Hard Labor

My yard was a mess before the hurricane hit, but the storm didn't do it any favors. While I had put a lot of branches at my curb, there were plenty more in the back yard. I had decided I'd rather have them out of view until the City got around to picking up the ones out front.This week, those limbs were finally picked up, and I felt like I could get down to business with the rest of the yard. I've always thought that good hard work is good for the mind and soul (and of course for the body), so this was a more productive way for me to work out the stress of the past week.

My friend, the one who helped so much with my kitchen renovations, came over and we got down to business. We cut back everything (with the cooler weather coming in, it's the perfect time to thin out the plants), mowed the lawn, pulled up weeds, and hauled it all out to the curb. My son and his girlfriend came by this afternoon, and they stepped up too, helping to get it all out of the back yard. After what seemed like all day but was only four hours, I couldn't believe how much better it looked. The funny thing was that I never really stopped to admire our work; I was just going for it. Cutting, yanking, and dragging felt so good!

Tomorrow I probably won't be able to move. My feet, back, and hips are already sore. I don't care. The muscle aches will go away, and in the meantime I'll have a gorgeous view as I sit on my porch. So many upsides!