The post 4th wind down.

Yesterday was an absolutely beautiful day; it followed one of the best 4^th of July weekends (extended) ever…two events were held here at what we lovingly call the “compound”.  First, we hosted the annual family 4^th, with friends, fireworks, food, family.  Now it was hot and humid but cooled off for the rest of the week.  On Saturday, the property boasted a festive look for a graduation party for our nephew.  The weather that day was unbelievable, truly, and we had a great day.  His parents did all the work and we just relaxed and attended the party.  (They are the nephew and niece building next door, but their house is just started.)

Sunday was clean-up the yard, remove the tables and chairs, tents, games and décor, took a boat ride with swimming, followed up with saying good bye to family.   Yesterday I did nothing.  Not a thing.  I was bone tired. An evening boat ride, a late invite to have leftovers and ice cream before bed. We deserved that.  But, today is back at it.

  

So, its early on a Tuesday, I’ve checked my email, checked Facebook, responded to a couple things, looked at my budget, started a grocery list, folded some laundry and the beach towels, and committed to two hours outside weeding flowers and believe it or not, I still have a couple plants to get into pots or the ground. I was outside for an hour, lugging water and weed snips all around the yard when the humidity struck. After almost none for three or four days and some beautiful, breezy weather, the return of the humidity at 8:00 a.m. was a bit of a surprise.  While I did get everything watered the weed snipping will have to wait for a bit.  As sweat rolled down my face and off my chin I wondered what the heck was I doing and a return to nothing quickly took over my schedule. I may get some things done later today, like maybe I will go to the grocery store since I have put that off for about a week, even with the parties and house guests.

 

I used to not mind the grocery store, now, it’s not my favorite thing to do.  I try to use a menu and a list, so I can minimize the strolling the aisles, but I am again in a rut with what to prepare for dinner.  It is sometimes good that hubs will eat anything and doesn’t complain over sandwiches for dinner much ~ as long as there are “real” meals every couple of days.  He understands it’s boring, hot, boring and planning dinners for 40+ years has lost its sheen. Add to that I don’t have as much as an appetite as he has, and things can get pretty lean around here.  I can’t pass up a good charcuterie board though and could make a dinner from one without batting an eye.  He is not a big cheese fan and even so, that’s a snack not dinner in his eyes.

I can also get by with a bowl of cereal for dinner…and not gonna lie, this morning I had cherry pie for breakfast.   

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More color, more color.

It seems to be a slow start to spring, doesn’t it? I mean it just won’t kick in.  Today is a good example…it is sunny but boy is it cold.  Another 10 or 15 degrees would make all the difference!

Last week, I went out looking for unique items to place in flower beds or pots.  The stores are filling up with all the usual stuff but I want the unusual. Something fun, colorful but not cheap looking.   I have spent hours on sites like Pinterest looking at ideas, saving pins, trying to locate items featured, or something close that catches my eye.  This week I begin rehab of the moon garden, starting with the soil.  I think there is one plant in that area that I can salvage, maybe two.

 

We spent several days away from home again this week to attend some events with grandchildren.  The highlights were a talent show and a six-year old’s birthday party.  I mean, it can’t get much better.  The kids are so funny, so much fun. Now, I think we will be spending several weekends at home as we finish up some projects around the house to get ready for summer, although I am sure I will squeak out a visit to grandkids even if I go alone.

 

Even though it is just now spring, talk of summer creeps into our conversations.  Summer comes fast and the “big” events require some planning! In going out and about I came across a huge display of 4^th of July decorations already, and the Easter grass isn’t even off the shelves yet!  For some reason, this doesn’t’ bother me as much as Christmas decorations shoving out Halloween costumes.  4^th of July is different for me this year, too, with a mantle and two new porches to decorate!

And speaking of mantles, I can’t tell you how much fun I had with Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day and doing just a touch of something different on the mantle.  Nothing huge, just a swap out of a couple of little things but brought me much joy.  I’m setting out a bit of Easter today.  I am sure hubs thinks I am about the silliest. So, yes,  I am starting to think about getting the screen porch finished, the deck railing, busting out 4^th of July decorations and having a yard and house full of friends and family. A girl can dream.

Today, however, I am bundling up a bit, throwing on some work gloves and heading out to work some compost into the moon garden area.  It needs help people.  I largely ignored this area last year while working on the house and I am being punished for it now.  Give me a few weeks, however, and she’ll be back! I have new pots on order, as I think to feel more success here I will have to use planters and pots, with some good potting soil, and a fun piece of garden statuary tucked away for just this spot! I moved an azalea here last year, and trusting she made it through the winter, it will be a nice, new anchor for this spot.  It is pink not white so I have decided to run with it and use a bit of pink, along with the lavender and silver already there, and declare it Lady Esmerelda’s Prime Pastel Garden and Water Respite.  Just kidding.  I just call it the moon garden, but with more color.

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