Yardword

Since I so love yardwork (not) I have to really mentally prepare for getting out there.

We have some very fun double daffodils that have the most delightful scent.  They've been buried under the leaves The Husband spread around (not quite knowing what the wind would do with those leaves over the winter) as mulch.  I didn't want to miss the daffodils.

5, yes, 5 full garbage bags.

So this morning was the day.  The day for me to gird my loins and head out to clean out the front flower beds of the leaves and winter debris.  It was supposed to be a quick easy job, particularly after the recent clean out of the amphitheater.

Not only did it take longer, but I filled more ginormous garbage bags. Happily, the results of my efforts are obvious. The daffodils are reaching their heads toward the sun and will no doubt be bursting into bloom in the very near future.  So pleased we didn't miss their performance.

YAY!  Peonies in progress.

One year, I planted 9 peonies that I picked up at Costco.  Only one plant grew. The first spring was a disappointment - the peony was only a couple inches high - didn't look like it was going to amount to much. Each year it has grown bigger and stronger and remains one of my favorites.  (If I could have a garden populated with all my favorites it would look like what I imagine the Garden of Eden looked like.  But where would I find the space for all my favorites?)  What happiness to clean around the peony to find these sweet shoots finding their way to springtime.  May will be such a pretty month!

The "attaboy" (or is it really "attagirl"?) I received was in the form of lunch out with My Sweetie at Cafe Rio.  The sun is shining, some of the hard outside work is done, the ibuprofen has begun to work it's magic on my tired back and I snagged a couple M&M's after lunch.  (Gratitude for chocolate continues.)

The Husband claimed he was jealous of me getting to work outside.  But I know the truth...he just wants all the fun yard work for himself.

W-E-D-N-E-S-D-A-Y

W - Wanted to sleep longer this morning.  Between the full(ish) moon and the (earlier-by-a-minute-or-two) sunrise was unable to do so.

E - Enjoyed lunch out at Zupa's which gave me...

D - Dragon breath from the Italian Club Sandwich.  Delish!

N - Noticed some amazingly pink cross-trainer shoes on a woman, should've noticed the brand as well, they looked comfy as well as fun to look at.

E - Eager to work in the yard.  Wait...did I say that out loud?  Since when do I like to work in the yard?  Must be the sunshine and 64 degree weather.

Just lovely.

S - Seriously amazed when I received a compliment on my hair today.  Pardon me, I said?  Your hair looks really nice, I like it she reiterated.  Seriously?  My hair?

D - Didn't expect to enjoy the play last night.  It didn't get a good review (never seen a negative review of anything at the Hale Theater before). I actually enjoyed it.

A - Absolutely had to ride with the sunroof open.

Y - Yellow daffodils welcoming the day - and the season.

And a quote today that I like:  “We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” 
― Thornton Wilder

Merely Monday

Missed the sunshine today, lots of high clouds contained much of the sun.

Managed a bunch of errands.  Doesn't anyone carry 70" round tablecloths in a pleasing pattern?

Marked a wish for the declination of my cough.  Marking time till my wish comes true.

Brrr without shirt....

Marveled at the tenacity of the person who left their shirt hanging on the fence.  It was 19 degrees out when I walked this morning.  And nowhere near warm enough over the last couple days for traversing the trail bare-chested (I'm hoping the shirtless wonder is a man.....).

Maintained the illusion of self-control by having some greek yogurt (not my favorite substance) instead of chocolate (one of my favorite substances) M&M's. Then later had a couple M&M's anyway - and yes it was only a couple.  Illusion is fleeting.

Made The Husband (and the daughter) laugh.  My mission for everyday:  to make someone (anyone) laugh.  Success, she scores, and the crowd goes wild!

Again: Music

I've long had a fondness for the church hymns.  Music really was created to reach our souls.  But somehow, the church hymns have a way of reaching not only our souls, but our hearts, our minds and all that is good within us.

