Garden or Life?

For the past couple of years I have landed on a word or two to help me set some goals for, oh, I don’t know, lets call it carrying on.  Its been joy, its been intention, its been deliberate.  As I watched some birds out the window this morning and bemoaned the fact that the ground is probably too wet to do more planting, I realized I didn’t have a word for 2020.

    

I am sure we all agree that there are a few words fitting for 2020 and not all of them are G rated.  Not all of the words I can think of would project an attitude of positivity.  The thing is, as I look out the window and bemoan…some would call it wallow…I work at my attitude.  It is too wet to plant, but, when the sun comes out a little it will be a great time to weed, for the ground will be soft and the colors will be bright. I will be able to easily identify the weed. I have a kneeling pad, I have gloves and a garbage can.  I have brand new snips and pruners, and I have a trowel.  I am equipped.

Gardening and landscaping take planning, for sure. Audrey Hepburn once said “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow”.  It takes belief and faith and it takes time. But let’s face it, it also takes action.  Gardening includes tasks, like weeding, because gardens don’t just happen, although I have tried that approach, too, when I just didn’t have the time or inclination.  Lots of metaphors there, isn’t there?

I have the faith and belief, I have equipment and I have time, oh, and I have weeds.  My word for 2020 ~ Action.  Let me take action.

cindiswindowlakeliving

Things I hope not to forget.

What I have learned so far.

Never be without an extra can of Lysol.

Never be without an extra stick of deodorant.

Never be without an extra package of the paper napkins I prefer…which is Bounty.

Never, ever be without an extra gift for any one or number of my five grands.  One of which had a birthday this week and got a woefully sad gift from his GiGi and PaPa.

Never write off the beauty of breakfast for dinner.

Never underestimate the benefit of a second TV, an office or spare bedroom.  Just saying.

Needs are few. 

Family is everything.

cindiswindowlakeliving

Ode to Joy

Started stocking up on some plants this week (I had ordered a few by mail only the second time or so I have done that) and my neighbor-niece picked up a few for me while she was out on errands.  I already almost killed those by leaving them out on the step in an “ooops, I forgot the plants” moment when the temps dropped down to near freezing. They may recover IF it warms up soon. I think May 10 is our safe to plant date for 2020.

I told you about the extension of my trail, once known as trail to nowhere and now referred to, occasionally and loosely, as the trail with purpose. I LOVE this addition to our landscape and although it was a lot of work, and still work needed, it is becoming a favorite spot. Except for the poison ivy or poison oak I picked up while ripping out myrtle, hiding in the growth to do its dastardly deed on my arms and ankles.  Now that I know it is there, I look for it and it is discreet, for sure, but its there. Poison Ivy seems to be strong this year as I have seen several people post about it. Devil weed.

This year has turned in to a year of some serious landscape planning. It is nice to have the niece next door as she also is a landscape planner. We talk flowers, shrubs and trees a LOT. We enjoy it and well, she also picked up some poison ivy working in HER beds. So, we share that as well.

The daffodil game has been strong and long this year; the colder temps seem to be keeping them on a nice rotation without everyone blooming at once. There’s a lot to divide and move later to keep this look going.

 

Even with everything that is going on, spring is such a great time of year. Even on days when it is a bit gloomy or cold I walk out onto the porch and take it all in, just sort of survey it. We have a lot of projects, sure, but also a lot of joy. Who doesn’t need a bit of joy?

cindiswindowlakeliving

Trail to nowhere.

This is tough.  We all are going through it, and well, it is tough.  Not going to dwell here cause we are all having similar thoughts.  4 weeks or so in to it, and it is tough.

Last week I did a thing.  I have had a bit of a trail through the woods side of the house for a couple years.  It leads out past the area I call my moon garden, where the statue my son-in-law made in college usually stands.   I refer to it as my trail to nowhere.  Last week I sat on the steps of the front porch looking out at the trail, thinking about how much mulch I need for it this year and where the heck that would come from, how would it get here and gosh, that’s a lot of mulch. Not a huge fan of dyed mulch, I prefer wood chips from real trees, brown, dirty and probably insect infested, but cheap.  The local recycling center is currently closed and well, not looking likely for a truck load or two of wood chips anytime soon.

