Not in My Back Yard

“Oui, monsieur, but that is not my yard.” ~ Inspector Clouseau (paraphrased)

Three weeks ago, I admitted that “The Old Gray Man, He Ain’t What He Used to Be” after getting overheated while trying to reclaim a long neglected yard.

Today is the first day I’ve had to be back out there since I’ve been traveling, okay visiting family and then sunning on the beach, for the better part of the last week and a half.

While we were gone, Richmond got some significant rain. So much so that it’s still too wet to mow this morning. So, I attacked some weeds in the driveway, launched a counter attack on Japan (or at least their beetles) and did some general picking up in the yard.

It’s a bit discouraging.

I know, I know. I keep telling myself that it’s going to take time to get this yard back in shape. My like the time that it’s taking to get me in shape.

But it’s frustrating that I spend so much time out there and make so little progress.

It’s frustrating that the best growth in the yard seems to be in the driveway. And now that the old dog thinks that’s his new restroom rather than heading out to the back woods, the growth there often gets fertilized before I can get out there with a shovel.

It’s frustrating that my tomato plants died, and that I may or may not have a cucumber growing. On that one, I think it’s the location of the square foot garden. It’s a logical place, but not the best place for sun. I either have to move it, or win the lottery so I can have $10,000 worth of tree work done.

In case you’re wondering, I prefer the latter.

so, I fight on.

I’ll get back out there either later today or tomorrow.

Or, next Saturday.

If it doesn’t rain.

Random Thoughts from Poolside

Self-sufficient-life.com each3.gif”>This is our second to last full day at the beach…snif. But it’s been a good week thus far.

This morning’s a little rough as the arthritis has flared up. So I’ve been googling for “foods that make arthritis worse” but really find out what I already know. The best think that’s going to help with this is losing weight.

It’s a perennial goal. But this time, I have to be serious about it. In year’s past I’ve told myself I want to able to run on the beach. This year, I’d settle for walking without pain.

Still, the time here is good. If for nothing else than the people watching.

I chuckle at the people who will be poolside before 7:00 a.m. just to get the comfy chairs. The ones with the cushions. For the record, all of the resort chairs at the beach are cushioned.

I also noted yesterday that if you are now, or ever have been called “Grandma,” even if by mistake, you have no business in a two piece swimsuit.

And yes, I realize that I have little to no room to talk (see above), but you’ll rarely find me not wearing a tank top poolside.

There’s construction going on next door. Sounds of an improving economy or at least good beach business are a good thing. But seriously, in the middle of the summer season?

All that being said, there’s a difference between beach week here in Virginia Beach and our traditional week on the Outer Banks. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

Here, we can walk out the door and be on the beach, or at least the Boardwalk. We’ve yet to be able to rent such accommodations at Nags Head. Mainly because we have a traditional, family-owned house.

Probably the biggest difference thus far is the sheer number of people. I’m used to not being able to move without bumping into someone at the wave pool at Kings Dominion, but in the ocean, I expect a little more elbow room. Granted, that was based on July 4 numbers and it was less crowded, although still sufficiently full, yesterday.

I’m back into reading. I’ve finished “Rawhide Down” and am well into “Bonhoeffer” by Eric Metaxas. Two inspring books about two of my 20th Century heros.

I need to read more.

Speaking of which, it’s time to sign off and go do that, while I can still get a comfy chair.