I felt privileged today to witness such a moment.  A member of our ward sang a somewhat less familiar hymn in Sacrament meeting.  This particular hymn is discernibly valuable to him.  He had difficulty maintaining his composure and actually couldn't sing in several instances.  He recovered barely enough to finish the last phrase.

Mine wasn't the only eye spilling over.

Yes, spiritual music:  created to lift our souls with goodness.

Treats

Today was a day of treats for me.

Sunshine on the snow covered bushes: pretty.

Treated ourselves to a bit of a sleep-in.  I so love to wake up when my body says it is time and not before. (Woke up to 5 inches of snow!)

High Fashion!

Treated ourselves to lunch at The Pie.  The best part of that treat for me was I got to pick the ingredients.  I seem to be the only one to like pineapple and ham on my pizza, so I rarely get it.  The Husband was uber generous today and let me choose.  So, ham and pineapple on a thin crust it was.  Absolutely scrumptious!

Treated ourselves to an evening with friends.  We had them over for dinner, chatting and games.  Our friend dressed up with his Looney Tunes tie and shorts.  Fun evening.

Tonight's gratitude:  for laughter!

Most Secure

From a novel I just finished:  "...I heard the words of Meister Eckhart:  Do exactly what you would do if you felt most secure. But what would that mean, what would that be?  What would I do, if I were my best self right now?" This has given me much thought over the last few days.

I was blessed with an obedient spirit.  That's a fact. Generally I'm pretty much ok with it and often have been grateful.  I haven't been one of those who just has to "push the boundaries" or learn things the hard way.  It has made for an easier life in many aspects.

Being thus endowed does not mean, however, that I haven't had to learn things along the way.  One of the things I'm still learning is to be my best self.  Feeling secure in the love of Heavenly Father, knowing He will always care for me (often in spite of myself) is a matter of personal struggle.  I often wonder if I haven't failed Him somehow, not having lots of accomplishments in this world, not being highly educated, or having been a great teacher or orator or a wealthy philanthropist, or even good with small children.

Lovely Spring Snowstorm.

The world needs those people.  I just don't happen to be one of them. What then do I have to show for myself?  There have been small displays of my best self - fleeting and few in occurrences.  The one thing I have done (being my best self) is to try to have a good heart, to be kind when no one is looking, to have my behavior reflect my ultimate goal - to be accepted back into Heavenly Father's arms.

I'm still a work in progress.  Most likely to remain so the rest of my earthly days.  I hope to remember the words of Meister Eckhart and let them guide my actions.  The results could be amazing.

Beauty

Three hours ago it was windy and blizzarding.  Snow covers everything.  And now the sunlight is stunning.  The old saying,"if you don't like the weather in Utah, just wait a little while...."

I just had to share today's page from my Mary Engelbreit calendar.  Those who know me will just shake their heads as they laugh.  Whoever Madeline Costigan is, she must be a fun person.  Just like me!

Sweet Fun

Raised bench and footstool for comfort.

Was invited today to a piano recital.  My cousin teaches piano to a good collection of lucky youngsters.  One of whom is her granddaughter.  The cute young thing who inherited her great great grandmother's piano (via me last September).

What a treat to be able to witness firsthand a budding love for music (she loves songs in minor keys) as well as a budding talent.  She's a little sweetheart with a fun, spunky personality.

After the recital they played "Symphony" - their version of musical chairs.  Giggles were abundant, even from the spectators - especially me.  I don't remember ever having fun at a piano lesson, and I wasn't taught even the very basics of theory.  I just learned how to read music, the interpretation I added as I went along.

My cousin is doing great things with these children.  Not the least of which is teaching a love for music and the fact that there is fun in learning.  How fortunate they are.

Today's gratitude:  for people in the world who enjoy life, do good things and spread care & concern for others - true followers of our Savior.  (My own aspirations.) And for music, wherever we find it.

T-U-E-S-D-A-Y

T - Totally pleased with the grandson.  Our deal:  that he'd help me take out the garbage cans every week until he'd worked off the $ I loaned him to buy his Mom a Christmas gift.  Not only has he not shirked the duty, he's remembered all on his own to do it.  He's nearly worked off the debt and has done so cheerfully.  Way to go, Bud.