 

Naturally, I decided it is the perfect time to expand the trail, to make a loop, to widen the new section a bit and come out parallel to the entrance.  You would no longer have to enter and exit in the same place. Of course, this is a perfect time to tackle this project…when you have absolutely no resources and nothing but time. 

I dug in, I tore out.  I begged hubs to come and help with bigger trees.  You know there were maples galore, some requiring an actual shovel and a strong back, even a chain saw for a couple.  I ripped out myrtle that had long ago been left to grow wild.  It was a solid two days of work and an afternoon here or there of picking away at some little patch of vine or tree. It’s a loop, a start and a finish...it's not long or fancy and I love it. More importantly, the grandkids are going to love it, too, once they can run on it and explore and pretend. I might not run it but I walk it and explore and pretend, imagine, plot and plan, dream.

While it's still a trail that goes nowhere, in the end it finds itself and hey, that’s always a good thing.

cindiswindowlakeliving

Checking in.

What do you really need?

What do you really want?

What are you able to live without?

The new normal.

 

I admit that I have struggled a bit this week.  I can’t remember the last time I was off my property…which is OK by me, really, its just that I can’t remember.  Since we are now considered “elderly” (which was a shock), I have been playing it very safe.  At least, I think so.  I am so grateful to our neighbors and our daughter for doing their utmost to keep us healthy and watching out for our well-being, getting our groceries and supplies, and including us in their runs for take-out food.

 

When we look back on this time, we will have learned much about ourselves, as individuals, as family and as citizens.  What do we want, need and can live without? I bet most of us have a list starting to develop in our heads already.  Way too much food has been kept and thrown out in this house over the years.  Way too many clothes and “niceties”.  Far too many snacks.  Not enough parties, not enough cook-outs. Not enough Isopropyl Alcohol and Hydrogen Peroxide.  Not enough Lysol spray – I’ll never be caught short again. 

Not enough contact with those I love.  Too many days and weeks go by without an “I love you” or even  “just checking in”.

 

Checking in, guys.  Hope you are well, hope you stay well and I love you.

facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving

Well, hey, everybody!

Yes, yes it really has been a year since I posted on this blog.  That has been intentional by the way, not that I forgot or had nothing to say.  Fact is, I was afraid of what I would say and therefor, thought it best not to have a forum...if you know what I mean. 

That being said, it's a new time, a different time. Very different.  I was thinking this morning, as I was doing some deep breathing exercises,  that I would like to post a little something positive on Facebook and Instagram and well, some of you know that I have been posting my "Days of Love" on a near daily bases for over two years.  That's usually a picture and I keep the comments down to a roar. At least, from me! I love YOUR comments!

Anyway, this morning I found myself thinking a lot about my friends and family, and decided to rejuvenate my blog, to keep in touch, to do a little mental health check with all of you.  It's too easy to disconnect, to feel a little overwhelmed and to shut in..and shut down.  I'm not having it. 

As I have stated in the past, I started this blog to keep my family and friends up to date on what was happening around my lakeside home and to entertain them, and you.  I am still all about that.  I hope to be a place you can come to for a few words of levity and good feels.  Expect to see my dog and my grandchildren and hubs, of course.  You may get tired of the food pics and cocktails with fires in the background but hey, it's what I do and I invite you to come along.  I love you all, near and far, and hope to see you all again soon.  Until then, please join me at my window!

facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving/

Just around the corner.

Now, this weather has got to go.  It’s important, I know, to have spring rain…it helps the lake, it helps the flowers and trees, it helps, it helps.  But you should see our driveway and yard.  Things are super muddy around here, like walking in fudge.  But, yes, there will be sun and drying winds.  This is temporary, I know.  

A couple weeks ago I talked about introducing essential oils into some of my daily routines, which I have continued to do although have not improved on incorporating as much as I want to.  I do still love the frankincense and coconut oil I am using on my neck and chest. Working on those imperfections and happy with the results.  A drop of lemon oil in my water every day, several glasses a day, and a mix of lemon, lavender and tea tree oil to spritz on my counters.  Using my diffuser more often and saw a great little recipe for a spring fragrance called Shamrocks.  Tee hee hee.  Love that.

