Confession

Confession.

Okay, I have a confession to make. They say confession is good for the soul, and I'm hoping it might possibly work. 

If you will recall about two years ago Chuck and I began a massive decluttering of our home. Now the dirty little secret was that my closets and attic space were so neatly organized we really had no idea how much stuff we had accumulated over the years-almost thirty to be exact. 

We began the arduous task of decluttering. I promise you we probably made close to ten trips to Goodwill, arranged a Salvation Army pick-up for furniture, and even made a trip to the dump. We probably did get rid of about a third of our possessions.

But if the truth be told, we started bringing things up to our farm for "storage." This was in addition to everything that had already made its way up there. Anytime we replaced a small appliance the old one was taken to the farm. Things became a little tighter up there, and our four car garage was beginning to rival Sanford and Son. 

When we moved from the apartment into our new house there really wasn't any room for most of the farm stuff so it remained in "storage."  That is until we decided to put the farm on the market. The cold, hard reality set in about a month later when it sold. We were going to have to deal with the "stuff" at the farm!

How was it possible that we still had so much? All that talk about minimalism, and decluttering left me realizing that I was a fraud. As much as I had tried, the truth was I had failed miserably. 

So once again, Chuck and I began the process of letting go. Garage sale piles, Goodwill, selling some, giving away, and a few treasures back to our house in the city. It's taken weeks of weekend trips to the farm, but we are making progress. You finally get to the point where saying goodbye to what's left takes very little effort, because you're so glad to be rid of it. 

If YOU are able to cull through, and pare down to a manageable amount of possessions I say hats off to you. You are a rare one, and lucky!

One Man's Trash

One man's trash. 

It's funny the things you really grow to love in your home. I remember how much I enjoyed standing in my kitchen at my last house, all the while being able to look out at both the front and back yard. The stream of sunlight from both directions always made me happy. 

One of my favorites at this new house has nothing to do with view, although I do love the window seat in my kitchen that looks out upon our corner lot. It has recently become home to my herb collection that was withering in the intense heat. 

As you may have figured out, one of the things I enjoy is eating a healthy diet, although a dessert or two has been known to cross my lips. When you eat a primarily plant based diet you find yourself chopping a lot. I usually stand alongside my kitchen sink, and chop to my heart's content. When the time comes to dispose of the peelings, and ends all I have to do is open the cabinet underneath the counter, and roll out my built-in trashcan. 

At the apartments because the trashcan had to go in the adjoining laundry room, it required opening the door twenty times a day, often with wet hands. The funny thing, though, my trashcan is no longer behind a door,  I still occasionally find myself opening up the pantry door to throw something away. I think it must have something to do with muscle memory.   

Alongside my trash can is also my recycling bin, so whether I'm throwing something away or recycling my fancy smancy cabinet serves a dual  purpose. I suppose it's the little things that often times contributes to our happiness. All I know is apparently the old adage, "one man's trash is another man's treasure" must be true for me when it comes to this nifty trash receptacle.

Plans Interrupted

Plans interrupted.

I woke up the other morning, and within a few hours found myself not feeling well. I thought about all the plans I had that day, and how I was unable to follow through on them due to feeling ill. 

It also, got me to thinking about how we just take each day for granted, thinking we will be able to do the things we want, if not today then tomorrow. Our health, often times, is one of those things we take for granted as well. We wake up each day just assuming that we will be just fine. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. 

As it turned out, my health issue, was just temporary, and by the next day I was back to normal. Thank God. Some people don't have that luxury. Their health might literally get in the way of them living the kind of life they just assumed they would. 

Now sometimes we have no control over circumstances, but what we do have control over is how we decide to live each day, and how we treat the people we share those days with. Don't take for granted that there will always be a tomorrow, or that that tomorrow will still be under your control. Live each day fully and grateful.

"Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are dying. Then we might live life to the limit, every minute of every day. Do it! I say. Whatever you want to do, do it now! There are only so many tomorrows.

Pope Paul VI

Is it Possible?

Is it possible?

Soon after my father passed away I was returning my books to the library, and noticed a dove sitting on the sidewalk between me and the building. I knew how my sister had always talked about cardinals representing loved ones, and since I knew how much Dad loved the library, I couldn't help but wonder if it was him? 

A few months later we moved to the apartments, and I frequently saw doves who always kept me wondering about Dad. They often times would land right outside my patio when I was  reading or just enjoying the day. 

