Hello to all. Hoping this finds you well. A glorious morning it is here. Wishing you a good one as well.
It was 57* this morning when I got up! What a difference a couple days makes. It is just beautiful out. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the kitties fed and playing. Windows are open - actually I never had the AC on at all yesterday! Hope today is the same. The heat is coming back in a couple days (just not as bad), so I will enjoy and appreciate these fine cooler days all I can.
I actually saw the groundhog for the first time in a week or so - it must like cooler weather too. I saw a bunny across the street. Such sweet sights of nature first thing.
I was amazed how much dew there was this morning. I figured as cool as it was, and the humidity levels way down that wouldn't be the case. Oh well, gives me a chance to do some other things until it dries, as I want it dry to mow.
I feel so blessed to have these lovely days to get out and catch up. It sure needs 'catching up'. I see a mess - others don't. Yesterday I was out back working and trying to make things 'pretty' again in my eyes, and I met the folks that are caretakers of an elderly neighbor behind me. We talked about him and she told me what a lovely yard I had. I said it is such a mess right now, from all the heat and stuff. Her words were "from my view it is beautiful". There you go - everyone has a different view on things and sees things differently - I think that is pretty neat. I was so appreciative of her words, it makes the work seem more doable. Something so simple as her words, made me smile and lifted my day.
I am so blessed to have a full refrigerator and a full pantry and can make about anything I can think of to fill my belly. I use up leftovers in new ways and get a little creative and never get bored with meals.
A group I am involved with from school, had been planning a major event, that seemed way out of hand. We were all kind of pressured into being involved, which just really stressed me out (others as well). Well, I finally said I was done and wouldn't be involved. What a relief I felt - sometimes NO is the best answer us. One by one others backed out as well - and I really prayed that those that started this thing would see it wasn't feasible. That happened yesterday. Such a relief to many.
Sometimes we tend to complicate life, when we don't need to. Memories of days past are good enough - we don't need to try and relive them.
Go forward and make new memories.
Opening the windows for fresh air, hanging laundry to dry, picking veggies from the garden, the kitties getting excited to see me, watching them play, cuddles with Bitsy, eating something fresh for a snack, a cold drink of milk, watching the butterflies and birds at the flowers........I could go on and on.
Simple little things that just make a day and make me smile.
I love being in my little home - as simple as it is. It gives me a hug every time I come home from someplace.
I am so thankful that I can still get out and do all the things I love, just maybe a little slower. I see many people my age, that have actually stopped and have no will or health to do things.
We go through things in life that make us sad and make us depressed - we all do. Bad things DO happen. But you know what? There is still so much out there that is good! Sometimes we just need to open our eyes and pay attention. Maybe just being in the moment and not running away from things or not running towards something else is the answer. It seems some people are always running.
BE IN THE MOMENT! APPRECIATE what you have.
Keep your hands and your body busy with what you have and what you love. If that is gardening, yardwork, knitting, piece work, reading, walking and visiting, cooking, just do it.
Make each day the best day.
I know I have been a bit nostalgic lately - but I needed that to get up and move again in my normal fashion. I have needed some reminders that life is indeed GREAT no matter what happens.
I think there are others here that need to be reminded of that as well. You will get through things, and you WILL go on. It takes time and work - but you got this. God loves you; I love you all, and you all have others in your life that love you - so just keep plugging away and take baby steps to getting back into life. Small steps still make a journey happen.
Have a blessed day and weekend.
SMILE and look up and appreciate.
Yes! Remember that old one: "Idle hands are the devil's workshop"? Keep busy. Be grateful. See the beauty around you. Sing while you work - silently to yourself or out loud to the cat! ;)
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration, Cheryl, you make me think about good things!
Being able to say "no!" is a learned skill, I think. We (women especially) have been taught to say "yes" but sometimes that is just the wrong thing to say. However you must be prepared to stand your ground, there might well be blowback from your "no". :) Be strong, you know what's good for you.
We are having cool days and rain. Everything looks very green. :) As soon as the rain stops I'll be out looking for weeds to pull, now's the time, while the earth is soft. :)
MaryB
You bet - idle hands are the devil's workshop. But we all have limits on what we CAN do - so pace yourself.
DeleteWhat a sweet thing to say - I am glad to be able to make people smile or think about good things. My kitties have heard more of my singing than they probably care to!!!!! LOL.
