I don’t know where the week has gone; I lost a day somewhere. This morning I had a minor medical procedure that threw the cadence of the entire day off. I’m not getting much done. Ah well. It’s a wet and stormy afternoon with thunderstorms and hail forecast—the kind of day that’s perfect for curling up, sipping hot tea, and doing not much of anything at all.
It’s also a good day to look back at the past seven days and take note of the good things. So, without further ado, here’s a Friday’s Fave Five post.
The garden. She’s feeding us! After a slow, slow start to spring, we’re finally enjoying fresh-picked spinach and radishes and other things in the garden are making progress. It’s astounding to me how much farther along things are in the community garden in the valley as opposed to my backyard garden that’s in a different growing zone altogether.
Thunderstorms. We’ve had a couple this week and another big one is rolling in as I write this. The gardens like the boost of nitrogen provided by the rain and lightning and I always enjoy a good storm. I’m longing for the hot weather we’re used to at this time of year but if the rain means a reduced risk of forest fires later then that’s a-okay with me.
Painting. I’ve carved out time every day (save for today) to play with acrylic paint, painting over things I wasn’t happy with and turning them into the start of something different. Such fun! One day, I was so delighted with what the paint was doing that I paused to do a little dance. No kidding!
Solitude. Gerry was away on a camping/hiking trip on the weekend. I relish my solitude during those rare times, but it’s different this year with the girls still here. Still, I managed some rich and quiet solitary time that will have to suffice for now.
Mother-Daughter conversation. Believe it or not, Laurinda and I enjoyed more long conversations before she moved in with us than we have for months. She is working two jobs right now and her schedule is crazy. Earlier this week, we managed a morning with just the two of us at home and enjoyed a good long chat about everything and nothing.
Well, that about wraps up the week. Gerry and I are still tossing around the idea of getting away (though the price of gas makes it seem foolhardy to even consider). This weekend, when the rain lets up, I’m going to tend to some things in the garden, splash paint on canvases, and gear up for the start of the Finding Your Joy art class next week. Meanwhile, I’ve got two teenagers in the house I need to reign in and explain why they can’t go to the park in the middle of a thunder and lightning storm, two hungry dogs looking at me wondering where their dinner is, and a husband who needs some attention.
Happy Friday, friends. Have a good weekend!

Corralling the teenagers is like herding cats.
Our garden is producing some lettuce and kale! The spinach and broccoli that overwintered is also ready for eating. I love my garden, and I know you love yours, too.
Looking forward to seeing the finished paintings.
How nice that your garden is producing good food! The painting sounds fun. We’ve had a few thunderstorms, too–one on a road trip. I hope the good soaking will help prevent forest fires. I relish having the house to myself, too, when it happens. Nice to have a good long chat with your daughter!