Ekotone

Before

After

Now, it needs to be said that this will take dedication. Lots of it. No, not the arguing with the teenager – that’s easy. The training of the dogs!
Please take time to review the many resources available online and at you local library that discuss the systematic approach to achieving this magnificent dog euphoria.

END THE POO HUNT
I have elected to crate train my puppies and maintain control of water, food, play time and most importantly, potty time . . . at least until the desired behavior is achieved. Along with our selected style of positive training we decided to train the new puppies to do their business in the same 4 foot by 4 foot location each time.

This is tedious! However, the payoff of cleaning and maintaining a tiny area as opposed to the entire yard seems well worth the effort.

RAISED GARDEN BED
I recycled 240 red bricks I had laying around into a double-wide square brick wall. Then, lined the space with weed resistant fabric, pebble filled to about 1.5 inches deep for drainage, piled on and tamped down twelve bags of top soil. Lastly, topped with two rolls of 2×4 feet sod.

I used the dog pen as my loose template for the layout. I built my wall around it and used no mortar or glue. This is free standing and only four (4) bricks high. I improvised some steps at the last moment. This is really a mid-length solution, as you can see from the photos – I’m merely a dirt farmer. This should last two Summers until the backyard renovation.

The metal pen will gradually be phased out as the dogs behavior is shaped and they take ownership of the space.

It just recently occurred to me that this is in fact a Lifestyle site, not just a DIY site.

So, I decided to see how well this (phone) could handle all the things I need to accomplish for a full blog post. You know, see how well I could accomplish this post while not attached to my laptop, chained to a desk at home.

• my most recent post was completed using my Motorolla Razor smartphone.
• Downloaded and used the WordPress app to organize and format.
• I dictated the entire post and only used the keyboard for corrections and fine tuning.
• Camera phone photos.
• Color corrected, cropped,  doodled with basic camera software options.
• connected via my data plan and/or wifi.
• Checked formating via browser app.
• I even approved feedback.

I must admit, this was much easier than I anticipated. There goes another excuse for not maintaining a fresh lifestyle site.

Viva Wanderlust!

Apartment Therapy reminded me of how fun making your own costume can be.

Thanks John Gleeson Connoly!

Homemade costumes are the best.

I have had this interesting vintage crate around the house for years. It has served many faithful functions. Until recently, I did not allow it in the house because I have freshly refinished oak floors and could not bare the idea of letting this crate scratch it up. So, banished to a corner in the kitchen it went and remained. Now, it has an upgrade and is a very welcomed re-addition to my home.

And, with the addition of the rubber wheeled casters, it can literally go any where in my home . . . happily.

Supply List: I paid less than $10 total from my local hardware store. I already owned the screwdriver.

• 4 – 1 1/4 inch swivel casters (rubber wheels)
• 16 – small screws
• 1 screwdriver

Simply invert the wood crate and space out the casters evenly in the corners, not too close to ensure you do not split the wood. I would say about half an inch from the edges would be adequate. Also, the depth of the screw is important, make sure it does not go all the way through. Being careful, insert and tighten the screws all the way down.

I attached the caster to make a basic top loading style. However, you could easily place the casters on the short or long side making a rolling storage shelf.

A grouping of these would make for interesting side tables, shoe racks, plant stands, additional bathroom storage. So many possibilities!