tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73140658964178671222024-03-18T21:12:09.443-04:00Morning's MinionWords Plucked from a Rag-Bag Mind.Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.comBlogger1177125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-46582933226774593712024-02-13T21:37:00.000-05:002024-02-13T21:37:03.473-05:00February: A Reprieve From Winter<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAVZ3Te25s5ggXhnGYhS4dnMfBh1xR0mgy4C4P4JlqmBTxLutLdN6Yp_80Eu2YqhTT9bdvn3qvp8RUBbKMoBcdNaU7-XBcHhwOoKKn39XhxOwiPPXlBOV31YBuHjs3HTkydeK9BgnUblShFWm_9txOmDGZH36P6B9mDcnnNsCJkFGbKcUpls-90kvjyQ/s5184/IMG_7283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAVZ3Te25s5ggXhnGYhS4dnMfBh1xR0mgy4C4P4JlqmBTxLutLdN6Yp_80Eu2YqhTT9bdvn3qvp8RUBbKMoBcdNaU7-XBcHhwOoKKn39XhxOwiPPXlBOV31YBuHjs3HTkydeK9BgnUblShFWm_9txOmDGZH36P6B9mDcnnNsCJkFGbKcUpls-90kvjyQ/w400-h300/IMG_7283.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A brilliant sunrise on February 8 ushered in a 'weather breeder.' The digital thermometer read 46 F as the sun spilled over the sky. At 9:15 in the evening it was 56 F. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Friday morning, the 10th, dawned dark and damp, but still warm. The sky hung low and brooding with clouds. At daybreak on Saturday morning thunder crashed sending the cats under the bed. The scent of rain blew in through the partially opened west window. Thunder and lightning moved on quickly, leaving spatters of rain which continued through the day. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Rain and darkness hung with us for the next two days. I gave up waiting for a sunny day to dry bed linens on the line, put them all through the clothes dryer. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Today has been clear and sunny after a night of torrential rain. The light crisp wind would have dried sheets pegged on the lines, imparting that fresh outdoor scent. We've had windows open this afternoon airing out the fusty wood-smoke aura that permeates the house in winter. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I pulled on boots to walk around the meadow, the upper slope drying in the sun and wind while the lower lane is squelchy with water standing in the ruts. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1q-uTP__inwUXlEpgW76TRQpB9DQE22Kh__1XXgCeepHVBCZogKqaSuIbA5Gjj_NSE20JsHsXw476KjkhgeX7ES_x_0HhIcBGporwm2bPBX5-eW7CslUOZf1i89d1qWB-_FktCCWd5fHWt0y-4_p32i9WJaXSd684IG3cNoc0VOpMc6NCU6FmTjDvmg/s5184/IMG_7278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1q-uTP__inwUXlEpgW76TRQpB9DQE22Kh__1XXgCeepHVBCZogKqaSuIbA5Gjj_NSE20JsHsXw476KjkhgeX7ES_x_0HhIcBGporwm2bPBX5-eW7CslUOZf1i89d1qWB-_FktCCWd5fHWt0y-4_p32i9WJaXSd684IG3cNoc0VOpMc6NCU6FmTjDvmg/w400-h300/IMG_7278.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dandelions spring up here and there unfazed by frost or the days of mid-January snow.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLz_nvPpukQpCLwsVsNWPsALjSqIMLRoKWc58jVt1jj2YitI8paOleDewOyn2qmpVx_lVj6BKHv5igwT4x8ghlxwX2RhtguLzCht5DfNXiZjyzOzq3ogPKmYQ68zkWjE5T1ipilK6KF0XtYCB6y3u0XuYSCMiXzvRXDAFjpOPr0mwPE1d70rExdw_KFws/s5184/IMG_7291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLz_nvPpukQpCLwsVsNWPsALjSqIMLRoKWc58jVt1jj2YitI8paOleDewOyn2qmpVx_lVj6BKHv5igwT4x8ghlxwX2RhtguLzCht5DfNXiZjyzOzq3ogPKmYQ68zkWjE5T1ipilK6KF0XtYCB6y3u0XuYSCMiXzvRXDAFjpOPr0mwPE1d70rExdw_KFws/w400-h300/IMG_7291.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">During the summer a catnip plant asserted itself close to the west wall. Perhaps the cement holds the warmth of sunny days encouraging fresh growth. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoDYccvwhxl5SVBzmzzMX2y6K-RXZYcaht3A7PXBLV0Dz4fwF_YvZs3f2wH1SuhS_pUMg9PGfLeHr6U5xL2IfkKCMw6-XCbXl3OeVdjz1BGyE68H3hK5S_5YxPsKK5YbbGsGePdnDShdZvieMVnj1k2mZseStT5NyRydfSWFz1qZJinq0D3UnCuLECxY/s5184/IMG_7293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoDYccvwhxl5SVBzmzzMX2y6K-RXZYcaht3A7PXBLV0Dz4fwF_YvZs3f2wH1SuhS_pUMg9PGfLeHr6U5xL2IfkKCMw6-XCbXl3OeVdjz1BGyE68H3hK5S_5YxPsKK5YbbGsGePdnDShdZvieMVnj1k2mZseStT5NyRydfSWFz1qZJinq0D3UnCuLECxY/w400-h300/IMG_7293.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Willis, supervising my poking about in the winter-stunned garden, has discovered the clump of catnip!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmDjcd-VR2UFBNRFZwx5KVbJY7orpOoA-gde3w202thHVePGZMU8LfCrYOyxwZAW_vnCAHSJgiRo88WMrAHYkbiz1QzVem_R5KGYtV8AyKQLIbokiVQVl-eSopAWHjFINfFxSMmCpccMgLScFKy-t92Tx11igTv9IxC7JxypdBTsNb5A_XH2z5CFLOG0/s5184/IMG_7292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmDjcd-VR2UFBNRFZwx5KVbJY7orpOoA-gde3w202thHVePGZMU8LfCrYOyxwZAW_vnCAHSJgiRo88WMrAHYkbiz1QzVem_R5KGYtV8AyKQLIbokiVQVl-eSopAWHjFINfFxSMmCpccMgLScFKy-t92Tx11igTv9IxC7JxypdBTsNb5A_XH2z5CFLOG0/w400-h300/IMG_7292.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A goodly wallow in the cat drug of choice leaves Willis leaning woozily against the nearest support.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMJ1ngKUoH-kr-tYkFGhl4T_Wa9KRqOIQ6I7kJxHCXnY3qiYyGmuyg46dSxVpeSBqOoBZ3sByA42fiEp_aOJ6M7tA77I6Y-GDEqk0XIXdhJMNmSzRx_ebL9V22O6wcy2F_06zBOEiyzxbSGdg4DWOLaTEI5F4_duY9c6UgIWxW08OnK9rduUsI-Q8vc8/s5184/IMG_7275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMJ1ngKUoH-kr-tYkFGhl4T_Wa9KRqOIQ6I7kJxHCXnY3qiYyGmuyg46dSxVpeSBqOoBZ3sByA42fiEp_aOJ6M7tA77I6Y-GDEqk0XIXdhJMNmSzRx_ebL9V22O6wcy2F_06zBOEiyzxbSGdg4DWOLaTEI5F4_duY9c6UgIWxW08OnK9rduUsI-Q8vc8/w400-h300/IMG_7275.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A battered viola has blossomed after being encased in snow.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdiXOILdV5yd_kc9fooI-21I6tdF50QBi5cDNM2N9GFxHP58aZbX48BsWJV4VhYvJR8mdvke4cFPB_DYJvRBBzQsWAr1BYivqk9qwRTjZHKl_3Qhp3n4H8_6ExSBOHckFgQii8uKG949KYbV8xQI5y6H2FoDKsusGWU5dt4m9Nt-P8QLEUpZFqGuuWVI/s5184/IMG_7302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdiXOILdV5yd_kc9fooI-21I6tdF50QBi5cDNM2N9GFxHP58aZbX48BsWJV4VhYvJR8mdvke4cFPB_DYJvRBBzQsWAr1BYivqk9qwRTjZHKl_3Qhp3n4H8_6ExSBOHckFgQii8uKG949KYbV8xQI5y6H2FoDKsusGWU5dt4m9Nt-P8QLEUpZFqGuuWVI/w400-h300/IMG_7302.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Last spring I spotted a small clump of daffodils blooming in the straggle of trees and underbrush just off the path that skirts the south ravine. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I remember that Nellie-cat took one of his last walks with us that day. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I intended to move the bulbs to join the ones that live near the Jane magnolia, but lost the location as summer vegetation took over the spot. I'm thinking that if I dig carefully now I could re-settle the clump. Strangely, with the swaths of wild daffs spreading along nearby roadsides, I have found only two isolated small clumps here on our property. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECoqbEiy7mCrvx0OGOU3hTXYcgf_kqxkbyUcnIjn14AzeXQsKOScj79Wml_60Y9N6FRLCuqNwZBX7-PLf7u9KZYYuToek6N95MpdP5n2J4tZduAhoDZdxVd0ulTnH2NG_Y8uG-YsLKfB7nfrqNbP_ozjH8LHxfPuoSzqEMzPszufkkf6iGVIiTO4ahao/s5184/IMG_7305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECoqbEiy7mCrvx0OGOU3hTXYcgf_kqxkbyUcnIjn14AzeXQsKOScj79Wml_60Y9N6FRLCuqNwZBX7-PLf7u9KZYYuToek6N95MpdP5n2J4tZduAhoDZdxVd0ulTnH2NG_Y8uG-YsLKfB7nfrqNbP_ozjH8LHxfPuoSzqEMzPszufkkf6iGVIiTO4ahao/w400-h300/IMG_7305.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Signs of life on the clematis vines assure me that they have survived the winter thus far. These leaf buds of Jackmanii are midway up the large trellis. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5a3Gzsw1KUVZBBuJcq0Ijevoio5Yy8yABVdZK7-OIDcsez5CuAdgA49HvlXfg_bLbzZEEZN-4pYJVxsHV4RtCVd4BX_dvL4aJC44mYRAv8iqt9Jg-rgTCe1GYDLb0HtG49GWSMPnWZ5t3cfl-7HNAME-dYG4vlV3sGe90niRrnGEx3JYURlMHsFmlGk/s5184/IMG_7307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5a3Gzsw1KUVZBBuJcq0Ijevoio5Yy8yABVdZK7-OIDcsez5CuAdgA49HvlXfg_bLbzZEEZN-4pYJVxsHV4RtCVd4BX_dvL4aJC44mYRAv8iqt9Jg-rgTCe1GYDLb0HtG49GWSMPnWZ5t3cfl-7HNAME-dYG4vlV3sGe90niRrnGEx3JYURlMHsFmlGk/w400-h300/IMG_7307.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dr. Ruppel on the other side of the trellis is also showing life. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On the south-east side of the house clematis Candida and her neighbor Duchess of Edinburgh are presenting nubbins of growth. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">They revive much too early each year coming into first bloom in time for the late frosts of April and early May. I will doubtless be out on chilly evenings wrapping the trellises in old sheets and towels. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While our native New England shivers under repeated snowfall, Kentucky grants us days of nearly spring-like warmth to offset those that bring icy rain and biting wind.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are headed toward springtime, but the vernal equinox brings no promise that killing frosts are over. Sunny mornings, warm afternoons and lengthening evenings encourage us that the seasons remain on course.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHf7HZ78eUD-kRfwupXcxwT9QJNzPBkiBaTDYj5nMqEC8pgCBvlC6TDiUZZ58duN_YBb35cZqVDu-ZplgcW_JH6sGsM3c1gCs8S5y9aYl9KI743HoaqwnfX0V-qTFltmqoExcvVfdfRPKT2XCjyoebbNRg0ejzhP0qQmZXS0RMpqRirJF-v9e8p_IaFTI/s5184/IMG_7309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHf7HZ78eUD-kRfwupXcxwT9QJNzPBkiBaTDYj5nMqEC8pgCBvlC6TDiUZZ58duN_YBb35cZqVDu-ZplgcW_JH6sGsM3c1gCs8S5y9aYl9KI743HoaqwnfX0V-qTFltmqoExcvVfdfRPKT2XCjyoebbNRg0ejzhP0qQmZXS0RMpqRirJF-v9e8p_IaFTI/w300-h400/IMG_7309.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">The span of colder weather in January wasn't conducive to painting my bookcase. We kept the connecting door to the sunroom closed. Afternoons on the 4th and 5th of February brought sun through the south and west windows warming the room sufficiently to paint. I had planned to lightly brush black over the dark red and sand it back for a vintage effect. With the long delay in the project I decided to touch up the red and be done. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jim moved the bookcase downstairs to the big room, lashing it to a furniture dolly and trundling it down the slope to the back door. [The staircase between the main floor and lower floor is too narrow for furniture moving.]</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A number of errands and household tasks kept me busy the rest of the week.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dark and stormy weather on Sunday was ideal for sorting and shelving books. I turned the heat on in the big room and tackled books in boxes, books in two other bookcases, books stacked in a tipple on a small table, attempting to assign shelf space to historical novels, mysteries, collections of essays, devotional subjects, old favorites that have been with me through many moves. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The categories have remained flexible. Sometimes when collecting the works of a particular author I have to include mass-market paperbacks to fill out a series. This can make for a certain untidiness on the shelves. I've had to put aside a few old paperbacks that are too faded and spongey to keep. Cherished books in the big glass-fronted hutch now have more breathing room.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A collection of books is always subject to the process of culling and keeping; a few purchases are disappointing, not interesting enough to be read again and these go into a small pile to be donated. Over the years I've donated a very few that I'd like to revisit. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm pleased with the bookcase project and I think I'll be able to locate a desired volume without too much searching.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There is, of course, a known liability in sorting a bookcase.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One opens a book at random. begins reading, though not at the beginning, and half an hour later is jolted back to the task at hand.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There could be far worse ways to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon!</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p></p>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-55025031038770219072024-01-29T21:46:00.002-05:002024-01-30T19:49:06.360-05:00Scraps From The Rag-Bag<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfSfK_g-_F5IOSOcQpOqTlgHdJu1ccU1JgJHcJaeuRYInNPyHbI2fifwn93tsk1B-NGv9HQ7wDMYheIJ43eTFUMmD4XEnUOMZbIsiCvpk9Yl0c8Le1e2ezvCtgIn-Ni39EDqgSyKcsCRc41t0dPOMs6jA2QMUqf5HKRmP_QL3UpAsnrc_uC-0hBOvkr4/s1983/elm%20with%20rainbow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1594" data-original-width="1983" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfSfK_g-_F5IOSOcQpOqTlgHdJu1ccU1JgJHcJaeuRYInNPyHbI2fifwn93tsk1B-NGv9HQ7wDMYheIJ43eTFUMmD4XEnUOMZbIsiCvpk9Yl0c8Le1e2ezvCtgIn-Ni39EDqgSyKcsCRc41t0dPOMs6jA2QMUqf5HKRmP_QL3UpAsnrc_uC-0hBOvkr4/w400-h321/elm%20with%20rainbow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The iconic elm. Looking east toward Brandon Gap in the distance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">10 p.m. on Saturday evening and I'm out with my little flashlight, stomping through the winter-tangled grass of the west meadow, calling Robert-cat. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">J. and I took turns poking our heads out the door, trilling his name in winsome tones; it is clearly one of the too frequent nights when Robert feels the urge to patrol the acreage, willfully deaf to our entreaties, preferring to roam the edges of the wooded ravines. It is 50 degrees and a restless wind hums through the bare trees.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Two nights ago the full moon was obscured by heavy fog; now as I stand still, face raised to the sky, clouds shred and part revealing the waning gibbous moon seeming to float above the barn roof.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Words drop into my mind:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"The moon was a ghostly galleon, tossed upon cloudy seas."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">How long since I have thought of the romantic Alfred Noyes poem, "The Highway Man" let alone read it?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSt84g3RqQEBEB4HBb78SD6iIumW312qdGsOoYsV3cPX-8_wZtGKTHeC88PvJ-S1ppKk9LCEXPO8_lWcvBzJzbat1zIZ3HKI36QN_dQD1XupBq-NtzcD37NCugi1JxOnsSBSXKplwtmXrZlVtYxN1ftAjKmoLtqR3ypdYwu158eyhMYYtKxePSVHnmDe8/s549/Elm%20Row%20farmhouse.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="543" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSt84g3RqQEBEB4HBb78SD6iIumW312qdGsOoYsV3cPX-8_wZtGKTHeC88PvJ-S1ppKk9LCEXPO8_lWcvBzJzbat1zIZ3HKI36QN_dQD1XupBq-NtzcD37NCugi1JxOnsSBSXKplwtmXrZlVtYxN1ftAjKmoLtqR3ypdYwu158eyhMYYtKxePSVHnmDe8/w396-h400/Elm%20Row%20farmhouse.jpg" width="396" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ross-Lewis home. Elm Row Farm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am of an age to remember that grandmotherly farm women kept a ragbag, sections of fabric torn from old shirts or faded aprons, useful for mopping up a spill or polishing the parlor furniture, sturdy chunks of chambray that might be needed to patch the three-cornered tear in a man's work shirt. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Grandma Eliza's ragbag lived in the tidy kitchen closet that also housed brooms, dustmop, tins of stove polish and furniture polish on a shelf, the mop bucket with its wringer, a feather duster. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I've always had what I think of as a 'ragbag mind,' a head stuffed to distressing capacity with words and phrases, sentences from books read years ago, mental pictures, remembered conversations, overheard snippets of opinions, melodies, names, vignettes, old joys and sorrows.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">None of this 'stuff' is stored in orderly mental files or neatly labeled cubbies, nor is any of it stashed in chronological order.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Grandson D. chuckling affectionately, tells me, 'Meme, when you die, a lot of useless information will go with you!'</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Inspired to tweak some potentially useful bit from the pile I am pummeled by a cascade of discordant rubble that resists being shoved back in place.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As a life-long insomniac, it follows that this endless collection of trivia unfolds its disjointed segments during the wee hours when I would prefer to be sleeping.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Is this a common affliction? Perhaps it is reserved for those of us who have become by default or by nature the keeper of family memories and sagas, the ones who noticed seemingly inconsequential details. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Perhaps those of us with cluttered minds are the proverbial 'flies on the wall' not quite in the thick of things, but ever alert to the inter-weaving of colors, scents, voices, atmospheres, taking it all in, storing it, never knowing what will turn up later to trouble or delight us.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFYYeWl-nEv3Qa1Lng_-QP4edneaim2gOO9XFsr5hyphenhyphenZtC5_7SOS51HusdAtXmyhCo4X_xvPZrtyJMpESv6AU3Wr0bmGVZ_y5rCLILhG19Vor69Thtyb_MGUM7iB3HF9iqQLt2Y64xl5eZcyLkVraM-3-42ryOJoM8dH-asBgT8BQ1q6Ip5iP6YmFPurM/s2856/archived%20photos%20001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2142" data-original-width="2856" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFYYeWl-nEv3Qa1Lng_-QP4edneaim2gOO9XFsr5hyphenhyphenZtC5_7SOS51HusdAtXmyhCo4X_xvPZrtyJMpESv6AU3Wr0bmGVZ_y5rCLILhG19Vor69Thtyb_MGUM7iB3HF9iqQLt2Y64xl5eZcyLkVraM-3-42ryOJoM8dH-asBgT8BQ1q6Ip5iP6YmFPurM/w400-h300/archived%20photos%20001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wilder Hill</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Willis-cat trudged after me in the damp grass, eyes gleaming whenever I turned to scan the the lane with my flashlight. Rounding the back of the house, stepping into the glare of the porch light and motion light activated on the side of the barn, I noted Robert sitting on the damp bricks of the landing. At my approach he tossed his head, sauntered down the drive. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jim poked his head out the door and stated crossly, 'He showed up right after you headed down back. He doesn't choose to come in. If that's the way he wants it he can stay out all night!'</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I took a few casual steps in Robert's direction. In a flash he had disappeared behind the barn.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The wind was coming up. The galleon moon slid behind a tossing sea of inky clouds. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I went to bed thinking of the highway man riding the road that looped like 'a ribbon of moonlight, over the purple moor'--and of so many other things.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The wind thrummed and whined against my west window, the red numerals on my clock moved me through the night hours; sleepless, I resigned myself to turning over the scraps tumbling from my ragbag mind.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And still of a winter's night, they say, when the wind is in the trees,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When the moon is a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When the road is a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A highwayman comes riding,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Riding-riding</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A highwayman comes riding, up to the old inn-door. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;">[Stanza X from 'The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes]</span></div></div>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-74506446295942917552024-01-26T22:26:00.000-05:002024-01-26T22:26:19.126-05:00January Journal [Quiet Days]<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKGRduAI7BLiyn_8e0ILynNczvt1vH0M-ta-DyZifDKDHtpligZH_os1sfIndywDkCfUSoqY-vZhnx8ykSufU3E6aKj5KZuUhsejSFg0hCC7EQ541VHJcpjOrVCr1qr_anmZvbtJ7N7wcrjjcNErwIKmsgRPWoJsWAkygOuu7jMcpTS5ZFNfA9XIMmRc/s5184/IMG_7235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKGRduAI7BLiyn_8e0ILynNczvt1vH0M-ta-DyZifDKDHtpligZH_os1sfIndywDkCfUSoqY-vZhnx8ykSufU3E6aKj5KZuUhsejSFg0hCC7EQ541VHJcpjOrVCr1qr_anmZvbtJ7N7wcrjjcNErwIKmsgRPWoJsWAkygOuu7jMcpTS5ZFNfA9XIMmRc/w300-h400/IMG_7235.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sunday, January 21. Minus 1 F at 7:30 in the morning. Sunshine on snow and a high of 28 F by mid afternoon. I managed only 1 loop around the meadow. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Monday morning was more promising: 25 F at 9 a.m. We had errands in town followed by a drive to Somerset to meet family for a meal to celebrate January birthdays--four of them. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The drive home late in the afternoon was through quiet farm country once we left the city behind. Fields were still snow covered. Arriving home we noticed that the icicles had loosed their hold on the porch overhang. 46 F when I walked at sunset, the snow breaking down, patches of bare ground appearing in the meadow. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By Tuesday morning rotting snow and slush made walking unpleasant. A flock of juncos bounced about on the mostly bare slope of the west meadow. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Temps in the 50's on Wednesday and Thursday, sporadic rain, heavy fogs, general gloom. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I walked between showers, the ground squelchy underfoot. I startled a grey squirrel foraging under the hickories at the east boundary fence. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The first racoon we've seen in months paid a visit to the kibble tray on the porch, bumbling off at speed when I opened the door. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Today we drove to South Fork for a rather lackluster shopping at the two discount food stores there.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Home again I put together a shepherd's pie, one of J's favorite dinners, then created two carrot cakes, one for us, the other for son-in-law Matt. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I walked two loops of the meadows while the cakes cooled. There was a different feel and smell to the air, not quite springlike but with a sense of soil and grass released from the punishing cold.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwpIMsk22u95T6cIFdXyOlUc_PKHNHYsGsYCgXywZTMWVEF-ahAI-0JVuIvA4WvyXotjqnbngny6oYxH1PcWpod12JLh07Cl2H0vHXmn2aIfE1qc-BmQn6M3GBD296yi4JzJTuoamXrGRc8b0uXLcQiH7vvMjS_HSnd02u00qTj6pYvOf7GabsCcufDU/s5184/IMG_7239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwpIMsk22u95T6cIFdXyOlUc_PKHNHYsGsYCgXywZTMWVEF-ahAI-0JVuIvA4WvyXotjqnbngny6oYxH1PcWpod12JLh07Cl2H0vHXmn2aIfE1qc-BmQn6M3GBD296yi4JzJTuoamXrGRc8b0uXLcQiH7vvMjS_HSnd02u00qTj6pYvOf7GabsCcufDU/w400-h300/IMG_7239.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Friday's grey morning skies.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9H9L1D993BqxZePFwwXXiT4jbUhq1RHxTNZHWDQFZdX2CRTgs4AUbJUANPEciWq_82ZHP3XQtZ76F-PFzm8V9Nz8qsvE8O9mLDYGQZy8fxKPmVhpHWseiWC6XCkK45IrQz1FU-jPWsDYQ3sSqYzLdJSWiZ_URWOBxb3cMjx_EN3V-k_6zRxCjBJMlS2s/s5184/IMG_7240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9H9L1D993BqxZePFwwXXiT4jbUhq1RHxTNZHWDQFZdX2CRTgs4AUbJUANPEciWq_82ZHP3XQtZ76F-PFzm8V9Nz8qsvE8O9mLDYGQZy8fxKPmVhpHWseiWC6XCkK45IrQz1FU-jPWsDYQ3sSqYzLdJSWiZ_URWOBxb3cMjx_EN3V-k_6zRxCjBJMlS2s/w400-h300/IMG_7240.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pale sunlight and clearing skies just before sundown.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56g48urhneI4JZ139CSJzYrrOny_xhyphenhyphenp52ZE02PyqSPTAR-f3_hHrSTdQC3bg7mptJWRgIQ1sVsMM5WxUQEYMOpk2KNiYJdk5-kro6G6UAz-ev_B__qY-hCwaX_S1so5Y-LO_4550QWN9l9JbIWbnRI6gtv2r2EOTcp9LLKWy-8sWrEp99qzM8hEaNLw/s5184/IMG_7244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56g48urhneI4JZ139CSJzYrrOny_xhyphenhyphenp52ZE02PyqSPTAR-f3_hHrSTdQC3bg7mptJWRgIQ1sVsMM5WxUQEYMOpk2KNiYJdk5-kro6G6UAz-ev_B__qY-hCwaX_S1so5Y-LO_4550QWN9l9JbIWbnRI6gtv2r2EOTcp9LLKWy-8sWrEp99qzM8hEaNLw/w400-h300/IMG_7244.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Green grass along the lane.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKJgnryWhzXj_Ak43KMPa95y_F6ckyZFrDkoV90RvPwBpWMrtk-n9vLGlzH35ZkAUaa3OI6eHm9QjX8gXGf-dtj5Ap1H2Y0kTqRW0k_VMUbcnTWSfSM4RrHWTp4Ifx3QZHFFa8rUuJ7sG2jMwEudV5S6Uu2tY3UMvRy5m55-Zr8v30fI_QFfLDPHVf0A/s5184/IMG_7242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKJgnryWhzXj_Ak43KMPa95y_F6ckyZFrDkoV90RvPwBpWMrtk-n9vLGlzH35ZkAUaa3OI6eHm9QjX8gXGf-dtj5Ap1H2Y0kTqRW0k_VMUbcnTWSfSM4RrHWTp4Ifx3QZHFFa8rUuJ7sG2jMwEudV5S6Uu2tY3UMvRy5m55-Zr8v30fI_QFfLDPHVf0A/w400-h300/IMG_7242.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The tattered remains of clematis vines. they will need a hard pruning come spring.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTeSQ8APvJ9jVDqB1I9vho0ML8Z1qNp4A6PT5ccE2lDzGbHaPS9QbWHmz3PFPv6VQK7eQuXdlu-N_zzbEkfohe73wKHXagKO11CC-koZeFx8ZpQ8zjyC7WOtymmNSHg0NcOSLL2ywKGja78_DjfxdSF2ZcVSv-i1HDAA559-yvjrEixwdXIhxGpgk8gk/s5184/IMG_7245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTeSQ8APvJ9jVDqB1I9vho0ML8Z1qNp4A6PT5ccE2lDzGbHaPS9QbWHmz3PFPv6VQK7eQuXdlu-N_zzbEkfohe73wKHXagKO11CC-koZeFx8ZpQ8zjyC7WOtymmNSHg0NcOSLL2ywKGja78_DjfxdSF2ZcVSv-i1HDAA559-yvjrEixwdXIhxGpgk8gk/w400-h300/IMG_7245.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The colors of sunset are welcome after a run of grey and foggy days.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbCLv8wTfzAizHkUgLcPAUTVfyp42vRG4QzL3Ppw5NpBlKVqEqWegnaRXOunhhVTgAJc3MgOaQSPG94Aj9jlUe8ljsK6MY4rz8RSLVkGN9JUvv3Q4lCsabtH99qOF7NHDa-Ge7I3YnlBSZTezbrX3BWz4yC4ddmv3MtJiWvaJzfKo7itgtGYLDfifrtM/s5184/IMG_7247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbCLv8wTfzAizHkUgLcPAUTVfyp42vRG4QzL3Ppw5NpBlKVqEqWegnaRXOunhhVTgAJc3MgOaQSPG94Aj9jlUe8ljsK6MY4rz8RSLVkGN9JUvv3Q4lCsabtH99qOF7NHDa-Ge7I3YnlBSZTezbrX3BWz4yC4ddmv3MtJiWvaJzfKo7itgtGYLDfifrtM/w400-h300/IMG_7247.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A zoom of the same view.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKa4DdS8QvbO0syhRnC2Iuop5KfLes4121prbJbnDARIimcA2AESdfUD3ogKgPBKXTxWWwE-olr9hm7UdBiZamUPVcczwC4YFeATanVZbKCUwGneJMj6dQ3eU0klAetRrH2j_-miPR6an5PKE125pCovuSFiqGgGMokrc0ElQOXaLN9iWzbnSDzyTFXE/s5184/IMG_7252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKa4DdS8QvbO0syhRnC2Iuop5KfLes4121prbJbnDARIimcA2AESdfUD3ogKgPBKXTxWWwE-olr9hm7UdBiZamUPVcczwC4YFeATanVZbKCUwGneJMj6dQ3eU0klAetRrH2j_-miPR6an5PKE125pCovuSFiqGgGMokrc0ElQOXaLN9iWzbnSDzyTFXE/w400-h300/IMG_7252.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The results of afternoon baking--to remind me that I did accomplish something domestic!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This week: Reading, writing letters, doing a bit of research on The Scottish Psalter as we are studying the Psalms at church.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1xiWB6Sbf3jWZWIkc8hCfhp0ypW-KRblzNdsopCz67OHpaEHjCxuXnBvVUdaPIf7sJzSuKqBZ8wlLdRZDOge5Zf5YN2Fz8MAaswvQQ2V9L1B6K_2MUswpBx_u2Nnfg02dyx8aczQxVYnJksKLN0SR4JJIqccI7xirvKZ1sF_kG5CDqFvM1lRzDNxIlc/s5184/IMG_7160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1xiWB6Sbf3jWZWIkc8hCfhp0ypW-KRblzNdsopCz67OHpaEHjCxuXnBvVUdaPIf7sJzSuKqBZ8wlLdRZDOge5Zf5YN2Fz8MAaswvQQ2V9L1B6K_2MUswpBx_u2Nnfg02dyx8aczQxVYnJksKLN0SR4JJIqccI7xirvKZ1sF_kG5CDqFvM1lRzDNxIlc/w300-h400/IMG_7160.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A creative endeavor. When snow and cold leaves me housebound I look to what I have on hand.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Gina previously admired this length of heavy decorator cotton, the satin lining fabric had languished in my stash for a number of years.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFIVZupWwKgxY7Pncy2derfZ5KsEaV6NLizX17g84Zn4mJuJywREqUWa1cElX6uFhyphenhyphenDH1l6S2LkThmICBXqDweQSZSvxF7WE0YpNvCsYw2_gooB1h5kMobckV5Q2I2jwEZYE0rhhV99UQtrc2OumbnHx-OcsLk3LPyNG-PHUwf0RKOuuKXfDdw6o-d9U/s5184/IMG_7161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFIVZupWwKgxY7Pncy2derfZ5KsEaV6NLizX17g84Zn4mJuJywREqUWa1cElX6uFhyphenhyphenDH1l6S2LkThmICBXqDweQSZSvxF7WE0YpNvCsYw2_gooB1h5kMobckV5Q2I2jwEZYE0rhhV99UQtrc2OumbnHx-OcsLk3LPyNG-PHUwf0RKOuuKXfDdw6o-d9U/w300-h400/IMG_7161.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Gina likes a variety of throws for sofa and chairs, and is pleased with this one as a birthday gift.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I tied it with cream-colored embroidery cotton, also discovered in my stash of goods.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2JYzMH-VN1hmP7KcIIbSSu4wJN3JP_yzdDTX-A2lWMpPECaDUnnPeWUGPJOFnqQiu7OnLTtjn8faryZ_jGYcFiA3W7cpA5CvF7f7iDhXLxevvqYod1bw2hpiSlG2_97lGkaUYVBfiBYs9wL2TybsZrxgu3S7fv8f5l4avVyaaKl-aFRIh3QffylF6Lk/s5184/IMG_7165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2JYzMH-VN1hmP7KcIIbSSu4wJN3JP_yzdDTX-A2lWMpPECaDUnnPeWUGPJOFnqQiu7OnLTtjn8faryZ_jGYcFiA3W7cpA5CvF7f7iDhXLxevvqYod1bw2hpiSlG2_97lGkaUYVBfiBYs9wL2TybsZrxgu3S7fv8f5l4avVyaaKl-aFRIh3QffylF6Lk/w400-h300/IMG_7165.