Vacation week and Random 5

I’ve had a wonderful week off from work. I admit I’m dreading going back to work on Monday, but I’m not going to let that keep me from enjoying my last three days.

I’m linking up with Nancy’s A Rural Journal for Random 5 Friday. She hosts such a fun meme. Check out the others who participate and don’t hesitate to join in!

One

On Thursday, Larry and I spent several hours in Lynchburg, running various errands. Some we had to do. Some we wanted to do. It was the third trip we made into the city this week.

Lynchburg is not that far from Altavista—about 20 miles. The trips take longer depending which part of the city you’re going to. I used to work in Lynchburg and made the trip to and from my office—about 52 miles round trip—each day. I’m just not interested in doing that anymore. I’m glad I work in Altavista.

Two

One stop we made was at a home center where we bought supplies to begin building our raised bed garden. I admit that I didn’t recognize some of the parts Larry bought to put together the frame and fencing. He’s the carpenter in the family.

Supplies for the frame of the raised bed garden.

Three

A lot of deer visit our backyard. They’ve become comfortable enough with the motion lights that the sudden light doesn’t make them run anymore.

I wonder what they’ll think of the new garden. Will they think we’re putting in a salad bar for them?

It will be salad bar if we don’t put a fence around the bed!

The other night I finally managed to get a photo of one of the deer. I looked out the window and saw her lying in the grass. I carefully opened the back door and went out on the enclosed porch, then opened the screen door. I took a couple of shots before she got up and ran.

It’s not a good photo. I wasn't steady or close enough for a good shot. But I’m glad I finally have a picture of one of our favorite visitors.

Four

Another stop we made was the bookstore, where I found a book on gardening in Virginia. I have a decent gardening book from years ago, but I wanted something more up-to-date. I like the new book’s reference section and advice on when and how to plant.

I also bought a book by Margaret Roach called The Backyard Parables: Lessons on Gardening, and Life. It will inspire me, I’m sure.

Five

On another trip to Lynchburg, I got my annual mammogram.

I say annual because I’m supposed to get one every year. My mother is a breast cancer survivor, and that’s the advice I’ve been given.

I haven’t been faithful in doing that, though. I thought it had been three or four years since I had one. I discovered I haven’t had a mammogram since 2008.

I will do better from now on. And please, ladies, follow the advice of your doctor and get mammograms as prescribed. There—that’s my health education message—and my heartfelt advice—for you this week.