Questions--
Even if we live to be 100, life is short.
Honestly, I never thought much about being old until I arrived at that point in life. And now I think about the years I have lived. Questions flood my mind.
Did I love people enough? Was I present when others needed me? Did I listen more and talk less? Was I caring? When others needed help, did I offer? Did I tell those I love dearly how much they mean to me? Did I say thank you often? Could others count on me to keep my word?
What if we posted these and other questions where we could read them everyday? What if we took one of the questions and made that our goal for a day or a week? What if after that week, we added another question? And so on until all the questions were assigned their own place in our lives. Concentrating on one question at a time could bring such positive energy into our lives. After we completed the original questions, would we see a change in ourselves and the way we view the world and others? Would others see a change in us?
We all have habits we can adjust. We all have attitudes that might need a little tweak. We all could use an extra dose of kindness occasionally. Life is busy. It is very easy to think more of ourselves than others. Simple things irritate us. Would keeping a question a week in front of us make a difference in how we react to this world we live in?
There is time for all of us to accept the challenge to be a kinder person. There is time for all of us to share with others how special they are. How they enrich our lives simply by occupying this planet with us. There is time to practice listening. Listening is hard work. It requires concentration. Not only on what is being shared, but also what isn't. It is a skill that can be developed. This is a gift we can give others--the gift of listening.
Yesterday I was in a line at Starbucks. All the chairs and tables were occupied. People were reading, working on computers, visiting with friends. There were the usual sounds--the expresso machine doing its thing, the blender grinding ice and the buzz of people.
"Shut up!" she yelled very loudly.
It was startling. Out of the ordinary. It caught the attention of everyone in the room.
I turned to see what had caused such an outburst. At a table very close to me sat a woman and two young teen-age girls. It was evident they were working on homework. There was an Algebra book open and paper with computations on it. As my glance took all of this in, one of the young girls jumped up from her chair and quickly marched out of the store. The woman caught my gaze. She mouthed the words, "I don't care" and then quickly said, "I do care."
What do you do in a situation like that? There is the question for the hour. A situation has presented itself. Do you smile and turn away? Do you offer yourself to a person in despair? What is the right thing to do?
I stood there for a bit--in the line with all the others looking away from the woman. And then I walked over and comforted her. She said her daughter had told her to shut-up five times while they were working on the math assignment. She had had enough. I asked the age of her daughter. Thirteen. Well, there is most of the answer to the situation. Those junior high years are so difficult. Parents live with complete strangers all the time trying to figure them out. I didn't offer advice. She is a college professor. She travels all over the world. Yet this person she birthed has changed so much she doesn't recognize her. She can communicate with those in her classes and with people she meets in her travels. But this person sitting across from her in Starbucks is unrecognizable.
I wanted to offer some tips for living with junior high age people. That wasn't the time or place. We shared a few moments. I can still see the frustration and hurt on her face.
Her daughter returned to the room. Quite embarrassed, I am sure. I spoke to her. Asked her if she was ok. She said she was. Then I returned to my place in line. A young man walked past me with his drink. He whispered that what I had done was very kind. Then he asked if I were a teacher. I told him yes, but that I was retired. He said he thought I might be. He is a teacher, too. We shared just a few seconds, but those few seconds make me think about many things.
In fact, that exchange with him brings me back to the questions I wrote at the beginning of this blog.
You see, it is all about choice. We can choose to know. To go beyond seeing. Everyone in that room saw. You couldn't help but see. Knowing means we sense that we can help in a small way. Knowing means we take the chance. We step out of that zone that surrounds us. We reach out to another human. Some would say there is too much risk involved in walking into a situation uninvited. Yes, there certainly is risk. But for those of us who know, risk is not a word we ever use. We go where the need is. I don't know how to explain "know." It just is.
So, my question for you is do you have a question for your week? I have one for mine. If you are having a difficult time selecting one question, how about this one. Do I smile at others? That is an easy one to remember yet can be quite difficult to do.
Have I told you how much I appreciate that you are reading these words? It is my most sincere desire that what I write has meaning for you. Even the silly ones.
Be safe out there as you navigate your world. Our time is limited. Make it count.
Peace and Blessings!
Friday, May 17, 2013
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Journey of the Bathroom
Journey of the Bathroom--
Twenty plus years ago we redid our bathroom. The original bathroom was small and very dark. But it functioned. That was the important part when we purchased our home. Remodeling it gave it such a fresh look.
Now, it looks like some of the clothes that hang in my closet. Out of date and worn.
It is time to update it again. And not a moment too soon. There is nothing in it except the toilet that will be salvaged. Tearing it out is the simple part. Making the decisions from all available choices is the daunting task. I have always been able to make those decisions quickly. However, this is proving to be more than I had expected.
We decided to do it in stages. The first stage would be the vanity and all its trimmings which includes the lights and the mirror. Taking the large mirror down was a bit of a challenge, but it did come down. It is resting on the side deck. That is as far as we could carry it!
Next the vanity was removed. The new one was put in place minus the top. We made a selection at the store and were told we would need to make a trip to Chicago to see it. If there was a problem with the top, we could make a different selection while we were there. Everyone would be notified about the change before we left. So, off we went to Chicago.
