Home of the Practically Perfect Pink Phlox and other native plants for pollinators

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Dominoes

Isn't she lovely

I enjoy  domino competitions (go here for a  fantastic one), not the game domino.  Imaginative men and women  have created fantastic and intricate courses  for the cascading of dominoes.  A cascade  that can be over in a few short minutes  if  successful or in a few seconds if it's a  failure. 

Isn't she wonderful

But, I digress!   As an adult...the word  domino has taken on  a whole new meaning.

    
Isn't she pretty

It's a metaphor for what will happen with any project you begin~~There will be unintended consequences! 


Any and all projects create a cascading  of new projects.  All  starting with the contractor nudging that first domino over~~ Before you know it, you are knee deep in construction projects, mud and smashed plants!

Isn't she lovely

Take for instance~~the bird nest! An enterprising bird built her nest  where it wasn't supposed to be...In the soffit of my house!  She had found soft wood, easily chipped away to create a nice entrance to a cozy condominium for baby starlings and later squirrels!  
  
Not lovely, wonderful or pretty


Naturally, what we thought would be a simple case of repairing one bad corner... cascaded into repairing all the corners of the house,  reapplying caulking to all the gutter seams, leveling  the gutters  and  repainting.
Isn't she lovely


It's like that sometimes!  We are riding out the cascading dominoes to see where we end up! Is there an end?  I think these guys are going to be here all spring.  They keep finding things to fix!

Gail

Just remember, there's a right way and a wrong way to do everything and the wrong way is to keep trying to make everybody else do it the right way. ~M*A*S*H, Colonel Potter

58 comments:

  1. Oh my! Well, at least you are getting the repairs done, right? Your flowers are lovely......Head up chest out!!

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  2. Hmm...it sounds like they are looking for work! At least they will get everything all in order eventually!

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  3. Gail, did I read that right! Your enterprising bird raised baby starlings and squirrels! Please we don't want any birds like that here.

    Best wishes Sylvia (England)

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  4. I have a friend who won't even start a project for fear of never being able to stop - she moved into her house 15 years ago - still has paint chips taped to the walls. Tales of adversity make for good blogs and great personal character, (did I tell you about having 5 sinks delivered from Chicago before we got one the wasn't broken and worked?). The blossoms are lovely, and I firmly believe like all dominoes, there is a point in time when the last one falls into place - may your last domino come sooner than later! Happy St. Paddy's Day!

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  5. Yup, houses are like that. lol :(

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  6. Well said, Gail ... yes, The Domino Effect! Happy St. Patrick's Day. (My garden will be catching up today ... high 60s predicted ... oh happy day)!

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  7. I love the domino effect in life, gardening, everything. And I'm eagerly awaiting nature's own domino effect of SPRING BLOOMS to start soon. No use trying to tip the first domino for Her, either! ;-)

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  8. I call these things the Snowball effect. I think since we dont see snow down here that I should use your Domino analogy instead. We sure do play a lot of dominoes around here... lol

    Beautiful blooms on bloom day too! Love the birdhouses on the unique poles!

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  9. I can certainly relate. That's why I'm always afraid to start a project around the house! Your captions on the flowers kept reminding me of that old Stevie Wonder song. :-)

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  10. You are so right about the "domino effect" Gail. I called a repairman out to fix some cracks in my stucco one year and learned the entire house needed to be re-done. That was the costliest and most surprising domino effect I've gotten myself into. At least you know (or hope) it's done right and fixed now for a while to come. Your spring blooms are beauties. Everytime I read "isn't she pretty?" under the pictures, I was nodding yes!

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  11. The story of my life. If I need to replace the aerator on the faucet I end up replacing every bit of plumbing down to the well pump.

    I need my gutters replaced too but I'm afraid they will have to rebuild the house to hang them on.
    Marnie

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  12. Delightful pretties in your Spring garden!! Ohh..the nesting guests shall be evacuated!!sending smiles and sunshine your way! NG

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  13. The Domino effect for sure. I hope it all gets fixed and soon!

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  14. Sylvia,

    No birds haven't evolved to taking care of squirrels but squirrels are rascals and will move into a bird's nest...I mean who wouldn't want to live in the attic at Clay and Limestone's Chez Cedar abode!

    gail

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  15. darla, I am repeating that mantra right now...

    Dave, They really are a darling crew and friends of the landscaper...Unfortunately it is real work...that needed to get done!

    Barbara, I think it will...and I have had paint chips taped to a wall for years myself...When you think about how easy it is to change paint color mistakes...I have to laugh! Happy St Pat's day to you, too!

    Alicia, They really are!

    Joey, I am thrilled that you are getting a warm day! Michigan needs to catch a break!

    Monica, Well said...we really don't drive that bus do we! I hear a bit of warm weather is forecast for some northern states...is your garden included?

    I am so glad you all stopped by to play dominoes!

    gail

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  16. Gail,
    Your playing a serious game of Dominoes! So sorry for all of your repairs. Houses are like that.

    I play Dominoes every time I bring home a new plant... it seems I move six more... then it grows exponentially as I find a place for those six...

