Summer Afternoon Musings

 

Although summer doesn't officially begin until something like June 21st, for all intents and purposes, it is in full swing here in Florida. That is probably true just about everywhere: summer begins "unofficially" on Memorial Day weekend. 

Then it seems to sort of end, in a sense, just a few days after the 4th of July when the stores begin advertising their school supplies merchandise, with some schools beginning the first week or two of August!! What is left of actual summer is a lot of very hot and humid days, and here in Florida, a wariness regarding the possibility of hurricanes. 

Since I much prefer cooler temps over HOT!, my survival philosophy for Florida summers is to not go out of my way to spend time outdoors (without being unreasonable, you understand). Just like I used to stay  indoors in the coldest of weather when I lived in Colorado and South Dakota, here in summer I station myself inside, or on the lanai with a ceiling fan AND a tower floor fan blowing directly on my skin. 

We do ride our bicycles in the summer, heat and all. An interesting observation I've learned in the 4+ years that we've been riding, even on the hottest and most humid of mornings, once we begin pedaling down the street, the movement of air over our skin is delightful. We don't think about the heat until we stop for water (which we do twice in our 5-mile route). 

(I've edited the headstones for privacy)

Another survival habit in this climate is to, as much as possible, get our appointments, shopping, and other running around town done before lunch, when the greatest heat of the day is still ramping up. 

This includes our trips to the cemetery to "visit" our people. My late husband and Gary's late wife are buried in the same general area of the Veterans' cemetery, although far enough from each other that we reach both via car. We usually go to Tom's grave first because his headstone is in the very last row at the back of his section. Unfortunately the trees are too far away to comfortably sit in shade. (we didn't get to choose the grave sites; you accept what you are given)

Edith, by contrast, is buried in the second row from the road and very tall, shady oak trees are nearby. So after "visiting" Tom, we go to Edith's place and sit in our canvas lawn chairs in the shade. It's quiet and peaceful at both locations, but the shade tends to win out, of course. 

What do we do at the grave sites? I wonder how people would answer that, but it's really a very private question, so I don't inquire. I will say that visiting Tom's grave is always an opportunity for me to, once again, sincerely thank God for getting me through this far. Psalm 3:3 is often the foundation for my prayer: "Thou, Lord, art a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head."

I love to watch Gary at Edith's grave. Although we found new love in each other after the passing of our spouses, his love and respect for Edith is very apparent. It's beautiful. And the blessings of my years with Tom continue long after his passing.

(I've edited her headstone for privacy)

We usually take flowers that we've bought at the floral counter of the grocery store while en route to the cemetery. For the trip a few days ago, we did not do that. The weather is so hot that the flowers would not have lasted the afternoon before wilting and looking more sad than had we not made the effort. The above picture is from our visit earlier this spring. 

To help with the heat and glare, we took our wide-brimmed hats!! "Hat's a good idea!" 🙂

our hats on the back seat of our car

It's good to take time out to "visit" our people like this, just as it's good to observe holidays that remind us of our faith, those who have given their lives for our freedoms, and the birthday of our nation! We must not take any of these special people and times for granted.

Well, life goes on. I remember after Tom's passing the song made famous by Skeeter Davis came to mind:

Why does the sun go on shining?

Why does the sea rush to shore?

Don't they know it's the end of the world?

It ended when you said 'goodbye.'

As profoundly sad as grief is, life has continued and somehow the hurt is less with time and God's grace. It has taught me so much that I simply was unaware of until I had to experience it myself. Good, bad, ugly, and delightful. The world kept on turning with days morphing into night and then back to daylight again. Bills had to be paid, groceries needed to be bought, and the car gas tank had to be filled. 

Relationships were affected in ways I did not anticipate. Now, years that have passed, I understand that when massive changes come to us, we all respond in our own ways. Some of that is good and helpful; some is not so good. 

In a very simple way of explaining it, some people can tolerate liver and onions and some of us gag at the very smell of it cooking, let alone taking a bite of it. I'm learning I need to allow people the freedom to be who they are and to forgive those who are not so open to allowing me to be who I am. It's just life. We all have feelings and our own ways of coping.

Disrespect and true harm are not acceptable, of course, but we just need to let people be who they choose to be. We are all working things out in our minds and with time, patience, and choosing to be considerate, even liver and onions MIGHT become more appealing.

On our bike ride this morning, this turtle was lounging in the very middle of the asphalt multi-purpose path. I stopped to take a couple of pictures.

