Stopping to smell the roses...or any other flower will do

What a week!  With so much going on in life, sometimes the things that really need to get done just get ignored.  But this was the week I was determined to get things done.  For the last year, things have really been unusually busy for me.  We've had what seemed to be a never ending string of fosters with short breaks for vacations in the Spring and Fall, I've found volunteer opportunities with ISR and ICAC and Meals on Wheels to fill my time, I've had what seemed like weekly vet appointments for Imke with her arthritis and her ear infection, and I've done more work travel than is normal for me.  It's exhausting just thinking about it.

Now, don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed all of the time with my fosters and I love my volunteer work...and of course I'd do anything to make sure Imke stays healthy and happy, but sometimes you need a break.  And my time has finally arrived!  But not before getting a few more things done.  

My poor yard has seriously been lacking attention and was in need of a spruce.  So many plants didn't make it through the Winter, the weeds were taking over, and the mulch was gone.  My plan for this week was to fix that situation.  Every night I would come home from work and head outside to get some work done.  It was beautiful weather for being outside and the girls were happy to be out with me.  Without a foster to worry about, I was happy to be able to let them follow me from back to front yard so that they could investigate every inch of their domain, while I was hard at work. It took lots of hours of effort, but I am so happy with the end result!

The yard always looks so much better with some colorful mulch!  Everything looks fresh and new...and weed free!  

I had planned to take things easy over the weekend and maybe even head North for a couple of days, but the yard work took longer than planned so I decided to stay home to make sure everything got finished.  And as a bonus, I even had time to clean the house.  But after a very long and very exhausting week followed by an exhausting Saturday, we needed a nice relaxing Sunday.

With the forecast calling for temperatures in the 90s, my first thought was that we should head North toward a lake, but when Sunday morning arrived, we were all too tired to even think about a drive, so it was settled.  We would spend a slow and easy day at home.   We were all slow to get moving, but sometimes those are the best kinds of days.  After lots of lounging, it was time to head outside.  A good landscaper's work is never done, and I had flowers that needed watering.  With my shadows in tow, we were out into the front yard with a watering can and a plan.

Imke loves the front yard.  It has always been her favorite part of our yard and she'll wander around sniffing everything.  Luckily, I never have to worry about her wandering off.  Maddie hasn't always been as trustworthy, but lately she's been very good...and she never really leaves my side.  So she went from plant to plant watching me water each one.  From front to back yard, in and out of the house to refill the watering can, Maddie followed while Imke was off exploring every corner for the potential of something new to smell.

Dianthus

Gerbera Daisy

Once the watering was done, I decided to sit down in the yard with the girls for a while and just enjoy the beautiful, sunny day, but not before I snapped a few quick pictures of some of the flowers currently in bloom.

Purple Coneflower

Geranium

Now with the pictures done, I laid down in the grass in between the girls under the weeping cherry tree.  There was a nice breeze and some good shade.  I took a deep breath and just had to smile.  This is what life is all about- a nice day with your work done spending time with someone you love.

Imke

Maddie

It was at this point that Imke spotted a tiny red squirrel in the middle of the street and I was reminded just how lucky I am and just how good these girls are.

We see a squirrel!

They inched a bit closer and watched him climb the tree, but never even considered leaving the yard.

Mom, he's right there!

And they settled in to watch him run and jump around the tree.  Ever patient and always watching. I'm sure this was the best part of their whole day.

Squirrel TV

We spent much of the day outside, took a break to take a ride in the Jeep to get a special treat, and I got lots of time to catch up on my reading.  I think I'd forgotten how nice life can be when you take some time to relax and just enjoy it!

Happy girls!

But the real highlight of the day, and of every day, was just spending it with these two.  No matter where I go, they make every minute better.