However, when we moved to our house, in our newly constructed neighborhood, I never saw any doves. Except, for on the morning of my birthday when two doves landed outside the kitchen window and sat on the fence for several moments. Chuck noticed them first, and pointed them out to me. We playfully named them Phil and Rita after my mom and dad. 

I wanted to believe that they might have been a little visit from the great beyond, but brushed it off as wishful thinking. The other day, though, I was out in the backyard, and glanced over toward the fence where they had perched. It hit me that I've lived here now for four months, and that was the one and ONLY time I had ever seen doves in this neighborhood. 

I like to think it might HAVE been my parents wishing me a Happy Birthday. 

Country Boy

Country boy. 

When I think back to my daughter at two and a half, as remarkable as she was to me, I find myself constantly amazed at what my grandson is capable of doing at such a young age. 

He has been accompanying his Dad to work for over a year now. He knows all about counting cows, feeding cows, and apparently according to my daughter he can quickly identify the bull in the herd. 

He begins his day carrying hay out to feed his horses, knows how to check for okra in the garden, and can turn off and on the sprinkler. He enjoys picking up sticks out of the front yard, and stacking them in the back of his Daddy's pickup truck. 

When I was visiting a few weeks ago he noticed that a potted plant needed some water so he moved it over to the faucet, turned the faucet on for a few seconds, turned it back off, and returned the plant to its original location. Now mind you this was done without any help or prompting from me. 

At two and a half he's learning how to lead his horse, Lily over to the stable in order to brush her before riding. He then climbs aboard a saddle that once belonged to his Dad, all the while being reminded to put his foot in the stirrup to help him climb up. He rides confidently around the pasture sporting a big grin, and after a few turns around the yard he lets his Dad know he's ready to get off. 

I'm constantly amazed at how much he can do at such a young age. He takes his work very seriously, just about as seriously as his play. You will always find this boy busy playing, working, and smiling. You gotta love this one!

Looking for the Elevator

Looking for the elevator. 

I was visiting my favorite Barnes and Noble the other day with a birthday gift card that was burning a hole in my pocket. 

After perusing the magazine aisle I got ready to make my way upstairs. It was then I realized that the escalator was out of order. I noticed a few people walking down the other side, but wondered about how I was going to get upstairs?

Surely, there had to be an elevator, but because it was tucked away, and not obviously placed, finding it required a little effort. As I finally made my way there I got to thinking about how sometimes in life we get so used to doing things only one way, that we forget that there could be an alternative. 

Sometimes, we give up a little too quickly when we find a roadblock, because figuring out an alternative plan might require a little more time and effort. Except, that what if the alternative is actually the better of the two?

Obviously the escalator is usually the most expedient way to get upstairs, except if you are pushing a stroller. Perhaps if you struggle with balance issues, the elevator might be easier. 

Don't always assume that the way YOU do something is the only way or even the best way. Be willing to look for the elevator. 

Sugar, Sugar

Sugar, sugar. 

The definition of myth is, "a widely held but false belief or idea." Holding onto a myth is a convenient way to not have to take action or to change something. 

I had bought into the belief that sugar was addictive, and made the excuse that ever since my exposure to Christmas cookies last year, there was little I could do to pass up anything sweet. I knew that trying to maintain my weight loss was more challenging when I included dessert throughout the week. 

Last week at Weight Watchers the topic was about sugar, and how technically there is no evidence that sugar is actually addictive. Remember, the cure for addiction is to cut that substance out of your diet completely, except sugar actually occurs naturally in many foods. It would be quite difficult to eliminate it completely. 

Of course, you can certainly limit the amount of sugar you consume, by eating less foods with added sugar, and that is probably a healthy habit. Weight Watchers advices this type of thinking, "I'm not really addicted to sugar. If I were, I'd have to cut it out entirely, including fruits and vegetables. I just have a habit of eating it, which I can learn to manage."

This aha moment made me realize that my Christmas cookie exposure eight months ago had basically just become a habit. The reason for that is simple, sweets taste darn good, and are quite pleasurable to consume. 

What I love about Weight Watchers is that there are NO forbidden foods, it's just a matter of making them work with your program. Have that lucious dessert, but not everyday. Plan for it, and thoroughly enjoy it without guilt. 

For me being a student of life, I learned the lesson that your beliefs, true or not, can color your actions. Now that I'm letting go of the sugar myth, I need to curb my habit of too much sugar. No excuses, now!

