I’ve been to the Gardens of Versailles in France and I’ve experienced the Cherry Blossoms in full bloom in Washington, DC. I know a good garden when I see one!

So, being sandwiched between two amazing gardeners made me start thinking that I needed to get to work.

If you wondered if we “Keep Up with the Joneses” in Vermont … yes, sort of, but not really. Do dirt, dead leaves and the dump count?

 

Julie Kelley, Truly Jude Creator

Top 8 Ways We (Sort of) Keep Up with the Joneses in Vermont 

1. DIRT ENVY – I saw my neighbor with a truck bed full of dirt and I did a second loop around the block to find out where he got it! (Apparently, there’s a new place on Route 2 in Concord, VT)
2. DEAD LEAVES – I’m not the one jonesing for them, my neighbor is! As soon as we moved in, word spread fast that the neighbor would take any dead leaves we raked up. His face lit up when I asked if he still wanted my dead leaves. (Composting is a big thing in Vermont and his buddy has a business up in Walden, VT, I think)
3. THE DUMP – I’m jealous when someone’s car is already packed to go to the dump. They’re one step ahead of me and I’ve still got work to do!
4. DRIVEWAY PARTIES – There was a party in the driveway next door with 80’s music playing and I was listening from my front porch. My envy really kicked in when they started singing “If I Could Turn Back Time”. We were new at the time, so we didn’t get the invite. Next time!
5. SUMMER CAMP – An amazing mom from school was telling me that they were setting up her family’s summer camper that weekend. She was talking about making s’mores by the fire. I could see her eyes getting dreamy as she talked about it – she’s already IN her happy place thinking about it in the school parking lot. Yup, I’m jealous! I want more of that in my life!
6. ROCKING CHAIRS – I had to have one! Our neighbors have two on their porch and it’s dreamy to watch them sitting there relaxing in the evenings. I finally found an affordable one and I was determined to fit it into the back of my car. I would have left my groceries behind, if I had to, to get that rocking chair home!
7. DAY TRIPS TO THE OCEAN – My neighbor took a day trip to Portland, Maine. He brought us back a menu from their favorite local seafood place. I’m jonesing to go! (Vermont side note: Since it was a day trip and they’re grandparents, I was happy when I saw the porch light go on and I knew that they had gotten home safe.)
8. MY NEIGHBOR’S TRUCK – I’m using buckets to go get my dirt. I know they deliver, but I’m not willing to pay an extra money. So, right now, I’m really jonesing for my neighbors truck to go get that dirt!

And this, my friends, is how we “Keep Up with the Joneses” of Vermont! If it feels soulful that’s because it is. It is simple and beautiful and easy and calming to the mind and body.

What am I Missing?

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Truly,

Julie

Your. Soulful. Spaces.