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Growing up yard work was a death sentence to me. I would find every excuse not to do it. 

I hated mowing and was not a fan of fighting a weed eater either. 

I guess it boiled down to the fact that I do not operate well in the heat. 

When I was 15, I worked at my dad’s shop to save money for my first few months of car insurance, but also quickly realized that whatever career I chose to pursue the one main requirement was air conditioning. Spoiled? I know. 

My dislike of heat has carried over to adulthood. You don’t want to see me in a line in June at Disneyworld; though I am not sure that heat is the only factor affect my temperament then.

What has changed is how much I enjoy working outside. 

These past few weeks, every evening is spent doing some sort of work outside. Much to my kids chagrin, they get roped into my work plans very frequently.

Working outside has been a way to release stress from all that is going on. It has been a way to help improve our environment as we plant more trees or pick up trash. It has also been a time to enjoy what we have been blessed with.

As with most things I train my focus on, I tend to go a bit too far. 

If you visit my house now, what was once a piece of property with one mature oak tree now has an additional nine oak trees, one cypress, six citrus trees, one maple tree, two pecan trees, and one fig tree. Like I said, just doing my part for the environment.

My kids and I are also doing a little bit of container gardening. Not that we will likely eat what we grow as the kids and I are all extremely picky eaters, but it will produce a good opportunity to give to others.

I choose to look at the positive in all situations and our current situation is no different. Our family is spending way more time together and doing things that make will make an impact on our lives and the lives of others in the future.

While I want time to move slowly, I also can’t wait to see the trees we have planted grow with my kids. When the day arrives and they have children, I can share with them how their parents helped plant all the trees that are towering over my yard. 

Definitely a great way to invest in their future.

 

Chris Kovatch is a resident of Orange County. You can reach him at news@orangeleader.com