FRONT PORCH SITTIN'

I've been on a hiatus from blogging for a few years now. I still keep a journal, but I've let my retired lifestyle go its own way and I just haven't made time for it. So, I decided to create a new blog for some new, and some not so new, thoughts.

Earlier this week, I was sitting on the front porch and enjoying the Montana life here in the mountains. The Lilac bushes are in bloom and the Hummingbirds and Tiger Swallowtails are hovering all over the flowers. It's been breezy with delightful temperatures and it stays light out until 10 PM. Along with those breezes, the Pine tree pollen has left it's mark on every possible surface imaginable. Now that it has peaked, I removed all the pillows and cushions from the porch furniture and washed them. I also moved the furniture into the yard and gave it a thorough washing with the power washer our son-in-law gave Dave a couple of years ago. I swept and used the leaf blower on the porch and now it is ready for everyone to "sit a spell" and get their relaxation on.

Years ago, not long after we bought the house, we had our contractor friend redo the porch since the concrete was crumbling. He did some other work, like moving the meter box and what we wound up with, was basically another living area. It's a peaceful spot and even in winter, we will sit out there when we are taking a break from snow shoveling and snow blowing.

Besides reading out there, Dave and I will just sit and listen to the birds, have a conversation with each other as well as talk on the phone, since our cell reception has steadily gotten worse this last year. A couple of years ago, Dave installed bat boxes and if we are out there early enough in the summer with our coffee, we will see them swooping and darting through the yard and even over our heads as we sit on the porch. The Hummingbirds will buzz us as they come into the feeders or the hanging baskets and chase each other around the yard. We will watch deer come through the yard, and sometimes the mamas will bring their speckled babies with them. They will drink from the bird bath, munch on the grass and lie down and rest.

Such a good life we get to live...peace, tranquility and calm.

I'm walking in the things I once prayed for. This life is indeed blessed.

"That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever." Psalm 30:12