Hope this finds everyone well. Here we are in the northern hemisphere officially in summer! That usually seems to be a busy time. Gardening, harvest, preserving, and also vacations and parties!
ME - I am just chilling!!!!!!!!
The garden is growing and doing great so far. I have weed barrier around all the plants - so no weeding is needed in the veggies. I do water, but other than that - right now, I am just letting nature do her work!
It may take me a while to learn lessons - but when I do, I embrace them. The lesson I have FINALLY learned recently is to just be 'present' and 'enjoy' life. I have quit running and hurrying. I have quit trying to always be perfect (no one is). I have decided to just enjoy these summer months and be quiet and still and watch and listen. It has taken 68 years to get here. I think I kind of like it!!!!!!
My life has gotten to a point that it is a close to free as it can be. I have all the same necessary daily bills we all have - utilities, insurance and taxes. I spend a little at the grocery. I have a well-stocked pantry. I am not a traveler.
Simple things bring me joy. My kitty, nature, listening to music and to birds singing, sitting on the porch in a nice breeze sipping some iced tea, chatting with neighbors, growing my garden, taking a nap if desired, and just BEING!!!!!
I do all the normal things we all do. Take care of my home and yard, cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. Not a lot to do since it is just me!!!! Nothing gets messy or dirty - so there is that.
Sure I have a bunch of things I SHOULD do - decluttering being the biggest. I will - here and there, when I am in the mood.
This summer I have porch set more than ever in my life (since being a kid). I am now enjoying the neighborhood again. Dare I say things are better!!!!!! I had to take some major steps (that I resisted for a long while) - but it is good. Continuing to pray it stays that way, but at least I have a concerned and active landlord involved now.
All other things in the 'hood' just seem to have followed suit. There were a lot of ticked off people - who seemed to be trying to tick off the offender in their own way. Now it is quiet.
Getting to know more neighbors than ever after all these years!
When I say quiet - many would say WHAT? Don't you hear the traffic, sirens, planes? Well sure, they are ever present (I live in the city), but I am used to those - and kind of block them out. I hear the birds and the wind, the ice cream truck music, the kids laughing and playing, the mowers going.
Things are improving around - houses are being worked on, yards being taken care of, projects are being finished - it is nice to see.
We have had a LOT of racoons around this year. The guy across the street is helping to catch and re-release. We are doing good on that front. That will save some gardens!
Loving these super cool mornings. Windows open and breezes coming in. Wake-up each morning hearing the birds singing.
Just doing what I want when I want!!!!!! Yep, life is pretty darn good at the moment.
You just have to enjoy the little things. The moments. The laughter, the chit-chat.
Your friends and family. You know who they TRULY are. I have a friend on the other side of the country - who checks in just to see if I am ok. Pretty cool.
You guys are all a blessing in my life as well.
We are really blessed in so many ways. Just take time to slow down and be PRESENT and ENJOY!
SLOW DOWN! It will be there tomorrow!
Happy summer!
Love, love, LOVE this, Cheryl. Thank you. There was a reason we chose this particular place in America to retire on an acre of land.
ReplyDeleteI spend time outside every day watching nature. Watching the weeds grow (yes) and bloom into coneflower, cosmos, forget-me-nots, wild roses and even Maximillian sunflowers (multi branching perennials). We keep planted areas clear of weeds, but it's been great to see what comes up elsewhere.
There are the bunnies, deer and elk. I listen to neighbors' goats, horses, peacocks, roosters, dogs (of course), and even a cow in the distance. There are hawks, eagles, robins, jays, sparrows, hummingbirds... so many birds. So many butterflies this year. A dragonfly stopped by to say hello yesterday. We haven't heard coyotes yet this year, and bear and mountain lion spottings have been a mile or more away. So far.
There are plenty of ongoing projects. Plenty to do. Plenty of time to get it all done. Then more projects will arise, as is life. Over last weekend we all talked about it (Hubs, son, BIL and me)... this area is like a land island far removed from the noise and angst of the world. It's an hour or two or three from anywhere sizable by car, depending on which way you point the car, yet we have all we need closeby. We're well and truly blessed.
SO glad everything has quieted down in your area with some summer peace! --Elise
It is wonderful - isn't it?
DeleteListening to all the birds and seeing them is amazing. A person on street behind me has chickens - and I hear them get roused every now and then.
There are always things to do - we just need to realize that we can pace ourselves. It doesn't have to all be done today!
I bet the peace of the country is just heavenly.
Thanks.
It *is* mostly wonderful, Cheryl. I think a lot of the problems in the world today are expecting a perfect Utopia and being unwilling to say, "Good enough is good enough."
DeleteI didn't post AZ Safeway/Basha's sales this week because there's nothing extraordinary in them and that's okay. Well... shout out to Ellie and Hilogene... Safeway has a digital coupon for Lucerne large eggs (dozen) at $1.77 ea., limit of two. Remember when everyone was frantic about the high prices of eggs? Grandma Griff, who lived to be 100, said her favorite bible verse was, "And it came to pass..." --Elise
Yes mam - nothing is perfect. We need to learn that is all things.
