No Yard Work Between Memorial Day and Labor Day
I have no idea where I first heard this or what the connotations were. As a child growing up on a farm, the connotation was that there was no time for yard work, summer vacation was a time for chores, caring for baby farm animals, baling, and stacking hay, fixing equipment, and sneaking away to get into mischief with friends. In my adult life, as a “city dweller” (at least compared to my childhood in rural Wisconsin) the phrase has a much different connotation, one that means time should be spent with those you love, creating the memories that will stay with them long after we are gone. For instance, the making of legendary memories for my young, impressionable grandchildren. Trying to live up to the super-human qualities I pretend that they see in me.
While the “no work” sentiment is a clever idea, it is so far from the truth. I am fortunate to have a neighbor kid that is happy to mow my lawn for fun money and a retired gentleman who mows the lawn at the cabin for “beer money” and to stay busy. The excitement and pride he exhibits when showing off his Zero Turn, top of the line lawn mower is captivating. He almost makes me feel like I am missing out in letting him mow my lawn… almost, plus I am sure my wife, Jane would say no to such an extravagant toy. Quite the dichotomy of my two lawn care professionals. With that said, there is still much work to be done by me, especially at the lake place. My obsession with a perfect sand bottomed lake shore creating a setting that leaves me in awe of my own efforts is a lot of work. Throw in the occasional surprise job, this year it was learning that finding the lid to a septic tank cover requires a lot of discovery holes, and that mice had turned our regulatory pontoon life jacket quota into a winter retreat at our pontoon’s winter storage. Oh, but it is so worth it!!
I never thought that finding the lid of a well-hidden septic tank cover three feet below the ground’s surface would lead to “high fives” and a “page in our memories” among the men of my family (and an “eye roll” from the ladies of our tribe). The immense joy that I feel when my family is gleefully swimming and playing on the hard sand bottom of the weedless and snailless beach is priceless. The work is worth the prize. The complaining of the workload is a cry for recognition more than a complaint. We all know that I would not let anyone else take responsibility or seek praise for that “perfect beach”.
Our family, like all the families that have a place on our lake, has the best cabin on the lake. We may not brag or share that thought, but we all believe it. It is ours, it is where we share our time, where our dearest memories are made. It is where our mind goes when we need that mental break during stressful times. Most importantly. It is where our love grows and prospers.
We would love to hear from all about your real or figurative “cabin”. The place where you and your loved ones create your memories and develop your dreams. It can be a physical vacation place, an activity or pastime. Please share with us your passions and the things that are central to your life. We want to understand what really drives you and your tribe. Please share, we want to make it personal. The more we know the better we can envision how to navigate your plan.
In closing, my favorite life saying is that we all have three things to spend. These are our time, our talent, and our treasure. Treasure can be earned and grow, talent can be improved upon, but time can not be replaced. It is the most important of the three and often the most wasted. Our cabin is where my personal time is best spent, no matter whether playing, resting, contemplating life, or doing that dreaded yardwork.
651-982-1115 · legacycapitalwealth.com
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. This material is not individualized investment advice. Please consult us about your specific situation.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. Legacy Capital Wealth Management and LPL Financial are separate entities.