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Our family continues to look for ways to cope with the changes to everyday life that are attributable to the virus. Just like everyone, what we know as normal has been rearranged. As I have shared before, while this virus has brought so much destruction, it has also brought about a few changes that I see as positive. The main one being families spending more time together.

During this time, my kids and I have spent so much time working in the yard. We have planted countless rosebushes, fruit trees, and a number of other plants. We started a small garden to see if we could handle that as well. I am proud to say that many green beans have been given out to friends and family members. The cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, corn, watermelons, carrots, and pumpkins are all still alive; which is a major accomplishment in my book.

During this time of gardening, we have become regular patrons of Cottage Cuttings. I must say I could spend an entire day just walking through their plants and looking for ones that would complete our landscaping. What I love most about Cottage Cuttings is their service and atmosphere. Any time I have a question or need a new plant, all I have to do is ask and I get a quick and informative response.

Growing up, my grandparents had the most amazing yard. I can’t even begin to describe its contents and their ability to nurture them. Thinking back, I remember a number of the plants they had and how they raised them, and I try to do the same. I regularly find myself sounding like my grandfather as I tell my kids to not play in my flowerbeds. My grandmother passed away when I was in a junior in high school and my grandfather passed away before Jackson turned one. Needless to say, my children did not know them, but I sure wish they did. I hope some of the time I spend with them in yard shares a bit of my grandparents with them.

This week I am so thankful for what I can share with my kids from my past and also what we can learn together from a local business. While uncertainty and fear come at us from all sides, I look to control the things I can during this time. Time with my family is what I choose to focus on.

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