We rang in the new year quietly with a mildly alcoholic drink and a movie. No late night parties for us or big celebrations in a bar or hotel ballroom. Maybe it’s because we’re not in our twenties anymore or just that we enjoy being at home with our canine friends. Whatever the reason, we were satisfied with our quiet evening at home. We are at the point where we didn’t even have to explain to each other why we spent our evening at home. Our priorities had changed. Continue reading
Those of you who have been following my blog know that I was in a car accident a few weeks ago. It’s actually more like four, but hey, who’s counting? The doctor says I had a concussion, even though I didn’t actually hit anything. Apparently my brains sloshed around inside my skull. I am much better now, but I still say and do things that are a bit off, and get really tired by about 5 PM. While I took the doctor’s guidance seriously, it’s been hard for me to do less, move less, and think less. I am not reading, except short news stories, and not exercising much. There are things I have to do: I have to water my plants, and answer emails, and keep up with projects and clients related to work. As for the rest of my normally productive, busy life, I’ve had to put it on hold. What happens when life slows down? Continue reading
Earlier this month I blogged about starting a garden. I planted seeds and watched them carefully, hoping they would grow and thrive to later be planted outside. Last week I had two of the three raised beds put in the backyard. The third bed will be installed this week. Continue reading
Some of you may have noticed that the frequency of my posts has diminished lately. I was thinking about that yesterday and wondering why I wasn’t motivated to sit down and write. Then it hit me. I am smack dab in the middle of winter. Half is behind me, and half is ahead of me. Unfortunately, the better half has passed: the holidays, the New Year, two three-day weekends, and the anticipation of the first snow. The rest is just dreary, slushy, dirty, and monotonous waiting. I am in the midst of the winter doldrums. Continue reading
The view from the garage.
On Sunday we woke up to a cacophony of snow blowers. It was our neighbors clearing their driveways. It seemed like everyone had a snow blower. Larry went out to join them and try to get us out. It was trial by fire for the poor machine, first time out in the snow with the challenge of two feet to move and our long driveway. Continue reading
The blizzard hit the east coast on Friday, 22 January and didn’t end until Saturday. We were happy to be out of the DC area for this one, but we still got hit hard. Before the snow we treated ourselves to a pizza lunch at an Italian restaurant near our local ski lodge. Then it was home to wait. In the afternoon it began. Continue reading
Twas the night before Christmas and in Marla’s house, we were busy preparing for a day that would not interest a mouse,
For we had no presents, no tinsel, no tree, just two grown up people in wait for a day that was free,
Our fridge was packed, our house nice and warm, as we hunkered down for a quiet day outside the norm,
No children were waiting, no brew was chilling, as we eagerly looked forward to a day that was thrilling,
When what on our lawn did we spy from the door but some deer, a grouse, squirrels, and wait . . . birds galore!
As darkness descended on our small village street we heard the sound of peace, joy, and a new day to meet.
So my virtual friends I send you a warm greeting, in hopes that one day we may be meeting,
And wishing you all a joyful weekend, filled with family, food, good cheer and old friends.
Continue reading
It’s that time again when the leaves change color and fall to earth. Once on the ground they lay there, making little piles. Sometimes a wind arrives and blows them around the yard. I love this time of year. I’ll be honest, I don’t like the heat and humidity of Summer, but I love Autumn.
When you have over an acre of yard you have a lot of leaves to rake. While we don’t cut our own grass, we do rake leaves. I love raking leaves. It’s similar to pulling up weeds in that it’s a repetitive process that rids the yard of something you don’t need. Unlike pulling weeds, once the leaves are gone they don’t come back. Continue reading
Explorations In Place 