The Traditional Play Structure Needs a Redesign

Option 1: Deck hides sandbox and traditional kid swings hang from pergola
(click on image to enlarge it)

Lately, we've been in the market for a play structure (they were much smaller, made of metal, and called "swing sets" when I was a kid--that makes me sound old). To say the least, I haven't been that impressed with the kits that are available. Granted, there are some very nice ones out there, if you want to shell out the bucks. Yet, my biggest complaint isn't the cost as much as the look: most that I've seen scream "play structure." Of course, that complaint doesn't make much sense because that's what they're supposed to look like. I guess that it comes down to me being selfish--I'll admit it--because I want to get some use out of it as well. Besides, there's a great park down the street from us, so any assemblage of a traditional slide and swing in our own back yard would seem anti-social.

Option 2: Dining Area with Deck used as Built-in Kitchen
(click on image to enlarge it)

There are a number of things we would like in a yard structure of some sort: a climbing wall that uses all of those "holds" I bought in college, a pergola, a spot for our hammock chairs, an office (or playroom, for now), an outdoor kitchen, and so on. Furthermore, our daughter will likely outgrow a play structure in five years, so why not build something that will "grow" with the family?

Thus, my design: a sturdy, but simple, frame that includes a pergola, simple deck, and enclosed second floor. (These are simple mock-ups using the draw tools in Microsoft Word.) First, the pergola ceiling can accommodate traditional swings that are switched out for hanging/hammock chairs. You could take down any swinging option and use the area for outdoor dining. The deck to the left of the pergola could hide a sand box and double as a stage (with curtains) for performances (both kids' and small bands'). You could also opt for perimeter benches or (when the kids outgrow the play structure) a built-in kitchen. The wall farthest to the left could also double as a 14' climbing wall. Finally, the second-floor room (a small one at 6'x8') would be perfect for sleepovers and an eventual office. Its deck (note the railing on its right-hand side) could also accommodate a slide. Granted, this may all sound too far fetched, but for now, it seems like a plan worth pursuing. We'll just have to wait and see...

New and Improved Garden

As you may recall from a previous post, the early May storm left a few pine trees in our garden (and on top of my compost bins). I had been making improvements to the garden area, but now it was basically time to start over. After a lot of chainsawing, mulching, and planting, the garden is back in respectable form. The fire pit is a recent addition. It was in serious need of some TLC when I found it abandoned on the curbside. A little scrubbing and some high-heat paint was all it took. I also added some signs to the side of the storage shed, planted some blackberry and blueberry bushes along the fence posts, and built compost bins (not pictured) out of ones I recycled from a friend's house. At this point, my only complaint about the garden is that it's not very "modern," but there's always time to make adjustments later.

A few ideas for future reference:
Nice Fence Design from Apartment Therapy
Sun Sails from Apartment Therapy
Raised Beds and colorful accents from Drummond Home in KC
Modern Planters from Studio Built

For now, we have a nice little spot to sit and watch our food supply (or at least a very small portion of it) grow.

DIY Fountain

Cement in 5 gallon bucket curing around pump's pipe

My parents were in town during the last weekend, so I created a project for my dad and me to complete: a simple water feature. I had been hanging on to an old water pump I bought at a farm auction 10 years ago, and it was finally time to put it to use or get rid of it. Add a little cement and a few lag screws in a five-gallon bucket, a submersed water pump, and there you go: instant fountain. I just need to paint/stain the concrete base so it blends into the rocks.

5 gallon bucket is removed to reveal cement base,
which also encloses the PVC pipe for fountain tubing

Of course, I realize that others may have liked the "rustic charm" of the unpainted version (or at least something less obnoxious than the green); however, once we paint our house a charcoal/slate color this fall, the color will make more sense (I hope). Once we got the pump installed, I quickly learned that my daughter was our project's biggest fan. The flowing water is perfect for "washing dishes," as she says.

The final product and its biggest fan

Play Ball!

It's that time of the year again, and the local baseball team is already in the middle of its season. I think this is the third season for the Southern Illinois Miners. For $4 you can get lawn seats (there's plenty of picnic tables in the first-base-line bar and grill) and enjoy an evening at the game. My daughter and I took advantage of a recent event and had a great time...aside from the roaming, scary mascots (we're not too thrilled about the giant canary and miner, yet).

Why My Mother is So Talented

Before our daughter was born, we submitted requests to our family for a few handmade items. We created the above design on the computer and sent it as a guide for my mother. The final product is below. To say the least, we could not be happier with the end result. It has been a very special addition to our daughter's room.