He is not the most handsome of God's creatures, but to his credit, he did not shy away from allowing me this "photo op," not behaving badly in any way. We did not touch him but just marveled at his "hose nose," and then left him alone. With reference to my earlier words, we just let him be who he chose to be. 

Our progress on the puzzle is good. I added several pieces and then Gary took over. I think he's done more than I have. It's a wonderful diversion for the mind when we have exhausted our thoughts about everything else. 

current Indoor status at 4:30pm

The TV said our "feels like" temp today would be close to 103 degrees. It's time for us to think about what we might want for a light supper, which means we'll close the windows here in the lanai, turn off the fans and go back into the AC for the evening. 

I'll close with the words to a song our junior church choir learned when I was in the 4th grade. They have both instructed me and comforted me in the hardest of times.

Trust and obey

for there's no other way

to be happy in Jesus,

but to trust and obey.

Until next time, [stay cool] in grace and peace.

Barbara

Pondering Puzzles, Psychology and Peanut Butter

my current afternoon hobby in progress

Today's writing prompts come from Joyce. Click here if you want to join in the fun.

1.  How would you define 'the good life'? 

Owning a lot of neat stuff, living in a perfect climate, friendships with really great people, and solid financial arrangements could define the good life, but I have found all of those advantages to be not enough. They can disappear for many reasons and with shocking suddenness in spite of my best efforts to hold onto them.

Jesus Christ is recorded in John 10:10 as saying, "I am come that you may have life, and that, more abundantly." He emphasized significance and purpose over material stuff. He promises us peace, and satisfying connection that is ours for all of eternity when we trust Him. 

The key to the good life is to rely on God, even when the harsh realities of life slam and break us. The Lord is working for our good. One day, for those who believe  Him, it will all make sense.

To sum it up, the "good life" is peace with God.

2.  What's the most used app on your phone (and are you proud of that)? 

I feel certain that as a blogger, I am not alone in saying the camera on my iPhone is the most used app/feature. Can I eat a restaurant meal without taking a snapshot of it?!!! In the world of blog authors, it's nuthin' to be ashamed of! 🤭

Piesano's Pepperoni Rolls

3. 'Every rose has it's thorn', 'everything's coming up roses', 'looking through rose-colored glasses', 'it's no bed of roses' or 'stop and smell the roses'...which rose idiom best relates to something in your life currently. Explain. 

Because it is true that "every rose has its thorn," and nobody has "everything coming up roses" all the time, etc. my answer to this question is to "stop and smell the roses." With few exceptions, no matter what our troubles may be, there are always some roses to enjoy. I'm talking about gratitude here. 

Gary and me

I'm alive; I have a closet full of clothing to wear, the house where I live is much more than adequate, and the kitchen is well-stocked with plenty of food. My health is pretty good, and by the grace of God, I have a second marriage after becoming a widow.

ALL my sins are forgiven by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, and when I die, I'll be instantly whisked off to Heaven. The thorns in my life take a back seat to all of the "roses."

4. How do you feel about floral flavorings in food or drink (rose, hibiscus, elderflower, lavender)? 

Floral-flavored/scented ice water is a pleasant luxury but not anything I crave. A slice of lemon in the water is nice.

5. Over the course of your life what have you probably spent more time pondering than anything else? 

The "hay and stubble" of life (which includes but is not limited to hair styles and home decor) ..... Just being honest here without revealing too many of my foibles!

In recent years, I've been more preoccupied with human psychology: why humans behave as we do and how I should be handling myself as a Christian woman. I want to validate people, encourage them, and try not to be a stumbling block.

my most recent escape from banality

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Here is a personal 'survival tip' that comes in handy for me. Sometimes I find myself in a situation where I should listen or feel obligated to listen to a speaker, or a TV program or such that is long and not all that interesting or personally challenging, a circumstance where my voice and rapt attention are not required. 

If this is happening in the privacy of my home (where I won't be a distraction or a discouragement to others), my colored pencils and I scribble designs and record random notes while my ears half-listen to whatever is going on. This is a huge help to keep me from exasperation.

I'm off to bake some peanut butter cookies. What are your plans?

Until next time, grace and peace.

