A Year of Gratitude – May 27, 2024

I found my gratitude with sawdust and sunshine today. I started the day at the lumber yard and ended it with two fresh new raised beds that are ready to be settled into place in our kitchen garden. That’s a great day in my book.

My dad built the existing raised beds in my kitchen garden. This year, my mom and I decided that another pair of beds would fit in behind the four that are already planted. With two additional beds, there would be more space to grow herbs and vegetables for our family table.

My goal was to build two new beds that would match the original beds. So, my dad helped me decide the right lumber to use and then we headed to the lumber yard to pick up cedar boards to bring home for the project.

We set up a little workstation and got to work. Dad oversaw what we were doing and offered suggestions when needed. Mom was there to lend a hand, or a clamp, when I needed an extra hand. When the beds were finished, my mom and daughter helped to move them to the kitchen garden.

There will be grass to strip away and plenty of leveling to do before settling the beds into place. Then I’ll be shoveling them full of compost from our compost pile. After a few days of hard work, they’ll be ready to plant. Then the real fun will begin as I wait for them to fill up with delicious flavors to celebrate on our dinner plates.

I could think about the work ahead, but tonight I’ll just be thankful for how much we accomplished. I’ll look forward to the delicious meals I can grow in our kitchen garden, and I’ll sleep well from all the fresh air and sunshine.

This post is part of our A Year of Gratitude Series. You can find the introduction, inspiration, and entire year’s gratitude’s posts here.