I never really went away, I was just resting and am doing OK.
Things happen in life that makes you pause, so I did.
Spring came, the rains fell, the flowers bloomed, the pollen spread, we all sneezed, and the world went on. I will not talk of the bad, but will look ahead for hope and joy even if it sometimes eludes me for awhile. I know it is there, it will just take more effort.
Most of my gardens are completed, although, I will fiddle with them and continue to move and replace plants until the first autumn leaf falls. This year, for the first time, I had to ask and pay for help. I realized that I could not shovel the eight yards of mulch by myself anymore. It was hard to make that decision as I pride myself on being self-sufficient and able to "do it all". However, being found slumped over a large mound of shredded wood is such an undignified way to go. I still helped spread the mulch over the gardens and I had pride (and my breath) doing that. I also learned the lesson of acceptance.
My children and grandchildren took me to Longwood Gardens for Mother's Day. What a wonderful day that was. We walked and walked and saw such glorious sights.
Things happen in life that makes you pause, so I did.
Spring came, the rains fell, the flowers bloomed, the pollen spread, we all sneezed, and the world went on. I will not talk of the bad, but will look ahead for hope and joy even if it sometimes eludes me for awhile. I know it is there, it will just take more effort.
Most of my gardens are completed, although, I will fiddle with them and continue to move and replace plants until the first autumn leaf falls. This year, for the first time, I had to ask and pay for help. I realized that I could not shovel the eight yards of mulch by myself anymore. It was hard to make that decision as I pride myself on being self-sufficient and able to "do it all". However, being found slumped over a large mound of shredded wood is such an undignified way to go. I still helped spread the mulch over the gardens and I had pride (and my breath) doing that. I also learned the lesson of acceptance.
My children and grandchildren took me to Longwood Gardens for Mother's Day. What a wonderful day that was. We walked and walked and saw such glorious sights.
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| Earlier in the day |
Later on
In a few weeks my California family will be visiting us so they can see what rain looks like. With the terrible drought in the west, coming east to our lush, green Pennsylvania seems like the best choice for them and for us also. I am hoping, though, that the sun will shine and there will be cool breezes and starry nights for us all to appreciate. However, no matter what the weather brings, I know I will get my joy back when my daughter and her family arrive.
Thank you to those who inquired about me when I was absent from Blogland. Your concern touched my heart.
Welcome back Arleen! What beautiful flowers! You were wise to get help with your lovely garden. It's not worth throwing your whole body out of whack. Glad you had fun with your family on Mother's Day!
ReplyDeleteJulie
I have been "out of whack" for awhile, Julie. I just wouldn't admit it.
DeleteWhat a lovely header picture; I'll guess it was from your trip through the Gardens. Even if it doesn't rain when your California crew arrives, green leaves and grass will be a comfort. And, thank you for not spreading topsoil or mulch. We have risen to supervisory status, you know, with the prerogative of switching out the details.
ReplyDeleteI did spread it, Joanne, but I did not shovel it. Yes, there comes a time in life when we have to hand the harder work over to those with stronger hearts. Better to have good sense than a broken back.
DeleteIs that a Tilley hat on the handsome fellow with you? I've had mine for 20 years and clean it by wearing it into the shower. It's in perfect shape. Very stylish and durable. I approve of the company you keep.
ReplyDeleteYes, Geo, it is a Tilley hat. He loves it especially this year because it repels insects. It has been a very rainy and buggy spring.
DeleteMy husband tips his handsome hat to yours. What good taste you both have.
I am glad you're back. I wondered the other day what had happened, when I checked your blog. I am sure that your daughter's arrival will be the tonic you need.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jenny. It is good to be back in Blogland.
DeleteHow nice to hear from you again Arleen. Although the link didn't work for me I am pleased to say that I have been to Longwood Garden (if you mean the one at Kennet Square, PA) and my wife and I loved it there.
ReplyDeleteKeep spreading that muck!
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Yes, Bazza, it is the same one. I do not live too far from Longwood, and try to go at least once a year. It is lovely in the spring, summer, and fall months, but it is even more magnificent during the Christmas holidays.
DeleteWelcome back! I'm with you on the adjustment stage...there really isn't one; it's all just life with twists and turns. I think my mission at this point is just to enjoy the fruits of my labors. Some days I get nothing done and others, even less.
ReplyDeleteI love your last line, probably because it is also true for me.
DeleteGreat to have you back, Arleen.
ReplyDeleteEveryone is allowed a break from blogging now and then...those times when the life in the real world takes over; but it's always wonderful to "see" a familiar face; a friend return to the blogging fold. :)
Just take things easier...don't push yourself too hard. Enjoy the family when they visit. I hope those areas in California and elsewhere that need rain desperately get it soon. Drought is heartbreaking.
Thank you, Lee. It felt good to click on "publish" today and communicate again with all these wonderful people in Blogland.
ReplyDeleteLovely to see you back again! I've been a bit absent myself the past months. I suspect the added responsibility of having my grandson here has rather depleted me of blogging inspiration nevermind energy! I expect you will enjoy mightily the influx of dear family from California. I know I am looking forward to the return to the UK of my youngest son who has been away from the UK now for 2 years. And I so agree about how great it feels to click on "publish"!
ReplyDeleteSpending time with grandchildren is one of life's biggest joys. You are indeed lucky to have him around to make memories.
ReplyDeleteWe once had a quite elderly gardener (I think my father employed him out of sympathy). One day we found him dead; slumped over his spade. At least he died doing what he enjoyed the most.