U - Unexpected.  Something that I often enjoy.  My unexpectedness lately has included vacuuming with my left hand (difficult for this confirmed right-handed woman) and doing my circuit of the grocery the opposite way from usual. Confuses the mind.  Good for me.

E - Exchanged some sale capris that were a size too big.  Got the last one in my size.  Also good for me  (provided I don't grow too big for them before I get a chance to wear them!)

S - Sneaking.  Caught The Husband immediately after he "sneaked" a piece of chocolate.  Had to confess I, too, had sneaked a piece.  And since neither one of us care, I guess it wasn't really sneaking.  Sharing chocolate is my preferred activity, it tastes much better that way.

D - Decided (again and for the umpteen millionth time) that I really, really dislike dressing room mirrors.  They make me shudder!  Also:  decided that it must really be spring since in my travels about town I noticed several sofas sitting out on the curb waiting for takers.

A - Allowed myself an hour this afternoon to sit down with a book.  A lovely treat.

Y - Yellow daffodils getting ready to pop open.  Yellow is my new current (as of this minute) favorite color.

Really liked today's page from my calendar:  makes me feel better about sometimes not being sure whether I'm coming or going, or what.

Monday's Matters

Been on a several little "mikro" adventures the last few days.  (The Husband's name: Mike, thus the derivation of micro.  He's used this moniker for years.)  I so enjoy the adventures.

Twice the luck?

This morning's mikro netted a couple pennies.  If picking up one found penny provides luck all the day, will two found and picked up pennies provide double the luck?  I'm counting on it.

Had some money from selling something online a month ago that was burning a hole in my pocket.  Set off to spend it.  Figured since I had $$ and an idea of what I'd like to purchase with it the endeavor would be unsuccessful (usually can only find stuff that calls to me when I haven't the money for it). Managed to find a couple things. Yay for me!

YAY for electricity!

Spent the weekend mentally debating whether or not to buy the VW Beetle.  Am fully aware of the negatives.  Still, no other car has piqued my interest in a very long time.  First thing this morning saw a picture of my friend/neighbor standing in front of her new VW Beetle.  Decision made.  No more agonizing.  I will be content.  As I should have been all along.

Abandoned the house for a few hours this morning because of a scheduled power outage.  (They were hooking up the electricity for the new school a block away.  Necessitating the blackout of the entire neighborhood.) The Husband settled in at our local AstroBurger for the duration. Arrived home expecting the power to still be off only to find they were done - power is restored (and nearly all the clocks need to be re-set.)

Decided I was done with FaceBook for awhile.  Logged out figuring I'd forget the password.  Didn't really miss it.  Until I accidentally discovered that my iPad is still logged in.  Should remedy that at some point....

Today's gratitude:  for stable reliable power to run all the conveniences that occupy our home.  (And for double chocolate shakes to share with just the perfect person!)

Strange Saturday

The Husband mentioned this morning that he wanted to have the kind of day where I didn't say at the end of it that it wasn't a good day.  And while today was out-of-the-ordinary for us in many regards, I have to say that overall:  it was a good day.

Some good things:

- sleeping in and lounging around till we showered around 10 a.m.

- Brunching out - I had the chile verde omelette and it was scrumptious!  The scone was a treat as well.

- Meandering around Lowe's and Home Depot (surely we are old when we find that fun!)

- Test driving a VW Beetle.  (I've loved these since the new body style.  S-o-o very fun to drive!  Thinking about getting one.  Would that be totally stupid?  The Prius is a wonderful car and so very practical.  Practical has sort of worn out its welcome with me.  I'm ready for fun!)

- Finding something "different" to take to dinner tomorrow.  Hope they like it!

Comfy!

- Getting some vacuuming done and some garden-planning worked on.

- Having one of those rare days when there was no pressure, no deadlines, no time table, no commitment.  Just "traveling along, singing a song, side by side" was perfect for today.

- Temperatures in the upper 60's with lots of sunshine made for the first day for shorts for The Husband.  I think he kind of liked it.