Oh my. Whoever knew that granite came in so many colors. It was really fun to walk through the huge warehouse and see all the choices. We were told where our slab was located and happily went in search of that row. Well, when we saw it, we were astonished. It looked nothing like the sample in the store. There was no resemblance at all. This slab would not do. Neither of us liked it.
We were told to continue looking and to contact the helper once we made a selection. We could have been in there for days. Eventually we settled on a slab we both liked, told the person who made the changes and left for home. The slab would be transferred to a very small town to be cut.
Once it arrived, we would be able to drive the one hundred miles one-way to made the decision about where to cut the slab for the vanity top. We received the call. Since we have been without a bathroom sink for a month, we were excited to make the trip. We were that much closer to having that part of the bathroom functional again.
At the plant we were given safety glasses and led into the huge area where men were cutting granite and other types of stone. Slabs were everywhere. We were led to our piece and were quite surprised to see a piece that we had never seen before. When we made the selection in Chicago, I took several pictures with my cell phone. Now it was time to get those pictures. The man helping us was so apologetic. He retrieved the paper work, and there it was. The new choice. Somewhere along the lines of communication, there had been a breakdown. What to do?
He said he had a piece he thought I might like and would have it brought over. Nope. It didn't work at all. The next step was to call Chicago and see if the piece we selected still had our name on it. He would call me the next day with the news. He said we could drive back to his plant, or we could do this over the internet. I opted for the latter. Driving to Chicago is two hours one way. Driving to his plant takes almost that long. On the way home we talked about how with all this modern communication, mistakes are still made.
The next day he called and asked me if I had the sink that would be installed into the vanity. Yes, it had been delivered two days before. I had not opened the box. He needed information about it so they could cut the proper hole in the granite. I took a knife and opened the box. It was broken into three pieces. Well. Now what to do?
I called the store and told the bath design person about the broken vanity. She said to take pictures and send them. She would try to have another sink delivered--unbroken--before the installation day(which was only seven days away!) I listened to her and then made the decision to load the sink and return it. Who was to know if the second sink would arrive in one piece? So, I returned it and selected a simple bowl. She called the granite person with the dimensions.
The next day the correct slab arrived at the cutter. He emailed pictures. It is difficult to decide where to have the granite cut when the pattern is more fluid. We will see it for the first time when it is installed tomorrow.
Next, we will remove the whirlpool tub. It has been wonderful. I have spent many hours in it over the years. But it is time for it to go. Once it is out, a new window will be installed followed by a wall for the shower plumbing. Then the tile. After that the old shower will be removed and new cabinets will grace that space. Then all the tile work behind the vanity. Lights selected. Paint and new flooring.
Maybe we will be finished by fall!!:) We decided to do it in stages so we can see each step and make changes on a small scale instead of having it all done and wishing we had made different selections. It will be fun to watch it evolve into something functional and pretty.
Tomorrow is the big day. The top is put into place, the faucets are installed and the plumbing attached. Is that the correct way to say that?
Stage two is just around the corner!
Happy day to you all.
Twenty plus years ago we redid our bathroom. The original bathroom was small and very dark. But it functioned. That was the important part when we purchased our home. Remodeling it gave it such a fresh look.
Now, it looks like some of the clothes that hang in my closet. Out of date and worn.
It is time to update it again. And not a moment too soon. There is nothing in it except the toilet that will be salvaged. Tearing it out is the simple part. Making the decisions from all available choices is the daunting task. I have always been able to make those decisions quickly. However, this is proving to be more than I had expected.
We decided to do it in stages. The first stage would be the vanity and all its trimmings which includes the lights and the mirror. Taking the large mirror down was a bit of a challenge, but it did come down. It is resting on the side deck. That is as far as we could carry it!
Next the vanity was removed. The new one was put in place minus the top. We made a selection at the store and were told we would need to make a trip to Chicago to see it. If there was a problem with the top, we could make a different selection while we were there. Everyone would be notified about the change before we left. So, off we went to Chicago.
Oh my. Whoever knew that granite came in so many colors. It was really fun to walk through the huge warehouse and see all the choices. We were told where our slab was located and happily went in search of that row. Well, when we saw it, we were astonished. It looked nothing like the sample in the store. There was no resemblance at all. This slab would not do. Neither of us liked it.
We were told to continue looking and to contact the helper once we made a selection. We could have been in there for days. Eventually we settled on a slab we both liked, told the person who made the changes and left for home. The slab would be transferred to a very small town to be cut.
Once it arrived, we would be able to drive the one hundred miles one-way to made the decision about where to cut the slab for the vanity top. We received the call. Since we have been without a bathroom sink for a month, we were excited to make the trip. We were that much closer to having that part of the bathroom functional again.
At the plant we were given safety glasses and led into the huge area where men were cutting granite and other types of stone. Slabs were everywhere. We were led to our piece and were quite surprised to see a piece that we had never seen before. When we made the selection in Chicago, I took several pictures with my cell phone. Now it was time to get those pictures. The man helping us was so apologetic. He retrieved the paper work, and there it was. The new choice. Somewhere along the lines of communication, there had been a breakdown. What to do?
He said he had a piece he thought I might like and would have it brought over. Nope. It didn't work at all. The next step was to call Chicago and see if the piece we selected still had our name on it. He would call me the next day with the news. He said we could drive back to his plant, or we could do this over the internet. I opted for the latter. Driving to Chicago is two hours one way. Driving to his plant takes almost that long. On the way home we talked about how with all this modern communication, mistakes are still made.
