Tag: Seasonal Changes

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When Spring Forgets It’s Spring (and My Lawn Forgets Its Manners)

Written 04/08/2025

Hello, Dear Readers,

Ah, Nashville. The only place where you can sip iced tea on the porch one day and contemplate lighting the fireplace the next. This week has been a bit of a rollercoaster—weather-wise, that is. One moment we were basking in spring-like sunshine, and the next, the temperature nosedived, flirting with frostbite. On the bright side, no tornado warnings or thunderous chaos today—just a brisk chill and a confused lawn behaving like it’s late May.

Thanks to a cocktail of warm days and buckets of rain, our grass—and its less welcome cousin, the weeds—had a growth spurt. They clearly got the wrong seasonal memo. I swear, our yard is acting like it’s auditioning for The Secret Garden reboot.

Meanwhile, the birds have declared our backyard the brunch spot of the season. Robins, sparrows, maybe a few freeloading grackles—all pecking around like they’re foraging for truffles. They might be after the worms surfacing from the soggy ground or the random berries our backyard insists on producing. Whatever it is, the backyards become a feathered frenzy.

As for me, I had one noble mission today: taming the jungle. Lawn-mowing season has officially begun.

Normally, I wait until the day warms up a bit before stepping outside—especially on mornings that feel more like winter’s encore than spring’s overture. But today, I got an early start. The backlog from last week’s storms and rain had left our lawn looking more like a meadow, and I needed to catch up.

And catch up I did—until both of our large mower batteries tapped out. I was surprised by how much ground I covered and equally surprised by how much still remained. I had grand ambitions, but alas, when the batteries say they’re done, it’s nature’s way of saying, “Time for a break.”

Not too long ago, mowing this much would have wiped me out for the day. Back then, our mower was… let’s call it “modest.” My wife and I would tag-team the yard whenever time (and energy) allowed. Then came the upgrade: five years ago, we invested in a proper mower—a real game-changer. Thanks to that and my regular workouts, I now have the stamina to mow for hours without turning into a puddle of regret.

Fun fact: my wife used to mow nearly an acre of land back in Canada. With a push mower. Not electric. Not gas-powered. Just pure muscle. Every week. For four hours. Apparently, Canadian grass is better behaved and less aggressive than ours—but still, that’s some serious yard cred. She says mowing was great exercise, and oddly enough, she even enjoyed it. (Remind me to ask her again in July.)

Today, I managed to tackle about half the yard. Not bad, considering the battery drama and the early chill. If the weather behaves, I’m hoping to wrap things up on Thursday. Maybe I’ll sneak in a few strips tomorrow after my run, just to lighten the load.

Until then, the lawn can enjoy its semi-groomed half-makeover. It’s a work in progress—just like spring in Tennessee.

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Spring is Here… and So is Temperature Whiplash

Written March 3, 2025

reviewed 3/17

Hello Dear Readers,

Ah, spring in Nashville—the season where the weather behaves like a toddler throwing a tantrum. One moment, it’s flirting with summer warmth; the next, it’s diving headfirst back into winter. A 10-degree (or more) temperature swing within a single day? Completely normal. Convenient? Not in the slightest.

For most people, this just means layering up or peeling off a jacket when needed. But for me, post-brain stroke, my body has lost the ability to adjust to temperature shifts efficiently. Basically, my internal thermostat is broken. You know how your body shivers when it’s cold, constricting blood vessels to keep the heat in? Or how it ramps up metabolism to warm you up? Yeah, mine missed the memo. Instead, I just sit there, fully exposed to whatever the weather decides to throw at me, feeling every degree of change like some kind of human barometer.

After years of trial and (unfortunate) error, I’ve developed a system. Step one: check the weather forecast obsessively. Step two: have an outfit formula for each temperature range. If it’s 65°F or higher? Boom—shorts for running. Below that? Long sleeves, no exceptions. Since my body refuses to regulate heat properly, my only defense is meticulous planning.

