Scenic View

Yesterday, we washed our vinyl porch windows. It was quite a job since we remove each panel, take it outside, wash, squeegee it dry, then replace it. Of course, all the screens are washed in place first. But, since this is our breakfast spot for squirrel and bird watching, it was a pleasure to behold this morning. The thrill was enhanced by the early cool front giving us natural air conditioning. I'm grateful that we can still do manual labor and get joy from the simple, scenic view of our back yard.

Nature up close

Yesterday, I weeded my fern garden which grows around two oak trees in the front of my house. It had been some time since I paid it any attention and the ferns were overgrown and the weeds were thick. As I bustled around pulling and thinning, I disturbed a thin black snake with bluish rings around it. I can't find the species in my snake book or even on Google. So, I'm thinking it's an immature black racer. Anyway, he moved on. A little later, the dirt seemed to move, and a big toad appeared. Finally, as I watered the huge fern pot in the middle of the garden, I must have flooded a carpenter ant colony. They scrambled out the fonds and onto the tree, to be observed by the pair of lizards, which I thought would have an easy meal, but they ran from the ants! All of this wild Florida in one little 4'X5' space. This is the before picture.

Back to busy-ness

Too bad it's been so long since I've blogged. Have I given myself permission to be lazy, or have I been on vacation, or is it all of the above? I still have plenty to be grateful for. So, here I am again attempting to get the ball rolling.

Our beach week was wonderful. The ocean was rough, but warm. The grand kids visited and body surfed with me. My hubby and I played ping pong and bingo. I bead crafted three bracelets. And my sisters and I shopped and bonded some more. We "dock hopped" to 3 different restaurant marinas and took loads of photos. Looked at a DVD of old home movies from 50 years ago. And, went to the flea market twice. It was a busy, but relaxing week and I can't wait until next year.

When I returned home, my orchid was in full bloom, presenting me with 6 fragrant flowers which lasted two weeks.

For all of this, I am Grateful.