Well, it's yard work season again and I am so glad. By the time April awakens from it's slumber we're all grumpy and restless and ready for a change. I find myself examining the Bermuda for signs of life every day hoping that walking on it will hurry the process.

I've actually contracted with a lawn service this year after comparing my lawn with my neighbor's and realizing it was no competition. It's like a 90 pound 9th grader trying out for a college team, I just didn't stand a chance. I did all the right things but apparently spraying on fertilizer and weed killer works better than the granuals. Go figure,,,

We're actually getting some money back from the IRS this year, which is nice for a change, and we've allocated $500.00 to the yard. I'm so happy! It's like Christmas in the spring except I'm just buying stuff for myself instead of the kids and grandkids. I hooked up my trailer to Tony's truck and headed to the landscaping stores, buying a few loads of dirt, rock and sand and went to work on the back yard. I filled in a ditch with river rock to try and keep my yard in place in one area and planted some more thatch in another. I made 2 raised beds and bought a few plants to decorate them with. I still need to spread some pine straw in my existing flower beds but just ran out of energy and time this week. I took Tuesday off of work to do some work, but when you're by yourself you can only do so much. I love doing it, but it is tiring.

I still haven't decided on what to plant in the new beds. I've planted a few things but still have a large bed to decorate. It takes me a little while to make those kinds of decisions. It's a combination of inexperience and not knowing enough about the plants. I do a lot of reading on it, but there's just so much to take into account. Do you plant annuals, perennials, evergreens, grasses or whatever? Also, how long and when do they bloom? Aaaaaahhhh, too many decisions.

I do like the creativity involved though. It may take me longer, but it's theraputic. And, as I've gotten older I've found I need more of these kinds of things to keep me busy and focused.