Barbara

The Landscaping Saga and Beyond

 

Home Sweet Home

It hasn't been long since my previous post, but I have memories to add to this journal, so here I am. The above photo is how our front yard looks today. The photo below is how it was yesterday:

removing the old lawn

On Wednesday, after waiting from 8am to 5:30 pm and in that time placing phone calls that automatically went into voice mail, our promised yard contract saw absolutely no progress. To say we were angry and frustrated would be an understatement. By days' end we were finally told the scheduling in the office had messed up (duh!) and they would be out the following day. We impressed on them that "sooner would be better than later" since one of us had a dental appointment in the afternoon.

Gary (in white shorts) speaks to the supervisor

To their credit, the very next morning shortly after 8am a literal army of trucks showed up all along and across the street from our house. I lost count how many vehicles there were, maybe 5. 

8 men working

Many men wearing matching chartreuse, company logo T-shirts jumped out and after a brief consultation with Gary, began tearing up the existing lawn (what remained after severe winter-kill, extreme drought conditions for months) in preparation for the new sod. 

our new lawn on the flatbed truck

With all the right equipment, tools, and obvious necessary skills this army of men "got to it!!" with determination to get the job done well and in a timely manner.They reminded me of ants working hard and fast to accomplish their goals.

I admit that in spite of my irritation at the delay and lack of communication the day before, I was impressed with how well the job was carried out. We watched the entire process within their view -- not leaving any opportunity for people to goof off. There was none of that.

the end result!

As you can see, they did a good job. As the men cleaned up the work area, Gary was instructed how to water the new lawn for the first 30 days as the roots grow down into the soil to take hold. 

Then today we went to our water company to let them know that in these continued drought conditions, we will be exceeding the current rule to water only once a week. They understood. Their computer system issues naughty notices when their meters tell them a homeowner is exceeding the requirements; but today we were told it's okay to ignore that if/when it comes. Keep our paperwork and all should be well. 

It was time for fun. Gary suggested we have lunch at Swampy's, a riverside grill about 20 minutes from our house. I'm not sure we've been there since last fall, and it is one of my fav places, so off we went.

We've had the burgers many times in the past, and they are good. I snapped this picture of the menu to prove to those not familiar with Florida cuisine that serving alligator is not at all unusual. What would be unusual was if Gary or I would order that. We don't dine on reptiles. (The very idea makes me want to upchuck!!)

looking south on the Rainbow River and
the Hwy 484 bridge

About 90 percent of the dining tables at Swampy's are open air (no walls), with a small indoor seating area. But a huge draw to this place are the water-front tables. It's also a good idea to show up before the crowds, which we did.

looking north on the Rainbow River 

Countless times on this blog I have written of my love for eating within view of water. While that was pretty hard to do in my former home state of Colorado, here in Florida it's an easy goal to attain.

kayak traffic on the river

We have been a part of the river traffic in the past. The first time was via a shared kayak and the second time in a canoe. Both adventures were new to me, experiences Gary has given me (along with zip-lines, a couple of airboat rides, and steering a 2-seat catamaran).

Us

I do not mean to belittle myself when I honestly state that in comparison to my former self who preferred to sit for hours hunched over needlework and was a fraidy-cat to try athletic amusements, with Gary I've enjoyed amazing adventures. 

(Apparently my theme song has become, "What I Did For Love.")

Our food came and we thoroughly enjoyed it. My friend Sheila commented that the servings at Swampy's are huge. Well, yes, they are generous, but this open-faced Philly sandwich is smaller when folded over. But with that said, we couldn't finish all of our French fries, and I forgot to eat my pickle.

After the long wait for the landscaping project to get started, then the furious activity to get it done, and concerns regarding the water company, it was so good to get that all behind us. 

Today's retreat to a quiet place was wonderful. We are thankful to have that work done and to now be able to enjoy the fruits of labor, eat well, and doze in our recliners.

Arise, my love,

my beautiful one,

and come away.

Song of Solomon 2:10

Until next time, grace and peace.

Barbara

Journaling on the Front Porch

Today's writing prompts were provided by Joyce with her Hodgepodge questions for June 3rd. Click on the link below if you want to link up with your blog.

http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/2026/05/hodgepodge-questions-volume-656.html

1.What's something you find extremely difficult that most people would say is simple?

I cannot snap my fingers. Never have been able to do it. When I needed to snap my fingers to get my small children's attention without speaking, I would wave my hands or pat the floor -- neither of which is anywhere as effective as snapping one's fingers.

2.  "And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow fast in movies I  had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer." 

~F. Scott Fitzgerald

Does the season of summer make you feel this way? Elaborate. 

