Just recently multiple friends (re-)discovered their backyards. According to a July 14th Wall Street Journal article, forty-six percent of consumers “said they did a landscaping, gardening or outdoor-living update in the last three months.”* Yes, we can connect and feel enthusiastic Close To Home! We can cultivate trust with our neighbors! Who said we have to go somewhere to be happy? What a true discovery!
Although the yearning to explore distant lands will never go away our “Backyards” are ripe for creating adventures and building memories. With rampant-growing mint, random holes dug by dogs and a skinny rhubarb plant it’s hard to imagine our backyard as a place of respite.
Yet “it’s about the small things right now” said my friend the other night.
An old Cottonwood shelters multiple creatures. With hot water the mint brews into a fresh goodnight tea. We laugh watching squirrels pester our dogs offering hours of entertainment. The rhubarb stalks are a key ingredient in a delicious family-favorite pie (Rhubarb pie). Who knew?“Backyard” also includes nearby parks, different neighborhoods, towns next door, restaurant patios, bike paths, playing fields, local gardens, hiking trails, ice cream shops, farmers markets, bakeries- what aren’t we mentioning?
Let’s enjoy the summer with some Local Adventures!
Adventure is a mindset, “…a state of mind, a spirit of trying something new and learning your comfort zone.”
(Alastair Humphreys)
Of course, gauging your comfort zone and understanding Covid protocols will determine your activity level and interactions. Pay attention to what feels comfortable. Stay informed of requirements by checking out websites for anywhere you want to visit.
Suggestions for creating “Small Things” Adventures
1. To Start
After years of commuting to work, you’ve found yourself at home and able to actually spend some time outside in the yard. Make the backyard an outdoor room with a variety of spaces. If the yard doesn’t look attractive order some mulch from Home Depot and sprinkle everywhere.
- If your kids have not learned to “weed” now is the time.
- Clean up patio furniture and if possible include some comfy chairs for hanging out. Shop on Facebook Marketplace or Craigs List for any additional pieces. If there’s room, a table and chairs are a Must Have to enjoy outdoor dining.
- Grab Holiday lights from storage and string up to create a sparkly atmosphere.
- Purchase some version of a “Fire Pit” (if regulations allow) for roasting S’mores.Add Adirondack chairs, a hammock, trampoline, and sandbox (or build one).
Mostly, in our own backyard sit and listen, look, inhale and feel the air on your skin. You’re outside and loving life!
Additional activities might include:
- Plant! Tomatoes in a pot or other annuals.
- Paint some pots, bird houses (purchase at Michaels), or an old piece of furniture to legitimizes the space.
- Make chimes; decorate a stepping stone (grab a kit); reclaim old bricks and layout a border.
- Let the sun brew your tea.
2. Around the neighborhood.
According to a 2018 Pew Survey a “majority of American (57%) say they know only some of their 
neighbors…Americans ages 65 and older are more likely than those ages 18 to 29 to say they know most of their neighbors (34% vs. 20%). In contrast, about a quarter (23%) of adults under 30 don’t know any of their neighbors, compared with just 4% among those 65 and older.” It hasn’t always been this way.
neighbors…Americans ages 65 and older are more likely than those ages 18 to 29 to say they know most of their neighbors (34% vs. 20%). In contrast, about a quarter (23%) of adults under 30 don’t know any of their neighbors, compared with just 4% among those 65 and older.” It hasn’t always been this way.Time in our backyards means the opportunity to get to know our neighbors!
- Greet everyone you walk by. If you’ve noticing something about the neighborhood and or the particular time of day, share it (such as the color of the clouds, a pretty tree etc…).
- Walk a different way each time. You’ll feel refreshed by the newness.
- Take some photos of whatever catches your attention Look around and notice.
At the Park
- Enjoy a picnic.
- Feed the ducks.
- Go fishing!
- Walk the perimeter and the interior
- Grab a sketch pad and draw.
- Write some poetry, an old-fashioned letter to a dear friend or just indulge in reading a book (disconnect from digital news)
In Town or the City
- Visit an ice cream store (look online for ordering process) or two or make it a goal to try every store in town
- Find the best outdoor patio and visit on off-hours (or make a reservation so you know the table’s location and can feel safe. Contact the restaurant to find out more)
- Sing-up for a local tour (contact me if you want to arrange for a private guide) and or visit your local tourism website for more touring information
- Subscribe to the town’s eNews or local magazine (most cities have a publication, similar to 5280 in Denver).
- Decide the best place to visit outside with girlfriends
- Where is the best place to kiss your sweetheart?
- Grab take-out and find a picnic table in a city park.
- Create and publish an Instagram tour for your town.
If you’re in Denver, please join me for Local Adventures going LIVE in August and September. Details to follow. Social Distancing, small group and Covid protocols will be in place. Please let me know if you’re interested in receiving more information (amy@atravelingtime.com).
One night we discovered ducks happily co-existing in a neighbor’s yard. Now we routinely visit them. It’s a new endearing ritual. Often we meet other neighbors, new friends, also enamored with the duckies. Sometimes they quack. Other times they’re settled in for the night.
Wishing you the joy of new discoveries and relationships from “small things” adventures this summer.
*“Your Backyard Is the Hot Destination This Summer”; Bank of America June 2020 survey of 1,054 consumers