No is learned, and you are right. We have been conditioned to say yes. But sometimes NO just had to be said for our own well-being. I am finally learning that. I count too.
Love that it has cooled for you too. It is so enjoyable. Yep, we need to take advantage of things when we can - like softer ground for pulling weeds! Cooler temps to work in. Enjoying the green grass - it is all wonderful.
Wow, 57 degrees. Enjoy it! We will not see temperatures that low until November, if then.
ReplyDeleteKind words can make all the difference. I totally understand that you felt wonderful about the neighbor’s caretaker’s words about your home and yard. You work hard in your lovely yard, I know! My house is simple. My closest friend is a multimillionaire (worked hard and still fairly frugal, especially her husband who grew up dirt poor) with a large, beautiful home. She is down-to-earth and always has sincere, kind words and compliments for my home when she comes by here. I have another “friend” who I won’t invite here because I know she’d make some snarky remarks. My home is my sanctuary.
I’m glad the school project was cancelled. Too much. Memories are best.
I do try to see the good in every day. Things are happening in the country that enrage me. I’ve been a news person since I was a child. My mother was the same way. But I don’t have kids or grandkids so I try to tell myself it all won’t affect me. I watch Sky News from the UK instead of U.S. news.
I appreciate what I have and I’m proud of how I’ve lived my life (learned total honesty from my parents). I’ve never been a homemaker and don’t do the food/garden/canning things but I am frugal, still. I enjoy my yard a lot. But - and this is a big but and maybe anthems to your philosophy - more and more I feel I’m going to spend more money while I can. (Like you, I’m thankful I can still do most things but I am slower.) For me that is travel. (I could not travel for many, many years because of helping my mom when she lost most of her eyesight.) I have saved and saved and have no close heirs at all so why not enjoy what I’ve earned. (I still hesitate to spend but I’m pushing myself.) Barbara M.
57 is very rare here, especially July or Aug. Loving it to pieces!
DeleteI know my old friends all have much bigger homes in fancier neighborhoods than I - but who cares. Like you, this is my sanctuary and it is paid for! Some of the folks I know will never be out of debt.
I see a little news via the computer and the local news - that is it for me. I don't need it. I am aware - but I can't change things, except for me, so no since fretting about it.
You love your travel - so why not? It is just you and you have the funds to do it, and that is what you love. Do what makes you happy. I love that you are getting the chance.
The Farmer and I watch Sky News.
DeleteDonna, I think that Sky is very even handed. I like them a lot. Barbara M.
DeleteCheryl, you always are such an Encourager! Your words lift us up and motivate us. Thank you very much !
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. I try. I just relate my feelings and hope they help another. I didn't always use to feel this way - it took a lot of 'learning' on my part and just life experience.
DeleteThis is the most encouraging post! It deserves to be read several times, or when a person is just down. As we age and can't quite do all the chores or at least not easily, there is a tendency to get depressed and anxious about it. We do what we can. I tell the Farmer that there is no one left to come to our house and criticize or give a sideways glance as if to say that it doesn't meet their standards.
ReplyDeleteGood for you on backing off from an elaborate plan! Kind of reminds you of school when kids were coerced into doing something they really didn't want to do.
These cooler days sure do lift the spirits! It is so good to have the house open, the dog can go in and out at will, and the house doesn't feel so confined. I'm hanging clothes on the line and will tackle some weeds that are bugging me.
Enjoy your weekend! See you on Sunday!
Thank you - I sure hope it gives some encouragement. Yes, as we age, we just can't do the things the way we used to, we lose people, health declines, so many things - it would be easy to get depressed. We all have. Like you, whoever comes to my place - gets it the way it is. No expectations. I do ME! Don't like it - don't come again.
DeleteActually just like school - several felt bullied into saying yes - then once someone has nerve to say no - it makes the path easier.
Oh my gosh - it is just perfect outside today!!! PERFECT!
Been doing yard work, and feel accomplished, the house is airing, Bits loves the windows - no reason to complain today! Besides it does no good!!!! LOL
Enjoy your time outdoors.
haha! You are so right, Cheryl - "Besides it does no good!!!! LOL" I think we begin to see that b*tchin' and moanin' does no good! :D It just pulls us down.