The next day he called and asked me if I had the sink that would be installed into the vanity. Yes, it had been delivered two days before. I had not opened the box. He needed information about it so they could cut the proper hole in the granite. I took a knife and opened the box. It was broken into three pieces. Well. Now what to do?
I called the store and told the bath design person about the broken vanity. She said to take pictures and send them. She would try to have another sink delivered--unbroken--before the installation day(which was only seven days away!) I listened to her and then made the decision to load the sink and return it. Who was to know if the second sink would arrive in one piece? So, I returned it and selected a simple bowl. She called the granite person with the dimensions.
The next day the correct slab arrived at the cutter. He emailed pictures. It is difficult to decide where to have the granite cut when the pattern is more fluid. We will see it for the first time when it is installed tomorrow.
Next, we will remove the whirlpool tub. It has been wonderful. I have spent many hours in it over the years. But it is time for it to go. Once it is out, a new window will be installed followed by a wall for the shower plumbing. Then the tile. After that the old shower will be removed and new cabinets will grace that space. Then all the tile work behind the vanity. Lights selected. Paint and new flooring.
Maybe we will be finished by fall!!:) We decided to do it in stages so we can see each step and make changes on a small scale instead of having it all done and wishing we had made different selections. It will be fun to watch it evolve into something functional and pretty.
Tomorrow is the big day. The top is put into place, the faucets are installed and the plumbing attached. Is that the correct way to say that?
Stage two is just around the corner!
Happy day to you all.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
More About Spring in the Country
More About Spring in the Country--
This week as we were coming around the corner of the house, we saw a ground squirrel scampering away with a tiny bunny in its mouth. My husband ran after it in an attempt to save the bunny. Too late. When our cat was alive, she kept the ground squirrel population to a reasonable number. She died at the age of 25 last year. We are now over-run with them. A challenge for us.
We have a deck that extends around most of our house. There is a vine that grows up and over one of the set of steps into the yard. A Robin built a nest on the railing. In full sight. We are trying to remember not to use those steps as she scolds us quite loudly when we forget. Aren't Robin eggs the most beautiful color of blue?
My husband had a stand-off with a opossum this week. They met at the garden. Neither would give ground to the other. Opossums have a vicious hiss. After quite a few minutes of staring one another down, the opossum gave up and headed into the woods. Not my favorite animal.
Our one Jack-in-the-Pulpit is huge. I was hoping it would send shoots so that others would appear. Not going to happen. I need to read about this plant. Just love it. Would like to have many of them. Maybe they are so special because they are difficult to locate.
A very large tree that helps shade one of my hosta gardens is quite dead. Not a single speck of green on it anywhere. It is way too large for my husband to cut by himself. I was thinking about what to plant in its place. Spring color would be lovely. Think we will plant two flowering trees. Now to locate someone to remove it. I feel a little sad when one of our trees dies. We have enjoyed the lovely shade it has so graciously given for many years. I will miss it, but life happens.
Several of our rose bushes were pruned by deer. They must prefer one of the bushes more than the others because one in a cluster of three is pruned almost to the ground. The other two were untouched. Go figure. I think that part of my garden will be a little lopsided this summer. I have threatened to put up signs in our yard with arrows painted on them pointing West. My hope is that the deer will read them and hurry off to another garden to spread their joy. Do you think deer can read signs? I was afraid you would say that!
No snakes yet. However, they will appear now that the weather is warm. I am not fond of snakes. You can tell me all the benefits of them sharing the planet with us, but I will probably turn a deaf ear. Anything that moves quietly and gives no warning until you almost touch them, is frightful. Last year I bent down to pick up a stick--it moved. Not good. Why couldn't they come equipped with a bell?
A few days ago I decided we needed to line the woods with plants. We gave a home to 36. Well, they looked sad in those small containers at the nursery. Try telling that to my husband. He is a gentle soul. I dug. He planted. He did comment that it looks much nicer. The next sentence out of his mouth sounded something like--no more plants. He knows those are hollow words. I think he feels he needs to say them. OK, I respond back to him. Both of us know the truth.
The hummingbirds are keeping us busy filling their feeders. In the South hummers are everywhere. It is a real treat to have them here. I am sure the same ones return every summer. Years ago one of my students visited relatives in Washington. Imagine my delight when she brought back a hummingbird nest for me. I have had it for many years. It is secure in a box where no one can touch it. It is so tiny and delicate. Very soft. It sets in the fork of a small branch. It is a prized possession. That was way before it was against the law to have one. Shhhh--it's a secret. I should probably donate it to a zoo so others can see what a nest is like. Is that against the law, too?
Changes are happening in the landscape. Summer is pushing spring out of the way. Summer has a way of doing that before I am ready. But, that is life on this wonderful planet we call home.
Talk again soon!
This week as we were coming around the corner of the house, we saw a ground squirrel scampering away with a tiny bunny in its mouth. My husband ran after it in an attempt to save the bunny. Too late. When our cat was alive, she kept the ground squirrel population to a reasonable number. She died at the age of 25 last year. We are now over-run with them. A challenge for us.
