The Long Weekend...

 I'd call it the long holiday weekend, but this year didn't feel like a holiday.  But I don't want to dwell on that; instead I'd like to share what we did this weekend despite what is happening in the world in general and "my world" (because we had planned on spending part of our time with my husband's parents, but that didn't happen:  https://bfthsboringblog.blogspot.com/2025/07/july-4-making-best-of-it.html)

For much of the weekend, I tended to the yard, with some help from my son. (Not as much as I would have liked or hoped for, but you have to take what you can get.)  I started by trying to do some weeding on Friday.  Although it was not just weeds that I was going after.  There is very little grass (next to none) at the Pocono house, but there is plenty of pachysandra.  I love that it just grows and takes over, but it has REALLY taken over.  I didn't realize how much it had until this weekend.  Between that and some (stinky) ivy plants, I've been pulling and pulling and pulling.  With all the work that I did (or at least felt I did), you'd think I'd have nothing left in the yard.  You'd be wrong.  However, you can now see (some of) the decorative stone borders.  And more importantly you can see the outdoor lights that dot the landscape.  Seriously, when I was outside when the sun was going down and the lights were going on, I discovered lights in areas that I didn't know about because I couldn't really see them.  My son and I cleared the area, readjusted the lights instead of seeing a dim glow, you can see trees lit up.  I'll be honest, there is still one I haven't cleared away yet because I can't find it.  I could see it late last night, but that's no time to go climbing in the bush.  I'll have to wait till I can carefully watch where there is still just a little light and then "go in".  I will say it was (almost) worth the aches and itches of the work when looking out at night and seeing everything look the way (I think) it should look.  Of course I know I'll have to keep at it.  One of the reasons everything had gotten out of control is because I DIDN'T work to (try to) control it.  That and the fact that we've had so much rain that everything sprouted and took over AND that the landscaper has not done all the work that I wanted/hoped he'd do.  (He comes by and does some, but then has to leave which is a little frustrating.  I understand that he can't do everything at once, but I really wanted him to do a lot more cutting back than he did.  He was supposed to come last week, but when he didn't show up by Friday...well I don't have the tools that he does, but I've given it a go. )  I'm happy with the way things are looking, but there is so much still to do. (When it comes to gardening/landscaping, the work never ends does it?) 

Working outside wasn't the only thing I did all weekend.  With my son up to visit, we wanted to do some hiking.  He did some on his own when I was working on Thursday, but on Friday afternoon, we drove down to Analomink to hike the Forever green Nature Preserve, which is less of a hike and more of an easy walk.  I specifically picked this because it was easy, but also because the trail used to be part of the golf course at Penn Hills, a resort which has been torn down, but fascinates my son.  It wasn't too hot and the walk was easy.  We didn't see anything out of the ordinary, but I did like the stone "steps" that led down to the creek at one point.  (We could also hear some "kids" playing...some of the abandoned property seems to be used as an illicit skateboard park.)  The walk was less than a mile and I'm glad we had the opportunity to check it out.

On our way back, we stopped at the Paradise Lavender Farm.  Do I need to say that it smelled wonderful?  This is more of a place for the younger kids as it contains an enchanted fairy forest.  My son and I got a kick out of it, but that is because there was no one there. I bet it gets crowded and crazy.  (That would not be for me!)

On Saturday evening, we drove up to our favorite place, Skytop (did I even have to say that?).  They were having fireworks and fun activities on the North Lawn.  The community was invited; you just had to pay for parking. I think the entire community was there.  All the lots were full and we were told to back into makeshift spots on the lawn by the wildlife garden.  I have never seen a traffic jam on Dutch Hill Road, or I hadn't until last night!  You know it's busy when the general manager is helping with parking.  (I'll admit I did a lousy job...I backed way too far away from the car next to me, but...)  There were food trucks where  you could purchase all sorts of cuisine as well as activities.  We brought our beach towels and staked out a spot and hung out listening to the band.  (They were okay.)  The lodge itself was incredibly busy.  (Don't ask me about the line for the ladies room!)  I had hoped to check things out on the observation deck, but for safety they had closed it that afternoon.  Disappointing, but I get it.  (I'll admit I was also hoping to get a peak at the new suites that are just below the deck.  I'm wondering how you get your luggage up as the elevators only go to the 4th floor and the new suites are on the unofficial 5th floor.  Someday I'll get a glimpse!  I WILL!)  I have to say that once the fireworks began, they were magnificent.  (I even got a couple of decent pictures...or at least that's what I think.  You can judge for yourself.) 

When all was over, as the crowds swarmed, we went to sit on the South porch and relax for 10 minutes to let people get out of the way.  Getting to the car required some walking (although there were some staff driving carts to assist you...which is how I got to see my friend "A" in action behind the wheel...it was truly all hands on deck!).  By the time we got to our car, many had already made their way out.  I was smart and didn't go out the way we came in, taking Dutch Hill road all the way down to 447.  I bet the people who live on the road hadn't seen so much traffic in a long time!

Sunday brought me back to reality.  As I had every day, I did a little "gardening," took a few minutes to sit back and relax and then headed back to NJ with my son.  (He started his 2nd summer job on the 7th.)  It may have been a long weekend, but as it often is, the "long" goes by too fast.  But I am grateful that I had the time off.  No matter what life hands us, it's always good to get out and take some time for the things that we love and I definitely got a dose of that this past weekend.