Noticeable Tan Lines

It’s pretty rare to see tan lines on me, especially ones as noticeable as right now.

I really, don’t like to be hot, so I usually hide in the shade not bask in the sun.

If you’ve noticed I haven’t posted lately it’s because for weeks now I’ve been spending hours and hours a day getting nicks, cuts, and slivers while working on my tan lines.

The feel good part is we finally got a big, to-do, checked off our list.

We removed the vertical deck boards from our under stair storage area and from around our back deck.

I actually like putting up vinyl siding, and I’ve worked with it a lot. Mister on the other hand doesn’t enjoy it, so this job was mostly mine after he got the frame work all up to parr. An arrangement that worked for both of us.

The areas aren’t very big so why did it take a few weeks to complete?

For days we could only work between severe rain storms. This meant bring the saw and equipment outside, then put it back inside, bring it out…

Then of course the daily severe heat warnings arrived. Which meant lots of water and shade breaks.

There was a ton of corners, angles, and trim work to do. Measure, cut, notch, and repeat over and over. Add my mild OCD, and this part took time.

Then of course regular life like eating, laundry, cutting lawns, cleaning house, etc. still used daylight too. It wasn’t all work every day straight either. There was some day trips for supplies and a few visits with family. We even got the boat cleaned, launched and got a few rides in.

It might have been interesting if I actually kept track of the hours I worked, but than maybe I don’t want to know that I work slower as I age.

I tried to think of a helpful hint or tip to share to make this post more interesting, but I couldn’t come up with anything.

If you don’t follow my facebook page I’ve also brought new life to our old table since my last post. The old oak look is now stained navy.

 

Do projects seem to take you longer to do than they use to?

Do you like to hang out in the sun or do you search for shade?

 

Country Life

What’s that noise?

Faint rustling followed by squeaks and gurgles of a baby fussing came from the feed and tack stall next to the booth where Mister and I sat at the horse event. Exchanging an knowing glance with my husband I went to investigate.

Pictured above is what I found. Our daughter with this sheepish look sprinkling hay on her little brother who was supposed to be asleep.

Our family often jokes about the saying, “Were you born in a barn.” Although not born in one, our kids spent a good portion of their childhoods in either a barn, an arena, or outside and nearby while we did our chores.

Four legs, manes, tails, and everything horse best describes our daughter’s likes.

For a few years, a spring horse took center-stage in our bay window. She spent endless hours in that saddle, her stare focused outside, and her eyes glazed with little girl daydreams.

The toys that entertained her while indoors were all horse related. My Little Pony’s, Lego stable sets, and the jeep, horse trailer and horses for her Barbie’s. Even the multi story, upright, Barbie house Mister made her, of course, had a floor level barn included.

She was happiest outside, even if just watching the horses eat or roam the pastures. As an adult, she still spends her spare time outside with her horse or in the barn.

She recently posted this picture and description on Instagram. (@candie214)

Pretty sure this is why I like watching people ride, I spent hours on those tires.

If you look close, you’ll see the small child saddle I’m riding in so I could take the edge off “Dr. Pepper” before she rode.

In her I see the younger me. Doing barn or farm chores was, and is, rarely considered work and when given a choice they trump household chores.

To us horses aren’t a hobby, they are a lifestyle. Location has changed this for me since I live at a lake resort now, but it’s still her way of life.

This is “Nugget” Her current, young, Quarter Horse Gelding she’s training.

We were blessed as parents to have children, especially teenagers, whose passions meant they were happy at home.

Our son’s interests changed from horses over time and if you haven’t already, check out my post, “Our Version of a Norman Rockwell” for a glimpse into what makes the male’s of our family tick.

Did you have a childhood passion?

Do you still enjoy it?