It seems I do my best thinking on my longer walks with Jack in the mornings. It’s been cold and snowy so our jaunts as of late have been quick; hence, the dearth of posts.
However, in spite of the twenty three degree temp this morning, we set out on a slightly longer outing. I had been thinking about writing a year-in-review sort of post, but I’m not sure I could remember enough of the year to make it worthwhile. What did stand out, though, I think I can sum up as It was the year things grew.
Much of our spring and summer was taken up by the new garden we put in. We are looking to become at least a little more self-sufficient and took the first step in expanding what food we grow. We went from 2011’s six tomato plants to forty. Green beans, squash, melons, cucumbers and eggplants were just a few of the new things we sowed.
My guess is I probably bored you more times than I care to admit with posts on gardening and canning. But, along the way I learned a whole lot, and it wasn’t just about plants, fertilizer and bugs. There are so many life lessons that can be gleaned while working in the dirt. Something else for me sprouted, an idea for a book. Ever since I was in grade school I wanted to write a book. The garden is looking to be good fodder for that.
Another thing that grew was our family. Sis and BIL adopted baby Sara in July. It was a delightful surprise as they got the call that they were chosen to parent the day after she was born. Such a life changing week for them! And it was for the rest of us as well. Himself and I are not only her aunt and uncle but her Godparents and we are slowly growing into those roles. Thankfully, Sara’s too little to know when we manage to screw up!
I wish I could say that everything that grew this year was good. Unfortuantely both my waistline and my pocketbook can tell you otherwise. Unexpectedly having to replace the furnace in January wasn't something we wanted or had planned on doing. But when the it is in the twenties and snowing for weeks on end, it just wasn't a choice. And we are hoping the treadmill we just acquired will help with the waistline and scale issues!
I pray, for both you and for me, the 2013 is a year of good and lasting growth! (and not the waistline kind!)
I wish I could say that everything that grew this year was good. Unfortuantely both my waistline and my pocketbook can tell you otherwise. Unexpectedly having to replace the furnace in January wasn't something we wanted or had planned on doing. But when the it is in the twenties and snowing for weeks on end, it just wasn't a choice. And we are hoping the treadmill we just acquired will help with the waistline and scale issues!
I pray, for both you and for me, the 2013 is a year of good and lasting growth! (and not the waistline kind!)
Good luck with your book idea! That's great!
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize that your niece was adopted...what a blessing for your family! Good luck with the book idea too...I've thought about writing one and I do write for my own fun...but I've never shared anything I've writen. It would be something if I could turn my words into something others might enjoy. Hmmmm....Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI find that inspiration sometimes comes in the most unexpected places. At least once a week someone asks me about my commute, and always seems surprised when I say I enjoy it - but when I have mornings like today where the snow covered the grass (the roads were beautifully clear) and the sun was slowly rising, giving me glimpses of it's brightness as I turned bends between the hills I am reminded why it is I really do love my time in the car.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! Let's not let 2013 go by without an IRL chat :).
I love that you're inspired to write a book! So cool!!
ReplyDeleteYou must have a super-green thumb in the garden ... because WOW! That's a lot of tomato plants ... 6 to 40! And they all lived & thrived! I have a black thumb. :-)
I wish you all the best in 2013! And I'll be joining you on the "slimmer waistline" endeavor. :-)