DeleteMaryB
You got that right! We can b*tch until the sun comes up and it does nothing but make us look silly.
DeleteMy Dad worked hard to keep the yard and woods here neat and tidy. It always looked so good. I realize now how hard he worked at it. I can get one section done and step back and look at it and it’s nothing like he could do. Like you, I see all the work that needs doing or could be better. I like that your neighbors caregiver looks at your yard with a different view. I’m sure it’s beautiful too with how much work you do there.
ReplyDeleteBelinda
i bet he really did work hard at it. I love standing and looking at the yard when I get things done - it just makes me happy. It always looks so neat. I am sure you are being hard on yourself, and dad would be quite proud of you.
DeleteIt seems people all look at things in this world differently - that is a good thing. It is nice to hear - job well done - it sure lifts the spirits.
Went out and did some weeding today, talked to our resident bunny and checked what could be picked from the garden and processed. My hands are always busy with something. As my sons say "It keeps Mom out of trouble."
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Aahhh, talking to the bunny. As long as he stays out of the garden!!! Good day for weeding. I like that your son says it keeps you out of trouble.
DeleteCheryl, this is so right on that I am saving it for myself.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!!! Thank you - Carol
Oh how sweet. Thank you for being so kind. We all need to find ways to make life a lovely adventure.
DeleteReading this has given me a lovely start to my day. So uplifting. Thank you, Cheryl.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear that. We all need kind words now and then.
DeleteI needed this today! Thank you! Angela
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome. Glad it reached so many hearts today.
DeleteCheryl. I wish I could bottle your attitude.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a Positive Pollyanna, I wish I had half of your sunlight. You are inspiring. Take care, Louise
Thank you. Funny, Glen used to call me a Pollyanna! I have just figured out life is wonderful no matter what goes on, and I have today - so be happy. It took work.
DeleteYour words mean a lot.
Thank you for your encouraging post, Cheryl! My husband has always enjoyed taking care of our yard and garden, but as we have gotten older, I and others have had to do more of the yard work for him, something that he has had to really adjust to. Yesterday, our 15-year-old granddaughter mowed the lawn for us for the first time. It will help us out so much and give her some pocket money at the same time. He had so much fun teaching her how to use our lawnmower and edge trimmer. Darcy
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. As we age, things do change. It can be a tough adjustment - but we do what we can. How neat that your granddaughter is helping you both out. I bet your hubby enjoyed passing on his knowledge and felt much pride when she accomplished the job.
DeleteSweet Cheryl, this is the perfect post for me this morning. As you know, it’s been a trying few months here, and we had my husband’s funeral on Wednesday. I so look forward to the good days again. I remember when your husband passed away, unexpectedly, and I admire you so much for continuing to move forward. Your words have so much meaning for me. ❤️
ReplyDeletePenny, I told you privately, but here again, take care of yourself and yes mam, keep moving forward. I know your heart aches right now, and will for a long while. But you can do this and go forward and make a changed life. It isn't what we imagined, but that doesn't mean it can't still be good.
DeleteI am glad this helped you some. I came across a poem I will print next week - that I think will help as well.
I am so sorry you are going through this, we love you, and you have a home here. Take care.
❤️
DeletePenny, my love and prayers for you as you adjust to life without your husband. Cheryl was a huge help to me, with her encouraging words, and just the example she set when Glen passed, when my husband passed over three years ago. And as she said, please take care of yourself, our poor bodies absorb the stress, take time and just do whatever seems right. Hilogene in Az.
DeleteVery comforting words...Cheryl, I found peace in this. Please know, I hope you didn't think I was ignoring what happened with your sister. I am truly sorry for your loss. I just want to reiterate that me with my mom with dementia, I was not online hardly at all, hardly at all. I barely even check my email and as you know haven't blogged in ions. I knew when I lost my husband suddenly a little over two weeks ago that this might be a good place to come for support. I'm sorry if I offended anyone.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you, Cheryl
Hon, you offended no one!!!!! You said your feelings for sis earlier and that is fine.
DeleteYou have had your hands full with a lot. We know you haven't been posting (you are missed). Then to have such a sudden loss was just almost too much for you. You owe no one an apology here.
You are always welcome here and you will be shown love and understanding. Please remember that and stop by as you need, dear.
(tears) thank you so much. <3
ReplyDelete