I Almost Didn't Go

I almost didn't go. 

I've written before about how quick I am to dismiss an idea that I might have. Well it happened twice this past week, but I'm so glad I followed through, despite my reservations. 

The first idea had to do with joining a book club. Now as you might remember I have reservations about book clubs because I don't always enjoy the books that are picked. My other dilemma was finding a group that met during the day since many seem to meet only at night. After doing a little research I located one at the North Richland Hills Library, and made plans to attend. 

But in typical Shari fashion I started to back out of going. I wasn't sure if I really wanted to commit to reading a book I didn't enjoy? I wasn't sure how receptive the group might be toward a new member? Luckily, I gathered up my nerve and attended, and I'm so glad I did. 

Although, I had not had an opportunity to actually read the book for this month, I so enjoyed the book discussion. The members were warm, and welcoming, and the level of conversation was thought provoking. I can't wait to go back. The group was a good mix of ages, and included both men and women. 

My second idea had to do with my weekly Weight Watchers meeting. I've been fluctuating in my weight over the summer, and really wasn't looking forward to weighing in anticipating a possible gain. I knew with all my birthday celebrations over the last week or so, the news might not be good. I kept thinking I could just skip a week, and get back on track.

However, I decided to face the music and go. I know I need the accountability, and the motivation. I also knew that the topic for our meeting was a timely one for me. I'm so glad I went. I got to check in with the friends, was encouraged by others who were experiencing the same issues, and learned a little more about sugar. I also happened to have lost a pound so that was just the "icing on the cake."

Sometimes it's easier and safer to just say no, but saying yes to those opportunities that we know will benefit us in the long run is not a bad way to live your life. 

Brainstorming

Brainstorming. 

Brainstorming was a technique I used often in my classroom. It is a way to generate an abundance of ideas quickly. While brainstorming, the rule is to not pass judgement at the time. Even wild ideas are allowed. 

As I was reading Designing Your Life, by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, I couldn't help, but remember a brainstorming episode that took place during a faculty meeting many years ago.  Our principal was eliciting ideas for ways we could improve learning at our school. Although, I can't remember the ideas of the other teachers, I do remember both my idea, and hers. 

At the time I remember thinking that my principle's idea was too unrealistic, and mine extremely practical. At the time I took great pleasure in thinking that I had the better idea. Today I'm thinking differently. 

My idea had been done before, and my principal's was almost crazy, except it wasn't. What she was doing was pushing us out of our comfort zones, out of the familiar and known. If you keep doing things the same way chances are you are going to end up with the same results. 

Her training in gifted education gave her the edge when it came to brainstorming. I just wasn't far enough in my teaching career to know any different. As I think about it today, I wish we had followed through on her idea. I think it would have led to a more engaged group of students which is half the battle when it comes to learning. 

When faced with a problem, don't rule out an idea that might sound a little "crazy" at first. It might actually be a catalyst to the solution you are seeking. 

Lessons Learned

Lessons learned. 

I was reading a posting yesterday written by another blogger whom I befriended when we both took on the 31 Day Writing Challenge a few years ago. I appreciate her wisdom and her insight, as well as her writing ability as she has just completed her first novel, and is beginning a second. 

She wrote about the theory of change as a cycle. It made perfect sense as I viewed a visual of the cycle, and couldn't help but be drawn into the stages of maintenance and relapse. This so perfectly described my journey with weight loss. It has been over a year since I lost twenty pounds, and have maintained that loss, however, I'm now finding myself falling back into the predictable relapse phase. 

What I found heartening, though, was the idea that because this pattern is a cycle, and not linear, I can continue right back into the next stage of pre-contemplation ( to be honest I think I have already bypassed this, and am in contemplation), and begin my way toward action before I gain back all the weight I worked so hard to lose. 

The beauty of this approach is that you don't have to waste your time berating yourself for failure. If a relapse is not uncommon in the change of habits then quickly accept where you are along the continuum, and move on to the next stage. Instead of wondering why you have the tendency to return back to old habits, take some comfort in knowing that you are not alone. 

If you are interested in learning more I'm including the following link:

http://socialworktech.com/2012/01/09/stages-of-change-prochaska-diclemente/

Point of View

Point of view. 

I think having a clear point of view results in living a more authentic life. I find myself sometimes straddling the fence not wanting to commit to one side or the other. I only share the point of view that I know will be accepted by those whose company I keep. 

