Chai - more than just a tea....

Carrie and I have been talking about how we would like Vera (our 9 month old lab/shepard mix)to have a buddy someday, but we didn't realize exactly how soon it would happen. We adopted Vera from the Scottsville Animal Shelter back in December and since then, I have been looking at their website at least twice a week to see who else might be available.

Last week, Carrie got to talking to one of her co-workers (who is VERY into animals) and they discussed the option of looking into shelters that do not have a "no kill" policy so that we can save an animal that might otherwise be euthanized if not found a home in the specified amount of time. With this "new" option, we started looking all over the place, and found the CUTEST boxer mix EVER at the Rochester Animal Control Center. They took her in on Tuesday 5/26, Carrie went to see her on Thursday 5/28, and on Friday Carrie (and I) took Vera to meet the little 10ish week old pup. Needless to say, the meeting went well and as of tomorrow afternoon we will have a little pup whom we've named Chai to join our family!

It's going to be a lot of work training a puppy (again) but at this point we think that Vera enough skill to be a good role model for the new addition. More to come...

DIY- Rain Barrel (Part 1)

In early Spring, a friend and I both decided to get rain barrels to water our lawn and gardens this summer. We soon discovered that everything that was available for purchase was a combination of: too expensive, not big enough, or just plain ugly!

My friend found a place close to our office that sold barrels at a reasonable cost. After a trip to Kaplan Container in East Rochester, NY we each bought a 55 gallon - reconditioned plastic barrel. In order to make sure that we weren't going to be pouring acid residue on our grass and garden, the man assisting us recommended that we get barrels that were previously used for food grade materials.

Now that it is mid-May, I finally have a chance to get started on this project. Admittedly this (eventually) earth friendly project will involve some spray paint, otherwise I would be stuck looking at a bright green barrel all summer!

This afternoon I pulled the barrel out on the front lawn and placed it on top of some paper lawn bags. I used almost a can of spray paint (primer) and did two quick coats over the green barrel.

After letting it dry for about 20 minutes I used about one can of tan colored textured spray paint to do two coats over the primer. **If you are spraying your barrel, make sure the paint you buy can be used on plastic.

In order for the barrel to be okay outside "in the elements" the paint needs to dry for about 24 hours. I have let it sit out on the lawn for about an hour so that I can safely move it to the garage without fingerprints, etc. Tomorrow's project will include cutting holes in the top, putting in the spicket and attaching the gutter.

I will make sure to post more information and pictures as the project is completed.