Gratitude

Transplanting Seedlings

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read764 views

It’s been a very busy weekend for us. We helped two neighbors get rid of weeds around their property. Although we are a little sore, it felt good and it brightened their day. We offer such physical labor once in a blue moon to neighbors who need it the most.

We were gifted a 3 year old, 8 and a half foot Elm Tree, which we transplanted on Saturday. The seed from the mother tree landed on my neighbor’s backyard, on the side of a sprinkler line and grew. We carefully dug it out and transplanted it in our backyard. We hope and pray that it survives and thrives.

Young Elm Tree and clusters of fruits (Samaras).

The weather has been wonderful since the beginning of the week and even though the ground is getting stiffer, it is still a good time to pull out those weeds before they start shooting their seeds (which remain viable for many years). It took me a few years of dedication and hard labor to eradicate those seeds and my yard is weed free today because I never gave those weeds a chance to sprout to begin with.

My Gaura plants as well as my Scotch and French Broom shrubs have spread their seeds all over my property. It’s insane, I could start a nursery with all the seedlings. Since it was a little gloomy in the morning, I spent over an hour digging out, transplanting and relocating the seedlings. I also transplanted a few Dwarf Cup Flower seedlings.

The Purple-Leaf Cherry Plum trees are now in full bloom. The Snow Fountain Weeping Cherry is starting to bud and flower.

Snow Fountain Weeping Cherry Blossoms.

I haven’t done much this Winter but read, drink tea and read some more. With the weather getting warmer, I am ready to redesign and expand parts of my backyard garden.

Happy gardening and Spring cleaning.

Getting Into Holiday Mood

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read1K views

It’s almost that wonderful time of year. It’s cold outside and some mornings are ice cold.

We have been debating whether or not to put up the Christmas tree this year. It’s fun setting things up and decorating; when it comes time to take everything down and storing, none of my helpers are to be found. Either way, having a Christmas tree gets us into the holiday mood as well as listening to Christmas music.

Holiday Elves.

We didn’t go for a white Christmas this time. We opted for the little green Christmas tree and a few of our favorite ornaments. This year, the huge elves are on the shelves and their fun mischievous (medium size) replica on a ladder next to the Christmas tree.

Christmas Tree and Elves on Ladder.

This year, my favorite ornaments on the tree are the Lauren Conrad Christmas ornaments below. The Mouse Candy Cane, Fox and Bunny Ballerina. They are beautifully well made.

Lauren Conrad Christmas Ornaments.

I love the nativity scene glass cloche below featuring Mary, Joseph and Jesus.

Nativity Scene Glass Cloche.

I found the beautiful miniature living Christmas trees at Walmart earlier this morning. Went in to buy a t-shirt for my son’s project and couldn’t resist bringing one home.

Miniature Living Christmas Trees.

For the first time in many years, the neighborhood is alive this holiday season. Most of the neighbors have decorated their yards and put up lights and the sight is beautiful at night (which is enough for us). We are keeping things simple and to a minimum.

We are extending our attitude of gratitude by continuously giving to charities.

Warmest wishes of the season from our family to yours.

Season Greetings

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read509 views

It’s been a couple of months since my last blog post.
I have been extremely busy. In addition to taking care of my family needs, I have been helping out an elderly neighbor. The past months have been quite overwhelming and rewarding. I have been transformed through every single act of service, and I am facing life cheerfully.

Have you and your loved ones been well? Have you accomplished everything you set out to achieve this year? In the midst of chaos in your life, did you manage to put yourself first? Did you get to reach out to, love, forgive, comfort, help, give back to someone?

Let your good deeds be like rain, drop a little everywhere.
Source: MuslimKids.TV

May the peace and beauty of this holiday season be with you and your families throughout the upcoming year.