Public buildings in summer? A whole different battle. Most people walk in from the heat and sigh in relief at the air conditioning. Me? I’m bracing for the deep freeze. The temperature difference between the scorching outdoors and the arctic indoor settings is brutal. Luckily, our house is the one place where I’m safe from the extremes. My wife always preferred keeping our indoor temperature closer to the natural climate, and after my stroke, she fine-tuned it even more to make things manageable for me.

This morning was another classic example of springtime mood swings. Woke up to temperatures just shy of freezing, and now it’s warmed up to a more tolerable range. But alas, still not 65°F, which means I’m reluctantly sticking to long sleeves for my run.

Honestly, this season keeps me on my toes. Some days start at a crisp 32°F and end pushing 60°F, which means I have to time my outdoor activities with military precision. Between my morning run and any outdoor chores, I’m constantly strategizing around the temperature spikes and drops.

On the bright side, my recovery routine worked wonders—yesterday’s sore legs feel refreshed, and I’m feeling pretty strong today. Now, if only spring could pick a temperature and stick with it, that would be great. But until then, I’ll be out there, battling the elements one run at a time.

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Weather Betrayal and the Art of Finding Joy Anyway

Written February 5, 2025

Hello, dear readers!

Monday’s run was glorious. The kind of day that tricks you into believing winter is finally packing its bags and heading for the hills. The sun was shining, the temperature was perfect, and for a fleeting moment, I thought, Maybe—just maybe—spring has arrived.

Ha.

The universe must have heard my foolish optimism and decided to intervene immediately. By Tuesday, the temperature had plummeted 15 degrees. Today? Another 10. At this point, I half-expect to wake up tomorrow and find a fresh layer of snow just to complete winter’s petty revenge arc.

It’s still not as bitterly cold as last week, but somehow, that one warm day spoiled me. I had already started fantasizing about running in short sleeves again, and now I’m back to layering up like an Arctic explorer. Funny how a single glimpse of spring makes returning to winter feel even worse than before.

Adding to the tease, the warm spell coaxed some early greenery out of hiding. My wife, ever the keen observer, stood by the window, enjoying the sight of those fresh little sprouts. And then, as if winter took offense at our moment of joy, the cold came roaring back. Typical Midwest. Having lived here, I should’ve known better. Midwest weather doesn’t transition—it mood-swings.

But what’s the point of complaining? It won’t change a thing. Might as well put my feelings of betrayal, disappointment, and mild outrage into a neat little box labeled Things I Cannot Control. It’s a pretty full box at this point.

At least my walk to the doctor’s office yesterday was pleasant. The temperature was still hanging on to some remnants of warmth, and I even managed to enjoy the stroll. The appointment went smoothly—always a plus—and, as promised, I rewarded my responsible adulting with a cupcake on the way home.

Now, let’s talk about that cupcake. Was my favorite flavor available? No. Was I momentarily devastated? A little. But I soldiered on, selected another, and—no surprises here—it was delicious. Honestly, I don’t think this bakery is even capable of making a bad cupcake. Some places just have that magic touch.

Of course, my wife, being the mysterious and perplexing individual she is, remains indifferent to cupcakes. I do not understand this. How does one simply not care about cupcakes? This is one of life’s great mysteries, alongside Why does toast always land butter-side down? and Why do socks vanish in the laundry? But alas, she was unmoved by my confectionary enthusiasm, so I had to enjoy my sweet reward solo. Her loss.

Let the temperatures play their cruel little games. I refuse to let them dictate my mood. If winter wants to be temperamental, fine—I’ll just keep finding my own ways to enjoy the day.

And if that happens to involve another cupcake next week? Well, who am I to argue with fate?

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Embracing the Chill: Adjusting to Winter Routines and Biological Rhythms

Written October 8, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

I woke and dressed this morning, ready to go outside and vacuum leaves from our lawn. As soon as I opened the door, a sharp chill greeted my skin, biting my skin. Winter is definitely on the way. Shivering with cold, I quickly closed the door, leaving the cold weather behind the door. Let’s do the yard work after I eat breakfast. 