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Robert was a great help. He insisted that the colors of the throw were a becoming backdrop for his black and white fur.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p></p>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-71280431804242242172024-01-21T21:46:00.000-05:002024-01-21T21:46:46.706-05:00Cold Weather Has Lingered<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cold weather moved in during the night of January 13, after two days of rain and wind. The temperature hasn't risen above the freezing mark [32 F.] all week. Nights have registered readings in the teens, then sliding down into single digits. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When Jim checked the reading at 7:30 a.m. this Sunday morning it was minus .8--I think we could safely conclude that it had dipped below zero F. during the predawn hours. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have tried to keep to my schedule of walking but have had to shorten my time outdoors as the bitter cold creates facial pain. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The effort of pushing through snow while lumbered in multiple layers of bulky clothing really has diminished the joy of being outside.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Area churches were cancelled this weekend, many offering a Zoom option. County offices and schools have been closed or on limited hours.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I was pleased that we had only one necessary trip during the week and that over clear roads to the next town. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We've added our long johns and warm turtleneck tops to our usual indoor clothing.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4qzLt22CVtdkXIr1GN7wcZihaNVNS_v3-j_FUber9KuXCaJjpxXxyqIQA4a5i3Iz3yHCY-Zu086N8l64y5WheyejMbzQXA0JH70hC0puBrbQomBxJ28sZX4Me0k4iByJGkPdUbnjEQznylGHDoR-qWHBltfHIwMHZf0SDB285QjcrCvzDHpRiTfHLzk/s5184/IMG_7214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4qzLt22CVtdkXIr1GN7wcZihaNVNS_v3-j_FUber9KuXCaJjpxXxyqIQA4a5i3Iz3yHCY-Zu086N8l64y5WheyejMbzQXA0JH70hC0puBrbQomBxJ28sZX4Me0k4iByJGkPdUbnjEQznylGHDoR-qWHBltfHIwMHZf0SDB285QjcrCvzDHpRiTfHLzk/w400-h300/IMG_7214.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Red sky at morning.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZCR4eU8o75p-UBFTtlu0E5mtPrSircZD35ItchncE-PHWT7chcWgZ0GA1oi8kq7SEI8hKM0wESdTjd8B3QVvfSZeFB77sA51d2DNKk5GBuvHIsZUqcXSgJNtMf0aerBnzAuoVlE1YQOsrr9LdBp9kAZP_Tmy4BUWgwiGOclJikmmrpCWIa6taKqVd68/s5184/IMG_7213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZCR4eU8o75p-UBFTtlu0E5mtPrSircZD35ItchncE-PHWT7chcWgZ0GA1oi8kq7SEI8hKM0wESdTjd8B3QVvfSZeFB77sA51d2DNKk5GBuvHIsZUqcXSgJNtMf0aerBnzAuoVlE1YQOsrr9LdBp9kAZP_Tmy4BUWgwiGOclJikmmrpCWIa6taKqVd68/w400-h300/IMG_7213.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On the 17th a brilliant half moon balanced in the clear sky like a bowl resting on a table. The temperature hovered at zero F. Snow glittered in the cold wash of moonlight and twinkling starlight. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In the morning [18 January] the sunrise display was colorful and prolonged, spreading a wash of rose, crimson and deep lavender to encompass the north and south horizons.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By mid-morning the sky had darkened to a pewter color and snowflakes began to swirl down by mid afternoon. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I washed bedlinens and was thankful for the electric dryer!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Friday was COLD and snow fell relentlessly. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I didn't walk outside. The water dish for the barn cats has needed to be brought inside many times per day to have ice tunked out in the sink and fresh water set out. Going out to the porch with fortifying meals for the cats lets a chill blast into the kitchen, leaves me wanting to huddle by the fire.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jim has improved the cat coops in the greenhouse with wraps of insulation and a tarp to keep out moisture. There are a number of snug bolt holes in the barn wings as w</span>ell. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJ44uypPprCubFAnTIf92hyqRpfZ9IbIpZUvwt2-Ib8H9MLbJrZzO2S72m_G6rPBj2vU7-elMC4X6cKE1ZQMdmJU3XnQ7tHa875gt346-HBcztG_NZ_MxmphNOoqMY7cHJ4dM5_JCRvcYpqsn3ypJyvs9OUp7bStOiDgS8EG-lyPgWk6J2xlVdgLUkKU/s5184/IMG_7220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJ44uypPprCubFAnTIf92hyqRpfZ9IbIpZUvwt2-Ib8H9MLbJrZzO2S72m_G6rPBj2vU7-elMC4X6cKE1ZQMdmJU3XnQ7tHa875gt346-HBcztG_NZ_MxmphNOoqMY7cHJ4dM5_JCRvcYpqsn3ypJyvs9OUp7bStOiDgS8EG-lyPgWk6J2xlVdgLUkKU/w400-h300/IMG_7220.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sunrise as zoomed from the front steps.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIF0OT8crV70EnDO8keQFMVXUsTScCRg8jucK628G1cTo_cG3-K3sb_GnWwPN_eT-p9uIZhjjLYL6kGOIw9XeKCMFgp5xrLhJQ3Uy6i_4EPx46GU4IcW8I9T6JvWKWTBWO6YHMmFY0Cs1mz8UnzV71O_Mp-WaYfhmv1jm0ovJDCxo5eQjAuXhtw8nBMRA/s5184/IMG_7206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIF0OT8crV70EnDO8keQFMVXUsTScCRg8jucK628G1cTo_cG3-K3sb_GnWwPN_eT-p9uIZhjjLYL6kGOIw9XeKCMFgp5xrLhJQ3Uy6i_4EPx46GU4IcW8I9T6JvWKWTBWO6YHMmFY0Cs1mz8UnzV71O_Mp-WaYfhmv1jm0ovJDCxo5eQjAuXhtw8nBMRA/w400-h300/IMG_7206.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have always enjoyed the tapestry of blue shadows on snow.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZsn75OgQX1XUvveM74cNX7gzecnksx_buh1pj4t8NdexKi6D5cndvXwr6yGjMxXxaguPCRGcvvgr2ZLlPAzhD5pfPOkgo_QatXaYl91EEX7hgJS-5r1Ix_SFqm9sdUS29GkZlfdLKZLflT6sIVN4VbQ2RXnTYqR3NA7XdInmyfqRVtGSsWNkUU2hdsrA/s5184/IMG_7205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZsn75OgQX1XUvveM74cNX7gzecnksx_buh1pj4t8NdexKi6D5cndvXwr6yGjMxXxaguPCRGcvvgr2ZLlPAzhD5pfPOkgo_QatXaYl91EEX7hgJS-5r1Ix_SFqm9sdUS29GkZlfdLKZLflT6sIVN4VbQ2RXnTYqR3NA7XdInmyfqRVtGSsWNkUU2hdsrA/w400-h300/IMG_7205.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Snow crunches under my boots when walking up the lane.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80l9Hz7cw3ffESLQCNFNDuBccwX1akhkPBkiGHsuk9gzmgyRJdYQhf1eUyeDJrolLXtCcBLtRMSI53WpuOaBad90O-mhM9t_I5gY3s4AYNfscSEMIVQSQRZotFN3y24vzt1OgCIE2OLud-LI0_25HB80WWZWZ53GSq0gZJxWLpcO7MlS19pRVXCihRGE/s5184/IMG_7210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80l9Hz7cw3ffESLQCNFNDuBccwX1akhkPBkiGHsuk9gzmgyRJdYQhf1eUyeDJrolLXtCcBLtRMSI53WpuOaBad90O-mhM9t_I5gY3s4AYNfscSEMIVQSQRZotFN3y24vzt1OgCIE2OLud-LI0_25HB80WWZWZ53GSq0gZJxWLpcO7MlS19pRVXCihRGE/w400-h300/IMG_7210.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Standing just beyond the lower level porch, camera pointed at the sunroom roof.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1R9fL1X9f_aZchJLUtUsvDrOZGlUu6dPRZD1EpcT0TS_6SB3BThmUaE-TNYH2jAwxImPBfBoh2bMggGyBo45gKWs-Oozftg7el_Z-TSHoZMQI1RQ7Nmkc9YO_4_p00eGkS3wS5eiK_vs43pU9GiAnRGWebU1lcD6Ij1v-F-0xFdG76ODUz-j9AWmQyZk/s5184/IMG_7235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1R9fL1X9f_aZchJLUtUsvDrOZGlUu6dPRZD1EpcT0TS_6SB3BThmUaE-TNYH2jAwxImPBfBoh2bMggGyBo45gKWs-Oozftg7el_Z-TSHoZMQI1RQ7Nmkc9YO_4_p00eGkS3wS5eiK_vs43pU9GiAnRGWebU1lcD6Ij1v-F-0xFdG76ODUz-j9AWmQyZk/w300-h400/IMG_7235.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Icicles hanging outside the east porch screens.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjGT1ghQRw7twcRnJvKDcktYsIXJMMPtt5CmNaFFCgEOAoHfcN3I00rGHlgpokDchXkGuNcdTPXP2t3HG1kkzLRhwft49j_ofUE2jb0OmDr7pH68rpJs9y0RxgQz3Yk4oNmknbjtmn7p9JDEl5T2AKsSlNlcvOY9vlguQXlq5m23-vowBPNbyiuCYtms/s5184/IMG_7231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjGT1ghQRw7twcRnJvKDcktYsIXJMMPtt5CmNaFFCgEOAoHfcN3I00rGHlgpokDchXkGuNcdTPXP2t3HG1kkzLRhwft49j_ofUE2jb0OmDr7pH68rpJs9y0RxgQz3Yk4oNmknbjtmn7p9JDEl5T2AKsSlNlcvOY9vlguQXlq5m23-vowBPNbyiuCYtms/w400-h300/IMG_7231.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our neighbor's beef cattle marching up the slope from the frozen pond.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">They have countless times seen me walk past on my way to the mailbox. This time, lumbering along in my quilted bibs, face wound in a scarf, the cattle decided they didn't know me. Apparently I appeared threatening, so they charged up the hill.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCnIbyP0AiMqB1GMvTsHcOhKXmEQgig2oU3t-NdwdjJKi-hnEKYtTsGRAZoAdsUdmKr8BfxrYq-8FqN3-yVMlhBUvvdwsFOyjMkXXUS_Gv2s1GCLCi2B-wOew2SG5taEK_PpJmNIaftEpMnNv_o-fmMXZMKStFrxfEAO5PiyEZW8o68F2WUdKAQa7xeY/s5184/IMG_7229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCnIbyP0AiMqB1GMvTsHcOhKXmEQgig2oU3t-NdwdjJKi-hnEKYtTsGRAZoAdsUdmKr8BfxrYq-8FqN3-yVMlhBUvvdwsFOyjMkXXUS_Gv2s1GCLCi2B-wOew2SG5taEK_PpJmNIaftEpMnNv_o-fmMXZMKStFrxfEAO5PiyEZW8o68F2WUdKAQa7xeY/w300-h400/IMG_7229.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tracks everywhere in the snow. Cat tracks, deer tracks, the hem-stitched prints of birds who have gleaned seeds from every stalk of weed or grass.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our tracks, criss-crossing the dooryard, imprinted in the snow of the lane.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVa9L0AHufe0gXS5iTqntt7fS52cGTC49759cUZyo7Iw7Y6jR8oYILSGb5YPlwb1m74zT2eu3SDuvwxJM9o22O-NLI_HhU1VNILdGlz8QV586jdTjr_Fzv-SsBW3QytBfqPKuOsBoFeCFXag7X_ke9AYfNFY2_23esnVcgYLY_gvGFKu4eHzJ9zixpXE/s5184/IMG_7201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVa9L0AHufe0gXS5iTqntt7fS52cGTC49759cUZyo7Iw7Y6jR8oYILSGb5YPlwb1m74zT2eu3SDuvwxJM9o22O-NLI_HhU1VNILdGlz8QV586jdTjr_Fzv-SsBW3QytBfqPKuOsBoFeCFXag7X_ke9AYfNFY2_23esnVcgYLY_gvGFKu4eHzJ9zixpXE/w400-h300/IMG_7201.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Robert, who thinks he must be out surveying his kingdom. The roof of the car is warmer than the cold, cold ground.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhdcc0GpuGtHHRjWie22YOG8BA2X_X-jamX8KYFkT0PcnngBuW45OT0ijKRAxk4QOk2tHa57rcTZh1fOE8StZBVjfbMEMIVq7xNbKafoEnyrktpSTzWD04bs14tAIqgQOsCtmIZoVKKgXr9t5TWg_ciGYTFtrByzSkMv_BCiFnm5B3qkZgYhaMzWV3Y4/s5184/IMG_7228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhdcc0GpuGtHHRjWie22YOG8BA2X_X-jamX8KYFkT0PcnngBuW45OT0ijKRAxk4QOk2tHa57rcTZh1fOE8StZBVjfbMEMIVq7xNbKafoEnyrktpSTzWD04bs14tAIqgQOsCtmIZoVKKgXr9t5TWg_ciGYTFtrByzSkMv_BCiFnm5B3qkZgYhaMzWV3Y4/w400-h300/IMG_7228.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fresh bread, with soup and salad, the mainstay of cold weather meals.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A warming trend is projected for mid week.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I anticipate opening windows, shaking out rugs, blowing aways the fusty dusty indoor atmosphere of winter. </span></div><br /> <p></p>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-67759402808104046902024-01-16T21:27:00.004-05:002024-01-16T21:33:19.731-05:00Sunny and Cold<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxvZBRRN3x4iCzs_ef3Y-0Oc4z6VSsdHuX6cFNvmXt6HPsocTnaNdPAvDZOcgdUR1P8LT8MeiT0Vm-zH4gp6Ova3oT7Zy9mma9_9tl1XNijXZK_1Z4PigBziH9KGyv8w0bQ-xbm4dsVASTplK5BaCHFMbWhmqR1YHCEoWjZN0m93XzbxNymeH5qMREk0/s5184/IMG_7168.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxvZBRRN3x4iCzs_ef3Y-0Oc4z6VSsdHuX6cFNvmXt6HPsocTnaNdPAvDZOcgdUR1P8LT8MeiT0Vm-zH4gp6Ova3oT7Zy9mma9_9tl1XNijXZK_1Z4PigBziH9KGyv8w0bQ-xbm4dsVASTplK5BaCHFMbWhmqR1YHCEoWjZN0m93XzbxNymeH5qMREk0/w400-h300/IMG_7168.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">12 F. at 7:30 A.M. A cold morning, but it stopped snowing overnight and the wind had died down.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv56BU3DxRHgS-PSIhNMYxYnoyOpss4WUTCezEKbWjROGXyBOYROVOeH7i6QYFSCa-fArki_ShvhoIp3nA-xpielcpUaTcfIBcgNjHyBKKlgA-Fgno42b_ADYD-DXdyQbbJxfM_gatoEnL6sWEn7-YMAEn4qzSY-gxdFYhhb_FATk6wsQeDDAuE7V-2Lg/s5184/IMG_7170.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv56BU3DxRHgS-PSIhNMYxYnoyOpss4WUTCezEKbWjROGXyBOYROVOeH7i6QYFSCa-fArki_ShvhoIp3nA-xpielcpUaTcfIBcgNjHyBKKlgA-Fgno42b_ADYD-DXdyQbbJxfM_gatoEnL6sWEn7-YMAEn4qzSY-gxdFYhhb_FATk6wsQeDDAuE7V-2Lg/w400-h300/IMG_7170.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By mid-morning the sky was deep cerulean blue creating a perfect snow scene.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I was fretting that Willis-the-cat didn't appear on the doorstep for his breakfast although his companion Sally was waiting for me as soon as I switched on the kitchen light. I stuck my head out to call Willis several times, was thinking I must pull on boots and coat and check for him in the greenhouse. Willis is partial to the unheated greenhouse and there are insulated coops to shelter him and Sally on cold nights.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Contrary cat-wise Willis made himself known as I was struggling into layers of bulky outdoor clothing.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I had dressed earlier in silk long johns under jeans, T-shirt under a heavy cotton turtleneck top. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I added a zip-front hoodie, a cardigan, insulated Carhart bibs, my tallest snow boots, wrapped my face in a soft scarf, pulled on fleece gloves. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKYQ7PnrOYQxJw6mW1_I6v06I3qHK2Oc2tdBFPjFPBAEj7D6F3hsgXB8fRKVlM6vRziGw4XTqoqy2iyreIqAW70Ckipc3oX1kftWpD9rZoGPD2ScYUbkpQeQvwCp-7JL6GAealaRF_KsyMKHhhWneHY5k_V-6kG4_szwIxX9NMU5Ip3FpAijpNFHr084/s5184/IMG_7171.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKYQ7PnrOYQxJw6mW1_I6v06I3qHK2Oc2tdBFPjFPBAEj7D6F3hsgXB8fRKVlM6vRziGw4XTqoqy2iyreIqAW70Ckipc3oX1kftWpD9rZoGPD2ScYUbkpQeQvwCp-7JL6GAealaRF_KsyMKHhhWneHY5k_V-6kG4_szwIxX9NMU5Ip3FpAijpNFHr084/w300-h400/IMG_7171.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jim decided to walk with me. His old snowmobiling jacket has been modeled in winter pictures for many years. He headed down the lower meadow loop while I took in the triangular piece bordered by the neighbor's pasture fence.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTwv3BvXOKcGk9h9ShUJ2S0cLSDRmFzY1pNrN7C8SLgIyYmFtu6DcdvmL2nFDZaHq3_WpRL59qsjZNYfH0-Kj1R27k4LhiVSIrL3XgLPP7ehkeD5hpXZA0v73QBqMtPk2-qe_x4PdTflX66Y80SUKtI61bWVkFZiGMU8rCuRsbiN5vgUM9mkxyxFpBWc/s5184/IMG_7173.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTwv3BvXOKcGk9h9ShUJ2S0cLSDRmFzY1pNrN7C8SLgIyYmFtu6DcdvmL2nFDZaHq3_WpRL59qsjZNYfH0-Kj1R27k4LhiVSIrL3XgLPP7ehkeD5hpXZA0v73QBqMtPk2-qe_x4PdTflX66Y80SUKtI61bWVkFZiGMU8rCuRsbiN5vgUM9mkxyxFpBWc/w400-h300/IMG_7173.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The landscape was beautiful and I should have found the walk exhilarating after spending most of yesterday indoors.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Instead I found that I was greatly encumbered by my layers of garments and my progress through the snow was annoyingly clumsy. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The scarf over my face stiffened with my frozen breath, my boots were not getting good traction.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I managed one full loop and started up the hill again, only to turn around and trudge along the fence once more before stomping to the house.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAYlSVXztOIV7XV8ypg5_foKrg_fV_o3IvyuIVXn1NDFzQeFCL_A4DJs0zoZNfll6TJdLdUCzN0ljCgHWx3FxoY_owbKCWZQ7v0Y48NwpmuaJlmDNIvaHnUKT9VNiVSF18_SwTG7-X1RqGqUPWmPD4ne-jh5Xn46HZSOX50oqmkIeMpNYINJ2bthwb9k/s5184/IMG_7182.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAYlSVXztOIV7XV8ypg5_foKrg_fV_o3IvyuIVXn1NDFzQeFCL_A4DJs0zoZNfll6TJdLdUCzN0ljCgHWx3FxoY_owbKCWZQ7v0Y48NwpmuaJlmDNIvaHnUKT9VNiVSF18_SwTG7-X1RqGqUPWmPD4ne-jh5Xn46HZSOX50oqmkIeMpNYINJ2bthwb9k/w400-h300/IMG_7182.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I had my camera case slung over my shoulder. Pulling off my right glove to handle the camera I found that I could see nothing through the viewfinder. </span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrB3fL05_Zpti4CvyOm9fuS2f1yQ_UuwCJTgFk1YHeW_ZnNltsVJ_5nwVquX_XEe9zhw-eAL2ntAu2XEVMvVEuIFLLOQp3iJXxuvFQZHVtg6P8jlaGr-hwGolgRRoVv6MPIeqC7SgzZmocfgK5yQRHleHfwNUrKkxnGDL8LxnMQVYCfE8EsTo6a82qWXc/s5184/IMG_7176.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrB3fL05_Zpti4CvyOm9fuS2f1yQ_UuwCJTgFk1YHeW_ZnNltsVJ_5nwVquX_XEe9zhw-eAL2ntAu2XEVMvVEuIFLLOQp3iJXxuvFQZHVtg6P8jlaGr-hwGolgRRoVv6MPIeqC7SgzZmocfgK5yQRHleHfwNUrKkxnGDL8LxnMQVYCfE8EsTo6a82qWXc/w400-h300/IMG_7176.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Willis, having emerged from his lair, joined us on the lower meadow path. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5V1lVCmKwODLSWSD1cGPub1596O2MorEU8j6zCaPzkTF2pD26_fdoEr1ie40tOW8YdMPV5A1O1XW2baJMbnjfPM8Pk3nck5MANb4ULhSPaewzwk0S_jeg4Z62o7pETdPWk9OloQ_KlfHAaFPV4-ltWHAYxVSMLzlIb2n6SSt-Aml1GGQkiIbAboDLyQ/s5184/IMG_7180.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5V1lVCmKwODLSWSD1cGPub1596O2MorEU8j6zCaPzkTF2pD26_fdoEr1ie40tOW8YdMPV5A1O1XW2baJMbnjfPM8Pk3nck5MANb4ULhSPaewzwk0S_jeg4Z62o7pETdPWk9OloQ_KlfHAaFPV4-ltWHAYxVSMLzlIb2n6SSt-Aml1GGQkiIbAboDLyQ/w400-h300/IMG_7180.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He rolled in the snow coming up with ears and whiskers powdered in glinting flakes.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk78W8giT3rc3miFAKAt6pQzZWy7VmjEXtnNtCedSS3Nq85_LKJRWtOGR239-FlyIrNFeDeT_2WVazaO7UX54a9hynt4XuGit_XaaGr1MnY6X3n_V_RW5tTdr-rWc506XQb4PZ_AyrW3XtSkiyp6uItVVZQNabU7jtv-7K_W1KVObHXyHESrorb6oWqgs/s5184/IMG_7194.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk78W8giT3rc3miFAKAt6pQzZWy7VmjEXtnNtCedSS3Nq85_LKJRWtOGR239-FlyIrNFeDeT_2WVazaO7UX54a9hynt4XuGit_XaaGr1MnY6X3n_V_RW5tTdr-rWc506XQb4PZ_AyrW3XtSkiyp6uItVVZQNabU7jtv-7K_W1KVObHXyHESrorb6oWqgs/w400-h300/IMG_7194.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Willis made it to the front porch before I did, parking himself on the old rug kept there for the outside cats.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6czVb8OmuAPdoPNQk6cGRZc_EbwV7tQfW16u-i2iXeojBYgpy8Mv4OzrMA7Kk6pPXE2MhpEngbH82MGPmi9HtQGfgqP5eHA8mqlZxz0G-kJ_w_FwJY__jkVhyNludrlIwTv5GlwWNfYIMlNzbnubqcuE48j2E-YLy9QVkhH0KPX1zjHFYCW07eWqRWs/s5184/IMG_7198.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6czVb8OmuAPdoPNQk6cGRZc_EbwV7tQfW16u-i2iXeojBYgpy8Mv4OzrMA7Kk6pPXE2MhpEngbH82MGPmi9HtQGfgqP5eHA8mqlZxz0G-kJ_w_FwJY__jkVhyNludrlIwTv5GlwWNfYIMlNzbnubqcuE48j2E-YLy9QVkhH0KPX1zjHFYCW07eWqRWs/w400-h300/IMG_7198.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Later Willis moved to the woodshed, the very picture of a warm and well-fed feline.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQtxaQQpSWSo8s6GSnmP5vNsJp9CFf9ZFfXGknvIrgKXNOnH3_yCVQJCu6LT4mSNpdoB82HWQT7bqewlISNKCE-45Z2IQxVw0eAZOPsyQkJOnmT-GYQgpdLQrdqLRMyIf4IbIVQ7e1HRZJ3qCr1GaO5024E0SFWYYEsml7WKJ-EZ0xPit5TziOznIJOs/s5184/IMG_7192.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQtxaQQpSWSo8s6GSnmP5vNsJp9CFf9ZFfXGknvIrgKXNOnH3_yCVQJCu6LT4mSNpdoB82HWQT7bqewlISNKCE-45Z2IQxVw0eAZOPsyQkJOnmT-GYQgpdLQrdqLRMyIf4IbIVQ7e1HRZJ3qCr1GaO5024E0SFWYYEsml7WKJ-EZ0xPit5TziOznIJOs/w400-h300/IMG_7192.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Robert has continued his demands to be out--and then in.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">[I am a doorkeeper in the house of the cats!]</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKw56dBBOzjzW5ktWrWBidCw5ckDysI_Q27i2gOoIMjCK7WQWtPLuCcUBsbEYBTS9oHYQ0M6OaHnwgiFajq5wlntDTsNnHH5Axc8lpxeyzTD-96nGwfHrWgpGHMl6NVSrFmXaxNeyA5HTN6Nh6XAnTjGTSbFWryCuRH_Rm91U5LRHS6Ta_9GIUoVZA2I4/s5184/IMG_7199.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKw56dBBOzjzW5ktWrWBidCw5ckDysI_Q27i2gOoIMjCK7WQWtPLuCcUBsbEYBTS9oHYQ0M6OaHnwgiFajq5wlntDTsNnHH5Axc8lpxeyzTD-96nGwfHrWgpGHMl6NVSrFmXaxNeyA5HTN6Nh6XAnTjGTSbFWryCuRH_Rm91U5LRHS6Ta_9GIUoVZA2I4/w400-h300/IMG_7199.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Like his late brother Nellie, Robert considers the roof of a vehicle ideal as a lookout post. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM5pP3aAkqFYyfDDriWsvAO4FSkip4sATlt58N9f_Xznj1ftDJ65500Ab1Qgghn4USJHF-832wDGcATI9-GH5eMGOc4ymoYc_BFcAZD0iiZZrLDn9jbonqoM_Y7IpZ927n8Z5JxfX8FnUAkkJGiTx7V635E-91oH4ov_naucyU4VjKvj-jDxGIlshgN8/s5184/IMG_7190.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM5pP3aAkqFYyfDDriWsvAO4FSkip4sATlt58N9f_Xznj1ftDJ65500Ab1Qgghn4USJHF-832wDGcATI9-GH5eMGOc4ymoYc_BFcAZD0iiZZrLDn9jbonqoM_Y7IpZ927n8Z5JxfX8FnUAkkJGiTx7V635E-91oH4ov_naucyU4VjKvj-jDxGIlshgN8/w400-h300/IMG_7190.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Coneflowers in the snow.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsLNelZXYOu-aJxg5dJbK2QNyPJyN2JrYV7C6_oxkH9tTlP-7WJlFKRx1YQ5ESTtzOS0VjQmN1okQC-1NYjS0xYn-Mf4J0ZcaDEhlje4iSWIO_WtR3quPQxS1pROQ3uB2xAjg-HSWx0khatDeBdNhwVXanNcOP8PkAlf01w-VUt8kTwqnhYzur0jqCBE/s5184/IMG_7203.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsLNelZXYOu-aJxg5dJbK2QNyPJyN2JrYV7C6_oxkH9tTlP-7WJlFKRx1YQ5ESTtzOS0VjQmN1okQC-1NYjS0xYn-Mf4J0ZcaDEhlje4iSWIO_WtR3quPQxS1pROQ3uB2xAjg-HSWx0khatDeBdNhwVXanNcOP8PkAlf01w-VUt8kTwqnhYzur0jqCBE/w400-h300/IMG_7203.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Plans to celebrate J's birthday [today] and our daughter's [tomorrow] had to be postponed due to the cold weather and icy roads.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I made Jim's favorite pineapple upside down cake.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I think that may have been my only real accomplishment of the day.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Freezing nights and chilly days are predicted for the remainder of the week.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I mustn't think about my plants which are likely victims of the prolonged chill.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Herman, the feral tabby came for his evening meal. I had saved a scoop of tinned cat food for him when the pampered house cats were served their 'tea' at noon.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I set out a small dish of milk which Herman guzzled thirstily, so I put out more and then warm water. He drank all of that between snatched mouthfuls of kibble. He is so wary--I have never been able to touch him. He backs off, eyes wide with apprehension when I open the door to hand out more food.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Although he doesn't trust us Herman finds us reliable. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The fate of strays is heart-wrenching.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">9:30 P.M. and the temperature reader displays 10 F. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-53012179878445463112024-01-15T21:17:00.008-05:002024-01-15T21:33:02.645-05:00"The More It Snows"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-3IhZhBcGs-D_qcwXR6TH6InYZwqN2HY4_b7ovG_ox54osO4Ze3nORISp0znAO8DME4cACB-wpu4ciLs9ie7SO50jK4LGXadfux83wx1gy4lo1L3vH9DEF00WuMb2x0MHDkIeXYwIS1_PQX3PILvdihdbJjPJm4xwPnDbFJA4osA4xFiOIy3taZ6IkE/s5184/IMG_7149.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-3IhZhBcGs-D_qcwXR6TH6InYZwqN2HY4_b7ovG_ox54osO4Ze3nORISp0znAO8DME4cACB-wpu4ciLs9ie7SO50jK4LGXadfux83wx1gy4lo1L3vH9DEF00WuMb2x0MHDkIeXYwIS1_PQX3PILvdihdbJjPJm4xwPnDbFJA4osA4xFiOIy3taZ6IkE/w400-h300/IMG_7149.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>Snow on the west meadow as seen through a window screen.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sunday was cold, 22F. at 8:30 a.m. with a powdering of snow on the ground. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When I went out to walk about 2:30 in the afternoon the temperature had risen to 1 degree below the freezing mark [32.F.] I walked the usual two loops around the track, noticing that the sun was being overtaken by steely clouds. Willis and Shelby walked a few yards with me and turned back. By the time I had peeled off layers of outer clothing and glanced at the device on the living room wall which gives both indoor and outdoor readings, cold was taking over. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Snow began to fall by early evening.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I had turned on the downstairs heat before I went out so went down to rummage out materials for a sewing project. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I worked downstairs until 10, assisted by several interested cats.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">18 degrees F. at 10:45 p.m. and falling snow had settled in for the night.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I woke this morning to the pale whiteness of a snowy landscape.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQEYOKsHmuCDVhbNz8qq0IW5lkdFwAkTnmV6b6wyqWtu8T0QabYv5pKoKDTISvrKZoMCdxLNXzNyot-sYyD1F6hYRmOmrnckqnQ_Qx8-Cn-F_BthVO9mFBoHCamgE33fmXY8jLtJ8OLW0MHvxRIkp77QKkgryCLQ9kEzesMpz-EoHLy8cwgk9IsXR7Fc/s5184/IMG_7158.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQEYOKsHmuCDVhbNz8qq0IW5lkdFwAkTnmV6b6wyqWtu8T0QabYv5pKoKDTISvrKZoMCdxLNXzNyot-sYyD1F6hYRmOmrnckqnQ_Qx8-Cn-F_BthVO9mFBoHCamgE33fmXY8jLtJ8OLW0MHvxRIkp77QKkgryCLQ9kEzesMpz-EoHLy8cwgk9IsXR7Fc/w400-h300/IMG_7158.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I found warm boots, a hoodie and down vest to go out with cat litter--a must-do task whatever the weather.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I had thoughts of walking at least one round of the usual path, but trudging as far as the shed below the meadow convinced me that it wasn't a day for being outside. My face ached with cold from that very brief foray.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A bluebird flew slowly past me, fluttered down into the snow before rising to fly into the trees of the south ravine. I worry about the birds in such weather. I've not put out feeders as our outdoor cats are only too willing to stalk any bird unwitting enough to land on rosebush or magnolia. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I watched for the usual evening visit of the big feral tabby we call Herman. I think he may be staying in one of the bays of the shop during cold weather. He came to the front porch as I was tidying the kitchen after supper. I put out a bowl of milk and the tinned food saved from the housecats earlier 'tea.'</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Herman has been stopping by for nearly two years, but will not allow us to touch him. He doesn't run quite as far now when I step onto the porch with food for him. I speak to him quietly, coaxingly and he gazes at me with big eyes, but humans are not on his list of creatures to be trusted. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DtcaxFiqE1MLdljuQQUXjKBYc4acr743gETDshQBoxz8cbmoXMg7mVpBvrdl_35PXplAdIoaSsSUz-HymhOqPTJ7xq-dJWCdekB5UCHYnvnUj3-4ZyaUm4NLl9YTowEG-c3WSaDlmTBy8ZmvJMYAlSV2xIZaiwjNf5MmU1pzzCAOudiL0LdZN2YEKG8/s5184/IMG_7148.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DtcaxFiqE1MLdljuQQUXjKBYc4acr743gETDshQBoxz8cbmoXMg7mVpBvrdl_35PXplAdIoaSsSUz-HymhOqPTJ7xq-dJWCdekB5UCHYnvnUj3-4ZyaUm4NLl9YTowEG-c3WSaDlmTBy8ZmvJMYAlSV2xIZaiwjNf5MmU1pzzCAOudiL0LdZN2YEKG8/w400-h300/IMG_7148.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jim requested French toast topped with sauce made from the last of a tray of blueberries and raspberries; The toast used the remainder of a loaf of homemade bread. I fried a few rounds of beef summer sausage to go with. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Robert-the-cat doesn't care for French toast or maple syrup but was insistent that he needed tidbits of sausage to fortify his innards for the cold.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He and Shelby-cat have pestered day-long--back and forth from one door to the other--in and out; The reasoning of cats seems to be that the weather should be different on each side of the house.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Robert likes to sit on the gravel path beyond the brick landing. He did so after Jim's first sweep of the path and came in with bits of gravel frozen to his furry bloomers.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMeNzFgwkRsawHM1XapvxdzMucVrisyXm2QNQ0bgdndaprMHDMcDIhqlg-ibIX8gOnRuV0jMrUh0S00sbG3X58vN7NrOOKc4SG-PrQRgZWYFecIMkH1IzwvTJK2inIQGybyal2_OaaJVJ-CprKvnawj_Mhz1wqTu4JhtvTwmRa6Q6tiLNfLdTKkIRbqc/s5184/IMG_7153.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMeNzFgwkRsawHM1XapvxdzMucVrisyXm2QNQ0bgdndaprMHDMcDIhqlg-ibIX8gOnRuV0jMrUh0S00sbG3X58vN7NrOOKc4SG-PrQRgZWYFecIMkH1IzwvTJK2inIQGybyal2_OaaJVJ-CprKvnawj_Mhz1wqTu4JhtvTwmRa6Q6tiLNfLdTKkIRbqc/w400-h300/IMG_7153.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jim has used the leaf blower to blow snow out of the path and off the car. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It would seem that his collection of vehicles and tractors have nudged the 'everyday' car out into the cold!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHafboXe45dnb9MgaZEyMtinCoHLG4k9MmtxKoTV_MgP1lP1ECPXh1jCdQ_MKRGlihqy26Ebq5wzDd6LVqKcc7CIerZHx_8RSIn8prwcGTwKQ_x1TdrPUFxHeQwCBUtSdGFXDTFCEgQjzk1aVL1Gnfwh43MqhwWbKfVDqtn_apiS5tEw4ypv3A8m3sgw/s5184/IMG_7150.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHafboXe45dnb9MgaZEyMtinCoHLG4k9MmtxKoTV_MgP1lP1ECPXh1jCdQ_MKRGlihqy26Ebq5wzDd6LVqKcc7CIerZHx_8RSIn8prwcGTwKQ_x1TdrPUFxHeQwCBUtSdGFXDTFCEgQjzk1aVL1Gnfwh43MqhwWbKfVDqtn_apiS5tEw4ypv3A8m3sgw/w400-h300/IMG_7150.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">At 1 a.m. I thought of my Thanksgiving cactus out in the unheated sunroom.