Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Still Here

I've been AWOL for a while here on my blog.  No excuse other than I've felt I've had nothing of interest to share.
 
Not that life has been devoid of happenings.  The past few weeks have been busy as usual.  Perhaps even a bit more so than usual.  Full of ups and downs as it seems to be for everyone these days.
 
This is a slow time of year (or as slow as it gets anyway) what with winter winding down, although warm weather is still months in the future for us here in northern Minnesota.
 
Nonetheless, I woke this morning thinking of garden plans.  And Papa Pea and I have begun talking of projects for accomplishment in the coming months of weather suitable for working outside.
 
My two biggest "jobs" for this spring, summer and fall days are painting the trim on the house and, of course, our garden.  One which will be, as always, very enjoyable and satisfying for me.  The other?  Let's just say I really don't mind painting but will be glad when the task is done.
 
At the same time, we're also looking forward to many more hours of relaxation and recreation when we don't have to don several layers of clothing and insulated boots before venturing out-of-doors for even the shortest time.  There's much to enjoy in this beautiful area in which we live.  Even just anticipating sitting on the deck with the sun bathing my currently lily-white appendages sounds enticing.
 

The sun is in a position in the sky now where it streams into the kitchen south-facing windows in the morning and lays a lovely pattern on our old, scarred kitchen table.  I'll miss seeing this in a short time when the sun climbs to a different position.
 
I've noticed that it's now light enough at 6 a.m. to be able to see clearly if you wanted to be outside at that hour.  Of course, that's soon to change this coming weekend when our clocks "spring" ahead one hour.
 
It is a time in our life when most folks would say we should be "cutting back" on dreams, goals and new challenges, but we both still feel good (as she beats her chest and proclaims, "Me strong as bull!") and haven't reached that chronological age stage yet when we feel like becoming a bit sedentary.  I have a really hard time realizing that in 6-7 weeks I will be an octogenarian.  And Papa Pea is a year and a half ahead of me.  Just think of all the wisdom we must possess at this ripe old age. 
 
HAHAHAhahaheeheehohohoho...ah...hah...um...hum...oh... 

13 comments:

Rosalea said...

So glad to hear from you. Was getting a tad concerned!
Love that stronger, longer sunlight! It is shining today, but the wind is howling around, in minus temperatures, polishing all the ice that was melted out over the last few days.
Spring birthdays are the best!! Have a wonderful one. And...wisdom, yes, you certainly do possess that!

Kris said...

I, too, will miss the sun spilling across the oak floors. So golden and cheerful. I hate that DST will rob us early, invigorating sunrises this coming weekend. Not a fan of those hoping for DST to go full time. *sigh* Here's hoping Spring brings us good and growing things. Take care, Kris

Nancy In Boise said...

I've been watching gardening shows lately, more ideas, then it snows! Days longer atleast

Michelle said...

I don't think some people ever reach the stage when they feel like becoming sedentary; I sure hope I don't! Not that I don't enjoy some sedentary hobbies, but I also need to MOVE. It's good for body and soul! Wish my husband thought so, like Papa Pea....

gz said...

That is a beautiful sight, the light streaming in over the table. Enough to get anyone inspired to plan!

Mama Pea said...

Rosalea - Our spring-like temps lately have brought a lot of melting. Roofs are clear (mostly) and our driveway has long spots where it's down to the gravel. Also very icy patches where the snow has melted during the day and then turned to ice overnight! Garden beds are still hiding under the snow but many signs spring is on the way.

Kris - I feel the same way do about DST! Whose idea was that in the first place? I always feel "cheated" for some reason when we push the clocks forward in the spring. :o( But it does make for more daylight in the evening, for certain. The time of burning candles with our dinner hour is now gone, gone, gone!

Nancy - Yep, don't go dropping any seeds into the garden just yet. But I know what you mean about our thoughts going to the start of our gardens in a couple/few months!

Michelle - I believe sitting (not all day but for certain periods) knitting or hand quilting, etc. gives us time for good things to happen in our heads! But you are so right in that the body neeeeds to physically move during our waking hours. So easy to stiffen up and lose tone if we don't exercise those muscles (including the heart!) regularly. With all your animal chores, dogs and horses you have no trouble getting your exercise!

gz - No sun streaming in today! Very gray and overcast with predictions of some snow on the way. That's the way it is in March in our area of the country!



tpals said...

I'm one who doesn't care which time they pick, just stop jumping around. It's hard to believe spring will ever come; we are in for another round of snow tomorrow too.

Mama Pea said...

tpals - Well, it is the month of March so it's hard for us here in Minnesota to avoid the snow. The good thing is that snows this time of the season usually melt (famous last words?) soon after they arrive. Still, there's an awful lot of snow piled on the ground from earlier in the winter. I agree with you on the time changes in the spring and fall. Talk about having to adjust our own time clocks because of that!

Goatldi said...

Nice to hear/see from you and I now apologize for not replying to your email. Round two and three came in and just staying dry and warm have become a full time job. No excuses just the truth. Don't forget the next 48 hours are the last time you can enjoy the rhythm of standard time forever. We are being ushered into the land of dark mornings and sun up way too long in the evenings. Thank the government for that.

Sorry I just resent representation without consent. Have a good weekend.

Mama Pea said...

Goatldi - No apologies needed. "Life" seems to take over all of our good intentions, doesn't it? I've fussed and fumed for years about changing our clocks twice a year, but like you am not happy with the government making (any!) decisions for us. Sigh. Hubby and I are planning a slow, relaxed weekend. Snow starting later today and going through tomorrow. Time to hunker down one more time.

Tim B. Inman said...

"We don't quit dreaming because we grow old, we grow old because we quit dreaming!" For me, many times now the dreaming part is the most fun; actually following through and doing it can be a disappointment. Nevertheless.....

Cheers!

Vera said...

I have been AWOL for a while as well. Happy birthday, and celebrate those wonderful years of life behind you, and the treasured memories they must surely hold rather than looking into the future which is untold at the moment. My 76th birthday is also in a few weeks time, and I have learnt to count each day as a blessing. I am sure that you do to.

So......Happy Birthday to both of us, and may we continue to move through life with grace and dignity. XXXXXX

JustGail said...

I'm glad you're doing OK. The "nothing to post about" feeling is not a bad thing - it can mean sh..tuff is not hitting the fan.
Octogenarians?! Holy Craporama! I'm such a slacker in getting things done compared to you. And I'm 15-ish years younger.