I received the estimates for the landscape installation. GULP! I knew it would be expensive, but not THAT expensive. After years of DIY landscaping, I'm used to the expense of plants, shrubs, and trees; it's the labor costs I'm choking on. But I know I am no longer interested in doing all that work myself. I expect to be in my house at least another ten years (or more!) and would like to enjoy a yard full of natives (and the wildlife that will bring) during my time here. And I'm too old to put all this off.
My dad set an example for me to follow. The first household chore he outsourced was snow removal (he lived in Massachusetts). I am fortunate to have a neighbor with a snow blower and a generous spirit, although I did shovel the recent four inches of fluff that fell. The second task he turned over to professionals was the yardwork. My brother helped for a while, my stepmother added a lot of plants, but eventually it was time for outside help because they wanted everything to look neat and tidy. Lastly, they hired someone to come in and clean every two weeks. (They obviously didn't have any pets by that point). The two of them were able to live in their home until my dad was in his 90's, an excellent example of how to age in place. It helps to be able to afford the help.
It's cold but sunny today, with little wind, so the dogs and the indoor/outdoor cat are enjoying the deck, something they haven't been able to do recently because of the sub-zero temperatures we've been having. Rumor has it a bit storm is heading this way midweek. We'll see.
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