Yard Renovations 🌧️

We’ve had ongoing #flooding in the yard, and after one too many heavy rains, we decided it was time to fix the problem the right way. When we first looked at the Bungalow to purchase, I sunk down a bit in the squishy back yard. Then the #Airstream sunk down a bit in the squishy back yard.

Then a deluge of rain within 24 hours happened.... so last week we installed French drains to help move water away from the house and keep the ground from staying saturated.

Right now, the yard is torn up with #trenches and piles of soil, and it’s not the prettiest stage and I keep reminding myself that this is part of the process. The goal is a #yard that drains properly, stays healthier, and holds up better through the seasons. But, dang, what was pretty green #grass is now full on dirt. And the #BabySharks are not happy it happened in their small play yard.

The Baby Sharks are still on porch patrol, watching every step, while we practice patience and trust the long-term plan. 💙

#FrenchDrain #YardDrainage #FloodingYard #HomeProjects #AppalachiaLiving #PorchPatrol #MountainHome #FixingTheProblem #PatienceAndProgress #CountryLiving #HomeImprovement

Porch Patrol is on duty 🐾🌄

Four Yorkies, one Appalachian yard, and absolutely everything to investigate. Sunbeams, fallen leaves, mysterious squirrels, and important smells all require immediate attention. Not to mention pee breaks. Patrol routes have been established, perimeters checked, and morale is high. Zac (17), Auggie Doggie (8), The Baby Sharks: Buzz and Gracie (1).

Appalachian security system: small, fluffy, fearless. On the look out for Cali and Smoky Cats and something to bark at. ✅

#PorchPatrol #YorkieWatch #AppalachianLife #BlueRidgeMountains #TinyDogsBigJobs #PorchLife #Appalachia #Appalachian #Dogs #Dogsofediverse @DogsofMastodon #DogsofPixelfed #Yorkies

Renovations Round Two: Turning our once unused and fairly useless back porch into a fully usable mudroom will be one of the "non-era" remodel we will be doing on the #AppalachianMountainBungalow. 🛠️

What used to be a simple little entry space (swipe for the “before”) will become a beadboard paneled tiny room to store our muddy boots (we still have a major drainage issue to fix on the back property) and a place to collect "this and that" as we come in from the back door.

What is not shown in the picture are the three very wide windows. Right now, there is wood board covering the spaces. This little room will be flooded with natural light. Once the custom windows arrive, in two weeks, our carpenter will install them so the official Porch Patrol Yorkies can keep an eye on all important neighborhood happenings (including Calli and Smokey the cats whereabouts). Yes, I did measure, with the Yorkies, to make sure they could see out the bottom window.👀🐶

There will be much needed added storage, weather-proofing, and cozy touches to make this tiny back entrance work big for our everyday life: muddy boots, groceries, wet paws, and all. Honestly, it will keep our floors so much cleaner and provide a bit of much needed extra storage. ✨

#Mudroom #PorchRemodel #BeforeAndAfterHome #SmallSpaceRenovation #HomeImprovement #YorkieLife #PorchPatrol #DIYHomeIdeas #OldHome #AppalachianLiving #Appalachia

There’s something special about rainy days in the #Appalachians. It brings a quiet within you if you let it. The small world around you stops spinning and begs you to take a break.🌧️🍂


People and wildlife seek shelter while the sound of the drops tapping on the new tin roof, the smell of wet earth and pine, and the way the mist rolls across the ridges and down in the hollers brings October to a close. It feels like time slows down here.

The Yorkies curl up on the porch beside me, watching the world go by as puddles form in the gravel. Not much activity for them while on Porch Patrol duty today. Even Cali the cat has sought refuge from the rain.