A few years ago I started watching a make-up artist on You Tube.  I liked her because she was fun, funny, impertinent and did not give a care about what people thought.  She entertained me and although I am not into make-up so much, I liked watching her.  I was maybe a little depressed during those days and needed a boost.  I put her right up there with smutty romance novels and the Bravo housewives franchise.  I cannot get enough.  Shocking, right? Is there anyone out there more shallow than me? 

Anyway, when I started watching this young woman, I also started paying attention to some of the products that seemed to pop up in a lot of places but were often very expensive and not something I was going to spend money on, since I am not a make-up person.  However, I was intrigued by one product that seemed to get mentioned a lot.  Tarte Shape Tape.  I do not understand why it is called Shape Tape as it is neither for shaping nor taping.  It’s concealer.  The product reviews were ridonkulous, as they say, and recently I pulled the trigger and ordered some to be sent in a plain brown unmarked envelope to my home.

This stuff is pretty good.  It’s good on wrinkles and discolorations – okay, bags – around my eyes.  I have learned how to blend and smooth and it truly does take a smidgen of this stuff to work.  I use it all around my eyes because I do not use eye shadow but the eyelids aren’t what they use to be, and this stuff really does go on thin and not settle into lines and wrinkles.  It’s good stuff and I recommend, if that matters to you at all.

So I guess what I am getting at with all these new ideas and items is that it’s not too late, I guess ever, to try to improve yourself and your surroundings.  It would be so easy to just accept what I have, what I know, at my age, but, I really do want to be better, look my best healthy self, feel my best healthy self.

    

That being said I had to run an errand yesterday and WOW am I glad I didn’t see any one I know as I did not do my eyes, or my hair, or my wardrobe for that matter.   If you did happen to see me, thanks for ignoring me and sparing me the anguish it would have caused both of us.

facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving

The beginning.

Almost every year we traveled to a tropical location with business associates of my husband.  We were lucky to go to some gorgeous resorts, beautiful locations as an incentive he earned while working along side some great salesmen and their customers.  To have these trips come to an end is the negative of retirement.

   

This year’s trip was to Costa Rica.  Another location I didn’t think I would get to see and the countryside did not disappoint.  We laid pretty low all week as there is a fair amount of “business” that is conducted during these trips although it is all about building relationships more than conducting business.  But, we stepped back and out of the role and just relaxed.  Following our January trip to Key West, I’d say hubs has had a great introduction in to retirement! The people of Costa Rica were sweet and seemingly happy people.  I would not turn down an opportunity to go again.

Since we have returned, spring is making a frustratingly slow entrance.  More snow, frigid cold.  I was hoping we would be a little further in to it by now, to be honest.  We all may remember how antsy I get for getting out in the mud and mire to start my landscaping projects and this year is no exception.  I’m anxious to get started.  My big project this year is going to be landscape lighting along with some foundation planting, so I have begun to research a little, talk style and placement…a little sketching.  This is what I love about early spring; the getting ready.

As for the immediate future, I should take the Christmas arrangement out of the big black pots on the front porch and begin to ready it for a spring transition, as I know it will happen even if slow to start.  I have white lights on a tree up in the woods and over the last week or so the strands have started to burn out so the arrangement of lights is not looking great.  I guess, if it warms up above 20, I’ll see if I can correct that situation. And, the moon garden needs some serious attention. 

 

Oh, and I’ve convinced hubs it would be nice to get a quick spring trip in, so we may be traveling to a warmer location for a few days next month.  I mean, why not?

facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving

Ancient stuff.

One of the “new truths” I have accepted for my life is the aging of my skin.  Not just my face and neck, but all over.  I look down at my legs and gasp, literally gasp.  Who owns that crocodile mess?

A couple years ago I attended an “oil class” and well, you know, I was not super interested but I did like the idea of fragrance diffusing over candles.  Now, I loved my candles here and there, but I could get a cute little diffuser, do some cool fragrances and blends.  So I bought oils every once in a while from a *popular online retailer* and diffused irregularly.

