Pond Construction and Landscaping

We have hand dug a small pond that holds about 1,000 gallons US and filled it with tap water, dropped a submersible pump and filter that runs 350 gallons per hour through it. Starting to landscape around the pond today.  There will be two  scoops of river rock delivered today.  Then we will let it overwinter, get it biologically correct for aquatic life and add plants in the Spring and a few comets later.  This is my place to relax. More pics as it progresses.  You can see that our land is rocky.  All those little rocks came from digging. You can buy really nice landscaping rocks cheaply @ .15 - .17/pound.  Need a propane fire pit and bug zapper for comfort outside.  The cats think the pond is for them.

Income Tax Audit

We are being audited by our State's Department of Revenue for taking an energy credit for installing energy-efficient shingles on our roof.  We are on our second round of communication.  I must provide the cancelled check to prove the amount paid out  of pocket.  Would be good of them to state specific requirements in their first letter.

Happy Fall Eqiunox 2014!

I cannot believe two years has gone by.   In those two years my youngest daughter has married and has our first grandson who turns one in two weeks.  My honeybees have been a disappointment.  I am starting all over this winter and hope to be successful with honey output next year.  My gardens continue to grow and flourish.   We have hand dug our first small pond.

The reason for my silence has been grief over losing both parents, and a favorite aunt within six months plus the heartbreak of losing a beloved brother over a disagreement on how to divide our parent's home among five siblings.   I have written an e-book to help explain the Alabama probate system in as simple terms as possible.  I will share bits and pieces here but the book will be on Amazon for .99 in about six weeks with my personal reflections on being the personal representative of my Mom's estate.  Hope you buy it. Proceeds will feed the chickens and bees on 2- dog farm.