Once upon a time, I spent most of my free time in the yard. I would dig, plant, weed and plan. Sun up ’till sun down and there were days I would put on the outside lights after dark so I could finish up a section. Somehow things began to change and I spent less and less time in the yard. Quilting took over and now going out in the yard to work is an obligation and no longer a joy. Too bad, really, because it is good excercise. Now that I am retired, I am making a conscious effort to go back to the garden and enjoy the time spent there. I have decreased some of the maintenance making some areas smaller and eliminating flowers from another and replacing with ground cover. Unfortunately, we had a super duper bumper crop of acorns this past winter and I have a zillion plus little oak trees growing!!

These little oak trees are everywhere! Soon to be covered with newspaper and mulched on top.
I’ll admit that once I’m out there I am enjoying it more. It helps that the weather here has been so wonderful. Mid 60’s to low 70’s is my ideal range for working outside. If I do just a couple of hours a day, I will be able to make a good dent in it. The glory is when I go inside and sit on the porch and enjoy looking at the fruits of my labor. A huge side benefit is that it is healthy!

Shot Cotton Throw
Admittedly, there is still plenty of time to sew. And I have seen much progress with my projects. So off to the garden I go with a positive attitude and will return with hopefully not too many aches and pains!!