Almost a year ago I made the decision to cash out one retirement account and use some of the funds to remodel my backyard. I’m pretty positive this sounds crazy to some people. Not to me. Looking back on it, I’m even happier with the decisions I made.
Turning my 35-foot square grass pit into my dream green space has brought me endless joy. I can doze off in my adirondack chair with a mystery novel or watch the birds jockey for position on the feeders.
If you could only see my floral birkenstocks!
Technically I do “work” in the yard. It’s hard to call it work when I don’t get paid and I am smiling ear to ear while doing it. Watering, weeding, refilling bird feeders, harvesting veggies, etc, all take up a small portion of my day. It does though, get me out and about, playing in the earth, and taking care of something that would not survive without me.
The original intention of the project was a gift to SW, something he would always have to remind him of me. Well, that is true. It is also the best gift I’ve ever given myself.
Aquarius vs. Cancer 
awesome, I get it!
What’s growing in your garden?
children
OMG your HAIR. Someone on the east coast is a little jealous…
It’s come back crazy! But gosh, I’m so thankful it’s come back!
BTW is yours a totally different color too?
LOVE your hair girl! You da bomb xo, Connie
We’re kinda twins on the hair front. 🙂
The original plan is working out great and the veggies are AWESOME! Paula
Oh, I so enjoy them. I’m already planning on what to do next year. (Look at that! I’m planning…) Love You Paula + Danny!
I might need to recruit you Kim as I had “urban garden fail” this summer. Clearly, not a true Portlander! 🙂 I’m so glad to see you on twitter, by the way. And I would love to share your story on the Consano blog if you’re ever interested. We just launched our first lung cancer project out of University of Colorado — trying to get more LC research on there! Sending love!
I’m a little behind the times when it comes to twitter! I’m a little intimidated to post. 🙂 I’ll get over it…
Yay for your lung cancer project!
It is so nice to see a picture of you, Kim. You look great!
Thanks Pam. There are others but probably hard to track considering my hair has changed significantly in the last 2+ years. Longer, shorter, bald, curly, straight, brown, white… My uneven squinty eyes with a big smile are consistent (and often polished nails). 🙂
How Wonderful to read your story in the paper! So good to know you are happy!