The Pam and Jerry Fields' Blog Page

Log Splitter, House News, Hydrangea, Hostas, and Phlox

This week’s activities consisted of routine maintenance (painting) and new flowers blooming. Unusual, though: I obtained a log splitter. Many photos this time!

The hydrangea, located at the NW corner of Heart House, has begun blooming. These unusual flowers bloom white then turn red as they age.

Hydrangeas in bloom

Hostas are also blooming around the yard:

Hostas near the catio

The phlox are looking good as well:

Three colors of Phlox

Keeping with the “around the house” theme, here is how the house looked during Elma Trail Days, held the week after the 4th of July:

Heart House, July 2026

The “Info Table” we had set up on the front porch looked like this:

Gretel and Gromit ready to greet visitors

For me, the big news since my last post is a new toy: A used log splitter. While I had thought of building one, as mentioned in a previous post, a unit came up on Facebook Marketplace at a price lower than the cost of obtaining individual used parts.

Used splitter

It runs (the electric start option is nice!) and operates but leaks oil at the front of the cylinder. The control valve is a bit funky as well, but I did get our stash of red oak split and re-stacked.

Stash of red oak waiting to be split
Split and stacked

I will see what it would take to get new seals installed in the cylinder and replace the control valve. No hurry, though, as it works well enough for my purposes at this time.

The tentative plan is to take this wood to Felicity’s place later this fall, along with whatever other wood I can scrounge. Felicity and Peter burn wood for supplemental heat and this pile should keep them warm for at while.

That’s it for now. Thanks for looking in!

Pam’s Penny

What Himself failed to mention is the previous “freebie” log splitter frame went out on the yard, then found a new home in an Elma neighborhood somewhere. Easy come, easy go.

I try to fit in exterior porch painting here and there, as weather and inclination permits.

Rock on.

Today’s Comment:

3 Comments

  1. DEB

    Lots getting done! Plus the vacation for each of you!! I have included a picture of my morning glories from a couple years ago you sent!! I guess I send the picture in an email.

  2. Pam

    Deb, your Otts look better than mine this year. A mole went through the yard on the west side of Heart House — one of the mole paths was under the morning glory bed. The plants were in their beginning stages so obviously the animal disturbance was not to their liking. Isn’t it always something?

    • DEB

      Same thing happened to my 2 cucumber plants in the garden. I do not even plant tulips any more because they eat them!!

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