Chain--Saw-on-a- Stick Part Deux

    My wife (Mimi) loves to use the chain-saw-on-a-stick, I call "The Beast", which she received for a Christmas present. Its must be the challenge to reshape nature or the raw power of rotating teeth cutting into virgin wood.

     Mimi anxious to use "The Beast" called our daughter (Maureen) offering to help her weed the garden and put some mulch down. Maureen happily accepted and Mimi packed up a few essential items in the car including "The Beast" for the short drive to our daughters.

     I would happily describe Mimi as an enthusiastic doer taking on many challenges with confidence. Sometimes she tackles projects that are beyond her experience and I am called to bail her out. Such was the case that day when she texted me a picture saying, "Can you bring over the big chain saw and hand saw. The chain saw is stuck in a weed." I thought we went over this earlier (Reference post "Chain-Saw-on-a-Stick......Of Course"). Chain saws are for wood not weeds and how can a chain saw get stuck in a weed? The photo she sent showed a picture of "The Beast" stuck in what looked to me like a tree. So now the question is what is the difference in a weed and a tree?

     No worries, I drove over to cut "The Beast" out of the tree weed then stayed to help finish up the yard. It turned out well, no one injured and the yard looked great.

     End of story, right? No. I've been noticing every week when I take out the lawn waste there are tree branches in the trashcan. 

     

     So already knowing the answer I asked, "Where did the branches come from?"

     Mimi said, "Just timing a few things up for the party."

     "Are you making a Festivas Pole" I asked. 

     "No, of course not."

     I fully expect to someday leave the house and see the 15-foot tree in our yard carved in the shape of an asparagus. 

     Always enjoying life, Happy Festivas! 

Slowing Down

     The weather was beautiful the other morning, cool and dry. Uncharacteristic for St. Louis, but welcome.  I took the opportunity to get a second cup of coffee and sit on the deck enjoying the weather and the sounds of nature.  Very relaxing, but stimulating as well.

     My mind was engaged with thoughts of gratitude.  I felt lucky that I was able to enjoy a pleasant morning without worries.  A gentle wind blew though the trees, squirrels ran across the fence and a cardinal flew to a branch in our oak tree.  I've heard that's a good sign but I don't know for sure.

     What I do know is that we all deserve a few days without worries.  It's too much to expect a life without worries but when you see the chance to slow down and appreciate your life, take it. There are many people living hectic even dangerous lives with no control over their surroundings.  This is a sad reality so if you have a chance to slow things down a little, do it, you won't regret it.

     There are a lot of things to appreciate in life, you just have to pay attention.  Achieving goals are important but if you slow down and notice the world around you, your achievements will be enhanced.  "Just Saying...."