 "Self-doubt crumbles in the face of clear understanding of yourself, " was something I read in Road Trip Nation. Knowing your point of view, and "the philosophy" behind it helps you to have a better understanding of yourself, and to stand up for those beliefs. 

As I'm moving along in life I find myself questioning what I want to do next?  Having a clearer point of view will allow me to sort through what really is important, and meaningful. Letting go of past identities that no longer apply can be helpful as well.  

As I explore this time of my life I'm looking to refine my point of view, and forge ahead more confidently. How about you?

Unstuck

Unstuck. 

Have you ever felt stuck? My natural inclination toward routine inevitably ends up feeling like a rut. It's as if your brain begins to run on a loop, and you can't seem to disengage. 

In reading Designing Your Life, I've found that the authors, Burnett and Evans continually refer to what they call dysfunctional beliefs and reframing. I learned several years ago about the concept of false choices. Often times we have the tendency to think we only have one choice or another. 

Except, nothing could be further from the truth. When we limit ourselves to that one right idea, we cheat ourselves out of so many other possibilities.  By reframing this dysfunctional belief, we can accept the idea that, "...by having a lot of ideas...I can explore any number of possibilities for my future."

Sometimes the best way to generate ideas is to begin to brainstorm a list without judging any idea as not being plausible. Later you can go back over that list, and weed out the weaker ideas. Sometimes when I'm stuck I'll search Pinterest for ideas. Allowing others to help jumpstart your ideas is not a bad idea in itself. Writers often keep swipe files to refer back to when inspiration is needed. Jotting down ideas in a pocket sized notebook or on your phone are all ways to keep track of ideas. 

Just like Burnett and Evans state, making something actionable really is the key to getting unstuck. They remind us, "If you can't change your life you can just change your thinking." Getting unstuck many times begins with a change of thinking. Providing yourself with a list of possible alternatives can help you take that first step toward action. 

Curiosity as a Design Element

Curiosity as a design element. 

I remember my sophomore year of college taking a design class. I absolutely loved it, and found myself pretty good at it. I enjoyed it so much that I considered changing my major to interior design. 

Until one day in class when we viewed a movie (it was the seventies) about interior design as a career, and I realized that being able to draw was a requirement. My drawing skills had not improved much since my early elementary days, so I ruled out changing my major that day, and continued down the path of elementary education. 

I wish I hadn't been so quick to rule out interior design as a career possibility. At the time I didn't realize that drawing was a skill that could be taught, and improved upon with practice. I wish I had taken the time to explore that career more. I maybe even could have visited a local furniture store, and spoken with their designer. 

One of the traits of thinking like a designer is to start with a beginner's mind. Ruling things out too quickly can result in missing out. Asking the right questions, being curious, and actually taking action can help determine if you are on the right path. 

Being curious is the starting point in thinking like a designer. Following your curiosities can lead to learning new things, trying out new ideas, and even ruling out possibilities.

I can't say that my career in elementary education was the wrong one for me, but I sometimes wonder if I shut the door too quickly?

Designing Your Life

Designing your life. 

I've begun reading a new book that I'd like to write about over the next few days.  Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life is written by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans who actually teach this course at Stanford University.  Their approach to how you live your life is based on what they call "design thinking."

"A well-designed life is a life that is generative-it is constantly creative, productive, changing, evolving, and there is always the possibility of surprise."

In other words it's not a "lather, rinse, repeat" kind of life. 

One of the first tenets of design thinking is the idea of reframing. They state that, "The biggest reframe is that your life can't be perfectly planned, that there isn't just one solution to your life, and that's a good thing."

The benefits of reframing have to do with getting unstuck. It also allows us to work on the right problem. Often times we put way too much time and energy trying to solve the wrong one. They use the term "gravity problems" to define the things that really can't be changed. Time spent dwelling on the things that can't be changed is not productive, and can become actionable by reframing the problem. 

As a retiree I find myself constantly asking, "What should I be doing?" and always coming up short. By simply reframing the question to, "What do I want to be doing?" it suddenly takes on a whole new twist. 

If you have been struggling with a problem see if you can reframe it to give you a new point of view. If you cannot take action on your problem then you are not going to be able to find a resolution. 

Stay tuned for more about design thinking as we explore curiosity, and the role it plays in designing your life. 

A Good Night's Sleep

A good night's sleep. 

