Hard Work

Holidays are strange these days.  Basically, they are just another day like all the others.  We try to find fun things to do, but mostly it's just the two of us doing the regular stuff we do every other day.  Yesterday's holiday found The Husband working hard.  The bit of land behind our fence belongs to the city.  We are, however, required to keep it clean, free from weeds (fire hazard) and not do anything permanent back there.  Yeh, it feels complicated.  Anyway, we walked back there the other day and I was sad that I'd not noticed or remembered to notice that it's cheat grass growing season and the weeds were enjoying the spring.  They were mostly less than knee high but still seemed out of control.  The Husband conquered them.  Tough work that will have to be re-done multiple times through the summer, but he did a great job.  The picture shows - off in the distance - how high the neighbor's weeds are.  Ours looks splendidly clean.

Our walk yesterday morning took us along the canal.  It's always filled with ducks and geese and lots of birds flying around.  We counted 21 tiny ducklings watched over by one female duck.  Wasn't sure if those were all hers or some were adopted.  She was keeping a close eye on them, even the stragglers over in the brush along the edge of the water.  Amazing to me that those teensy little birds can swim as fast as they can. Such a good momma.  I'm sure there's an analogy there, or several analogies. I was so entranced by them all that I didn't even think of getting a picture.  

The peonies are blooming so prettily.  The irises are not far behind.  This is a stellar year for the tricolor beech.  I've tried s-o-o many times to take a good picture but the cameras are just not up to the task of capturing the vivid colors of the leaves.  It'll be in the 90's later this week so I know the color will fade soon.  I'm grateful we've had such vibrant color for so long this year.  It is a beautiful tree.

New shoes!!  I finally spent the money I earned playing for the funeral.  I love them.  The color, the fit, the comfort.  Wore them to church on Sunday - even the walk to and from church found my feet quietly singing thank you with every step. 

I've completed a few books, every day I feel gratitude for the gift of good books to read and share with others. Is it wrong to feel sorry for those who don't enjoy reading?  I know they've other things to do that suit them just fine.  For me a life without books would be very lacking. 

We're off in a bit to see the latest Mission Impossible movie - watched the first part yesterday afternoon.  Tonight it's a surprise birthday party (80 years!!) for a dear, dear sweet friend.  She was happy as she showed off the bracelet I gave her at church on Sunday.  The very best part of giving anything is when the recipient welcomes and uses the gift.  I consider it a high compliment to give someone a gift that they actually like.  I'm so-so at gifting - perhaps that's why I love it so much when I manage to at least partially succeed.

Grateful today for a couple things to do this week.  For the units that will cool our house when it gets too hot.  Grateful for remedies to help relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies that so plague me (and those I love!) Grateful for the chance to try yet again to be a better disciple of our Savior.  I'm counting on Him never giving up on me.