"Easter" Vacation/Spring Break

 

This past week, I "treated" myself to a "spring break" taking two days off in the middle of the week.  It was only 2 days long and wasn't a "real" vacation as I stayed "home" (in the Poconos) and had a variety of things that I had to do that couldn't be done on a weekend or covered in a lunch hour.  (Or even an extended lunch break.)  It was good to have the time, even if it wasn't a "traditional" vacation.

On Easter itself I went to an early morning service.  This may have been a mistake on my part, as music on Easter has always been a big part of the holiday for me and this service was quiet.  So that may have thrown me off my mark.  When I got home from church, I wanted to go out with my husband, but he wasn't into it. I'll admit that I got a little "miffed."  So instead I went for a walk and thought about it.  This Easter was never going to be the one that I wanted.  My son is away, my parents are deceased; it's not like it was and never will be again.  But if it wasn't going to be what I want, why not at least do what I could and do some good?

With that in mind, I spent a good deal of time cleaning out the potting shed.  I would love to be a gardener, but I don't have a green thumb.  The shed was overflowing with pots; most of which were plastic.  While I kept a few (because there is always hope that my thumb will go a little green), I tossed out most of them, making the space somewhat cleaner and easier to navigate.  Later in the week when the pond guy came by for another treatment (and to replace the pump...the waterfall actually works!), I invited him to take items from the shed that he might need.  While I may need some rakes and shovels for the grounds, I don't need dozens.  So the "herd" was thinned and some good was done.  (However, there is still a lot that needs to be done!)

I did work on Easter Monday and mourned the loss of the Pope (even though I am not Catholic) and the mom of a friend (who passed away hours after the Pope).  I had chosen to take Tuesday and Wednesday off to do those errands that I spoke of previously.  It also meant I wouldn't have to travel back to NJ and deal with the mess that is route 80.  (As it happens, it turns out the mess is going to last longer than anticipated.  The opening of two lanes west bound which was supposed to start a week from today won't be happening until the end of the month.  The opening of 2 lanes east bound is still supposed to happen by mid-May and the highway is supposed to be completely open by the end of June.  This means at least another month of early morning drives from NJ back to PA.)

Since spring finally seemed to come to the Poconos.  In between all the things I had to do, I was able to get outside and enjoy the yard.  (However, today it is cold and windy...it seems like wind is a new season.)  I replanted the droopy daffodils outside.  (In the hopes that they survive and come back up next spring.)  I took several walks and even one easy hike.   I did a lot of reading in the backyard and rejoiced in all the plants finally peeking their heads out of the ground.  And so quickly!  Not just day by day, but hour by hour everything grew!

And the pond, which will be stocked with new fish in several weeks, has several "new" residents.  There are at least 3 frogs (two small and one large) that have taken up residence.  It's become a game to find them...as they hide partially under the water and on the rocks.  Is it a rock or is it a frog?  Since the waterfall is now in full force, they don't hang out up there anymore, but I do see a chipmunk scampering over there. 

Speaking of wildlife, my husband swears he heard a bear the other night.  He said he could hear a growl coming from outside, but there is no sign that any animal came by.  (Maybe it was just me snoring?  Although I hate to think that!)  While I like the wildlife that surrounds us, I could do without a visitation from bear.

It was back to work (remotely) on Thursday and Friday.  Thanks to a new laptop and warmer temperatures, I am able to do some of it outside.  Work may be stressful, but the sound of nature is calming so I'm hoping that it all balances itself out in the end.  (We'll see how that goes.)

Saturday was very wet.  I'm not a fan, but the rain was much needed.  (Especially in south NJ where there are wildfires!)  The sun did manage to peak its head out towards the end of the day, enabling me to put up a garden flag (found a pole hiding in the shed...just needed some electrical tape to hold it all together) that I purchased at the local dollar store.  (Amazingly, it WAS only a dollar!)  And once more spent some time in the oasis that is my yard.  I'm taking advantage of every second that I can!

So a new week begins. April is wrapping up. (And the government has happily taken the money that I sent to them before the 15th.  While I hate OWING money and writing those check was extremely painful, I'm glad that they got there and that this law abiding, tax paying citizen has completed her duty.)  May will soon be here and with it, hopefully more warm, spring days!