Around this same time I began to feel I was overrun with skin tags and little moles.  Something I held on to from the oil class was frankincense and skin imperfections.  My skin was feeling a bit imperfect to me so I began doing a little independent research on essential oils and the benefits.  I reached out to a couple of people I knew were into oils and asked a ton of questions.  I’ve posted before about my late in life acceptance of moisturizing the face, neck and décolletage.  I mean, its necessary stuff and I have improved my routine and all but preach it to my two daughters.  Now I’m finding the need to expand that a bit to my arms, my legs, the bottoms of my feet, for crying out loud.  

I decided to take a bit of a deeper wade into essential oils and reached out to a young woman I have known since she was in elementary school, and whom I like immensely.  I knew she had started her own health journey, and that is her story to tell, but, I felt like I could count on her research and the outcomes she herself was experiencing.  She obtained a few oils for me, to introduce me to a couple of her favorites, and we spent a morning talking them through.

I really enjoy the oils but I don’t think I have used them to their full benefit yet.  I have applied frankincense to skin issues and see results,  diffused new fragrances, done more research and asked a ton more questions.  I both clean with lemon water and drink it. I wipe down my butcher block counter top with a drop or two of tea tree oil in water and love both the fragrance and the natural disinfecting properties.  I add the same oil to my dishwater when washing up a few dishes or add to the dishwasher.  I am adding an oil routine to my scalp for both dryness and to encourage improved hair health, and I’ll let you know how that goes.  I'll talk to you about what I'm learning and help you get going, too. 

 

Its a little like reaching back to go forward. I am not an oil guru, at least not yet.  I understand that those of us of a certain age, those who have used pine cleaners and bleach, disinfecting wipes, creams and lotions, are a bit tied to "hey, it works good enough" and may be reluctant to find something better, but, there’s science here, and oils are being introduced - or maybe I should say reintroduced - to all area of our lives, as a healthy, natural alternative to almost every choice we make, every day - from how we take care of ourselves and our homes, to how we care for others.  

Don't worry.  I still shave my armpits and eat hamburgers, but I do love a good Patchouli...   

facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving

What's changed?

What’s different? We are in to retirement zone for about a month now.  Its been pretty smooth although hubs and I do step in to the other’s territory a bit. There definitely are some adjustments happening.

   

He is enjoying the spontaneity of it all.  Yesterday, for example, he came out of the basement, which is how he has been starting his day, surveying his belongings in the basement, making a list of what to do next, and said “Want to do something crazy?” Caught completely off guard, I replied “Uh, sure.  What do you have in mind?”  Now, since I have the reputation of being the “crazier” of the two of us, I admit to being a little worried. Was this a challenge? Crazy is my territory, so only step in here if you mean it.

His idea was to drop everything and drive the hour and a half in to Chicago for the day.  A couple of stores to hit, that I have mentioned, and maybe lunch.  Alright, I said, I am more than game, give me 15 minutes, and off we go.

 

Now, hubs has never been big on driving in to Chicago for the day…certainly not on a whim.  Never to shop or browse, so for him, this was on the crazy side.  In the fog and rain so it wasn’t a pretty drive by any means.  It wasn’t totally aimless, he did have an idea of where we would go, but was open to just about anything I suggested.  We arrived, we shopped and we had a quick bite at a downtown spot, and made an uneventful trip back home.  Nothing earth shattering, no events to attend, just a bit of meandering here and there.  It was not the kind of day I would have spent in Chicago with “the girls” or my lady friends which would have included a show and cocktails in a hotel bar perhaps, but it was a good day.

I can take the spontaneity.  I am a bit more likely to jump than he is and we know that about each other.  I know yesterday was for me as much as it was for him to push his boundaries a bit.  After 45 years of structure it is a big change to have so many “free” hours.  We’ll get there.  We have started a list of places to visit, things to see, day trips to full on vacations.  I asked him yesterday if he wanted to go to an antique show in April, that starts on Thursday and would require some driving.  Instead of his usual “We’ll see”. (which, I’ll be honest, has driven me crazy for 40 years) he replied “Yeah, I guess we can do that, huh?”  Yes, yes we can.

facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving

Making a list.

There’s been a fair amount of head scratching and pondering going on at the homestead these last couple of weeks as we move into the last quarter of hubs’ full time work and ease into retirement.  There’s been meetings, phone calls, discussions, paperwork, more meetings.  It’s been an education, that is for sure.  I think it is good? It is a bit scary.

