This past year, I’ve been trying to get a lot of projects done in our home. This townhouse we bought last year was built in the end of the 80s, and I don’t think many upgrades have happened. There was a newer washer and dryer and refrigerator, and a newer roof. But aside from that, not too much different. We’ve done a few things like add solar, move the washer and dryer to the garage, add a shower to the downstairs bathroom. Those were bigger, more expensive projects. Now that the big project money has been spent, we’re doing small projects.

One of the small projects I had in mind was the fountain. The house came with a big fountain. I didn’t want it. I wanted it removed before we moved in. It’s so big, moving it will be a pain. And it’s a townhouse, so the space in the backyard is already limited.

Will liked the sound of water, but the upkeep and preventing algae was another difficulty. I still wouldn’t mind getting rid of it. But this past weekend, we turned it into a planter. We cleaned it out and set it up to drain. After that, we filled the bottom with rocks and then dirt with some starter plants.

This project cost about $90 for the dirt, rocks, and plants. I put onion and chive seeds in the top bowl. The bottom has herbs, native plants and a spot for annual flowers.

I work remotely, so I do spend my lunch in the backyard most days. I really like looking at the birds and butterflies that come by. I daydream about trips I could be on or would like to take. We have a citrus tree and a strawberry plant and mint. I put jasmine out front. I look at the backyard and think how I can make this a place I enjoy. How can I be right here and be happy in the every day?

A big part of our move was to be close to the kids. Will was getting tired if travel. And I said if I am not traveling, then I need to be in California-close to the kids and living with more sunshine. So we spent a year saving to move back. I still wouldn’t rather be traveling than working a regular smegular job, but if I am here, I’d better find ways to enjoy it.