    Cheers,
    Cameron

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  17. Skeeter, Thank you...I think I missed your bloom day post...I saw it, loved the camellia, but can't remember if I commented! Being a woman of a certain age is a pain in the memory!

    Jean, Stevie Wonder exactly! I am glad you heard the tune!

    Thanks for always being here for me!

    gail

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  18. kathleen, That was a giant domino effect! I love stucco houses, but around here it's been a spray on product that traps all the moisture we have. I am appreciating the bird right now! If it bird hadn't carved a cave we might have had worse damage...Here we have to worry about termites moving in! I've been reading a garden book that I think really apples to your garden, two actually...Plant Driven design by the Ogdens and High and Dry by Robert Nold. Nold's book really is for cold hardy dryland gardeners...it was a gift and I am learning a great deal! I do recommend both!

    gail

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  19. It's the process that is so great...

    and remember, perfect is boring.

    xoxo Tyra

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  20. naturegirl, They are gone now...looking for housing in another part of the yard...I wouldn't be at all surprised to see them on a neighbors' eaves! The flowers are sweet aren't they! I hope you are having a wonderful week?

    Tina, They promised they would be gone by today or mid day on Wednesday! Are you going to PPS tonight?

    Gail

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  21. Cameron, Exactly! Sometimes it's fun to have the plants, but in a limited space it does create the need to edit and choose! I removed several grasses and have a serviceberry going to a garden buddy...there just isn't a place for them!

    Gail

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  22. Tyra,

    Well, then the folks living at Chez Cedar will never be bored! How are you? gail

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  23. Gail, I do feel for you:) Every major household project we've tackled has always turned into a seemingly never-ending affair. But as my Dad always says, if you're going to do something, you want to do it right! I'm sure you'll be glad you did when it's all finished.

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  24. Hi Gail! I am actually very, very lucky for I happen to live near the Ogdens (their summer home in Colorado) and get to take their classes at my local nursery. Always packed with information and first come, first served. Definitely a good read and they are entertaining in person as well. The other I'm not familiar with but sounds good. Thanks for thinking of me. You'll have to come west and take a class from them with me!! I think Pam (Digging) lives near the Ogdens in Austin (winter home) but I'm not 100% certain on that. I know she reviewed their book awhile back. Laurens first book is extremely worthwhile too (if you're up for more reading!) it was my first purchase called "the Undaunted Garden". Her last name at that time was Springer.

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  25. Oh, my sympathies...no one wants starlings. Hope your project gets done soon and done right. :-)

    And yes...they are ALL lovely.

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  26. Oh gosh, Gail, what a domino effect. Best of luck for a speedy sorting out of it all.

    I love the Colonel Potter quote!

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  27. Maybe if you offer to pay with beautiful flowers the dominos keep tumbling.

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  28. Beautiful blooms....so very pretty.
    Wildlife can cause problems....very difficult. I try to tolerate at much as I can....but of course there are limits.
    I do hope that everything is back to normal soon Gail.....it can test ones patience......

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  29. Hi Gail, what a fun post, if not a fun experience at your house. So sorry for any damage the workers are doing to the garden. This is the kind of thing that must be repaired and done right. Colonel Potter was certainly one of the all time great characters on TV, wasn't he? I remember the actor who played him from his Dragnet days as the partner of the main character, Joe Friday. "Just the facts, ma'am." (How can I remember that and not what the name of that tulip is that just poppped up?) HA Your photos and flowers are indeed lovely.
    Frances

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  30. It's funny how that tends to happen. Actually, it's not funny, but one tries to laugh in the face of these things. It's a trial having workers in the garden, or anywhere near the garden. I hope the collateral damage is minimal.

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  31. Well at least you are getting these things repaired now before they cause any further damage. They do seem to come in groups don't they?

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  32. An enterprising little bird, huh? Too bad about the repairs, but judging from your flowers, you are definitely doing things the right way! Hope everything falls into place for you.

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  33. I have another quote for you... "It just goes to show, it's always something' Rosanne Rosannadanna.
    Enjoy your spring blooms... and remember, you can never 'just paint the bathroom'.

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  34. Well when it rains it pours! Hopefully they won't find anything else that needs fixing!(-: You will have it all ship shape by summer!!!(-: Happy St. Pattys Day!

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  35. It is just that time of year Gail. As with any project one thing leads to another. I feel like I will never get caught up and the gardening season is just starting here. I thank God every time my DB gets a wild hair to help. He has been so motivated this spring. He keeps me focused. I need lots of focusing. tee hee... Your ladies are indded beautiful.

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  36. How good of you doing your part to stimulate the economy Gail! Ah, the joys of homeownership.

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  37. Gail, this reminds me of a friend who ended up renovating half her home because she bought a new bedspread. It made the paint look shabby so the bedroom had to be painted, which meant the master bath did, too. New paint there made the old tile look bad ... new tile made the old bedroom floors look bad ... new bedroom flooring made the hall floors look bad ... new hall flooring made the living room floors look bad ... new floors in the living room meant they needed new paint there ... I wonder if she ever reached a stopping point? Here's to a less arduous experience for you!