So, we have been doing a fair amount of “taking stock” and making lists.  Doing a little “what’s that?” as we go through some boxes in the attic. It’s not been all drudgery…we did make some post retirement travel plans this week, and spent some great family times, caught a Broadway show.  We bought a “new” car and one of these days, we’ll hit the road in it.

I like making plans for the future.  I have always liked looking at my budget, making lists, crossing things off the list.  I am one of “those”.  I have little notebooks for all my wondering mind thoughts, questions and plans.  I think you are either a list maker or not.  Hubs seems to be able to keep everything in his head…I like to see it written down.  And if I can use a highlighter, well, that’s even better. I also like spreadsheets and I am one of those people who fill in my little lines and boxes with color because I am also a color person although to look at my wardrobe you might not think it.  I am a bit heavy in to grey these days.  Except in my spreadsheets.

I am not always known for following the rules.  I have jumped out of the car while in the student pick up lane to run inside rather than wait.  I have had more than 12 items in the express checkout line, snuck in to a private lounge.   Just this morning I had nachos for breakfast.  But, I also try to follow the rules that keep me and mine safe and secure.  Like, wear your seat belt, sit down, arms and legs inside at all times, three meals a day, moisturize and drink lots of water.  And oh yeah, make a retirement spending plan.

facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving

A glimpse.

It is funny how things can creep up on you…wrinkles, grey hair, weight, the changing seasons, sunrise later and later, sunset earlier and earlier.  It’s so slow as to almost be unnoticeable and then all of a sudden you realize it’s dark as you make dinner.  I think of all the beautiful sunrises I have experienced this summer, shocked to be awake so very early as that is definitely not my way.  And now, it’s as if I am waiting on the sun so my day can begin.  It is funny.

Another thing that changes around here quickly is boating to not boating, swimming to not swimming.  We were just discussing when to take the boat out of the water, would the kids want to tube and realized maybe, but there might not be time. Maybe once or twice?  But, it’s been consistently rainy so will they? We usually take the speed boat out first, followed by the pontoon boat a couple weeks later.  There can be some great pontoon evenings into October…especially when there is a low, full moon. Dreamy.

I love going out on the lake at night.  Sometimes the bugs are a bit pesty, but, watching the boat cut through the inky darkness of the water…shining a light into the lake to see into the world below the surface a bit.  Watching people on shore, moving around a bonfire, smelling those same fires…hearing the laughter roll across the water, being a part of it but not being a part of it. Snuggling with a chilly, sleepy grandchild under a blanket as we talk moon and stars, gliding along. Lake life is the best life. 

facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving

A quick check in…

First, I am about 75% with my new commitment to daily moisturizer, but, my skin does feel better.  If you are like me and have been ignoring moisturizer for a while, do it.  I am using an Olay product.  If you are younger than I and don’t moisturize regularly, well, change should be your goal, and remember, don't forget your neck and chest.  You'll thank me in twenty years. 

So, I had a visit with my doctor last week and bemoaned my morning blood sugar readings.  Not alarming, but why always higher than what I think they would be after not eating for 12 hours?  She suggested a bedtime healthy snack and some evening exercise, like a walk or stationary bike.

Not a serious walker but trying to get better and I can’t imagine trying to walk at night, after dinner, when hubs is thinking ice cream, but, we’ll see.  Anyway, I’ll let you know.

We hosted a fun get-together last weekend…charcuterie and wine.  I set up a huge board, covered in parchment, on the island and we just added the contributions as people came in the door with a cheese, or a meat or a jar of nuts or olives. One person brought a large vegetable tray, which was perfect, and another included a curry chicken salad, which we devoured.   We even had figs.  It was fun, it was great food, lots of laughs. I also set up a grilled cheese/quesadilla bar for the kiddos.  We liked it so much we had left over cheese and meats with family the next night, and a grilled cheese bar for grown ups and kids the third night.  We are now on a cheese moratorium for a few days, but, it was a super fun weekend and Monday, with swimming, boating and tubing thrown in. It’s back to school and back to work, and there's been some rainy days to keep things kind of slow and lazy.

