To everything there is a season. A time for every purpose under heaven. ~Ecclesiastes 3:1
Ahh! The first signs of fall are finally here! The early morning temperatures dip into the high 50s and by afternoon, the sun-warmed air is a balmy 79 degrees at most. Neither Danny nor I enjoy the hot, muggy days of summer, so these cool and breezy autumn days are a slice of heaven for us.
As many of you already know, our home is nestled in the woods. The thick moss growing in so much shade is our lawn, and Danny takes great pride in maintaining it. The only "yard" work in which he engages is weed-whacking in the spring/early summer and, as you may have already guessed, blowing off the leaves from the yard and driveway in the fall.
The chore is not a one-and-done activity. Even before the leaves begin changing into their brilliant reds and yellows those which are dry, brown and brittle eagerly descend to the ground. If Danny doesn't tackle this first invasion early, the eventual avalanche of fallen leaves will overwhelm any attempt to blow them off the moss. No, don't ask either one of us to rake such massive amounts!
Here are some photos of Danny hard at work this past Friday and Saturday.
You may have detected a difference in the leaf blowers he's using. The larger one with the cord is Danny's heavy-duty electric blower and the smaller one is a battery-powered model which, he concludes, is better suited to clear debris off our decks than to remove leaves from the moss. That mistake won't be repeated.
It blows me away that with all the medial issues that have plagued Danny over these past two years, he can even begin to accomplish this task. No small miracle! The physical activity is good for him as his doctors want him to get exercise, but they also caution him not to overdo it. That's, of course, my concern, too. Danny promises me he will be mindful of his body and stop when he feels he should, not when he absolutely has to.
And that's exactly what he does. Perhaps, this initial clearing before the impending onslaught of the millions of leaves is in full swing, will leave our yard looking loved and cared for just the way we like it.
And our carpet of moss will continue to thrive in this season of fall, fulfilling its purpose under heaven.
Amen!
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Leaf blowers are worth every penny.
ReplyDeleteYes, they certainly are, Glynn. I don't know that Danny could keep up with the fall madness any other way.
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Your moss is such a lovely emerald green. It really looks like a secret garden in the woods! I am so glad Danny is not like some men, thinking they can do more than they should. So you don't need to worry that he is exceeding his limits!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words about our moss, Ginny. It was heartbreaking several years ago when our area was going through a severe drought, and we thought we were in danger of losing it. Danny even put sprinklers out on the days we were allowed to do any outdoor watering. About not over-extending himself, Danny's had to learn the hard way in the past.
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Dear Martha, I echo Ginny's comment.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda!
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There's always something to do in the garden. Take care and leave some work for tomorrow, or the day after, or the day after that. God invented procrastination for a purpose.
ReplyDeleteCome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
God bless you Martha and Danny.
And on the sixth day, God created procrastination, right? Victor, you are simply too funny! Thanks for quoting the beautiful scripture when Jesus asks us to take our burdens to Him.
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I don't need a leaf blower since I have no trees. I am thinking about getting one for those times we get the dusting of snow that doesn't require a shovel though. However, I concur with Danny. I have a battery-powered weed eater (it is much lighter) and if I had my preference I would have stuck with the gas powered one. They just don't have the power or the long-lasting(ness) of the gas ones. Glad Danny is taking it smart on the work.
ReplyDeleteWe have a gas-powered weed-eater, too, Bill, and although it's heavier, it truly does the job when we need it. A blower would be good for clearing a driveway from a light snow, though. Yes, Danny's playing it smart.
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My hubby is looking for a lawn sweeper, apparently much easier than raking, maybe not suitable for the woods though.
ReplyDeleteI've not heard of a lawn sweeper, Christine. If your hubby gets one, let me know how it works.
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The leaves are beautiful, but they do require a lot of work.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, they certainly do, Diana. But all this shade in the summer is most definitely worth it.
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I can relate to what Danny does with the moss only I use the mower 'cause I have one shoulder that is really messed up. 😁 All our moss is up against the wood line too. The rest of the property is usually grass. The grass is looking sad because we need rain really badly here in Southeast Georgia. I pray no one burns anything because that can do sideways really quickly. Blessings. 🙏🏻
ReplyDeleteI'm really sorry that your shoulder is uncooperative, Sparky, and causes you to have to make adjustments. Oh, the joys of aging! My brother lives in Brunswick, so we are aware that all y'all need rain and lots of it. Moss always thrives in the shade, that's for sure, and it does do better when we get the refreshing rains.
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Your green moss carpet outside is beautiful. Such a wonderful benefit of living in the woods, as you do.
ReplyDeleteI, too, thought it amazing and remarkable that Danny can do these yard chores after the medical things he's had to deal with. The Lord has shown His mercy and blessing on both of you!
Oh, yes, Barbara, we are so mindful of God's continued blessings in light of all that Danny's been through! He just had a visit today with the lung doctor and his lungs are remarkably clear. The doc is going to reduce Danny's steroids once again, and we're praying that this will hold as the poisonous Amiodarone continues to wear off.
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The moss makes a lovely yard, for sure! Danny is amazing to still get outside and work like that. Bless him over and over!! Wishing you both a beautiful week ahead!! xo
ReplyDeleteDanny is blessed, Terri, and he and I celebrate every day that we have together. Nothing is taken for granted, but everything in gratitude.