- Having someone need something that I could open a drawer and put my hands on the very thing needed.  So very good for me to be able to help in that way.

And tonight's gratitude:  For a good day.

Appreciation

70 degrees out and barely breezy - perfect weather.

Along about this time of year my appreciation for those (not me) who enjoy working with plants (really, in the dirt?) is renewed.

We affectionately call this our "amphitheater" - it is on the outside of our stairwell to the basement. Most of the year it is lovely.  This time of year -  not so much.  It begins to nag at me every time I walk past the window:  clean me, clean me.

Viola growing through the crack in the rock.

I know it isn't much to look at right now (trust me - it was w-a-y worse before I hauled out 3 ginormous bags of winter debris).  Between the leaves from the beeches, maples and cottonwoods and the sweet woodruff  that has run amok, a 50 pound child could get lost in there and never found.  In a few weeks, though, the daffodils (the ones that I didn't step the life out of) will be blooming (yellow is my current favorite color), and it will be a veritable garden of delight.

It takes a bit of back-stressing work and there's where the appreciation for those gardeners comes in. I will never be a gardener.  Just the gardener's admirer.  The heaviest work, though, is now finished.  I've showered off all the creepy crawlies that might have clung to me, taken some ibuprofen for my back, and received a hug from The Husband.

He's promised me dinner out at a place of my choosing.  Wow - if I can get dinner out of it, perhaps I should work in the yard more often. (Then again, maybe not....)

Heart Full of Gratitude

Strong person, strong love.

I so loved this picture from my Mary Engelbreit page-a-day calendar.  My life revolves around the man who cares for me, provides for me, works very hard for me and makes me laugh.  He doesn't receive many "attaboys".  And I feel sad when I give him an "aw shucks."  (Like I did this morning when I hesitantly asked him to fold the throw when he's done napping.  Bad, bad, bad me.)

He's often told me he works hard so that I don't have to, that he delights in accommodating my every whim.  (I try to not have too many of those...)  And yet at some point I'm sure he wishes to play a little more and work a little less.  He surely has earned some play.

The other morning we got up around 7:30, showered, ate, puttered around.  Wandering the house looking for him just two hours later (9:30 a.m.) I found him stretched out in the recliner making sweet sleep sounds.  He's also earned some naps - although I noticed he didn't take one on Monday - National Nap Day.

So today, my heart overflows with gratitude for the one who fills my life with joy.  Thanks, My Love, for finding me.  Don't ever leave without me.

Growing Things

Did a quick walk-about in part of the yard.  Checking on our two maple trees.  They've had a virus that we've been battling the last few years so I'm always interested to see if they bud out in the spring.  So far, so good.  They are both looking like they are anticipating springtime quite nicely.

Just had to take a snapshot of three of my orchids.  (One of them was a gift from sweet friends when my Mom passed away and it is still going strong.  YAY!) They are apparently also enjoying where they are and decided to show their pleasure by bursting into bloom.  One more orchid has a small bud-shoot coming up.  I so love flowers in the house...and out of the house....and wherever I can find them.

M-O-N-D-A-Y

M - Massive headache trying to resolve a missing payment. Draper's Waterpro company is less than helpful at best, uninterested in helping at worst.  Finally thing things seem resolved.  Time will tell.

O - Out to lunch with a friend (I continue to be grateful for her kind friendship!)  First time I've ever left Sweet Tomatoes without feeling the need for a wheelchair.  Restraint ruled the day.

N - National Nap Day - for those (like us) who are grumpy after setting the clocks ahead for Daylight Savings Time.  They say it can take a whole week for your body's clock to adjust.  Why, then, oh why, do we do it?

I would walk 500 miles....

D - Darling, darling little boy that I got to see.  The two month old grandson of my friend.  He has a lovely Mom and a doting Gramma.  Babies = earthly delight from heaven.

A - Aahed (to myself out loud) over the stunning sunrise - camera on the phone doesn't begin to do it justice.  One of the best ways to start the day.

