I’ve been feeling rather lousy since Baby #8 became a reality. But between bouts of nausea and fatigue, I have managed to eek out a few good days.

When I am feeling human, it is time to get to work. And when the weather cooperates, it’s time to get outside to work in the yard.

I have enjoyed yard work since I was a kid. I have fond memories of my Dad mowing the grass on Saturday mornings in his 10-gallon straw cowboy hat (wish I could find a picture but the one below is pretty fabulous though I’m not sure what he was mowing). Mom would often plant a small garden of yellow and orange marigolds in our backyard.

I’m no green thumb, but there is something invigorating about clearing out the fall debris, pruning, and laying down mulch. Michael and Johnny have been making trips back and forth to our village’s free mulch pile. I’ve been raking and cutting things back. I even divided a hosta that was sorely in need of attention.

I know it’s a little early to put plants in the ground in our area. But, as a native of Texas, I just can’t make my peace with that. It’s May for crying out loud. The Farmers Almanac predicts the last Spring Frost to occur on May 15 this year. I don’t care. I wanted to get something in the ground. And, if the horses are supposed to be running in the Kentucky Derby, I’m going to dig a hole.

This year, more than most, I need a little hope. And sometimes hope comes in the form of an 8-pack annual and a hanging basket. So I was pleased with my work and the beginnings of a little garden.

After surveying my efforts, I started to walk inside when a flash of red caught my eye. I looked up and saw this hanging over my front porch light.

Um, that’s my Christmas wreath. And it’s been hanging there since December-the-something. I’ve passed it hundreds of times and haven’t noticed (or cared) until today. I briefly debated whether I should take it down. After all, in 7 months, it will be time to put it back up again.

Now, if I actually manage to find the box and store it properly in the attic, I may just go and buy a lottery ticket.

*Quick note. Although the real Kentucky Derby has been rescheduled for the first Saturday in September, this afternoon NBC is re-broadcasting the 2015 victory by American Pharoah (that’s actually how the horse’s name is spelled which is giving spell-check a fit) and a computer-simulated race between the 13 former Triple Crown winners. How fun! The broadcast is from 2:00-5:00pm (CDT) No betting allowed but my money is on Secretariat.