We have a deck that extends around most of our house. There is a vine that grows up and over one of the set of steps into the yard. A Robin built a nest on the railing. In full sight. We are trying to remember not to use those steps as she scolds us quite loudly when we forget. Aren't Robin eggs the most beautiful color of blue?
My husband had a stand-off with a opossum this week. They met at the garden. Neither would give ground to the other. Opossums have a vicious hiss. After quite a few minutes of staring one another down, the opossum gave up and headed into the woods. Not my favorite animal.
Our one Jack-in-the-Pulpit is huge. I was hoping it would send shoots so that others would appear. Not going to happen. I need to read about this plant. Just love it. Would like to have many of them. Maybe they are so special because they are difficult to locate.
A very large tree that helps shade one of my hosta gardens is quite dead. Not a single speck of green on it anywhere. It is way too large for my husband to cut by himself. I was thinking about what to plant in its place. Spring color would be lovely. Think we will plant two flowering trees. Now to locate someone to remove it. I feel a little sad when one of our trees dies. We have enjoyed the lovely shade it has so graciously given for many years. I will miss it, but life happens.
Several of our rose bushes were pruned by deer. They must prefer one of the bushes more than the others because one in a cluster of three is pruned almost to the ground. The other two were untouched. Go figure. I think that part of my garden will be a little lopsided this summer. I have threatened to put up signs in our yard with arrows painted on them pointing West. My hope is that the deer will read them and hurry off to another garden to spread their joy. Do you think deer can read signs? I was afraid you would say that!
No snakes yet. However, they will appear now that the weather is warm. I am not fond of snakes. You can tell me all the benefits of them sharing the planet with us, but I will probably turn a deaf ear. Anything that moves quietly and gives no warning until you almost touch them, is frightful. Last year I bent down to pick up a stick--it moved. Not good. Why couldn't they come equipped with a bell?
A few days ago I decided we needed to line the woods with plants. We gave a home to 36. Well, they looked sad in those small containers at the nursery. Try telling that to my husband. He is a gentle soul. I dug. He planted. He did comment that it looks much nicer. The next sentence out of his mouth sounded something like--no more plants. He knows those are hollow words. I think he feels he needs to say them. OK, I respond back to him. Both of us know the truth.
The hummingbirds are keeping us busy filling their feeders. In the South hummers are everywhere. It is a real treat to have them here. I am sure the same ones return every summer. Years ago one of my students visited relatives in Washington. Imagine my delight when she brought back a hummingbird nest for me. I have had it for many years. It is secure in a box where no one can touch it. It is so tiny and delicate. Very soft. It sets in the fork of a small branch. It is a prized possession. That was way before it was against the law to have one. Shhhh--it's a secret. I should probably donate it to a zoo so others can see what a nest is like. Is that against the law, too?
Changes are happening in the landscape. Summer is pushing spring out of the way. Summer has a way of doing that before I am ready. But, that is life on this wonderful planet we call home.
Talk again soon!
Friday, May 10, 2013
The Blog
The Blog--
I am enjoying sharing my thoughts with those of you who have found my blog. There is so much to write about.
If you read my blogs, would you consider letting me know what you think? Is there one that speaks to you? One that made you chuckle? One that made you think about your own life experiences?
Your thoughts help me as I make the decision about the next blog. Thank you for taking a few minutes to communicate with me! I sincerely appreciate it. And if you could, would you share my blog with others? That would be great!
Looking forward to hearing from you.
I am enjoying sharing my thoughts with those of you who have found my blog. There is so much to write about.
If you read my blogs, would you consider letting me know what you think? Is there one that speaks to you? One that made you chuckle? One that made you think about your own life experiences?
Your thoughts help me as I make the decision about the next blog. Thank you for taking a few minutes to communicate with me! I sincerely appreciate it. And if you could, would you share my blog with others? That would be great!
Looking forward to hearing from you.
The Long Road Trip
The Long Road Trip--
Car time is an important part of my life. It is essential that I have a certain amount of car time everyday to maintain a healthy attitude. My husband often says I should have been a semi driver. That might be fun if I could take the semi where I wanted to go. Love a road trip. Love to see new things and meet new people.
We usually have a destination in mind when we decide to take a road trip. That was the case last month. We were so excited about that trip. We were going to lease a cottage on the Oregon coast for a year.
We decided to buy a van and take many things we would need for the cottage with us. We loaded it. Dishes, linens, art work, silverware, pots/pans, kitchen things, a table, lamps. All of that and more was carefully packed into the van. The van would remain at the cottage. We had reservations to fly back to our home.
On the appointed day we were off. It is quite a distance from the Midwest to the Pacific Coast. Twenty-two hundred miles, I think. We quickly became accustomed to driving around 80 mph. So, the miles sailed by. No storms to contend with on the trip. No vehicle challenges. It was all going so well.
We arrived at the Oregon Coast and located the cottage. Ok--now I need to tell you that we had only seen the cottage through pictures. I had visited with the owner many times via email and phone. We were relying on honesty. Usually that approach works.
Our first glimpse of the cottage left us a bit stunned. But we are upbeat, positive people so we decided that after a night's rest in a motel on the coast, things would look better. They didn't! The next morning we drove to the cottage to begin unpacking the van.
