Every day is Earth Day, right?

So, you know when you're supposed to be packing the car and tidying up the house and paying the bills and just generally wrapping things up before you head out of town?  But then, instead of doing those things, or rather, on top of doing those things, you suddenly decide that RIGHT NOW you need to take a walk down the road with the wheelbarrow and clean up the trash on the side of the road?  That's because you didn't do it three weeks ago on Earth Day when you'd planned to because then it was SO cold and you were afraid you had an ear infection that you didn't want to make worse by traipsing out and about with it?  And, now the grass is starting to sprout up so quickly that you're thinking it'll have grown so tall by the time you get back next week that, by then you won't be able to find all those cans and bottles and plastic bags and stuff?  And then you'll have to wait until next spring when the grass is gone again and you'll spend ALL YEAR feeling guilty for not getting around to it earlier?

Well.  The bonus is that by waiting so long that, back at home, while sorting the trash from the recyclables, you realize that you're leaving for Seattle the next day and so, rather than tossing the glass bottles (which aren't recyclable yet in Montana, %#$^&!) into the dumpster, you realize that you can bring them along with you and recycle them when you get there.  Duh.  You used to do this all the time but, I know, I know, it just all seemed to be more than you could deal with when the boys were little and there were so many more little things to think about, especially while preparing for a road trip.  But don't you think it's about time you got it together and started doing so again?  I mean, really, it's not like there isn't room in the minivan to haul a few bags of bottles along with you?

Besides, once you're there, you can bring the bottles to the self-serve recycling station and have the satisfaction of tossing them into the big bins one by one, smashing away your worries and troubles along with each and every bottle.  Seems to be an all around win-win situation, both for your little country road and for the state of your own mental health.

Comments

[Ellen]

Yes, every day is that. It's sort of like mother's day or father's day or whatever holiday - why is it only THAT day that people make the extra effort (I'm reminding myself of my lack of efforts too!).

I had to laugh about your comments of what needs to be done and what you HAVE to do and how many rabbit trails that has taken me on...

[mary lou]

I forgot about those self service recycling days. Thanks for bringing up a beautiful memory of tossing and smashing bottles with my mother (gone many years) Have a safe trip.

[Lynn]

We always take bags on our walks. My boys enjoyed that when they were younger. We let them keep the bottle return money! One day we had a $5 walk! That was an early spring walk too. 10 cents a can deposit here in Michigan.

[Lizz]

You rock it Mama!

And what is U...P... with Montana being so slow on that bottle thing? With all that beer.

Have fun.

[four leaves]

Really beautiful images. A landscape so different to my own.

[Lynn in Tucson]

Amen to that. Have a safe trip!

[outi]

Siri!
Yes! Every day is EARTH DAY and your post also reminded me that I finally have to say how much i love your blog and your oulook on life.And your boys,your knitting and........
I am from Finland and my favorite grandmother's name was
Siiri
Thanks for all!

[Beth in Seattle]

You live in such a beautiful spot on the earth.

[jean]

Every day is Earth Day indeed. Beautiful photos from your road. I'm always craning my neck to see old houses and such tucked in the woods. So beautiful. I hope you're enjoying your time in Seattle. Such a great city.