Pretty sure I could begin every post in the month of April and May with “today I did yardwork.” Except for today… it rained last night so now it’s too wet. I’m thrilled about that because I need a break.
My landscaping crew needed a break also.
Pear trees to boxwood shrubs to thorny bushes…
In the early 2000’s, there were 3 pear trees planted at the Villa. Large when purchased, they arrived on a semi trailer. I can’t remember the name of them (they weren’t Bradford or Cleveland) — and I don’t recall them stinking. And at the time, there wasn’t talk about how invasive Callery pear trees are or that they disrupt nature. They were beautiful in the spring and again in the fall.
They lasted about 10-years until one spring season of storms wiped out all 3. Of course, I’m done with those.
Next came boxwood shrubs…
The Seymour house had boxwood shrubs on every single side. Trimming them — and cleaning up the debris afterward — was AWFUL. Some were already allowed to grow too large and cutting them back too much would leave sticks instead of green. I’ll NEVER have those suckers again either.
And now I’m plagued by thorny bushes that rip flesh from my arms and legs.
Mowing next to a wooded area is hazardous. Getting close to the edge of a tree line means thorny vines will reach out to grab body parts. Cutting them back doesn’t help because they grow like wild fire. They’re just a part of rural living I have to deal with.
Unlike pear trees and boxwood shrubs that you can get rid of — those those thorny vines are there to stay.
Now you know: Researchers have found almost 10% of U.S. adults ages 65 and older have dementia, while another 22% have mild cognitive impairment.
I’m not a morning person. Dharma is not a morning doggie.
Nevertheless, we went outside and pulled weeds — along with Merida — for the biggest part of the day yesterday.
The previous barndo owners were decades younger and it shows.
I mentioned yesterday that one of the flowerbeds here is large. Today, I measured it. It’s 48 feet long and 6 feet wide. And there’s about 3 times that much waiting to be landscaped in addition to that space.
There’s NO WAY I can keep up with all that… especially in addition to all the mowing and weed eating around here. We girls just don’t have that much energy anymore.
Hakuna Matata!
Hakuna matata has a connotation of not worrying about things outside of a person’s control. It’s fitting in this instance, even though I’m not Swahili, because concrete edgers will be delivered tomorrow. Of course, it’s supposed to rain (again!), but I’ll get those edgers placed whenever.
The weather — along with about everything else in life — is out of my control. 🙂
Now you know: The first African American woman to win an Oscar, Hattie McDaniel in 1939, wasn’t even able to attend the premiere of the movie she preformed in because it was held at a whites-only theater.
Facial expressions have a remarkable ability to communicate emotions and convey messages effectively. They can be a genuine indicator of true emotions. While words can be chosen carefully, facial expressions are more difficult to control consciously.
Are you watching or just listening?
Facial expressions can reveal underlying emotions and attitudes. These fleeting expressions, which last for just fractions of a second, (not that fake smile we’ve all perfected), can provide valuable insights into true feelings and intentions. While listening is important — you can glean a wealth of information just by observing.
It’s universal understanding!
Facial expressions are recognized across different cultures and languages. Think about how you can understand the thoughts and emotions of others without the use of words.
Facial expressions allow us to transcend language barriers and communicate — even with those who are non-verbal.
Now you know: John Quincy Adams partially blinded himself looking directly at an eclipse in 1791. He was also the first president to be interviewed by a woman. Anne Royal found out he skinny dipped in the Potomac every day at a certain time. She went down and held his clothes hostage until he would give her an interview.
Facebook removes posts that they determine are offensive. What they don’t remove are all the videos and images of maimed and starving animals that I simply can’t scroll fast enough not to notice. People who love animals are heartbroken by these posts — and those who don’t love animals don’t care. So what’s the point, really?
Facebook’s policies allow these photos/videos to raise awareness.
That’s what they claim anyway. I can’t adopt every dog from the foreign countries where they live. I already think humans that mistreat pets are monsters. Those monsters aren’t going to be persuaded to change just because of something they saw on Facebook. So again, what’s the point?
Dharma might look sad in the photo above, but I can promise you she isn’t. (That’s her “Merida is annoying” look — I have one of those too.) She’s not allowed to browse social media so she’s not seen those awful offerings.
Now you know: The inventor of the Keurig coffee pod system, John Sylvan, sold his ownership of the product for $50,000 in 1997.
If you’re looking for some life coach mumbo jumbo, you won’t find it here. What you will find instead is me telling you that owning a dog is rewarding, and that it promotes emotional well-being, physical health and overall quality of life.
Caring for a dog requires commitment, responsibility, and a daily routine.
Owning a dog can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Their presence can provide comfort, support, and a sense of belonging, especially during challenging times.
Studies show that interacting with dogs reduces stress levels, lowers blood pressure and promotes relaxation. Merida did NOT take part in any of the studies…
The companionship, love, and joy that dogs bring into your life can lead to increased happiness, fulfillment, and overall life satisfaction. Their playful antics, unwavering devotion, and constant presence can brighten your days and bring a sense of joy to your home.
Go get yourself a dog. If you already have one… go get another. 🙂
Now you know: The “Zip” in Zip Code stands for Zone Improvement Plan, has been in use since 1963, and adds $10 billion annually to the US economy.
