Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Anybody Home?









Good title for a blog entry that is so late! I've actually been missing blogging, and getting to read all my friends' blogs. By the time I get school done with the kids, if we ever get a halfway decent day in this rainy Oregon spring (I should say rainy-er than usual), we have to get back outside to start all the mowing and weedeating all over again. Don't get me wrong, I love my country life, I love the beautiful green, all that. I just wish that after we got it done, it could stay sunny a few days so I could go outside and sit and enjoy it a little while. Lately, we've been weeding and mowing between cloudbursts, I'm not even kidding. But life is like that sometimes.
Before I go further, no, these pictures aren't my yard. I just went with my daughter one day on a ride within a several mile radius, to some places that I knew were deserted homes. As I had been weeding in my flower beds, and finding flowers hiding down in the weeds, I started thinking about homes I've seen that are lonely and uncared for. Sometimes you come across an old run-down dilapidated home, and the grass may be 3 feet tall, and over in the corner, you may see some daffodils popping out. Or an old tree or shrub that had once been planted by someone who loved their home. I can't imagine planting flowers at any time if I didn't enjoy my home, or have some hope that, although it may not be much, you are working at making it into a wonderful home. So, when I see flowers in an old deserted place, I imagine the woman who had once lived there. What would she say if she saw her beautiful lawn now? What happens to make someone give up and abandon a place? I do know these kinds of places seem like secret gardens. They need help. But they make you think a little.
Then, if you're like me, you get home and try to get some more done before your own place looks just like it! Will all the hard work I put into my yard, though it may not be anything to a lot of people, be one day neglected? I sincerely hope not! But I do know that while it's mine and while I can work with my hands, I want to be a good steward of what I have.
Last week, I finally got my seeds in my garden. I haven't even had a chance to get out there between showers to see if I'm going to have to start all over again. Seriously, it's been wet, but I'm hoping my poor vegetables will make it.

12 comments:

Florence said...

Good luck with your vegetables, we have not planted a thing because it has been too wet. I am with you, I hope our place does not end of deserted and not taken care of. Hugs Florence

Uncovered Ruby said...

It's so sad to see those pictures of unloved homes and property. We have one right across the street from us and it used to be a beautiful, lovely home that belonged to a millionaire! Although I hear you about the green and rain, our place is starting to look like a weedy jungle because it's too wet to get out and weed! Lisa :-)

My Shabby Passion said...

I thought I was getting a late start on my vegies by not having them planted yet, but I think I'm glad that I waited! Glad to see you back to blogland!
Michelle

Anonymous said...

I , too, have often thought of the women who lived in these now abandoned homes.
How excited they must have been that first day , moving in , making it your own , so many plans.
If I was rich I would reclaim as many as I could. :0)
Sue

Andy's Attic said...

I, too, think about the people who must have once loved those forgotten places, whose flowers still grow to give some sort of sign that they were once there!
Happy growing!! Annette

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Loved this post. I remember us planting a slow growing tree in our home...the neighbor asked why since we would never see it grow very big...my thoughts was for those who come after us. We lost that house and we didn't get to see it grow tall...so even planted plants have a story to tell. I will think about that as I see other houses without owners.

Enjoyed reading your post....enjoy your spring/summer,
Janette

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog today...good advice to Jill.
We have a pop-up camper, but our financial struggles have kept us from camping for five years...I so miss it. Camping is so much fun...I think I addressed it as one of my re-energizers.
Your comment on my post also shows your wisdom...I am so glad I am gaining some with my grey hairs. LOL
Enjoy your camping...make sure you post about your adventures.
Janette

Julia said...

YAY! Glad to see you back. I have missed your posts.
I still have seeds to go in the ground too. My daughter moved her wedding date up, from Sept. to July, so we have had craziness here. I am hoping for sunny days and lots of dirt under my fingernails, soon!

Gina said...

Isn't this weather something, even in Central Oregon we've seen very little sun this spring. We're so ready for warmer and drier weather! Thanks for stopping by too!

Anne Lorys said...

Hi Karen,
There is such a sadness in the image of neglected or abandoned homes.
But still, it's hard not to romanticize them as well.

Great images!

Junebug Furniture and Design said...

We have been having an enormous amount of rain ~ feels much like your Oregon. Today I'm pulling up 5 tomatoe plants, we had a frost last week and I did'nt get them covered.
Blessing to you for a great weekend. Glad & Cel/Junebug

We are first time visitors and now followers:)

Faded Plains said...

It always makes me sad when I see abandoned homes...I want to rescue each one and make them beautiful again...and your poor little seeds...I hope they do okay.