I was inspired by this story posted in the blog Picture Retirement. Suzanne has shared some beautiful photos and I encourage you to take a look – they are very impressive.
She wrote, “What lifted my spirits and made me smile this week is the realization that doing what we love doesn’t have to be put on hold. Our ability to adapt, be creative and find ways to breath new life into old hobbies and habits can turn a gloomy day into one filled with beauty.”
I have been getting very restless spending so much time at home. M. is still getting up every morning and going to work so I am by myself. Even though I am still online teaching my third graders until the end of May, it is not nearly the same rigor and pace as before the coronavirus left us no choice but to close our schools until next August. I am the type of person who enjoys keeping busy. Too much time on my hands + cabin fever = an unhappy me. Suzanne’s post encouraged me to look beyond, so I ventured outside to walk around my yard on this glorious spring day. As I looked around, I was reminded of just how much I actually love being in my home and especially spending time outside in my yard. I began to recognize all of the the simple things (that sometimes go unnoticed or taken for granted) which bring much joy to my days.
I love the time we spend around this table. Many laughs and much food has been shared from spring all the way through fall between M. and I, with family members, and with friends. The evening temps are still a little cold for us to start eating our dinners outside (which we absolutely love to do); but here lately, I make sure to eat lunch at this table or on the deck of our shed every single weather-permitting day!
The furniture on the deck of our shed is so old and is getting rusty, but perfect for a quick lunch or a place to sit while M. cooks up something yummy on the grill.
Some of the lovely flowers I spotted growing in my yard.
The Dogwood tree is full of blooms:
About three years ago, we found a pad of a cactus that someone had broken off. M. picked it up, brought it home and planted it. Every year the plant gets bigger and bigger. Can you see the tiny lady bug on top?
M. has a green thumb and can grow anything. I, however, quote the plea in the photo below regarding anything I plant.
I really needed this dose of slowing down and appreciating the very simple-beauty in my own back yard. Praise God for the simple joys!
Savoring Sixty and Beyond 
Yes indeed this enforced lockdown is teaching us to look closely and to re-evaluate what treasures we have 💜
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What a lovely place to sit and relax. Where would we be without Nature. My heart goes out to those who have no outside space.
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I enjoyed the tour of your yard.
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Thank you!
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I found Suzanne’s post inspiring as well.
Thank you for sharing your photos with us. Your backyard and flowers are beautiful.
Somehow, I am now hungry for BBQ!
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Thank you! BBQ sounds delicious!
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What a trooper you are! I cannot imagine going through this without Malcolm. He talks me up when I get down and he is always good for a laugh or a hug when I need one.At least you have hubby on the weekends. I am glad that my post made you feel better about dealing with ‘what is.’ That is about all we can do right now. Your yard is beautiful and I can relate to your garden sign. A few days ago a girlfriend dropped off a plant that she rooted and potted for me just because I admired it in her yard. I texted her, “how do I keep it alive?” Dinner guest have given me orchids in the past and I enjoy them while they are flowering, then hand them off to my MIL to keep alive. Obviously, I am better at shooting plants than growing them!! Ha. Take care.
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Thank you! Luckily my BFF lives on the other side of my neighborhood so we keep each other sane. We practice social distancing as we meet up to take a walk and talk through the neighborhood.
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Your yard and patio/deck is such a beautiful spot. What an oasis. I can imaging you love to spend time out there. I read Suzanne’s post too and was inspired by it. I can imagine that teaching third graders virtually is not nearly as rewarding as teaching them in person.
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Thank you!
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I’m enjoying the simplicity of our days lately, too. Your post is a good reminder to adapt to what is, preferably with a little style and panache. Your backyard is lovely.
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Thank you so much!
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Thanks for the reminder that we should slow down and appreciate the simplicity and beauty of our current days. Before long we’ll be right back into the daily rush. So if we are lucky enough to be able to stay home and stay safe then we should savor this for the special time that it is.
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You are so right. The daily rush will be back. I just hope we can remember this unique opportunity of experiencing life at a slower pace and rediscovering simplicity.
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Your yard is so pretty! I need that sign for my flowers! 😂
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Thank you so much! I could not resist that sign when I saw it! Describes me to a T!
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