Monday, November 12, 2012

Leaf Storm





We have thoroughly enjoyed the weather this week. It has been sunny and clear. The leaves of crimson and gold shimmer through blue skies the mountain air clean and crisp. The usual mundane chores were mostly pleasant.

Kicking back, feet up, cruising.


One of our projects this week was excavating our small back yard. Under years of dirt and overgrown ivy lies stone work I have claimed as a water feature. Even through the years of neglect, you can see the loving care with which the stones were laid. Dan is not really on board with that as of yet. He is holding fast to a lovely rock garden. We will see how it plays out.


Coming soon....rock garden or water feature?


While Dan manned the weed eater in the back, I tackled the leaves in the front and side yards. I long since learned it is best to make myself scarce when he is in project mode. It had only been a week since I had blown, raked and mulched. Still, the leaves were knee deep. We laughed at the seemingly effort in futility. As quickly as one leave came up, a dozen fell to the ground. There was a storm of leaves pelting upon our heads.



Things were going pretty well; until we ran out of line. The hunt began. “What does it look like?” “Where was the last place you saw it?” You know those “helpful” wife questions. I did manage with some effort, not to say, “Are you sure?” After an unsuccessful search, Dan headed out for the hardware store. By the time he had found what he needed the sun was getting sleepy as were we.



This morning we took our yard debris to the local recycling center. As we twisted and turned around the mountain roads we were sure we were headed in the wrong direction. Surely a landfill would not be in such a beautiful area. We were pleasantly surprised to find it tucked away in the middle of the mountains surrounded by parks and hiking/biking trails. While strict, they are extremely well organized. Items that can be recycled are taken without charge and given away for free. These people know how to respect our environment!

Ouachita Mountains...photos do not do them proper justice!



The afternoon found us at the marina cleaning out the boat. We discarded several pounds of items no longer of use including an old stereo and speakers. We did uncover some needed items. Perhaps the best part of the marina visit was meeting new friends. Our next door marina neighbors stopped and visited with us. On our way our, yet another couple asked if we wanted to join them for a short cruise. While they were folks we had never met before; they did not feel like strangers.



We ended the day picking up a set of golf clubs for Dan. This retirement thing, for us anyway, has a learning curve. We are making preparation. We have the boat, fishing gear, walking shoes and golf clubs. Of course most importantly, we have each other and friends to show us the ropes. With a little (lot) of help from our friends, we can do this!





Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11








1 comment:

Diane said...

Retirement sounds lovely. What a blessing to be allowed to enjoy this time of life together. I could do many chores with views like that to encourage me!