L. O. P.

Got your attention, did I? I know, I know, you might just be reading the title and wondering what in hell I’m rambling on about now. Read on.

Trust me, there’s nary a ramble to be shared. Not really.

The Husband is now semi-retired and the projects have been stacking up for a few years since he’s been around our homestead more frequently. Honestly, I’m not really complaining; we built our home some thirty-seven years ago, a major undertaking, and several “honey do” projects ended up languishing on life’s back burner.

That has changed.

All these years later, the process first involves extensive research on YouTube, or consulting with several contractor friends, prior to heading over to Home Depot or Lowe’s. In fact, if The Husband doesn’t check in with either home-everything center weekly, they call to check up on him. It’s a symbiotic relationship.

Last year, the cedar siding on our home was repaired (effing woodpeckers), re-caulked, hand-sanded and…re-stained. The bastard birds tend to peck away at cedar in need of staining/sealing; the attraction wanes, even disappears, once the refinishing is complete. In case you were wondering, yes, he sanded the entire house, stem to stern, using a hand sander. Yes, I applaud his brilliant work but question his sanity. Daily.

Attention was recently turned to our front entrance and railroad tie walls. Keep in mind, more than 35 years ago, wood was treated with creosote, as such, it has survived these past years very well, with a few ties in need of replacement, and restaining. One idea begot another and we now have railings on our lower entry steps, topped off with charming solar lights on each handrail post. I share, for your admiration, a photo of TH’s brilliant work.

By the way, L.O.P. stands for Long Overdue Projects; at this moment, I shudder to think what lies ahead. He’s back on YouTube again.

From Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop: Show us a recent photo you took and let it inspire your blog post.
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Slow ride…

Seasons pass more quickly than they used to, it seems.  Perhaps these fleeting days are just the mortality clock, with its ominous ticking, in the background of our lives.

Once, it felt like winter would never release its icy grip as we waited for spring to awaken, followed by summer’s warm embrace.  Autumn would wrap our world in magical colors and we so looked forward to the first snow of the year.  We knew that our ride on the carousel of seasons would continue.  What we didn’t realize was how our perspectives would change as the years suddenly moved faster and we wished that ride went slower.

As we age, we experience time differently having seen and done so many things as time has passed; emotions get in the way of an accurate perception of time. Whatever the case might be, as we get older, our focus remains on the rapid changes surrounding us at a time when we just want life to be in less of a hurry.

Ferris Bueller reminded us when he said “life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around every once in a while, you could miss it.”

From Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop…Write a blog post in exactly 9 lines.
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Heart and inspiration…

Inspiration comes in many forms. The effects that art, the written word, nature, music and various people, have in our lives are pretty much endless. For me, those endeavoring to make the world a better place, who deal with life’s battles, are a major source of my admiration. Along with this, the people who strive to get through one more day in their chosen work environment, bringing their creativity and dedication to the work table, are positive influences to everyone. Especially in present times.


This particular writing prompt focuses on “someone”; I choose to acknowledge my two daughters, each in differing professions, both, very successful. Neither maintains a strictly “9 to 5” work schedule, focused always with maintaining productive practices in their chosen employment fields. There is much to be said about that, especially in a world where it is so important to bring positive communication and performance to all aspects of a work environment. Dealing with people, with staff and the often difficult situations which can arise, takes knowledge, patience and kindness. Definitely not an easy task, for anyone, but, from my perspective, both my daughters are my inspirational benchmarks for jobs very well done.

From Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop…Write about someone who inspires you.

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