The only thing to do is to embrace the quietness with a warm cup of tea in hand. And suddenly the whole mountain feels like it’s breathing with you. ☕🐾⛰️


Reminds me of a song: Rainy Days and Mondays https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PjFoQxjgbrs

#Appalachia #AppalachianRain #PorchLife #PorchPatrol #BlueRidgeMountains #MountainDiaries #YorkieLife #CozyInTheMountains #RainyDay #Appalachia

🐾✨ Meet our newest porch patrol recruit! ✨🐾


We’ve officially adopted this super cute wooden garden dog. Hand-carved, weather-worn, and full of Appalachian soul. 🏡🌲


This pup was at the house two doors down. We had a contract on that house but backed out after a really bad home inspection report. Then that home went up for auction but didn't meet the reserve. So, the owner is now going to rent it out. I have admired this pup for two years and wanted to give it a good home. So, yesterday, when the owner pulled up, we made him an offer and adopted him. Cash always works. 😁


This pup is now standing proudly by the bungalow with his tongue out and tail (imaginary) wagging, he’s ready to guard the yard, greet guests, and pose for every season’s photo op. The Yorkies have already put him in training for Porch Patrol.

🎃💐 Right now, he’s rocking a fall vibe with bright orange mums in happy pumpkin buckets from Home Depot but don’t be surprised when he’s decked out for Christmas, spring blooms, or mountain summer porch parties! I wonder if he likes #moonshine ?🤔

Welcome to the family, big wooden buddy. Now, we gotta name him. Any ideas??? 🐕❤️

#PorchPatrol #AppalachianMountainBungalow #WoodenDog #MountainLife #BungalowStories #YardArtWithHeart #YardArt #MumsAndPumpkins #AppalachiaAdventures #Dogs #Flowers

🚨 Porch Patrol on duty 🚨
The sign says “Dogs in Yard – Please Close the Gate”…
but really it should say “Beware: Two Fierce Yorkie Bouncers.” 🐾

These two, the #BabySharks, are running a full-time security operation with their supervisor, Auggie Doggie (trotting up from the yard). Trespassers will be licked, sniffed, and possibly barked at until you surrender doggie treats.... or your shoelaces. 🐶😂

#PorchPatrol #Yorkies #AppalachianMountainBungalow #LoveShackSecurity #YorkieLife #Appalachia #Dogs #DogsofFediverse

Auggie Doggie reporting in:

Holding down the fort is hard work, y’all, when you’re the Boss of Porch Patrol but also trying to sneak in a nap while Mom paints. 😴🐾
Sometimes the security team needs a little shut eye strategy or at least make the #BabySharks take an extra shift. Don’t worry though because nobody got past our porch without a bark or, actually, several barks.

🐈 No Calli the Cat sighting today but Smokey the Cat made an extremely brief appearance. 🐈‍⬛ Sure hope those two are on the mouse patrol duty today.

Now back to dreaming about biscuits. 🐕💤

#Appalachia #PorchPatrol #Yorkies #Dogs #DogofFediverse #DogsofMastodon #BossOfThePorch #AsleepOnTheJob #MountainLife #AppalachianMountainBungalow

🚨🐾 Porch Patrol Report 🐾🚨

Silo, my brother's pup, reporting for duty at the #Appalachian mountain bungalow! He is giving a fist pump to all the pups out there on duty.

🏡 Today’s mission: back-up support for the #Yorkies on porch patrol. Together, the crew kept a close eye on squirrels, birds, humans, and suspicious blowing leaves. 🌬️🐿️

All clear on the mountain front for now until Calli, the cat, shows up. 👀🐾

#PorchPatrol #SiloOnDuty #Yorkies #MountainLife #AppalachianAdventures #BlueRidgeMountains #DogsofFediverse #Dogs #DogsofMastodon #Appalachia

From my desk to the front porch, the view couldn’t be more peaceful. 🌿✨ The Yorkie Porch Patrol is always on duty, keeping watch over the mountains and making sure every squirrel, bird, butterfly and Calli the Cat knows this is their turf. 🐾👀

Working with this little slice of Appalachia right outside the door makes every day feel calmer, brighter, and a little more magical. 🌄💻🐶

#Appalachia #PorchLife #PorchPatrol #Yorkies #YorkiePatrol #MountainCalm #BlueRidgeMountains #Renovation #OldHouse #Home #AppalachiaMountainBungalow