One bi-product of the remodel has been our complete lack of interest in our yard. Normally, we'd be out there every weekend, trimming, weeding and mowing. Not this year. I noticed the lawnmower was decidedly dusty, sitting wedged between building supplies in the garage; the rose in the parking strip was so overgrown that the 8-ft canes were starting to lean waaaay into the street and were scratching the cars; and the tree outside our back door was starting to seriously brush against the kitchen window. Action was clearly required.
So, Bill and I, together with a very unwilling helper -- Evan -- managed to whip things into some sort of shape within a few hours. We were trying to get it done before the rains returned for the 3rd day in a row (fall in the Northwest!).
Rose spent a chunk of the day at a pirate-themed birthday party for her friend, Eliza. After a much-needed nap, she came out raring to play pirates with her brother. She had the outfit for it: black shorts, black shirt -- with scull & crossbones, from the party -- and her "pirate boots," which I had just found for her fall wardrobe at the neighborhood used clothing store. Having fully tried my patience and thus, threatened with a long time-out if he didn't do something outside, Evan agreed.
For more than an hour, they "talked pirate," traded her eyepatch, drank "pirate juice" (water) from the goodie bag pirate cups, and fought enemies from the side of their "ship" (the huge dumpster in front of our house). It was wonderful to see them playing something original that didn't require an electronic gadget to get them going or a monster to keep them interested.
Just goes to show how a little fresh air can make lots of things better.
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