weed it, till it, compost it, dig, fertilize, plant, mulch...I don't ever want a front yard bigger than the one I have now. So this new homeowner thing has been quite the experience. I really have no idea what I am doing- especially when it comes to keeping a nice yard. My mom always planted petunias and alyssum in her flowerbed so that is what I planted in mine...
My neighborhood is interesting. There are quite a few young couples like Chay and I...then there is the middle age who seem to have a lot of stuff, and of course the elderly who have the most amazing immaculate yards. Unfortunately or fortunately- depends on how you look at it- Virginia, an 80 year old who has more energy than...me- lives right next door. She isn't your typical 80 year old. She named her cat Mr.Goatee. She of course has the yard of dreams...she is always out there pulling weeds, clipping this, digging that- I feel quite the pressure as she peeks over at my lawn as she waters her flower pots. It's like I know what she is thinking. Last year I attempted to grow flowers in my front yard...but I was big and pregnant and so the whole month of July and August I kind of just let my yard go- it was a freaking jungle- weeds everywhere- it was a mess. Virginia would make little comments "your flowers need a little weeding it looks like" It was a little embarrassing-
So today- I finally planted some flowers. All morning I struggled with keeping Julia and Kenzie happy out on the front lawn- with a big blanket, a box of cereal, toys--every 5 minutes Kenzie wanted something or Julia was crying...running back and forth into the house, back to the garden shed-everything I tried to do took so much longer than it was supposed to- I then notice Virginia watering her hanging flower pots which already look stunning- she just smiled and said, "Are you going to try again this year?" What??? Her comment threw me off guard and then I realized how it kind of came across a little ungracious. It was like she was supposed to let out a scary cackle after she said that.... Of course I just smiled but all of the sudden the competitive side in me raged...Bring it on Grandma! All of the sudden I was planning out all the things I would do to my yard to make it look better than hers. I was imagining her all amazed and stunned at how beautiful my yard was for a young mother with kids...
well this prideful feeling died real soon...and it made me laugh because it reminded me of a sitcom on TV or something-
Have you guys ever seen the movie Stranger Than Fiction? I love that movie only because I always feel like my life is being narrated...I always describe my life events in my head with funny or not so funny commentary in literary form...do you guys ever do that? My thoughts seriously consume me at times.
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We always have some sort of neighbor that has an amazing yard. Right now we have a guy that is seriously spraying weed killer or fertilizer on his lawn everyday! I think to myself "what can he be doing now?" I don't even try to compete because I know I can't win...he is retired and spends ALL day on his yard. And yes it is VERY crazy to get anything done with kids. Casen cries hysterically when I mow the lawn, Clayton rides his bikes where he isn't supposed to. I can definitely picture in my mind what you are talking about.
p.s. Here is what works for me - I work in the yard when Casen is taking a nap so I'm only chasing 1 child, or wait until Jeff gets home so there is either 2 of us outside - or even wait to the kids go to bed...yes it is hard to get anything done. As for Virginia - I'll have to check out her yard next time I'm there! Old people just speak their mind not thinking it might hurt someones feelings.
You know...I agree with Tami that old people just speak their mind. Yesterday I was joking around and saying that the only thing that Virginia's comment motivated me to do was to....back up the truck into her yard and fastening a tow rope around one of those "County Fair Winner/blue ribbon" (yes I'm exaggerating)bushes of hers and dragging it around the block while screaming "Yeeeee Haaaa!"
But...You all know that I would never do that. Anyways, April and I are excited about all of our yard and our home improvements that we've accomplished....kinda like a never ending project. But hey, its fun.
On an end note...I don't think there are many people in the world that can keep up with an 80 year old's gardening abilities. Maybe I ought to see if Virginia is "up for hire"......MMmmmmmm....?
hahaha I am laughing so hard right now. I have had those same feelings April. my neighbors are imaculate yard workers but they do it on Sunday so I kind of figure whatever. I take the sabbath off. I try my best and thats what I can do. I know at times they look into our yard and wish they had their old neighbors back that kept the yard in tip top shape but hey all things come in seasons and times. Those days will come when I can do yard work without a football or 4 square ball being thrown all over my fresh planted flowers but I know when I look back to these days I will miss them.
ok...I love how writing allows chay to open up..he seems so calm and reserve- but I would guess something else is going on inside of him at times...I still laugh when I think about Chay when he says, "if I wasn't a mormon I would be the biggest thief" I love my Chay. Thank you Chay for giving me a blessing last night for my migraine and for playing with my hair until I fell asleep. I love you.
Oh...How sweet!!! Thank you chay for taking care of my baby. she loves you soooo!!!!!
I was thinking the same thing - old people just speak their mind. I guess they've earned 'immunity' and can do whatever they want, because we all are told to respect our elders. I guess when we are old we can enjoy it too!
Thanks again for watching Gage tonight. Niels and I had a great outing!
Many ask, "Why do you plant such a big garden?" and others, "How do you find the time to take care of your yard and garden?" Two reasons; number one, we were both raised in families that took pride in having a garden not just to used but to share. Grandpa Anderson always wanted to send you home with something from the garden. Number two, our leaders have encouraged us to be productive and where possible to have a garden. It also remindes of the Law of the Harvest, You reap what you sow.
i got a message on my myspace page about the reunion...when i hear more ill let you know...
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