What's going on in Smokes NEW BACKYARD

[Smoke]

Well...last girlfriend after my Wife died, had a heart attack during Covid and died too. Only 58 years old. Back to online dating, found the love of my life. We meshed from day one and never looked back. We got together in Sept of 2020, and did the dating thing during covid. Not an easy thing to do with a mask on..

By the second week in Dec, I told her I had to go home one Sunday early to water. She said why dont you put your trees here so you dont have to go. I explained to her that that was not an easy thing like pack up trees move them across town, spend the weekend here and then move them all back. She said, " no silly, move your trees here and leave them". I cocked my head and said do you understand what that means? It means that they would be here "permanently"...she said "I know" Hmmm...Al is wondering what he did right. I never had a person latch on so hard so fast. I told her that I would need quite a lot of room, would have to build benches, and all that. She said you have the whole back of the property to do what ever you want. She is on an acre. I had half an acre to do what ever I wanted.

So I made a plan, started doing ground work and built benches. Put in underground water on timers, lots of electricity, full flood lights for evening viewing, water falls, landscaping, the works.

 

[Moridin]

Very Nice!

 

[19Mateo83]

Looking good!

 

[Smoke]

This all lasted thru February. Summer came and I decided to build a patio onto the back of the house. She has a 4000 sq ft house but the back has absolutely no shade. I added 300 sq ft of patio. That lasted most of the summer. I forgot to mention I went back to work full time.



By now it was Fall and we left in Nov. for two weeks in Hawaii. We had a blast.
Went thru the holidays and spent some time in So Cal at a few bonsai shows.


So now we come to Spring of this year and Al has an itch. I added onto the garage workshop, I moved in here last Sept. I added a Tokonoma and a bench to hold all my pots which is already over flowing and many more have not even come in yet.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Congratulations on the new Fleet Admiral!

Quite the nice spread. I wish you well.

cheers
DSD sends

 

[Smoke]

Night time at the Bunker. I am especially proud of the ceiling of the Tokonoma. I wanted to do something never seen much outside of Japan or national parks.


So....what going on now...well taking multiple layers off a large maple in the front yard. All the trees are from the pollarded ends of the limbs and each is about 35 years old. The trees are all about 10 inches across at the layer and all less than a foot tall....true Sumo's.

 

[Smoke]

My first tree I dug out of the yard was this Crape Myrtle. Its about 30 years old also.


My latest passion is collecting Painted Shohin pots. I find them fascinating and wish I could buy every one. After purchasing a special pot, a very distorted rustic Bunjin pot by BON SAI and it coming in a box, I decided that my new pots should have one too. I am now building boxes for pots, anyone out there that knows Roy Minerai, or any other special potter that needs a custom box, I make them. These boxes are made of bass wood, which is the closest I can find for Powlonia. BUT...I also am making them of black walnut and they look super. I include my own tumeric cloth, of course mine is Smoke Thong Pink.



More later, bed time.

 

[Hartinez]

I’ve been watching Al. Great work all around.

 

[19Mateo83]

So that’s where all the good pots have gone! . Looks great! You two look happy and that makes me happy…. I like seeing people happy…. Best of luck to both of you!

 

[vp999]

Very nice trees and pot collection! I love painted pots too and starting my own collection...but the nice ones are so expensive.

 

[Godschick]

Wow you are a busy man. Everything is looking most excellent and the collection of trees and pots are amazing. Can’t wait to see them! Great story ending by the way.

 

[Shibui]

no silly, move your trees here and leave them". I cocked my head and said do you understand what that means? It means that they would be here "permanently"...she said "I know" Hmmm...Al is wondering what he did right. I never had a person latch on so hard so fast.

At a certain age ladies seem to recognize that time is limited so not enough left to play the longer game.

Pity about full time work again but a move always offers the opportunity to make changes you wished you'd made in the beginning. The trees look well settled in and thriving.

Congrats on the new partner and the new ranch.

 

[fredman]

WOW... i'm glad to be seeing this. Life is to be lived....and you're doing it.
I'm glad you're happy, and still doing what you love Al.
Love the instant (kinda) Sumos.

 

[rockm]

Wow. so you sure she isn't in it for the free yardwork? Seriously, great job!

 

[Bonsai Nut]

do you understand what that means?

My wife is still trying to figure out what it means

Great to see you back! Talking with Ed about water issues... hope you aren't too impacted!

 

[MACH5]

Great! I specially like the outdoor tokonoma. I would like to eventually build one. If you have build plans that you can share I'd love to see it Al.

 

[Cajunrider]

Congratulations Smoke!
I'm glad you are out of the choppy water. Fair winds and following seas to you.

 

[Colorado]

Wow, great looking backyard. It is evident that you are a very skilled builder! Good luck on your new life chapter

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Looking good Al…trees too.

 

[Smoke]

Great! I specially like the outdoor tokonoma. I would like to eventually build one. If you have build plans that you can share I'd love to see it Al.

Plans? I dont need no stinking plans....