ReplyDeleteI guess he died doing what he loved. There is something to be said for that. The good thing is that you didn't find him covered in fertilizer.
DeleteHello Arleen,
ReplyDeleteIt is good to see and read you back again in Blogland. We have missed your cheery voice and your quirky take on things. So glad that you are well.
And what a lovely day you look to have had as your Mother's Day gift. You both look to be in fine spirits. We only hope that you could find another bench to have a nap on as well your husband. His pink top is fabulous!
How wonderful it will be when your California crew arrive. It must be hard to be separated but lovely when you all get together. Fun lies ahead!
I am glad to be back blogging, Jane and Lance.
DeleteAs you know, being surrounded by the beautiful things in nature replenishes the spirit and fills you with joy. I do hope that some day you publish some pictures of the gardens you once had, as I know that they must have been magnificent.
Loving your garden - and to see you back here in the blogosphere. I admire your acceptance of the frustrations of no longer being able to do it all. Some day I will reach that point too.
ReplyDeleteLife will tell you, EC, when the time has come to seek help. Meanwhile, doing everything for yourself and not giving up is good for you also.
DeleteJoy can be elusive at times but I do hope it returns to your life with the visit from your family - I'm sure it will! Enjoy your beautiful garden.
ReplyDeleteThank you Marianne.
DeleteLooks like we've both come back at the same time. ... so .... welcome back and I hope things start to look up for you.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that you were not writing as usual, Delores. It is a good feeling to be back in the saddle.
DeleteGood to see you back, Arleen. We all need a rest from something every so often. I'm happy you decided to hire help with the garden. It gets to be that time of life. Wish I could convince my husband of that! Hope you have wonderful weather and a great time when you family comes to visit!!
ReplyDeleteEven though I did not write any posts, I continued to read blogger and comment as I never wanted to leave all together. It is the wonderful people who I have met that draws me back.
DeleteGood to have you back Arleen. Have a lovely time with your family when they come to see you.
ReplyDeleteI will, Molly.
DeleteI'm glad you accepted getting help rather than being found slumped over the mulch pile. I don't think there's anything wrong with getting older and doing less. That's why you have a lot more $ than when you were young. I always pay people to do stuff if I can. Hubby fights it all the way - but he's just a cheapskate! lol I hope your daughter's visit is delightful, and I just love the new banner. I don't know where it is, but I'd love to go there.
ReplyDeleteI am a bit of a cheapskate myself, Lexa. However, getting the mulch spread in five hours rather than five days was worth every penny.
DeleteHello
ReplyDeleteI do hope that life is sorting itself out for you and that you are able to enjoy time in your garden. The great outdoors is very restorative I think!
Take good care
Best wishes
Jenny
Yes, being outside on a beautiful spring day is good for the soul and mind..
DeleteWelcome back! It's so good to hear from you again!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've got a case of those miserable mulligrubs that Delores was talking about. Good thing your family is coming soon; it's darned near impossible for those feeling-low days to linger when grandkids are around.
My in-laws took me to Longwood Gardens in '69 when Smarticus was in Vietnam. (Bless their hearts, they considered it their profound duty to keep me entertained every weekend.) It was beautiful then' I'm glad to hear that it still is.
Just a slight case, Susan. It was more about things going on and keeping up.
DeleteLongwood Gardens is a magnificent place to visit. I am so surprised at how many on Blogger from all over the world have been there.
Glad to see your name again. My own blogging continued simple because I had pre-posted. Roaming around almost stopped as well. It has been a rough 3 weeks here and I am glad to see it come to an end.
ReplyDeleteYour new header resembles paradise. Pollen but beautiful
California has had a difficult month. You were in my thoughts as I watched the news on television. I was always glad to see your posts because then I I knew you were OK.
DeleteHi Arleen,
ReplyDeleteI'm heartened to notice your good self here in blogland. The positive distraction of your family arriving soon will be a blessing, I'm sure.
A glorious day in Longwood Gardens. Great stuff and having a lovely rest of the weekend.
Gary
Thank you, Gary. It is good to be back to a routine and get such wonderful comments.
DeleteI am glad you are back,
ReplyDeleteLearning acceptance is a great lesson.
Was that a photo of you and your hubs?
I hope you had a nice rest.
And that you will have fun when your family comes.
Yes, Sandi, those are pictures of myself and hubby.
DeleteAcceptance can be difficult, but it does give a person peace.
How great to have you back. I never asked about you because you left so many comments on my blog. I appreciated all of them very much. I love your new header photo. Is that your garden? Living here in CA one almost forgets what a good rain feels and smells like. Enjoy or family's visit.
ReplyDeleteWhile I was gone from writing, I still wanted to check in on all those people I have met, appreciate and care about on Blogger. I know how important comments are, especially when so many of you participated in the A to Z challenge.
DeleteI think you have a wonderful perspective on life, enjoy your family from California, thank you so much for visiting me today and you are so right, men love all manner of cows, lol steak or leather, that was the best thing I read all day,
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog and I don't think we contacted you before. We would like to invite you to provide a guest post on our site Retirement And Good Living.
We launched our retirement site at http://retirementandgoodliving.com which provides information on a variety of topics including life, health, finances, retirement locations, hobbies, travel, volunteering, part time work and much more to boomers, recent retirees and others thinking about or planning for retirement.
Currently the blog section of our site is comprised entirely of posts by guests on a variety of topics. To date over 175 guests from around the globe provided posts for our blog.
Please let me know if you are interested and I will forward additional information.
Thanks,
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simone@retirementandgoodliving.com