 

I’ve been keeping an eye on shadows in the yard, and how the air is starting to feel, and I know the season is winding down. The lake is more quiet and here we are, at Labor Day weekend.  We have a few more days of “summer” but we all know it’s coming.  The memories will be big from this summer. 

facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving/

Facing it. Literally.

So, I am facing the truth about getting older.  It happens, better than the alternative, all that aside,my skin has taken a dramatic turn (okay, semi-dramatic). It’s bumpy and scratchy and what the heck?

I think its my fault.  I am not a moisturizer.  I am not even a cleanser.  I have never had a skin care routine and, well, it is beginning to show.  My mom did her routine every night with Ponds Cold Cream, sometimes Noxema, and Oil of Olay which she then progressed to Loreal Night Cream and on to Estee Lauder.   Her skin looked good beyond the time she was no longer able to care for herself, I assume because she had taken care of it for years. So you think I would know better.

   

That is not my truth I’m afraid.  I should have been paying more attention in my 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.  Heck, maybe even my 20’s.  I was a lucky teenager with out many skin problems and well, I just haven’t done a good job at incorporating skin care into my life.  Now it seems like that may be showing on my face.

 

It’s not surprising that I am no good at skin care routines.  I am not good at scheduled stuff it seems…I never had spaghetti every Wednesday, nor Taco Tuesday.  I don’t eat fish on Friday and well, an apple a day skipped me by.  I am not good at taking my blood pressure at home or using a glucometer to monitor my blood sugar, neglect to water my plants and God knows I have not been a successful dieter. Exercise? Forget it.  I sleep late, am rarely on time and well, forget appointments.

Years ago I saw Andie McDowell on the Tonight show and she reported that her mom advised her to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize and not to forget her neck and décolletage and of course, to stay away from the sun.  So, I have tried to teach my girls this important routine, without practicing it myself, and found myself even saying it to my nine-year-old granddaughter this week.  This summer I have spent more time in the sun without sunscreen than ever before and I think my face is showing it.  Is 63 too late to start a serious skin care routine, do you think?

I stopped at Walgreens yesterday and stocked up on a couple Olay products and some cleanser.  I am going to give this a whirl as when I brushed my hand across my cheek over the weekend and it literally dragged across, I thought “Oh heck no…we will not have this”.  So, exfoliate, cleanse, moisturize and protect is my new mantra.  Please tell me I look fabulous next time you see me…I could use a boost. 

facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving

Never too old to dream.

This week one of my dreams is coming true.  One of my adult children, along with her husband and three children, are moving “home” to my town.  She left for college at 18 and never looked back, or so I thought.  She was looking back, however, and a spark for living in her hometown became a flame…and oh, enough with being poetic! I am doing cartwheels over here I am so happy.

All three of my kids left for parts unknown, or Indianapolis, when they were finished with college.  While the oldest didn’t quite finish his education at Indiana University, he didn’t move home, either.  Now living in LA, I only get to see him once or twice a year, three times if I am lucky.  His visits are always welcome, and never long enough. The two girls both married boys from other towns and settled in Indianapolis right out of college.  An absolutely great town, we have enjoyed many wonderful times in Indianapolis, with lots more to come as we love that town, and our youngest, with her adorable family, still lives there.

Many times over the years friends and family have asked “Do you think one of the kids will move home?” and our answer was always “No”.  Both of our sons-in-law, and this daughter, are in technology related fields.  There’s not a lot of their particular kind of work in Northern Indiana, folks.  But, through advancement of “remote” opportunities, both are keeping their current jobs and will be working remotely.

We spent time in Indianapolis this weekend packing up the house they have lived in for twelve years.  It was bittersweet.  Their place served as “home base” for many family events.  We have had great times in their home, on their deck. Even hugely pregnant with her first baby, they opened their home to host wedding events for her younger sister, who married in Indianapolis, ten years ago.  That house on Lincoln Court is special for all of us, for many reasons.  I wish I could tell you how many times my husband has said “I love that deck”.

