With the kids on their way to visit, my husband and I kept our promise to quarantine. The days at home gave me new appreciation for life in our backyard. (I wrote about the need to quarantine HERE.)
“Hey, it’s not that bad!” were my famous words I’d tell my swim coach after a hard set. We emblazoned the saying on t-shirts after the coach joked that he should advertise his Masters with my expression. (I wrote about not giving up — whether it’s swimming, fishing or writing HERE — complete with t-shirt pics.)
I discovered staying home “is not that bad” — and I that I love and appreciate my backyard.
The following are views that make me enjoy living where I do:
I watched three Harris Hawks land in a tree across the wall. They love to hang out there. Then one by one, they flew into our yard. I lost sight as they flew over our roof.
Here’s a video of one flying I captured in slow motion:
I can’t wait to see my son, daughter-in-law, her brother and my daughter!
What are your favorite things or views from your home?
Our garden, the neighbors, longevity and trust, and the birds at the feeder. We know our neighbors and their stories, yet the birds always surprise us. No snakes.
That sounds so nice. That’s how our new home is evolving. We have neighbors we are getting to know and trust. We watch each other’s homes when we leave town. The birds I love and so far no snakes!
It’s fun and often surprising to discover what is literally going on right around us that we may not notice when we’re busy! I love watching the seasons change in the plants that I see, and of course watching the wildlife. I spotted the newest baby bunny a few days ago, the squirrels are their usual crazy selves and the birds are always entertaining 🙂
Yes! Quiet time at home has allowed me to enjoy details of changes of the season. The ocotillo is the brightest, freshest shade of green. Unfortunately, we’re having a heat wave this week. It will be mid 90s in the day and mid 70s at night. I don’t think my s’mores will be a hit — unless we leave them in the sun and don’t bother with the fireplace!
Haha! Great idea, and there’s always the microwave as well 🙂
True!
Quarantining is hard … but excited for you that there’s a rainbow at end in getting to see your family! Yes, the pot of gold at the end of the 🌈. Enjoy the time together!!!!
I’m so excited. We got the ping pong table out on the patio. Probably too hot for s’mores at 95 degrees. We’re excited for a few days of family time, which are so rare.
Sounds awesome! Soak it all up. 😎😎😎😎
I will! Depending on Buff’s health, we may visit them for Christmas. But until then, we won’t see them.
Ugh. I get it completely, but that’s hard. Fingers-crossed, that all goes well health-wise between now and Christmas! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Normally our family and hers are all together under one roof for Christmas. But she has two siblings in Europe right now, and we’re out of state…so we definitely won’t all be staying together!
We’ve had to adapt the past two Christmas’. First our daughter was in the Peace Corps and then our son was deployed last year and two years before that. I won’t lie . . . it’s strange, but tech does help. We just confirmed yesterday that we’ll all be together this year. Hang in there.
How wonderful that you all get to be together for Christmas this year. What an amazing family you have.
I like your photos of your backyard. So restful. I enjoy staying home, maybe too much at this point! My favorite thing is sitting on our elevated deck looking into the deciduous trees that go down to a creek at the back of the property.
That sounds so beautiful! Although your view is different than mine, it’s a similar experience. I love to sit out on the patio and watch the birds and wildlife.
Like you, I enjoy the wildlife! We’ve had two roadrunners, an owl, and dozens of rosy faced love birds hang around lately, along with bunnies and a gazillion quail. Have a great time with your family!! 🥰
Thank you! Your yard sounds just like mine. I never get tired of the quail and roadrunners. I’ve had quite a few lately. My big treats are the cardinals, which stop by but not that often.
Yes, we only see the cardinals on occasion, but they’re always such a special treat!
I get so excited like a kid each time I see one. I just had a roadrunner out my bedroom slider.
Beautiful! I love how you’re enjoying the gorgeous scenery and wildlife around you as you prepare and anticipate all the wonderful family time. Reminders to slow down and look at our surroundings? Always good. Thanks so much, Elizabeth! 🥰
It was a good lesson for me to appreciate all I have in the back yard. So many different views and beautiful places to enjoy.
Yep, yep. And funny how all it takes is some slowing down. It’s all waiting for us! xo to you! 🥰
I cancelled a couple social outings with friends, but feel good about those decisions. Definitely slowing down and enjoying home was in order. 😊
Love that. I did something similar this past weekend. Too many things got stacked up, one after the next and I needed to take a pass on visiting with a friend over brunch. Next week…or soon. But honestly, I don’t remember the last time I declined without a “real” reason. I didn’t overshare – I just said ‘so sorry, I can’t’. Which was true! 🥰
I like that. “Sorry, I can’t!” I will use that when I’m getting overwhelmed. No explanation necessary.
Yep. I’m learning. Most of the time no one cares about the ‘why not’. 😜
So true!
Staying at home is not bad at all especially when done for those you love. Your home and backyard are so beautiful and serene. All the best with the upcoming visit 🩷🩷🩷
Thank you! Yes, I have enjoyed staying home. I’m doing more reading and just staring at the wildlife.
You’re welcome! You have a marvelous place
It is pretty and out among wildlife. We were lucky to find it. 😊
Absolutely 👍🏼
😊
I was one of those who didn’t mind quarantining all that terribly much during the height of the pandemic. I love my yard and our view. There was plenty to do. It looks like you have a great set-up also. Enjoy your time with your family!
Thank you! I am a home body. I loved my old home as much or more than this one, although they are totally different as far as views. I’m with you, I was fine with the shut down, too.
One might argue that’s not really quarantine with all the visitors you have coming by! 🙂 How incredibly exciting it is to have the fab four on the way. I love your attitude. “It’s not that bad!”
You’re right! It doesn’t feel like quarantine. I feel like I’m relaxing at a resort. Yes, it’s not that bad!
Your yard is amazing! You’ve got quite a lot to look at and all those bird friends to visit you. My favorite thing about my yard is my hammock, my little garden, our small fountain, and the neighborhood cat that visits me daily.
All of those sound so lovely!!!
I’m still chuckling. The highlight are your birds. That young cardinal is just so funny! Quarantine isn’t bad, gives you some down time. I like it! 💕
I agree with both the young cardinal and the downtime!
Hmmm…as my window overlooks a form and a bus stop ..I’ll go with the view at the nearby park
I love having a park nearby. At our old house and our new one, we’ve had a park a few blocks away.