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I should have gotten out of bed and moved it to the inner room. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Several straggling begonias also lodged out there did not fare well--note the one on the right.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The begonias were salvaged from summer planters two years ago, not thrifty and thus no great loss. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The cactus is definitely chilled but I think not unto death.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With temps projected in the single numbers for the next several nights I am concerned for my butterfly bushes and hibiscus. Frigid weather during the final days of December '22 killed my huge magenta buddleia though the smaller white one was spared to flourish during the past summer. They are fragile things--I've lost three mature ones to Kentucky winters--but so appealing in bloom and covered in butterflies that I continue to replace those lost.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBHe2fCCNcIIlj8XNF14_AdUwPkH4sXNJgTkscHsbA1DY5n1AiYVeOk1OmIU76AFPAlGdJLF-APHTpJPFp5GjGJeVA_v1aOhHm7fs6kaaAaCA6bYtF02osT84u-oKiqgHzjM2zxkwQ4EuYv6PDFBRqmI-iqjt6JyW0nmcKm7uBO5VdMuS7Y6qX66nOm0/s5184/IMG_7166.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBHe2fCCNcIIlj8XNF14_AdUwPkH4sXNJgTkscHsbA1DY5n1AiYVeOk1OmIU76AFPAlGdJLF-APHTpJPFp5GjGJeVA_v1aOhHm7fs6kaaAaCA6bYtF02osT84u-oKiqgHzjM2zxkwQ4EuYv6PDFBRqmI-iqjt6JyW0nmcKm7uBO5VdMuS7Y6qX66nOm0/w400-h300/IMG_7166.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sewing project finished.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Comfort food produced: beef/veg soup and rolls.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We don't eat much meat; it is more of an ingredient in a dish than an entree.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have a source for organic lean ground beef in frozen 1 lb packages, and keep several in the freezer for soup or a casserole. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wood brought in by Jim to feed the stove. On these cold nights we set the mini-split to come on if the temperature in the main living area drops below 70. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Plans to celebrate two birthdays tomorrow [Jim's January 16, Gina's January 17] weather permitting.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jim scoffs at driving in snow.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Having lived most of our lives in New England and then 12 years in Wyoming before retiring in Kentucky, we think snowy roads can be handled--with caution.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Winnie-the-Pooh's winter chant has been in my head today; I grew up with 'Pooh' before Disney corrupted him!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">THE MORE IT SNOWS, A.A. MILNE</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The more it</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">SNOWS-tiddely-pom,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The more it</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">GOES-tiddely-pom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The more it</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">GOES-tiddely-pom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Snowing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And nobody</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">KNOWS-tiddely-pom,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">How cold my</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TOES-tiddely-pom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">How cold my</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TOES-tiddely-pom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Are</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Growing.</div></div><p><br /> </p>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-40461657457784426462024-01-11T20:57:00.001-05:002024-01-11T20:57:48.587-05:00Sunshine, Heavenly Sunshine<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1F5UO_A-GAqkCFUSm5QPrmML_d_LVMBD5quIVlMRQlpHYgDW6DCpJei4griCRDRLZqKUMCdRT_fEofRA6f4buDnnXDD4D0RNdN8baAlhORdZwhV0XgEhiQYY-WcAQsqbuLlvRZoY4GitHcR9JuheZzy1KpMGMeun1iFHunO_AeXNO7UZvXKmvrQ9TBM/s5184/IMG_7106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1F5UO_A-GAqkCFUSm5QPrmML_d_LVMBD5quIVlMRQlpHYgDW6DCpJei4griCRDRLZqKUMCdRT_fEofRA6f4buDnnXDD4D0RNdN8baAlhORdZwhV0XgEhiQYY-WcAQsqbuLlvRZoY4GitHcR9JuheZzy1KpMGMeun1iFHunO_AeXNO7UZvXKmvrQ9TBM/w400-h300/IMG_7106.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The red numbers on my digital clock were clicking away toward 6 a.m. when, firmly wedged about with cats, I fell into what passed for sleep. Jolted back to consciousness I discovered it was after 8 and the sky visible through the window was bright blue. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Waking to sunshine does make a difference!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLNyr_x2Ign_FfO_T7z3ZDz8Mp8N8Ec2us_TEqZBrmPo0B0ssbjPVnaB0Ns-ZEqmvJAQw73lZJNd9z4LuIVE2OeasB2Bn_BXEGCY8veUspcU4N-Oho_T_-2J0kYJ5ShXo3X60gyXBg6sbwabP1oyGfDXWhX3Sv4LnQkn1WkjHIyijQblL4hmPFICSltg/s5184/IMG_7107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLNyr_x2Ign_FfO_T7z3ZDz8Mp8N8Ec2us_TEqZBrmPo0B0ssbjPVnaB0Ns-ZEqmvJAQw73lZJNd9z4LuIVE2OeasB2Bn_BXEGCY8veUspcU4N-Oho_T_-2J0kYJ5ShXo3X60gyXBg6sbwabP1oyGfDXWhX3Sv4LnQkn1WkjHIyijQblL4hmPFICSltg/w400-h300/IMG_7107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Showered, dressed, a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast, morning chores done.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With a relatively late start it was nearly noon when I headed up the lane toward our mailbox on the main road. I had missed the mailman, but no matter. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The packed dirt of the lane had a bouncy feel, still soft from yesterday's rain.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A neighboring field wearing a subdued winter green spreads to the east. </span></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6-xufImyDNfotCxRM5zXdhMQl_cHKvuE65RFb_EPMk5XRiNIL7ESTnsSa116dPP71KyAOsf-shM-02I5FXZsiFekV1SowLm6r7XTHyGrLsMsDEKFNmI8f7zSS1eD1Rid15jNXWpxFTWAolegWMKF6fcQHYF0SJ1M5IqI2RR5FuMpkNJLpAjpdohjmWc/s5184/IMG_7108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6-xufImyDNfotCxRM5zXdhMQl_cHKvuE65RFb_EPMk5XRiNIL7ESTnsSa116dPP71KyAOsf-shM-02I5FXZsiFekV1SowLm6r7XTHyGrLsMsDEKFNmI8f7zSS1eD1Rid15jNXWpxFTWAolegWMKF6fcQHYF0SJ1M5IqI2RR5FuMpkNJLpAjpdohjmWc/w400-h300/IMG_7108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I walked my first loop of the upper meadow, bare hand clutching the mail, hood pushed back.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJ_xbPpWsvVXW7OhBsW3x2Fj7B-x-L1QijMBg7T7JUhmraoOtiCsk_1O_S5sXYFhqBFMHAnZsPSPwz2JnOjamFOLmo44swHkfPOnbM0blZVamZhYKKFXFIAfWNN8SeiLAIbukD5JtZN4g_mCmThU0BYkYdHbXRKYAQSdtRP9NqHXD7mf494ySIYNoW30/s5184/IMG_7128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJ_xbPpWsvVXW7OhBsW3x2Fj7B-x-L1QijMBg7T7JUhmraoOtiCsk_1O_S5sXYFhqBFMHAnZsPSPwz2JnOjamFOLmo44swHkfPOnbM0blZVamZhYKKFXFIAfWNN8SeiLAIbukD5JtZN4g_mCmThU0BYkYdHbXRKYAQSdtRP9NqHXD7mf494ySIYNoW30/w400-h300/IMG_7128.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Shelby walks ahead of me.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPZ1Nnf1g5iuDqSGEgmAbcUuoiTgk_kp5IuHq_1n54Z2Xp58Cku1qhRWpqwMmgzCoJ52O8G-RfHYy-YXmuScfMTTLP5YRwXx233qYaFtBm7uXIOuEXA9H-AE9dLicjXLzZZ0L2du2AegMrXeL7thyh3i4x-9dlQynSW5jcOIxfeVjNbsoWXvVuXvf9nw/s5184/IMG_7130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPZ1Nnf1g5iuDqSGEgmAbcUuoiTgk_kp5IuHq_1n54Z2Xp58Cku1qhRWpqwMmgzCoJ52O8G-RfHYy-YXmuScfMTTLP5YRwXx233qYaFtBm7uXIOuEXA9H-AE9dLicjXLzZZ0L2du2AegMrXeL7thyh3i4x-9dlQynSW5jcOIxfeVjNbsoWXvVuXvf9nw/w400-h300/IMG_7130.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With the mail dumped in the house I made a 2nd pass of the upper meadow and took in the lop-sided triangle bordered by a sturdy boundary fence.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Shelby stands on her own shadow, alert to the movements of the beef cattle in their pasture across the lane.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKnVBqMnMsksaUa_APWb_FCg0Bk5Rs9vQoGVBpXYjjDl-dVe8UdkPFYIumS6tB__GZBSGlCYC885G77z5Z1LUPeAhfCTZdGdhB8zmnd7oPhFvvLNz_s1W28Dm9ONXfQ-dqA7b6UQ2KfdTn2rGhnoPKk8sPZVRIqxQtmuvMyv4ZZ5QpPLMBpne-n4vzqM/s5184/IMG_7129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKnVBqMnMsksaUa_APWb_FCg0Bk5Rs9vQoGVBpXYjjDl-dVe8UdkPFYIumS6tB__GZBSGlCYC885G77z5Z1LUPeAhfCTZdGdhB8zmnd7oPhFvvLNz_s1W28Dm9ONXfQ-dqA7b6UQ2KfdTn2rGhnoPKk8sPZVRIqxQtmuvMyv4ZZ5QpPLMBpne-n4vzqM/w300-h400/IMG_7129.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A long view of the fence and its shadow.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXZFCDsbpzXdTOeefUruDnHVMNjrSk6tpR7jLZdhEm3OflzNhg9a-fHxq3IlT9wgaBEBF3ZOBdwGL3Dw6UqakbC2K-wX7lak8SbmivU5k8dsb3YGDhXcOmofAwGj72YDwuszCqDgqw5q9kImMFyxT6FDszcbos6VTo2Uk5evZmWf8zr4UeOP0niItVLY/s5184/IMG_7115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXZFCDsbpzXdTOeefUruDnHVMNjrSk6tpR7jLZdhEm3OflzNhg9a-fHxq3IlT9wgaBEBF3ZOBdwGL3Dw6UqakbC2K-wX7lak8SbmivU5k8dsb3YGDhXcOmofAwGj72YDwuszCqDgqw5q9kImMFyxT6FDszcbos6VTo2Uk5evZmWf8zr4UeOP0niItVLY/w400-h300/IMG_7115.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Before walking the lower meadow path I poked about in the west wall garden. A sere tulip poplar leaf nestled amongst pinks and foxglove cups yesterday's rainwater.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7ZBB75dgCIpH0DDfnVTzB1jvgfVD6svIxQwHLK9PUjfwjQMNZmpom4nDccoYhXMyu5PAWl2thlyam9XqLwP0LO0ZCNoMfktAuEyDDOR4LENVMysFx9zVNYn6TkfwuLrhH4JvrtKZ3VxBN3MrmV5Bqmj_YDW2wFnj7z-Culf9pzHEODct0Q8XcxftM1I/s5184/IMG_7116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7ZBB75dgCIpH0DDfnVTzB1jvgfVD6svIxQwHLK9PUjfwjQMNZmpom4nDccoYhXMyu5PAWl2thlyam9XqLwP0LO0ZCNoMfktAuEyDDOR4LENVMysFx9zVNYn6TkfwuLrhH4JvrtKZ3VxBN3MrmV5Bqmj_YDW2wFnj7z-Culf9pzHEODct0Q8XcxftM1I/w400-h300/IMG_7116.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Frothy seed heads, a reminder of clematis 'Dr. Ruppel.' Has anyone raised a clematis from seed? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Several seasons ago I saved seeds from my vintage clematis, 'Candida' but none germinated.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktssoP5FA177RTi28sR58BbVCp5TUcle6-3JdfK4ztPTWZSWTE3m2wu_INT3SXMHZ6rcbm3SwBBdYvTXI0Ktx_VGNDpqRJrLiS-A_URiOUGJf0DUsKwwOgs8nWD7ipqI1wGvLa5quT4J-xwmO80MQubqyzhgWV4Hi-ufQdEAwltwMz-wZ35Fc9AjdhT4/s5184/IMG_7117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktssoP5FA177RTi28sR58BbVCp5TUcle6-3JdfK4ztPTWZSWTE3m2wu_INT3SXMHZ6rcbm3SwBBdYvTXI0Ktx_VGNDpqRJrLiS-A_URiOUGJf0DUsKwwOgs8nWD7ipqI1wGvLa5quT4J-xwmO80MQubqyzhgWV4Hi-ufQdEAwltwMz-wZ35Fc9AjdhT4/w400-h300/IMG_7117.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I admire the way lemon balm hunkers down for the winter, tight rosettes of leaves clustered around last season's brittle stems. The clean lemon fragrance is released at the lightest touch.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I was reluctant to leave the brilliant day outside, but had run out of excuses. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My painting project beckoned; the sunroom doors had been open since 9 a.m. allowing heat from the woodstove to flow in; now the south and west-facing windows were filled with light. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I gave the first coat of paint a light sanding, tacked off the residue, ushered Rosie-Cat away from my paint cans and brushes. I'm liking the dark colonial red paint. Do I proceed with my plan to overpaint with black--or do I apply a 3rd coat for a red bookcase</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All things being equal, the first of next week should see the bookcase ready to install in the big downstairs living area. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Perhaps there will be a rainy day--perfect for the task of sorting and arranging books. </span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p></p>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-34825387929215704532024-01-10T22:48:00.000-05:002024-01-10T22:48:05.244-05:00Unfriendly Weather<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFWiH1Jvab3xmwfnJdFruRPZ_qda7MmLW4U0z4C79O5AKeHwRofZOQRXQ8eNOenannsVZRDlUMXcI7r7PGtI1vj7xFyxBNgGQRDRxtdEeZf4jAJ0wZLTyuzBprkCSL_BzzS6XtkfRW9_T2dn9la9SRs8wzS0J7vd5g-ZWsnwYkh9gomiDelYAb3nnaY4/s5184/IMG_7077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFWiH1Jvab3xmwfnJdFruRPZ_qda7MmLW4U0z4C79O5AKeHwRofZOQRXQ8eNOenannsVZRDlUMXcI7r7PGtI1vj7xFyxBNgGQRDRxtdEeZf4jAJ0wZLTyuzBprkCSL_BzzS6XtkfRW9_T2dn9la9SRs8wzS0J7vd5g-ZWsnwYkh9gomiDelYAb3nnaY4/w400-h300/IMG_7077.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Monday's sunshine didn't prepare me for the downturn of weather on Tuesday and Wednesday. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wind accompanied by sun isn't as disheartening as the dark lashings we took yesterday. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Rain fell in spiteful spurts, beading on bare branches, creating a vast sponge where moles have tunneled under the black walnut trees. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have kept to my discipline of walking, heading out during the momentary lulls.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRWorWez2YC7LVcSXoIonXPUPgDB4-dev_dXuuyjTpdgep_3lxdhI9CZPh0spTLfArMqlIyM1gwxyiFAQHcyGI4fvxKSD8n2deMWN0BDSKncGgfolhWID_aapP-keTNaHQHd8WbzGbldEB4pwENkhce1QFsNvWbKeAybM6iRG7daBaFiYPQGkJAtAgBU/s5184/IMG_7079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRWorWez2YC7LVcSXoIonXPUPgDB4-dev_dXuuyjTpdgep_3lxdhI9CZPh0spTLfArMqlIyM1gwxyiFAQHcyGI4fvxKSD8n2deMWN0BDSKncGgfolhWID_aapP-keTNaHQHd8WbzGbldEB4pwENkhce1QFsNvWbKeAybM6iRG7daBaFiYPQGkJAtAgBU/w400-h300/IMG_7079.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I prowled about in the area at the lower end of the west meadow, remembering the bleakness of the winter [2019] spent in a 5th wheel camper while building this house. The house occupied by former owners had burned [perhaps under strange circumstances] and our view was of the rubble left behind. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx78Iv0zTqms6WwHJlA1L8rYc9VhxsQG8ZlAyq6aTlOV5ZROuqXINxjahNiTmkUFB9TbmgrCc0-py-G2MTbgvZE1_28w0tGVqH1kYtFF2OMd-k_ilHtltGVoNDqLcW_66Z1Wpwv35Qrrahwwuus3uqNiK4JHxQHKyE0q7k02znv6wgN6rM0Wrk69JhpzY/s5184/IMG_7085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx78Iv0zTqms6WwHJlA1L8rYc9VhxsQG8ZlAyq6aTlOV5ZROuqXINxjahNiTmkUFB9TbmgrCc0-py-G2MTbgvZE1_28w0tGVqH1kYtFF2OMd-k_ilHtltGVoNDqLcW_66Z1Wpwv35Qrrahwwuus3uqNiK4JHxQHKyE0q7k02znv6wgN6rM0Wrk69JhpzY/w300-h400/IMG_7085.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Trees near that house were damaged by the fire and will likely have to be cut down at some point. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Somehow the wounds seem more noticeable when wet.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3l9bwe7xrIwnsXuY7rQrCILHRBj7f499r-Yxc0jYnyfmhwxjMRYesIe6DwPvmSFJcfIbexP6VEdM9tuO_rB_UsiagCEGYep7AaEAarecpryshzP0H2MarDV2ZGQM85MwRna_BgMOyxEZWhccR4cHpAGjMEqGfI2MsmWQXVxNAK8r3nhdF-ugS45K5ee4/s5184/IMG_7072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3l9bwe7xrIwnsXuY7rQrCILHRBj7f499r-Yxc0jYnyfmhwxjMRYesIe6DwPvmSFJcfIbexP6VEdM9tuO_rB_UsiagCEGYep7AaEAarecpryshzP0H2MarDV2ZGQM85MwRna_BgMOyxEZWhccR4cHpAGjMEqGfI2MsmWQXVxNAK8r3nhdF-ugS45K5ee4/w400-h300/IMG_7072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hickory nuts, black walnuts and acorns have become imbedded in the softened ground. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAwNkB-nyVgW1cQxT0xbVO7jzPW5ZeJBYhseHxUInXVdW6oetXBpGzAexA_qoK8O3JoRZSqrV9Lu_EonAkUfjV2FYouvq9RHTom8oPt7rQAu4s5GnDr2el-EOLy4rQVFOkDvLvZdQe8_4qc7XCcwpP3Imgxc1YLcun6q7R92DhbDTnJ7d2KUq1HtOCnE/s5184/IMG_7078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAwNkB-nyVgW1cQxT0xbVO7jzPW5ZeJBYhseHxUInXVdW6oetXBpGzAexA_qoK8O3JoRZSqrV9Lu_EonAkUfjV2FYouvq9RHTom8oPt7rQAu4s5GnDr2el-EOLy4rQVFOkDvLvZdQe8_4qc7XCcwpP3Imgxc1YLcun6q7R92DhbDTnJ7d2KUq1HtOCnE/w400-h300/IMG_7078.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A rounded bole at the base of a tree. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAxniRfhYPNmLVHAG7xuPas1_cj8bwHEeTZx9khZGP6Dvo0xBD287-Am8rJNPckpH1Uc_To1VLoR1M4KnEH3_1mZf1LUItoxNbjp3uT6_1j-i5Px1LjtM8n4fYLO_8cAxifyyx0T9xFz2hxxHhPmvSJMTfccyUg5cipzdwardZ8HeuEabnI74Ri-kb9Y/s5184/IMG_7086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAxniRfhYPNmLVHAG7xuPas1_cj8bwHEeTZx9khZGP6Dvo0xBD287-Am8rJNPckpH1Uc_To1VLoR1M4KnEH3_1mZf1LUItoxNbjp3uT6_1j-i5Px1LjtM8n4fYLO_8cAxifyyx0T9xFz2hxxHhPmvSJMTfccyUg5cipzdwardZ8HeuEabnI74Ri-kb9Y/w300-h400/IMG_7086.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It looks as though some small creature may have created a dwelling in this cavity.</span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RwuR1E_MOtoPsnx-WyQap_D8-UqWyclmtWsYCZVcEY1EVNP5k3xHhDMdzqPUIx55hHdb5vn4Q29PMcujUcd6LDxMtS_Yg3W6SaKMfLhaDI8AT0dlu9539XhKsErJGBr7fXy5cdMkuBntJcirHoOzukOGJO2mmN0KsPrGIVBxzm8AcSOv3Nna8ly5yb8/s5184/IMG_7084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RwuR1E_MOtoPsnx-WyQap_D8-UqWyclmtWsYCZVcEY1EVNP5k3xHhDMdzqPUIx55hHdb5vn4Q29PMcujUcd6LDxMtS_Yg3W6SaKMfLhaDI8AT0dlu9539XhKsErJGBr7fXy5cdMkuBntJcirHoOzukOGJO2mmN0KsPrGIVBxzm8AcSOv3Nna8ly5yb8/w400-h300/IMG_7084.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Robert chose to plod along with me.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YMYRMYa_9gdGHHI_kcn30cs2yVhfcvfluWMzkjTfNDyToQtoLWFcp5pKCnz1oxKuzOyxL_YPIPmzR9bOKHOIrp_dkRAD_AIIBfxmw4qKwstObwBDBmjm8o5YBK6niqIiw8Nz4EWzC0ym6eiQ4nKQTzOsXjfxJQEPQK5riUd59eLMxmwm2iOU7iqwK-4/s5184/IMG_7073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YMYRMYa_9gdGHHI_kcn30cs2yVhfcvfluWMzkjTfNDyToQtoLWFcp5pKCnz1oxKuzOyxL_YPIPmzR9bOKHOIrp_dkRAD_AIIBfxmw4qKwstObwBDBmjm8o5YBK6niqIiw8Nz4EWzC0ym6eiQ4nKQTzOsXjfxJQEPQK5riUd59eLMxmwm2iOU7iqwK-4/w400-h300/IMG_7073.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Shelby is a menace, rolling over my feet when I stop for a moment, then dashing off as though some threat--invisible to humans--is on her trail.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tovDD0XOGstbdOU6UP_XSeRNxaxtky82YwwT0P_TGuegZk2oP6F00xT75b-7IVwCGrAmAa112PLQtMcwXZ96_uR2gvK_NZhukIILYo2S2k3MYOF7329pnGuwgrx9I9BTmq7Cw_HagDR0SrxybafcIZnIxYiNvKoGQ_GCTP6m_SRM2BoKPgOHEGCcz6w/s5184/IMG_7094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tovDD0XOGstbdOU6UP_XSeRNxaxtky82YwwT0P_TGuegZk2oP6F00xT75b-7IVwCGrAmAa112PLQtMcwXZ96_uR2gvK_NZhukIILYo2S2k3MYOF7329pnGuwgrx9I9BTmq7Cw_HagDR0SrxybafcIZnIxYiNvKoGQ_GCTP6m_SRM2BoKPgOHEGCcz6w/w400-h300/IMG_7094.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The wind crashed and howled through Tuesday night dashing rain against the windows, wuthering around the corners of the house. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I opened my bedroom window a mere inch letting in the cold scent of rain. I was still reading at midnight when an unmistakable whiff of skunk drifted in. I considered closing the window, but the odor was quickly gone--gathered up, whooshed away. It had caught the attention of the cats snoozing at the foot of the bed, bringing them upright to stare wide-eyed, sniffing, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Today the digital thermometer recorded only a few degrees above freezing all day. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I walked two and a half loops of the meadow paths, coming back to the house for my camera to record the scarf of snow around an east boundary tree. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It wasn't raining but a sense of damp cold stayed with me long after I came inside.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I considered putting another coat of paint on my bookcase, but the sunless sunroom wasn't appealing.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I accomplished the usual cleaning chores, went over music for the coming weekend's church service. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I was inspired to bake molasses cookies, enjoying the scent of cinnamon and ginger.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I played with old photos and maps.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Considering the weather that has impacted much of the country, I'm not seriously complaining about ours, rather making note.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We have the warmth of the woodstove along with cookies and tea. I have books. Tomorrow I'll make a fresh pot of soup, perhaps a batch of bread. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If the sun should appear I will rush joyfully out to admire it!</span></div><br /> <p></p>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-92063746578136675252024-01-08T21:53:00.004-05:002024-01-08T22:00:34.128-05:00First Week of January/ A Mid-Winter Journal<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3R21f-eE2_Nv3xXxx1z2RWlRcOVuqdduD9FrueUHG9O5oNSmCiDgaSuHqXP70TdWn_zMN1UscZe7nSuTg0y1Et2o19SMpQCAlIIYJoAjGfAsvIdmmSswkWCDmKYpJD4SfWBqkT_JfsOkiHmdybd_m1B8-Wg84GhJfsE23lpnwWWkuozgE-ui9JpLpIts/s5184/IMG_7063.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3R21f-eE2_Nv3xXxx1z2RWlRcOVuqdduD9FrueUHG9O5oNSmCiDgaSuHqXP70TdWn_zMN1UscZe7nSuTg0y1Et2o19SMpQCAlIIYJoAjGfAsvIdmmSswkWCDmKYpJD4SfWBqkT_JfsOkiHmdybd_m1B8-Wg84GhJfsE23lpnwWWkuozgE-ui9JpLpIts/w400-h300/IMG_7063.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">White frost and 28 F on January 3rd. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The sun appeared for a few minutes that mid-morning prompting me to start a wash of bed linens. I pegged the first load of sheets on the line as the fickle sun retreated behind scowling clouds. The next load went into the dryer; by early afternoon I conceded that it wasn't a 'drying day.' </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBzgM2ACUvv9NWuO6cubhU6EysjCnZp52czB7UPGExTYerQ1_xQG7iBINFNSk_gLBytuNuZdcu_WKVa40oaUAtmgwOc8e39CzSC45yoaHv0CTWN9l5Q8PLB6GU1mXBqCwtlbMuFCqgdqAIdpaCkkGtNpp82XawmsYqPztalQ2JTUKhE1wm7CHRiDtc8Y/s5184/IMG_7059.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBzgM2ACUvv9NWuO6cubhU6EysjCnZp52czB7UPGExTYerQ1_xQG7iBINFNSk_gLBytuNuZdcu_WKVa40oaUAtmgwOc8e39CzSC45yoaHv0CTWN9l5Q8PLB6GU1mXBqCwtlbMuFCqgdqAIdpaCkkGtNpp82XawmsYqPztalQ2JTUKhE1wm7CHRiDtc8Y/w400-h300/IMG_7059.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Encouraging patches of blue sky are quickly obscured by wind-driven clouds laden with moisture that produces spatters of cold rain or brief flurries of wet snowflakes.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We have continued our discipline of walking the path that loops around both upper and lower meadows; I say 'we' but there are days when Jim has immersed himself in projects in the shop; if he walks with me, he often accuses me of 'cutting corners' as I tend to avoid the sections of the path that are most heavily strewn with black walnuts and hickory nuts. To make up for this I've started including the triangle of ground that lies along the south fence boundary.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One or more of the cats often walks part way. Willis has his favorite sections of the route. He stumps halfway up the east meadow path, then plants himself until we have come down the other side and into the drive; if he is feeling spritely he may follow us around the lower meadow. Robert, always a law unto himself, may grace us with his company before being lured into the fringe of the north ravine where he hopes he might encounter an unwary grey squirrel. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Shelby-cat romps ahead, flinging herself down to roll in front of my feet, then flouncing off with tail inflated, fur bristling along her bony spine.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicFb5D4pHByAqw3ZUUyMVeMzxaRF3s27yNAc-hySE7YMppEjLRqECPKG5KLub7lcym-cwm3FG6VA6Nd9QVELj9oQVQ0idS5-ir7Z_hL0GWgAMXhLDDTPC4M-jKAbZtxixUBTUI8B6imxxEAzvmzHHRyjMcO5MgVO_F1AKqgUmZYdPdJQW6h5pYPrbfWU/s5184/IMG_7058.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicFb5D4pHByAqw3ZUUyMVeMzxaRF3s27yNAc-hySE7YMppEjLRqECPKG5KLub7lcym-cwm3FG6VA6Nd9QVELj9oQVQ0idS5-ir7Z_hL0GWgAMXhLDDTPC4M-jKAbZtxixUBTUI8B6imxxEAzvmzHHRyjMcO5MgVO_F1AKqgUmZYdPdJQW6h5pYPrbfWU/w400-h300/IMG_7058.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The path bordering the north ravine. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jim stops to ponder what dead trees might be harvested for fire wood. His persistent mowing and cutting brush keeps the wild growth from encroaching into the meadow.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It has been a challenge some days to walk when the wind has a cold bite. On days when the ground is wet my feet shuck about in rubber boots and I can feel the lumps of the black walnuts through the thin soles. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12DG0h9fGaSsewN8ks1HGrn9hioSYIDZReXT0nUABJb3KjuszONw93n7u9y4FlZ8iz3fCqnk2dHj_HXkVTyHTSauU64hTLjUVulldtzTS79CMIO98cxwN0wMTHCiHscdL52oA07np9EQaQP3ya3actCDJjaKijNIi7WBosrAcK2C47Bya9ksN0c7jfqM/s5184/IMG_7064.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12DG0h9fGaSsewN8ks1HGrn9hioSYIDZReXT0nUABJb3KjuszONw93n7u9y4FlZ8iz3fCqnk2dHj_HXkVTyHTSauU64hTLjUVulldtzTS79CMIO98cxwN0wMTHCiHscdL52oA07np9EQaQP3ya3actCDJjaKijNIi7WBosrAcK2C47Bya9ksN0c7jfqM/w400-h300/IMG_7064.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Some of the bleak mostly sunless days have ended with an encouraging sunset.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uyharbPzzATGfZYCwUO7XzFkIhFIPijwQb5EG5PMiNmncVitM6-ujQwhyWbZ8FUEl7Cg4RkKJLDDwd7ane4-wUdVd6oS9p3INiIdM9q1sv3abE8wnTW8jGodiKm-awUL-H3eba7ejqr1J_nVM1IeBIWtvCYk8e76CDsQXzKbiiqMnaVqKxfdWdzuyHU/s5184/IMG_7066.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uyharbPzzATGfZYCwUO7XzFkIhFIPijwQb5EG5PMiNmncVitM6-ujQwhyWbZ8FUEl7Cg4RkKJLDDwd7ane4-wUdVd6oS9p3INiIdM9q1sv3abE8wnTW8jGodiKm-awUL-H3eba7ejqr1J_nVM1IeBIWtvCYk8e76CDsQXzKbiiqMnaVqKxfdWdzuyHU/w400-h300/IMG_7066.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The setting sun rides low over the south ravine disappearing before it reaches due west.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoYh7WloYbPBPb1iyHmVoVzgGWzLM7LKPMFZJ93vhIqVmDRYMjYts1MFGrbsox1jOP2YldhgeoJCSoB4eZpVensNXtfROGX0EAER2Gh4tOddprW_kGzjdmgXaYVAOsqmTtrn4zHOa5WTj85LKwC7B5PNb7XgAYkcOUoMV8pgyzaHrZYvEoxws1YuEgCQ/s5184/IMG_7068.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoYh7WloYbPBPb1iyHmVoVzgGWzLM7LKPMFZJ93vhIqVmDRYMjYts1MFGrbsox1jOP2YldhgeoJCSoB4eZpVensNXtfROGX0EAER2Gh4tOddprW_kGzjdmgXaYVAOsqmTtrn4zHOa5WTj85LKwC7B5PNb7XgAYkcOUoMV8pgyzaHrZYvEoxws1YuEgCQ/w400-h300/IMG_7068.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">31 F. at 8 a.m. this morning and the sun just appearing; the sky, patterned with contrails, quickly gains a robust blue.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Y9o_O78M0KNiIEvPZFzKl1QLBXleHsOMRek4NxJ8VhRTGSf0c-QLWHaemXsOpKSDaw-GVpmZqKXCAm-0J9pVVW_KUOMyyO2A4TTrF7ul1fQRCp5IR8q0R2vmeDmvk_u1XizBgRUTU2zA_4u9tmFwZ_TPba9USrV-ET3J9GeWSSYLK763ofjOU910cRQ/s5184/IMG_7067.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Y9o_O78M0KNiIEvPZFzKl1QLBXleHsOMRek4NxJ8VhRTGSf0c-QLWHaemXsOpKSDaw-GVpmZqKXCAm-0J9pVVW_KUOMyyO2A4TTrF7ul1fQRCp5IR8q0R2vmeDmvk_u1XizBgRUTU2zA_4u9tmFwZ_TPba9USrV-ET3J9GeWSSYLK763ofjOU910cRQ/w400-h300/IMG_7067.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> A mid-winter morning that ushered in ALL DAY Sunshine!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There were sharp teeth in the wind. I would describe my walkabout as 'invigorating'--my pace was a bit slower than usual. I was well bundled in down jacket, fluffy scarf and fleece gloves, but the warmth of the house was welcome when I came in to prepare dinner.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">At this point mealtimes are very flexible. Usually we have one 'big meal' per day, sometimes before noon, other times after. Today I offered a simple salad, mashed potato, pan-fried salmon garnished with lemon slices and fresh rosemary.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There is usually homemade soup or the remains of a casserole in the fridge, homemade bread for sandwiches, a ready assortment of crackers, Cabot cheese. Neither of us likes an evening meal, so we each assemble what we want late in the afternoon.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6sL8x2qf4dx0IcEwNxBWN6iiLs9JnfBOuC6KIOJHE6cCnWZDO-zCU-MamtgYrgz8cCB2BlwEEv9A7T1TpT5153Nc3pi9ixmFA9He7khXEBDQnJd-YmFSltQyF97PWXlYDCOlXRdVvlH-Ze60S4U8idy4Ir9BW83etD-UcbHUF1JZqTen2ADOyjb9PZ4/s5184/IMG_7069.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6sL8x2qf4dx0IcEwNxBWN6iiLs9JnfBOuC6KIOJHE6cCnWZDO-zCU-MamtgYrgz8cCB2BlwEEv9A7T1TpT5153Nc3pi9ixmFA9He7khXEBDQnJd-YmFSltQyF97PWXlYDCOlXRdVvlH-Ze60S4U8idy4Ir9BW83etD-UcbHUF1JZqTen2ADOyjb9PZ4/w300-h400/IMG_7069.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On Thursday we moved the bookcase which Jim built for me into the house so that I could begin painting. Jim strapped it onto a dolly and I kept it balanced while it was trundled up the front steps and eased around two doorways into the sunroom. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Opening the connecting doors warms the room enough to paint by afternoon; the little room catches the afternoon sun, so working in there today was especially pleasant.