Landscaping can be fun!

Newly Mulched and Bricked, originally uploaded by Geis.

A small section behind the swing set got a make-over this weekend. This is the area the Geislers use to visit the Resslers, the Resslers use to visit the Geislers, and the dogs use to transition from one dog heaven to the next. A section of mesh wire fencing divided our yard from the Resslers. It covered about 3/4 of the property line, running from the back of our yards towards the road. Right after moving in, we joined the Resslers in cutting a section of the fence out. Unfortunately, we had only removed the green wire fence, leaving the skeleton of the fence as a bit of a potential hazard to clothes-line any unsuspecting persons transitioning between the yards after dusk.

Saturday afternoon, we finally took down this section of fence. It was a pain in the ass. About half of the posts had cement footers, so the removal process included hacking at concrete with a mattock.

While Mike and I were working on the fence, Heather dug up the brick line displayed in the picture above. The grass and weeds had been so overgrown in this section, that we weren't aware of the existence of this brick border until sometime last week. It was exciting to find since all the hard work had pretty much been done, and Heather was left to dig them out and clean them off.

Here's another shot of the completed section, with the pond in the right of the frame:

Pond Progress

Pond, originally uploaded by Geis.

Two new additions to the pond this weekend:

stones and fish.



Heather picked up 6 extra-small goldfish from Elmer's. They immediately found a home in the corner under the water lettuce and hyacinth.



If they become less skittish and I can catch them in open water, I'll be sure to take and post a few shots.

New Additions to the Pond

New Additions to the Pond, originally uploaded by Geis.

The mosquitoes are gone! Time to get rid of some algae!

Heather and I went to Elmer's this evening and picked up 3 Water Lettuces (is that pluralization correct?) and 3 Water Hyacinth. We'll see how this works out, but hopefully they take off and create a floating, algae-consumption factory.

The real issue here is that I've discovered another intriguing ecosystem that I plan to implement in the spring. A Bog Garden that overflows into the pond.

This takes care of two major issues:

1. It creates an interesting biological filter for the pond.
2. It allows me to replace the overgrown ivy with potentially cool looking plants!

Rustoleum Epoxied Garage Floor

Rustoleum Epoxied Garage Floor, originally uploaded by Geis.

As I rolled around on the cold cement of my garage floor in an attempt to remove the oil filter from the Triumph, I realized just how disgusting my garage floor truly was. It was at this moment that I created another desirable that would require pursuit before I would be content with the state of the house.

I decided to look into painting the garage floor with an epoxy. After pricing out what seemed to be a pretty reasonable cost for such a perk, I got hard to work. I removed all the random junk sitting around, tore down some shelves from the previous owner, and got to work degreasing and scrubbing the floor. I also tended to some deteriorating cement spots with a vinyl cement filler. This seems to have been worthwhile.

The actual execution of the cement etcher, rinsing, sweeping, drying, and application took about 6 hours or so (although the drying was probably a good hour and 45 minutes in the middle there). While I was applying the epoxy paint, Heather followed and applied the sprinkles (or "jimmies" as she calls them). Although this does not add to the function, it certainly helps cover up imperfections and, in general, just makes the floor look freakin' sweet.

Finally, here is the before picture:


And here is the final product:

Wings and Elliot Ness

Leftovers, originally uploaded by Geis.

Why has it been so long since I've eaten home-made wings rolled in buttermilk ranch with a smooth Great Lakes Elliot Ness draft in my slimy hand?

A little while ago, we grabbed a good few pounds of chicken wings from Wholey's, grilled up a couple, and then froze the rest. Yesterday during lunch, I plopped about 8 full wings into a brine mixture and let them thaw and bring (I guess) for a good 7 hours or so.

We grilled them up on the charcoal grill, and then fired them into a sauce (Red Hot, butter, garlic salt, pepper, Hickory Honey BBQ sauce, etc.) that I had simmered on the stove for about 10-15 minutes.

Let's just say, it hit the spot. We also cooked up some white corn, which was delicious, to complete the very simple, yet very fulfilling meal.

Now I look forward to lunchtime... with leftovers!

Mosquito Breeding

Frog fountain, originally uploaded by Geis.

In the early winter this past year, a large locust tree fell in my backyard during a wicked lightning storm. After cutting it up (with the help of my neighbor, Mike) I formed a small wood pile by the back of my house, next to the sliding glass door. Over time, this wood pile has become swamped with the recent downpours, and has not had much time to dry out. This seemed to create a sweet breeding ground for mosquitoes, as every time we walk out the glass door, we are bombarded by the little suckers (pun intended).
After spending some time on Saturday afternoon moving this wood pile away from the house (I figured it was also bad to encourage carpenter ants to move in so close to my house structure), I decided to see what I could do about the mosquitoes I've been unintentionally breeding in a small pond, also in my backyard.

Luckily, I had just the weapon... I was so lucky as to receive a very gracious gift of a frog fountain from my mother for my birthday this past April. I had postponed it's addition to the pond due to electrical issues, but decided to hook it up with an extension cord for a temporary setup. So far, things look good for Jack, Heather, and I; not as good for the West Nile campaign. The surface of the pond is now in constant churn, which I hope will destroy any future reproduction.

Canonsburg Lake

Canonsburg Lake, originally uploaded by Geis.

Well, you can't win them all. Apparently, the last week or two of solid downpours has left the Canonsburg Lake resembling more of a mud puddle than anything else.

Canonsburg Lake

Luckily, Gadus knew what to do when nothing can see your bait: fish for catfish. After a good few minutes with a nightcrawler sitting on the bottom of the lake, Gadus pulled in a stubby little catfish. Following suit, I managed to pull one in that rivaled Gadus's catfish in size using the same tactics.

Definite potential for great bass and trout fishing. I hope to make another trip in the near future.

Overall Opinion: needs another try
Things to do next time: bring glow in the dark bait?

Virgin Run Lake

Geis and Bass, originally uploaded by Geis.

Gadus and I have decided to make a solid effort this summer discovering and recording potential bass and trout locations throughout Western Pennsylvania. Our first lake this summer was Virgin Run Lake, which is just a few yards off 51 in Perryopolis.

Virgin Run Lake

As noted on the map, Gadus pulled in two large mouth and I was able to land one as well. All three were caught with some fatheads we picked up earlier that day.

Final note: we had no success at all with the nightcrawlers or redworms we brought along; and other than some shallow water sightings, there was hardly any sign of any kind of pan fish.

Overall Opinion: great lake!
Things to do for next time: bring a boat!