Over
graduation weekend, we received a lovely little notice from the IRS regarding a
prior tax year. Without going into
detail, our summer is going to entail giving them money and tightening our
belts quite a bit. All gardening, patio,
and longer trips have been put on standstill.
For about the last year, every time we turn around our finances keep
taking a hit. Frustration has set in not
because we have to cut back in spending per say, but in that some dreams are
being put on hold, again.
For me,
it means postponing a trip to Europe. I
have dreamed of traveling to Europe for the last 20 plus years. I am also trying to establish my writing
career. In the next couple of months, I
would like to independently publish a few of my short stories. How am I going to afford the cover art? I would like to attend a writer’s conference. Also, I have been in need of a new
laptop. Mine died about a year ago.
Alas,
the laptop will wait. I have a perfectly
workable computer that I can share with my hubby and kids. If I get up at six, I have a good four hours
before any of them are clamoring for a turn.
They are also very supportive and willingly relinquish their time if I
have a pressing task. I will attend the
local conference which is more affordable than the one in Seattle. I am researching cover art and more
affordable ways of getting that accomplished.
Italy isn’t going anywhere. I
will get there in God’s time.
As for
the other items, new outdoor furniture, new flooring, traveling out of state
and patio building material can all wait for a later date. I have plenty of projects I can do around the
yard that will just take hard work, no money.
I am traveling a bit to the normal destinations of the Kootenai forest
and other local areas. I have plenty of
places I haven’t explored in our region that only cost a tank of gas.
My summer verses that I will
meditate on come from Psalms 119:36-37. “Give
me an eagerness for your decrees; Do not inflict me with love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give
me life through your word.” Thus, I will
continue to read from the Bible. I will
look for the blessings God gives me daily.
So, with all that in mind, I went on a free artist date last week and
want to share what I found. I spent time
in my front yard. Later this week, I
will take another artist date in my backyard.
God is so very good.
I found this idea on the internet. This fall I will try to clean the dirt stain to make it more appealing. Also, I think more flowers should be planted next year, but I still love my first attempt.
Here is a treasure I picked up when I went fishing with my dad a couple of years ago. I think of him each time I walk by to get into my pickup.
After years of struggling, this section of garden is looking really good. I love the little house. When I walk by it, I always look for fairies to greet me.
Gardening for me is always an experiment. I buy plants on a whim. The next year, I never know what will come up. This is one such plant. I love the surprise of what will show up next.
Before the IRS notice, I bought this new pot and filled in this new section of garden. I love anticipating how the new plants will grow.
Here is my beautiful statue of St. Francis among the lilies in the background and coral bells in the forefront.
My husband's favorite, the Bridal's Wreath. This greets all our visits when they come to our home. Every year, it seems to get more beautiful.
I started the turtle garden for my daughter a couple of years ago. I added an internet idea of the tires this spring. I still have to add flowers which I fortunately have a gift card that I will use. I may add a photo later this year if it fills in better.
I hope you enjoyed a little tour of my
front yard along with the little story of my experience with the IRS.
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