I've been struggling to get a good night's sleep lately. I don't have too much trouble actually falling asleep, but I can guarantee that come around two in the morning I'll be wide awake unable to fall back asleep. 

I was finding myself dragging throughout the day, and my spirits were low. I knew it was time to take action. I did a little research, and put my plan in place. I was pleasantly surprised when I woke up after more than eight hours of restful sleep. I felt so much better the next day. 

The first thing I did differently was to stay away from caffeine. I had usually had my last glass of tea with dinner, but I thought I would stick with water for a few days to see if it made any difference. Luckily, I've never depended on coffee to start my day, although it would probably be okay to have caffeine that early in the morning. 

Around 9:00 I stopped watching TV and put my phone and i pad away. I fixed myself a cup of herbal tea that promotes relaxation, and spent a little time journaling. I had read that putting your thoughts on paper before bed helped clear your mind for sleep. 

Instead of catching up on Facebook, I started a new novel The Atomic  City Girls, another historical fiction which seems to be my favorite these days. I set the temperature cooler than usual, diffused some lavender, and when I turned out the lights listened to my D-wave CD. 

I'm happy to report that my efforts resulted in over eight hours of restful sleep. I felt much better in the morning, and had an enjoyable day. I wish, though, I could say that completely solved the problem. 

I replicated the routine to some degree the next night, and although I slept a similar amount according to my Fitbit, it did show more times awake. However, overall I feel much better, and I'm going to continue winding down each night before I actually hit the sack. Hopefully, I will get better sleep over time. 

Woo Hoo!

Woo Hoo!

For the last five years I've had satellite radio in my car. To be honest, it is one of my favorite things. I've spent many an hour listening to my favorite talk show hosts, and have even had to drive around the block to listen to the end of an interview.

Our subscription was up for renewal, and Chuck made a call to negotiate the next year's rates. Not only did we get a great price, we also got the ability to listen to the radio on our phones and tablet. As he was setting it up I was doing the happy dance in the background. 

All I could think of was how many afternoons I would be spending with Dr. Laura, but then it got even better. Our salesperson casually mentioned that if we had Alexa we could listen to it on that devise. WHAT?????? I couldn't believe our luck. In a matter of seconds I was downloading the app. 

Now I'll be able to listen to satellite radio in my own home, on my high quality Sonos speaker. For this news loving nerd this was music to my ears. I guess it's the little things!

New to Me

New to me. 

I came across a posting from a former co-worker the other day advertising a new business she had started. I had never heard the term charcuterie before, and after a quick google search learned that a charcuterie board is a pairing of meat and cheese in an artisanal manner with fruit, nuts, crackers, and spreads all displayed on a wooden board. 

Her photograph was just beautiful, and intrigued me to see if the same thing could be replicated without the meat and cheese. As it turns out it is possible, and I found myself pinning examples of charcuterie boards, and looking forward to making one in the future. 

Sometimes I find myself thinking that maybe there isn't much left to learn, and then I find myself tripping over a French word I've never heard before. Come to find out these boards are truly pieces of art, and another way to express your creativity. I never want to lose sight of the next new thing. 

What is your charcuterie moment?

Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown

A tourist in your own hometown. 

Chuck and I visited the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Ft. Worth yesterday. This is one of two places in the United States that prints the paper money we use. 

If you haven't had a chance to visit, this really is worth your time to check it out. Your older children and grandchildren would  enjoy learning more about where their money comes from, and best of all this field trip is free. Just be reminded that you do need to leave your cell phones in the car. 

The facility includes an exhibit about the history of money, a short informational film, and a tour of how the money is produced. They even have specific age appropriate scavenger hunts to help keep the kids engaged. Before leaving we stopped by the gift shop to pick up a thimble for my collection. 

I was thinking about how many places are right in our own backyard that are often overlooked. After taking the tour I had a whole new appreciation for currency. It seems that I was just taking money for granted never really understanding all the work involved in the printing process. 

If given the chance I'd like to tour the US Mint in either Denver or Philadelphia to learn more about how our coins are made. I wish I had toured the facility prior to retiring because I always liked to bring firsthand knowledge to my classroom. 

A couple of summers ago Chuck and I made a point to visit the Bush Library and the Perot Museum. Last summer we checked out the Boy Scout Museum in Irving before it moved out of state.  Be a tourist in your own hometown, and make plans to visit a tourist spot in your own community this summer. 