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I delayed starting this project as I hadn't decided how I wanted to proceed. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By Thursday I had decided on a light taupe paint, 'Quiet Zone' for the interior. I now have a first coat of a favorite Clark and Kensington color, 'Autumn Apples' on the exterior. I will probably apply another coat of the dark red, then dry brush with 'Cannonball Black.' </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I've used this technique in the past when refinishing vintage pieces, or painting the peg racks Jim has created. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">These deep colors blend well with the vintage tools that we have collected, and compliment my quilts, cushions and curtains. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEIzWeAKTWUfhRKu9MHH74R53YUE6vUTkbfZa_Aum_7CJ8oyn5rcSXuliJLvLqxmaN6X9b6MgkJRcHQjH0S3CBb64J4zoxbB3i2NA-8JFv16QWLTHPi-KRNfMPTDvmTeTyZy0xWDPGO6YSVvdFyDIjsyflMs3g36s9Qfa8I-rKkka8c5eiHN3v3HcWwc/s5184/IMG_7062.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEIzWeAKTWUfhRKu9MHH74R53YUE6vUTkbfZa_Aum_7CJ8oyn5rcSXuliJLvLqxmaN6X9b6MgkJRcHQjH0S3CBb64J4zoxbB3i2NA-8JFv16QWLTHPi-KRNfMPTDvmTeTyZy0xWDPGO6YSVvdFyDIjsyflMs3g36s9Qfa8I-rKkka8c5eiHN3v3HcWwc/w400-h300/IMG_7062.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Rosie-cat likes to help with my various projects. I had to send her out of the sunroom while I painted. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She has offered her assistance with my recent sewing efforts and regularly lands on my desk or Jim's when we are working. I would like to blame the untidiness of my desk on the cats who join me there; they do often shuffle items around, but most of the mess is mine. Too many projects, too many papers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Behind Rosie, is Robert's face, larger than life, as my screen saver. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Two books finished in my late night reading: 'My World Is An Island' a humorous account of </span><span>Elisabeth Ogilvie's life on Gay's Island, Maine. I reread her Bennett's Island fiction series every other year, delighting in her rich descriptions of New England seasons. Reading the non-fiction account I discovered the inspiration for many of the characters and incidents which enlivened her fiction.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The second book finished is 'Random Passage' by Canadian author Bernice Morgan. One of the blurbs on the book cover describes this historical novel as 'tremendously evocative of the early history of Newfoundland.' It was a compelling enough read that I've now acquired the sequel, 'Waiting For Time.'</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With sewing, painting, reading, and walking, and with the companionship of the cats, surely January's sometimes bleak mid-winter will pass. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-77576933518355594422023-12-28T13:47:00.004-05:002023-12-28T13:51:42.175-05:00The Joy of Accomplishment<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLT-8JJu30OcoPTPYAfHTxXLK1WP2AVEe5-DIyT6aajhWizq7hS9gNR_IkcDHJJMa0L77FfLjq3e4yp6_8HmE_m9aeUsgnEG8OBBpvTN324LzjreaZziZFrM118qBD9gUuUPluHSrdcZjCaFagF7oTmhyphenhyphenMfqO2kmHKBHXVU9t_NObQ0rsro5ZE6goY5as/s5184/IMG_7023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLT-8JJu30OcoPTPYAfHTxXLK1WP2AVEe5-DIyT6aajhWizq7hS9gNR_IkcDHJJMa0L77FfLjq3e4yp6_8HmE_m9aeUsgnEG8OBBpvTN324LzjreaZziZFrM118qBD9gUuUPluHSrdcZjCaFagF7oTmhyphenhyphenMfqO2kmHKBHXVU9t_NObQ0rsro5ZE6goY5as/w400-h300/IMG_7023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">32 F at 7:30 a.m. The sun rising in a pastel sky.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I was awakened from a half sleep on Wednesday morning by cats squabbling beneath my bed. As they shot from the room I identified the pugilists: Robert and Shelby [aka Crabby Cat.] </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Muttered growls and hissings followed their dash through the great room. Elmo exploded from the foot of the bed in apprehension, Rosie bounced across my pillow in interested pursuit.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I creaked from bed, cornered Shelby in the grey dimness of the living room, lifted her gently by her scrawny scruff and deposited her quietly out the front door. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Back in bed I piled pillows so that I had a comfortable view through the west window. A milky haze covered the descent of the full moon. Sorting through a mental lexicon of descriptive phrases I decided that the sky resembled the soft opal sheen inside a shell.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pondering my options for the day I thought that it was high time to finish the construction of a skirt begun weeks ago, then on to laying out a stack of quilt blocks. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As it happened another task took precedence. </span></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuR8mJUt6913m_RAkwL1SaFCK6mDWqXVpobcKJyAhX2fLLtfiaQT4IoH-j-gUIYh2wIk77H8NhgY6fTvVlXAZgioTzVufOpVKXQ41UFEq9R-Ktlrtu5xAOHXehNjnek6uaTMqmwSbpdoZA0ZaRfajGsr6LW6OhCWiJon7ZjIBlYtn5N_yLLkov32UvLU/s5184/IMG_7041.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuR8mJUt6913m_RAkwL1SaFCK6mDWqXVpobcKJyAhX2fLLtfiaQT4IoH-j-gUIYh2wIk77H8NhgY6fTvVlXAZgioTzVufOpVKXQ41UFEq9R-Ktlrtu5xAOHXehNjnek6uaTMqmwSbpdoZA0ZaRfajGsr6LW6OhCWiJon7ZjIBlYtn5N_yLLkov32UvLU/w400-h300/IMG_7041.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It was nearly noon when I walked up the lane to the mailbox. J's laundry was churning away in the washer, three small butternut squash quartered, seeded and put in the over to roast for cream of squash soup.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The temperature was easing toward 50 F, there was no wind. I returned to the house long enough to pull on a pair of gardening gloves, then back out with the clippers. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It took nearly an hour to trim back the mounds of nepeta which have straggled dankly over the south/east retaining wall since being blackened by frost. In other years I've done that bit of pruning in mid-autumn, but found that handling the plants while still green left me sneezing and snuffling the rest of the day. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Various mat-forming weeds thrive every winter in the garden beds. I disinterred a few clumps, along with the wiry stems of polygonum. I snapped off dry stalks of coneflower, noted that some of the roses have already sent out tentative tiny leaves during the recent warm spell.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My energy was holding up, so I moved up the slope to tackle the sprawling sage and dead stems of yarrow in what was originally meant to be a herb bed. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The mushy remains of iris leaves, a straggle of unwanted vinca were pulled away under the ground level window of the downstairs living room.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The raised bed beneath the kitchen window needs a thorough overhaul; blackberry lilies and Michaelmas daisies planted there 3 years ago have proven too tall and floppy for the space.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For now, the only thing to do was some severe cutting back. This done, for the sake of tidiness I snipped off the dead stalks of plants that spent the summer in the black raised bins near the greenhouse.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The sun had moved in its low arc across the south ravine, lowering the temperature of the front dooryard. On the west end of the house it was still warm and sunny.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Many attempts to weed and mulch the west garden have been defeated by the persistence of a coarse bunching pasture grass. I yanked some of this, now shriveled and bleached, from around the roses and several clumps of dwarf nepeta. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I clipped dry stems of monarda/bee balm, delighting as always in the Earl Grey tea scent that clings to the plants. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Three hours of work, much left to be done, but I was noticing the ache in my shoulders; the sun was sliding along the south-western edge of the horizon. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Willis-the-cat, who had trudged resolutely up and down the slope as I carried bundles of cut stalks to scatter around the foundation of the old shed, had now parked himself on the retaining wall, a reminder that neither of us has the staying power of former years. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">J. left his workshop and appeared as I was making my last trip with garden refuse. We walked two loops of the meadow track before coming inside for the day.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsKi9LNmVxnLsBIfx8mmvnPQKFwAEVE4NQg7roGsNFExzSJ_FM9mjboObx9vurZ8vjrx0n0JFJ8bFR8V1PMdjx-qfad_vDXh1zTyKNsL_Yl-7UhJ9-VG160Wzu2bpXkqDtM06V8eAV-etZNpHeh6eoR3McQo5w0w9M2Lkab_5hcjGxRBg9Lkt516TSmE/s5184/IMG_7046.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsKi9LNmVxnLsBIfx8mmvnPQKFwAEVE4NQg7roGsNFExzSJ_FM9mjboObx9vurZ8vjrx0n0JFJ8bFR8V1PMdjx-qfad_vDXh1zTyKNsL_Yl-7UhJ9-VG160Wzu2bpXkqDtM06V8eAV-etZNpHeh6eoR3McQo5w0w9M2Lkab_5hcjGxRBg9Lkt516TSmE/w400-h300/IMG_7046.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am fascinated by the look of winter trees. The beeches produced a heavy crop of nuts this year, some still clinging to bare branches.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rsfO6qjhLdHWFUdHLqRlk7ai2NudeRgwX8WW2YvsjGtMrbT5jGQQirQtyk8KQOZhKFvFqZPxnIbQjbPQXsAJybl8wibN2OaRk-IKpqDZ-BLie2MeW5zS9J7oSWHIIQDV1Ta2hkHL4WUAhxSmyfZ_2mNMOCe81P-xqt-XnhiCIP8P5vc5nsfqLQV2ISY/s5184/IMG_7043.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rsfO6qjhLdHWFUdHLqRlk7ai2NudeRgwX8WW2YvsjGtMrbT5jGQQirQtyk8KQOZhKFvFqZPxnIbQjbPQXsAJybl8wibN2OaRk-IKpqDZ-BLie2MeW5zS9J7oSWHIIQDV1Ta2hkHL4WUAhxSmyfZ_2mNMOCe81P-xqt-XnhiCIP8P5vc5nsfqLQV2ISY/w400-h300/IMG_7043.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Seed balls on a sycamore.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZ63eYGa6RHYVr40tF_WGx7wgt4_5bvtd69m_zcpRhVzzvT2wBsr3ks8pp8lQ4zRUMPe9LBjEBtbViMs__BAN29UZcpmi4XybI3Kg6X8ND-MXWY8fa3Dxl6V7IENHPaYF411oz5df98PNOTJEh5NvPBJ8RpBXFzCtvFp81zWZyyuV6f4nwkfhd1tBy_4/s5184/IMG_7047.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZ63eYGa6RHYVr40tF_WGx7wgt4_5bvtd69m_zcpRhVzzvT2wBsr3ks8pp8lQ4zRUMPe9LBjEBtbViMs__BAN29UZcpmi4XybI3Kg6X8ND-MXWY8fa3Dxl6V7IENHPaYF411oz5df98PNOTJEh5NvPBJ8RpBXFzCtvFp81zWZyyuV6f4nwkfhd1tBy_4/w400-h300/IMG_7047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Beech nuts.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOKX06WYCLqAj7mGjfJXGT6lnbQzrG7F24OhBWibFMf8GpqOKhTbk_m6IrtqTkXxMr3e82Owm4S4fFSJem91YcX8cEy8PpyQzYOZsb_dmE6hmPvnsuOr4pMm4PSVXm4aQyujMGnGlndmxUbz9x_l3qcq0dWomgcJwdNb7dleBq_BwcUrcYcfk4V4hp1I/s5184/IMG_7038.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOKX06WYCLqAj7mGjfJXGT6lnbQzrG7F24OhBWibFMf8GpqOKhTbk_m6IrtqTkXxMr3e82Owm4S4fFSJem91YcX8cEy8PpyQzYOZsb_dmE6hmPvnsuOr4pMm4PSVXm4aQyujMGnGlndmxUbz9x_l3qcq0dWomgcJwdNb7dleBq_BwcUrcYcfk4V4hp1I/w400-h300/IMG_7038.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A twisted hickory on the eastern boundary fence line.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmXHj8ahSVTSA1TMcfgvbitJvETx2x1UmW3zembYht65fir8E_HLQqex7DZy0AYfhNCWbUqeyVwiy1o38c2_q8FeMLyZB8jswQQHCL4bhk6DJkA5ji3eZAj3FTEbTan_ESx1EdU9i2E-gonPN2yeEuHT5TjCZGVsqdDcJ_sdfkYyZw0i8yiBGoQ0qRGA/s5184/IMG_7037.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmXHj8ahSVTSA1TMcfgvbitJvETx2x1UmW3zembYht65fir8E_HLQqex7DZy0AYfhNCWbUqeyVwiy1o38c2_q8FeMLyZB8jswQQHCL4bhk6DJkA5ji3eZAj3FTEbTan_ESx1EdU9i2E-gonPN2yeEuHT5TjCZGVsqdDcJ_sdfkYyZw0i8yiBGoQ0qRGA/w300-h400/IMG_7037.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I marvel at the twisted branches of the hickory. A large old oak which stood nearby went down in a gale of wind several years ago. I wonder if the two trees growing closely together forced the hickory to take on these contortions.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1KB3CmcdXlcIVR1a7mUzF8SidVwHvvLR-Ff28G7XJqmWR6GpuT0pntGN_KJ4dUlnPmy_WSBxgMTTzLuaW-iLTzVjS91zKKhKrfpwcc2hGdPfGngxO9ca6PiBbEEU31Rbkz36HluvrTQXIifdoetNSu-wCRrjWQNzzKCM-Z1O2WV2NdrKGGYb8GC6AUk/s5184/IMG_7030.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1KB3CmcdXlcIVR1a7mUzF8SidVwHvvLR-Ff28G7XJqmWR6GpuT0pntGN_KJ4dUlnPmy_WSBxgMTTzLuaW-iLTzVjS91zKKhKrfpwcc2hGdPfGngxO9ca6PiBbEEU31Rbkz36HluvrTQXIifdoetNSu-wCRrjWQNzzKCM-Z1O2WV2NdrKGGYb8GC6AUk/w400-h300/IMG_7030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tulip poplar.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBI1aqU21Ya18FqOsTVDm5ozXvMy9cHwhU1FgiYqbR6ijCZWx-T7tAOLiKi87U24lSDJJUBC5JklZHoWJ2ZmTJhRFKWvva_54VNriReOO6lnMU16nJ_ePyEqRxUFClibZ2ekKKNzRmWnIvu9wuCfXaR9deMQ_-i3o0vM8W48Lt_Wxhu4ceP8uO0xyHj_M/s5184/IMG_7034.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBI1aqU21Ya18FqOsTVDm5ozXvMy9cHwhU1FgiYqbR6ijCZWx-T7tAOLiKi87U24lSDJJUBC5JklZHoWJ2ZmTJhRFKWvva_54VNriReOO6lnMU16nJ_ePyEqRxUFClibZ2ekKKNzRmWnIvu9wuCfXaR9deMQ_-i3o0vM8W48Lt_Wxhu4ceP8uO0xyHj_M/w400-h300/IMG_7034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A bristle of coneflower heads in the rough strip along the lane.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCphKRvm10uzObwuNotk2LlWd6dcMYMaZ822K4Bvcb4pyaLFQcuY-ToiJKCuNXtcJpDHf6AH71wgdhANdXtzwzL4on7_9wXDyyX1KOi7VKKWq-Ep_EilN764bTAGx_1XzbfT8IEajyBZhBsqbugeQU-9jPmSGuRzThFKsSFxYewr0bvmof3gNUt6xmvg/s5184/IMG_7025.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCphKRvm10uzObwuNotk2LlWd6dcMYMaZ822K4Bvcb4pyaLFQcuY-ToiJKCuNXtcJpDHf6AH71wgdhANdXtzwzL4on7_9wXDyyX1KOi7VKKWq-Ep_EilN764bTAGx_1XzbfT8IEajyBZhBsqbugeQU-9jPmSGuRzThFKsSFxYewr0bvmof3gNUt6xmvg/w400-h300/IMG_7025.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The youngest under-story beeches still hold papery leaves.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWyCru9efZxDfnmYXXGjMhnF3WuOJomQzEVMSLr8TsZjieuUarGB5qaQrVWS5FkPobRca4vs5V3SmjO7zm_TsyqoCKL0U4xgu_mZjVWhmZJsk3zynV325NNa4YccuPNDHRpNAenBLMnEmux-xknQqJ_1CPbxy2SXG_ISuZA5SjsJIYwb6HHcaMXE5RZ0/s5184/IMG_7028.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWyCru9efZxDfnmYXXGjMhnF3WuOJomQzEVMSLr8TsZjieuUarGB5qaQrVWS5FkPobRca4vs5V3SmjO7zm_TsyqoCKL0U4xgu_mZjVWhmZJsk3zynV325NNa4YccuPNDHRpNAenBLMnEmux-xknQqJ_1CPbxy2SXG_ISuZA5SjsJIYwb6HHcaMXE5RZ0/w400-h300/IMG_7028.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Willis, ever faithful companion.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It was slightly above the freezing mark when I looked at the temp gauge this morning. The early sun disappeared by noon, but was still shining when I washed the insides of several sun-facing windows.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Going outside with veg parings for the waste heap, then taking out cat litter I felt the cold bite of the wind. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jim's requested meal of baked corned beef with veg is almost ready.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">After we eat I must bundle into warm clothes and trudge to the mailbox and at least once around the meadow loop.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then--finally--downstairs for a bit of sewing.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-22291049358821219992023-12-26T21:34:00.004-05:002023-12-27T11:04:40.693-05:00At the End of December<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigz9ovEGNrneeOWxLcsF9S8Sl0-59RERv6iDAOnh4fqOYm5jK6usRWM-EGaoIMXBsChINQO1G9JVR0GAxu7q8fGGfcID1_lZK9TJpSZnuRkL6RCviTbljAPxM5mOwoB5uiGuEDcNG-nu3KQHPDStbn20gHU1-Su5xTLwzCuZ4TWwt6ZyRH5OVYZzfFT8E/s5184/IMG_7008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigz9ovEGNrneeOWxLcsF9S8Sl0-59RERv6iDAOnh4fqOYm5jK6usRWM-EGaoIMXBsChINQO1G9JVR0GAxu7q8fGGfcID1_lZK9TJpSZnuRkL6RCviTbljAPxM5mOwoB5uiGuEDcNG-nu3KQHPDStbn20gHU1-Su5xTLwzCuZ4TWwt6ZyRH5OVYZzfFT8E/w400-h300/IMG_7008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Reviewing the jottings on my calendar I count less than half of December's days with sun. Mornings come slowly, and after a clear night stars and moon linger in the western sky even while the digital clock's red numerals announce that day has arrived. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdu-Ys53sYAdeHUEWT3MJxkkzolrjYTSxDYz9LWrkMY0KAPsRkPpvOxyd-Eay6yserbK667-21Q37hSj5uTybo3vQqx7B33uatgO6qtVoJ5ricOvTnBoymXGm6m7Y3EmPakImSsGXCrfcWLfd5Le2MaSMWHjkUJctljTtHahnDn1vVZL52TWTrzQShmCw/s5184/IMG_7016.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdu-Ys53sYAdeHUEWT3MJxkkzolrjYTSxDYz9LWrkMY0KAPsRkPpvOxyd-Eay6yserbK667-21Q37hSj5uTybo3vQqx7B33uatgO6qtVoJ5ricOvTnBoymXGm6m7Y3EmPakImSsGXCrfcWLfd5Le2MaSMWHjkUJctljTtHahnDn1vVZL52TWTrzQShmCw/w400-h300/IMG_7016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cloud-dappled skies greeted the solstice, with the wintery sun obscured by mid-afternoon. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Several frosty nights have bleached the meadow grass; there is still underlying green but the overall color is yellowed and subdued.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8g9xNRvNxJTx_SiLBfNzrz77l_TPgsh3dhcT98B4ipdUbeRXu_SqOV62Zb27rryrnY8Tr7COqm41UhYsyEp5kDW4yaZ5hBbmJOFhl2k-CTIufHE3ESM70hYc8TtXMFW6e7bTbLcWCKQs1YgFLW6UkjxUnDkLR2JU96i1IGIuAlCV3101qeCMuhVJGmLg/s5184/IMG_7014.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8g9xNRvNxJTx_SiLBfNzrz77l_TPgsh3dhcT98B4ipdUbeRXu_SqOV62Zb27rryrnY8Tr7COqm41UhYsyEp5kDW4yaZ5hBbmJOFhl2k-CTIufHE3ESM70hYc8TtXMFW6e7bTbLcWCKQs1YgFLW6UkjxUnDkLR2JU96i1IGIuAlCV3101qeCMuhVJGmLg/w400-h300/IMG_7014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Late sunrise on the solstice.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 'Mid-winter' seems a more realistic designation than 'first day of winter', the label on most calendars. In our native New England and in Wyoming where we spent a dozen years, winter weather arrives long before December. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here in south-central Kentucky a run of days such as we've just had with afternoon temps in the mid 50's F. the wind often skirls out of the west with a bitter bite.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I've needed a sweatshirt hood drawn around my face or a fluffy scarf into which I can burrow as I've plodded my rounds of the tracks which loop the upper and lower meadows. I've missed only two days of walking this month. On a day of sharp wind or persistent misty rain walking is a discipline. On milder days it is more of a pleasure.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jim usually walks at least one round with me. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If Willis-cat notes our departure he stumps along behind. We stop part way up the path that skirts the north ravine encouraging him to 'come along.' He rarely makes the entire loop, usually pausing to rest before catching us up somewhere on the slope below the house. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYTPf-M4umt0heSG-ojfJvYsWqx68yH3R8OyLQGWCSovft0exp0fJZaoLEXK82sJduHTCFJEtT4V_GHWUiIGPPaJw_-7teatwzwhgcxZ3KN0xjesRQQBVmLfpY36ppHXVAyHabO_BabbsPpY-PYT68zQwS-oFhArVZHxPuGinCDVIskzD-eqUPivuXr0/s5184/IMG_6982.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYTPf-M4umt0heSG-ojfJvYsWqx68yH3R8OyLQGWCSovft0exp0fJZaoLEXK82sJduHTCFJEtT4V_GHWUiIGPPaJw_-7teatwzwhgcxZ3KN0xjesRQQBVmLfpY36ppHXVAyHabO_BabbsPpY-PYT68zQwS-oFhArVZHxPuGinCDVIskzD-eqUPivuXr0/w400-h300/IMG_6982.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Slate colored clouds, wind-driven across the sun.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistuYJLmOtUwIsCTplw3fpCbbzdaL-4cKiRz3He2eEg0bYN0Y0-vi-EVMvyZPTeB8qvZFmBusqXdZQn6zDcSI9AhJeXdcT2b-lyj_H7pUx_ZI0LT9d12qkyrCc9DEw1Nb4cmGH8HP9Zb6kXVS6nkEvI8wUtrTDCnMOex9qck1e7HWzKMUgB4Shr6n5Gj8/s5184/IMG_7001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistuYJLmOtUwIsCTplw3fpCbbzdaL-4cKiRz3He2eEg0bYN0Y0-vi-EVMvyZPTeB8qvZFmBusqXdZQn6zDcSI9AhJeXdcT2b-lyj_H7pUx_ZI0LT9d12qkyrCc9DEw1Nb4cmGH8HP9Zb6kXVS6nkEvI8wUtrTDCnMOex9qck1e7HWzKMUgB4Shr6n5Gj8/w300-h400/IMG_7001.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In honor of the season I put this wildly colorful quilt on my bed. I began constructing the blocks last winter thinking to make only a few as an experiment with a 'flying geese' tool. The plastic cutting guide gives options for several sizes of 'geese' units which suggested the larger block design. Intrigued, I pulled out a collection of fabrics by Robyn Pandolph, some from her early 'Folk Art Christmas' lines, others that coordinated. My quilts have a way of growing; this one is a super queen size that reaches the floor at the foot and sides of the bed.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTe1VHyBK9nSIwujuhWn9gmuV8fGU_VhsQTyd2LERZZz2DO4xfvj9_3zN1MBtAu8R4-sJshp_wE21e4SpBnO4krYuaGrXGcQKsXpyKBsh8Vvw_3Kiz3rPoFdAjuBq9JUm9ssnE9Fsu3r9RKsTHr-y7hs57xWDlm8O25k-O0wfJThnD0liIiD5dVCX5MvY/s5184/IMG_7012.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTe1VHyBK9nSIwujuhWn9gmuV8fGU_VhsQTyd2LERZZz2DO4xfvj9_3zN1MBtAu8R4-sJshp_wE21e4SpBnO4krYuaGrXGcQKsXpyKBsh8Vvw_3Kiz3rPoFdAjuBq9JUm9ssnE9Fsu3r9RKsTHr-y7hs57xWDlm8O25k-O0wfJThnD0liIiD5dVCX5MvY/w400-h300/IMG_7012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: medium;">When a quilt is finished I am often reluctant to spread it on the bed subjecting the fabrics to wear and washing, the inevitable cat hair.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But why not? Surely it makes more sense to enjoy the quilts, turn about through the seasons. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Rosie-cat loves to make beds and adds a decorative touch to my handiwork.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG69OefkMphkzdlsJDnSu6X5_0hX5a9uMHuCWAycf3ugE3BK78sJwOhKcfs_MPE_m8Vw43BvitVvQqKKoUO0j-hhMhEa9CUxHp23SyQmF1O9brhp492OeHTdqfV3gkKQFUGOLzaQQkMsp3VywE7SKMuGkZanMEUqpEMT5d3qovxBoWKdYnNAgemG1ehU8/s5184/IMG_7020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG69OefkMphkzdlsJDnSu6X5_0hX5a9uMHuCWAycf3ugE3BK78sJwOhKcfs_MPE_m8Vw43BvitVvQqKKoUO0j-hhMhEa9CUxHp23SyQmF1O9brhp492OeHTdqfV3gkKQFUGOLzaQQkMsp3VywE7SKMuGkZanMEUqpEMT5d3qovxBoWKdYnNAgemG1ehU8/w400-h300/IMG_7020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My only remit for Christmas dinner--held on Sunday--was to produce pies. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Lemon Meringue </span><span style="font-size: large;">is a family favorite.</span></div><br /> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> <span> </span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAduF_r8kw1a2yVOrlQtekUg_IsMw1DTqCBrRpTr4bC8FN2LQHT1QWT2ACHcGvYofsPD0PyXM7_66q-B9HQNZL3ydgIKl3lK4WveSlj9i16kLOxHXh-Uw6_UaNDHTaMyv9HBR8OuF1AHd6HTd0IlndXLJYlEWuX1ZL5hNq4lRefF8FQ2uEDKo6f4PWtTA/s5184/IMG_7019.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAduF_r8kw1a2yVOrlQtekUg_IsMw1DTqCBrRpTr4bC8FN2LQHT1QWT2ACHcGvYofsPD0PyXM7_66q-B9HQNZL3ydgIKl3lK4WveSlj9i16kLOxHXh-Uw6_UaNDHTaMyv9HBR8OuF1AHd6HTd0IlndXLJYlEWuX1ZL5hNq4lRefF8FQ2uEDKo6f4PWtTA/w400-h300/IMG_7019.JPG" width="400" /></a><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">J's preference was blueberry.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I felt that I was being efficient: blueberry pie and the baked pastry shell for the lemon were prepared on Tuesday and carefully stashed in the freezer.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A smaller blueberry pie was baked on the spot for J. to enjoy, and the remaining pastry prepared for a quiche. I measured the ingredients for the quiche in a rather general way: 2 cups of half and half; 3 large eggs; a mound of grated cheddar, half a tub of small gourmet tomatoes that needed to be used, a bit of chopped onion, a slice or 2 of turkey bacon, diced, a can of sliced mushrooms. I could see that the filling was more than the pastry shell could accommodate, but not wanting to waste the cream/egg mixture I kept pouring it in. I opened the oven door, carefully lifted the quiche, where-upon the filling splashed over the front of my apron, sluiced down the oven door, splattered onto cupboard doors and the floor. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Clumsy! And quite un-necessary! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I managed not to waste energy on bad words. I had laboriously cleaned up splashes on the stove, cupboards and was mopping the floor when J. appeared. He countered my tale of woe with the comment that he is not overly fond of quiche. He did meekly eat his share for lunch, and the extra milk/egg mixture went out in a bowl on the porch for Willis and Sally.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, a review of December doesn't furnish a great list of accomplishments.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Two Friday night trips to church in town to thump out the piano accompaniment for friend Ruben's amateur orchestra and playing with them as part of the Christmas program. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Walking daily; keeping house in desultory fashion; reading late every evening; keeping J. company on a number of his errands. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Each year my pace slows a bit more. There are the under-lying private concerns of family matters; there are the foreboding issues of wars, elections, flagrantly corrupt politicians, weather disasters--so many problems for which I can contribute no solution or even comprehension. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yet, "underneath are the everlasting arms," the turning of the seasons in a timely way.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tonight the sky has cleared, layered in shades of deepest indigo. The gibbous moon gleams surrounded by scarcely moving fleecy clouds. The heavens are studded with starshine. The temperature has dropped 10 degrees. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There is a certain comfort that whatever happens in our familiar realm or in the larger scheme of things, the eternal verities remain.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br />Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-54546402685491659502023-12-07T22:09:00.001-05:002023-12-07T22:09:23.079-05:00White Mornings<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3ZMgcSBcWEGE6lZAMcSXJxHBLqbwcO-N9R6Re-72FvH9XqHPOKCuaoIW-IPRfSJf_93uqnEtRqobdbI-ESHlwAIlGmHO7hOpsPYeci6anKm99EbSqBuwjnXbFwKlkr5Hdk5aw6q5hWlHnyvq_XS4L3ANz9cnDauJuK7SMM8mgIjNngdItwEWx_Tb1Rw/s5184/IMG_6931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3ZMgcSBcWEGE6lZAMcSXJxHBLqbwcO-N9R6Re-72FvH9XqHPOKCuaoIW-IPRfSJf_93uqnEtRqobdbI-ESHlwAIlGmHO7hOpsPYeci6anKm99EbSqBuwjnXbFwKlkr5Hdk5aw6q5hWlHnyvq_XS4L3ANz9cnDauJuK7SMM8mgIjNngdItwEWx_Tb1Rw/w400-h300/IMG_6931.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Early December mornings have been bleak with clinging fog and intermittent drizzle, giving way around noon to pallid sunshine chased by slate-colored clouds.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The wind has been sharp, blowing from the west.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have walked the meadow loop each day, darting out between showers, bundled in down jacket, scarf and boots. On such days I walk with a brisk determination, not lingering to look up into the bare trees.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUc026oYRmnopgpJ1DZiKWt3x0oNvRYVTtf24AOGahin5hm-L0ly3i1dmLGjmoLxhqbfFUpDIcwed6mwgC44GFMjenj5ZPCykemmlquHxob5XZuzRlllIks3M_OPNVzP0fBwLfhhzDSDmgn3_l5bF4MoagoPfF5WU0nkkM-vK_KRrHu9BcYRWi4Cp_Fx4/s5184/IMG_6934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUc026oYRmnopgpJ1DZiKWt3x0oNvRYVTtf24AOGahin5hm-L0ly3i1dmLGjmoLxhqbfFUpDIcwed6mwgC44GFMjenj5ZPCykemmlquHxob5XZuzRlllIks3M_OPNVzP0fBwLfhhzDSDmgn3_l5bF4MoagoPfF5WU0nkkM-vK_KRrHu9BcYRWi4Cp_Fx4/w400-h300/IMG_6934.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The lingering sunset Wednesday evening promised better weather.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It was still dark at 6 this morning, but the sky beyond my west bedroom window was sprinkled with stars. I propped my pillows so that I could watch the slow awakening of the day. The west meadow showed a slight skim of frost; by 7 the eastern sky was flushed with pink and the temperature gauge registered 33 F--a degree above freezing.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7N2CJvytmGOT-BDMaTETYXl6HqulJiIZkVpWrEI5mdsD-lVizKyR4g8QNq65nzWkgxzGY0WIzbtolkTmgNamJbwZ8cuRkcp4hcC9sH0loK8D-ypSzxSTCB5isURQLgS2a3szoz7yuU3XL-WaC7_jRb6wYbSkNxib2_AvLgWfXOn1_Oj5Wha2zrzzQ2c/s5184/IMG_6936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7N2CJvytmGOT-BDMaTETYXl6HqulJiIZkVpWrEI5mdsD-lVizKyR4g8QNq65nzWkgxzGY0WIzbtolkTmgNamJbwZ8cuRkcp4hcC9sH0loK8D-ypSzxSTCB5isURQLgS2a3szoz7yuU3XL-WaC7_jRb6wYbSkNxib2_AvLgWfXOn1_Oj5Wha2zrzzQ2c/w400-h300/IMG_6936.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sunshine and a brilliantly blue sky prevailed throughout the day.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We went out early in the afternoon to walk twice around the meadow loop--approximately a mile.