Takin' It Easy

So many days in a row of unbearable heat and humidity.  A few times I thought I could go outside and work in my yard but within 15 minutes of being out there, I was soaked and miserable and had to come back inside.  The yard, weeds and overgrown shrubs will have to wait to be pulled and trimmed.  In this weather, the only thing to do is take it easy.  I have been reading lots of books and blogs, rearranging my house, spending time with my family and watching movies.  The humidity zaps my energy and I feel wiped out if I try and push myself to get out and work in it for very long.

Some of my perennials; however, are loving it and they are putting on a show.  My Coneflowers and Daisies are blooming like crazy.

A Gerber Daisy that I planted 2 years ago came back again this year - prettier than ever.  This was such a surprise!  I have always used them in containers and thought of them as annuals,  but my neighbor has one she planted in her beds that has come back 4 years in a row so I decided to try it.  I think they are one of the most beautiful flowers -- the detail in the petals is amazing.  

A friend of mine I and will be going hiking at a nearby waterfall in the next couple of weeks.  That is the only hike I will do in this weather - one that rewards me at the end  with the mist of a cool waterfall!  

Paddling on one of our beautiful Tennessee Rivers is another favorite hot weather activity -- it is so refreshing and rejuvenating to float and play in the cool water.

   

And, of course, finding a swimming pool is a great way to beat the heat.

Grandgirl enjoying a pool day

How do you stay cool in this "heat dome" most of us are experiencing?  

Sending cool thoughts your way....

Savor the Freedom!

Happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans!  It is a day to celebrate our freedom and remember all of those who served to enable us to enjoy it. 

This morning as I sat on my front porch gazing out onto my freshly mown yard and the beautiful, bright sunshine through the trees, I am reminded how thankful I am.  Sitting quietly outdoors has always been how I connect with God and my center.  The outdoors refreshes my soul. 

When my daughter was little, we would take hikes in the woods, find a place to sit, close our eyes and simply listen for a minute and then say what we could hear.  It is amazing what you can hear when you close your eyes and get still for a moment.

When I close my eyes right now as I sit on my porch, I hear –

-the rustling of the breeze in the trees.  The dogwood tree has a lighter sound than the broad leaf maple, and the needles of the pine tree create a whirring that adds its own distinct sound to the symphony.

-I can hear the wind approaching – blowing in from the southwest – starting in the trees up the street and moving its way into the ones in my yard. 

-At least 5 different bird sounds – chickadees, wrens, cardinals, crows and finches.  The wrens, in particular seem to be having a lively conversation with each other.

-The crickets’ high pitched song from the grass.  Funny – I didn’t even notice them until I closed my eyes!

-The buzz of a bumblebee enjoying the daisies and coneflowers planted next to my porch

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And some man made sounds that are also very calming and pleasant to my senses

-the soft tinkling of my little glass wind chimes.  I have always had wind chimes around my home to catch the soft breeze and lift up their music.

-The soft flapping of the American flag on a pole in my neighbor’s yard… representing the Land of the Free…….

Have a lovely holiday and remember to take a moment to savor life and freedom.

The view from my front porch.  Freshly mown lawn, my beautiful dogwood tree and flower beds.  Such a nice place to relax and enjoy my coffee in the mornings.  Most mornings - there is a rabbit family sitting under the tree dining on clover.

White wicker makes me happy!  This chair was bought at a yard sale for $5.00 and it is in perfect shape.  Sitting here in the mornings and enjoying my yard and flowers is a great way to start my day.