I'D RATHER BE DOING LIST

I’D RATHER BE DOING……

I have many things on my “to do” list, but I’d rather be….How often does this enter your mind. The “to do” list doesn’t seem to get shorter, but the “rather be” list always seems to take a back seat for one reason or another.

A recent self-analysis helped reveal some contributing factors in this formula. I hope it may help create some changes that could sway the balance of time devotion from my “to do” over to “rather be” list. My first task was to identify the contents of my “lists”. This was relatively easy. All of the “to do” items are ones that you are constantly and continuously reminded of ---- by yourself and others.

Take out the garbage
Mow the lawn
Rake the leaves
Put in the boat
Oh, yeah, Take out the boat
Etcetera…etcetera…etcetera…

Identifying the contents of the “rather be” list proved to be more difficult. I found that the “rather be” list seemed to be far longer than the “to do” one. I also discovered, after further analysis, that there are far fewer “constant and continuous” external reminders associated with the “rather be” list…

Walk in the woods
Go Hunting
Go Fishing
Go Golfing
Do something with wood
Etcetera…etcetera…etcetera…and more etc.

Is it not obvious that “external influences” would be more prominent with the first list than with the second? Is it not obvious why there would be a propensity toward the giving the second a back seat on the “flight of life”?

I do not contend that my personal “to do” list has overshadowed its foe. I do try to fit the “rather be” in as often as possible---I am sure that will be regarded as an understatement by many. But, the one item on the list that has been sadly neglected is the “do something with wood” one. As I look at my meager accomplishments in that endeavor, I can only describe the results as paltry. This is obviously the result of a lack of talent, if not ingenuity. I try and, believe me, I enjoy every arduous minute of time spent, so it still deserves a favored spot on the “rather be” list.

Rather than a self-analysis, I post this as a reminder that we should do an evaluation of our individual lists and strive to move some of the “rather be” items from the economy class to first class, where you will both have a much more pleasant ride on that “flight of life”.

A Delightful Indian Summer Experience

Starting out with an insulated denim jacket at 43 degrees, and ending with a sweaty tee shirt at 78 degrees. Such is a late morning to afternoon session in a never ending buckthorn battle in the woods saga. The early morning chill is bearable after coffee and pancakes, but the October afternoons of this year have been an Indian Summer delight—even with the buckthorn.

Throw in the clearing of a few dead Oaks for firewood, and we have the setting for some of the most enjoyable hours that can be spent in the woods. No question, some challenges present themselves, like hanging widow-makers hanging high up in the tree crowns or piles of buckthorn to clear from the trail. But our faithful horse, Kawasaki, or rather ATV, provides the services of a mule, in winching down those hanging trees or dragging piles of cut buckthorn to new places of repose, where they may provide some cover and protection for the wild occupants of our forest.

It is surprising how much time one can spend studying leaves of the varieties of trees and shrubs finding a home in the woods. Oh, and this has been a “great” year for acorns, well appreciated by the squirrels, deer and turkeys meandering through. Also, a good growing season is evidenced by the bountiful supply of various mushroom species, although I do not rely on my meager expertise to choose but a few readily recognized varieties.

All in all, this is simply meant as a reminder that spending some time in the “woods” can be as beneficial as a handful of pills, or perhaps even more so.