Whether the weather is cold… or whether the weather is hot… we'll weather the weather… whatever the weather… whether we like it or not.

It was a perfect day today…weather-wise.  Low humidity, clear blue skies, a gentle breeze, bright sunshine.  The kind of day you yearn to be outside.

For me, though, I ALWAYS prefer to be outside.  The minute I wake, it’s a 5-minute ritual just to open all the windows and doors in the house.  I detest the air unless it’s 90+ and/or extremely high humidity.

I am sure my neighbors have noticed that for the past 33 years or so, I am always outside during those perfect and sometimes not-so-perfect summer days…and spring days…and fall days.

If I am not in the backyard, I am in the front yard.  And for some unknown reason, it always involves water.  I find it extremely relaxing to water my grass by hand.  Forget the sprinklers.  I stand in my bare-feet with the water running and get lost in thought whiling away the hours. (With the thoughts I am thinkin' I could be another Lincoln, If I only had a brain.)

Which brings me to my sunroom.  About 7 or so years ago, I fell in love with the English Conservatory.  You know the type.  Glass windows, glass roof.  Of course knowing now what I didn’t realize then (or just didn’t want to hear), glass windows and glass roof translates to hot Hot HOT!

It’s beautiful in the early spring and late fall.  When it’s 35 degrees out and sunny, I take refuge in my room and soak up the sun. If I close my eyes, I am ALMOST basking on a warm beach on my own secluded island. 

Well, today, I tracked down a contractor who fixes sunrooms and conservatories.  Mostly he builds them, but with the economy and everyone trying to spend a little lighter, he’s been doing more “caring” for the older rooms than building new additions.

 

I’ve had a leak in the glass ceiling.  He’s been out before and tried to fix it, but this stubborn leak sprang again.  I think we may have gotten it, this time.

So, until it rains again, I’ll be basking in the sunshine...inside or out!

Sprucing Up the Yard

I have a medium-sized Weeping Cherry Tree in the landscaping outside my front window.  You know the kind.  The branches grow up and then bow gracefully towards the earth in a “weeping” style.  I love that tree and wait anxiously every year for it to bloom.  And not until I witness those delicate pink flowers blossoming, does it signify the official start of the spring season.   

About five or six years ago I added one of those whimsical faux-stone faces to the tree.  With my help, my grandkids have had fun letting their imaginations come up with silly stories about Mr. Tree.  Mr. Tree has been spotted by friends, neighbors and visitors over the years. 

But poor Mr. Tree’s character began to fade right along with his appearance.  Still, he stood stone-faced through all types of weather keeping watch and greeting visitors as he stood guard outside my  window. 

My front window has always been a favorite spot for my 5 grandchildren.  We sit there and watch the world go by during the long winter months.  Then watch spring come alive with the arrival of ducks, squirrels, all types of birds (my neighbor lovingly feeds all critters), and bunnies, Bunnies, BUNNIES.

I visited a dollar store the other day looking for nothing in particular.  Occasionally I discover trinkets for the kids, or I spot some small, fun, do-hickey for the pool or yard.  It was that day when I came across 12 colorful Sharpie permanent (at least I hope they are permanent) markers.  I picked up the pack of felt tipped markers and headed for the checkout.  Five Dollars total?  Great.  Three coloring books, sidewalk chalk, and those markers.  Such a deal!

When I got home, first… the blue marker to color Mr. Tree’s big googly eyes.  Second?  Pink for those luscious lips.  Mr. Tree…oops MRS. Tree…….now how am I going to explain that?