I also love to spend as much time as possible on my deck. My other favorite spots are the beach 15 minutes from my house (also in New England!), the short but heavily wooded trails by my house, and the dock at a friend's lake house.
Thank you for this reminder of how important nature is and why it is not optional for humans. Your description of your deck creates such a vivid sense for me of how life affirming daily nature can be. We’ve recently added a couple cameras to our suburban yard, which has been an enticing way to enjoy nature, even if I’m unable to get outside. Creatively using technology, like you suggested, is better than not connecting with nature at all.
So much truth. As a person with a disability, I never would describe myself as "outdoorsy" because I thought saying that could only be true if you hiked, mountain climbed, zip lined, etc. Then I realized it can literally just mean enjoying being outdoors. The backyard at my parent's place is one of my favorite spots, much like your deck. I can watch the lizards, butterflies, birds, and bees go by while I read or just enjoy the air. It gets really hot here in the summer too so you have to enjoy the nice days while you can. I like going to a coffee shop and sitting outside too. Sometimes I like the solace of the backyard and sometimes I like to be out and people watch.
Another wonderful post. I needed the reminder. I live at the base of a 14,000 foot high peak. I need to get on the trail. Or at least out in my backyard.
This is great, Chris! So true! And I thank you for the tip, "Go outside when you have to do something you hate." That is one of the greatest ideas I've ever heard. I can't wait until I have something to do that I hate so I can give it a try. Ha! I have a tiny porch with a rocking chair. Why don't I spend time out there every day????
Hawks are the best, Chris! I could watch them soar all day. A friend and I were on a walk in the marina and a hawk was floating overhead, squawking. I squawked back. The hawk and I continued our conversation, communing. My friend grabbed my arm and said, "If that bird swoops down and gets us, I'll never forgive you." Sheesh. We were just having a chat. Unfortunately, right now, we are experiencing relentless cloud cover/marine layer. And I am so jonesing for sun. I'm just about to book my trip to Palm Springs in late July. Yes, I'm that sort of fool. But it's cheap, less crowded, and there's a point where you can only get so hot...and then you surrender to it. LOL. xo
I was there in April and it was 99. Is that your idea of cooler? LOL. Haven't gone in winter yet. But Palm Springs is oddly magical. Hot as $#%&, but magical. Time slows. You only have to go for a couple of days and it feels like you've been away for weeks. xo
Great post, as usual. Your unique perspective is so important and so welcomed. Agree 💯 on outdoors. It’s a fixture on my daily to-dos for all the reasons you stated and the fact that I just feel emotionally better being immersed in nature’s elements. :)
Taste. I had some seizures and now my sense of taste only shows up intermittently. I used to love to cook but can’t be bothered now. I try to make sure I get the nutrition I need but there’s no joy in it. And it’s just me now, husband couldn’t deal and ran away. Anyway, when I can actually taste I savor the gift.
I also love to spend as much time as possible on my deck. My other favorite spots are the beach 15 minutes from my house (also in New England!), the short but heavily wooded trails by my house, and the dock at a friend's lake house.
Those all sound great!
Thank you for this reminder of how important nature is and why it is not optional for humans. Your description of your deck creates such a vivid sense for me of how life affirming daily nature can be. We’ve recently added a couple cameras to our suburban yard, which has been an enticing way to enjoy nature, even if I’m unable to get outside. Creatively using technology, like you suggested, is better than not connecting with nature at all.
Thanks Lori!
I walk almost daily and always have my windows open when I am at home when I can. Outside and fresh air are so good for us in so many ways!
Agreed!
So much truth. As a person with a disability, I never would describe myself as "outdoorsy" because I thought saying that could only be true if you hiked, mountain climbed, zip lined, etc. Then I realized it can literally just mean enjoying being outdoors. The backyard at my parent's place is one of my favorite spots, much like your deck. I can watch the lizards, butterflies, birds, and bees go by while I read or just enjoy the air. It gets really hot here in the summer too so you have to enjoy the nice days while you can. I like going to a coffee shop and sitting outside too. Sometimes I like the solace of the backyard and sometimes I like to be out and people watch.
Agreed! It can be anything. Hiking is overrated anyways.
Another wonderful post. I needed the reminder. I live at the base of a 14,000 foot high peak. I need to get on the trail. Or at least out in my backyard.
Thanks Barbara! That must be a beautiful sight!
This is great, Chris! So true! And I thank you for the tip, "Go outside when you have to do something you hate." That is one of the greatest ideas I've ever heard. I can't wait until I have something to do that I hate so I can give it a try. Ha! I have a tiny porch with a rocking chair. Why don't I spend time out there every day????
I used to take so many boring Zoom calls outside. I had plenty of things to distract me!
Hawks are the best, Chris! I could watch them soar all day. A friend and I were on a walk in the marina and a hawk was floating overhead, squawking. I squawked back. The hawk and I continued our conversation, communing. My friend grabbed my arm and said, "If that bird swoops down and gets us, I'll never forgive you." Sheesh. We were just having a chat. Unfortunately, right now, we are experiencing relentless cloud cover/marine layer. And I am so jonesing for sun. I'm just about to book my trip to Palm Springs in late July. Yes, I'm that sort of fool. But it's cheap, less crowded, and there's a point where you can only get so hot...and then you surrender to it. LOL. xo
I take it Palm Springs in July is off-season? I've always wanted to go there but maybe in a cooler month 😂
I was there in April and it was 99. Is that your idea of cooler? LOL. Haven't gone in winter yet. But Palm Springs is oddly magical. Hot as $#%&, but magical. Time slows. You only have to go for a couple of days and it feels like you've been away for weeks. xo
Outside is awesome! Great post, Chris.
"This was way better than my to-do list." Always!!!
Thanks Rebecca! 😀
Great post, as usual. Your unique perspective is so important and so welcomed. Agree 💯 on outdoors. It’s a fixture on my daily to-dos for all the reasons you stated and the fact that I just feel emotionally better being immersed in nature’s elements. :)
Thanks Mike! And it's been such nice weather here the last few days. Although I hear the humidity is coming back...
Taste. I had some seizures and now my sense of taste only shows up intermittently. I used to love to cook but can’t be bothered now. I try to make sure I get the nutrition I need but there’s no joy in it. And it’s just me now, husband couldn’t deal and ran away. Anyway, when I can actually taste I savor the gift.
I'm so sorry, Lisa. :/