It is interesting how each of us tried to convince ourselves that it would be ok. We didn't share our thoughts at that moment. We were both in denial, I think. So, we made trips to furniture stores and purchased a sofa, lamps, end tables, mattress, table and stools for the kitchen. Oh--and a tv that would be hooked up that Friday. We did all of this on Monday.
Then my husband began cleaning what was supposed to be clean when we arrived. That took more than half a day. Monday came and went. Tuesday morning we were up early. There were cabinets to clean and dishes to put away. Everything from the van had to find a place to live. Our own personal thoughts were still unshared.
A few things were a bother. The kitchen floor slanted so much we would need to support the legs on one side to keep it level. The living room floor was like walking into a ditch. The room shook when we walked across it. It seemed like it might cave in at any minute. And there was the issue of the bathroom sink. It had rust in the bowl and around the faucets. I was later told it was an antique. No excuse for rust.
Still, we kept a positive attitude. Surely we could use this cottage for a year and enjoy the coast.
Tuesday afternoon we had a little talk. That talk resulted in both of us being honest about our feelings. We could not call this cottage our home away from home. So, we decided to contact the owner and see what we could do.
Long story short, we drove away on Wednesday and began the trip back across country. We had arrived Sunday. We were back on the road Wednesday. We gave away many items, packed the sofa, end tables, lamps, table/stools in the van along with a few other items and headed back across country. We thought we might go to Yellowstone, but it was too early for that.
We arrived back in the Midwest Sunday. We had been gone nine days and had driven about 5,000 miles.
I realize many people think we are nuts. And perhaps they are right. However, we don't feel that way. We had much time to visit and dream about having a place on the coast. It didn't work out as we had planned, but it was fun just the same. We met some wonderful people on that trip. And I certainly got my car time in!:)
My son got a chuckle about our trip. His one comment was, "Mom, that is a long way to go for a sofa!" I agree. However, when someone comments on how lovely the sofa is, I have a great story to tell about how it came to live in our house. The end tables and lamps look lovely with it.
Our attitude is this--we had a dream. We did everything we could to see it come true. This time it didn't. There will be another time. We will make a plan and drive away. Who knows what the outcome will be. It is the journey that tells us who we are. Sometimes we reach an unplanned destination. When that happens, we look for a Starbucks and make a new plan.
Anyone interested in a white van? Give me a call!:)
Happy travels.
Car time is an important part of my life. It is essential that I have a certain amount of car time everyday to maintain a healthy attitude. My husband often says I should have been a semi driver. That might be fun if I could take the semi where I wanted to go. Love a road trip. Love to see new things and meet new people.
We usually have a destination in mind when we decide to take a road trip. That was the case last month. We were so excited about that trip. We were going to lease a cottage on the Oregon coast for a year.
We decided to buy a van and take many things we would need for the cottage with us. We loaded it. Dishes, linens, art work, silverware, pots/pans, kitchen things, a table, lamps. All of that and more was carefully packed into the van. The van would remain at the cottage. We had reservations to fly back to our home.
On the appointed day we were off. It is quite a distance from the Midwest to the Pacific Coast. Twenty-two hundred miles, I think. We quickly became accustomed to driving around 80 mph. So, the miles sailed by. No storms to contend with on the trip. No vehicle challenges. It was all going so well.
We arrived at the Oregon Coast and located the cottage. Ok--now I need to tell you that we had only seen the cottage through pictures. I had visited with the owner many times via email and phone. We were relying on honesty. Usually that approach works.
Our first glimpse of the cottage left us a bit stunned. But we are upbeat, positive people so we decided that after a night's rest in a motel on the coast, things would look better. They didn't! The next morning we drove to the cottage to begin unpacking the van.
It is interesting how each of us tried to convince ourselves that it would be ok. We didn't share our thoughts at that moment. We were both in denial, I think. So, we made trips to furniture stores and purchased a sofa, lamps, end tables, mattress, table and stools for the kitchen. Oh--and a tv that would be hooked up that Friday. We did all of this on Monday.
Then my husband began cleaning what was supposed to be clean when we arrived. That took more than half a day. Monday came and went. Tuesday morning we were up early. There were cabinets to clean and dishes to put away. Everything from the van had to find a place to live. Our own personal thoughts were still unshared.
A few things were a bother. The kitchen floor slanted so much we would need to support the legs on one side to keep it level. The living room floor was like walking into a ditch. The room shook when we walked across it. It seemed like it might cave in at any minute. And there was the issue of the bathroom sink. It had rust in the bowl and around the faucets. I was later told it was an antique. No excuse for rust.
Still, we kept a positive attitude. Surely we could use this cottage for a year and enjoy the coast.
Tuesday afternoon we had a little talk. That talk resulted in both of us being honest about our feelings. We could not call this cottage our home away from home. So, we decided to contact the owner and see what we could do.
Long story short, we drove away on Wednesday and began the trip back across country. We had arrived Sunday. We were back on the road Wednesday. We gave away many items, packed the sofa, end tables, lamps, table/stools in the van along with a few other items and headed back across country. We thought we might go to Yellowstone, but it was too early for that.
We arrived back in the Midwest Sunday. We had been gone nine days and had driven about 5,000 miles.