The weather in Nashville has gotten pretty chilly over the past few days, causing leaves to fall from the trees. We noticed some maple trees in the forest behind our house were changing color. Although the temperature rose quickly, by the time I’d eaten my breakfast, it had warmed by 10 degrees F. My biological thermostat has been broken since my brain stroke, so I am more sensitive to temperature change than ordinary people. After my breakfast, it was warm enough to tolerate, just like I had planned. 

There are two big trees—one on our property and one on our neighbor’s—that seem to be constantly battling to outdo each other with the amount of leaves they shed, leaving me to clean up after them. It took me nearly two hours to vacuum most of them. After nearly two hours of leaf collection, I decided that I had done enough. I’ll have to evaluate the yard again tomorrow after my run to see if I need to do another session on Thursday.

My wife mentioned to me that she felt like running at night even though she runs at 5:30 a.m. It’s pretty dark in the morning. She does not get to see any sunlight during her morning run anymore, and she feels that she does not get enough sunlight. She hopes the time shift will make some sunlight much more accessible. 

I am aware that my wife is struggling to balance her daily schedule with her biological rhythm. When the days are shorter, our biological clock changes. My wife had a restless summer and sleep problems, and now she seems to have the opposite. She just hopes for the timeshift so that her schedule is closer to her biological clock.

I, too, plan to shift my schedule to wintertime shortly. It’s almost as if I did a trial run of my intended schedule once daylight savings time ends, although I did not do the exercises I designed to do on that schedule. My body cannot tolerate the cold anymore, so I plan to run much later in the day to avoid the extra stress on my body.

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A Race Against Time: Deck Renovation Before Winter

Written September 22, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Just like every other day this past week, my morning began with applying paint stripper to one of the boards on our deck. Yesterday, I didn’t finish as many boards as I had planned, leaving more work to be done. This deck project has added to my already packed schedule, so I’ve had to find time to squeeze it in.

My wife can only help on the weekends. Sometimes, I catch her working on the deck after her job, but with her early starts, she rarely has time during the week. Knowing I have more free hours than she does, I’ve decided to take on the bulk of the work myself.

I have a deadline in mind for finishing the stripping and sanding. With winter approaching, even here in Nashville, I want to wrap everything up by the first or second week of October. Thankfully, our deck is relatively small—we only have about 25 boards to work on.

The days are definitely getting shorter, and I’m becoming more aware of how long I can work before it gets dark. Last night, I finished scraping the last board well after sunset. However, in the morning light, I realized I had missed a few spots. The darkness made me less thorough than I thought, so I had to go back and re-scrape that board to catch what I missed.

We’ve been using a combination of paint remover and a sander for this job. My wife was planning to help repair the deck this weekend, but with a hurricane approaching, I don’t think that will happen. I’m tackling about two to three boards daily, which has worked well. Since it takes time for the paint stripper to soften, I try to fit my other tasks into the waiting periods.

One challenge we’ve run into is the sap from a maple tree that’s hardened onto the deck, making my work trickier. My wife noticed it last weekend and wondered where it was coming from. I pointed to a maple tree in the woods beyond our backyard. It’s at least 10 feet away from the deck, and there aren’t any branches hanging over it, so I figure the wind must be blowing the sap onto the boards.

The weather has been pleasant lately. We had a few hot days this week, but the breeze felt cool even then. The leaves on the maple—the culprit—are starting to change color. Autumn is nearly here in Nashville, and I love it. It’s such a beautiful time of year. I’ve been working on the deck while listening to audiobooks, which makes the process a bit more relaxing. I hope I can get sanding done before my target day.