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I trudged out again with my camera to admire the trees that mark the edge of the north ravine. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5MCMfcJXIwQzRDXjrhT94YbQ7lH_sh1SFwnyFrp4A4KDTdSs22dqXLyLfIS9yh5iLCqgGw_b7f-RjPNNFLBuIfbXixT8j-gw842w6JU8NwOQCssvwVZGOSVfnCiz3HyorL0iCTMgLoMwNqPluwsL5NP2OFERwgnrBV9mFkA-3f_v7H82_y3phzHaQ7A/s5184/IMG_6945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5MCMfcJXIwQzRDXjrhT94YbQ7lH_sh1SFwnyFrp4A4KDTdSs22dqXLyLfIS9yh5iLCqgGw_b7f-RjPNNFLBuIfbXixT8j-gw842w6JU8NwOQCssvwVZGOSVfnCiz3HyorL0iCTMgLoMwNqPluwsL5NP2OFERwgnrBV9mFkA-3f_v7H82_y3phzHaQ7A/w400-h300/IMG_6945.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hickory, tulip poplar, oak along the ravine edge, with some variety of softwood maple surrounding the small barn we refer to as 'the snake shed.'</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The dead tree trunk has been drilled from bottom to tip by woodpeckers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A highlight of Tuesday's walk was the sighting of a pair of yellow-bellied woodpeckers alighting in one of the oaks in the east boundary hedgerow.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhFlNT6sJQa6O6ak6e3lMSZK9AxymCqg561veA8pZ5DkvWAJMryBZYi3cYen8McVUGP0mMtz8a-A3Ad8Wwk2cJ3am5KJIulh9OoGauaq6R7Jn4DEdOOQoLK7_GkD9SCuzWS830Gdm-7UZNYeBzgDWc5AfmgpXkJmH5_rjy6LOUnq2ANWvpDZmgCoTE_M/s5184/IMG_6938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhFlNT6sJQa6O6ak6e3lMSZK9AxymCqg561veA8pZ5DkvWAJMryBZYi3cYen8McVUGP0mMtz8a-A3Ad8Wwk2cJ3am5KJIulh9OoGauaq6R7Jn4DEdOOQoLK7_GkD9SCuzWS830Gdm-7UZNYeBzgDWc5AfmgpXkJmH5_rjy6LOUnq2ANWvpDZmgCoTE_M/w400-h300/IMG_6938.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The sycamores cling to their seed balls.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTLHGevucuM3-_SjTVtWfYPnqNYpr-ZyFA9cDnT9xAhG5ehdrz2atQZ05h7AXqyEAtdG9N_q8g5gjkja_9gBDgGThoS4E-YHz-AWvXXxWZtC55fc3CUE8fhjAk6rV3V0g_Yevw-8kjO40FLbhymZJFaf9XhMehgY8YwfTiS5V4zWtU-u4B7879B1JuAg/s5184/IMG_6943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTLHGevucuM3-_SjTVtWfYPnqNYpr-ZyFA9cDnT9xAhG5ehdrz2atQZ05h7AXqyEAtdG9N_q8g5gjkja_9gBDgGThoS4E-YHz-AWvXXxWZtC55fc3CUE8fhjAk6rV3V0g_Yevw-8kjO40FLbhymZJFaf9XhMehgY8YwfTiS5V4zWtU-u4B7879B1JuAg/w400-h300/IMG_6943.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The cover crop sown on the garden plot has germinated and grown vigorously during the days of cold rain. You can see the mowed path that loops along the north ravine and across the east boundary line to connect with the lane that leads down hill, passing the house and continuing to the western end of the property.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRKoR6f3PRnjFQXwoXeVxwDrIizrT_Z6YkADoug-0WkYb6sJTiZdfyihpNWEvAceW2HqbyJNAaR6U4v_hH1JqMQmQSHnXzAVVzpGYxvMqSHFfYuM6V3RnBs4zxYsDddvVNuXr-aHgVsbjpJa6tCQRHxZM5DYFyvtosgfnuPCCBCQSU7TVFWw35hKViM0/s5184/IMG_6941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRKoR6f3PRnjFQXwoXeVxwDrIizrT_Z6YkADoug-0WkYb6sJTiZdfyihpNWEvAceW2HqbyJNAaR6U4v_hH1JqMQmQSHnXzAVVzpGYxvMqSHFfYuM6V3RnBs4zxYsDddvVNuXr-aHgVsbjpJa6tCQRHxZM5DYFyvtosgfnuPCCBCQSU7TVFWw35hKViM0/w300-h400/IMG_6941.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here and there a dandelion braves the cold weather.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErBn7xPx5EtCbcY4oK9BGelF8WuDDariPaAltvnINJXDrJiEbFJsVmGK14zdyemBy-4Pk6Wt0p7-tOMQ6L_U29oIYp_JNk7-3sYOtmpBzA_zvyEQU12Bvg4rqPixG-bLXNv67BCqa9zVHloCJjQ21bGrzrUuLg-oRNtDU2VrWumUrCUTmBdXULNoMZD0/s5184/IMG_6939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErBn7xPx5EtCbcY4oK9BGelF8WuDDariPaAltvnINJXDrJiEbFJsVmGK14zdyemBy-4Pk6Wt0p7-tOMQ6L_U29oIYp_JNk7-3sYOtmpBzA_zvyEQU12Bvg4rqPixG-bLXNv67BCqa9zVHloCJjQ21bGrzrUuLg-oRNtDU2VrWumUrCUTmBdXULNoMZD0/w400-h300/IMG_6939.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Beech nuts discovered under one of the trees. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All the nut-bearing trees have produced heavily this season; there is a bounty of acorns, black walnuts, hickory nuts. The beech nuts are tiny and harder to find in the tussocky grass. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBu_zmO_YEFAWuG-Bxo1PKGVIUSAdhqen4j8EpE8lDyk6dFJlcDUkRD0fwwVVRyD9MRpMf3lGKg9SG7MvtVgwvO2Jpw4VtVyIpDwk5hIC7jNfCrvz29TjBP1Dj1yATg-1FC9G-rYzp_lCSyN5IGRpNzK5s2AEZYN-A8cJeEKaysoT7zGSe8T0kUy1i4nc/s5184/IMG_6946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBu_zmO_YEFAWuG-Bxo1PKGVIUSAdhqen4j8EpE8lDyk6dFJlcDUkRD0fwwVVRyD9MRpMf3lGKg9SG7MvtVgwvO2Jpw4VtVyIpDwk5hIC7jNfCrvz29TjBP1Dj1yATg-1FC9G-rYzp_lCSyN5IGRpNzK5s2AEZYN-A8cJeEKaysoT7zGSe8T0kUy1i4nc/w300-h400/IMG_6946.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nigella has sown itself prolifically around a straggling thyme and two sturdy germanders in the raised bed by the front gravel walk.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9sIUgSLB4484RNqwiJ1Xpedx8jzZ8dMEKwsIVIXfw8lpkBPpfs3WuM2xAk5lUHYq4ncTJUtPpdJUi2PHFOmC5K2N-4nAPPCsOnbMRPiWQexqQ0WBgrxJqMuM-w5bab_qPuWagRp3XIOYqcxABtZ0A35mtNNvcFQXo0nlRsXZAG5VehbsvykBx5TRNuY/s5184/IMG_6947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9sIUgSLB4484RNqwiJ1Xpedx8jzZ8dMEKwsIVIXfw8lpkBPpfs3WuM2xAk5lUHYq4ncTJUtPpdJUi2PHFOmC5K2N-4nAPPCsOnbMRPiWQexqQ0WBgrxJqMuM-w5bab_qPuWagRp3XIOYqcxABtZ0A35mtNNvcFQXo0nlRsXZAG5VehbsvykBx5TRNuY/w400-h300/IMG_6947.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Violas shrink in response to a frosty night, then flourish again when the wintery sun warms them.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Another vivid sunset splashing shades of vermilion, crimson and deep rose behind the stark tracery of black branches.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">49 F. at 10 p.m. The sky is star spangled and the wind is still.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tomorrow's prediction is for sunny skies and a high of 63 F--before clouds, showers and below freezing nights move in.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKUkKqIaf65vKCti3-aVq18phirHqOvl6-y6gdTnT1H8fBJmMFCbOkh0xfuIxtokgveBkrZrRXM5sWIaT_dNpGNFbC_qXUG7kv5M9C-FGGtn883fabuj4ZnLN1Bhx200-MMVzkIEprvhmdjcTASk3Y_z9snYMKEMVi4u_z9vYCaZF32_W9msobuEdcfg/s5184/IMG_6933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKUkKqIaf65vKCti3-aVq18phirHqOvl6-y6gdTnT1H8fBJmMFCbOkh0xfuIxtokgveBkrZrRXM5sWIaT_dNpGNFbC_qXUG7kv5M9C-FGGtn883fabuj4ZnLN1Bhx200-MMVzkIEprvhmdjcTASk3Y_z9snYMKEMVi4u_z9vYCaZF32_W9msobuEdcfg/w400-h300/IMG_6933.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-19936217354426225372023-11-27T21:54:00.002-05:002023-11-27T21:56:36.106-05:00Late November Journal<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylQdGwyUfFeOSsyvFYgkEHef4n4x-NsI7Z9vj1d12MUjuzB_KLYNBu_Sbbn1on5f7k-QV5a0EElN-yZrG3-yq5-Rz_iMuKi9PQTs_iZEEkC_0uTaaxMlEfWdXQRMRAQFTkBXijMm-r2wVIEscgTl6xyMCsfFys6xDXISQm9nEQQKoNDzV7AbpVoel3YE/s5184/IMG_6905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylQdGwyUfFeOSsyvFYgkEHef4n4x-NsI7Z9vj1d12MUjuzB_KLYNBu_Sbbn1on5f7k-QV5a0EElN-yZrG3-yq5-Rz_iMuKi9PQTs_iZEEkC_0uTaaxMlEfWdXQRMRAQFTkBXijMm-r2wVIEscgTl6xyMCsfFys6xDXISQm9nEQQKoNDzV7AbpVoel3YE/w400-h300/IMG_6905.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mornings are slow. The sun, if it rises at all, seems to struggle reluctantly into a softly flushed sky. Frost silvered grass sparkles as the sun begins its shallow journey around the south ravine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking over my record of November days, I concede that many of the patchy mornings have warmed into sunny afternoons. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdM36DgzlDzxQxfM9k9se7hmpWjVByUheP26UKaZfMPiIWv6ZxMYSeID0Dezep8h_TOslDsSqQUWYnUVTFv1NPROcV6ZYJQln4pQlIWAoEokST_lPdReQqSycilpKPsf8M9JZtcBCZRAfS0yJlv9ww6qOxb7G2eKBXc7YobfWg7LIxuQFea4yCrESsdO0/s5184/IMG_6906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdM36DgzlDzxQxfM9k9se7hmpWjVByUheP26UKaZfMPiIWv6ZxMYSeID0Dezep8h_TOslDsSqQUWYnUVTFv1NPROcV6ZYJQln4pQlIWAoEokST_lPdReQqSycilpKPsf8M9JZtcBCZRAfS0yJlv9ww6qOxb7G2eKBXc7YobfWg7LIxuQFea4yCrESsdO0/w400-h300/IMG_6906.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a cold night frost is slow to melt away in the west meadow.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5k8u2K7_ggucizPir9Q_yRlZI4YJN6AFg01hDmwkEwoiCq1tafoBqPdACFOc7ZmTWUz_LdUPT-IBRpv9nKPg0Qmiz-DHtGwpBgod94PBBLzNuG6RnlpwyUad3XNKzg_98DE0ojvxuN9lc4ORxJ1DjfnVejnsnZi5nE0c5fP5ovqXjw2XT_xn6P7WvSxU/s5184/IMG_6895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5k8u2K7_ggucizPir9Q_yRlZI4YJN6AFg01hDmwkEwoiCq1tafoBqPdACFOc7ZmTWUz_LdUPT-IBRpv9nKPg0Qmiz-DHtGwpBgod94PBBLzNuG6RnlpwyUad3XNKzg_98DE0ojvxuN9lc4ORxJ1DjfnVejnsnZi5nE0c5fP5ovqXjw2XT_xn6P7WvSxU/w400-h300/IMG_6895.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beech leaves, glossy copper in the early days of November, have dried, curling into dark bronze husks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rain and wind through the weekend have stripped the branches nearly bare since this photo was taken. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFgrKrg58TQS5RdqhCP3qA4SntABt8HaH8f18PiFYXflVs0iu_7xqZqn6Rs4LANCtmAMTz1AFy6ZHntuG7pV-Xb6FPOxpiFGd97fJUBIeKv3DBiE9yl8KvgHIktAt8B5FpmyZMMLNCQuLN4Pkilminx206jTg2aKJntYa4SKaqMjiBeVqztJdPnDvuUU/s5184/IMG_6875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFgrKrg58TQS5RdqhCP3qA4SntABt8HaH8f18PiFYXflVs0iu_7xqZqn6Rs4LANCtmAMTz1AFy6ZHntuG7pV-Xb6FPOxpiFGd97fJUBIeKv3DBiE9yl8KvgHIktAt8B5FpmyZMMLNCQuLN4Pkilminx206jTg2aKJntYa4SKaqMjiBeVqztJdPnDvuUU/w400-h300/IMG_6875.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Several days have ended with molten colors splashed across the sky. The sun sets now in the southwest; full dark spreads across the landscape, evening air strikes chill.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqzzCtp_G9Y-l4lvCeHVPhes3lFgLxZsriz46o1MVX_TTfTwI0a-GZCs0yvhHzP0zjfAFH4ZkeN-u-jujTISuusF04cXYQL8r8RV4uBn3EUW-2Pidk2Xj6SP0riK6Si3XE6HW390m-54u_jRppdbgs5dmT5TbV3c73skhWxajK8bU7EGx0eJE1AlEaDQ/s5184/IMG_6877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqzzCtp_G9Y-l4lvCeHVPhes3lFgLxZsriz46o1MVX_TTfTwI0a-GZCs0yvhHzP0zjfAFH4ZkeN-u-jujTISuusF04cXYQL8r8RV4uBn3EUW-2Pidk2Xj6SP0riK6Si3XE6HW390m-54u_jRppdbgs5dmT5TbV3c73skhWxajK8bU7EGx0eJE1AlEaDQ/w400-h300/IMG_6877.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The sunset colors are intense for only a few minutes. Enjoying them is a matter of glancing out the windows at the precise moment when they are at their best. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdGxEq6DcOJP2ZGI_0tcZ1JFxhP_mHTNZNlEALmaY33XtAp4PXQvcgOcw_EudFmREbmzNBdDlqEGOkX3rU60hzKXiCRSbl-BC9HruWg-OOCCFr24PWEFngOLh_y-34wL0D-awNYRyNtpRs4CH1BDMAisiC-K2XhMsQNHer9L_GFjJqFycuSQzPc75Vog/s5184/IMG_6860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdGxEq6DcOJP2ZGI_0tcZ1JFxhP_mHTNZNlEALmaY33XtAp4PXQvcgOcw_EudFmREbmzNBdDlqEGOkX3rU60hzKXiCRSbl-BC9HruWg-OOCCFr24PWEFngOLh_y-34wL0D-awNYRyNtpRs4CH1BDMAisiC-K2XhMsQNHer9L_GFjJqFycuSQzPc75Vog/w400-h300/IMG_6860.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seed balls on a sycamore.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnoLv1FzQiiTNl4exLEgjRjqTQDF0NEDO2W9dp2MPwXanzLYfbrQRScMMQfsY6VunZZEJREfvpOtvJrO_9-Pmeufy2eYYIj590pBITNQ83XVQeW6sfHpX9MwRDyjtOsWIIId-gE6TRXnz0E3gUTAKkytI6G2TjwVgQucc1bU85l1KHrFLVDCR4hZQ0vOU/s5184/IMG_6854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnoLv1FzQiiTNl4exLEgjRjqTQDF0NEDO2W9dp2MPwXanzLYfbrQRScMMQfsY6VunZZEJREfvpOtvJrO_9-Pmeufy2eYYIj590pBITNQ83XVQeW6sfHpX9MwRDyjtOsWIIId-gE6TRXnz0E3gUTAKkytI6G2TjwVgQucc1bU85l1KHrFLVDCR4hZQ0vOU/w300-h400/IMG_6854.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Each year when the trees shed their leaves I become intrigued with the patterns of branches and twigs against the sky. A friend refers to the winter mode of trees as 'stick season.'</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihW6e7Xn0VJPbn7VEhopXTHSWTWU45GPL0zIM7joA6ewFn6RuvDQLDNXOky_uFH4ksBSFgaVSAiBAoeaAEzbOh8DVgCOhY6SUF9LEHQcYIW1P0Cnb88cRqJ41aoABylA6MdfC53Q4FPZ3K2oVBbulfPQW4TN3qNKzXVNZxLlyYzSRQKr6nP60m-cHIqEE/s5184/IMG_6856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihW6e7Xn0VJPbn7VEhopXTHSWTWU45GPL0zIM7joA6ewFn6RuvDQLDNXOky_uFH4ksBSFgaVSAiBAoeaAEzbOh8DVgCOhY6SUF9LEHQcYIW1P0Cnb88cRqJ41aoABylA6MdfC53Q4FPZ3K2oVBbulfPQW4TN3qNKzXVNZxLlyYzSRQKr6nP60m-cHIqEE/w300-h400/IMG_6856.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Earlier in the month while walking the path along the north ravine a whisk of movement caught my peripheral vision. A large grey squirrel dashed across fallen leaves, scampered up the tree trunk and flung himself through the opening in the bole of the tree. After a few seconds his head popped out. Seeing me, he ducked back into the bole, invisible if I hadn't known he was there. We played peek-a-boo for several minutes until I took pity on him and continued my stroll in the soft dusk. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81zVR5Wz4IxutgxH5iID2oStsiqgOKKTsgMLHy4ETxhHKmxLnT1NQPEaotSsqTORwMkZ4wy1yXnYw19jaQcJzWLLiqX4xmGMM427QU6R8KVk0CnZn-ilcgZaHxzWjUbt5Ea3Ar5cB-Vr8TzVZwMaOKURi3f3KfxxEKOuyG6w6ctNes4L2GqQVmdzY14c/s5184/IMG_6885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81zVR5Wz4IxutgxH5iID2oStsiqgOKKTsgMLHy4ETxhHKmxLnT1NQPEaotSsqTORwMkZ4wy1yXnYw19jaQcJzWLLiqX4xmGMM427QU6R8KVk0CnZn-ilcgZaHxzWjUbt5Ea3Ar5cB-Vr8TzVZwMaOKURi3f3KfxxEKOuyG6w6ctNes4L2GqQVmdzY14c/w400-h300/IMG_6885.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In spite of several nights of frost these nasturtiums have surprised me with continued bloom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubNTQs1oXvw0cHCkkpzWA5GsVPXIe4YY-TJSL809b44C9sWaAz3EwbuOgLIuaTRAjTniiVjJcG3HbJboYBlSwsFFwGgbhxb_vc_f3NHMW7mrwOJrGQPFLjJag_Exfwip1lO4DGxybX6GUJzyOfVdaZVmPS7ZuUY60vzEnV9SmeISX-9UtE7X5_z12OBQ/s5184/IMG_6910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubNTQs1oXvw0cHCkkpzWA5GsVPXIe4YY-TJSL809b44C9sWaAz3EwbuOgLIuaTRAjTniiVjJcG3HbJboYBlSwsFFwGgbhxb_vc_f3NHMW7mrwOJrGQPFLjJag_Exfwip1lO4DGxybX6GUJzyOfVdaZVmPS7ZuUY60vzEnV9SmeISX-9UtE7X5_z12OBQ/w400-h300/IMG_6910.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've peered into the greenhouse expecting to find the plants limp and white with frost.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tonight's forecast is for 29 F. Surely the cold will seep into the unheated space and there will be no more nasturtiums until early summer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FwuZiMMqAbBqlhTYT564FIvB7GW964-RaQnkjJNaZ0ChSgcnLQvyaMO6u_jktlIpNV1E_lRs-Z2AmpMtyWLu5yLAuraCusKsg9AKHy1-X6fpOBaVV_qNRbhKFUf_1kc0ZS-2ohOwUaGOjIbKjvIpfFHvsiXasRNQWkOcoRaIoTmvmexejRXjqxxqbuk/s5184/IMG_6909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FwuZiMMqAbBqlhTYT564FIvB7GW964-RaQnkjJNaZ0ChSgcnLQvyaMO6u_jktlIpNV1E_lRs-Z2AmpMtyWLu5yLAuraCusKsg9AKHy1-X6fpOBaVV_qNRbhKFUf_1kc0ZS-2ohOwUaGOjIbKjvIpfFHvsiXasRNQWkOcoRaIoTmvmexejRXjqxxqbuk/w400-h300/IMG_6909.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The violas [johnny-jump-ups] by the front steps have been rimed with frost on several mornings, but they perk up as the day warms.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9X-9qxX3BfZChFEjW2LRmY19tpKmYewDmmTXq5ATPAcTlX8XiWjUtSxA3eCuNfs-jZgTEHqthY4ms-e9kTHRlvx33ZOWLa_GxWTk7-tDm11RPcJUYO-zi8C96rXLEW76AzUrOPUEbhRyBYluoqj2yLoTdO9N5l_ZAkye-3mSQNZ5sG3u_nrhwn-Ujyg/s5184/IMG_6899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9X-9qxX3BfZChFEjW2LRmY19tpKmYewDmmTXq5ATPAcTlX8XiWjUtSxA3eCuNfs-jZgTEHqthY4ms-e9kTHRlvx33ZOWLa_GxWTk7-tDm11RPcJUYO-zi8C96rXLEW76AzUrOPUEbhRyBYluoqj2yLoTdO9N5l_ZAkye-3mSQNZ5sG3u_nrhwn-Ujyg/w400-h300/IMG_6899.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My Thanksgiving cactus is in full bloom. It shares a table in the sunroom with a pair of white-flowered begonias. I would enjoy placing it in full view on the dining table, but Rosie-cat has a fascination with flowers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The month of November is a time I've sometimes found disheartening: days of damp chill, the lack of sunshine. This year November has been a kinder month--sunny afternoons, weather fit to be outdoors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've had rain and wind over the weekend, north-west wind that howls around the corners of the house, flings spurts of rain against the windows. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Determined to walk the mowed path around the fields, I've pulled on boots, bundled a scarf around my head and trudged briskly. The ground along the north ravine is lumpy with fallen black walnuts and hickory nuts underfoot; at the eastern boundary fence acorns lie thick among the leaves. Sometimes Jim walks a loop with me; sometimes one or more of the cats decides to trail us part way. Where the sun slants down warmly I stop to gaze into bare treetops or to watch clouds endlessly shifting and reforming.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are 23 days until the solstice when imperceptibly at first the hours of daylight will lengthen through the cold of winter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tonight a full moon rose silver-gilt over the barn at a few minutes past six while the first stars pricked the early darkness of the sky. The wind has dropped. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Daylight will be late and the ground likely white with frost. </div><br /> <p></p>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-11158395105175942802023-10-31T18:45:00.006-04:002023-11-05T16:31:03.436-05:00First Frost<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQ6Zd-cJHshyphenhyphenwhNdg7oWJRcfN0i0OityIKj2hT_ymz0DnXdXB4CvXQWKY3l97-HJQ9H3o6Eql37td03YryDt2m5IMMDHEUHwULytNbBccj9TzMpYx0qjdNiOunFyXmMiAGUNGcazrVdjGROl8vxD1iLseFjadnhOiW8hSWzEtZ6ZwTaiz56wZLND3RcQ/s5184/IMG_6822.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQ6Zd-cJHshyphenhyphenwhNdg7oWJRcfN0i0OityIKj2hT_ymz0DnXdXB4CvXQWKY3l97-HJQ9H3o6Eql37td03YryDt2m5IMMDHEUHwULytNbBccj9TzMpYx0qjdNiOunFyXmMiAGUNGcazrVdjGROl8vxD1iLseFjadnhOiW8hSWzEtZ6ZwTaiz56wZLND3RcQ/w400-h300/IMG_6822.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Several days of drizzling rain, light winds, leaves drifting down.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Strangely, a spell of rainy weather seems to last longer than the documented actuality. Looking over the notes I scribble in each day's calendar space, I note that we've had a mix of October weather; quite a few days have featured a sequence of sun and clouds.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4kjF2K5hT5SBqUFc6OJKz6m-oRTJnDGhapsuH9F7oYJm4hQFseRdMFWr8eWsvO-IfCzNN63VhAdW5DZBZ003Uwi2rYC4AakiL_v1yaQBx4NUa73NFp6cazbvBIeLi2K9W8ek4zShSc1pTknipyTbNM6XuQTLlvgHv_2CFochj8s6soq81tH2QiUUQOA/s5184/IMG_6813.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4kjF2K5hT5SBqUFc6OJKz6m-oRTJnDGhapsuH9F7oYJm4hQFseRdMFWr8eWsvO-IfCzNN63VhAdW5DZBZ003Uwi2rYC4AakiL_v1yaQBx4NUa73NFp6cazbvBIeLi2K9W8ek4zShSc1pTknipyTbNM6XuQTLlvgHv_2CFochj8s6soq81tH2QiUUQOA/w400-h300/IMG_6813.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The black walnut trees at the bend in the lane are among the first to lose their leaves. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIYW30X-CGIK9nROuSjhe_rjKEnO6i3oODZ0i1KCh9es8STopbdfM4lgHfhvBYNPeAeAwMERE7RkUoHUhmn-KJfqFrxDWQqT-ZucsG8xX2BmEXiMhPpXWRDcKiTJlM6babRTxzUaU_WurZh4lXtkjofAp7C0TmiExDmmbc5eVNkn7h4-qIxHUU-FX0ZI/s5184/IMG_6815.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIYW30X-CGIK9nROuSjhe_rjKEnO6i3oODZ0i1KCh9es8STopbdfM4lgHfhvBYNPeAeAwMERE7RkUoHUhmn-KJfqFrxDWQqT-ZucsG8xX2BmEXiMhPpXWRDcKiTJlM6babRTxzUaU_WurZh4lXtkjofAp7C0TmiExDmmbc5eVNkn7h4-qIxHUU-FX0ZI/w400-h300/IMG_6815.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The ground along the south ravine is a collage of colors and shapes.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I noted yesterday that the earliest fallen leaves have softened into a rain-slicked mat their colors somber and blackened.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILeMkm__1N6jDzuTV1JgmkokZGGOgVIVjt2UH6TSL2qQ76p5MGwTIjlEKCBINhuQK5PYE3-rOLs5oKfpOk4s_zDLkYXG-_im2P0tlH15APVKxd_Gu69l2Yt5MJjLwWdqpAmf7TMZEA4yvRhIYH8Vd6p3OTuN0gG-Vfgu-eo2uXY8OtVaTr7sRXSTyZkM/s5184/IMG_6807.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILeMkm__1N6jDzuTV1JgmkokZGGOgVIVjt2UH6TSL2qQ76p5MGwTIjlEKCBINhuQK5PYE3-rOLs5oKfpOk4s_zDLkYXG-_im2P0tlH15APVKxd_Gu69l2Yt5MJjLwWdqpAmf7TMZEA4yvRhIYH8Vd6p3OTuN0gG-Vfgu-eo2uXY8OtVaTr7sRXSTyZkM/w400-h300/IMG_6807.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wearing boots and a thick hoodie I worked in the gloom of Monday afternoon, hauling potted nasturtiums into the greenhouse, geraniums into the sun room. The nasturtiums will not long survive in the unheated greenhouse, but the pots can be shoved under the benches in the hope of seedlings emerging in spring from the seeds I've left to ripen and drop into the soil. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">[Note to Willis-the Cat who considers the greenhouse his winter quarters: pots filled with soil are not intended as cat latrines!]</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I tell myself each autumn that I must be sensible about what plants are brought in to over-winter. I have several summer's worth of straggling geraniums, shabby begonias, rosemarys started from cuttings. The table in the sunroom is crowded, smaller plants are ranged under the light strip in the middle ground floor room, yet I am reluctant to cull. Surely anything which has survived the frost has a right to continued living quarters?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There are still the four largest potted rosemarys lined against the screened porch wall.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The heavy pot containing my 5 year old lemon verbena has been dragged from the back porch to the downstairs living area. As soon as the leaves begin to drop I will prune back the branches. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GKxTKGlalPPGLQ0iJwviRmnqFa63zlKsF2JIo7HSqnO5ofy6D4DhTLQz4U0huMHc9aPFt20IPZWskHPCc9tWIs8Ipb5mRXMeU4D0KSFw_PI6jxQKrwQidKIhvEkom0t4U-qGCFNsvzhANr8ZFWyNLRpJ8jDxxQBazls4AC0RH6xrZnJK8AK5U2k0hs4/s5184/IMG_6816.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GKxTKGlalPPGLQ0iJwviRmnqFa63zlKsF2JIo7HSqnO5ofy6D4DhTLQz4U0huMHc9aPFt20IPZWskHPCc9tWIs8Ipb5mRXMeU4D0KSFw_PI6jxQKrwQidKIhvEkom0t4U-qGCFNsvzhANr8ZFWyNLRpJ8jDxxQBazls4AC0RH6xrZnJK8AK5U2k0hs4/w400-h300/IMG_6816.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A last photo of the gallant yellow 'mini-zinni' growing in the gravel near the porch steps. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As morning sun warmed the area the petals withered to a frosted brown.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcDtgew0he335Y3DQuYQfWbewrwJy4uAYNm9OG6HjKYDX7T_MCPHnkEqXZMsc_adMI6TJcEvaRAb86NnOViQblV7hDaXjnyiQazt9x9l5Idwdrdy-N2h0AQ1MNPsyGIsTDlqfZWi_8w7OP6P6qkDX-_X1rnzsN5uWCUKHaNNvCYlr0oBPInBNTI5R_Ns/s5184/IMG_6828.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcDtgew0he335Y3DQuYQfWbewrwJy4uAYNm9OG6HjKYDX7T_MCPHnkEqXZMsc_adMI6TJcEvaRAb86NnOViQblV7hDaXjnyiQazt9x9l5Idwdrdy-N2h0AQ1MNPsyGIsTDlqfZWi_8w7OP6P6qkDX-_X1rnzsN5uWCUKHaNNvCYlr0oBPInBNTI5R_Ns/w400-h300/IMG_6828.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The nursery bought 'Profusion' zinnias had one last blooming after surrounding companions had given up. They too are now bleached and limp.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUje5dqtE5S851vG6E4pTn7ESZgW27zAFD_8RjbGUecJIg5kxA9_8bEgiB-_1SO6pmBBIikBRRMPGX5ka1IDOQfw0_Bk80_wtyrDtotbR-kP5WDYobq5Joo3aTzMfKWK47IwQUbf06AZ_T1Usw1tjenGneyb9xquXBL5_vDwrJSaZ1dyFqMb4dJ4Mdyw/s5184/IMG_6825.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUje5dqtE5S851vG6E4pTn7ESZgW27zAFD_8RjbGUecJIg5kxA9_8bEgiB-_1SO6pmBBIikBRRMPGX5ka1IDOQfw0_Bk80_wtyrDtotbR-kP5WDYobq5Joo3aTzMfKWK47IwQUbf06AZ_T1Usw1tjenGneyb9xquXBL5_vDwrJSaZ1dyFqMb4dJ4Mdyw/w400-h300/IMG_6825.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The hibiscus in the south-facing raised bed built against the greenhouse wall has also succumbed to frost.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGSk92S9B9fYy8cIRAtXzQv3wtlkVPWOHcqqRhBJmpJwtSpshHcOURGIPfGnlcQEh4hF3QesILKawq3IoDxVN8jT4hlQcb71fMOwzIHalMHJ3bRaOpwVqaYSlYDIMQ96rASpn-m5Ea_9hJV7xXAEbCxsfETd_CnWSeb_1jN6o92ZJdf49eqwTR76vh-8/s5184/IMG_6827.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGSk92S9B9fYy8cIRAtXzQv3wtlkVPWOHcqqRhBJmpJwtSpshHcOURGIPfGnlcQEh4hF3QesILKawq3IoDxVN8jT4hlQcb71fMOwzIHalMHJ3bRaOpwVqaYSlYDIMQ96rASpn-m5Ea_9hJV7xXAEbCxsfETd_CnWSeb_1jN6o92ZJdf49eqwTR76vh-8/w400-h300/IMG_6827.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Double Knock-out roses gathered just before dark.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsfkNac_RUELhp16pWKwRKannkUhMqlsIUwCSHteazPCh7rreCOrlBAUjkSK1f7dUTRGZiooG7RY6sXVbyCR6zc3BVh3PenTogxi9OCS4z05VwKL0UHSxRZPKy0KKPDDZ4vbh1lHQ4wR1rw1WQkoDDxyg7fZmM1FvlYDOhBpfn9K4KIvsjGiEEFto-zE/s5184/IMG_6808.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsfkNac_RUELhp16pWKwRKannkUhMqlsIUwCSHteazPCh7rreCOrlBAUjkSK1f7dUTRGZiooG7RY6sXVbyCR6zc3BVh3PenTogxi9OCS4z05VwKL0UHSxRZPKy0KKPDDZ4vbh1lHQ4wR1rw1WQkoDDxyg7fZmM1FvlYDOhBpfn9K4KIvsjGiEEFto-zE/w400-h300/IMG_6808.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Samaritan Jo in a beautiful second blooming. Hours after taking this photo the blossoms were ravaged by the largest slug I've ever encountered. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIqq0v0cNuU_SxueFWpZRGLYyjT3LZhTZkBRVLdrVqMGTR44O2pXZUMBYfiJneIQRGBpnN_wZQOLIFt0ZQv1o5FK6_emts0lc3-EaZ1l5ZuNMVtnC-sqygTpRClhqM6tEbMbD5kZfUSZ7Hp6-qla4fSujZopMz6senycell7PCWgZqVHQoWckjGsL4KA/s5184/IMG_6821.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIqq0v0cNuU_SxueFWpZRGLYyjT3LZhTZkBRVLdrVqMGTR44O2pXZUMBYfiJneIQRGBpnN_wZQOLIFt0ZQv1o5FK6_emts0lc3-EaZ1l5ZuNMVtnC-sqygTpRClhqM6tEbMbD5kZfUSZ7Hp6-qla4fSujZopMz6senycell7PCWgZqVHQoWckjGsL4KA/w400-h300/IMG_6821.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Willis trudges behind me on my meandering tasks about the dooryard. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His many mis-adventures over the years have left him with an arthritic gait, but he takes his job as yard foreman seriously still.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9k1Esvam-14o6PxLZQEnlESwY8gb0wFypT4YMCulUE9miGb7nZXcwUc4Gl_F8yKmWEVEgdxq88_DpuI9jiHze1pRT1xzbyM_Y6S9LwA_D1k8kq8jw4-hFlT-PvODVT145lIg0VgvS_5y_7bTGGb45GDVkQBgihNmmC-sHLDJat3ZCcpmc0fJr1MUpt94/s5184/IMG_6834.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9k1Esvam-14o6PxLZQEnlESwY8gb0wFypT4YMCulUE9miGb7nZXcwUc4Gl_F8yKmWEVEgdxq88_DpuI9jiHze1pRT1xzbyM_Y6S9LwA_D1k8kq8jw4-hFlT-PvODVT145lIg0VgvS_5y_7bTGGb45GDVkQBgihNmmC-sHLDJat3ZCcpmc0fJr1MUpt94/w400-h300/IMG_6834.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The light frost has cleared the skies. A few golden leaves cling to the very tops of maples and tulip poplars. The purple leaves of the ash trees are gone. Hickories hold their glow of bronze and russet, oaks are still towers of green.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGaAq88aO43ejnZC0LAomH_-GnjQ09rbVNE2Dut9s4dHW7QRynO0acj_P886mgppF5vvrwaJMsYdDcFHx-8MvLictu0xY8Pm9MLHLHMIuLSEf2aY1Q_pdicF07X11iYDdVBRAa3-yyWBSHZHD3t4U4pRihnLY_NbNuqdXdt8Q8xOuuZfkiMqYK-f26iY/s5184/IMG_6833.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGaAq88aO43ejnZC0LAomH_-GnjQ09rbVNE2Dut9s4dHW7QRynO0acj_P886mgppF5vvrwaJMsYdDcFHx-8MvLictu0xY8Pm9MLHLHMIuLSEf2aY1Q_pdicF07X11iYDdVBRAa3-yyWBSHZHD3t4U4pRihnLY_NbNuqdXdt8Q8xOuuZfkiMqYK-f26iY/w400-h300/IMG_6833.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pegging sheets on the back porch lines mid-morning I noticed how the nearly leafless trees to the south allow the sun in its flattening arc to spill onto the porch and through the south windows of the house. Walking up the lane to the mailbox I wished I had put a down vest over my hoodie. The frost, light though it was, has changed the quality of the air, heightened the scent of chilled grass and decaying leaves. Woodsmoke, the quintessential breath of autumn, hangs in the clear sharp air. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">At lunchtime a bluebird blundered through the gap in the porch screen where through the summer the hummingbird feeders dangled. The bluebird perched on the back of a porch rocker for a moment as though considering his dilemma, then whisked through the slit screen and was on his way.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The bluebirds have been absent since their maddening and messy antics of early summer.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It has been several days since I've seen the procession of 10 wild turkeys who have been regular visitors. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Devin viewing the turkeys several weeks ago with his hunting binoculars, noted that the hen turkey has the look of an older bird and that 4 of the 9 offspring are identifiable as young toms.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jim, looking out the window as he dressed this morning, noted several deer browsing at the lower end of the west meadow.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Herman, the feral cat, arrives before dark to snatch his share of kibble. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We've not seen a raccoon in weeks but the unwelcome possums continue to rootle in the cat's dish for any tidbits. