner itself, which brought it all together along with my fun guests.
The next day at my “day job”…one of my invited guests popped into my office and thanked me again for the lovely dinner and as she gushed…she paid me the highest compliment.
She said, “You are a regular blankity blank Martha Stewart”
I remember we laughed together at her compliment reference, because it was intended as a joke, but a compliment none-the-less.
I have never forgotten that reference and over the years I have collected almost all of Martha Stewart “Living” magazines and her annual Christmas Decor editions….because?? Well just because I may or may not like what is inside the pages, but if I find just one recipe or one suggestion, it is worth it to me.
Let me just say this…I am not Martha Stewart nor do I try to be her.
Her calendar of “things to do each month” would make anyone cringe.
But as she has stated when questioned, her calendar is simply a guide of reminders to have the gardeners empty and wash out the 30 plant pots lining the quarter mile driveway and replant them with flowers to match her window shutters or have the outdoor staff clean and sanitize the chicken house and re-paint it every year.
OK, I just made that up, but you certainly get the picture.
She also stated;…. that all one has to do is put reminders on their calendar of things in their lives that need to be done,… such as appointments,
….. or maybe take down the window screens and hose them down with soapy water for a good Spring cleaning after a messy Winter!! 🙂
Ahhhh…… like that is going to happen at my house. 🙂
We do that after a Hurricane visit.
OK, enough jesting.
The point is, it does not hurt to make up a schedule of things to do and do them on a timely basis.
It is called organization.
Now, I am ready to tell you what I bought.
The Captain has this huge gasoline powered power washer that I would not know the first thing about starting, let alone running it.
I mean it is HUGE and scary!
He uses it for power washing the driveway, our entry, Secret Garden pavers, and the fence…. and of course our lawn furniture, as the humidity of our Florida climate is conducive to green algae and stained driveways.
As I have told you before, the Captain flies 7 days and then is home for 7 days, and there are times that I would like to spruce up my Secret Garden pavers with the power washer or the sides of my large pots that tend to grow algae but he is not home to run the power washer for me.
Enter Martha Stewart and her electric power washer.
And her matching nippers (that she calls secateurs, I think it is Latin/French origin) and hedge clippers.
Yes, I bought these items to help me with keeping my Secret Garden up to date and I can do it on my own without help from my husband.
As I have gotten older, I have had to realize that there are some things I can not do anymore.
And believe me, I have done a lot from throwing heavy bales of hay to cattle (in 3 foot snow drifts) to helping birth a colt to chasing peacocks around the pastures.
Living on a ranch or farm does that to you.
And just for the record, I NEVER power washed my chicken house or even painted it in all the years I raised chickens and gathered eggs.
Now, I am considered to be city-fied….but there are still chores that require strength and stamina and having this little power washer helps me to get ‘er done.
I am not being compensated in any way by anyone.
I will keep you posted on how this works out for me. 🙂
Just thought inquiring minds wanted to know.
Have a great and Blessed Day.
Pam Richardson says
Kari, I have the same situation with the hubby having the high-powered pressure washer. I can’t wait for you to let us know how it is working for you. Love your secret garden!
Kari says
Thanks Pam….I will be sure to let you know. Blessings.
Nancy Sharp says
I’ll be looking for your review of this machine. We could use one. We live in Florida too and keeping the area around the pool is a constant job. Well, actually, just part of the deck turns green frequently. I guess the rest gets more sun. When it rains a lot of stuff comes off the screen enclosure too. Thanks for the tip.
Kari says
Hi Nancy, I will be sure to let you know how it works out. I hear yo about keeping our green algae in check. There are pros and cons no matter where we live…but I still wouldn’t exchange it for those harsh Midwest winters. Hugs
Chloe Crabtree says
Your “secret garden” looks amazing, I don’t know how you have enough time to do everything you do! I used to host a lot more dinner parties than I do these days, I kind of miss it! Hoping to see you at Haven again this year!