Monday, June 20, 2011

♪ ♫ Rainy Days and Mondays…♫ ♪

Always get me down…  Well, it was very rainy today, and it was a Monday.  The incoming storms woke me about 4:00, and the rain continued for almost 12 hours.  Ho Hum.  Another day stuck inside.  I should have gone to do laundry at Robyn’s, but I just didn’t have the ambition. 

IMG_2139The mystery plants lining one side of my site began blooming today.  I’ve always known them as day lilies, but some people call them ditch lilies.  Each bloom only lasts a day, so I guess that’s where they got their name.  I really enjoy their vibrant orange color.  It surely perked up a dreary day!

IMG_2141

On our way to the dairy farm yesterday, Robyn broached a subject with me.  She said she would feel remiss if she didn’t try to persuade me into returning to this area each summer.   She had read my previous night’s post and understood how I was feeling rather bored staying here after spending most of the last five years active in volunteering around the country.  Her suggestion was to seek out some volunteer opportunities in the area.  Her ideas included volunteering at a library or maybe for Habitat for Humanity.  Well, I don’t really have any construction skills, and being in a library for hours doesn’t exactly light my fire. 

IMG_2144Before I arrived here, I had been thinking of such possibilities, and was hoping some of the surrounding fish and wildlife areas might offer something.  I’ll continue to investigate that, but so far I don’t think there is much available in that area.  I really would prefer to be outside.  So far it’s a conundrum.  I enjoy being near family, but they have their own busy lives to live, and the abundance of rainy weather hasn’t helped any either.

 

The forecast remains rainy at least through tomorrow.  I’ve decided to force myself to go do the laundry tomorrow and several other errands that need doing.

 

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

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23 comments:

  1. VeraJune 20, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    I can understand how so much rain can get you down. Since I live on Vancouver Island and have been staying here in the winters now too I am getting used to it, but being in a large house makes it a bit easier. I hope you find some occupation that you can enjoy. It is so nice to be with family.

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  2. Dave Dods off to MexicoJune 20, 2011 at 8:27 PM

    I can see putting up with some degree of boredom; but boredom compounded by rain would not work for me. That being said, being near family is priceless.

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  3. MerikayJune 20, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    Are there any camps in the area. Girl scout? Boy scout? Handicapped kids?

    With your knowledge of birds and wild things you would be a great nature walk leader.

    Just a thought.

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  4. AnonymousJune 20, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    I've been a lurker, but am surfacing for a moment. My limited experience with Habitat showed me that there are experienced supervisors on site at all times to match you with jobs that you feel comfortable with - indoors and out. You might learn some new skills.
    Also, there might be a need for some landscaping/gardening as the Habitat projects progress. Wouldn't hurt to ask.

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  5. HappytrailsJune 20, 2011 at 9:12 PM

    Quite a dilemma you have...almost a "Catch 22". I do however agree that family is priceless. Maybe a winning combination will open for you and Robyn. It does sound a lot like she enjoys you being around!

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  6. GypsyJune 20, 2011 at 9:16 PM

    I understand EXACTLY how you feel about not working when you've done it for so long. It's not just about "working" - it's about the type of work you love to do. Maybe you could expand your search a little bit wider and just plan to travel back for a few days once in a while to visit with family. I sometimes feel like my brain is tied up in knots trying to figure out how to spend time with family who are 3500 miles apart, and still take care of me and what I enjoy doing.

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  7. A couple of newer paintings 2019June 20, 2011 at 9:29 PM

    I live in a small town here in Ontario and there are so many volunteer opportunities available. I don't know if you're near a town or a city but I would get in contact with the City Hall and they could probably point you in the right direction. I know most of our Museums here in town run mostly by volunteering, Food Bank etc. Sometimes the Museums need outside gardening done. You just need to ask. Most places don't have enough volunteers!

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  8. RickJune 20, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    Nothing like reading a good book on a rainy day as far as I'm concerned.

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  9. Sue and DougJune 20, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    there is always laundry to occupy your time..hard to be sitting idle when you are so use to being busy!..you will find something to keep yourself from going 'crazy'!..and yes, I do agree time with your grandkids is priceless!