I realize many people think we are nuts. And perhaps they are right. However, we don't feel that way. We had much time to visit and dream about having a place on the coast. It didn't work out as we had planned, but it was fun just the same. We met some wonderful people on that trip. And I certainly got my car time in!:)
My son got a chuckle about our trip. His one comment was, "Mom, that is a long way to go for a sofa!" I agree. However, when someone comments on how lovely the sofa is, I have a great story to tell about how it came to live in our house. The end tables and lamps look lovely with it.
Our attitude is this--we had a dream. We did everything we could to see it come true. This time it didn't. There will be another time. We will make a plan and drive away. Who knows what the outcome will be. It is the journey that tells us who we are. Sometimes we reach an unplanned destination. When that happens, we look for a Starbucks and make a new plan.
Anyone interested in a white van? Give me a call!:)
Happy travels.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
My Friend Coming for Lunch
My Friend Coming for Lunch--
I enjoy being alone. It gives the opportunity to think and create. It allows time to just be in a world that tells us just being might not be enough. I am aware of my own thoughts when I take time to be alone. I hear myself better.
But, it is such fun to have a friend come for lunch! Enough of the quiet--let's have some laughs over a meal. Let's talk about the moments of our lives. The daily living things. What is happening with our kids, our spouses, our careers, our yards, our churches. And what is happening with us.
We tend to talk around ourselves, don't we? It is difficult to let the facade down and trust another person with the deep challenges. It is much easier to ask questions and listen. Must less revealing than to let another person know how troubled we are. Or how stressed we are. We don't wish to share that we have been hurt by life or people. That we are not all we seem to be.
Really? Exactly who are we fooling? Friends can take one look in our faces and see the real us. That is a wonderful thing. Friends who honestly care and know us want to share our lives--the good and the not so good. They are not frightened off by our failings. They love us through them.
Maybe we need to learn to trust another person with ourselves. Oh--that is so difficult. We fear rejection when we allow ourselves to share our true thoughts with another person. I know this. It has happened to me. From that experience I learned a most valuable lesson--rather I was reminded of the lesson I already knew. Be wise about the person/people you trust with your thoughts and beliefs.
So, my friend is coming for lunch. She and I talk about everything. We do not put up any walls. We don't always agree--isn't that great? We challenge one another to think in new ways. We sometimes change our minds about something we have held as truth for a long time. This is a growing relationship. We don't simply parrot back to one another what we want to hear. We share from a deep place that is sometimes quite different. She is a joy.
We will talk about the weather, our yards, our kids. We will laugh about some of the goofy things we have done since we last had lunch that are silly and fun. We will hug when we see one another. We will make a date to do this again.
And my heart will rejoice knowing that friendship is such a sweet thing!
Love, peace and lemonade!
(I borrowed this from a friend!)
I enjoy being alone. It gives the opportunity to think and create. It allows time to just be in a world that tells us just being might not be enough. I am aware of my own thoughts when I take time to be alone. I hear myself better.
But, it is such fun to have a friend come for lunch! Enough of the quiet--let's have some laughs over a meal. Let's talk about the moments of our lives. The daily living things. What is happening with our kids, our spouses, our careers, our yards, our churches. And what is happening with us.
We tend to talk around ourselves, don't we? It is difficult to let the facade down and trust another person with the deep challenges. It is much easier to ask questions and listen. Must less revealing than to let another person know how troubled we are. Or how stressed we are. We don't wish to share that we have been hurt by life or people. That we are not all we seem to be.
Really? Exactly who are we fooling? Friends can take one look in our faces and see the real us. That is a wonderful thing. Friends who honestly care and know us want to share our lives--the good and the not so good. They are not frightened off by our failings. They love us through them.
Maybe we need to learn to trust another person with ourselves. Oh--that is so difficult. We fear rejection when we allow ourselves to share our true thoughts with another person. I know this. It has happened to me. From that experience I learned a most valuable lesson--rather I was reminded of the lesson I already knew. Be wise about the person/people you trust with your thoughts and beliefs.
So, my friend is coming for lunch. She and I talk about everything. We do not put up any walls. We don't always agree--isn't that great? We challenge one another to think in new ways. We sometimes change our minds about something we have held as truth for a long time. This is a growing relationship. We don't simply parrot back to one another what we want to hear. We share from a deep place that is sometimes quite different. She is a joy.
We will talk about the weather, our yards, our kids. We will laugh about some of the goofy things we have done since we last had lunch that are silly and fun. We will hug when we see one another. We will make a date to do this again.
And my heart will rejoice knowing that friendship is such a sweet thing!
Love, peace and lemonade!
(I borrowed this from a friend!)
Monday, May 6, 2013
The Daily Walk
The Daily Walk--
Now that spring is in the process of arriving, life is happening in new ways around our place.
As soon as I can open my eyes and get myself in an upright position, I head outside for the walk-around. What is a walk-around? It is the morning walk around our property to see what has happened since I did the same walk the day before. It is a way to gauge the effect spring is having on plants and flowers in our gardens. Here is today's report.
All 500+ hosta are singing the praises of warm weather and rain. Many are approaching full growth while others are like me in the early morning--stretching a bit at a time. They will arrive at their full growth when they want to. I like that. Not all of them springing out of the ground to the same medley. When they first appeared as spears just above the dirt, I wondered how they knew it was time. I was wearing a coat, long pants and socks. Definitely not spring attire. But there they were--convinced it was their time to shine. It won't be long until the gardens are full to overflowing with beautiful leaves in a multitude of colors and textures. Welcome, hosta.
