happiness is…

 

 

This past Mother’s Day weekend was a busy one at our house.

We had nine cubic yards of dirt delivered on our driveway and I was downright giddy because guess what The Mama got for Mother’s Day?

Yep. Three big, strong workers for my brand new (pool-less) backyard. Yippee!!!

Oh how I love Mother’s Day.

 

 

And yes, I admit, it’s become somewhat of a running joke in our house that “Father’s Day is totally laid back and Mother’s Day is yard work” but if you’re a gardener, I’m sure you’ll understand.

Free help is always SOOOOOO welcome. And SOOO very appreciated.

In fact, I made a big, traditional breakfast before we all slipped on those thick, nubby gloves…and I couldn’t help but notice how happy I felt.

 

You know. There’s just something so cozy about the sounds of  bell pepper, onions and potatoes sizzling in the pan while loud conversation is going on.

Eggs… Check.

French Toast… Check.

Aspirin for a slight hangover… Check.

Apparently Saturday night was pretty fun.

 

When you have college age kids –22 and 20--who are busy with their own lives—spending quality time together is all that matters.

 

Truthfully, I’m not interested in presents anymore.

Time is the big gift for me.

 

Good food, big appetites and happy noise are my favorite Mother’s Day presents.

I didn’t get a whole lot of pictures of the guys with their wheelbarrows full of dirt because I was busy leveling the yard with my metal rake, while the hubby dug the big hole for our palm tree in front.

I actually got blisters for the first time in years.

How’s that for teamwork?

The dirt we’re adding is a blend that’s rich in nutrients for the plants and flowers. After it’s all in back we’re tilling the yard and then planting the rest of the trees.

.

At one point our next-door neighbor Jeff surprised us; he joined Patrick and Michael and helped them shovel dirt for a few loads. How nice was that?

Do you remember when we made an offer on that first house—the one we really wanted --only to have it fall apart at the last minute?  Afterwards, so many of you said it wasn’t the ‘right’ house and that we’d end up in the one we were meant to have.

Well you were right. Now looking back, we’re so thankful that first house deal fell through.

I think it’s such a blessing to be in the right place, don’t you?

So. We didn’t get all the dirt emptied but we got close. And afterwards we showered and went out to Fig and Olive in Newport Beach and had the best food.

The  Prosciutto, Ricotta, Fig, Olive and Walnut Crostini was a delicious starter.

I had Zucchini Blossom and Goat Cheese Ravioli

Patrick and Michael both had Maine Lobster Bouillabaisse

And Jim had a Truffle Risotto.

Unfortunately I couldn’t get good photos because it was so dark.

(Note to self: take that photography class)

 

It ended up being a pretty wonderful day, dirt and sweat and sore muscles and all.

Mostly because we were all together.

 

 

Where ever you are right now,

I hope you find a few moments to slow down and think about

your own tiny miracles.

I know

I consider your visit here one of mine.

 

xo

Leslie

 

 

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