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An Interesting Early Autumn Yard Tale Of Unspoken Tree

Written Septermber 10, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

It’s only early September, but our lawn is covered in leaves. The reason behind this premature leaf fall is two trees in front of our house. The larger one, a towering presence on our neighbor’s property, overshadows the smaller tree on ours. When we had an arborist inspect a tree at the back of our house, he informed us that the smaller tree on our property was struggling. Its health is declining due to competition from its larger counterpart next door. I suspect there’s a silent battle for resources happening beneath the surface. Unfortunately, our tree is on the losing side.

It’s fascinating to think about how trees, which appear so still and tranquil, constantly struggle for survival. We don’t often consider what goes on underground, where their roots stretch out in search of water and nutrients. Our smaller tree, likely overshadowed and outcompeted by the larger one, shows signs of stress. It frequently sheds branches during strong winds, even though it looks healthy on the surface. It also seems to lose more leaves than the bigger tree, which is surprising given their relative sizes.

This year, both trees are shedding their leaves much earlier than usual. The lack of rainfall might be a contributing factor. Lawns around the neighborhood appear to be suffering, looking patchy and dry. It starkly contrasts with when we first moved to Nashville from Oregon in August 2018. We were struck by how lush and green everything was here. In Oregon, the dry summer season and water usage restrictions made it challenging to maintain a vibrant lawn. My wife, a lawn care expert in her own right, used to water our lawn sparingly but for extended periods to encourage more profound root growth. Having lived in the Waterloo region of Ontario, Canada, where water restrictions were common, she was well-practiced in keeping grass healthy with minimal resources.

Maintaining our yard has become more complicated over the years. With the early leaf fall this season, I’ve found myself transitioning seamlessly from mowing the lawn to collecting leaves. Fortunately, it’s been dry for the past week, making vacuuming the leaves much easier. Today, I spent a few hours on this task, stopping only when our water delivery arrived.

The cooler temperatures have been noticeable lately. The crispness in the air signals that autumn is just around the corner. It’s a reminder of how quickly seasons change and how each one brings its own set of challenges and rewards. Ever since my brain stroke, managing these chores has become more challenging. I’ve had to learn to pace, take breaks when needed, and not overexert myself.

Despite the extra work, there’s something satisfying about yard work—mowing the lawn, collecting leaves, or tending to the garden. It connects you to the changing seasons in a tangible way. I’m looking forward to the colors of autumn, even though it means more leaves to rake. Soon enough, my yard work will halt as winter sets in. At least we won’t have to worry about shoveling snow daily like in other parts of the country. For now, I’ll enjoy the last of the warmer days, the occasional leaf collection, and the beauty of this early taste of autumn.

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Embracing Fall and DIY Adventures

Written September 8, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Fall has officially arrived, bringing a welcome reprieve from the summer heatwaves we endured. Last night, the temperature dipped below 60 degrees, and it was still brisk when I woke up. To make the most of the cooler air, we’ve been keeping the windows open at night, leaving the house feeling chilly in the mornings. Today, I reached for my robe and slippers as I started my day, enjoying the cozy feeling of the house transitioning into the new season.

With cooler weather, we’ve focused on some long-overdue home improvement projects. One of these is our deck, which took a bit of a beating during the summer. We’ve been scraping and sanding, restoring it to its former glory. I plan to spend an hour on this chore once it’s warm enough to work outside comfortably. I’ll put on my audiobook and lose myself in the rhythm of the work.

My wife, who is an early riser, was already out on the deck when I joined her. Her day typically starts at 5:30 AM, regardless of whether it’s a weekday or the weekend. She had been out there for a couple of hours, diligently sanding away. Although she’s expressed some frustration with the repetitive nature of the task, she’s also found a silver lining in learning new skills. This is her first time tackling such a hands-on project; her enthusiasm is contagious. She’s discovering the satisfaction of repairing something yourself and learning the ins and outs of a task you’ve never done before.

It’s this desire to learn and experience new things that really defines her. She’s an avid reader, currently engrossed in Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, a book she finds deeply thought-provoking. Yet, she balances her love of reading with a drive to get out of her comfort zone. Whether repairing the deck or trying a new recipe, she’s always eager to explore and grow. For her, this deck project isn’t just about maintenance; it’s about embracing a new challenge and the satisfaction of mastering it.