Y - YAY!! for me.  After my roughly 5 mile walk this morning and then my quick walk through Costco (still loving those Cara Cara oranges) I bumped over the 15,000 step point on my pedometer.  Get discouraged over Virgin's website - the rewards goals are set w-a-y too high.  Still, though, am pretty pleased.

Today's gratitude:  for clouds and sunshine, for efficient cars, for comfy shoes and stores stocked with plenty of food.

Junk Food / Food Hog

I admit it.  I have a love/hate relationship with food.  I really dislike the actual process of eating.  At the same time,  I so enjoy the taste of some things (but never ever never onions).

Try as I might, and sometimes I try mightily hard, it is difficult for me to completely give up sugar, even though I know how bad it is for me.

These little orange (and yellow and green and whatever color they come in) guys are one of my favorites.  There's something about the texture / flavor I just love.  (I've been known to eat circus peanuts that are stale enough to break a windshield.)

Give me some movie theater popcorn - the real stuff- and get out of my way because it is nearly impossible for me to do anything but inhale it. (I look just like a hog at a trough.)  If I don't start, I'm pretty much ok, so I try to not start.

Gelato, quality ice cream:  I can immerse myself in it.  Decent chocolate:  I'm there.  (Starting to be selective and only want the good stuff, can turn down the cheapo chocolate - unless I'm desperate.) Croissants:  fill them with chocolate and give me a dozen.

Simply add spoon and enjoy!

One of my favorite indulgences is frozen custard.  Fortunately we have to trek a ways to get it, consequently it isn't as frequent an indulgence as it might otherwise be.  Today's flavor:  Andes mint.  Scrumptious.

This love/hate relationship with food translates into a hate/hate relationship with the bathroom scales, mirrors, my jeans and every store dressing room I've ever been in.  You'd think I'd learn my lesson.  But, alas, I am weak when it comes to my tastebuds.  Will there be delights like these in heaven?

Lights and Colors

Persnickety light fixture.

This is the light panel above the sink in our bathroom.  It has a mind of its own. When we had the house built, the electrician was one of the few areas of dissatisfaction.  I've wondered if he put a hex on some of the electrical components of the house.  (We've had to have things re-done, removed, and repaired a fair amount over the last 12 years.)

I try to keep things in perspective:  when the light won't come on, I try to be patient, figuring that it will come on in its own due time.  And usually it does.  Pretty weird.  Feels like an evil spell....

Noxious (pretty) weed.

My eye was caught on my walk this morning by this ordinary noxious weed.  The red part is only less than half an inch long.  But it was the color that grabbed me.  It seems most plants coming alive in the spring are green or other light colors.  The vivid red was a surprise.

Today's fun memory:  the little guy sitting on his Mom's shoulders as she trotted across the street.  He had a pretty cute grin on his face as he bounced up and down.

And fulfilling today's goal that I didn't even know I had till I accomplished it:  being a trouble maker at the credit union when I totally discombobulated the teller so bad he forgot to give me all the cash I was withdrawing.  I'm pretty much always up for an adventure.

Blooms

There's something special about the way blooming flowers brighten a room.

Sara Bareilles - King Of Everything

This song doesn't bring out the best in me.  I should probably never have purchased it for my iPod.  It comes around on the playlist every once in awhile; revives past hurtful experiences I would do well to forget and let go.  Difficult for me.

I've tried really hard not to be that kind of person:  the one who is always trying to improve others, discipline them, "expand their horizons", attempting to mold them into what I think is better for them.  That isn't my place.  Or anyone's place to do to other people, particularly other adults.

I suspect I might have failed in this a time or two, but I really have tried not to be that way.  I have first-hand experience with others doing that very thing to me.  Again, not their place.  Not anyone's place to judge (and find them lacking) that way.

One of my biggest fears:  disappointing Heavenly Father.  I think if I were to behave that way it would disappoint Him.  Certainly there have been (and most likely will continue to be) other ways that I disappoint. The list of ways I fail in life would be very long.  This is one thing, though, that is important to me to avoid.  Perhaps being so very aware of that kind of behavior will be a deterrent.  I will try.  Over and over.

