Sunday, June 9, 2019

My front yard changing, a baby brontosaurus and books

Here is a cute baby brontosaurus, or that is what I imagine him to be. He is in the playground at the community center where my once a month book discussion group meets. We meet in the building, not in the playground. I have attended three times, the group is open to anyone (they let me in, ha ha), and it has been led by the same lady for about 15 years.
This view shows the mural behind him.
The book we are reading in June in our discussion group is Moloka'i by Alan Brennert, which was written in 2004. I see he wrote a book Daughter of Moloka'i in 2014. A seven year old has a red sore on her face and is sent away from her family to the leper colony on Moloka'i in Hawaii. I have started reading it, the subject of a child taken from her home and enduring leprosy is a rough thing to read about. I don't know if I will finish it, I am trying to.

The book we read in May was Atonement by Ian McEwan. I loved this book and in the group discussion I said that the ending raised it to genius level, where the author through a character talks about the power of a novelist to give his readers a happy ending or a bitter ending, plus of course create an entire story and cast of people. Read the book to find out about the man unjustly imprisoned, the love of his life, and a troubled 13 year old who lied to convict him. How could she ever atone? Quite a few people in the discussion group liked the book but did NOT like the ending. It was not a simple or straight forward ending and was disturbing to me, but still, I thought it was genius for originality and writing skill.

My front yard has been a mess this past week as it is transformed into a thing of beauty, sort of like us sometimes, and like the Velveteen Rabbit. Everything is coming together.
This above photo is from June 6 2019. See all (some) of my new plants? About 50 actually.
The flagstone is Arizona Flagstone.
Above is me on June 5 2019 before the wood chips were added around the plants.
Below is photo I took on June 7 showing the trellis taking shape.

P.S. Work was completed on the trellis, flagstone patio and plantings on June 11, so I will post soon with photos of the completed work. Shall I leave the redwood trellis as is, or paint it or stain it? I am thinking of staining it a "faded barn red" to match the front of the house. What is best?

44 comments:

Vallypee said...

Your house is very charming! How lovely it all looks in the sunshine. I started reading Atonement years ago, but couldn't get into it at all and gave up. Maybe I should give it another try.

The Weaver of Grass said...

I belong a Book Group too. Last month it was my choice, which I loved - Happiness by Aminatta Forna - the group loved it too on the whole - just one person didn't really care for it at all and one was not particularly impressed. This month we are reading 'The Salt Path' by Raynor Winn - I have enjoyed reading it but don't think it is particularly well written but as it is non-fiction the story is obviously of more importance.

Ann said...

I can definitely say without reading it that I would not like the ending of that second book. I like books that wrap things up for you or at least don't leave you totally hanging.

Your front yard is looking nice. Looks like a lot of work though

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

Great pictures! I liked Molokai so much and hope to read his new f/up this summer as well.

Susan Heather said...

Your garden is looking good.

Maebeme said...

Your front yard is going to be lovely. I've never heard of either of those books, though I must admit I tend to read mysteries more than anything else these days. Enjoy!

Granny Marigold said...

You're really doing a lot of work on your yard. The trellis/arbour is looking great too.
I haven't heard of either of the books you mention but that's not surprising when you think of all the books that are out there.

Betsy said...

Your yard transformation is beautiful. Our yard is freshly mowed this afternoon and it always looks so pretty when it's freshly done. I really like the flagstones you chose.
I've often wondered if I would fit in at a bookclub. Your's sounds really great and interesting books.
Blessings,
Betsy

Pamela M. Steiner said...

Your book club sounds interesting. Certainly makes you think when you have to share what you've read with others. Not sure if I am a good book club candidate. I like to read for pleasure and relaxation, and then move on to the next book as soon as I am finished with one. No time to talk about it. I usually forget as soon as I close the book anyway. LOL. Your yard is going to be so lovely. Can't wait to see the final product. Enjoy!!

Lin said...

Oooh, the yard and garden is amazing!! LOVE the pergola.

I would not like the book without a definite ending. It would drive me crazy.

Unknown said...

Looking cute sitting at wood chips. Good blog.

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Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

I think I read Atonement few years ago. It sounds familiar, but I am not sure. Sometimes I read book after book after book and then don’t pick one up for a year or so.

Your home is lovely. I like everything you have done to it.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Isn't he cute. My grandson's room is all dinosaurs. The yard looks lovely!

Wanda said...

You look adorable sitting with your smile and hat! Love that!

DeniseinVA said...

I do like the look of your garden Terra. Must be lovely to see everything come together, and so rewarding. Thank you for the selection of books you shared today. All seem to be a very interesting read. What a great idea to hold a book club in these surroundings. The sculpture is delightful.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

I can't imagine leading a book club for 15 years. That is amazing! I don't think I could even be in a book club because I really have to be in the right frame of mind to read. But, I do have lots of books piled up and I am really, really trying to get through them one by one. Mostly I'm reading about nature and the environment as that's what interests me right now. And speaking of the environment, your yard and that trellis are looking good. Take care, Tammy

Cynthia said...

