Gardens & Passing...

We had such a pretty day
this April Fool's day.
It started off with fog,
but by 11 AM it had burned off
and the sky was a beautiful blue
with puffy white clouds floating along.

I had been wanting to spread some mulch in the
flower beds and today seemed like a good day
to get the chore done.

The G-man planted some tomatoes,
I spread 8 bags of mulch,
planted 2 bluebonnets,
2 geraniums, & 2 asparagus ferns
in the front flower beds.

Tomorrow we will attend a memorial service
for a friend who unexpectedly passed away
this week.
He was 57, way to young.
He will be missed by his wife
& two grown children.

There are no guarantees in this life as to
how long we will be here.
Every day is so special.
If there is a guarantee it is
that one day each of us will pass
into the next phase of existence.

"Empty-handed I entered
the world
Barefoot I leave it.
My coming, my going --
Two simple happenings
That got entangled.

Like dew drops
on a lotus leaf
I vanish."

~ Kozan Ichikyo, died February 12, 1360, at the age of 77.

Lover-ly Days

The weather has been lover-ly lately. We've had cool mornings (in the 50s) getting warmer into the upper 70s & low 80s as the days progress. It is a great time for the plants and for us. We are able to sit out on the patio and enjoy cool westerly breezes and gorgeous blue skies. The only thing missing are the myriad birds that we had during the winter months. They have flown north to delight folks in other parts of the country, but they will be back next fall & welcomed immensely.

Gertie & I have taken walks along shaded lanes. She has been able to sniff around in the tall grasses. Even when she is in our backyard her nose is lifted into the air sniffing & sniffing. The fresh air is wonderful with a scent of honeysuckle.

Mexican heather, kolanchoe, and shamrock

Miss Kitty relaxing

Kolanchoe and amaryllis

Amaryllis and honeysuckle

Gerald's tomato plants

Mint, oregano, rosemary

Our lovely green woods with yaupon, pine, oak & mimosa

Gertie Girl enjoying the air & sun.

Even with all this loveliness I sometimes have a sad feeling. Perhaps it's because I know really hot weather is coming. This year I will try to stay out of the heat as much as possible. My skin is rebelling. It seems no amount of sunscreen can really protect my skin... and then there is the heat. I'd like to retreat to a cooler climate but doubt that will be possible since our severest heat lasts at least 2 months and that's a long time to be away from home. I shall most likely spend time reading and blogging in air conditioning as the months progress.

Happy spring & summer to you folks in cooler climes and to you folks in the south... try to stay cool.

The G-Man's Tomato Garden

Today the G-man decided he wanted me to take some photos of his gorgeous tomato plants. So the family, G-man, Gertie, & I went out to take photos. Miss Kitty was hiding out somewhere or laying in wait for some unsuspecting bird or mole. She likes to stalk little things.

Aren't the tomatoes looking good and healthy. Right now we'd have to enjoy fried green tomatoes if we wanted to eat some. Soon they will be ready. The plants were put in the ground in early March. There were a few nights when we had to cover the plants for fear of a frost killing them. But they have survived & are getting very tall.

I encouraged the G-man to plant early because last year we waited until late April to plant and the weather turned very hot in May so none of the blooms set. This year we got a head start.

Usually the tomatoes are getting ready in July when we are beginning to think about leaving for a cooler climate. When that happens we don't get to enjoy the fruits of his labor. I think this year will be different.

Gertie is looking admiringly up at the G-man. She thinks he's a pretty neat dog-daddy.

Early Girl Tomatoes is what was planted and should mature in 52-62 days according to the label.

I think the blooms are very pretty.

Yes, I think early in summer we shall be enjoying home-grown tomatoes from our garden.