Summer is not my favorite season, mostly due to the heat and bugs, so I don't relate to this piece by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I do remember the wondrous freedom I felt as a schoolgirl when summer vacation began.

3. Pickles. Love 'em or no thank you? What's your favorite type of pickle? What's something you eat that definitely needs a pickle added?

Yes, I like pickles, especially sweet ones. These are some of the best I've ever had: Fickle Pickles

4. Tis the season...do you know any June brides? Are there any weddings on your summer calendar? What's your favorite movie wedding? 

Right off hand, no, I don't know of any June brides nor am I aware of any summer weddings this year.

My favorite movie wedding? How about my favorite movies with a wedding in them? 

5. June 1st is/was National Say Something Nice Day...say something nice here. 

The kind comments left on my blog have encouraged me time and again over the years.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Sharing snapshots of current events around here, none of which is terribly exciting but definitely has helped us to fall asleep easily while watching TV! 😆 Posting in the order in which the pictures were taken (which is the order in which these thrilling activities happened):

Modeling my new wide-brimmed hat for the cute photographer (see his shadow). I'm pulling weeds and depositing them in an old bucket. 

Look closely to see the metal tool in my right hand. We have had a Black Racer snake patrolling our property for a couple of years. Said to be "the good kind," because he's not venomous and he eats mice, etc (geckos, too, I assume), neither Mr Snake nor I want to encounter each other. 

🙄 You may have seen on the TV news this past weekend Robert Kennedy Jr. (our current Secretary of Health and Human Services) at the Florida home of Dr. Mehmet Oz (our current Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) handling a couple of these Black Racer snakes as they were mating.  They bit him in self-defense, which is painful, but he was not especially concerned because they are not poisonous. 

HOWEVER, snake mouths carry bacteria. Treatment should be a thorough washing with warm soap and water, followed by application of an antibacterial ointment and a bandage. Then the wounds should be monitored for signs of infection. 

Anyway, I carry a defensive tool with me when I am outside pulling weeds, and sometimes I sing to myself -- both activities to inform the snake that I'm around with the hopes he'll slither away.  I promise you I'll not be purposefully touching any snakes!!!

In another snapshot taken that same day, Gary was blowing pine needles off our rock, a noisy but much less scary aspect of yard work! You can see in this picture one of several examples of Asian art we have as a tribute to Gary's 3 military assignments in that part of the world in years past.

These are clippings from some of the rose bushes in our front yard.  Years ago I embroidered the clusters of flowers on this doily. There are a lot of French Knots in there!

As I type this while sitting on our front porch, we are waiting for our landscapers to show up with new sod (St. Augustine grass) for our front yard. As Gary has often said, "There's a secret to growing grass in Florida, but I don't know what it is!!" We live in a gated +55 community with a hefty monthly HOA fee, so there's pressure to have a smart-looking lawn.

With the new sod coming, we decided to take out the ring of curved bricks and rocks surrounding the Holly tree and have the grass grow right up to the base of the tree trunk. Gary set the curved bricks out on the driveway and I posted this snapshot on our neighborhood Facebook page. That was right after breakfast. Long before lunch, somebody took us up on the free offer!

We both knelt on our rubber knee pads to scrape up the rock from the tree's base and carry it to the driveway where Gary hosed it off thoroughly. Then the rocks were added to other ares of our landscaping. It was a labor-intensive task in our Florida heat and humidity (sweat rolling down the center of my back...); but as I said earlier, we later fell asleep in our recliners while watching our TV shows!

This is a Crepe Myrtle tree. They are blooming all over around here now and are just gorgeous. Most of them are pink, lavender, and sometimes white. But the ones I like the best are this dark red (almost crimson). We don't have one in our yard (they are kinda messy when the flowers fall off). I took this snapshot while on one of our bike rides.

Bringing this summary of our current events to a close, this is the puzzle I'm working on now. I found it in Gary's china hutch when we got married. He's had it for so long that he doesn't remember how it came into his possession. The design is CRAZY, but it's only 300 oversized pieces, the kind of puzzle I like the best, so every day I work on it for a few minutes. 

My readers know I don't discuss politics on my blog. I just don't want to field the comments it brings.. With that said, I close with this verse that is an excellent prayer prompt:

So then let us pursue the things

which make for peace

and the building up of one another.

Romans 14:19

Thanks for stopping by! Until next time, grace and peace.

Barbara