Okay, the bad news is that TBH is pretty attached to the tubs, so we're keeping them. The good news is that I want to keep them, too, since you all have given me such great ideas! I've used Earthboxes before and *loved* them! Why didn't I think of that? I did some research on your ideas, and found lots of info, including pictures. I'll post a couple links so you can see how pretty these could be. I don't know if I, myself, have what it takes to make these work, but I'll sure have fun trying. I think I'll make one of these into a water garden, and the other into a homemade earthbox. I like the idea of ornamental grasses planted around a water lily garden, maybe with some kind of "spitter" fountain. I'd especially love it if I could find a statue of a bathing beauty to put in it. Maybe I should build some rocks up to it to act as a staircase for little frogs/toads/lizards/whatever to get up to the top, and then some kind of rock table inside for them to sit on without getting *in* the water. In the other one, I think for the time being, I'll just build up the soil level a little and plant sweet potato vines (both green and purple) along with a couple other flowering upright plants, and let it stay that way till I'm done making the water pond. Once the water tub is established, I'll revamp the dirt tub into something more creative. I'm planning to paint the outsides of both tubs. Haven't decided yet if I'll just paint them dark green, dark red (to match the house), or maybe a faux marble effect in shades of tan (same colors in the stone of the house). I wish I could paint the inside of the tub! I'd love to make it look like the tub at the top of the page at this link: Here is a link that might be useful: Outdoor Bath

A lot of people tap on the top of cans, theory being it releases pressure and won't spray all over. I've shaken many a can for people, and seems to be the same results for tappers and non-tappers. My mother had a couple quirks. The road into our cabin was a dirt trail for many years before a new road was put in. When it would get wet, it'd get slippery, there'd be ruts and it's through the woods so not many options to go a different path - just wind through those trees and some were close and driving a big old DeSoto, the squeezes could be tight. When we'd be in the car and start spinning the wheels or something she'd start rocking back and forth to give a little oomph to the car I suppose. Plus the "keep your tongue straight in your mouth" going through those trees. I probably do things people think are strange but can't think of anything that's out of the ordinary.

Thanks everyone, looks like it's about half and half. I have blue and white plates for spring and I am making drapes for spring/summer. I also have red for Christmas. Mitchdesj, my sweet sis made me these napkins. She is so talented.

It’s an open loft so there will be light regardless. The little window faces west, no view out that window except the roof. I think I’ll just ignore it to start. To be honest I’m not sure the room will get slept in much. The two beds are antiques inherited from my husband’s grandmother. They are an odd size at 30” wide by 78” long. So only really comfortable for kids. However, I love them and have always wanted a spot to use them. My kids are grown and we are years away from grandchildren I think. It is a nice spot for a nap or to read, I sit up there with my iPad and the little dogs love the little beds lol. Once my daughter settles down and has her own place they are promised to her. In the meantime I’m going to enjoy them.