Getting my little backyard ready for the beautiful weather around the corner is always something I enjoy spending time doing. It gets me outside, which is my favorite place to be, and it gets me moving in ways that my regular exercise routine and stretching just don’t.
The first major project was the removal of 5 overgrown Cypress Trees along a fence line. I hated taking these trees down. My mom and I planted them over a decade ago, not realizing just how rapidly they would grow and how big they would get. Last year, I noticed that we had a huge rodent problem and sure enough, as those trees came down so did the nests. The tree closest to the roofline was the one I was concerned about. That’s where the rat’s nest was! No uninvited guests, thank you very much!
It was amazing to see what four men and two chainsaws could accomplish in a very short amount of time. As promised, they arrived at 9:00am, and by 10:30am, the trees were down, debris taken away and the patio cleaned up! I was speechless! I have to admit it: I didn’t expect it to go that fast, nor be cleaned up when they finished the job. I totally lucked out!
Now, when I look out my window from my kitchen table the space looks and feels twice as big. I’m happy.
Next up will be to repair the two umbrella canvases that ripped during the last rain and wind storm. I’ll lay them out on the patio and scrub them with a little soap and bleach, let them air dry and then start to patch them up. I know I’ll be able to get at least two more years use out of them this way.
I am used waking up pretty early every morning. I really like the quiet of this time of day. I often think that I can get more accomplished between the hours of 6am-12 noon, than at any other time during the day.
It’s just how I’m wired here on the West Coast. This means that by the afternoon I’m ready to get cleaned up and put something fun and comfortable on to lounge in.
With nowhere to go these days, I look forward to putting on my
“PLAY CLOTHES” !
Even masks these days have become a necessary fashion accessory. This one was made for me by Jazmin Ferrari Wooster, who can be found through her Etsy shop at StJazminSarongs. She is also on Instagram @jazminfwooster and @sarongsocialclub.
Her meticulous seamstress skills are unparalleled! Jazmin has also donated some of these beautiful, well made masks to people in need. She has been accomplishing all of this while home schooling her young autistic son, during these difficult days. I applaud her efforts 100%!
There’s another creative artist here in San Diego making a difference with her masks. It’s called The Mask Project. http://www.jennafergracecollections.com is where you can find out more about One to One Mask Donations, made with love in San Diego, California.
Why do I think that these masks are now a permanent part of our wardrobe for the foreseeable future?
As Spring has finally arrived here, so have the tender and delicious vegetables that this season offers. One of the most colorful is Rainbow Swiss Chard. I love this preparation because of the amount of a healthy vegetable I can incorporate into a crowd pleasing dinner. I am a firm believer that if something looks pretty, even the most fussy eater will give things a try.
In some ways it seems that the days have begun to blur and in other ways, the days have taken on a distinct rhythm and pace of their own. I am ever aware that there has been a life altering shift in the way we will all interact in the not too distant future. I believe it will be even more important to stay informed and educated by all of the global platforms that provide us with news updates. I think the more we can educate ourselves, the less fear will have the opportunity to take hold.
Fear has the ability to defeat more people than any other thing in this world.
I am going to continue to visualize unconditional love, kindness and compassion for this beautiful world we all call home. In the hopes that we can all begin to realize that where we can be of help, we help. Sometimes we can lend support in the subtlest of ways; just by opening our hearts to another in need. Now is the time to let things like this happen. Once these types of things are allowed to open in the heart, the human heart can never return to the smaller size it once was.
Love and Light
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Thank you Diana . Love the backyard ! Alway a wonderful gathering place for our family.
Stay tuned for more information @strandsnstuff
As soon as the wineries are open again I will be introducing my passion project..
See you soon D
Author
Good morning Nancy! I cannot wait to help you debut your straNDs. I know everyone is going to love them as much as I do! I’m hoping by next weekend that we can have a little late lunch in the backyard! What do you say? Miss you too much! XOXO 😘
This was a much needed smile today! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and your light! Love you
Author
There’s always time to pass the smiles around. I hope you are staying well. I know you have been keeping super busy with your new fashion creations and this wonderful Mask Project. I’m so proud of you!!! Looking forward to seeing you very soon.😘😘😘
Thank you for including me Diana ! That pasta looks delish!! And good job on the backyard, looks nice ! Xo 😘
Author
You are doing an amazing job with these masks. I do think they are something that a lot of people will feel more comfortable having on their faces for the foreseeable future. I hope you and your family are doing well. Hopefully, we will see each other soon. 🙋🏻♀️
You always seem to make gatherings in that beautiful yard a little magical everytime. It’s really a beautiful space.
Author
I love spending time out there. It just seems to have a really good flow of energy from every vantage point. I’m patching up those umbrellas today. We are supposed to have temperatures in the high 70’s by the weekend. I’m going to need that shade!😉I really appreciate that you stopped by!
I MAKE THAT PASTA SAUCE TOO!DO YOU ADD AN EGG TO THE RICOTTA?I WILL GO PEEK AND PRINT AFTER I FINISH HERE!YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL IN THOSE MASKS!THAT IS INCREDIBLE THE TIME SPENT ON THE TREE REMOVAL!!!
THE WEATHER is finally getting better up here so doors OPEN and ATTENTION TO THE GARDEN HERE I COME!
HUGS TO YOU!
XX
Author
I do add an egg to the ricotta, and a little pinch of nutmeg , too! I’ll be popping over to read your post today. Life has been pleasantly paced around here. I’ve been very happy in my garden, too! Hugs right back to you!
It’s amazing how much those cypress trees grew. But they are prone to growing really tall. Your yard does look bigger. I must look into that pasta recipe. It looks delicious.
Author
With spring Swiss Chard so readily available in our markets here, I can’t help but make this once a week right now. I am determined to bring Springtime into my home as much as possible. The light at my kitchen table has dramatically brightened up with the removal of the trees and I am dreaming up new ways to use that new, open space! Keep well! Hugs to you!