Do birds re-use nests?

I almost felt like a VIP this morning when I crossed the street over by the school.  Happened to be just when the crosswalk was supervised for the chilluns going to school.  Got escorted across the street by not one but two adults, flags stopping traffic and all.  Was kind of fun.

Tonight's gratitude:  for deciduous trees whose winter-bare branches reveal the previous season's birdie nests.  Love this little peek into nature's realm.

March

If it is March and we're in Draper it must be windy!!

Those stems are going to be gorgeous!

All four of my phalaenopsis orchids are getting ready to bloom.  (One is already blooming with a new stem budding out.) I so love blooming plants (that actually bloom) around the house.

And today's memorable quote:  "Be silly, be honest, be kind."  --Ralph Waldo Emerson. I will do my best to do all three.

Monday Again

Last week at the graduation one of the speakers told the new police officers that soon their competence would catch up to their character.  I have been quite taken with that phrase.  It could be a life motto.  Have a high standard of character (be the absolute best with top priorities to integrity and Christlike actions) and allow your competence to catch up to that character.  To behave in such a way as to pass pretty much all of life's tests.  An interesting concept - but really nothing new. LDS Living 101.   I shall have to figure out a way to increase the level of my character - followed by the increase of my competency in all matters good.  Something to work on (in case I manage to run out of all the other "shoulds" in my life).

Decided this morning to change up my walking route.  Delightful to see something a bit different.  Loved this view of the mountains.  And in my opinion, most everything looks better at sunrise.

How many would it take for the car to take flight?

What a fun way to start the morning of your birthday (especially on a Monday morning):  to head out to your car to find it decorated thusly. (I so missed out on that creative gene!)  Wondered to myself how early they had to get up to go get helium filled balloons.

And today's gratitude:  for invitations to shop (I like that I no longer feel compelled to buy) and for the ready supply of hugs (The Husband's home!) that warm my very soul.

March

March's calendar picture.

Love, love, love March.  Current temperature:  55 degrees.  Sunshine.  Calm winds.  Spring is just around the corner.  (I realize that there will still be snow and wind and clouds before winter bows to the coming season.  It will be tolerable.)

I See Love.

So fabulous to have The Husband home.  He wandered in this morning to greet me, having put his Transition lenses to good use.  What a welcome sight.  (Pun intended.) Thanks, My Love, you make life fun!

Saw the previews to the upcoming movie (The Great and Powerful Oz).  I've always wondered (I'm still mostly brunette) why the bad witches always have dark hair and the good women are always blonde?  I feel stereotyped.

Favorite line from Jack, The Giant Slayer as said by the princess:  "A princess is useless."  Don't know why this stood out, but it did.

Tonight's plan:  the symphony.  Certain to end the day on a happy note.  (hee hee.)  Throw in this morning's free popcorn and the treat of a gelato and the day will have been an unqualified success.

Friday Fun

The Police Academy Graduate.

It's been a great day.  Was able this morning to attend the graduation of our son from the police academy.  He is now - officially - a police officer, after five months of training at the academy.  Now he'll be doing 14 weeks of field training, but it will be as a policeman.  He's wanted to do this since he was a small boy.  Good for you, son.

Checked flower legs: wonderful!

I got hugs all around from some of the grandchilluns.  (My very favorite gift from them, and they don't seem to mind dispensing them at all!)  Loved the 6 year old's tights, think I'll be on the lookout for some just like them in my (grandma) size.

So enjoyed the weather - it's currently 52 degrees.  I even had to break out my sunglasses.

Zupa's new location in our city is such an improvement.  The soup is still fantabulous, but now, in addition, access to the restaurant is easier, with better parking and the layout of the new restaurant more pleasant.

And in case there was any question:  yes, people with more years under their belts do eat dinner at 4 p.m.

And this afternoon's gratitude:  That it's Friday and The Husband is waiting to board the plane that will wing its way home, bringing his smile, hugs and security back to me.  The very best part of a very good day.