Week of Feb. 28, 2016 - Great Opportunities

By Joan Whetzel

 

I saw the following quote on Facebook (facebook/The Optimism Revolution) that read: “We’re all faced with a series of great opportunities (sic) brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.”

I’ve had more than a few great opportunities in my lifetime, especially in recent years. I can honestly say that my great opportunities have supported my growth and helped me stand on my own two feet and ways I never thought I would. But I’m not ashamed to admit that I wish God would cast his eye in another direction and bestow some of those great opportunities on someone else for a change. I need a vacation. An extended vacation.

What would my vacation look like? I see myself vegging out on a tropical island. I would of course be filthy rich and have every luxury served up on a silver platter. All problems, great or small, would be quickly managed with a flick of my magic wand. It would be a totally care free, stress free existence.

 

Okay, back to reality. Really, I see my real-life, extended vacation this way:

·       No more major and/or costly repairs or problems that need solving.

·       A full time job that I love, is close to home, and pays well.

·       Social Security decides I don’t have to wait until I am 60 to start receiving my widow’s benefits. (Okay, that one probably falls under the reality check column.)

·       Both of my kids prospering greatly, beyond my wildest dreams, with no pressing problems to threaten their wellbeing.

·       Four happy and healthy granddaughters and a happy, healthy grandbaby #5 on the way (hope it’s a boy this time).

·       My mom and siblings all know how much I love them and am grateful for their support.

I can’t imagine a better vacation.

It’s Yard Prep Time Again

By Joan Whetzel

 

Not to brag about our lovely mild winters down here in Texas, but it’s one of the perks of living down here. That and the fact that spring arrives much earlier than the northern states. We get to plant spring flowers earlier.

The last couple of weekends my daughter, oldest granddaughter, and I have finally been able to get back out in the yard again. We’ve had about 3 months of having no yardwork to do and I’ve found that I missed my yardwork time. So, now we’re finally able to do a little of the necessary prep work before our early spring brings us some new growth.

We began with trimming back the crepe myrtle trees in the back yard. Last year it took us about 3 days for each crepe myrtle tree. My husband had never trimmed them since we moved into the house, so they were way out of control. But all that work last year made this year’s pre-Spring trimming way easier. It only took about 1 hour for each tree.

Last weekend we went outside to rake and sweep the massive amounts of pine needles and pine cones in the front yard. That one took a couple hours and 4 large trash bags.

This weekend we mowed and edged. No the grass isn’t growing that much – yet. But the clover has definitely come to life. So basically, we were mowing the clover, weeds, a handful of green blades of grass, and a few early wildflowers. But the yard looks nice again. And this morning I enjoyed one of my new favorite pastimes – a sunrise breakfast picnic out on the back deck. It faces east so I actually get to watch the sun rise over the neighbor’s garage.

I used to dread yardwork. Actually, I downright hated getting out in the yard. But over the last couple of years, I have come to relish getting outside and doing the yardwork. I enjoy the exercise. I even rather look forward to sweating when the temps get warmer. (February is still cool enough that I don’t work up a sweat).

I think I’m finally beginning to understand why grandma always wanted to get out in the yard and put in the effort on her flower beds. Sure, it’s a lot of work, but the payoff is great. I’ve got a yard that looks nice and I love spending a little free time outside after it’s done. Plus, when the weekly jobs are finished, I feel physically restored from getting a bit of exercise, breathing in some fresh air, and absorbing a little natural vitamin D from the sun.