It’s been a wet day. Very wet. The sort of day you only go outside for a really good reason. Which basically means just one visit into the garden today. The best of reasons took me out and I’m thankful for that. Smiles, fresh air and unexpected flowers.

It’s strange how quickly your house can become so claustrophobic. The walls seem to slowly close in. The rooms become darker regardless of how much artificial light you try to switch on. The atmosphere becomes increasingly heavy and foreboding. You cling on to those things that make you smile. Finally it’s has to be the time to brave the rain and breathe again. Quickly the mood lifts. Happy thoughts flood in more quickly. You feel alive again. Even in the rain it’s wonderful to breathe.

83 thoughts on “Outside”

  2. Great post Gary. After the heat and oppressive air here for the past couple of days, the rain last night was a relief and the change in atmosphere this morning is cleansing.
    Is your plant a white hydrangea?

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  3. This is milfoil or yarrow, I don’t know how you call it usually. It has a very calming effect and helps against headaches or migraines caused by weather changes. Its antispasmodic effect is also beneficial for flatulence. It stimulates digestion and the flow of bile helps with loss of appetite, gastrointestinal cramps, and liver complaints. It also has a positive effect on blood circulation, strengthens the venous blood system and thus helps with varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Also, it is used for hair loss.
    You can make a tea from it or use it for herb butter, spreads, or herbal salt. You can use the fresh plant or dry it. Sorry, for the post but right now I am using it myself a lot. Actually, I am drinking a tea of it right now… lol!

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  7. It’s weird… I used to be very house claustrophobic, going out all the time. Now I primarily live in my bedroom (well, the bed) to the point that my living room feels like an adventure.

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  10. We have felt the walls close in a day or two here and there. It is nice to get out and have some change of pace or routine. I am glad you the mood lifted for you and you were able to breathe again.

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  11. I have been sitting outside for a few hours with my two neighbours, chatting. I have evidence of this relaxation in form of a sunburn.
    Although sunburnt, it’s not too bad, as I covered my arms when it started in first hour and a half. But can feel the tingle, now I am indoors to prepare my late dinner.

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      1. With the way things have closed back down it’s too unpredictable to try to go anywhere. I have been trying to get out to the nearby lake and paddle board, or go for bike rides and hikes with the family. Maybe someday… 💕

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  14. Been sick for over a week now, doesn’t feel like covid or anything nasty, just a flu that never ends. Yesterday I laid down in our guest room, opened the window, and fell asleep in what seemed like fresh, unvomited air. Dreamt I bought a horse and played with it for hours. Will I ever get better? Even my cats smell diarrheal. I’m very glad they own me.

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  15. The month of July has been awash here as well. It is sunny today and my mood has lifted considerably…maybe I should be taking vitamin D (does that affect mood like the sun does? hmmmm).

    I love the photos and your dependable positive viewpoint. God bless.

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  16. I agree with you on being stuck in the house, but here, it has been too hot for the past 2 weeks to get out. Just stepping out this morning to water the flowers took my breath. 93° with a heat index of 101°. I’ll be happy when fall comes!

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  17. I have to have open windows… AIR! when it gets too hot and we close everything up and turn the AC on, it feels claustrophobic. I’m very, very lucky to have a fenced yard that I can go to. Nature is always magical! Even “bad” weather is beautiful.

    Also, I have an app that identifies plants from pictures of them and can confirm everything that Erika wrote about your flowers. Keep the Cap’n away though. Its toxic to cats & dogs😉💌

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  20. Even rain has life to it ❤️

    Is fun sometimes to splash in puddles or get all wet. And then later once you inside and change and get all warm… hot chocolate is like the icing on the cake ❤️✌️

    I bet hot chocolate in Switzerland is incredible!!! Omg – now I want that lol

    Now you have me thinking of rain and hot chocolate when I am over here cooking in temps close to 100 lol 😄✌️

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