My internal alarm went off at 5:30 this morning. I guess my body had had enough sleep for whatever reason. Since I was already awake, I decided to just get up and get going. There was a full day ahead.
The first task was reading over draft design guidelines for our HOA. I’m on the transition committee moving from developer oversight to homeowner oversight. It has been interesting, and fun, to be on this committee. However, there is also more to it than I had anticipated, such as monthly meetings, drafting documents, and neighborhood walkthroughs to ensure the developer didn’t forget anything.
It is this latter item that took up most of my morning. I met with another of the committee members to walk the entirety of our development. We had plat plans (I think that is what they are called), a red pen, and some eagle eyes ready to go. Our task was to make sure all trees, lights, and items on the plan were in place, along with checking to ensure common areas, such as sidewalks, drainage basins, and roads are in good shape. Luckily, for the most part, all is well. Just a couple of things the developer really needs to take care of before abandoning us.
From there was starting some bread, then off to the garden. With the weather cooperating finally, and looking good from here on out (meaning no cold weather or frost on the horizon), I finally transplanted my seedlings into the ground. Sadly, not everything grew as hoped, or as tall as hoped, but there were enough to get a good start. There are still some seeds to go in—planned for tomorrow—but overall, it is about ready to go. Have to head to the local nursery for filler plants and cherry tomatoes. I’ve decided to try and grow a few things that didn’t make it as early plants, directly in the ground to see what happens. There is nothing to lose by doing so, and maybe some great plants will come of them. Lessons learned for next year.
Then it was bread in the oven before heading off to the neighborhood Social Committee meeting. We are having a neighborhood yard sale in a couple of weeks. There wasn’t too much to do for its planning, but we needed to make sure of next steps, and they are being taken. Our other main agenda item was planning for the Cultural Fair happening in July. The committee is trying to have an event about every couple of months to help build community and make our neighborhood an even greater place to live.
The day ended with a Zoom meeting with family to help provide clarity on a possible business venture. His expertise, and his questions brought many things into focus. The conversation will be helpful in speaking to my potential compadres with the business idea. Now the group needs to meet to provide focus of clarity in deciding on moving forward, and if so, next steps.
A full day. A productive day. A joyful day!
Personal Reflections of a Middle-Aged Man 