 

Yesterday was bittersweet for all of us as we packed boxes and loaded the truck.  I was lucky to get to empty the bookshelf of all the photo albums and spent a couple minutes flipping through pages and memories, oh so many memories.  I am so looking forward to what’s ahead…much to do as the house they are moving into is a bit smaller, with less storage, is on a great lot, on the lake she grew up on, a fantastic place to raise their family.  Oh and is less than five minutes from ME!

As my nine-year-old granddaughter said a couple of times on Saturday as she and I packed up her room “This is really happening! I have butterflies!”  Yes, my love, I know the feeling!

facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving

Is it really almost over?

Summer is busy. I have been away from posting to the blog over the last couple of weeks. As we continue to work on landscaping around the house I am bone tired some days.  We have hosted a few cook-outs and get-togethers, and I held my annual Camp GiGi with four of the five grandchildren, the youngest just not quite ready to join in.  My goodness how they are growing, though. 

Having the grands around is always a lot of fun. I try to allow them very little “screen time” and more outside time, but, even I have to give in to a little TV or video games during dinner prep or wind down time. My nine-year-old granddaughter became fascinated with a game show about baking, so I figured there was not much harm to that. She would watch it on her tablet on Netflix with my three-year-old granddaughter squeezed in next to her, her dark brown head nestled on the blonde’s shoulder.  We were “on” for those days.  I was anxious for husband to come in from work as, just like he was when our kids were little, he brought fun, game ideas, rough-housing, boating…we all love it when PaPa comes rolling in. 

I have totally ignored the moon garden which was big on my to-do list for this year. I mean, I did some initial things, but other projects took over my time and interest.  I so want to get in there and improve the soil, trim some tree branches to allow a little more light.  I need to figure out a way to discourage those woodland creatures from visiting. There’s lots of space up there, surely they can share. 

I surprised even myself this year and used more orange in my flowers than I have ever done.  I just obtained a really pretty orangey, coral pink azalea for use by the house.  Just waiting on a landscape timber to get her in the ground.  Since our house is a totally different color than it was before the remodeling I have discovered I really like the orange tones against the grayish green.  Let’s face it, orange is a happy color!

We are entering those dog days of August…hot, humid on some days with lazy, long afternoons. The shadows are changing in the yard and the lake activity dies down more and more each day.  Soon the school buses will be rattling down the road, stopping to pick up little ones lined up along the street in their shiny new clothes and oversized backpacks.

facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving

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.   

facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving

Ribbons of thought.

When I was a much younger human, I was separated from my half-siblings.  Raised with my brother and sister, my family also included three half-brothers and a half-sister, all at least ten years older than myself.  My parents had each been married before, each having two children.

Now, my dad’s two kids were with their mother most of the time and we rarely saw them.  My mom’s boys, however, were with our grandmother and we saw them on summer breaks and holidays.  There’s a lot I don’t understand about how that all played out, and some of the details have gone to the grave with the players, but, I would guess the parties involved all thought they were doing the right thing.

 

I was raised well.  We were expected to behave properly, with manners, and with a full understanding of what was right and wrong.  We often dined in public, in restaurants, as we traveled, and were expected to know how to act. My parents were often complimented on our appearance and behavior.  Given that we moved so much, it’s a wonder we functioned, but we did. We adjusted, for sure.

I was thinking this week how much time I have spent in this little town I call home.  Never far from my address, I know this property well having walked it for forty years.  However, I can’t recall the names of towns I lived in as a kid there were so many. Moses Lake, Washington is one I remember because it’s a funny name and because I remember my mom use to regularly report it was 114 degrees there once.  I don’t know how long we were there but I think I was in second grade.  My younger brother was to be right behind me in first grade but hadn’t attended kindergarten yet so had to do that in Moses Lake.  I remember my mom being kind of upset by that, and I am not sure why. 

It is funny as we get older how things pop into our head, as clear as if they had happened yesterday.  Of course, we probably have all had the experience of a smell bringing a memory back, unprompted and sometimes shockingly clear. Once a faint smell of leather brought my dad to me, coming in from work and the three of us kids fighting over who would help him take off his work boots. Him sitting down with a cold beer, a plate of saltines and cheese, maybe braunschweiger or just a handful of mixed nuts.  My mom always had something ready for him to nibble on as she cooked dinner.  He would then go in to shower, coming back out in a white tee shirt and slacks, wet hair combed back.  Sometimes he would have a second beer, sometimes he would have a "highball", offering to make one for mom, which she usually declined. We would run outside until dinner, playing in and around his pickup truck, while he relaxed from his day and watched the news, read the paper.    

