New Carpet

“The results you achieve will be in direct proportion to the effort you apply.” –  Denis Waitley

If I would have thought too much about what it would take this week to get the yard in order, I wouldn’t have started. Everyday, each step built on the next. Move wood chips and pull weeds on Monday; rototill on Tuesday; move a big pile of dirt on Wednesday; even out new dirt and move block back along the house on Thursday; put down “new carpet” on Friday. All done after work and in 90 degree heat. No complaining, just getting the work done. Well, maybe a little complaining before going to bed exhausted and waking up with stiff and aching parts – neck, back, wrists, elbows …

With projects like this, you get to see the results immediately. There’s an undeniable satisfaction in hard work, in earning the win. Also, an appreciation for those who show up to help and work as a team to get the job done.

To relax today, I ran 6 miles, watered the new carpet and took a few naps. I will be looking for a new tree in the next week to put the final touch on the blank canvas. Lily and Molly are enjoying the new yard, a great improvement over laying on wood chips. This morning, Lily ran through the sprinkler and then rolled around belly up on the new carpet with a big smile, making the effort more than worth it.