Could My Timing Have Been Any Better ?

This week is turning into a rain-themed set of blog posts ... and I love it!

Although I consider myself an optimist, I generally plan for the worst and expect a lot less than "great" things.  This allows me to be disappointed much less, but remain positive and grateful when "great" things happen.



Freshly cut sod (about 22 rolls short)

When I exhausted myself this past week and weekend with the intent to finish the front yard landscaping before the predicted rains came this week, I never actually believed we would get this much moisture.  I knew some rain would fall, but I was realistically hopeful for two or three days of precipitation this week.  And we've already achieved that expectation!

I know I shared this photo before
but I love the way my grass looks
after rain or watering!

And the forecast is calling for rain all the way through Sunday to boot!  I could not be happier with the timing of getting my new sod laid.  It makes all the back-breaking labor and dripping sweat in the heat of mid-day sun worth it!  It would be impossible for me to convey my gratitude to Mother Nature (working in harmony with our Heavenly Father of course) for the help in watering my lawn.

Separate from my own selfish desires, this water is helping to build up our watershed and reservoirs.  I am grateful for that, but also mindful of areas that are now beginning to flood.  I am hopeful this blessing does not become a curse for too many others if too much rain is received.


Song Of The Day:
My mom will tell you stories of my love of music from before I can remember them.  Apparently I had great taste even as a child because "I Love A Rainy Night" by Eddie Rabbitt was one of those favorites.  It is still a great tune that puts a smile on my face.  The lyrics "Showers wash all my cares away.  I wake up to a sunny day!" are so accurate!

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You Walked To Where ?

My wife and I have been taking advantage of the warm weather all summer long by going on walks in the evening hours.  We are unable to go every day, but at least 3 times a week we have left our children under the watchful care of Josh Jr (13 years old and a darn good "babysitter") and headed out for some exercise and alone time as a couple.

The conversations we engage in have taken many forms and the walks vary in distance, but we are always refreshed and renewed afterward.  More often than not, Karen decides the route and the length of the walk.  About a week ago, we decided to walk to YoYogurt (off Powers and Stetson Hills for those in Colorado Springs).  This was the longest walk we've ever gone on, but it was great!  I know Karen's legs were exhausted after the looooong walk, but it was broken up nicely with a huge cup of frozen yogurt delight.

Methinks we will walk this route again when the rainy weather slows again.



Our house (B) to YoYogurt (A) is 1.9 miles ...
so pretty much a 4-mile round-trip walk

Song Of The Day:
Another day, another rainstorm that saturated my new sod.  :)  And in honor of this, please enjoy the classic Eurythmics tune "Here Comes The Rain Again"  Although the tune is melancholy, I was nothing but HAPPY that the rain came again!

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Is That The Only Time ?

Today I helped my brother-in-law with some yardwork.  I've got my own yard projects to take care of, but he specifically wanted my help with rolling sod, since I have LOTS of experience in that area.

Why is he replacing his sod and rocks and such?  Because they are trying to sell their house of course.  Isn't that just about the ONLY TIME people work extra hard to have a nice-looking yard?!

Obviously my own landscaping projects are not related to the sale of our home (I'm NOT moving again!  Ask my wife!), but I believe I am in the very small minority in this way.  My projects are for my own satisfaction and enjoyment, rather than being intended to encourage a potential homeowner to offer to buy my house.

So, why do we wait?

I know it's a lot of work and most of us don't like hard work.  But it seems silly to me that the only time yards look especially nice is when you're selling or just bought the home.


Song Of The Day:
Today's song came across my radar while listening to Pandora radio on my iPad.  "The Little Things" by Carlos Bertonatti is a catchy little tune and I think it fits well with this post.  We skip over almost all the 'little things' until we're trying to sell our homes, and then they are finally 'big' enough to justify our spending time on them.  We should treat ourselves better than this, because don't we deserve nice-looking yards and homes?!

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