Sometimes you just have to go for it. Put aside all of your fears and doubts, and just do it. It's like taking that first plunge in the pool. You know you want to do it, but yet it may be a bit of a chilly shock at first. It takes a few laps to warm up to finally enjoy the swim. Then comes the moment you don't want to get out because it feels so good, and yet it's time. How many of those plunges have I made over the years?
I'm discovering the joy of backyard vacationing. I'm opening my eyes to all the activity and scenery right outside my door. It's not only the summer bugs and colorful beetles, but the jumping grasshoppers and slick lizards. One tailless lizard seems to be more evident in my trips around the yard, such a survivor as I see him climb out of our backyard brick grill. I've become a avid bird watcher, perhaps because I have witnessed closely hummingbird nests and births, along with blue and orange finch families that make their home under the overhang of our roof. Of course there are the usual sparrows, but my favorite birds are the bright yellow orioles that want to drink the same nectar as the hummingbirds. There was even one day when a spotted woodpecker was perched on the side of our palm tree. He didn't stay long once he realized he was pecking a palm.
Squirrels still scamper along the fence and scale the taller trees and telephone poles. I recently rescued a baby possum. Coming home from our morning walk, I noticed this gray and white big eared rat (so I thought), moving somewhat quickly along our backyard deck. Then I realized he was too slow for a rat, and figured he was a lost baby possum looking for his mother. I knew from past experience that mother possums do not rest until they have all their babies. So looking intently into the trees and greenery, I found her perched upon our fence, silent with eyes as wide circled saucers. I initially thought that if I'd leave them both alone, they will figure out how to reunite. But soon I found the little guy coming my way down the stairs, and making breathless big mouth gestures. I tried to guide him back in the opposite way, but he scampered off in his own direction between the deck and cement wall. I would just have to let them work it out on their own, as the mother possum had moved down a branch much closer. Going about my business, I finished my morning activities inside, and as I was leaving for my day, I decided I needed to look once again around the yard to see if they had reunited. But too my surprise the little guy was desperately swimming in our jacuzzi! I dropped my keys and purse, running to the shed to rescue him with a shovel. He did climb up on it and then I wasn't sure where to drop him off. I put him up by the juniper tree, but I don't think Mom had a clue that he was there and he still seemed lost. So scooping him up, I decided to try and lift him up to his Mom back on the fence, and of course he was a squiggly little guy who just fell off the shovel landing back on the deck. Again, I begged for him to get on the shovel, which he did and I lifted it up toward the vine laced wall, hoping he would latch on and travel up to his Mom. By now, I saw that Mother possum had another young possum hanging on to her back, but being a conscientious Mom, she was still concerned about her lost baby. The little guy wiggled through the vine and then a very breathy persistent sound came from the silent Mom, which seemed to guide her little one to safety. Backyard drama at its best!
My backyard holds the best memories. It's right here everyday inviting me to vacation in it. I realized on lap 23 that I don't need to travel far to enjoy the goodness of time off. I have the summer sun to bask in. I surprise myself at the wonderful age of 60, that I enjoy soaking up the rays just like I did when I had less numbers trailing me. I especially like to sit outside in the evening twilight, breathing in the rhythm of the restless wind, and sipping on my sage mint ice tea. I am reminded of those evenings on the screened in porch of Granny and Aunt Lucille that I use to spend with my family during the sticky summer evenings in Peoria, Illinois. I am reliving that very moment right now, and I am blessed to be at this time in my life. . .
My backyard holds the best memories. It's right here everyday inviting me to vacation in it. I realized on lap 23 that I don't need to travel far to enjoy the goodness of time off. I have the summer sun to bask in. I surprise myself at the wonderful age of 60, that I enjoy soaking up the rays just like I did when I had less numbers trailing me. I especially like to sit outside in the evening twilight, breathing in the rhythm of the restless wind, and sipping on my sage mint ice tea. I am reminded of those evenings on the screened in porch of Granny and Aunt Lucille that I use to spend with my family during the sticky summer evenings in Peoria, Illinois. I am reliving that very moment right now, and I am blessed to be at this time in my life. . .
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