When all those new plants take off, your garden is going to be lovely! I read Atonement when it first came out and liked it a lot. Did you like Moloka’i? I need a new novel to get lost in.

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Love the picture of you sitting on the flagstone. Your front yard is looking good and I know you'll enjoy watching things grow and bloom for you.

Have a wonderful summer dear Terra ~ FlowerLady

Susan Kane said...

It takes much work to finally get the garden where it should be. Good job. I love the look of your house!! reminds me of our previous houses.

A baby brontosaurus! I bet that is a big hit with kids!

stardust said...

I was a member of Informal Reading Group led by an English professor. Reading books in English lasted about 15 years. Our last book was The Book Thief. I’m happy for you that the front yard is getting nicely shaped during the transforming period. The result would be fascinating. I wonder what plants will adorn the trellis. Nice to see your smiling face in the photo. Keep up the good reading.

Yoko

Friko said...

Atonement is a very good book indeed. The film wasn’t bad either.
I hope you will show pictures of your new garden when the plants have filled out a bit. I am curious to see which plants you chose.

Linda said...

Loved seeing the pic of you! And your front yard is looking awesome!
Could you email me about your Texas visit? I can’t find a way to contact you directly. My yahoo address is on the right side of my blog. I’m excited about you being in Texas!

Michelle said...

Your house looks so cute. I haven't read Atonement, might need to add it to my list.

Gattina said...

The brontosaurus is cute ! Your front yard will be very nice in a while ! Your house looks a bit like ours !

Shug said...

such a cute little dinosaur .....I'm guessing the kiddos love to crawl all over him. I need to take more time and read, but I always have a hard time keeping my focus. I have too many loving grandkids that are in and out of my place all the time. Your place looks great and I know you are enjoying it....

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Loved seeing your photo!!! Your front yard is looking good!! Thanks so much for stopping by and for taking the time to comment!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Rita said...

Your yard is really looking nice. Love the flagstone!
That looks like a baby brontosaurus to me, too.
A book club sounds fun!
Have a great day!! :)

Blondie's Journal said...

Hi Terra!

Both books sound good, I'll look them up. This is one of the great things about book clubs-you read books you might not have picked out yourself. I found that very much the case in my English and Social Studies classes in college.

I love what's happening at your house. Those plants are going to fill in so nicely. I love the trellis, too. I couldn't tell if it has a slatted/arbor style top. Are you going to plant anything to climb?

Keep us posted! :)

Jane x

Little Wandering Wren said...

Oh exciting a new garden design - looks like it is going to be a lovely spot to curl up with a good book!
Happy gardening and reading!
Wren x

Barbara said...

Like you, we've had some extensive landscaping done this week (and last). Yours is really coming together well.

Evi Erlinda said...

Can't wait to see a great patio

Have a wonderful week end!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love that flagstone...very beautiful colors! Everything is looking good! Enjoyed hearing what books you are reading too!

Laurel Wood said...

A fun place for your book club to meet. Your yard looks great. It will be fun to sit back now and watch the plants grow. I love the trellis and the stonework, also. Thank you for visiting my blog. I do hope you will return and I look forward to following you.

A Casa Madeira said...

Beautiful photos.
I loved knowing your blog.
janicce.

Red Rose Alley said...

It looks like you're doing lots of work around your house, Terra. The patio is very nice. I love that hat you're wearing, and the color! It's starting to get hot here, and the air conditioner is on often. Oh my, these California Summers. ; )

~Sheri

My Grama's Soul said...

Hi Terra.....I have read both of the books you have commented on today.....I enjoyed them both. My book club absolutely loved Molakai. Looks like you also have a pergola at your home....those are so spectacular when covered with plants and provide such shade when it is needed. Thanks for dropping by....I have not been blogging as much as I used to..I hope to pick it up again.

Jo

Liz Hinds said...

Nice!

The book does sound hard to read. i have read Atonement but can't remember the end!

Buttercup said...

Love the brontosaurus. I've got Atonement in my infinite "to read" pile. I will definitely move it up on the list after reading your thoughts. Thanks!

Marilyn Miller said...

Your yard is going to be just lovely.

My Tata's Cottage said...

You have quite a book list! I sometime buy books at the Dollar Tree and several times I ended up buying more books from various authors. I will never forget how you researched a tea cup I found and sent me the history of it. You are one of the nicest bloggers I have met in this blog world. :-) Your yard is looking very lovely. We have so many projects going and our kids have been helping. One thing at a time.
I love seeing your photos and it is always a joy to stop by and say hello.
HUGS and LOVE

Rhodesia said...

Your garden is looking good, love the Brontosaurus :-) Have a good weekend Diane

Susan said...

Hi Terra...Thanks so much for the book recommendation. Also, for stopping by my labor-of-love. Always love to see that you have visited. Have a blessed week ahead. Susan

Carole said...

Interesting books. cheers

Small Kucing said...

I have Ian McEwan's books in my To Be Read Pile. Bought too many books and not enough time to read. LOL