New Season, New Plans.

I admit I have been slacking in not just the garden department lately, but also in my writings.  I did finally go out and weed the gardens on Saturday, "planted" a few roses, and put a few lilies in my oriental lily garden so when my father had his party on Sunday, there would be at least something colourful to see other than a dozen green, leafy stalks.  I do have to add at least another 2 inches of mulch to the gardens, finish the stone edging, and lay down the river stone out front.  Right now, the weather is a tad too hot and humid to be lugging around 60lb bags of stone and 40lb bags of mulch.  And it's only getting warmer.  I don't see myself planting flowers in the remaining gardens until the fall, when mums are in season simply because I'm not thrilled with too many of the seasonal flowers.  Those I am are extremely finicky or my mother is allergic to them.  

     As far as my latest diet and workout regime, I will admit to feeling somewhat better.  It's barely there, but it's there.  Then I remembered this morning how, about four or five years ago, I would go tanning about 3 days a week.  (Yes, I know just how horrible tanning beds are for you, but it was free, and I had a vacation I didn't want to look like Casper for)  One thing that I remembered about that summer was how much better I felt overall.  The joint pain was minimal, the muscle pain was eased quickly with stretching, and I even looked healthier.  I learned then that even if it's a horrible tanning bed, being in the sun does wonders for your body.  (and not just an awesome tan).  So, I've taken it upon myself to spend as much time outside as I can, even if it's parking my beach chair on the deck for an hour with a book to read.  True to form, I overdid it a tad.  I have spent the past 2 days swimming in the lake with my nephew.  While I was seriously disappointed in just how out of shape I truly am, it was great to see him having so much fun that didn't involve a computer, hand held, or television screen.  And I'm paying for it.  My hands, feet, arms, and knees are sunburned.  I mean lobster-red, puffy, dry, skin searing sunburned.  But I will say this:  the only things that still seriously ache are my head, my feet, and my back.  Meaning I'm able to be up and do more each day as long as I can.  

      After several disheartening, sad, and infuriating events lately (another time for details), keeping busy is one thing I need to do.  It keeps me from thinking.  And trying to not think about everything that's happening/happened isn't such a bad thing at the moment.  For now, it's all I have.  And so to make the best out of a so far beautiful summer.