At the edge of one garden grew a large hydrangea bush. No blooms for years. This spring we dug it and transplanted it. Now, it is not easy to dig a hydrangea. The root system goes to the next state, I am sure. My thought is maybe it is in the wrong place? You think?? When we finally got it out of the ground, it broke into two very large pieces. We transplanted it to a new location and new foliage is everywhere. Very exciting to see what happens as it reaches its full growth. Maybe there will be blossoms. That would be such a treat.
Winter is hard here in Illinois. On my walk-around this morning I noticed holes in the beds. That simply cannot be. A trip to the nursery is on my schedule. I will find low growing shrubs that will fill in those areas where ground cover is not covering anything. Slowly I am moving from flowers to shrubs. Shrubs seem to last much longer than those delicate early flowering plants. I will miss their color, but it will be easier on my pocketbook.
Just outside my front door are two very large winter arrangements in tall red containers. My front door is red so it goes together well. However, the dead evergreen limbs that once were deep green are now dirt brown. Not pretty at all. I was ready to throw them all away and replace with large ferns for summer when I noticed a bird had built her nest in the one on the right side of the door. There went that idea. Everyone else has lovely spring or summer arrangements on their steps or door. I have dead winter. The baby birds have now hatched and are hungry all the time. Once they make their way into the world, I will make the change from winter to spring at my door. Why couldn't she have built that nest in a less busy spot? I will never understand the mind of birds!
About a foot from the bird nest was a pile of leaves in my plant bed. Reaching over to clean the bed, I realized that it was a rabbit's nest. Right by the door. I patted her fur into place and left them to grow large enough to eat my plants. Or maybe I will take them on a little trip to a forest where they can nibble away at all things protected! It is like a zoo at this place.
Last week there were five quite large deer eating away. Since they were on the edge of the yard, I didn't run at them like a mad woman. I think they might have been grazing on the bluebells. There are thousands of bluebells on this place. We can spare a few.
We have a breezeway on the front of our house. A bird has built a nest that looks like a column at the top of a window in that area of the house. Mud is splattered on that window. It looks like it has been dive bombed. And speaking of dive bombing, once Mother Robin has her nest built and the children are awake begging for food, she will dive bomb us if we walk anywhere near her nest. Sometimes I feel like we are captives all year--by winter weather and then by nature that lives with us!
Ferns are gracing the beds. They add a touch of lace to the broad leaves. A lovely contrast. Shooting Stars, Trillium, Blood Root, Spring Beauty, Trout Lily, Lily of the Valley and many other early wildflowers are showing themselves. Soon others will replace them. It is an absolute joy to see them emerge. When the weather warms just a bit more, Queen Ann's Lace will appear. I love that plant. Not in my plant beds but along the road side. I can't remember the weed that grows with Queen Ann's Lace--it has a small blue flower and grows alongside the paved road. I know tea can be made by boiling its root. Anyway, I love that plant. It needs no care whatsoever.
It is time to do some foundation planting. Have some shrubs to plant later today when I return from my book study. All beds need to be edged. Weeds dug out. The ritual of spring in the garden is here. Last year we were on a garden walk. It was the hottest day of the year! Yet, people came. We have much shade so they could be out of the blazing sun. It was a joy to share our gardens with them. I think that might be the only time we do that. I tend to overlook a few weeds and such in my gardens. However, if others will come to see them, I examine those same beds in a completely different light. So, once was enough.
Many of the flowering trees are wearing their spring color. Just beautiful. Pinks, reds, white, purple--all blossoming together. Every spring when they bloom, I want to rush to the nursery and buy ten more trees that will bloom next spring. Then I realize there is no space for another tree. If you are reading this, stop and go outside. Look. Examine. Smell. Touch. The days for those trees to shine are numbered. Don't miss their glory. You really are not so busy that you can't find five minutes to fill your soul with their gift.
Years ago I planted Money Plant. It is an old plant. Very difficult to locate in nurseries. I have it in abundance. The seeds are carried by wind, shoes and birds. So, it appears in the most unlikely places. The purple blossoms are gorgeous right now in the garden. Soon they will disappear and the plant will produce "money." I love that plant. Never water it. Just let it grow.
Gardens are so personal. Everyone has an opinion about how a garden should look. Gardens give people a chance to create. Mine change all the time. And I think those changes make it better. Gardeners know that just because a plant is in the ground doesn't mean it is in the best place. So, we move things. Many times. Gardens evolve just as the people who tend them evolve. It is a partnership.
And now I am going to make the list of plants and shrubs to be purchased at the nursery today. It is going to be a busy afternoon of planting and cleaning. Tomorrow when I do the walk-around, I will know that those holes are filled and be glad!
So nice to visit with you on this lovely spring morning. Have a wonderful day.
Now that spring is in the process of arriving, life is happening in new ways around our place.
As soon as I can open my eyes and get myself in an upright position, I head outside for the walk-around. What is a walk-around? It is the morning walk around our property to see what has happened since I did the same walk the day before. It is a way to gauge the effect spring is having on plants and flowers in our gardens. Here is today's report.