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now at nearly dusk I can swivel in my desk chair to glance out windows to south, north or west. Standing for a moment at my west bedroom window I take note of the rusty orange smudge left by the setting sun, the etching of nearly bare branches against the softening hues of dusky blue and grey. The clouds of peach and lavender which pillowed the eastern sky only a few minutes ago are fading. The wind is rising and more leaves slip loose from their moorings to ride the downdraft. Above the neighbor's field a hawk-- or maybe a lone turkey vulture-- circles beneath the shifting layers of grey, finally disappearing, taking his reconnaissance to another quarter of the pasture.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So much misery, so much suffering and loss in the world, so much uncertainty.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Still tomorrow we turn a calendar page and the season moves on as inexorably as it has always done.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p></p>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-88791847432190492582023-10-25T21:33:00.003-04:002023-10-25T21:37:49.157-04:00Bright Blue Weather<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaUKR88sTzU3eeUDq7MP_mOhxlpoEJHJStVQXpuOzi2iEw8pud6wiU7miL8tgrdT-GENi7uoon6ZHYeY-cA2qBBdkhjT_-7CSnQGMgBN-DlRRT9R4lTGSfAX8JI7hrLXTZ1Vwli-khml084Q1zgGUSDP_uIIbJ81FFZX4SDNcEYN1xijK8pLO67uo7fc/s5184/IMG_6793.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaUKR88sTzU3eeUDq7MP_mOhxlpoEJHJStVQXpuOzi2iEw8pud6wiU7miL8tgrdT-GENi7uoon6ZHYeY-cA2qBBdkhjT_-7CSnQGMgBN-DlRRT9R4lTGSfAX8JI7hrLXTZ1Vwli-khml084Q1zgGUSDP_uIIbJ81FFZX4SDNcEYN1xijK8pLO67uo7fc/w400-h300/IMG_6793.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Heading home from the mailbox at the top of the lane.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This shapely tree is appealing in any season. My best guess of its identity is 'hackberry.'</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWszvPfGBf1qQnCXgyPpIYJ0CXpweNTUhchu8k7mZQxY3rRgKuAFrHWK33c4o4sPxjrBH0nkevviri8bwhnYgK76kwI44tVkA1IsDifv92-LepEepJBHoNZEJsOeLa7ASI5aOsu_Zh2RLQGmeG7P-rqmQiHrJkBMlqwDxILx31kiJSSZpiN8HDH8dM3tw/s5184/IMG_6749.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWszvPfGBf1qQnCXgyPpIYJ0CXpweNTUhchu8k7mZQxY3rRgKuAFrHWK33c4o4sPxjrBH0nkevviri8bwhnYgK76kwI44tVkA1IsDifv92-LepEepJBHoNZEJsOeLa7ASI5aOsu_Zh2RLQGmeG7P-rqmQiHrJkBMlqwDxILx31kiJSSZpiN8HDH8dM3tw/w400-h300/IMG_6749.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">October has not featured endless blue skies; there have been sunless days of intermittent showers, brisk whirling winds that have sent leaves spinning from the trees that border the ravines. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I've been lured out whenever the sun is shining to potter about pruning perennials that are busily going to seed in my rough garden strips. In other years I've left standing through the winter such plants as I've thought might provide winter seeds for birds. I'm not sure if birds even fancy the bristling heads of coneflowers or the fluff of the Michaelmas daisies. I do know that left to themselves these plants have colonized in rampaging groups that threaten to dominate the scene, so--off with their heads. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The dreaded Asian beetles arrived in the thousands earlier in the week [or have they been here since last winter waiting to hatch out and invade?]</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Working in the overgrown west garden on this hot [80 F.] afternoon wasn't a good plan.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The beetles pinged against my clothing, blundered behind my glasses, landed in my hair. The slightest contact with one while attempting to brush them away leaves an acrid odor on the skin. They can also manage to bite/sting. I made a concession to the heat in taking off my outer shirt to continue working in a short-sleeved T. Mistake number two! I was quickly plastered with tiny seeds which clung to my warm skin, sifted down the neck of my T-shirt. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I made myself continue working for an hour, swatting away beetles and shaking off seed fuzz. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My vision for several 'wild' gardens has not gone quite to plan. The plants are there, mostly raised from seed: foxgloves, Michaelmas daisies in several colors, blue prairie flax, coneflowers, blackberry lilies, monarda, an edging of low growing pinks. Rampaging through it all are weeds--invasive polygonum, tough-stemmed grasses, dandelions, dock--spreading mats of something which stays evergreen and whose proper name I've forgotten. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I haven't a hope of controlling the whole untidy plot. I can fuss a bit over the roses which have survived a bad influx of Japanese beetles and sawflies. I can enjoy the clematis that clamber up the sturdy trellis. I can hope that the white-flowered butterfly bush makes it through a second winter.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I can poke about as I find the energy, cut my losses, admire what survives.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7FCtlPtOmsqfy1rkdCYpeth0_InoHfKekd1Z0tCnmz_3E2WBxk5iVO9-9F-s4yiVLyU1_7s7gTBA-9Qop5jOMz_wBDdIpSfL4x0xgRNAr_628E1PNCJzoaV2dVPcjnpVsYb4DcxSgrLj01XSlNAVb6xOtTu56XhLMqWYTt-71flXPr6zncWkjgi2Bo4/s5184/IMG_6794.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7FCtlPtOmsqfy1rkdCYpeth0_InoHfKekd1Z0tCnmz_3E2WBxk5iVO9-9F-s4yiVLyU1_7s7gTBA-9Qop5jOMz_wBDdIpSfL4x0xgRNAr_628E1PNCJzoaV2dVPcjnpVsYb4DcxSgrLj01XSlNAVb6xOtTu56XhLMqWYTt-71flXPr6zncWkjgi2Bo4/w400-h300/IMG_6794.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: medium;">Our neighbor claims the narrow strip of land that runs along the lane; our big meadow lies beyond to the right, sloping down toward our house and barn.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbDq6IwJ7Ej4SV3p_ZXbtJwHY2DtKVfdcsbzV6l0dBHzPzC4NtDyXNitnA2aXrHL2r7CZewK3zs3zJeFPJAl-4eX4lMYTBwa02je5auJE-LxsYKMEFgC5A5VFib0eACZjB9Uv5wK5iB1ziv64o8hBd_EbW2KBLyE4-FFGUPIDCB6D8dTXsYqwXVtBguE/s5184/IMG_6789.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbDq6IwJ7Ej4SV3p_ZXbtJwHY2DtKVfdcsbzV6l0dBHzPzC4NtDyXNitnA2aXrHL2r7CZewK3zs3zJeFPJAl-4eX4lMYTBwa02je5auJE-LxsYKMEFgC5A5VFib0eACZjB9Uv5wK5iB1ziv64o8hBd_EbW2KBLyE4-FFGUPIDCB6D8dTXsYqwXVtBguE/w400-h300/IMG_6789.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Blue skies have been patterned with sprawling contrails and feathery cirrus clouds that shift and reform.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFsG_5md0USxvtUCo6C309BeVA_AriJdV63YkiZA9jYLKBY9IullrK8DsXs_UPENfgV-DZ5LIiOwdKn21d4aNmVLKOZcIV1ZJzAt3TEsjVGEH5dBdlrELLUh_2pkYby-0QDpMLUssJweqrnRq0TTayWed3qeDpAoQ72lygXBSJAzM5A-aAWcuZ1eUpp0/s5184/IMG_6764.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFsG_5md0USxvtUCo6C309BeVA_AriJdV63YkiZA9jYLKBY9IullrK8DsXs_UPENfgV-DZ5LIiOwdKn21d4aNmVLKOZcIV1ZJzAt3TEsjVGEH5dBdlrELLUh_2pkYby-0QDpMLUssJweqrnRq0TTayWed3qeDpAoQ72lygXBSJAzM5A-aAWcuZ1eUpp0/w400-h300/IMG_6764.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A closeup of one of the hackberry trees. There are several along the east boundary fence.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtcjBr-qBtCpW3Hj8cKWDTUb8bFpbdTthQXrxB_aX7CjkFzqzh_jzzMPNnlBJ-_04_4yDD7vIFEtXl00iXCIEH23NqETRvLCgf24G9C_O5gqeq42JV-2EYvNJN4CBO7zCyLAa51Y5OCA2BiQ6eH4MQn7HfwWAQZRItCyGxRaa7tiQ5zQqIKJcyEhqf4A/s5184/IMG_6761.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtcjBr-qBtCpW3Hj8cKWDTUb8bFpbdTthQXrxB_aX7CjkFzqzh_jzzMPNnlBJ-_04_4yDD7vIFEtXl00iXCIEH23NqETRvLCgf24G9C_O5gqeq42JV-2EYvNJN4CBO7zCyLAa51Y5OCA2BiQ6eH4MQn7HfwWAQZRItCyGxRaa7tiQ5zQqIKJcyEhqf4A/w400-h300/IMG_6761.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sumac growing in the tangle of under-story trees at the western edge of the property. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Rhus glabra--smooth sumac. In my native New England staghorn sumac is more common, having branches covered in a furry 'velvet' not unlike that on the emerging antlers of a buck deer.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUbiKnA_K690GQV99b8pYqsFUTJXsRV67Ftfq0s2Ao_0wN6eqWZ1aXJIQD7V7BE6a0yfXWp3_RXFq5-0P2yeZK-dXJCGMNjRlvZWRgsoOKk1mFnJGQItWcXmnOYmqrDq8-xwzTXL8Sn2Yqd0f4FkZRGJklpJHDeIVEK4N-b7Qg5O-it77Z-9TePzcVZU/s5184/IMG_6787.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUbiKnA_K690GQV99b8pYqsFUTJXsRV67Ftfq0s2Ao_0wN6eqWZ1aXJIQD7V7BE6a0yfXWp3_RXFq5-0P2yeZK-dXJCGMNjRlvZWRgsoOKk1mFnJGQItWcXmnOYmqrDq8-xwzTXL8Sn2Yqd0f4FkZRGJklpJHDeIVEK4N-b7Qg5O-it77Z-9TePzcVZU/w400-h300/IMG_6787.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The very prickly landscape rose that threatens to take over a corner of the front wall garden. No matter how drastically I prune, it quickly thrusts out another tangle of thorny trailing branches.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FWVCNrhAJTIMkoZxyw-HxjXYcHhF5gvdnb2RhGoLA6Okfu1KwNDXgps22M6kAg_f0MoIL9-0nW6OK9vt30sX9u-WwP12jXzaHaUW4mt8_x9Jg7I0pmS7iCE4Kcs0X4Ta54OHbmnhR-6OVJI_hD5K8nCtrauztmODnoKgtReO6HZlN8h5B3HLmQm87i4/s5184/IMG_6784.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FWVCNrhAJTIMkoZxyw-HxjXYcHhF5gvdnb2RhGoLA6Okfu1KwNDXgps22M6kAg_f0MoIL9-0nW6OK9vt30sX9u-WwP12jXzaHaUW4mt8_x9Jg7I0pmS7iCE4Kcs0X4Ta54OHbmnhR-6OVJI_hD5K8nCtrauztmODnoKgtReO6HZlN8h5B3HLmQm87i4/w400-h300/IMG_6784.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nigella endlessly repopulates in a corner of the raised bed near the front steps. Seedlings pop up by the hundreds, some appearing in the grass beyond the bed. Blue isn't one of 'my' colors in clothing or home furnishings, yet blue flowers are special whether cultivated or wildlings.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmnFe7VIUqArKw6cIqKmdCWkL8iLtEKKMthiwhF7vZrCHQRmTiOvdJIkj3ww12jGTpZHAoQfhnWKVhy8B7ILbRR7ctn_tP3m_SqoWNtPLWmgm7gTmtyRCo-nlyTV0ZabZTHxqkhPbbPHwfGJAfbFu-C6sqyT-eNd5xAf3FYloInWpUKobomm9mQxzd0k/s5184/IMG_6797.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmnFe7VIUqArKw6cIqKmdCWkL8iLtEKKMthiwhF7vZrCHQRmTiOvdJIkj3ww12jGTpZHAoQfhnWKVhy8B7ILbRR7ctn_tP3m_SqoWNtPLWmgm7gTmtyRCo-nlyTV0ZabZTHxqkhPbbPHwfGJAfbFu-C6sqyT-eNd5xAf3FYloInWpUKobomm9mQxzd0k/w400-h300/IMG_6797.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aster, 'Raydon's Favorite' a late bloomer.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3F5ZH9eXOF5muxC8WfhWZMIj6RiFlkDvhSdqUgzmXOwobTLeznszOzA5vr1qlWkBGqeaKS3WJUsnm03b_Tn_6hHFCzloI4VdOy9oFnyLJffOdctBKmRmoZYF1KyXSyPWBTfwDzm-fSH-QoY6_sA6CT-nwenpaQa_yye6_nfQ0H2XeG9cXv_HmB49F0M/s5184/IMG_6792.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3F5ZH9eXOF5muxC8WfhWZMIj6RiFlkDvhSdqUgzmXOwobTLeznszOzA5vr1qlWkBGqeaKS3WJUsnm03b_Tn_6hHFCzloI4VdOy9oFnyLJffOdctBKmRmoZYF1KyXSyPWBTfwDzm-fSH-QoY6_sA6CT-nwenpaQa_yye6_nfQ0H2XeG9cXv_HmB49F0M/w400-h300/IMG_6792.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The pond near the head of the lane, made murky by the neighbor's cattle.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I think the poem below was a favorite of my mother, perhaps included in the orange-bound anthology of poetry and prose which was likely one of her high school text books. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She may have quoted bits of the poem, but the only phrase to stay with me through the years is 'October's bright blue weather.'</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Helen Hunt Jackson (1830-1885)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> October's Bright Blue Weather</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> O suns and skies and clouds of June,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> And flowers of June together,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Ye cannot rival for one hour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> October's bright blue weather;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> When loud the bumble-bee makes haste,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Belated, thriftless vagrant,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> And Golden-Rod is dying fast,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> And lanes with grapes are fragrant;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> When Gentians roll their fringes tight</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> To save them for the morning,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> And chestnuts fall from satin burrs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Without a sound of warning;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> When on the ground red apples lie</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> In piles like jewels shining,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> And redder still on old stone walls</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Are leaves of woodbine twining;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> When all the lovely wayside things</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Their white-winged seeds are sowing,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> And in the fields, still green and fair,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Late aftermaths are growing;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> When springs run low, and on the brooks,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> In idle golden freighting,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Bright leaves sink noiseless in the hush</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Of woods, for winter waiting;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> When comrades seek sweet country haunts,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> By twos and twos together,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> And count like misers, hour by hour,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> October's bright blue weather.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> O suns and skies and flowers of June,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Count all your boasts together,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Love loveth best of all the year</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> October's bright blue weather.</div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-8271623332447544972023-10-15T22:31:00.000-04:002023-10-15T22:31:32.463-04:00The Tattered Edges of Autumn<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I didn't intend to work outside this morning. Recent dawns have been quiet, damp with remnants of early rain, any hint of sun quickly shuttered by low-hovering steely clouds.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I pulled on my cut-off wellies to go out with cat litter and scraps for the kitchen waste heap. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The possibility of finding a rosebud or two lured me out again, scissors in hand. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Clambering about in the straggle of thorny branches I found a small clutch of roses--petals cold, slightly damaged, but worthy to be brought inside and tucked into a tiny jug.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">October always finds me reluctant to begin tidying away the remains of summer's gardens.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As long as the battered zinnias open another colorful blossom, while a few shaggy petals still glow on the leaning clumps of Michaelmas daisies, I tell myself that a stray butterfly, a late hummingbird may be drawn in.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I noted the last hummer, likely a transient, during the morning of October 6. Several days of intermittent showers have discouraged the diminishing ranks of monarchs and fritillaries. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It was the work of an hour and a half to cut down the splayed stalks of coneflowers, gone-to-seed asters, the bare twiggy stems of blue prairie flax. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Puffs of seed caught in my hair, clung to my old jacket. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I carried armloads of stems to toss alongside the small barn, dumped still more at the edge of the south ravine. It would be nice if some of the seeds would settle amongst the leaf mold and coarse grass to send up new clumps of bloom.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pots of spent zinnias have been carried into the greenhouse where perhaps I can collect some seeds. I discovered a zinnia seedling growing in the gravel near one of the pots, a tightly folded bud at its tip--likely too late to mature and blossom before frost.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Each time I've passed the front windows today or stepped onto the front porch I've noted the changes created by my simple pruning. We become so accustomed to our surroundings--to the height of a row of sunflowers, to the spill of the Michaelmas daisies in their shades of dusky purple, mauve pink, deep lavender. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Remaining still in my doorstep landscape are the tubs of pentas, the tangles of nasturtiums that will succumb to the first frost.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Two little pots of heather have revived with cooler weather; pansies are flourishing. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Leaves are thinning on the black walnut trees that line the curve of the lane; walking there one hears the muffled 'thunk' of walnuts hitting the ground.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The soft gold of tulip poplar leaves glows against the russet and bronze of hedgerow trees.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here and there a blaze of scarlet sumac stands out along the edge of the north ravine.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wild turkeys, ten of them, process beneath the hickories, bend to forage beneath the oaks. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Evenings draw in, mornings are misty dark. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">These times of transition arrive on schedule, not unexpected, yet each season catching at me with a sense of wonder.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAVb1gkpL_4WNCaH0bOqnWJSNuK2o3rjdvMG3Qczj_obK1OszUqynnQyeWigcIq2Bk3W6pwerJayyI-7QtmVomvxVn6U_NSUjIF9c4tppSm9sMjTy2vJYYX8F_qoOrlQYuLOOZbwpyDNs1PHLGbT7TRTGhkOaZMZoCiuvYZ9ln2SqHitvVy0aEhG6JSw/s5184/IMG_6735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAVb1gkpL_4WNCaH0bOqnWJSNuK2o3rjdvMG3Qczj_obK1OszUqynnQyeWigcIq2Bk3W6pwerJayyI-7QtmVomvxVn6U_NSUjIF9c4tppSm9sMjTy2vJYYX8F_qoOrlQYuLOOZbwpyDNs1PHLGbT7TRTGhkOaZMZoCiuvYZ9ln2SqHitvVy0aEhG6JSw/w400-h300/IMG_6735.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nasturtiums were slow to flourish from spring plantings.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJoRYP8lUFIbws9WYttbqqdPIAv8HXEehptRoockuvksHpCTYBV1-yqPIyOzy92Ao-Sh1MeGhdRLWXZGXfcPRUUvUK0aAqHpwmz2mV22VBb0CMFN8wSOvw-TyI_omZiYJkISc5Pl_BeCI1tb8hAPzGCtAzHoERKSNVvhqjF0d4wylRYgd9Yu63tkNcg4/s5184/IMG_6736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJoRYP8lUFIbws9WYttbqqdPIAv8HXEehptRoockuvksHpCTYBV1-yqPIyOzy92Ao-Sh1MeGhdRLWXZGXfcPRUUvUK0aAqHpwmz2mV22VBb0CMFN8wSOvw-TyI_omZiYJkISc5Pl_BeCI1tb8hAPzGCtAzHoERKSNVvhqjF0d4wylRYgd9Yu63tkNcg4/w400-h300/IMG_6736.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This one growing in the big pot at the corner of the greenhouse is unique. I'm hoping it has dropped seeds for another summer.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5us0ZanhbyagD5yzKphMsqumb4ybpZf1oAB4daANOxxF0xxe10zd-oL2fshMVc-xpQWHWdKhiRPG91qbyBaNNkE6DSec1-0bMyVxZeZ1GSF2CJPzAMnLwyD-em4GkhATrNqgQ_9N2Zzopj1R05A9E83T5Dk35s84a1rTRYkv_b18nk3ltVEu1SBsgTxs/s5184/IMG_6737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5us0ZanhbyagD5yzKphMsqumb4ybpZf1oAB4daANOxxF0xxe10zd-oL2fshMVc-xpQWHWdKhiRPG91qbyBaNNkE6DSec1-0bMyVxZeZ1GSF2CJPzAMnLwyD-em4GkhATrNqgQ_9N2Zzopj1R05A9E83T5Dk35s84a1rTRYkv_b18nk3ltVEu1SBsgTxs/w400-h300/IMG_6737.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Two years ago gold nasturtiums rampaged up the greenhouse wall. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGCPZChueGD32QvxMTFUKq6cPW0R5ypOL96nVLlAmSkil4cUT_9b_V4RdqjDXnkZAmxM6we5Jy-wHBYbJSGeop-QhFVa4vCtEIlbOu_xOwXPXK15h0CPxZxoiBA5NxIXbEI1TRr-HI_6RX_oX0XwO4j7bWxP_aJyn7Q2AIhXPcQybt9E79ikDGdmTrqg/s5184/IMG_6742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGCPZChueGD32QvxMTFUKq6cPW0R5ypOL96nVLlAmSkil4cUT_9b_V4RdqjDXnkZAmxM6we5Jy-wHBYbJSGeop-QhFVa4vCtEIlbOu_xOwXPXK15h0CPxZxoiBA5NxIXbEI1TRr-HI_6RX_oX0XwO4j7bWxP_aJyn7Q2AIhXPcQybt9E79ikDGdmTrqg/w400-h300/IMG_6742.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ragged zinnias,</span> that appeared among pepper plants in the veg garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdLvezVSyA3UiYS68KlL6pZkvDgAYG8GZogtVdAGhj167ZHv2WOlnnmbKab4x9V2Ut4flsOHx5_2N4hGCvFz7M8ZHmGhI0607AC2SMzFlWpJq1M7_9eoKhludV8sCDyPSqwT06BeLbPqOXMCiILw1nibkM77SC23_oW76VLZ6-HOa91G18iKuhpDFDYE/s5184/IMG_6743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdLvezVSyA3UiYS68KlL6pZkvDgAYG8GZogtVdAGhj167ZHv2WOlnnmbKab4x9V2Ut4flsOHx5_2N4hGCvFz7M8ZHmGhI0607AC2SMzFlWpJq1M7_9eoKhludV8sCDyPSqwT06BeLbPqOXMCiILw1nibkM77SC23_oW76VLZ6-HOa91G18iKuhpDFDYE/w400-h300/IMG_6743.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVutXGOzhZtZWwSql3gahfgQ0_idxUvsKYrFVA-YWB-ag_jWn3WmyazpVgbMz0r8AH_JTdeHB97zR0iH_PjyW5QklsrOGkpamJ7hbw2B8A35yLAREeX4L6-tujV_m6KNN9BEwZk672RoRDsr0oUH-Pkc5MXMlKhVXZKNNbILJuZfukvOyAKZCmHAfSuU/s5184/IMG_6733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVutXGOzhZtZWwSql3gahfgQ0_idxUvsKYrFVA-YWB-ag_jWn3WmyazpVgbMz0r8AH_JTdeHB97zR0iH_PjyW5QklsrOGkpamJ7hbw2B8A35yLAREeX4L6-tujV_m6KNN9BEwZk672RoRDsr0oUH-Pkc5MXMlKhVXZKNNbILJuZfukvOyAKZCmHAfSuU/w400-h300/IMG_6733.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Clematis Samaritan Jo died back to the ground after early summer flowering, then suddenly clambered to the top of the trellis with fresh growth.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZJa1Sv6YmPhqKfiXo7SJpCe8W4lzNkREwu-jH3qWD99gO8lUiH4-tI_DvgH5r0ljx_B9FD4O4pd6zI-M9O9Qr8T8ysRZShTIDQ-emvs-lxjk9Nsh1IuJzyB3w8iw7vox9JAa-A_6JGTio6LO9P-E7S-aN93dBxE8PWCRQ9jqQr8lISg-GBfKN6AjWqE/s5184/IMG_6731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZJa1Sv6YmPhqKfiXo7SJpCe8W4lzNkREwu-jH3qWD99gO8lUiH4-tI_DvgH5r0ljx_B9FD4O4pd6zI-M9O9Qr8T8ysRZShTIDQ-emvs-lxjk9Nsh1IuJzyB3w8iw7vox9JAa-A_6JGTio6LO9P-E7S-aN93dBxE8PWCRQ9jqQr8lISg-GBfKN6AjWqE/w400-h300/IMG_6731.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The fall blossoms are slightly paler in color than in the spring.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitd9k__Q71J9lxw1Rban-Bw8AW9eykTM-X8Y9PxIMhgnzjFhlTQTnLWqB6oFEk0ntaAuEhsMEVi_I7z5F20O2d3kR_OR6XUPC54uM3lUdH4DhFKE8vi7yt0XiQdRIXEWoBIYgDQI6xqYzKDxGt6FKf3WEu1Yd38BuE0ju8lq-YqIwOGDZZUEkNvD0cpqQ/s5184/IMG_6727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitd9k__Q71J9lxw1Rban-Bw8AW9eykTM-X8Y9PxIMhgnzjFhlTQTnLWqB6oFEk0ntaAuEhsMEVi_I7z5F20O2d3kR_OR6XUPC54uM3lUdH4DhFKE8vi7yt0XiQdRIXEWoBIYgDQI6xqYzKDxGt6FKf3WEu1Yd38BuE0ju8lq-YqIwOGDZZUEkNvD0cpqQ/w400-h300/IMG_6727.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A bumble bee cold and still on a velvety spray of celosia. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-i0sky1uak1qloU-ZDoHlHvZVrYhoXegaApqFY5_Pa8S1q2H8EerWmR3Vns0QFuCYDac2jvgJRAH6NUp-MQuG5orGj0P3BmCQTQEvtp2YTGe1OFV2lNcpPRd140ZNSFT_hvufI7huGseQRSBNTouRUYBYe5zY7jM2Hc9oGM9f4Y4eCeHzwHx5-sw37c/s5184/IMG_6737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-i0sky1uak1qloU-ZDoHlHvZVrYhoXegaApqFY5_Pa8S1q2H8EerWmR3Vns0QFuCYDac2jvgJRAH6NUp-MQuG5orGj0P3BmCQTQEvtp2YTGe1OFV2lNcpPRd140ZNSFT_hvufI7huGseQRSBNTouRUYBYe5zY7jM2Hc9oGM9f4Y4eCeHzwHx5-sw37c/s320/IMG_6737.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The golden nasturtium got in the line-up twice. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLKOiyW5heI-BfvrVd69iT6RLaEgqPuxivjpUyKupRPSBQG0_yUUc7n3MgXIIfmvou4YeRfUwLQETFC8y_V7QM8yfrSZv4bwoAJhkVCX3cjmDznxQXTpMzsdiIehJVr8Z2oWmCSh8iEyRN683rcge8ew1EiM2dQcPYljve1SPXtpd6pom-DZC5bwuKnA/s5184/IMG_6738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLKOiyW5heI-BfvrVd69iT6RLaEgqPuxivjpUyKupRPSBQG0_yUUc7n3MgXIIfmvou4YeRfUwLQETFC8y_V7QM8yfrSZv4bwoAJhkVCX3cjmDznxQXTpMzsdiIehJVr8Z2oWmCSh8iEyRN683rcge8ew1EiM2dQcPYljve1SPXtpd6pom-DZC5bwuKnA/w400-h300/IMG_6738.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Violas tweaked out of the pots side-lined after spring bloom and grown to blossoming size.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7Wt0ohmkaN8tpMy0TKjNhSypzufRo-y7Bv-0rNVFFF8jCQRlI3BdbPOZVHE2a9c4acJ1vCaw02_roJgByykr17qHCNOdpjrGeYzhOpLc4GPghEscly0_1rNc-Wf-PXmwZ352iA-E4hWEjd7StqNkZ6UnE43Abasw2aZskFwy7tHgHm1-E-wWfXGduEc/s5184/IMG_6739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7Wt0ohmkaN8tpMy0TKjNhSypzufRo-y7Bv-0rNVFFF8jCQRlI3BdbPOZVHE2a9c4acJ1vCaw02_roJgByykr17qHCNOdpjrGeYzhOpLc4GPghEscly0_1rNc-Wf-PXmwZ352iA-E4hWEjd7StqNkZ6UnE43Abasw2aZskFwy7tHgHm1-E-wWfXGduEc/w400-h300/IMG_6739.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Lavender and thyme sown in the spring but didn't flourish until later. </span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-60762757754573522872023-09-12T22:35:00.001-04:002023-09-13T08:02:04.485-04:00Quilt Display at Misty Mountain Sales<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Misty Mountain is a mercantile in the South Fork Amish/Mennonite community.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While its stock of goods caters particularly to locals of those persuasions it has items of interest to those of us who live a simpler rural lifestyle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The section of kitchenware is alluring with quality bakeware, cutlery, everything needed for canning and preserving. What you will not find there is electrical appliances.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a selection of fabrics used by the plain people for garment construction, as well as most of the gadgetry desired by quilters. I often buy thread, sewing machine needles, rotary cutter blades there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Two aisles in the store are given over to books, stationary, greeting cards, as well as picture books for small children, all of a type considered suitable for the Amish community.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A display of Leaning Tree cards is there for those who are more 'English' minded.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the back of the store are utility items: brooms, mops, shovels, canning jars, small hand tools.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When building our present house we purchased our wood-burning stove there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Whatever my errand at Misty Mountain I detour to the area where quilts are displayed, for sale on consignment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some are vintage, others more recently constructed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Most are machine pieced, hand quilted. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The precision of workmanship varies but is usually fine quality.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today I noticed that the display had been altered since last time I was in. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm sharing my photos for those who are interested in stitchery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sadly, the fabrics used in the quilts aren't 'quilt shop' quality. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The store stocks reprints of calicos that were popular in the early 1980's when there was first a renewed general interest in quilt making. When my late friend Edie Robie and I began constructing quilts many of these same prints were produced by VIP and Cranston Print Works, but in a better quality fabric. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVB4bhh1LPqY6f1giyiEHeRKzPZpL6Zy3Y9_RZr4lSKtL5mpk-IXD3EsFWkgJqCGY6_hvzAi7FSiJewxNGwwLIRqV4GMw_bkNt0-0kd4pR2qoqZIDj8Y2RPQx_ZwFQUZYmBaiJJ3GmL5Po_7Wc16u_zOhoIQxdqL_RKe7dxtc_3Irt69kH063CcOqGSo/s5184/IMG_6653.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVB4bhh1LPqY6f1giyiEHeRKzPZpL6Zy3Y9_RZr4lSKtL5mpk-IXD3EsFWkgJqCGY6_hvzAi7FSiJewxNGwwLIRqV4GMw_bkNt0-0kd4pR2qoqZIDj8Y2RPQx_ZwFQUZYmBaiJJ3GmL5Po_7Wc16u_zOhoIQxdqL_RKe7dxtc_3Irt69kH063CcOqGSo/w400-h300/IMG_6653.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A beautifully pieced and quilted Broken Lone Star; quilting detail below.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm8hOmS4QxMaloVzypfSBrLVsNS466v48zZGnbPeATaHR_HbukiQv-_shLtajKaQl7xtZ9Iiowfii-yFT77Fz5XS7tXXaGCpi22Z9ye_-0nSlZI8-k_n5Ei03T4c4vO1Ay8z5Q-kso3ZQvPxbyH37jum7OAJ47_0tx5syLv0OPHTKKQiTFj54xjORcyQ/s5184/IMG_6654.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm8hOmS4QxMaloVzypfSBrLVsNS466v48zZGnbPeATaHR_HbukiQv-_shLtajKaQl7xtZ9Iiowfii-yFT77Fz5XS7tXXaGCpi22Z9ye_-0nSlZI8-k_n5Ei03T4c4vO1Ay8z5Q-kso3ZQvPxbyH37jum7OAJ47_0tx5syLv0OPHTKKQiTFj54xjORcyQ/w400-h300/IMG_6654.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivyg3GkrkEtKoD-_ip88xzDAm9tZRb9HZV53ZizwUtgpco5rMwhWdemRm7hbOAygTid8B07Y7g9Rg2uJUxLiLMnlPapTSGdn6i9v8alO0NZ-LZZbrvSea3edc7oGEGIU8lwBxPyCiX0HtXKfDkDs1PbW5c9hwj5jA-tas-lm5nLnAckMGQgsJ5FK0ZI0/s5184/IMG_6655.