Wednesday, May 23, 2012

What's in the Backyard


Dandelions and Lath

When you've lived at the same place for over 20 years, it's easy to accumulate a little too much stuff. The lath, at least, is useful. We use it for kindling. We have to take the nails out first, and then break it over the knee into lengths that will fit into our stove. You really don't want to have missed a nail when  you're going to do that. And it's always nice when it breaks on the first attempt.



More useful stuff...
well, maybe

These rusty old wheels really appealed to me, photographically, that is. I asked Kevin what they are and he said they fit inside a wheel and have something to do with the brakes on a semi trailer. My mind sorta zoned out after the first paragraph. I mean, I just need a general idea, not specs on semi trailer brake drums and whatnot. 

I'm not sure why they're lying next to the wood pile and just to the left of the dumpster, but I'm sure there's a good reason. If I were clever, I could think of a way to use them in landscaping - a sort of country accent amongst the flowers. But around here, they would look like just another piece of junk that someone set down on their way somewhere and didn't get around to picking up.

(Hmm. I think I just solved the question as to why they are where they are.)

By the way, they were lying there just like that, posing nicely for a photo.

So, what's lying around your yard today?  And if these wheels are no longer needed for the semi trailer, got any good ideas of what to do with them? They're too heavy for weight lifting - at least for me. But I know how you fellow Bloggers can turn junk into treasures, so I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on this!

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25 comments:

  1. Hehehe - we haven't lived here for 20 years, but we DID move plenty "junk"! Vintage shovels, sickles, etc. litter our yard. . . still waiting for a permanent location.

    You've captured a lovely vignette!

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  2. Hey, just my kind of yard stuff, and my kind of photos. Did you get the new camera?

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  3. Cleaned up the yard a couple of weeks ago in preparation for planting; so for now, all that loiters there are a couple of bags waiting for Jeremy to haul them to the trash for me. And the pansies, zinnias, basil, parsley and new perennial bushes are all waiting for him, too. It's good to have a sturdy son for these kinds of tasks!

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  4. Alas, no, I don't have the new camera yet. I know what I'm going to get, but just not when. The pics lately have been taken with Kevin's $39. work camera that he takes to construction sites to snap photos of ducting, pipe insulation, floor tile, etc.

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  5. My husband now has his own partial acre of land for the 'junk' and his 'junk cars'.

    Somehow I've accumulated dandelions in the back yard but not in the surrounding acre. Wonder WHY that is? And I can't even make tea from them because the dogs are back there. lol

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  6. well the brake parts make a great photo. I have hesitated to take shots of things my husband as laying around, so you have inspired me. look out blog land.

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  7. Great minds.... this is the kind of post I pulled together for today! It's been so busy around here, and the kids are home for the summer starting Friday. Heavens!

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  8. Since we just bought our house in October, we don't have too much laying in the yard just yet... but ask me this same question next year and I'll bet you get a totally different answer :)

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  9. What lovely photos. I love dandelions. My mom used to pay me a penny a dandelion to pick them out of her yard. :)

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  10. Ha! Zoned out after the first paragraph--LOL I zone after the first sentence! The husband is the very same way. That's why I don't ask him any questions. EVER. :) I like those wheels and I get that they'd be perfect for something. But, coming up with that something? Can't do it. Not that kind of creative. I look forward to seeing what you come up with though. Check Pinterest! LOL

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  11. lovely pictures. Not sure what you could do with the break parts. Use them as plant holders and put a flower pot on top??

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  12. We've lived on our 40 acres for over 14 years so I know of what you speak. Most of our "treasures" are relegated to the covered area behind our guest house (where our adult son lives) but at any given time we will have at least one project going on with its associated materials.

    I think it would be cool if you could get some type of wildflower to grow up through the holes of those brake rotors and around them.

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  13. Just dandelions in my yard - none of that cool stuff.

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  14. We are in our condo so I hope we just have pretty flowers and shrubs in our yard! But the dandelions really do crop up everywhere! Your photos are good...I just saw your comment on the camera you are using!

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  15. Those wheels are gorgeous, that patina takes years to develop. Great shots of them...what's with us photographers lately the rustier the better.

    Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

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  16. Would tall candles fit in the brake parts???

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  17. You make junk look beautiful and dandelions too! Thanks for visiting me again, I am now following you!

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  18. Lol! We currently have three huge in truck tool boxes sitting in our back yard. They have been there for three years.... We are thinking of planting flowers on them.

    As for your brakes......I thought they would be cute as the base for a bird house. Stack them up and run a pole through them and stick a birdhouse on top!

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  19. It looks pretty tidy around here...the care takers are doing a good job at this complex. I kind of like the looks of these old rusty wheels lying there. Great pics :) Have a lovely Day!

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  20. I really am at a loss about the wheels. Lol. You're taking great pictures on a $39 camera!

    I saw your family, the two dogs, two cats, and grand dog. They are all precious in their own way.

    Love, sandie

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  21. What's lying around in my yard? A ball and bat, pastels that the girls having been using to "streak" their hair, a tricycle, and a few tools the men used. We walk around each morning and pick them up so that there is room for them again. Never ending cycle.

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  22. Somehow, my husband and I don't seem to collect things. We usually get rid of things or pass them on to family members. I suppose some people could get very creative. I am your newest follower. i hope you come for a visit and follow along. Linda

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  23. Okay...loved reading your post. And in answer to your question...garden art...use the semi wheels for garden art. Set them up on end in one of your lovely flower beds. People pay big money for these iron sculptures! By the way the dandelions look dandy.
    :)

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  24. Owner operators who've been in the business for a while know that having a good truck makes all the difference between a good trucking experience and a not-so-good trucking experience.

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  25. I have a dream about converting all the Dandelions that reappear every year in my garden to some fuel for the car !! The only two excesses that I don't excise are the Bramble/Blackberry bush behind the shed & the next door neighbours unruly overhanging branch full of Apples in September :-)

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