Mint to Be

Mint to be. 

In late May when we were visiting my daughter and son-in-law we had some mint from their garden in our tea. The combination of mint and lemon made for a very refreshing drink. 

I commented on how I wish I had some, and my son-in-law proceeded to pull up a section of their mint plant to send home with me. I was excited to bring it home, but knew that with my limited gardening ability there was probably less than a fifty-fifty chance it would live to see the next week. 

Well I'm happy to report that my mint plant has not only survived the last month, but is actually thriving. Each morning as I step out my backdoor, I can't help but smile when I see how well it is doing. It must be getting the perfect combination of water, sun, and shade as it sits under my covered porch. 

My other venture into the world of herbs this year was rosemary and basil. Rosemary seems to be holding her own, but the basil fell prey to some Italian herb loving bug. I'm thinking if I get more basil it needs to remain inside. 

My only worry now is the incredible heat. Even with frequent watering the soil seems to be parched. These Texas summers can play havoc on anything green. 

God Bless America

God Bless America. 

I've suspected something for a while, but yesterday confirmed those suspicions. Apparently my cat, Abby, is a music lover. 

Yesterday after watching a video of two police officers singing God Bless America, I found myself singing the song as well, while cleaning up the breakfast dishes. Sitting contentedly in the dining room was Abby. As I continued to sing I made eye contact with her waiting to see what she would do. 

Sure enough she made her way over to me, and began to rub her head against my shoe, all the while purring. This was not the first time her reaction to my singing resulted in the same action. 

I think she must enjoy my singing, because she doesn't normally rub up against my shoe. Most of the time if she wants to show affection she waits for me to lie down so she can jump up onto my chest. There she stays waiting to be petted. 

As I sang I couldn't help but be reminded of a childhood memory of some movie where someone tamed a roaring lion just by singing. I do enjoy singing, but do not usually sing anywhere but church or my home. I'm wondering if I'm not giving myself enough credit, and might actually have the voice of an angel? I think Abby might agree. 

The Clarity of Action

The clarity of action. 

Bruce Hardy, a millennial, is featured in the book Roadtrip Nation.  As he attempts to find his way his advice gave this baby boomer pause. "Action makes the blur of uncertainty clear."

As one who has the tendency to live in my head more than I should, taking action is never something I just do naturally. Most of the time I've already talked myself out of doing something before the idea is even fully developed. 

I can always come up with a million reasons why I shouldn't take action, but like Hardy shares sometimes the action is the catalyst to clarity.  Just by doing something you can calibrate whether you should continue down that course or change direction. Doing nothing might just result in nothing. There are very few things I've DONE that I fully regret, it's usually the things I have failed to do that have brought regret. 

Lack of action might insulate you from embarrassment or humiliation, but living life protected by bubble wrap isn't really living. Actions don't always need to be grandiose, and those baby steps can help build up your confidence in knowing you are doing the right thing. 

There will always be uncertainty, but like I've written before that is not necessarily a bad thing. Life seems to be clearer when we are on the path that seems to work best for us. 

"Most of us live our lives by accident-we live as it happens. Fulfillment comes when we live our lives on purpose."

Simon Sinek

Together is Better: A Little Book of Inspiration

Like John Deere

Like John Deere. 

My two and a half year old grandson is a boy who knows what he likes. He might bypass the homemade waffles, and the maple syrup, but don't think he's going to let the strawberries go to waste. 

Given the opportunity to watch TV he's going to insist on Charlotte's Web, and not the cartoon version. He'll tell you that Templeton is a mouse, and not a rat. He knows how to check for okra in the garden, and he can turn on the sprinkler all by himself.  

He's been known to carry a  child-sized bale of hay to feed his horse Lilly, and is starting to enjoy singing with a make-shift microphone. As I've written before he'll dance on a dime, and keeps us all laughing. 

If given the chance he'd spend way too much time on my iPad watching colored marbles fall into the back of muti-colored dump trucks, all the while singing The Farmer in the Dell. Of course, his version is basically just, "Dell."

For all his many interests his love of tractors seems to be his favorite.  He hitches up trailers, plows, and spreaders, and entertains himself far longer than a two year old should with not only modern day versions, but with vintage tractors played with by his Dad and Pop. 

The other day he helped his Mom prepare dinner, as she was chopping up some green onions. She pointed out to him their name, and he responded, "Green, like John Deere." You gotta love this kid!