Yesterday I popped by Mrs. HB’s place to drop off some plastic livestock. If you’re a long time reader of this goofy little blog of mine {Seriously… how has it been 9 years already?!} then you all remember the whole Pink Flamingo Sanctuary and how the idea of filling my back yard with pink plastic yard art got started.
Yada yada yada…. I felt like it was time to pass them on… to a new home. I had thought about placing the flamingos randomly throughout the neighborhood or decorating the HOA grounds with them, but in the end, I wanted Pinky and her crew to go to a good home. I wanted them to be loved and enjoyed by someone who was as equally passionate about rules and regulations and ornamental yard art. And, well, Mrs. HB’s place seemed like the perfect fit.
That Mrs. HB. She LOVES to decorate.
Check out those tiny red pepper plants she added to her pots. I would have never thought to do that but the color is PERFECT for this time of year.
Every nook and cranny on the inside was decorated too. And HB Boy was in the kitchen making peppermint cookies and hot cocoa mix for his friends. Oh to have school aged kids again. I miss the craft projects, classroom parties and watching the excitement of the season unfold through their eyes.
But the real reason I was over at Mrs. HB’s yesterday was because we are planning on expanding her garden in the next few weeks. Mrs. HB is leaving her old job at the end of the year, and will have a window of free time to get some projects done before her next job starts. I suggested we take a trip to Scotland. But she said Mr. HB wouldn’t go for it.
And so expanding her garden it is. It’s our winter project.
Gardening in the Northwest is kind of weird. The ground rarely freezes {and if it does, it’s never for very long} and so winter is the PERFECT time to get out there and get those larger projects done. And since neither of us minds working in the cold, and we both have some extra time on our hands, now is as good of time as any.
Plus, this whole garden expansion project will keep us out of the clubs, reduce the amount of money spent on glitter and nail polish and hey, it’s good exercise. So why not? 😉
Wishing you all the best on this chilly December day.
~Mavis
Mama Cook says
Oh man do I wish I was Mrs HB right now! We have a HUGE garden to plan (since we just moved onto 1.5 acres) and could really use your expertise!!!
Super fun ladies!!!!
Lindsey says
Hmmm… getting rid of the flamingos. That is significant. Tell us already!!!
StephanieZ says
My thoughts exactly!
Carolina says
Getting rid of the flamingos—sounds like you are getting ready to “stage” your house for a sale. That, and your recent trips to the east coast. New England is gonna’ welcome you for sure! We are even looking for a white Christmas this year, almost certainly.
Rita says
Mrs. HB is going to miss you big time as I’m sure you will miss her.
Debbie says
I still want to get a pair of the huge Flamingos like the ones you had!
Carrie says
I was just thinking about Pinkie and the girls the other day. Glad to see them living it up!
Stacie says
What kind of boards does Mrs. HB use to construct her raised beds? I used regular non-treated boards 2 years ago and some are already rotting and falling apart.
Carrie says
I used untreated cedar boards two years ago and they are still going strong.
Mavis Butterfield says
I’m not sure about the area that I am standing in as it was part of the original border of her kids play area that was originally filled with play chips. But whatever was used, is holding up after 11 years. Mrs. HB’s garden boxes though were made from untreated cedar boards that she purchased this year from the Boy Scouts.
Mrs.HB says
Honestly HB Boy constructed these boxes with his Boy Scout Troop last year . I believe they are treated cedar but can’t say for sure .
Stacie says
Thanks for the replies ladies! I’m going to try cedar; I believe the ones I had been using were pine and it’s just not holding up as well as I’d like.
Carrie says
Pine would be the worse choice. As you saw, pine decays quickly!
FarmGirl says
Everyone needs a Mrs HB!!! What a wonderful friendship you two have!! If you move to the east coast I can only imagine how much she and your parents will miss you!
Merry Christmas!!
Mrs.HB says
Tearing up now as I contemplate this possibility!
Tracy says
When are you going to reveal your new house?
Sue says
I had the feeling when you were cleaning up the yard and giving Pinky and the girls a bath something was up. Whatever it is we are waiting patiently to know the rest of the story. We are down sizing now to a new place, just wish I had someone like the girl on board with me. Good luck and best wishes in the days ahead.
Sue says
Hey, me again has it really been nine years since we all sent the pink girls to you, my how time flys. Glad they will be with Mrs. HB and will stay with all that southern goodness. Lol!!!!
Mrs.HB says
🙂
Practical Parsimony says
I have always wanted pink flamingos. Mrs. HB is a lucky woman. While it would be fun to annoy the the HOA, they would probably just toss them in the trash, a shame and a waste! I thought of them when I looked at my flamingo lights. You just buy tiny little flamingos that are meant to fit on a string of led lights. She has a great display at her house.
I see a fish in the kitchen by the cocoa and cookies. Whose house is that? Can you show a better picture?
Mrs.HB says
Fish was a wedding gift . I grew up with a lot of ocean influence from the Gulf of Mississippi . It is an Arthur Court piece.