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  10. KathyJune 20, 2011 at 10:04 PM

    "It's easy to know what you'll find when you only search the shallow end of the pool." My son is always encouraging me to do something different...just food for thought...
    K

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  11. Jim and SandieJune 20, 2011 at 10:09 PM

    I would think there have to be some summer camps that would love to have you. Not sure you want to put up with the kiddies for that much time though. How about animal shelters? Are there any birding groups you could join in that area? I really don't have any good suggestions for you but I know I couldn't stand the boredom. I about went nuts last week. I even tried to take pictures of birds - now that's desperate for me.

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  12. Carol KJune 20, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    It's an interesting dilemma. I'm sure you'll come up with something. Maybe stay for a month or so next summer, then move on?

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  13. Chuck and Anneke's RV travelsJune 20, 2011 at 10:18 PM

    Well, the good news is that at least have of what has made you blue, we will gone tomorrow :)

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  14. Al BossenceJune 21, 2011 at 5:43 AM

    Boredom is an old arch enemy of mine & I certainly understand your feelings about it. Like you, I am at my best if I have some kind of enjoyable & meaningful project going on. Preferably something creative that gives me a feeling of worth & purpose. Change is always a key factor as well & is one of the biggest things I enjoy about traveling. Change is always around the corner if & when you feel a need for it. This being stuck in one location for over half a year at a time may be fine for some people but for some of us it gets boring very fast. Tough decision for you for sure....

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  15. Texas Yellow RoseJune 21, 2011 at 6:43 AM

    I can't say that I'm bored, but have thought that with this particular long-term job we might be losing a bit of focus as to traveling and seeing the country. We need to work, though, and there is much to do in our area. The communities here have oodles of activities like festivals and other community projects that do not require manual labor like construction. Perhaps there is something along those lines for you? Even a weekend here and there spent volunteering for a specific function would break up the idle time in between. BTW, I see those same lilies all around the area. :)

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  16. Janna and MikeJune 21, 2011 at 7:28 AM

    I can certainly understand "rain depression" as we haven't seen much sun since coming back to MT from AZ in April. The dang deer love my day lilies, right before the blossoms open it seems the deer have a snack--it is rare for me to get to see one!

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  17. Sam&Donna WeibelJune 21, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    I think anyone who is used to having a vocation that retires and doesn't have a job to go to, feels the same boredom, I know I do when I run out of grass to cut and things to do. Maybe there is a campground where you could volunteer and not have to live there. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna....

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  18. Kevin ReadJune 21, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    I was told those flowers are Tiger Lilies, which is a day lily.

    Other types of volunteer work are could be helping with shut-ins, Meals on Wheels, helping in hospitals or nursing homes (visiting the patients and talking with them, playing cards etc...) Just some suggestions.

    Kevin and Ruth
    www.travelwithkevinandruth.com

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  19. pidgeJune 21, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    We have lots of those Lilies down in this area. Normally Indiana doesn't get this much rain in June, and none in July and August, then we will all be praying for it, so the crops won't die. Stay cool.

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  20. Dennis and DonnaJune 21, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    It has to be tough being bored and alone combined with rainy days...We are due for more storms today too....I can now get out, and I am still tired of all this rain..The mosquitos have now hatched and we spend lots of time on our screened porch...Hey, maybe you could put one of those screen rooms up at your campsite...just a thought.

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  21. AnonymousJune 21, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    I agree about asking at City Hall. Lots of places have volunteer coordinators. Or check out roadside cleanup crews. That could get you outside and moving and think how good it would feel to help make your neighborhood attractive.

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  22. squawmamaJune 21, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    All are good suggestions but what it boils down to is "What do you want"? We need to do the things that makes us happy and we enjoy.
    Have FUN and Travel safe my friend!
    Donna

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  23. DonnaJune 21, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    Tiger lilly's
    In our town they are always looking for people to help take care of the few small parks we have. That would be outdoor work.
    Hope you find something
    Donna

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