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  38. I'm so relieved you didn't photograph smashed flowers. :-) However, I keep meaning to ask... did the string maze keep anything safe?

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  39. Gail, I loved your analogy. For those of us who have had repairs to make to older homes it is right on! How lovely are all your blooms. Makes me wish mine would hurry up. :}

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  40. Hi Gail,
    I'm glad you have such a good attitude about such domino effects ... I don't react quite as positively. Hopefully when all this work is done you'll be in good shape for a long while!

    [In your previous post]
    We have several of the same crocus (well ours are mostly still hiding) ... that white one is called Jeanne d'Arc and the purple one looks to be "Flower Record." LOL, I had to go look some of mine up recently to ID them....

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  41. Hi Gail,

    I could keep looking at your blooms all day. You've got me in the mood to go out and buy some pansies now.

    Hope there's some light at the end of your "fix-it-up" tunnel :-)

    Melanie

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  42. Hello...I miss visiting with you guys....but soon that will be fixed...I have to get a new computer....once that task and transferring all data is complete..I can spend spring visiting your gardens! Have a wonderful day! Thank you for stopping by! They promise to be gone today! I will believe that when their van is pulling out of the driveway! gail

    Gail

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  43. Hi Gail dear! I am just catching up on your blog. I have missed reading it these past few weeks, getting settled in Austin. Would you believe I am becoming an expert painter! No painting today, I'm off to a Senate Ladies' Luncheon (as a guest of a friend) of all things...!

    I'm delighting on finally having my blog on Blogger instead of 360. For the time being the blog is about repatriation, but who knows where it will lead...one thing I've got to start doing is throwing my camera in my purse like I used to do in Hong Kong. There's lots of things to take pictures of in Austin, I just need to look. I should take some pictures of the house as it is being prepared for our habitation, but right now its SO disgusting...I've just been too close to the dirt I suppose!

    Love you bunches, Lynn

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  44. Hi Lynnie,

    I have been thinking about you and hoping the move has gone well! I will pop over there now!

    Love and hugs to all!
    Gail

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  45. I've been following your blog and a few other gardening blogs over the past few months and I thought it was time to post and say how much I've enjoyed reading your posts.

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  46. Sherri...Thank you and i am very glad you decided to comment! You can't beat the friendliness of gardenbloggers...Are you thinking of blogging?

    Gail

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  47. Hi Gail,
    It is SO true with our home and our garden. One thing ALWAYS leads to another. Sometimes that very knowledge keeps me from moving forward on 'one thing' knowing it will involve three other things.

    I guess when all is said and done with your projects you will be happier you tackled them. But I know how you feel wishing it was over and wanting your garden and home back to yourself.

    Here's to the last domino to fall!
    Meems @ Hoe and Shovel

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  48. Oh, have we ever fallen victim this past year to the domino effect. One flood plus a leak in a wall = tons of money and worrying and contractors and messes and finally, finally, a mostly put together house. I know!
    Brenda

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  49. You've sure touched a nerve with this topic, haven't you Gail? In our case, it's not so much the house (and I can't find the garden yet) but the truck. I swear it sits in the dooryard thinking up things to go wrong with it. and of course my husband NNNNNEEEEEDDDSS his truck. that last was said in the voice of a three year old, or a gardener in search of new echinaceas. ;-)

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  50. It's true. I've seen it too and you've touched a topic that feeds our thoughts....
    Lovely blooms, Gail. [Thoughts trailing away...]

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  51. Beautiful pictures. :) I'm so happy to have something to take pictures of now.

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  52. Gail, your flowers are so lovely! Spring has sprung at your house along with the Domino Effect. I think everyone is able to identify with it. Last year our Spring started out that way with a hail storm and roof damage. Hope your home improvements are finished soon and you can spend more time out in the garden with all those lovely flowers!

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  53. Hi Gail - we've had to have all of our soffits sealed last Autumn to stop the pesky squirrels getting in to nest, so you have my full sympathy!

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  54. Our lists just grow longer and longer don't they? What in the world would we do if we didn't have home and garden projects to do though? Seeing your broken into soffits makes me glad I have vinyl. Our old house had wooden ones too. I wonder if that tapping I occassionally heard was some sort of wildlife. The thought hadn't really occurred to me....

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  55. Well good luck with all those fix-it projects! And all the girls ARE lovely. I was happy to see my neighbor's yellow crocus start blooming yesterday. Will have to get me some of those little yellows, as my big purples won't start blooming for a few weeks yet.

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  56. I hear ya - sometimes it seems there is no end to repairs once you get started! I enjoyed your lovely pics of your spring flowers. Hopefully we'll have some here soon - once the snow melts.

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  57. Oh Gail,
    I like visiting your blog, everything is so bright, happy and inspiring!

    Happy spring!!!

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  58. I do know what you mean, Gail - that domino effect. And nothing exhibits that more than repairs. I'm afraid to start here! We'd run out of money before we had barely begun! LOL.
    Beautiful blooms - they are ALL lovely!

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"Insects are the little things that run the world." Dr. E O Wilson