It was inevitable. The time had come. We could no longer see the grass, especially after Hurricane Sandy blew through, and try as we might to pretend the leaves would just blow away on their own, they were damp and sticky and heavy and blanketing the grass with no hope of leaving. So we raked! And while I hem and haw a bit about fall clean-up, there’s something completely satisfying about raking. I get the same satisfaction from vacuuming. There were leaves there! Just a minute ago! And now I see the grass underneath! It feels like such progress.
William and Lindsey worked like dogs out there too. William’s always been a workhorse. As long as you’re out there, he doesn’t mind (in fact, he loves it) being beside you, doing what you’re doing. Lindsey sometimes slinks away and we find her inside reading and looking at you quizzically when you ask her where she’s been. Who me? You wanted me to rake? But, not this time. She hauled load after load of leaves away on the tarp and, slowly but surely, our grass was freed.
And me! I raked too. Not as much as these guys though. Someone’s got to tend to Parker who, I might add, was entirely lazy and didn’t lift a finger.
I can see how this would be satisfying as I do feel that way about vacuuming. I need to sweep up acorns which I've been avoiding. I heard from a neighbor that if you have a lot of large acorns on the ground you're in for a big winter. Uh oh!
I know that feeling. It's just so nice when things get cleaned up and you don't have to worry about them. Though, I can't say I'm looking forward to raking up all of the leaves in my yard. There must be millions. Plus, I was hoping to see them turn a bit more before Sandy blew them all down.
I have to say that I do miss the changing color of the leaves living here in Phoenix. My daughter Lily is the same as Lindsey. She disappears and I find her watching tv or in her room reading. Her brothers love to help outside.
Raking? What's that?!?
Love the clean-up shots. It *almost* makes it look fun!
I love one families have work projects together. It's so healthy for a family's character and team work. I need more of that in my life, for sure.
im with parker on the no raking thing.
What kind of vacuum cleaner do you have? Because I used to loooaatthee vacumming. When I got a windtunnel with the clear chamber that you have to empty out, I was half horrified and half giddy about it. I have a long haired dog so I now get a deep, intense satisfaction at pouring out like a 6 pound clump of dirt and hair when I'm done.
There really is something satisfying about it. we went to the new house this weekend and I swept the kitchen like I was getting paid. And I swept out the garage that was FULL OF LEAVES (along with bricks, wood, cement bags, coke cans, etc.) like I had good sense. I mean, they're going to go right back in there today since there are no garage doors yet…but there was major satisfaction of a clean garage and a clean kitchen. Even if it's for a night only. Because today the workers will make a mess again. Shame on them.
What kind of camera do you use? Do you do any editing? What setting do you normally use? I am always interested to hear about how people use their cameras, sorry for all the questions
not true! parker is lifting a finger in the first photo! 🙂
@lauren, oooh that sounds soooo satisfying. seeing the dirt! we have a kirby.
@annie loo, shame on them indeed!
@megan c, i have a canon rebel xs–and lately am just playing w/ curves in photoshop (but the same can be done in picmonkey!). let me know if you need more info!
Such beautiful photos! I know you said you are playing w/ curves in photoshop, I really like the "look" of these photos. Did you run any actions on them, or just the curves? Thanks and want to squeeze Parker!! :0)
xo
-W.