How did I get here again- in the midst of another home project? I’m not sure, but I sure do like it. It does so many things for my spirit, especially when I have stepped back from the world, as my husband recovers. (He is on the mend, and I thank you for your support and prayers.)
I call this circling the wagons because that is what my parents called it. Will this change, and will life get back to normal, as things continue to improve? Of course, it will, and I look forward to that as well. However, it wouldn’t be the truth if I said I don’t enjoy being in my home, running simple, uncomplicated errands, and working on projects.
I saw my mother work hard in her (our) home and yard all of my life. She was a firm believer in working until you sweat. The back of my neck is hot and sweaty right now from doing the same thing , and I don’t know of too many things that connect me to my mother more.
So early, early this morning, I decided to search for crushed limestone at local stone places. We have an area by the little house that needed a quick makeover. It has been neglected for far too long.
I found a yard of 3/4 inch crushed limestone, invited two of my daughters to ride along, and off we went to get it. I also bought a roll of black landscape fabric and pins to go with it.
By this point I had had several cups of Starbuck’s Breakfast Blend coffee (that I brew at home), and I felt invincible. I asked my husband if I could borrow his truck to ‘pick something up’. He said yes, knowing full well it was better not to ask.
The girls laid the black landscape fabric and hammered in the pins. In the meantime, I started shoveling it out onto the plastic.
Emptying an entire bed of a pickup, piled high with crushed limestone, is not an easy task. I had time to think.
Random Thoughts While Shoveling
Me: My projects are not my adult daughters’ projects. They always help when I ask , and they are good workers. I need to use their help wisely and prudently.
Me: This shoveling business is exhilarating. Boy, I am really going to need a muscle relaxer this evening.
Me: I admire people who work out in the heat for a living.
Me: That fence needs work. I wonder if I bought the fencing, I could hammer the boards myself?
Me: Why can’t this hard work lead to a 10 pound weight loss?
So now I am on a break, taking the time to drink a glass of iced tea and to write this post .
More photos to follow. It’s time to go back to work.
Right , Mom?
13 comments:
Well, we all knew that "no more projects" was but a phrase to take lightly! Love it, love it, love it. Not much gets by John's women, right? ;-) Karen
I don't know what the temp. it is at your house, but there is no way I would be outside working here today! The temp. here is 97 & heat index is in the triple digits. I did a little clean up outside yesterday and just knew I lost 10 lbs. - not a chance.
I know it will look great when you finish, but don't get to hot out there.
Glenda
Looks great! Can't wait to see more pictures. I am so glad that your husband is doing well. Have a great day!
I am so impressed with you! What a "rock star" you are ;-) Glad things are going well with your husband! xoxo
I'm glad your husband is doing well. I love your thoughts as you were shoveling...I think it shows great awareness and thoughtfulness to realize and understand that your daughters have their own lives and activites that are oftentimes differant than your own...hard to remember that sometimes, isn't it...but, enjoy them and use their 'muscle' when you can. Don't over do it but your efforts so far look great.
Laura,
I am happy your husband is home and doing better. I hope he truly is on the mend and can soon put this behind him. This little project of yours looks like hard labor! How nice your daughters are there to lend their mom a helping hand. Cathy
Yep, my projects sometimes end up being everyone's projects. Since I'm the only girl in the house (besides the dog) I'm pretty sure none of them can live with themselves if I'm out there mowing, moving mulch or dirt...raking, digging, scooping, trimming...the only way I can do manual labor alone is if I'm actually home alone. They're wonderful men around here...but, I think their helpfulness is due in part to not wanting to hear me whining for days while I pop the ibuprofen.
Good on ya! I did the same thing a couple of weekends ago -- but it was not 97 deg outside! (But then, you're younger than me!)
Laura... I think that I now know the difference in a southern girl raised in Mississippi... and a southern girl raised in Texas... LOL...
I'm still thinkin' I'm glad to be the one raised in Mississippi... You my dear... are an absolute wonder!
Laura,
First I am glad your husband is doing better and you are both back home. I tend to ponder life while I work too (although I don't do this kind of real work!). I have a tendency to overuse my daughter also. I don't mean to...it's just she never says no. Maybe I need to tell her it's ok to say no every now and then.
I'll end this with you are more woman than I am. Shug, I just cannot take the heat anymore and shoveling limestone...I don't think a shovel fits my hand any more!
Thank goodness for Starbucks and a mother's example!
Debbie
and I forgot to say I'm so happy that hubby is on the mend... you deserve a break!
Okay Laura...I'm missing too many of your posts! I just can't keep up with you so I've added you to my side bar so Blogger can notify me when you post (& Lord knows you sneak them in often!:)
Glad to hear hubby is doing good. Now don't be working yourself to death, but everything is surely looking great!!!!
everything vintage
Several cups of Starbucks? I'm surprised you didn't think you could fly. I bet Starbucks couldnt even keep you awake after this project! Hope you were all wearing gloves. I'm sure its killing a man on the mend to not get out there and do it himself.
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