Skating Uphill - April 2021

 “This is one of the three times a year I just hate!” 
– The Uphill Skater –

I don't actually mean I hate any time of the year, especially spring. But, here is my situation: There are three times a year I am moved to get stuff done—a lot done! New Years Day, my birthday, and spring just get to me. On these three occasions I overwhelmingly feel everything I own has to be rearranged, repaired, organized, culled, donated to charity or thrown out. This might be hormonal, but I know that kind of thinking is out of date nowadays. Hormonal or not, I feel the uncontrollable urge to purge coming on, so I thought I would share some of the tasks I plan on tackling this spring.

First, I have to clean out the pantry and start a new healthy eating plan. They go hand-in-hand, but note, I did not say diet. I have a very good reason for that: A hospital dietitian told me any diet plan that has a beginning and an end will never work. I have enough experience to know this is true.

Next, all closets are getting cleaned, followed by a thorough cleaning of the house room by room—even if I only take on one room each day or two. That way I have time to include my new hobby just in time for spring—gardening!

Maybe you already have a big vegetable garden, or flowers by the ton, or even a giant watermelon planted. I do not, and I never have. I grew up on a farm, and we had alfalfa and cotton—neither of which are edible, nor make your yard beautiful.

I’ve gotten the gardening bug from a television show, which is a bit odd since I am not a real TV watcher. The show is about a British couple who bought a 100-room, 200-year-old chateau situated on 25 acres in France. A big part of the show is centered around the fabulous gardens they create. Just by sprinkling wild flower seeds, the proprietress is able to grow what she calls a cutting garden. She has lovely, colorful flowers for months that she puts around the chateau, making it even more gorgeous. Okay, so I haven’t aspired to a full cutting garden yet, but I can certainly go to the nursery and buy flower seedlings and make a start of it. I know there are many seasoned home-gardeners out there, but this is out of my realm and all new to me. I think it is going to be fun and beautiful, too!

In addition to glorious flowers, I’m planting tomatoes this year. I already have my plants in the garage and will put them in shortly. I did a bit of this last year for fun and to fill an empty spot; I planted one grape tomato plant. I had tomatoes, and I actually ate them. Again, this may all be old news for you green thumb types out there, but it was quite a thrill for me—I ate something I grew! I’m planning a herb garden, too. I cook with basil and rosemary often, so those two are definite, along with flat leaf parsley. I can hardly wait to see these plants flourish, and hope to not to have to buy grocery store flowers or pale, mealy tomatoes this summer.

Part of the fun of gardening for me is that it’s new and different. I am a big advocate for incorporating new things into the daily grind. So naturally, I’m encouraging you to break out and give something different and new a try! It puts rejuvenating pep in your step and fling in your spring! It actually can fill you with joy!

I have done this with my blog, www.skatinguphill.com, and it has been wonderful. I am learning as I go, and I think things like that keep your brain from drying up. Try to look at spring a bit differently this year. New growth, new life, and let's add to that, a new project. Why Not? Love, Judith

Visit www.skatinguphill.com blog for new recipes, daily thoughts and décor ideas. Also find reprints of Pink articles and shared comments. Blogging is fun and easy.

Judith Lawrenson is a former Hilton Head Island resident who has a huge heart and is loved by all who meet her. She has served and volunteered with numerous charitable organizations while living in the Lowcontry making an impact wherever she went. She and her husband recently moved to the wild hills of West Virginia to be closer to grandchildren. Judith is an avid sailor, a retired reading resource specialist, and a children's TV host whose local show originated from the Boys and girls Club. Judith is also a long time seeker of healthy, happy living and a lifestyle dedicated to service to others balanced with love of God and love of self. Check out her BLOG www.skatinguphill.com for fun info, recipes and nutrition ideas, current updates on nearly everything in the world, and lots of comments and opinions.