Some memories are gone as quickly as they came. Some hang around a bit, turning over and around, playing a bit of hide and seek, letting themselves float back up more readily than before. I can bring these memories of my dad to the surface quicker now, I guess because I've allowed them to linger.  Lately, I find myself wishing I could ask my mom some of the questions that now circle around some of my memories, that I could tie some of those ribbons together. Like, what's a highball anyway? What in the world is in braunschweiger or am I better off not knowing?     

facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving

Choose wisely.

Still working on landscaping this week but getting closer every day.  A little bit more, a little bit less. I know we are knocking items off our list, but the list seems to grow at the same pace. 

I did take a bit of time away this week to take my wonderful nephew, Jack, to see Rent in Indianapolis.  He is a big fan of live Broadway, has a musician’s soul and heart, and I knew he would love the show; he did, I did and one of my daughters went along, too, and she did.  Now,  she and I have seen Rent a few times, both live and the movie and it still pulls at the feels.  We went all in for a new dining experience in an area of Indianapolis known for its small restaurants, clubs, shops and arts, and a second day trip to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, now known as Newfields.  It was a good couple of days.

Last minute get-togethers, friends on the lake. Neighbors helping neighbors, family dropping by to help with projects or just a touch base to see what’s new, little kids running in the yard and robbing the candy jar. It makes my heart sing.  Children always bring me joy.   

I believe in what I do.  I believe in posting happy pictures and sentiments both here and on Facebook.  I accept it won’t impact the political climate of this country, or maybe it will in a very disconnected, down the chain fashion if ONE person decides to go positive, go for love, when making a statement, pass a judgement or please, for goodness sake, cast a vote.  These are unsettling times, they are. I call myself a person of faith and yearn, burningly, to act like one, speak like one, love like one.  Keep your chin up, and keep your heart, your empathy, because there is a BIG need. 

Be careful, be cautious of spreading hate as that will come back at you tenfold…I promise, and so will love.  I choose love.

facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving

Where did that month go?

I think I may have bought enough plants for this year.  May have…but there is still time to decide for sure.  I have about 5 pots of various perennials and a couple annuals that do not yet have a home, however,  rain somewhat delayed the planting progress for a time.  There is also still a large, very large, amount of landscaping prep to undertake before some of these items go in the ground, but, I am making headway. My sons-in-law helped tremendously on a flower bed over Memorial Day weekend which took a huge chunk off my "to do" list.  

When we remodeled (starting two years ago now), it disrupted all four sides of the house, and the foundation and any grass, shrubs, flowers, gravel, mulch…any of it…was destroyed in the process.  Now, I don’t mind “re-do” on these four areas but, boy, is my back tired!  I have spent the last several days digging out, dividing and replanting.  Some of my plants and shrubs, that weren’t destroyed, are pretty well established but no longer of the right size or in the right spot. 

I have also recently discovered, and this is a big one, that there are just not enough hours in the day.  I know I don’t move as fast as I use to, and it takes me longer to make a decision than it did when all my decisions had to be made on the fly…things came up so quickly.  Now, I get to ponder but, boy, that’s a time burner.  I find myself walking around, poking at the flower beds and wondering if I should move that azalea, but, it likes it there, but its too big, and there’s a good spot for something like that right over here…time burner. Even so, it’s been a gratifying few days.  Things are taking shape.  Rain slowed me down but it sped up the plants.  Things are green and growing, have had a power burst from the rain and I also discovered I am a master ponderer.   

 

Seeing lots of friends and family post on Facebook about their kids growth and moving on to their next grade level, their awards and recognition has been a lot of fun.  My grandkids among them.  My little guys have all had good years at school and pre-school/daycare.  They are happy and healthy and I am forever blessed.  I hope you are in a place where happiness can easily be seen and felt!  June is here, and it's going to be a great summer.  Get out! 

facebook.com/cindiswindowlakeliving