Summer Projects

This bird visited while I relaxed in the pool area. 

I have always enjoyed having a summer vacation and can't imagine not having several weeks off during the summer. With home ownership, however, comes a long list of house projects to be accomplished during my  time off. I thoroughly enjoy working outdoors, so the responsibility is usually a welcome pleasure. Working on my own property provides a sense of satisfaction, and receiving visits from Earth's creatures while I work or take a break adds to that sense that all is well and good. 

I spent part of the day trimming back plants in the backyard, then used a cement mix to patch up part of the garden pathway that leads from the back door, past the yard to the pool area. The U.S. is a do-it-yourself nation: pump your own gas, mend your own fence, lay your own sod, and paint your own walls. The rugged individualist spirit is still prevalent here, especially with the economic downturn, which makes saving a buck imperative. 

My list of imminent summer projects includes painting the pathway with special red paint; reapplying a protective seal to the redwood fence; trimming back the hedges in the front yard; painting the wrought iron fence in  the front yard; removing the weed jungle on the side of the house--especially to keep rattlesnakes and skunks away; sealing and grouting the outdoor tiles; planting cacti and succulents in our giant planter boxes; and tending to the everyday upkeep of a healthy garden.  

These green tomatoes offer a glimmer of hope to our efforts to grow any produce. I wish I had paid better attention as a child to all the work with the land my grandparents supervised in the village. I was spoiled and never understood the effort or dedication involved. According to the season, my grandparents faithfully provided us with olives, olive oil, white grapes, red grapes, grape leaves for rolling and stuffing, pomegranates, green onions, sweet figs, orange cactus fruit, dried thyme, decorative calla lilies, molasses, dates, and almonds. 

Seeing how much work is involved in growing a mere handful of tomatoes makes me better understand how much our grandparents loved us and loved the land. 

Phoebe came to visit again after I finished some minor weeding around the tomato plants. She seems fearless and likes to get so close, she makes the falcons look timid.

Next time I am in Mexico, I think I will invest in a clay bird bath to put in the yard. There are classic, plain ones and others are painted in colorful patterns. I'll know which one to get when I see it!