DeleteYes, people panic - I knew they would come down in price. It happens with most things.
Beautiful message today---and I agree completely. I, at 76, am finally learning how to slow down and know that if something doesn't get done today, it will be there another day! DH and I are enjoying our retirement...and some days that amounts to doing nothing much :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds perfect!!!!!!! It seems we can still learn so much as we get older!!!! I think we are now learning the important stuff!
DeleteAnother day - if not - well, it didn't matter that much!
Glad you are enjoying retirement!!!!!!!
Thanks
I'm a porch sitter from way back.
ReplyDeleteThe bird feeders are full of bright red cardinals,doves,robins,black birds and brilliant colored bluebirds.
There are waffling raccoons,full of pears and figs pilfered from my gardens.
Early more there are bunnies eating breakfast and the ever present squirrels
Stealing sunflower seeds.
Yesterday I discovered a cute little bird has laid eggs in a small watering can
on my porch.
So I am enamored with watching her
now!
I don't need shopping malls, theatres,
or trips to Europe to make me happy.
A cup of tea,a good book and my little Eden are all I need.
Enjoy your porch sitting.
Beautifully said!!!! The simple things in life are pretty darn special!!!! Better than any TV. Last time I went to see a movie was when Forrest Gump premiered!!!! That tells you something! Malls - I have no desire.
DeleteA lovely peaceful day to you!!!!!
YES! Fabulous post! That's great that things have settled down in your neighborhood (and we all know why).
ReplyDeleteGood thing the neighbor is helping to capture the raccoons. I let the dogs out about 4:30 this morning and an opossum was was playing possum on the screened in porch. Apparently they can climb because we have a large deck box for storage and he had knocked off something from the top. Time to get out the live traps. Still battling the chipmunks. The Farmer had the live trap over by the fence and the neighbor's very large dogs knew something was in the trap and dug under the fence to try to get it. Guess the trap needs to be moved. Any kind of animal (no matter how cute) that gets in your crawlspace or attic can wreak (expensive) havoc of all kinds. When the Farmer was a Home Inspector he saw firsthand the damage raccoons can cause. This is off the subject but an inspector friend of the Farmer's went into the attic of his client for the inspection and found several 9 feet long snake skins. Where were the snakes?! He got out of there quickly!
We live not too far off Rockville Road and are aware of traffic noise, the airplanes and the train that crosses a little south of us on Girls School Road. We can hear cars from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and also from the drag races in Clermont. Depending on the atmosphere it can sound like the train is going through the house. With all that it is fairly peaceful and serene in our backyard. Sort of like having a white noise maker on. For the most part the neighborhood itself is quiet. There is a person who does crank his bass up on his car sound system. He'll be deaf someday...just sayin'. Our neighbor to the south starts his 1942 Dodge each morning...vroom, vroom, vroom. I think it's amazing that the car still runs! We enjoy the oasis we have (actually the Father) has created for us. Oh, the Farmer saw a hummingbird looking in one of the birdhouses. ???
Enjoy this fabulous day!
Yes those buggers can climb! I have seen them go over the fence and up into trees.
DeleteOh my word - snake skins! I would have to move! No doubt about it!
We have one of those music thumpers too. Good grief - how can that be enjoyable or LEGAL when driving? There is a guy about 4 doors down that has a race car. He works on it in the garage and vroom-vroom all the time. It is annoying - but nothing can be done about it.
I love hearing the train. It is about 3 blocks away and it is so soothing to me to hear the whistle.
It is a gorgeous day out!
Donna, do you have mint plated anywhere? Try a pot near where they're coming. Racoons and possums hate mint.
Delete--Elise
I have tons of mint - they still visit me!!!!!!
DeleteElise, we do have mint and could replant some in certain areas. It's by the chicken run so it freshens that slightly. Cheryl, maybe they want the mint for their iced tea! 😂
Delete9-foot snake skins? Probably black snakes. Good useful animals that kill rats and mice. Rats and mice will eat the coating off wiring and burn the house down. :(
DeleteAlso be aware that shed skins are longer than the snake, just like worn stockings are longer than fresh ones. ;)
...and why would I know anything about snakes? Because I raised a son... and boys want the darndest pets! :D
MaryB
"...and why would I know anything about snakes? Because I raised a son... and boys want the darndest pets! :D"
DeleteMaryB, I had a mouthful of ice water that nearly sprayed across the kitchen table when I read that and laughed! I raised 2 sons. :-D
--Elise
Raised 2? Good for you. It's a real trip, isn't it. :D Now my son has two of his own. Payback time? ;)
DeleteMaryB
I had 2 brothers and 2 nephews before my sons were born, so I was kind of prepared. LOL! They sure are a handful when they're young, as I'm sure your son is learning!
Delete;-) --Elise
You know I was saying to the Hubby the other day that I could just stay home since that's the place that makes me happiest.
ReplyDeleteMe, too, Laurie. 100%. --Elise
Delete100% Laurie. I have become such a home body and I love it.
DeleteGlad you feel that way there.
So wish I could learn those lessons more quickly, but I am trying!
ReplyDeleteIt has taken me YEARS to get here! All we can do is try.
