Last Wednesday I returned to work after 2 weeks off following Artemis' birth. Before the "break" I had grand visions of building a new deck, or undertaking a similar sized venture. As it turns out, I did almost nothing. Well, physically. I did work on a deck plan, price the materials, and refine the design a bit. But I decided not to do it yet.

So the two weeks of perfect weather went by, and I did what I sort of knew I would - focus on the baby and otherwise chill around the house. However, on Tuesday evening I had an uncomfortable feeling that two weeks at home had passed, and aside from this, uh, baby, I didn't have anything to show for it. So, I went to the nursery an hour or so before they closed, and I planned a little project I could complete in an evening: six plants, some plant conditioner (airy dirt), and mulch.

Luckily I had the idea to build up the planting bed, because the existing ground wasn't going anywhere. Anyone concerned that my shed, which essentially sits on the ground, will be unstable should not worry - the ground is full of roots and clay, and wouldn't budge an inch. But I built up about 10 inches of new dirt, so hopefully that will be enough for the plants to get started.

The plants I selected were: First, an Acuba (rear left), a tropical plant that abounds in northern Thailand. We only have one variety here, but it is attractive. Next, two Azaleas, which are under the shed window - they should get quite a bit taller. Next to that on the right is a Climbing Hydrangea, which should eventually cover most of the vinyl siding. In the front are two trees that I forgot the names for, but they will stay short and provide some texture to the area.

While doing the planting, I recalled why I do so little gardening - I really dislike it. Shoveling is not that easy, and the combination of sweat, dirt, and bugs drives me nuts. Once I get itchy, I'm a slap-rub-scratch machine until I get a shower. The entire time, I'm trying to figure out how long until I'm done. I also dislike working close to the ground, as it makes my back hurt. I think it's safe to say I won't spend my retirement gardening.

The gardening experience is in complete contrast with building, which I can do all day without break or complaint. Unfortunately, naked buildings don't look very good without landscaping. Until I can hire cheap labor - or finish breeding my own - I'll have to occasionally do the green deed. If that's the worst of my problems, life is surely good.

In any case, I got my project done, so I have something to show for my time at home. Not much, but these little improvements add up. Somehow I need to unify the small projects to give the entire yard a finished look, but for now I'll work on little things, like, oh, crap I forgot to mow the lawn today!