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Ten Things of Thankful: Good-Bye, July Edition


A quail perches on a wooden support and keeps watch for predators

Summer 2020 reminds me of childhood summers: my calendar is open, my responsibilities are few, and the hot days stretch out seemingly endlessly. The months, however, pass quickly, and here we are in August. Parents and teachers are trying to figure out what back-to-school will look like, while children are trying to enjoy the last days of freedom. There is much to be thankful for, even as the pandemic continues.

I'm thankful for:

1. Looking back over the two years we've been in this house and noticing the changes we've made in the backyard.

Before and after collage of the backyard in August 2018 and August 2020. The land was pretty bare and wild in 2018; now the land has been purposely contoured, there is a fence, sprinkler system, fire pit, dry creek bed, garden area, and new planting bed.


A view from the top of the yard: dry creek bed and planter box of red twig dogwood on the left, fire pit in the middle, and garden boxes on the right.

2. Bargain price on mulch, which came in handy for the new beds. (Check your local Walmart! Bags were marked at $0.75-$1.50, depending on color.)


3. A million ways to eat summer squash. (Much like shrimp, I guess.)

4. Dyanne for suggesting roasting corn in the oven. So easy, so yummy! (The corn was store-bought; we're still waiting for our home-grown corn to ripen.)

5. Noom app. I'm down 7 pounds in two weeks. Plenty more to go, but it's a start.

6. Similarly, after stopping and starting the couch to 5K program a few times, I've started again. It's harder without the motivation of actually being signed up for a race, but John and I picked a date we will run a 10K of our own down a nearby canyon. It's a really nice run, and I'm motivated to be ready for it.

7. Zoom. Around 14 (!) years ago, a group of friends started a lunch group that met about monthly. A lot can (and has) happened in 14 years, and not all of those women still live in the area. Thanks to Zoom, we can still virtually gather and share in each others' lives. Thankful for Zoom; more thankful for friends.

8. Seeing projects come together. We are getting closer to having the trailer ready to sell. I'm thankful for Trailer Brothers who have made the job much easier for us.

9. Realizing while grocery shopping that I don't have to be tempted to purchase raspberries, because I have my own growing in my backyard.

10. John. He puts in the heavy work on our projects. I have ideas, take photos, and "help." 

What do you do in the summertime?  What are you thankful for today? 

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Comments

  1. Clark FarleyAugust 1, 2020 at 3:03 PM

    Excellent yard reconstruction. (I really like the idea of the dry creek bed, something about the larger scale projects I enjoy).
    Technology has offered solutions to situations that surely none of us anticipated, even a few years ago.
    Have a good week ahead.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiAugust 2, 2020 at 4:06 PM

      The large scale projects make a big impact. Next up will probably be terracing the slope, so John doesn't have to mow.

      Delete
  2. Carin DiazAugust 1, 2020 at 3:23 PM

    I like Zoom too. It is convenient to use for meetings and parties!
    You made a big improvement in your yard! I love it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lisa TomeyAugust 1, 2020 at 6:52 PM

    Your yard is beautiful! Great on the loss! I'm fighting the good fight!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Pat BAugust 2, 2020 at 5:43 PM

    Wow, your yard has really changed in the past year! Very impressive.
    If you are only going to be cooking a couple of ears of corn, fixing them in the microwave and removing the husks after cooking is really quick. Four minutes per ear.
    Congratulations on the weight drop. I have been burning some calories from my weeding "exercises" but then putting the weight back on from some of my baking projects. HaHa.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiAugust 3, 2020 at 5:37 PM

      I usually use my pressure cooker for corn; it's also quick. I'll have to try the microwave sometime, too. Thanks for the idea.

      Delete
  5. GirlieOnTheEdgeAugust 2, 2020 at 7:50 PM

    That is a huge accomplishment in 2 years! It all looks great, but the fire pit is my favorite. Looks so comfy :D Must be gorgeous at night with the stars above. Congrats on the 7!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiAugust 3, 2020 at 5:39 PM

      The fire pit was all John's vision and work, and I agree with you, it is a great place to sit in the evenings.

      Delete
  6. grams ramblingsAugust 3, 2020 at 1:27 PM

    Yes, I'm a huge fan of zoom too and am so grateful for it. I have a writers hour every morning on zoom where lots of writers come together to write . It's encouraging, energising and has motivated me to write more than I would have done during these last few months.
    gramswisewords.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiAugust 3, 2020 at 5:39 PM

      A writers' hour would be motivating! Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete

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