All 500+ hosta are singing the praises of warm weather and rain. Many are approaching full growth while others are like me in the early morning--stretching a bit at a time. They will arrive at their full growth when they want to. I like that. Not all of them springing out of the ground to the same medley. When they first appeared as spears just above the dirt, I wondered how they knew it was time. I was wearing a coat, long pants and socks. Definitely not spring attire. But there they were--convinced it was their time to shine. It won't be long until the gardens are full to overflowing with beautiful leaves in a multitude of colors and textures. Welcome, hosta.
At the edge of one garden grew a large hydrangea bush. No blooms for years. This spring we dug it and transplanted it. Now, it is not easy to dig a hydrangea. The root system goes to the next state, I am sure. My thought is maybe it is in the wrong place? You think?? When we finally got it out of the ground, it broke into two very large pieces. We transplanted it to a new location and new foliage is everywhere. Very exciting to see what happens as it reaches its full growth. Maybe there will be blossoms. That would be such a treat.
Winter is hard here in Illinois. On my walk-around this morning I noticed holes in the beds. That simply cannot be. A trip to the nursery is on my schedule. I will find low growing shrubs that will fill in those areas where ground cover is not covering anything. Slowly I am moving from flowers to shrubs. Shrubs seem to last much longer than those delicate early flowering plants. I will miss their color, but it will be easier on my pocketbook.
Just outside my front door are two very large winter arrangements in tall red containers. My front door is red so it goes together well. However, the dead evergreen limbs that once were deep green are now dirt brown. Not pretty at all. I was ready to throw them all away and replace with large ferns for summer when I noticed a bird had built her nest in the one on the right side of the door. There went that idea. Everyone else has lovely spring or summer arrangements on their steps or door. I have dead winter. The baby birds have now hatched and are hungry all the time. Once they make their way into the world, I will make the change from winter to spring at my door. Why couldn't she have built that nest in a less busy spot? I will never understand the mind of birds!
About a foot from the bird nest was a pile of leaves in my plant bed. Reaching over to clean the bed, I realized that it was a rabbit's nest. Right by the door. I patted her fur into place and left them to grow large enough to eat my plants. Or maybe I will take them on a little trip to a forest where they can nibble away at all things protected! It is like a zoo at this place.
Last week there were five quite large deer eating away. Since they were on the edge of the yard, I didn't run at them like a mad woman. I think they might have been grazing on the bluebells. There are thousands of bluebells on this place. We can spare a few.
We have a breezeway on the front of our house. A bird has built a nest that looks like a column at the top of a window in that area of the house. Mud is splattered on that window. It looks like it has been dive bombed. And speaking of dive bombing, once Mother Robin has her nest built and the children are awake begging for food, she will dive bomb us if we walk anywhere near her nest. Sometimes I feel like we are captives all year--by winter weather and then by nature that lives with us!
Ferns are gracing the beds. They add a touch of lace to the broad leaves. A lovely contrast. Shooting Stars, Trillium, Blood Root, Spring Beauty, Trout Lily, Lily of the Valley and many other early wildflowers are showing themselves. Soon others will replace them. It is an absolute joy to see them emerge. When the weather warms just a bit more, Queen Ann's Lace will appear. I love that plant. Not in my plant beds but along the road side. I can't remember the weed that grows with Queen Ann's Lace--it has a small blue flower and grows alongside the paved road. I know tea can be made by boiling its root. Anyway, I love that plant. It needs no care whatsoever.
It is time to do some foundation planting. Have some shrubs to plant later today when I return from my book study. All beds need to be edged. Weeds dug out. The ritual of spring in the garden is here. Last year we were on a garden walk. It was the hottest day of the year! Yet, people came. We have much shade so they could be out of the blazing sun. It was a joy to share our gardens with them. I think that might be the only time we do that. I tend to overlook a few weeds and such in my gardens. However, if others will come to see them, I examine those same beds in a completely different light. So, once was enough.
Many of the flowering trees are wearing their spring color. Just beautiful. Pinks, reds, white, purple--all blossoming together. Every spring when they bloom, I want to rush to the nursery and buy ten more trees that will bloom next spring. Then I realize there is no space for another tree. If you are reading this, stop and go outside. Look. Examine. Smell. Touch. The days for those trees to shine are numbered. Don't miss their glory. You really are not so busy that you can't find five minutes to fill your soul with their gift.
Years ago I planted Money Plant. It is an old plant. Very difficult to locate in nurseries. I have it in abundance. The seeds are carried by wind, shoes and birds. So, it appears in the most unlikely places. The purple blossoms are gorgeous right now in the garden. Soon they will disappear and the plant will produce "money." I love that plant. Never water it. Just let it grow.
Gardens are so personal. Everyone has an opinion about how a garden should look. Gardens give people a chance to create. Mine change all the time. And I think those changes make it better. Gardeners know that just because a plant is in the ground doesn't mean it is in the best place. So, we move things. Many times. Gardens evolve just as the people who tend them evolve. It is a partnership.
And now I am going to make the list of plants and shrubs to be purchased at the nursery today. It is going to be a busy afternoon of planting and cleaning. Tomorrow when I do the walk-around, I will know that those holes are filled and be glad!
So nice to visit with you on this lovely spring morning. Have a wonderful day.
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