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I am sure that the moss really helps to snuff out weeds. I know it is so pretty as well. Way back when, Sam and I had a home built right in the middle of these huge oak trees. I was so excited until Fall came..We were flooded by leaves. We later sold and bought our home, for which I now love. Not many leaves and what we do have, our yard guy takes care of them. So glad that Danny can do this type of activity with any complications..
ReplyDeleteDanny is blessed, indeed, that there are so many activities in which he can still engage, Shug. He has always loved the woods and the mountains, so when he bought this house with his first wife, it was a natural for him. When we're young, we don't think about the demands of the property, so we? But we love our home and plan on being here as long as God allows.
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I am surprised that he is out there doing work! A little concerned because the leaves have mold underneath them and that is bad for breathing. I am a mother hen - a bad habit - but I want Danny safe! lol
ReplyDeleteI am glad he is feeling up to working out there and improving. God is good.
Love, sandie
It's so funny, and timely, that you said that about the mold, Sandie! We just went to Danny's checkup at the lung doctor, and he said the same thing. Since neither of us are allergic to mold or pollen, it simply didn't cross our minds. Good news, though - Danny's scan of his lungs came back better than ever, and the doc wants to take him down to a lower dose of steroids sooner than we had hoped. Hooray! We should be able to get together with Rick and you, and return to church, much earlier than we originally thought.
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So wonderful to see Danny out and about doing the yard work! God is so good!
ReplyDeleteGod has richly blessed the both of us, Cheryl, and we are so very grateful for His love and protection every single day.
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Moss is very nice and attractive. Raking leaves was not my favourite chore to do when we owned a house. It irritated my back with the continuos movement. So glad those days are over. It is great that Danny can do some work but it's also nice to take it easy and not to overdo it. Men do have that problem and I am guilty of it too. :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you and Danny. Have a wonderful week.
I hear you, Bill! Guys don't ever want to admit that they can no longer do a task that they could do so easily before, but sometimes, the circumstances force us all to be humble and accepting of our limitations. Danny is trying to take it all one day at a time, and for that, I know I'm grateful.
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Thanks for sharing your beautiful life with us, dear friend Aloha
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome, Cloudia. I can't thank you enough for sharing your life with me on your heartfelt and uplifting blog each and every day. I'm glad to know such a courageous woman.
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SO glad to hear Danny is doing so well. Praise God! Your moss is lovely. Do you have to water it during dry spells?
ReplyDeleteWe definitely have had to water it when we have been in an occasional drought here, Nancy, but fortunately, it has survived despite our water restrictions in those times. Fortunately, we have been blessed with rain during the summer months; Danny even noted that as he blew this first batch of leaves, that they had moist undersides that were providing water to the moss. Such a delicate balance to achieve, indeed.
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That's beautiful, and I'm so glad Danny's able to wield that smaller, more lightweight model. I've volunteered to taking over our own leaf-blowing, but it won't be long before I want to trade ours for something easier to handle. Good to know they make such a thing!
ReplyDeleteIt's not just the lightweight model, Myra, but Danny can still wield the heavy-weight blower to keep our "lawn" clear of leaves. As we get older, I know we don't like to ever say we "can't," and I'm so thankful that Danny's motto is still a successful "I can."
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As a tree lover, the fall leaves are just part of their charm. However, my husband detests the seed pods that fall from the sweet gum trees and they clog his mulcher. So he uses the blower and then has to rake them into the garden trash.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear Danny is able to get out and tackle this job as long as he paces himself. God bless you both, Martha. Happy Fall.
Happy Fall, indeed, Debby! Oh, yes, the dreaded sweet gum pods; we have those, too, but if caught early enough, they can be vanquished from the moss by the blower, too. Danny's health is improving day by day, and for that, we are grateful to our Father who heals.
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I love the rich green hues of the moss. Yes, you most definitely are in the woods where the moss grows so beautifully! And yes, I understand about the leaves. Here we have the live oak trees and they start dropping their little brown leaves in the fall and keep doing it all winter, but new leaves come out on the tree almost instantly, as it never is totally bare like other kinds of oaks. Still, keep up with the leaves can be challenging, plus so many acorns this year! I'm glad your Danny is able to get out and do this job, but I do understand the need to pace himself and not overdo it. You as well! We will be heading to GA tomorrow morning. I am looking forward to some fresh mountain air and hopefully some cooler fall weather. It will be nice just to get away for a little while! I will wave at you as we pass through your lovely state.
ReplyDeleteWe had an absurd amount of acorns this year, too, Pamela! I almost wrote about how they pound like hail on our skylights and our decks at the slightest provocation by hungry squirrels or brisk winds. Enjoy every moment of your trip to North Georgia and your time in a cabin with your "kids." If Danny was not in a compromised position with his immune system, we would have hoped to meet up with you at some point. Just know our prayers and love are with you as you pass by.
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Martha, your moss does indeed look like a carpet in the woods. It's beautiful. The older I get, the more I enjoy and look forward to Fall's arrival. Like you and Danny, the cooler temps are welcomed after the hot, muggy temps of summer. Glad Danny feels like doing outside work, but that he is not overdoing it. God bless!
ReplyDeleteThe cooler temperatures are a blessing to both of us, Karen. When Danny is working outside, I must admit that I'm listening for the blower and peeking out to see if he's okay. I guess that's natural when we've been through so many health traumas. On another note, your recent videos have brought so much joy into my life. Thanks for all that Mike and you do!
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