Grease Monkey

I hope you all had a peaceful weekend. It'd be great if you got some respite from the rain, that is, if you live in one of the soggy areas. Here at Casa Leone, it was a wonderfully quiet weekend, filled with special moments and smiles.

First, Mass. Yesterday was my guy's birthday so I had Mass said in his memory. Family and friends filled the pews and we all were comforted by the service. Afterward, breakfast, where we spoke lovingly about the great man who touched our lives.

Then, after some more quiet celebration for a life well lived, we moved on to other pressing issues.

Lawn tractors. My mother, stepfather and I jumped out of our church clothes and into grubby duds, headed out to the barn and got the lawn tractors ready for a new season. Cleaned, tires inflated, oil changes and some adjusting brought both vehicles up to speed--literally! We had a productive, happy afternoon. Birds sang, the sky was soft blue and gentle clouds drifted by. We felt peaceful, hopeful and content. It was very, very good. No one minded grease beneath fingernails!

So, with the weather forecast showing rain every day this week beginning this afternoon, I'm going to grab a cup of chai and head for the tractor. I figure I'll at least get the lawn closest to the house cut before the raindrops begin to fall.

Forgive me if I don't visit my blogging friends this morning. Mother Nature seems to mean business this spring so when she's not raining, I'd best be mowing!

I hope you have a serene Monday. Any plans you'd care to share?

Calm

Calm. That's all I can really say about yesterday. And calm? It's highly underrated. Truly, it was so refreshing to simply have a peaceful day.

After Mass I came home and was out of my church clothes in half a heartbeat. It was funny, how fast I ditched my cords and sweater, hopping into grubby jeans and an old sweatshirt. Then, gardening gloves!

The weather was gorgeous. A little bit breezy, but warm and sunny--perfect for working in the yard. Our garden beds are all overgrown and neglected (that's what happens when you walk away from life for a year) so I've got a big task ahead of me. Reclaiming the property will take time, but that's something I've got. Yesterday I spent six hours digging in the dirt.

Near the doorway to my husband's workshop, there's a flower bed. It hugs a stone wall, the ideal spot for a splash of color. Vito loved cosmos, so that's what we plant there. Last year nothing was planted in the bed, and it was choked with weeds. But six hours, a bit of muscle and lots of determination later, the bed is clear of weeds, raked smooth and ready for planting. Color me tired, but satisfied.

And calm. It is amazing how soothing working in the earth can be.

It's raining today but the next time there's even a spot of blue in the sky I'm heading back out to work in the next neglected area. I'm doing it for the farm and flowers, but mostly myself. This bit of tranquility is a very welcome change. I need it.

Oh! Saturday's baking was a success! Want to see?

Beer bread

Yum!

Hope you have a great day!