In 1989, there were still many families who had settled here when the college and this housing were built in the 1950’s. One of the original owners was neighbor across the street from us who’s name was Rex. He had a habit of picking up twin bed frames when he would see them free in someone’s yard. He used the headboard and sometimes the foot board to make porch benches and handed them out to friends and neighbors. They were always just whitewashed, plain pine, but well made and sturdy. He gave us one which had been in my garden for years but most recently has moved to the front porch.
Last week when I washed the cat food remains off the porch, most of the whitewash just washed right off the bench! Presto, it was bare wood in most places. So I handed it over to Cliff to clean and sand, then he painted it as you see here. It is mostly yellow, with green and lavender. These are paints we used in the house and had leftover. This was the last project I could find for Cliff and I think it is a lovely way to remember him.
It is telling how attached I have become to him. He has been a supporting voice and steady hand since I hired him in September. A few days ago, Lil Zen asked me what my motivation was for continuing to find work for him and I told her how much I appreciated having someone who would do whatever I asked without giving me a lot of shit about it. Mr Zen and Lil Zen tend to try to run over me and that leads to friction but not Cliff. He did what I ask and only spoke when he thought I needed some guidance or advice. I will miss that.
As you can see by Itzl's concerned look, this group is for us to check in at to let people know we are alive, doing OK, and not affected by such things as heat, blizzards, floods, wild fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, power outages, or other such things that could keep us off DKos. It's also so we can find other Kossacks nearby for in-person checks when other methods of communication fail - a buddy system. Members come here to check in. If you're not here, or anywhere else on DKos, and there are adverse conditions in your area (floods, heatwaves, hurricanes, etc.), we and your buddy are going to check up on you. If you are going to be away from your computer for a day or a week, let us know here. We care! IAN is a great group to join, and a good place to learn to write diaries. Drop one of us a PM to be added to the Itzl Alert Network anytime! We all share the publishing duties, and we welcome everyone who reads IAN to write diaries for the group! Every member is an editor, so anyone can take a turn when they have something to say, photos and music to share, a cause to promote or news!Monday
Crimson Quillfeather alternate with
Tuesday ejoanna
Wednesday Pam from Calif
Thursday art ah zen
Friday FloridaSNMOM
Saturday bigjacbigjacbigjac
Sunday loggersbrat
on the porch, the colors are a little muted here.I plan to embellish this with painted dots, squiggles, and bands of color. I think I will color hemp string to use in the little creases. It will not rot, will hold its color and will be easier to apply than trying to paint tiny thin lines with old shaky hands. I will post an updated picture when I get done.
What have you been doing?