As for me, I’m enjoying the process of working on the deck together. We’ve taken on a number of home renovation and maintenance projects over the years. While we’re far from professionals, each project has been a learning experience. Something is fulfilling about tackling these tasks as a team, figuring things out together, and seeing the tangible results of our efforts. It’s a reminder that even the most mundane chores can be an opportunity for growth and connection.

After we wrap up work on the deck, I’ll head into the kitchen to prepare the week’s pastry bites and get things in order before we make our favorite homemade pizza. With the cooler weather settling in, I’m also adjusting my running routine. I’ll switch to long sleeves for my morning runs, though it’s not quite cold enough for a jacket and gloves. Those crisp, frosty mornings aren’t far off, especially now that I’ve shifted to running before breakfast instead of afterward.

There’s something special about this time of year—the way the air feels, the shift in daily routines, and the cozy indoor activities that start to take center stage. It’s a time for reflection, new projects, and savoring the small joys, whether working on home improvements or enjoying the kitchen’s warmth. Fall is here, and with it comes a sense of renewal and the promise of new experiences.

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Lawn Care, Falling Leaves, and Easy Fall Chores

Written 8/27/2024

Hello Dear Readers,

As autumn slowly arrives in Nashville, I can feel the subtle shift in the air and see signs of the season’s change. The once rapidly growing grass has largely ceased its energetic push toward the sky, and the cooler weather has made everything feel a bit more relaxed. With the recent lack of rainfall, the trees have already started shedding their leaves earlier than expected. It’s a sight that marks the beginning of a new chapter for the landscape, with dried leaves decorating the ground and the lawn no longer demanding as much attention.

The lack of rain and the cooler temperatures have significantly prevented the lawn from its usual growth spurt. That’s why I decided to skip mowing for the first time in months. The grass didn’t look eager to grow, and with the season transitioning, it felt like a good time to pause. However, if you know Nashville’s weather, you know it’s unpredictable. While it might feel like the mowing season is over, there’s always the chance that a warm front will come through, pushing the grass into a final burst of growth before winter sets in. I’ll have to keep monitoring it over the next few weeks, reassessing as I go to see if the lawn needs one last cut or if we can officially retire the mower for the year.

Mowing the lawn has been a key part of my summer routine, but other outdoor chores take center stage as the season changes. The fallen leaves are already creating a patchwork carpet across the yard. As they pile up, they’ll need to be dealt with before they get wet and decompose, making them even more challenging to clear away. Leaf removal is a task that only intensifies as autumn progresses, and I’ll have my hands full before long.

Meanwhile, my wife has taken the initiative to tidy up around the house by tackling the wedding on the weekends. Weeding is another job that tends to escalate this time of year, so I’ll likely join her efforts this week to help ensure everything stays in shape.

We’re bracing for temperatures to spike again, with forecasts predicting highs over 100°F (38°C) on Thursday and Friday. My wife isn’t thrilled about the heatwave. Still, she’s already set on tackling another big project—power washing the siding, deck, and driveway. It’s a daunting task in such extreme weather, but it will be rewarding to have everything looking fresh and clean as we move into fall.

With the changing season comes new challenges and responsibilities, but it’s all part of maintaining our home as we welcome autumn in Nashville.

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Listening To The Rhythm Of Season

Written on August 11, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

As August gradually fades, I can’t help but notice the subtle signs that the year is nearing its end. Each morning feels a bit colder, hinting at autumn’s slow but certain approach. While the season of vibrant leaves and crisp air isn’t entirely upon us yet, the shift in temperature is enough to make my skin tingle with sensitivity. As I prepared to mow the lawn this morning, I instinctively reached for an old hoodie, needing that extra layer of warmth until my body adjusted to the cooler air. It took nearly an hour of physical activity before I finally felt warmed up, a clear reminder that the seasons are changing.

