THINGS NOT TO DO WHILE GARDENING

I arrived home with the intention of going to my garden plot to pull weeds and water my plants. A simple plan that I had blocked off ninety minutes of my free time to accomplish.

When I go to my garden plot I take an old picnic basket filled with tools, my watering can and my MP3 player. I enjoy listening to music while I'm working.

The previous owner of the plot had planted two types of mint. Spearmint and Peppermint. I wish that had never happened. Mint is an evasive plant. Once it begins to grow it spreads out naturally. All over the entire plot. I have to remove that growth at least once a week. Plus there are other plants that spring up every year that I do not want as part of my garden. This requires me to spend time removing them.

In the process of removing the unwanted growth, I was using my shears. That's when things went wrong. I was cutting a rather mature weed while listening to Rachelle Farrell singing "Individuality". This is one of my favorite personal motivation tunes. I was all into the song while I was cutting. Suddenly I saw the cord to my ear buds was tangled in the plant that I was cutting. Before I could stop the motion of the blade, I cut into the cord and plant at the same time. That ended listening to music for me.

I was too through with myself. I have been listening to music while gardening for a long time. This is the first time that I have accidentally cut the cord while I was working. It really bummed me out!

The good thing that came from out of work time in the garden was the food that I harvested. Tomatoes, peppers, lettuce and green beans. I plan to make a salad for lunch tomorrow. I'll cook the green beans for dinner. At least my hard work and determination is beginning to pay off!

LATE NIGHT MUSINGS PART 2

I came home from work and went to sleep.  I woke back up around 11:30 feeling refreshed and ready to do my usual reading and writing for the day.

I'm glad that the work week is moving towards wrap up.  So far things have been going smoothly-with a few glitches in between.

My inner clock is currently going through changes. Which is to be expected. I am menopause age and one of the disadvantges of that transition is interruption of sleep from time to time.

I actually don't have a problem with being awake at this particular time.  I love the night time hours.  Especially when I can stay up as long as I want.  

But, I am a working woman.  I cannot go without sleep and be civil and sane. I'm finding that as my life progresses-work is still important...but so is self gratification...

That is what I believe happens at this time....I am free to explore and to think...to solve problems...to view people and situations from an entirely different perspective...

We were supposed to have showers today.  It did not happen..so when I come home from work...I must head straight to my plot to water my garden....I also want to get some lettuce to fix a salad for lunch on Friday. I want a mix of fresh greens, tomatoes and whatever is in my fridge tossed in.

I plan to fix a fruit salad before turning back in.  I have blue berries, strawberries and kiwi. Also some mandarin oranges that I want to mix up for lunch.  I also think that a cold plate with a couple of Deviled Eggs and some slices of cheese and meat will be quite on point at mid-day.

Now it is time for me to go jump in the tub for a serious soak. I love a good bubble bath.  It does my body good.  And it also helps me to fully relax...

LATE NIGHT MUSINGS

What is it about the late night hours that stirs my senses?

I've never really known the answer to this question. Even though I have spent many hours between the darkness and the dawn seeking out the answer.

Is the solitude? Or is it the way that my thoughts flow freely without the interruption of obligations?

Or is it the endless stars that look down on the city? 

I've never really known the answer...perhaps it will always elude me...

But there is something about the indigo skies that appeals to my sense of life...

Dear God,

I am going to begin this written conversation with a request.

Please forgive me for all the sins that I have committed on this day.

I know that I have been angry and frustrated with the actions of another person.  

I know that I could of accomplished more but I decided not to try and reach that goal.

I have been critical in a less than flattering manner towards another person.

These are not traits that you would have me to display.  They are not positive reflections of my spirit's heart. Please grant me your forgiveness.

Bless me to be more tolerant. Especially in the face of adversity.

Bless me to keep my temper in check. Especially since I know that the battle is not mine-it belongs to you. 

Bless me to remember that there is always going to be someone who tries to take my joy and peace because they have none of their own.

Help me to keep my mouth closed and to hold onto my peace. 

Thank you for watching over me and my loved ones on this day.

Our going out and our coming back in was sheilded from all manner of danger.  Thank you for that blessing!

Thank you for all that you have graciously bestowed upon me.  

As I prepare to lay down to go to sleep, please clear my mind of all thoughts that are not going to allow me to rest.

Please keep watch over us as we slumber. Keep us and all those around us safe from danger and harm.

In Jesus name

Amen

I WOKE UP, GOT OUT OF BED AND AFTERWARDS....

My work week began with me doing the 880 dash out of the door. On days like this, I always think about the song by the Beatles, "A Day In The Life". The only thing I don't do is run a comb through my hair. It is double strand twisted-otherwise I would of been late this a.m. 

I have a problem with going to sleep on Sunday nights. It is nothing new in my world. It is like my body and mind refuse to accept the fact that the weekend has ended.  I have dealt with this for years.  I went to sleep later than usual and when the alarm went off this a.m. I snoozed for an additional thirty minutes.  Which is not a good thing. 

When I got out of bed it was a mad dash to make it out of the door.  I walk to and from work so I have to be out of the house at a certain time.  

I hate having to get up and making a mad dash to work! I like to have coffee, watch the news, eat breakfast and then start getting dressed. I managed the first three tasks in fifteen minutes. 

I walk to work to give myself time to make the necessary mental adjustment. It is my time to think, meditate and pray.  Plus that the walking helps to get my body geared up for the demands of my job. 

Walking back home helps me to shed off the stress of my workday. I love hot weather. Strolling home in the sunshine does wonders for my psyche. Having a chat with a sista/friend on the way made the time pass really quick.

Then I fell asleep after arriving home. I slept for a few hours. Now I am up and preparing to get back in the bed really soon. So I can jump up and head out for work again.

Routines can be really boring!

Sunday, Sunday

I went out to my garden plot while two of my granddaughters were visiting.

My tomatoes are finally beginning to ripen.  I picked several of them and gave them to my sons. I also shared some of the banana peppers with them.

We had a good time sitting in the shelter talking.  It was a perfect day to be outside.  My baby granddaughter is walking now.  That is an important moment in her life. She had been trying to walk for almost a month.

I really am not looking forward to going in to work tomorrow.  I hate Monday with a passion.  It is the worst day of my work wek.  My children seem to be out of sorts on Monday.  There is a lot of whinning and tears.  Especially from the children who are difficult to handle.

It would be nice to call off. but I do not have a hnest reason why I should.

So I need to get up and finish preparing to head out.

MID-AFTERNOON MINI-CONCERT