DeleteKim, from the outside looking in, you're doing better than you might think. (((Hug))) --Elise
DeleteBeautiful post today! I am learning to be kind to myself and pace myself. The hardest part is giving up trying to be perfect. It was very much drummed into me in childhood. I have to learn to let go and not try to control everything.
ReplyDeleteWe can't really porch sit, though we do try to sit in the backyard, weather and smoky skies permitting. Our neighborhood is pretty quiet except for one man (two doors down) who has every LOUD piece of yard and construction equipment he could possibly own and uses them from mid-morning until after our bedtime. We just keep the windows shut and put on music to sort of drown him out.
I've developed a routine that builds in breaks and down time. Errands and chores in the morning (while Husband is at his strongest), reading in the afternoon, knitting for a while after supper, and more reading after he goes to bed until my bedtime. I'm sure that all will change when therapists start coming (he is on a waiting list), and doctor appts interrupt things, too. Eventually life will return to a new normal.
--Frances in the Trailer Park
Still prayin', Francis. Every day. (((Hug))) --Elise
DeleteI think that was drummed into many of us. We just CAN'T be perfect - no such thing. I have finally realized that. Just do the best and go on.
DeleteNoisy neighbors can be a pain. We have now started the fireworks thing around here. Of course the crazies start about 10PM!!!! UGH
Yes, things will get normal again - it may be a new normal - but you both have this. Love seeing you check in. Hang in there. Prayers continue.
I saw a sign at a hotel:
ReplyDeletePet friendly.
Except for raccoons.
Never again.
Now that is funny! They are beautiful creatures, but they can be dangerous and destructive.
DeleteI’d love to comment but I’m too busy!!!
ReplyDeleteAt this time of year I just need a 26 hour day. Louise
Make sure to stop and smell the roses!!!!!! Take care!
DeleteI think people are the unhappiest when they try to be perfect for others to see and admire. I love to porch sit, but, alas, I have no porch! And, I cannot get to the backyard. Birds were wonderful in my yard. Between the birds and chickens, lying in my 6' swing was heaven. I could sleep there after watching the sky through the trees. Once, my favorite chicken, Fancy, jumped on the swing when I was lying down. Then, she just relaxed and sunk into me.
ReplyDeleteIt is illegal to relocate raccoons in this state. So, don't advertise.
I think you may be right. We can't be perfect so no since in trying. Just being ourselves should always be enough.
DeleteThat sounds like a nice way to spend an afternoon.
It is not illegal here.
The older I get, the clearer it becomes that (in general) people are busy enough with their own lives that they don't pay as much attention to us as our younger selves imagined. ;-)
Delete--Elise
I need to slow down more and enjoy the moment. Thank you for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Girl I think we all need to. It has taken me a long time to figure that out!
DeleteMy week has been very quiet and I've truly enjoyed it. It has been cooler here too, so the windows are open, the birds are singing in the back yard, and the fresh air is simply wonderful.
ReplyDeleteLove it!!!!! Those are the kind of weeks we thirst for. Enjoy the remainder!
DeleteI need to quit fretting about my long to dos and enjoy summer before I'm back to school and back to work. Have a great weekend! Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage
ReplyDeletefretting comes so easy to us all - and peace doesn't - kind of sad. Yes enjoy your time before school starts - that will be here in a minute!!!
DeleteHave a lovely weekend.
Just stopped by your blog, Laura, and your Summer Bucket list sounds wonderful. You do have some quiet time "penciled in". Congratulations on the new grandbaby due at the end of summer! I'm sorry, but I couldn't figure out how to post a comment there. I have family in Arkansas. May the Lord bring you plenty of peace this season. --Elise
DeleteI’m not a traveler either, I would travel with Mom back to Illinois when she was alive, but I do not enjoy the driving at all. I’m very content at home and prefer it that way. I’m glad you are enjoying your home and your neighborhood again too. 💕
ReplyDeleteI used to wonder Indiana w/hubs years ago and that was fun. We saw a lot of back woods kind of places - but I don't want to venture too far now. CONTENT - great word!
DeleteI'm a travelor this year...some years I'm not. It is nice to be home and be a porch sitter again. When I came back there was a check speed digital sign on our little road. Believe me they were flying down here. It's so quiet now -no more hot rodding. I love it!
ReplyDeleteLife can be short and I'm so glad your enjoying it more. I plan on it too!
Glad you made it home safely. Neighbors here are talking about signing a petition to get a speed bump put in. Between the stop sign and next stop is 2 blocks and it has become a drag strip! Glad yours has improved.
DeleteLoved this post! Slowing down has been one of my challenges and I'm finally getting the hang of it. I still have to remind myself to stop and just enjoy small moments, but at least I'm conscious of it now. Like you and most everyone who commented, I LOVE being home. Now that I work for myself and from home, I appreciate it so much more than ever. Happy to read that things are better for you in your neighborhood!
ReplyDeleteStaci I have been challenged by it as well. I think for many just slowing down and enjoying things is hard. We have always been taught to go go go. Glad you have a job at home and get to be in your happy place! Thanks!
Delete