The arrival of cooler weather is a much-needed respite after the sweltering heat waves we endured in July and August. During those months, the temperature frequently soared above 90°F, and the oppressive humidity made it feel even hotter. Our household prefers to keep the indoor climate as natural as possible, avoiding air conditioning whenever possible. Even when the temperature climbs above 80°F, it doesn’t feel as stifling inside. Despite this, I doubt I’ll ever fully acclimate to Nashville’s notoriously humid summers, where the mercury can easily rise past 100°F.

Now that my body has adapted to the intense summer heat, I find it refreshing to ease into the cooler weather. It feels like we’re being kinder to our autonomic nervous systems, which have been working overtime to keep us cool. The lawn, which we keep trimmed short, has also responded to the change in weather. The lack of recent rainfall has slowed its growth considerably, and the cooler temperatures in the past few days have made it increasingly difficult to distinguish where I’ve mowed and where I haven’t. The grass is growing so slowly now that it’s easy to miss a spot or two.

Looking ahead, my wife has already started planning for the next season. She mentioned fertilizing the lawn for the coming year, a task she intends to tackle in October or November, just a few weeks before the first frost. This forward-thinking is crucial, as we’ll soon be dealing with the annual onslaught of leaves from the two large trees—one in our front yard and another from the neighbor’s—that will soon blanket the lawn.

Since taking on the responsibility of our yard work, I’ve become more attuned to the rhythm of the seasons. Our outdoor chores change with the times: from March to October, it’s all about mowing and maintaining the lawn. As autumn sets in, our focus shifts to managing the fallen leaves and preparing the yard for the year ahead. Winter offers a brief reprieve, with far less work to be done, though my wife has plenty of maintenance projects lined up to keep us busy. Despite the hustle and bustle ahead, I eagerly anticipate the end of the mowing season, ready to embrace the quieter, cooler months.

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Weather Whiplash: Adapting to Tennessee’s Temperamental Climate

Written 3/19/2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Living in Tennessee means signing up for a weather rollercoaster, especially during this time of year. When you think you’ve had a few picturesque days, the state throws you a curveball with temperatures swinging wildly from delightfully warm to unexpectedly frosty. This erratic weather pattern has once again made its mark, putting a damper on my well-laid plans.

Earlier this week, I was looking forward to a peaceful day of mowing the lawn. This chore becomes enjoyable under the soft embrace of mild sunshine. However, Tennessee’s whimsical weather had other plans. Out of the blue, we were hit by a day that combined both heat and cold extremes—a true puzzle for anyone trying to dress appropriately.

This morning was a stark reminder of this unpredictability. I woke up to a chill that seeped right through the windows, the kind of cold that makes you think twice about stepping outside. A quick check on my smartphone confirmed my suspicions: the temperature had indeed dipped below freezing. The weather forecast wasn’t promising either, suggesting the cold bite in the air wouldn’t let up anytime soon.

Despite the frosty start, there’s a silver lining: The forecast hints at the return of lovely days soon. With this in mind, I’ve decided to shuffle my schedule around. Mowing the lawn today is off the table. Instead, I plan to tackle it on Thursday, when the weather is expected to be more forgiving. This small decision highlights how much the climate here influences even the simplest of daily tasks.

It leads me to ponder how many others in Tennessee or similar climates find their routines dictated by the weather. How often do construction workers, landscapers, or even local businesses have to adjust their plans based on the latest weather report? It must be a universal dance with Mother Nature, where each step is carefully placed to match her unpredictable rhythm.

Weather in Tennessee teaches you flexibility and patience, which are also helpful in life. The need to adapt to the weather here goes beyond just choosing the right coat; it’s about rearranging life’s little to-dos around the whims of the weather gods. As I look ahead to Thursday, I hope for a warm day to let me catch up on my outdoor chores without needing to bundle up or strip down. Until then, I’ll watch the thermometer and the other on my planner, ready to pivot as the weather dictates.