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivyg3GkrkEtKoD-_ip88xzDAm9tZRb9HZV53ZizwUtgpco5rMwhWdemRm7hbOAygTid8B07Y7g9Rg2uJUxLiLMnlPapTSGdn6i9v8alO0NZ-LZZbrvSea3edc7oGEGIU8lwBxPyCiX0HtXKfDkDs1PbW5c9hwj5jA-tas-lm5nLnAckMGQgsJ5FK0ZI0/w400-h300/IMG_6655.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Classic 6 point Lone Star with 'clam shell' quilting in the white areas.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjstZrPbE9q6gBDZ-FfUlyG55VJv4w67s3vK_WnWmPpVMx7EFBq6phUNXpPyhVrFnj3balpnJAVmWBf0u_uhCcnuDfwBjrmyhmza6uQ7h9jrw59ZagStIU5zY1JpiCV7rI3yk7gUb-0jMYKm2nZattYMCk-alHBDQwXYmdTDOY-uPuGQ-ALQeZ2RJ9FqQ/s5184/IMG_6656.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjstZrPbE9q6gBDZ-FfUlyG55VJv4w67s3vK_WnWmPpVMx7EFBq6phUNXpPyhVrFnj3balpnJAVmWBf0u_uhCcnuDfwBjrmyhmza6uQ7h9jrw59ZagStIU5zY1JpiCV7rI3yk7gUb-0jMYKm2nZattYMCk-alHBDQwXYmdTDOY-uPuGQ-ALQeZ2RJ9FqQ/w400-h300/IMG_6656.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvAq7-aHgtyCaF8AKub6SQk5sn9jIrvKmjgHWK1xa-csUzc6ZaNwNBeptXCZ_yQOf_nUkYmE4GsfPL6qzs9te8feHF-Sl0sLZD4WeARTM2Qx1buzbrS65nIdkd-znur-zC6p70gfL-qadXUmuqh4-yfX736TgTx3fY6B-aQ2J_NoqX6I0HPJkZ64PqZI/s5184/IMG_6657.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvAq7-aHgtyCaF8AKub6SQk5sn9jIrvKmjgHWK1xa-csUzc6ZaNwNBeptXCZ_yQOf_nUkYmE4GsfPL6qzs9te8feHF-Sl0sLZD4WeARTM2Qx1buzbrS65nIdkd-znur-zC6p70gfL-qadXUmuqh4-yfX736TgTx3fY6B-aQ2J_NoqX6I0HPJkZ64PqZI/w300-h400/IMG_6657.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I believe this pattern is Wedding Ring--I should check on that.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKqP1BN57fumqZRhUyE1JVLVKl2GekL7_HH2Srl9tHd0Ze4px0MXXMnMT7Fx056lFESuRg-_cE67220LpgHVyi3iK1WQiK1N9cQKmlHT3vLg85y0z5TnT5D9KjKHvjS3dzKq8Jlm1IzyNw3wHcNXzYTXuHwH09usyyMaoP89gS5M-7qgoAO74AzAwbYs/s5184/IMG_6658.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKqP1BN57fumqZRhUyE1JVLVKl2GekL7_HH2Srl9tHd0Ze4px0MXXMnMT7Fx056lFESuRg-_cE67220LpgHVyi3iK1WQiK1N9cQKmlHT3vLg85y0z5TnT5D9KjKHvjS3dzKq8Jlm1IzyNw3wHcNXzYTXuHwH09usyyMaoP89gS5M-7qgoAO74AzAwbYs/w300-h400/IMG_6658.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A white whole cloth quilt, sometimes referred to as a Bride's Quilt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The quilt is protected by a clear plastic sleeve that caused distortion in my photo, however the quality of the stitching should be evident.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHp4S8qsdVWAz8NqexFzIEqkm9pEqdiAeZeB7d8wqmbRHHer5udRB2BR_a5bRhWP9PDOXsjWzKI-wc5DHePWdoFDmgTEhqBlQ2bEoRYzWD8vSInCR8wg5nz_4tEkYSvoEQ6y2Hf1b9Ax-zyZ-_qOgOnl6spcuOtIKE7Vkjb6-oOIkfYWDoeJt_tIetOD4/s5184/IMG_6662.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHp4S8qsdVWAz8NqexFzIEqkm9pEqdiAeZeB7d8wqmbRHHer5udRB2BR_a5bRhWP9PDOXsjWzKI-wc5DHePWdoFDmgTEhqBlQ2bEoRYzWD8vSInCR8wg5nz_4tEkYSvoEQ6y2Hf1b9Ax-zyZ-_qOgOnl6spcuOtIKE7Vkjb6-oOIkfYWDoeJt_tIetOD4/w400-h300/IMG_6662.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Quilt constructed from identical hand-embroidered blocks.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWolUD2YPxlz62-DAsYG9LlyBg4-cjGxCCnQ5fmVrr8smhzhToHEAGQvHRnT1ulYiYC5ya6lYTM60i2rJ24Gca2fR_rL5dB83B758xvn4h3QWFPz7S8VPbSmVfcZq9USOKVZcwPlo6STLkro3_3lg7306vSdgSkyiTqHRiWffYt_Mp8vYGq90rkNfTaR0/s5184/IMG_6660.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWolUD2YPxlz62-DAsYG9LlyBg4-cjGxCCnQ5fmVrr8smhzhToHEAGQvHRnT1ulYiYC5ya6lYTM60i2rJ24Gca2fR_rL5dB83B758xvn4h3QWFPz7S8VPbSmVfcZq9USOKVZcwPlo6STLkro3_3lg7306vSdgSkyiTqHRiWffYt_Mp8vYGq90rkNfTaR0/w300-h400/IMG_6660.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This older quilt doesn't display the usual quality of work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The tag notes that it was hand-pieced and machine quilted. This was done on a standard sewing machine--a difficult task. As you can see, the layers of fabric bunched creating wrinkles and wobbling lines of stitches.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqI8IN4qYUpXVimurYsgtzD6IlNt00N-FJyVaRJUCcWDd7WvwsMWwngpVgRyWOf0pGNxp4FYee9iCIN9nUiIQ-nqqYZojozIXmTA0m-UQF-TidAOAr6xohm1716z4cL7JIJ0F3X6Z49T8-vdCfoQgmaa7ZbvC5ud0pbc82L7PeM4PH-3_wxZ5MF66aNw/s5184/IMG_6661.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqI8IN4qYUpXVimurYsgtzD6IlNt00N-FJyVaRJUCcWDd7WvwsMWwngpVgRyWOf0pGNxp4FYee9iCIN9nUiIQ-nqqYZojozIXmTA0m-UQF-TidAOAr6xohm1716z4cL7JIJ0F3X6Z49T8-vdCfoQgmaa7ZbvC5ud0pbc82L7PeM4PH-3_wxZ5MF66aNw/w400-h300/IMG_6661.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A display of colorful scrappy quilts. The lozenge-shaped pieces of the one in upper left were hand whipped together with a variation of a herringbone stitch that I've not seen before. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-69413838946164895192023-09-11T22:15:00.003-04:002023-10-16T09:27:45.107-04:00Another September<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0fDLqq3yhbRP-hS45BwUKxB_QEyhLYs9rAkZmte5FKbm03fU1ICQXSQkatE56UAsMmfSKT7_ENReyBuInlJD1_A7A-ljgHgeO72EMhBwlCyWrHuZVv9ZnQDU6wtAWZjuPVupjnRcEqmyt8ufiOmm7ST1b9YVUCtTrwGkulNOZ5iKvkcux8NuNdXyBYg/s5184/IMG_6632.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0fDLqq3yhbRP-hS45BwUKxB_QEyhLYs9rAkZmte5FKbm03fU1ICQXSQkatE56UAsMmfSKT7_ENReyBuInlJD1_A7A-ljgHgeO72EMhBwlCyWrHuZVv9ZnQDU6wtAWZjuPVupjnRcEqmyt8ufiOmm7ST1b9YVUCtTrwGkulNOZ5iKvkcux8NuNdXyBYg/w400-h300/IMG_6632.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have spent nearly an hour this evening trolling through journal posts from past Septembers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nothing much changes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are slight variations in the weather from year to year--drought or rain--lingering heat or a sudden downturn in temperatures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a tallying of the garden, the crops that have flourished, those that have been disappointing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My observations don't change greatly; I wake between 4 and 5, lie in bed sleepily watching as daylight leaks slowly into the room defining the furniture, picking out objects as fuzzy shapes of grey. I glance at the red numbers on the digital clock, knowing that it isn't time to rise and start the tasks of the morning. Time enough when colors return to the room: the mellow 'hand-loomed scarlet' paint beneath the white chair rail; the patterns and colors of the quilts stacked in the open cupboard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Through the window the trees bordering the west end of the meadow as it pitches toward the ravine are foreshortened, distorted by the gradual slope of the land. The tallest oak seems no higher than the lower panes of my window.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The hummingbirds are dispersing, a few at a time, seemingly on schedule. Watering potted rosemarys and geraniums on the screened porch I may startle a solitary bird zooming away from the feeder. The clamoring whirl of tiny swift bodies fighting for sugar syrup is over for another summer. A male hummer darts to perch on the clematis trellis; goldfinches sway on the leaning stalks of coneflowers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunflowers at the edge of the garden cant at crazy angles, a few shredded gold petals still clinging to the darkly ripened seed heads.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jim has harvested butternut squash, trundling them, heaped in the old wheelbarrow, to rest on the covered back porch before being brought in to line the newspaper covered shelves in the dark back hallway.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have no fall garden this year. The relentless heat of late July and August didn't inspire the seeds of beets and green beans to germinate. A few gaunt spires of okra stand in the now weedy area they shared with rows of potatoes and green peppers. Jim has run over much of the garden area with the tractor and bush hog. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">'When can I take out the sunflowers?' he asks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">'Not yet,' I reply. 'Let the goldfinches finish their gleaning.'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Several of the clematis vines have produced fresh growth, even a blossom here and there, smaller and paler than the exuberant bloom of early summer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The shrub roses have struggled against a particularly fierce onslaught of Japanese beetles. Will there be a few blooms to cherish before frost?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Newly planted pansies have settled into their pots and I have pricked out the tiny self-sown seedlings from the spring plants, given them fresh soil. They are in the greenhouse where I hope they will put down good roots before winter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As the calendar moves us toward the equinox I hope for a mild and prolonged autumn; mellow days in which to prune, weed, reorganize perennial plantings; days of gentle rain when a fire in the woodstove is welcome and the smell of simmering soup and baking bread foretells shortened days and crisp clear nights. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMu2SupTnWhG-SWr91-sN95rAzLzhVhVeQcjOQmgM96pGOARuOWtlatHov1SoKuQRwGG4XpFBwPxQUDU277_IQ1_kF0og2HqVTkboRgvzfZZJlGMwrSOKmaWqzxE_qESNWzPGWBROj-H96I07Us9xhZvoRvLdkieuMDzzH6fq1GQ31xC9gbOXOAuq-i4/s5184/IMG_6648.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMu2SupTnWhG-SWr91-sN95rAzLzhVhVeQcjOQmgM96pGOARuOWtlatHov1SoKuQRwGG4XpFBwPxQUDU277_IQ1_kF0og2HqVTkboRgvzfZZJlGMwrSOKmaWqzxE_qESNWzPGWBROj-H96I07Us9xhZvoRvLdkieuMDzzH6fq1GQ31xC9gbOXOAuq-i4/w400-h300/IMG_6648.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ragged sunflowers.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSrPRnCxPRhYXnJhm1lNjx9rj9M3vBRwJyX0uHHNO3J-CbCLIRdPuMtWOaTPNwDCUXXAWzPT4kJc-7vg11TY6r2JwzjtcPMJdRA86M8wcRMC4b_3yCf6GCkb1SqfYQ6-ndZAzv2D9kwKSij5dguJUD-I-hbXotbfgqRiVyJcyayTU3e-BUHr1gz6k59g/s5184/IMG_6643.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSrPRnCxPRhYXnJhm1lNjx9rj9M3vBRwJyX0uHHNO3J-CbCLIRdPuMtWOaTPNwDCUXXAWzPT4kJc-7vg11TY6r2JwzjtcPMJdRA86M8wcRMC4b_3yCf6GCkb1SqfYQ6-ndZAzv2D9kwKSij5dguJUD-I-hbXotbfgqRiVyJcyayTU3e-BUHr1gz6k59g/w400-h300/IMG_6643.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cosmos have not been vigorous this summer.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8bgimLeG0imn2EERRcksdkOkzDop2jn6ZIhYx74npM9guKikcQcMI6OwIjVF0RzRQl8QuFi2YIyzRY_c70Jj2VRc04D0zC4Gc47qpW7LHW2qq1khjh5pgN-HapZjpqMLKTFeseApjojf3_HgQTm4YhJ66HstBSHFSe4IFglaALg_rdwHOUt3ZO0PXE8/s5184/IMG_6642.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8bgimLeG0imn2EERRcksdkOkzDop2jn6ZIhYx74npM9guKikcQcMI6OwIjVF0RzRQl8QuFi2YIyzRY_c70Jj2VRc04D0zC4Gc47qpW7LHW2qq1khjh5pgN-HapZjpqMLKTFeseApjojf3_HgQTm4YhJ66HstBSHFSe4IFglaALg_rdwHOUt3ZO0PXE8/w400-h300/IMG_6642.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cosmos petals look as though they had been streakily painted in watercolors.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yU7tZHMdG5_3lZ12MOITIfDNyh-zi5BlZRj04wmrENRihu5Q7qe65aFk9wme4mPEyS-ignct1mG8cRyuvCHg5m1acCEf7A2pRzbnO52kGqD5RQyFHbADXaIHD6Ea59DaGITou-NVxzEfbC8aSSttiTkaDzbxcqx_b36ltMkqOmmUjiq3C9gc8h-NIUE/s5184/IMG_6636.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yU7tZHMdG5_3lZ12MOITIfDNyh-zi5BlZRj04wmrENRihu5Q7qe65aFk9wme4mPEyS-ignct1mG8cRyuvCHg5m1acCEf7A2pRzbnO52kGqD5RQyFHbADXaIHD6Ea59DaGITou-NVxzEfbC8aSSttiTkaDzbxcqx_b36ltMkqOmmUjiq3C9gc8h-NIUE/w300-h400/IMG_6636.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Newly purchased pansies with a 'baby' seedling or two tucked in.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrY4WrdEUKPULssck4chiH4-AFifKxkzpWSYyMJOjKp_gmWMUM8hwyBe5t3rluwKj3nbHnvyXeWBxnnNP21y_Ngnj0Z5fg45y2HotoXXARaR4ts6oJYOwPHQENWx3w6D59XxnWoC76sR2anzTww45x7hm6uMaxhzdpqqYdIyu3YmwbO1DxtctBC-NOiM/s5184/IMG_6644.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrY4WrdEUKPULssck4chiH4-AFifKxkzpWSYyMJOjKp_gmWMUM8hwyBe5t3rluwKj3nbHnvyXeWBxnnNP21y_Ngnj0Z5fg45y2HotoXXARaR4ts6oJYOwPHQENWx3w6D59XxnWoC76sR2anzTww45x7hm6uMaxhzdpqqYdIyu3YmwbO1DxtctBC-NOiM/w400-h300/IMG_6644.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A mum from last year wintered in one of the raised black tubs.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPrl4ly-vK2dfyNoN5Y-3dvEkOISAI3s1KtlcdE31QgtXlOJ_mvLS0Hv6AcpRAQsBb2U1L52thKtREebOO1TzFrmWpQSlu6CkVLV1HNpGN_gXrkoo_li6K5wo1qbPvI8-8RJnK2SejJibBsYVsN9Aot5bK2wfci58EAhhQdUi-r34sNs95d1QL3f3Gg8/s5184/IMG_6639.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPrl4ly-vK2dfyNoN5Y-3dvEkOISAI3s1KtlcdE31QgtXlOJ_mvLS0Hv6AcpRAQsBb2U1L52thKtREebOO1TzFrmWpQSlu6CkVLV1HNpGN_gXrkoo_li6K5wo1qbPvI8-8RJnK2SejJibBsYVsN9Aot5bK2wfci58EAhhQdUi-r34sNs95d1QL3f3Gg8/w400-h300/IMG_6639.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Always the companionship of cats! Shelby, the cantankerous little calico.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCY8YPGBYkB2TRaw8sO_E6Jgg2cXOoJKZ7G2Js6kqLt0_AQwfXvBEaOtl4iqySxQoyh1W6NrwaBkpAl3durPQRqSG-Ez2ZC8qrjS-ZKbWduHsDOEmyGB-HZBoKXI61cpRNth-WXCx3i5RGOIJyEcV6A9CehupSJeQuHScixXdSc84XYybEv9H4TUGJj0/s5184/IMG_6634.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCY8YPGBYkB2TRaw8sO_E6Jgg2cXOoJKZ7G2Js6kqLt0_AQwfXvBEaOtl4iqySxQoyh1W6NrwaBkpAl3durPQRqSG-Ez2ZC8qrjS-ZKbWduHsDOEmyGB-HZBoKXI61cpRNth-WXCx3i5RGOIJyEcV6A9CehupSJeQuHScixXdSc84XYybEv9H4TUGJj0/w400-h300/IMG_6634.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Robert--who lords it over us, indoors and out.</div><br /> <p></p>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-79647025751168857872023-08-31T22:24:00.001-04:002023-08-31T22:24:57.986-04:00The Scrappy End of Summer<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7x2FOPIwGUJ-6ZH2LaeM3aaZKvBn59sVIaNzQMsPpA4eMIDJhzDPbfc5YzeTodv_BTxE7q18M-S4QWg5Dq0X5O2lRrzrjtm95ArIqbxZGIzNQkz1yzMn8Wg3A4ONAZ4Yzwcd70ZQWNr9jVfrTKc_rxzUOQC77-SRgtD277JOSDUQhtCH35tXVbZE80H4/s5184/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7x2FOPIwGUJ-6ZH2LaeM3aaZKvBn59sVIaNzQMsPpA4eMIDJhzDPbfc5YzeTodv_BTxE7q18M-S4QWg5Dq0X5O2lRrzrjtm95ArIqbxZGIzNQkz1yzMn8Wg3A4ONAZ4Yzwcd70ZQWNr9jVfrTKc_rxzUOQC77-SRgtD277JOSDUQhtCH35tXVbZE80H4/w400-h300/024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Faded rudbeckia, survivors of last season's seed grown plants.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1d_S-hpmgOzuljFh_MZpOSCdr8wUiBUo2ze2gN1JGeIqZMDi-4s80O67bO5djW3ObRhQqHEnc5bb6l0KLCjcyHNNb5VRkoJ4LcDSf2tCJBZ8jK6rrTT2_yZKWYZ25pXgjd8UJyvUFKST1J38drmfVM6vmbgPVtGp7UjlcK6G22uj-ualq4wwVemWqJ0/s5184/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1d_S-hpmgOzuljFh_MZpOSCdr8wUiBUo2ze2gN1JGeIqZMDi-4s80O67bO5djW3ObRhQqHEnc5bb6l0KLCjcyHNNb5VRkoJ4LcDSf2tCJBZ8jK6rrTT2_yZKWYZ25pXgjd8UJyvUFKST1J38drmfVM6vmbgPVtGp7UjlcK6G22uj-ualq4wwVemWqJ0/w400-h300/022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Swallowtail on the white buddleia; this was a frail plant from a local nursery's bargain table, bought in spring of '22; oddly enough, it survived the winter cold while my well-established magenta one was a casualty.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIAomWZy4hV3bkqcBZIUZD7XUZ4AHyMJ_pdU33zyIkHVPSZcmSkZnLuff_HlctaMm5b_tyLM60Y9wtJ1E8prvAjv1YbawyK3zWH_-H4pbKHp20Kk9nTFQXwm3KCH4RM4jP_3WsGrO52_mznSP-oE87l9ZMkR6Z5nukzRBrVyagaar4niWQYvxW7ZjE9o/s5184/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIAomWZy4hV3bkqcBZIUZD7XUZ4AHyMJ_pdU33zyIkHVPSZcmSkZnLuff_HlctaMm5b_tyLM60Y9wtJ1E8prvAjv1YbawyK3zWH_-H4pbKHp20Kk9nTFQXwm3KCH4RM4jP_3WsGrO52_mznSP-oE87l9ZMkR6Z5nukzRBrVyagaar4niWQYvxW7ZjE9o/w400-h300/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Several varieties of seed-grown Michaelmas daisies have self-sowed in a nearly invasive manner.</div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzgz4qsiyfFFpcynzaTAjRWMroOKh4NpXx76QE6w2e4Hx_pqCeMBmkVJcU8cnF141BXlHIwk36DucYCPMmwHMjfpzvWm4RUdOIb8k53zMG30k25WmfYLHGXDT4H4hhX1nRR6209V8YtQctycqs4lkAWeq0qPnnGFk-jHpS_7yI384l3RgO0zHByHxU7E/s5184/IMG_6615%20(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzgz4qsiyfFFpcynzaTAjRWMroOKh4NpXx76QE6w2e4Hx_pqCeMBmkVJcU8cnF141BXlHIwk36DucYCPMmwHMjfpzvWm4RUdOIb8k53zMG30k25WmfYLHGXDT4H4hhX1nRR6209V8YtQctycqs4lkAWeq0qPnnGFk-jHpS_7yI384l3RgO0zHByHxU7E/w400-h300/IMG_6615%20(1).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This geranium and a twin located farther along the porch railing have been in constant bloom. The planters were gifted to me, products of the local produce and plant auction. When they arrived, the geraniums were surrounded by trailing verbena and greenery. I soon discovered that the 'filler plants' had been merely tipped out of nursery pots and crammed along-side, the root balls not down in the soil. I disinterred them and resettled the geraniums which have rewarded me with exuberant bloom.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYK-yOo1wOlhYDu8Nd8z3jlixHjyPTf5mWaRDCsIDKWjAko58wddBX78LAUNt0bP_aV6H7V7KqxVxfMlr2iVSc7Os6gU2vm3dRDflkuZRT7I_t93_yVMyiTZhDCMGPuvjEYwGR7PJ8-UWkn_lI7FM9V359h7KItO6xTRhi62mo8IDU-_5AKvFxniPg08/s5184/IMG_6597%20(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYK-yOo1wOlhYDu8Nd8z3jlixHjyPTf5mWaRDCsIDKWjAko58wddBX78LAUNt0bP_aV6H7V7KqxVxfMlr2iVSc7Os6gU2vm3dRDflkuZRT7I_t93_yVMyiTZhDCMGPuvjEYwGR7PJ8-UWkn_lI7FM9V359h7KItO6xTRhi62mo8IDU-_5AKvFxniPg08/w400-h300/IMG_6597%20(1).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seed-grown zinnias, a variety called 'mini zins'. These were slow to start and reach a size for planting out. The leaves are tatty, but the small blooms lend color at the front door.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoy0mK6lqx66AsJIb8nWwFplUOJ9RCzKTYRJos8VBQr3yC-6EdvMARuBitHhC-40IpJw3m6Bl75cJRF_sMKjOb8uL5KBrrr2VSbLtUa31bBIM7qxrQwc09Uuqeum0pbZAnQVll-jYnVMoj-Cm16v7Rnjb9u-9kPSr7yXa_VpFqEimL_Z2kIoo0VX2x_M/s5184/IMG_6598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoy0mK6lqx66AsJIb8nWwFplUOJ9RCzKTYRJos8VBQr3yC-6EdvMARuBitHhC-40IpJw3m6Bl75cJRF_sMKjOb8uL5KBrrr2VSbLtUa31bBIM7qxrQwc09Uuqeum0pbZAnQVll-jYnVMoj-Cm16v7Rnjb9u-9kPSr7yXa_VpFqEimL_Z2kIoo0VX2x_M/w400-h300/IMG_6598.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More zinnias, calendula, and pentas, new to me--displayed at the nursery as one to attract butterflies, which they have done. The pentas stand heat well and revive quickly after dead-heading; I will include them in next summer's planters.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1St73vqa4KKxN5WHOvfzo68Ojvo80huLaUDnXq7fnli_Pee-WXbmh3-asdewokXu0RGlhxr2jSCXG2yBFr7kfHi4ALY7w6QprV2l8_WG-WJ1RFx_kusHy2RIPFw66OuEWH5YbCGkok6W8-yo4jb2hLHlCcDJkVJ2HVhWexqsSpPfOWXH4sYHX_QKbuU/s5184/IMG_6595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1St73vqa4KKxN5WHOvfzo68Ojvo80huLaUDnXq7fnli_Pee-WXbmh3-asdewokXu0RGlhxr2jSCXG2yBFr7kfHi4ALY7w6QprV2l8_WG-WJ1RFx_kusHy2RIPFw66OuEWH5YbCGkok6W8-yo4jb2hLHlCcDJkVJ2HVhWexqsSpPfOWXH4sYHX_QKbuU/w400-h300/IMG_6595.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Zoomed shot of a goldfinch happily feeding on coneflower seed heads.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Coneflowers left last autumn for the delectation of birds seeded around the Knock-Out Roses nearly submerging them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The heat wave finally broke on Sunday after Friday evening wind swept through leaving us with a sultry unsettled Saturday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The wind took down many of the sunflowers already heavy-headed and leaning. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmV8qR3zrOe-8hJgGvILjxHAkpPtahjyCvcIeo8Ro_dQ4uFoGVvpgOembgWDiIiFkcI0G2PUXKbuqpQIGAXs11zfAKFtTWtugh639jHXqAZ16uJHIGBqh8w7_6RvUq60OkyTuNYyEZ4jCt1LI1FGx9OQogSkQOe1Y6h21vfaZ9j58-4QuZjJU_DuslMU/s5184/IMG_6616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmV8qR3zrOe-8hJgGvILjxHAkpPtahjyCvcIeo8Ro_dQ4uFoGVvpgOembgWDiIiFkcI0G2PUXKbuqpQIGAXs11zfAKFtTWtugh639jHXqAZ16uJHIGBqh8w7_6RvUq60OkyTuNYyEZ4jCt1LI1FGx9OQogSkQOe1Y6h21vfaZ9j58-4QuZjJU_DuslMU/w400-h300/IMG_6616.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From a distance some of the smaller sunflowers appear pretty, but closer inspection finds them tattered and past their former beauty. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tuesday was cool and overcast. I strolled around the dooryard [trailed by faithful old Willis-the-cat] noting the shabbiness of the various plantings, the veg garden already given a rough mowing, leaving only the rows of sweet potatoes and the sprawling vines of butternut squash.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Like the summer-weary gardens we of a certain age may retain some of our better features when viewed from a little distance, while closeups reveal the ravages of our years in wrinkles, blotches and straggly hair!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This Thursday morning was cool, 58 F. when I glanced at the outdoor temp indicator a bit before 8 a.m.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our high for the day was 73--a 30 degree drop from last week's afternoon readings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our hummingbird visitors have diminished in the last several days. For weeks I've refilled two syrup feeders at least once a day; we've been sure of 8 hummers, possibly one or two more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The level of syrup in the feeders is decreasing slowly now; I've seen three birds at a time, no males. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It seems very early for a fall migration to begin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I began tidying the greenhouse today, discarding a few overgrown seedlings that didn't make it to the garden; I gathered up plastic containers too flimsy to keep, yanked up coarse grass growing beneath the benches. Half a dozen each of lavender and thyme plants were languishing in starter pots. I'm not sure where they should go as the spots designated for these haven't proved hospitable for over-wintering. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The dozen plants have been tucked into larger pots with fresh soil mix and ranged along the back of a bench. It will be interesting to see if Willis decides to take up napping on the newly cleared and swept bench, shoving the pots about to his pleasure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A gift to myself yesterday was a dozen pansy plants from my favorite nursery in the South Fork community. Those have been divided into two large shallow pots and set alongside the front steps. I hope these will behave as others have and survive frost and cold to rebloom during the winter months. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We'll have warm days in the next few weeks, the A/C will be again turned on; still, for me the turning of the calendar page to September is the beginning of autumn although the equinox is several weeks away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-90807513425827426982023-08-24T23:13:00.003-04:002023-08-24T23:13:47.047-04:00Summer Heat<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKyeBioTQ0-RnYllb5HoQ26WeP-KuWohebZIQdjGv-0XRJUj8ACnuNtI71vbZosJqRroPoUwCx8hRO8iJtpm7jMRuIMai2rlKp1VJ_Nzv-YLtaXXEoxcZpkPvvnCpAr4xCTZgAAx4LEKPHu6EB2sHwDLwl5Hf9qOV6Bc7BYK5Zh401OhWv1FAm3eXKto/s5184/IMG_6554.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKyeBioTQ0-RnYllb5HoQ26WeP-KuWohebZIQdjGv-0XRJUj8ACnuNtI71vbZosJqRroPoUwCx8hRO8iJtpm7jMRuIMai2rlKp1VJ_Nzv-YLtaXXEoxcZpkPvvnCpAr4xCTZgAAx4LEKPHu6EB2sHwDLwl5Hf9qOV6Bc7BYK5Zh401OhWv1FAm3eXKto/s320/IMG_6554.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The east meadow yielded 4 bales of hay on this third cutting of the season.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mark Beachy roared in with tractor and mower on the 17th; he and his father, Titus 'rolled' the hay and loaded it home just before dusk on Saturday evening.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a fine arrangement: the Beachys have the hay for their cattle; our field is cut. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOHwPT2GsBMnH86cBK3uwdj5db6Kpd10k_K1gsVUuu4C3SdcNSasdbYIJ-s2rzczgKkGiiqpIXTbOCUQMniSHq9iIQNIHeJrFQcS29pT_mXdpNwQ6arM9svtzLC7UYAQ9vDrupmRZqosRKciiZxmlq6dHC_T2yicbIPXvFKLJ1qA6tgxkR6_KoecWBVQ/s5184/IMG_6507.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOHwPT2GsBMnH86cBK3uwdj5db6Kpd10k_K1gsVUuu4C3SdcNSasdbYIJ-s2rzczgKkGiiqpIXTbOCUQMniSHq9iIQNIHeJrFQcS29pT_mXdpNwQ6arM9svtzLC7UYAQ9vDrupmRZqosRKciiZxmlq6dHC_T2yicbIPXvFKLJ1qA6tgxkR6_KoecWBVQ/s320/IMG_6507.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The back garden for which I had lofty visions, is a mess! Blackberry lilies have seeded and sprawled, as have coneflowers, monarda and a welter of lemon balm. Weeds abound seemingly encouraged by the layers of mulch I lavished after a mid-spring weeding. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The zinnias were volunteers that sprang up from last years' planting alongside a row of beans in the veg garden. I found them, a few at a time in the grassy edge of the garden or emerging where J. intended planting potatoes. In spite of my vigilance in rehoming them, several have bloomed in the now tangled veg garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzW0RVghcO6d75x34uUFK9Srij2pL4Bbw_BZXih5R1sereoxYtPFQrH9m-oMazdP8JF2lwSqGsX4qMgsYk7CrvR1KfKdrKwYnjidwE-AwE8YJvkVHtBUvGGMLag_1vsbeF1ZEXT5iWl8n9JUEK1l9oRXzWlIHtL3K76gKwk3Lpoqho0WnCgNvAyYzUww/s5184/IMG_6535.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzW0RVghcO6d75x34uUFK9Srij2pL4Bbw_BZXih5R1sereoxYtPFQrH9m-oMazdP8JF2lwSqGsX4qMgsYk7CrvR1KfKdrKwYnjidwE-AwE8YJvkVHtBUvGGMLag_1vsbeF1ZEXT5iWl8n9JUEK1l9oRXzWlIHtL3K76gKwk3Lpoqho0WnCgNvAyYzUww/s320/IMG_6535.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Flowers in planters near the front steps have struggled in the heat. I was rewarded last week with one delicate bloom of dahlia.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVOMRF8ozxXWuNAWlJ1swI03JdkoU8N2VPauXUXTz9abm1sVkgugAKzNRMftA3rocxOzUF_pJrjb_j_ZnTmSF7ID5demPeWXoJnq9c-aSY-xi6F0ehd2jG8M5KRm66RWuLh6ihHBPiZVxaxIKPeoPGebBGBiiBnOvdIjmCbuotTkSWwr5rq3yeaCi-fU/s5184/IMG_6491.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVOMRF8ozxXWuNAWlJ1swI03JdkoU8N2VPauXUXTz9abm1sVkgugAKzNRMftA3rocxOzUF_pJrjb_j_ZnTmSF7ID5demPeWXoJnq9c-aSY-xi6F0ehd2jG8M5KRm66RWuLh6ihHBPiZVxaxIKPeoPGebBGBiiBnOvdIjmCbuotTkSWwr5rq3yeaCi-fU/s320/IMG_6491.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jim's melon patch exploded with some of the tastiest and biggest melons we've grown here. They ripened in such abundance that many were conveyed to the Beachy's produce farm for them to sell. They raised an earlier variety which finished bearing about the time ours went into high gear.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg03uSIRZcrmYnxWBHZ7wKDXoRRJPJcrZdtkdN9nLtzfwjBzZgN_KGEpRXW1HT_knMVgRS1JzHAIazf2G5p9V1D-6pkfc8MWdj5klcMbYUf2xaYXh1CesBfQDKoTm12L_ydJpzhq32d4ktkPmGM4tf7iE9WoduR75lrY4zirgjLGDpjEmkajmrcZngMOY/s5184/IMG_6543.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg03uSIRZcrmYnxWBHZ7wKDXoRRJPJcrZdtkdN9nLtzfwjBzZgN_KGEpRXW1HT_knMVgRS1JzHAIazf2G5p9V1D-6pkfc8MWdj5klcMbYUf2xaYXh1CesBfQDKoTm12L_ydJpzhq32d4ktkPmGM4tf7iE9WoduR75lrY4zirgjLGDpjEmkajmrcZngMOY/s320/IMG_6543.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Each spring in early May I sow nasturtium seeds in large pots, keeping them in the greenhouse until all risk of frost has passed. I allow some of the summer blooms to go to seed and give the ripened seeds a prod down into the soil, often having a fresh crop of flowers in late August and through September. This year the seeds sulked, germination was scanty and growth was slow. Two of the four pots planted have rather half-heartedly come into bloom. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWw2sCvVuu0pd_Oe8j3of8p4hgN2hvSq9q5sGAR6ZzEEODpva1jMuqygwDh10rfDL2rj8oKGUwSzhuFY7W2GE0qkFuE0-kEo4pAc_cxNaA3eYlKNXEvN_ltUlEnFvdo0N6PlBs_DiHejm1oItTrw4waFkR_6hVe0E0GQ6BZylEA8o_ItdI9y_bT68xJ0/s5184/IMG_6524.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWw2sCvVuu0pd_Oe8j3of8p4hgN2hvSq9q5sGAR6ZzEEODpva1jMuqygwDh10rfDL2rj8oKGUwSzhuFY7W2GE0qkFuE0-kEo4pAc_cxNaA3eYlKNXEvN_ltUlEnFvdo0N6PlBs_DiHejm1oItTrw4waFkR_6hVe0E0GQ6BZylEA8o_ItdI9y_bT68xJ0/s320/IMG_6524.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Michaelmas daisies better known as New England asters, are traditionally harbingers of autumn, beginning to bloom along with Joe Pye weed and goldenrod. My seed-grown varieties tend toward earlier bloom. Strangely, the lower leaves yellowed and shriveled early on giving the plants a tatty appearance. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For over a week the heat has been punishing--temps in low to mid 90's F. by afternoon. In this our 14th summer in south-central Kentucky I should have remembered not to be lulled by a few cooler days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last week on several days when the sun had moved to the west side of the house, I tackled the over-grown sage, marjoram and thyme in the raised bed near the front steps. I ruthlessly hacked down leaning stalks of coneflower, tugged out the unresisting dry stems of poppies. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Along the south-east retaining wall coneflowers have taken over. the Knock-Out roses there have had a poor season, as have all my roses. Japanese beetles moved in early and have stayed late. The untidy coneflowers need cutting back, but the goldfinches have found them and are enjoying the heads already gone to seed. I'm torn between attempts at tidiness and enjoying the flash of the beautiful yellow birds swaying on the stalks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are stuck in the heat wave until at least Monday when temps are supposed to drop to low 80's F. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meanwhile we limit outdoor work to the most necessary; I scurry out with cat litter and kitchen scraps, peg sheets on the back porch lines, return to the cool house with clean cotton shirt clinging damply to my back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">J. goes out at dusk to mow grass which by noon the next day lies in brown shreds. I brew iced tea, add slices of lemon. Elmo the not-so-bright cat rushes to the kitchen at the sound of the ice maker spewing cubes, stretches to snatch one from the dispenser. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The cats venture out first thing in the morning, picking their way through dew-soaked grass. As the sun pierces through the morning mist they are ready to return to the house, slightly disgruntled, suggesting that we open the door that leads onto the screened porch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The porches are unwelcoming in the heavy heat; I go out to refill the hummingbird feeders, water the rosemary plants that summer in a row along the railing's edge, then shut the connecting doors to contain the benefit of the A/C.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meals are very simple; the hot weather doesn't inspire appetites.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I read, spend hours at my desk: genealogy, history look-ups, typing a few letters, retreating to a corner, book in hand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Summer will end as it always does. September will bring warm afternoons, tempered by cool misty mornings and evenings that begin to draw in. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I say, bring it on!</div><br /> <p></p>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-42167590602068716512023-07-05T09:00:00.010-04:002023-07-05T09:00:00.131-04:00Thank You!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAa8Ikr15gt8uBYjsIH5CzYQzOQULUPrDeC_xr3kkaiexcWUiMGQPPuBSdv0iqZ_WePL8hiN6w0OyYHFrXEQ3dAIB7zBZNcj1benJHmMMxiRTDTrgDts9Q30WC1wsd1ileCn29n7g4sQEnSjqW-HwUnq_5lCZ5Wz-mPe7kR55nTJV_FSw1xhr6h83DJiw/s2048/Nellie%20on%20catnip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAa8Ikr15gt8uBYjsIH5CzYQzOQULUPrDeC_xr3kkaiexcWUiMGQPPuBSdv0iqZ_WePL8hiN6w0OyYHFrXEQ3dAIB7zBZNcj1benJHmMMxiRTDTrgDts9Q30WC1wsd1ileCn29n7g4sQEnSjqW-HwUnq_5lCZ5Wz-mPe7kR55nTJV_FSw1xhr6h83DJiw/w640-h480/Nellie%20on%20catnip.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nellie, on a catnip high.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you for your words of comfort re the passing of Nellie-cat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He was a dear boy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The love of animals is a common bond.</div><br /> <p></p>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-30361566298327975392023-07-04T20:39:00.003-04:002023-07-04T20:46:48.429-04:00Early July Weather/Garden Journal<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pall of smoke from Canadian wildfires kept our weather unusually cool and damp through June. Nights have mostly been moonless.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tipping into July, summer has asserted itself. Early mornings register a scant 70 F, but the air is heavy and moist, forecasting noon heat in the high 80's F.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stepping into the greenhouse to water a few remaining seedlings I am nearly flattened by a wall of heat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">J. runs the A/C in his shop, it is turned on in the house by mid-morning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">T-storms and wind have torn through during several nights causing area damage and power outages. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have been safe here though sleep-deprived by unsettled nights.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I pull the bedroom curtains during a thunder storm, sometimes turn on a bedside light to read. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The cats are upset by the storms, piling onto my bed, twitching with each loud thunderclap.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When the sun breaks through the haze we slog into the muddy garden, picking cucumbers, tomatoes, up-earthing a few hills of potatoes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meals have been haphazardly timed; I keep freshly brewed iced tea in the fridge. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When it is overcast but not raining I've managed to move volunteer coneflowers from one area to another, pull a few of the lushly proliferating weeds. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sometimes the evening is cool enough to take a book to the east screened porch. Often the book rests in my lap as I watch the antics of the hummingbirds. I've counted 6 at one time thronging the two hanging feeders; possibly there is at least one more. Both feeders need refilling daily--and my sugar canister is getting low!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Monday was happily busy. A friend dropped by to practice music for a church service later this month. She and her husband were headed home to make pickles, and after sampling a jar of last year's Dilly Beans decided to add that recipe to their pickling venture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">G. and M. breezed in for a rest stop between produce auctions. The big one in Casey County gets underway noon-ish [Eastern time] and can run for several hours at peak produce season. The smaller auction at Speck Ridge advertises their starting time at 4:30 Central time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was reading at my desk late yesterday afternoon when J. buzzed in and announced that I needed to drive to Speck Ridge to collect a share of the sweet corn Matt had purchased. That auction usually winds down rather quickly so I flung myself into the car, and while mindful of the stretches of road that wind up and down the ridges, I have to say that I made good time. The auction was still in full swing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Matt and Gina will be canning for the rest of the week:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVPVbyfKvVkA8TxkLVexlQViw9MBCEXRQiCJ7kURZq65YsuefELP7f4z9rANppNzqdEZilqkqzau7CKdxeouGhR7yhf-NeZiqxT-My9cogv6PFMSgr5O6B1-MVsovgG_Q2NUuVXGKarunxQgk0vPQsHZq0C09zaWaJPayU2_rGwv7bmN9ROe81vpU2-M/s1124/Matt%20and%20Gina's%20auction%20haul.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="843" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVPVbyfKvVkA8TxkLVexlQViw9MBCEXRQiCJ7kURZq65YsuefELP7f4z9rANppNzqdEZilqkqzau7CKdxeouGhR7yhf-NeZiqxT-My9cogv6PFMSgr5O6B1-MVsovgG_Q2NUuVXGKarunxQgk0vPQsHZq0C09zaWaJPayU2_rGwv7bmN9ROe81vpU2-M/w300-h400/Matt%20and%20Gina's%20auction%20haul.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo from Gina of the auction bounty unloaded onto their dining room table.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I came home with 2 dozen ears of corn and 3 dozen eggs, generosity of Matt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzljmNeBT9nbSuQiZPNDvVpo5mTTLkwX81e1H1BcEwrdgy8eMJjAYRHTVYph2wCVeaRP8SW-6Rr4ai9y0kKr-kHlIWmJZ-C0a2jFPHhFXK0_xMzxgfLosT78zALWClFEyaW47_VeNmO5c_48ED2CqokF-QsfrMWufhSyB_vRtjnmYVP9cHp4UHMpmjs8Y/s5184/IMG_6399.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzljmNeBT9nbSuQiZPNDvVpo5mTTLkwX81e1H1BcEwrdgy8eMJjAYRHTVYph2wCVeaRP8SW-6Rr4ai9y0kKr-kHlIWmJZ-C0a2jFPHhFXK0_xMzxgfLosT78zALWClFEyaW47_VeNmO5c_48ED2CqokF-QsfrMWufhSyB_vRtjnmYVP9cHp4UHMpmjs8Y/w400-h300/IMG_6399.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Matt also acquired these beauties but had no room left in the truck to safely carry them home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We installed them gently in the cargo area of my Honda and they are gracing the east porch until they can be retrieved.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gina delights in 'selfies' and in photos of unwitting family members.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I dislike having my 'picture' taken, but here I am, protesting, caught in my torn garden shirt and grubby jeans. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMQ-7lbvbunvoP3ehS4ba_UoFkp72eDA6e8DIze0OifGI_F4lq77NFBlJSmvYK9KZNNX5FABSeT-kr_A2sM3V1MwOOT-j9KsEwcYdi2FeOU-HQdg3GRzsEhcdXyWcICPNbDV0h2jd3hmfH6lVn6rNkZSuVFrst9ZeBQjiZdfbC6wguKw3aMdKXTS5geo/s960/Sharon%20at%20auction.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMQ-7lbvbunvoP3ehS4ba_UoFkp72eDA6e8DIze0OifGI_F4lq77NFBlJSmvYK9KZNNX5FABSeT-kr_A2sM3V1MwOOT-j9KsEwcYdi2FeOU-HQdg3GRzsEhcdXyWcICPNbDV0h2jd3hmfH6lVn6rNkZSuVFrst9ZeBQjiZdfbC6wguKw3aMdKXTS5geo/w300-h400/Sharon%20at%20auction.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3xZoC03tBa0TQUk_DNBKQ4EFMGnfb1vy7bZW1Q3qAen3TjGIoQ3UFvTTxULgNfBGIdpli-4o0Z5NGexFewCjtWqCrxm15_MO7rB5wzU-od2b7QKsx99Ksmd3tujBAkTLpC6k1YdfR8kMwYb-rRyBYRmGcu28d6dVVcGGPvscg0WtPV2YlpeaioWl2rk/s5184/IMG_6379.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3xZoC03tBa0TQUk_DNBKQ4EFMGnfb1vy7bZW1Q3qAen3TjGIoQ3UFvTTxULgNfBGIdpli-4o0Z5NGexFewCjtWqCrxm15_MO7rB5wzU-od2b7QKsx99Ksmd3tujBAkTLpC6k1YdfR8kMwYb-rRyBYRmGcu28d6dVVcGGPvscg0WtPV2YlpeaioWl2rk/w400-h300/IMG_6379.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">New potatoes scrubbed and ready to boil in their skins.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLr5rD_rCrG7DJLg2lc1ZFOw72MwpQoejr-5oSolpobrIRulqvXJiyYyQ_iz9k402DR-QTu7bKqyNV9LHMk8HoEUq3_a2my3QPXEEtU_Aqs1-l0S5XY58TfRfQb3G2R666O7wA34jwmtVABgenMUFtr3wBHw2RFW_N2p-AtZ1NRdKn1ko-KhAIGkQGmwU/s5184/IMG_6381.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLr5rD_rCrG7DJLg2lc1ZFOw72MwpQoejr-5oSolpobrIRulqvXJiyYyQ_iz9k402DR-QTu7bKqyNV9LHMk8HoEUq3_a2my3QPXEEtU_Aqs1-l0S5XY58TfRfQb3G2R666O7wA34jwmtVABgenMUFtr3wBHw2RFW_N2p-AtZ1NRdKn1ko-KhAIGkQGmwU/w400-h300/IMG_6381.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Monday morning's harvest of tomatoes and cucumbers. We are already at the point of offering cucumbers to anyone who stops by.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9Q8wQ3pz5qp1zFbc8nMZIf68f4zj38OqolyCtPt87vPyEss9Z9kf1rxCSFohWdH1i7VrXGqLFNpN8AcaPW9NxeXuLEbQXIQmuez2TnWzMeiMPvyaA7_36Ia7d8LsX1nUmKGVaxoYHBD6-qbE-TfwuKNbYyOOBPEHCWIwVEI92bM_Lb7Bq0oY6OWJvz8/s5184/IMG_6389.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9Q8wQ3pz5qp1zFbc8nMZIf68f4zj38OqolyCtPt87vPyEss9Z9kf1rxCSFohWdH1i7VrXGqLFNpN8AcaPW9NxeXuLEbQXIQmuez2TnWzMeiMPvyaA7_36Ia7d8LsX1nUmKGVaxoYHBD6-qbE-TfwuKNbYyOOBPEHCWIwVEI92bM_Lb7Bq0oY6OWJvz8/w400-h300/IMG_6389.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tuesday morning, first harvest of Tenderette green beans.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbU96vnIA8cdMqkUAn39AJUpko5rTXajgQWi51AX8_zk9BmhISJkJVp35L0-w7DVkssLn3bxZE_AtZX2KUyiUP3yFHU-r7_4J_JfnkzWkZj3VNApOFx7rxbBH6kOeZo2EL9RI__zQz0-Axbf9G8F2oDtpC8fXhlCybdjBSUy78aw-pEzUzBfV3KanCeoE/s5184/IMG_6374.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbU96vnIA8cdMqkUAn39AJUpko5rTXajgQWi51AX8_zk9BmhISJkJVp35L0-w7DVkssLn3bxZE_AtZX2KUyiUP3yFHU-r7_4J_JfnkzWkZj3VNApOFx7rxbBH6kOeZo2EL9RI__zQz0-Axbf9G8F2oDtpC8fXhlCybdjBSUy78aw-pEzUzBfV3KanCeoE/w400-h300/IMG_6374.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Monarda 'Raspberry Wine' and a tangle of coneflowers. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieR1mun9XGrAQG1EaGSLxOCsGfBIcYJYr_JLyCs7kOygc9kdcOKCAUmDKsMrX_nOmX0KIz21bKHxEHww5zZoK_eKozvxnF9FSmNazn1tkdo9ZZIcx_nNHTSJOWX_04zczkK7PfdxcRX4bbe-DT9DsakWd-rYf3BQI6uyq_-GBOAUpLciGjTTKEat7q8B0/s5184/IMG_6386.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieR1mun9XGrAQG1EaGSLxOCsGfBIcYJYr_JLyCs7kOygc9kdcOKCAUmDKsMrX_nOmX0KIz21bKHxEHww5zZoK_eKozvxnF9FSmNazn1tkdo9ZZIcx_nNHTSJOWX_04zczkK7PfdxcRX4bbe-DT9DsakWd-rYf3BQI6uyq_-GBOAUpLciGjTTKEat7q8B0/w400-h300/IMG_6386.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Still color in the western sky at nearly 9:30 P.M.</div><br /> <p></p>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-79294512813628415232023-06-29T19:09:00.001-04:002023-06-29T19:12:13.257-04:00Missing Nellie-Cat<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsD1O1oLARCsPkEXmjliOOpLRKm239cv34zl4vqmRzW_l6DhE5vJB9KqJYEcO_bQC_EkjZVEA0C6RtueZPJ_5rn4fv7h4rc8H9eAibZn5Rdl3x_zXPPS7A5cTaa5ERXh_nrDvGCeCjezmMbeGl8R2s7_wAQPzoIKgkmijYNUrv-dakb5jpnEvbq49VG8/s1080/Nellie%20on%20quilt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsD1O1oLARCsPkEXmjliOOpLRKm239cv34zl4vqmRzW_l6DhE5vJB9KqJYEcO_bQC_EkjZVEA0C6RtueZPJ_5rn4fv7h4rc8H9eAibZn5Rdl3x_zXPPS7A5cTaa5ERXh_nrDvGCeCjezmMbeGl8R2s7_wAQPzoIKgkmijYNUrv-dakb5jpnEvbq49VG8/w400-h300/Nellie%20on%20quilt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tomorrow marks 7 weeks since Nellie was put to sleep. Still, this morning as the wind picked up and rain began to spatter against the kitchen window, I glanced out, for a half second expecting to see him hovering at the edge of the barn or woodshed, waiting to be called in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nellie would have run--he always ran, a long-bodied scamper, his rope of a tail floating behind him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nellie was a love of a cat--mellow, amiable, companionable. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He was impartial in his affections, inclined to gravitate from one bedroom to another, one lap to another--cheerful, inquisitive and amusing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWQ05O5gyUli4_rw-ckGTigevgcstCYpxPiLrmJlvHbjHduTPM56jI2hejQOt4LlHJ2O7nY76LdVP7BEyeDprO1Hn6pPyquYMgGMBy36SVfSGP1bmbUT9eUR8jlTEQHq_Vyyw06SFyB_AlUfErCAFd-biCDyvXOlxkLUckIvl18HYrDLYHtrx1UXziFc/s2048/Nellie%20face.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWQ05O5gyUli4_rw-ckGTigevgcstCYpxPiLrmJlvHbjHduTPM56jI2hejQOt4LlHJ2O7nY76LdVP7BEyeDprO1Hn6pPyquYMgGMBy36SVfSGP1bmbUT9eUR8jlTEQHq_Vyyw06SFyB_AlUfErCAFd-biCDyvXOlxkLUckIvl18HYrDLYHtrx1UXziFc/w400-h300/Nellie%20face.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nellie loved to sprawl, legs in the air, often sleeping that way for hours.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOZ4oAcGyAKgZkTtm7sg27O5olVHTrZKEdV6M0Li9l6Xtz3O4n6v0y2CdQ4bRYaLcKlHzscY-lZeWokMY5kNGU6jKKq0pt0dl_zvB5s3aDcqBTtbbTDadta6dnwdnNBfIV8VmGxAfbY4VQGEs2AYH0x67SFalvxhAiQKme5sLESiXYKCYhHmNwalt-Mo/s4608/IMG_4046.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOZ4oAcGyAKgZkTtm7sg27O5olVHTrZKEdV6M0Li9l6Xtz3O4n6v0y2CdQ4bRYaLcKlHzscY-lZeWokMY5kNGU6jKKq0pt0dl_zvB5s3aDcqBTtbbTDadta6dnwdnNBfIV8VmGxAfbY4VQGEs2AYH0x67SFalvxhAiQKme5sLESiXYKCYhHmNwalt-Mo/w400-h300/IMG_4046.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Helping me weed on the south wall.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEC4cV45tfbJ4M0-k8pthiO-cnLEjhdEsx9VnbGv3QhZBnc4ayE8iNkMcOQKgjFwhL0AsHy-Nm_m3kRmKKz7S0hIvGgAhtdgctSV9k7uBNjgO_opa_soD5cZ0I5Kn-JRBpPFTy6qvAmAsqsSCjcaEMwJZM_WqqgfXlQRCyp_QITbzrngGM3NEA8mcXHs/s2048/Nellie%20on%20small%20quilt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEC4cV45tfbJ4M0-k8pthiO-cnLEjhdEsx9VnbGv3QhZBnc4ayE8iNkMcOQKgjFwhL0AsHy-Nm_m3kRmKKz7S0hIvGgAhtdgctSV9k7uBNjgO_opa_soD5cZ0I5Kn-JRBpPFTy6qvAmAsqsSCjcaEMwJZM_WqqgfXlQRCyp_QITbzrngGM3NEA8mcXHs/w400-h300/Nellie%20on%20small%20quilt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That cunning moggie face, beloved even when he was in the way!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOm-scXrAMKaF3AlSGoSPUBnG_PZiJ9zeOJFyHBW97S7bh3st4NwYHssFzhM5nkB0mHuYi7F5eZ6iZOEo8-Xwje-7A0qTOrvCEQRJNtGG8JrR3ZXg0Ll6ensbDZjsmOG4ioX_oslBSKPS2gh3ake_V5TnmJUVtq-A1qhUbLVKPBNxTYn8mhba30vOF8E/s5184/IMG_2246.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOm-scXrAMKaF3AlSGoSPUBnG_PZiJ9zeOJFyHBW97S7bh3st4NwYHssFzhM5nkB0mHuYi7F5eZ6iZOEo8-Xwje-7A0qTOrvCEQRJNtGG8JrR3ZXg0Ll6ensbDZjsmOG4ioX_oslBSKPS2gh3ake_V5TnmJUVtq-A1qhUbLVKPBNxTYn8mhba30vOF8E/w400-h300/IMG_2246.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was a habit not appreciated by the master of the house. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The roof of any vehicle in the dooryard provided a lookout post. The easiest way back to the ground was a slide down the windshield leaving a trail of paw prints.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nellie's only other 'bad' habit was waking us in the wee hours by beating on the inside of a bedroom window. If that didn't rouse someone from slumber he could resort to pounding on a closet door with those fat white paws. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He might have wanted to be let out to explore the mysteries of the night; he could merely have wanted someone awake to appreciate his company.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fuX-8uLAYPyQgD_G6enO5CRnfysVKyw_Dy_SizMAFCDPtwsnE4o7sUhcu8iHO7YhDWvFPHZh_NVVcxZYpXcv-C6W_ZAQ4eEynvjecs9LaiQznn5Ixd1LZh_nxhoorUtwkdV3ZTBmeUv_pHQi26qJQ85Pg6mXT0R-eTsYoXsh3-IGnBuXVF7TLq7Njfk/s5184/IMG_4852.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fuX-8uLAYPyQgD_G6enO5CRnfysVKyw_Dy_SizMAFCDPtwsnE4o7sUhcu8iHO7YhDWvFPHZh_NVVcxZYpXcv-C6W_ZAQ4eEynvjecs9LaiQznn5Ixd1LZh_nxhoorUtwkdV3ZTBmeUv_pHQi26qJQ85Pg6mXT0R-eTsYoXsh3-IGnBuXVF7TLq7Njfk/w400-h300/IMG_4852.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoying a bit of fresh air on the front porch.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-T1ckVqXE6p2aXwY-eVz3aZgEiOUIk1FzAAbLL-BkO9JmhPmwzBgTqO2dY0utGv24bBi8wjOHaDGlfWF_ytVPKTUnUJrYKn2vldmwB7zcFxew9gds5Gr61GYIxE-rPixw4Vh7NT_sVIjFQ6y5A4fS1DwZgfg-GEazLKOq_IXoYcFVUurtewrrHwZVHJA/s5184/IMG_4466.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-T1ckVqXE6p2aXwY-eVz3aZgEiOUIk1FzAAbLL-BkO9JmhPmwzBgTqO2dY0utGv24bBi8wjOHaDGlfWF_ytVPKTUnUJrYKn2vldmwB7zcFxew9gds5Gr61GYIxE-rPixw4Vh7NT_sVIjFQ6y5A4fS1DwZgfg-GEazLKOq_IXoYcFVUurtewrrHwZVHJA/w400-h300/IMG_4466.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By late winter Nellie was noticeably thinner, though not diminished in energy or appetite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He was a 'mighty hunter,' prowling the meadow with his brother Robert or trolling the edge of the ravine intent on the movement of chipmunks or squirrels.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDH5Q5FXj1vUjsDHiQth0cdLhYCJI3uwD_239G9NIs-W1UDufZf1X1ni723Sugb_hKuB0MQE_AAMKBaxX5jvbc-5o0E6ao6OYikFepLy4z3bAefyB-mPGVSGowPnLsMACkBOJ_t0J2qqLUkXPg5GZwZ8YgOtHhlRS6rb75mejGLiR0s9jGj_aQIMUEPe8/s5184/IMG_4876.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDH5Q5FXj1vUjsDHiQth0cdLhYCJI3uwD_239G9NIs-W1UDufZf1X1ni723Sugb_hKuB0MQE_AAMKBaxX5jvbc-5o0E6ao6OYikFepLy4z3bAefyB-mPGVSGowPnLsMACkBOJ_t0J2qqLUkXPg5GZwZ8YgOtHhlRS6rb75mejGLiR0s9jGj_aQIMUEPe8/w400-h300/IMG_4876.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Late in November Nellie supervised my pruning efforts, burrowing into the load of trimmings heaped in the wheelbarrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpaBQ1d1IXFKzw9WL3eDI6T4GHEMCtOSfozvYjObRZ7S06ECamlkYauHfIiL8PY8p4yCWLLiZ61gYKVJUgo-FfdXK9FSAQR6m1QUSdmJqeBAVp-UDh7nbXgBauuAqJrFyuzaBO_BSwr0yHC_6CF1daekRHizIIfYzhnft3cBYDc_wUw5dNAqbmJ88I-8/s5184/IMG_5280.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpaBQ1d1IXFKzw9WL3eDI6T4GHEMCtOSfozvYjObRZ7S06ECamlkYauHfIiL8PY8p4yCWLLiZ61gYKVJUgo-FfdXK9FSAQR6m1QUSdmJqeBAVp-UDh7nbXgBauuAqJrFyuzaBO_BSwr0yHC_6CF1daekRHizIIfYzhnft3cBYDc_wUw5dNAqbmJ88I-8/w400-h300/IMG_5280.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Only weeks before his decline accelerated, popping in and out of a cardboard box. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The wide-eyed 'owlish' expression below his large tufty ears is unforgettable.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkL3-hWTV6o6vYrlmVcUzkqPZlJf7KZxtwSjavhiqJg35tPYq78NSPgoTQjZWwP8JiDRTISm16_zQUlqB8GG1CGOJTPw01yl4bsr_IASqa8VDf6FLvsUlGWuKNuF6qSpuoH97L1KMvZb6OIhWv2mKKaVyKb6Y-_jmxQAnu6iMor9WGlh5sEijtFX5XtsE/s5184/IMG_4925.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkL3-hWTV6o6vYrlmVcUzkqPZlJf7KZxtwSjavhiqJg35tPYq78NSPgoTQjZWwP8JiDRTISm16_zQUlqB8GG1CGOJTPw01yl4bsr_IASqa8VDf6FLvsUlGWuKNuF6qSpuoH97L1KMvZb6OIhWv2mKKaVyKb6Y-_jmxQAnu6iMor9WGlh5sEijtFX5XtsE/w400-h300/IMG_4925.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A kitchen shelf provided a frequent indoor vantage point. This wasn't a maneuver I encouraged, particularly after Nellie strolled across the adjoining corner shelf and sent a favorite jug smashing onto the counter below.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGOlBJrYJ2Ym9qLKKjLDMf4BHy2yVXtFvfVjgmqy7gMwFB-UkAsp2yl8ugQj4wMhG23oPbW9sj7F0j3CXSlCT2KNDc78BLCPKycNeAx6qMuMTyD9goyrq7cikm71YzpVaXKVwWYeqMoRjghUH-7tGbDzI5Fa3W18v-Klx0EOqXoXuvgr8LjwDcV-i_H4/s5184/IMG_4926.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGOlBJrYJ2Ym9qLKKjLDMf4BHy2yVXtFvfVjgmqy7gMwFB-UkAsp2yl8ugQj4wMhG23oPbW9sj7F0j3CXSlCT2KNDc78BLCPKycNeAx6qMuMTyD9goyrq7cikm71YzpVaXKVwWYeqMoRjghUH-7tGbDzI5Fa3W18v-Klx0EOqXoXuvgr8LjwDcV-i_H4/w400-h300/IMG_4926.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I could never stay annoyed with Nellie for long.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The last weeks became increasingly difficult. His symptoms were those of his brother Edward who wasted away in September, most likely a shared genetic fault.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nellie continued asking to go outside, though he didn't go along the lane or into the meadow. His place of choice was under the Jane magnolia, drowsing in a clump of daylilies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Several times in his last days he tottered toward the north ravine, perhaps with the animal instinct of going off to die alone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We couldn't bear that for him, so scooped him up, made him a nest of thick rugs and fleecy blankets on the living room sofa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I began to hope that I would find him there in his final sleep, wishing to avoid the trauma of the 20 minute ride to the vet's office, the always uncomfortable wait in an area smelling of disinfectant and other animals.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is always the most difficult part. I wish there was a way to painlessly end the life of an ailing or aged pet at home. I talked quietly to Nellie on the drive, poking the fingers of my right hand through the bars of the carrier to stroke his nose, his paws.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I held his frail body on the vet's examining table, cupped my hand gently under his chin as the needle slipped into the shaved area on his front leg, felt life sigh out of him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We buried Nellie in the tree-shade a little way down the slope of the north ravine, in company with the 4 other cats who were with us when we came to this homeplace in 2019.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seven weeks--and it still hurts to write this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have to believe that we gave Nellie a good life--and that he knew he was loved.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-91207129761150555512023-06-07T21:54:00.001-04:002023-06-08T08:40:48.727-04:00The Flowers of May<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">May is the season of bloom in south-central Kentucky. By early June perennials are past their prime, languishing as hot and humid weather begins to announce the arrival of summer.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There were enough chilly nights throughout April and early May to blight buds which had rushed the season. The show of peonies was sparse compared to other years; one of my favorite roses, Hawkeye Belle has blossomed but the petals show the blight of frost.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The stand of self-sown poppies along-side the front door have been spectacular, nearly obliterating the dwarf monarda.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Foxglove persists in the west wall garden along with the edging of 'pinks' raised from seed.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">'Queen of Sweden' and 'The Poet's Wife' have supplied fragrant blooms for my collection of small vases. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I discovered the first of the Japanese beetles lurking yesterday.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My energies have gone into digging up and transplanting coneflowers which are trying to take over the east wall plantings--my own fault as I have allowed the drying seed heads to remain over the winter rather than scrupulously removing them. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The battle with weeds is never-ending, one I can't possibly win.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I love gardening, but there is no denying that it, along with the usual household chores, leaves me rather witless by the end of the day, too foggy-minded to comment on the blogs I continue to read, much less to order my thoughts into coherent posts.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thus, a week into the new month, I offer the photos uploaded days ago as a 'draft'--- small record of an all too fleeting season of lovely blooms.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ckpjf-6OM1ZvJBD7qBwIXvZawvnJ9fw67RiQXpru67SMBux7U2a8V2xewOUVo3p-yC8sn6FOSDw__nKSzUBhy0k3uYNIpOEqNzBIzlGWdAQg0NQ3_MqI55oeqzIbL_A9-S9uH07oMmQkqViFbYuJdGV1Q0LpfP1unab4RxC1QYoGjgitFKW-v0FR/s5184/IMG_6013.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ckpjf-6OM1ZvJBD7qBwIXvZawvnJ9fw67RiQXpru67SMBux7U2a8V2xewOUVo3p-yC8sn6FOSDw__nKSzUBhy0k3uYNIpOEqNzBIzlGWdAQg0NQ3_MqI55oeqzIbL_A9-S9uH07oMmQkqViFbYuJdGV1Q0LpfP1unab4RxC1QYoGjgitFKW-v0FR/w400-h300/IMG_6013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Lauren's Grape poppies at their best.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbNYWHllKhsqilzPSCtAoXvKrryYU9KsCNWKjG6WC5F71FotkpqnajkfrHEB0MwIUODPmfEUFWisKq_Rc5NPRo9CKOAbcmuflm5iYWEhfubW8PLTXuD-2oeIcQdFwZI2Yy-vyMPfun5TTgUswWemS7ywFHkx1Zx9v8qWmneo75WD6ovvc1sn1SLRe/s5184/IMG_6014.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbNYWHllKhsqilzPSCtAoXvKrryYU9KsCNWKjG6WC5F71FotkpqnajkfrHEB0MwIUODPmfEUFWisKq_Rc5NPRo9CKOAbcmuflm5iYWEhfubW8PLTXuD-2oeIcQdFwZI2Yy-vyMPfun5TTgUswWemS7ywFHkx1Zx9v8qWmneo75WD6ovvc1sn1SLRe/w400-h300/IMG_6014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Poppies are stunning, in bud, in every stage of opening, as seed pods.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvFrMDxTPVVhs91XpF5U8j70_j8NCDDJueR44l7sY9WHVx1RlbWlg09E7OazUeRxfsqbZ_CHznuiiTBtKriZeXFnfvNNO1xnxaip6R9H5ggGi-1IwpCkXJW3IbNtMwZeCrczY2caThDecbWRwLqWoQlR6J5R9xEJvkVtqFqvS4UjP3J3Xnfe0Okid/s5184/IMG_5991.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvFrMDxTPVVhs91XpF5U8j70_j8NCDDJueR44l7sY9WHVx1RlbWlg09E7OazUeRxfsqbZ_CHznuiiTBtKriZeXFnfvNNO1xnxaip6R9H5ggGi-1IwpCkXJW3IbNtMwZeCrczY2caThDecbWRwLqWoQlR6J5R9xEJvkVtqFqvS4UjP3J3Xnfe0Okid/w400-h300/IMG_5991.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-10NwnXBhnqik5o7SDJZw3ItWRix7-qGOmHVP0XF7eUMbFwL2uFcFzkIsnAUn_ymDbwSTfmnX_qZNLKBtOsAxqxMkEBtoHGQQKx3nOPPW7P6a6-zA0-t7SeqVjlZ1jH-LGsoCkxzDnKMtEW1cRoS2KMQ_N_t3l6uNpp-A0xUFIwV5GLwWzE79fCI/s5184/IMG_6007.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-10NwnXBhnqik5o7SDJZw3ItWRix7-qGOmHVP0XF7eUMbFwL2uFcFzkIsnAUn_ymDbwSTfmnX_qZNLKBtOsAxqxMkEBtoHGQQKx3nOPPW7P6a6-zA0-t7SeqVjlZ1jH-LGsoCkxzDnKMtEW1cRoS2KMQ_N_t3l6uNpp-A0xUFIwV5GLwWzE79fCI/w400-h300/IMG_6007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Clematis Jackmanii in first flush of bloom.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0QeFyE7luOzHLTlksV7m2lC6OdN85IdFotJubBWPPk5k-89dLIUoUh87lagyklJK-zJUVEZnnGxRfUsAL2m19ropFZbbUWTIqZM03_G8iAQ2D7cyRdPEO-5UpmBwY5AMJ_l5DSL_4tl0ZpVk8QDCPSovqEbRDfzhYIQmYuY4vbEjHwdEv55fCzhn/s5184/IMG_6031.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0QeFyE7luOzHLTlksV7m2lC6OdN85IdFotJubBWPPk5k-89dLIUoUh87lagyklJK-zJUVEZnnGxRfUsAL2m19ropFZbbUWTIqZM03_G8iAQ2D7cyRdPEO-5UpmBwY5AMJ_l5DSL_4tl0ZpVk8QDCPSovqEbRDfzhYIQmYuY4vbEjHwdEv55fCzhn/w400-h300/IMG_6031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Samaritan Jo and Edita scrambling for space on the trellis.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDuTyVBoeT5ARTjn4-Db4K6XpYihqZr6e9ybGCsOKfGk5bE8SSWeOOyVBRwHnIXhw4HoAS8ih3WLpGljBjaZ_ZZRcv2XeJHP2_pMzm-um1tEQ3hngQePHOmS93GGmChHUj4gAHGJ2rgDe3hekx3Pb7OBBpsNENnzN3Z1k_FINLXfv3KxKwzJuOrPm/s5184/IMG_5995.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDuTyVBoeT5ARTjn4-Db4K6XpYihqZr6e9ybGCsOKfGk5bE8SSWeOOyVBRwHnIXhw4HoAS8ih3WLpGljBjaZ_ZZRcv2XeJHP2_pMzm-um1tEQ3hngQePHOmS93GGmChHUj4gAHGJ2rgDe3hekx3Pb7OBBpsNENnzN3Z1k_FINLXfv3KxKwzJuOrPm/w400-h300/IMG_5995.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Having once planted nigella I will apparently never be without it. The common name, 'Love-in-a Mist,' suits its frothy profusion.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2Tcp433mmK72-2_Zz9_5ftXwNmtNDSoWHfoA9UYGuHlWIhOkgF2y29SoeGHjpKWvBGUDESQDtqy1g1D16XqWN1BPdrixH8nwgnXA4x5kIoH-hYP9RsfGP0mlj6UyuI1fIpN7TZlG9x4_B4LCTmmMZehIBoWgpVSG4DFocR8oD37AR3jrEps0VRy4/s5184/IMG_5974.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2Tcp433mmK72-2_Zz9_5ftXwNmtNDSoWHfoA9UYGuHlWIhOkgF2y29SoeGHjpKWvBGUDESQDtqy1g1D16XqWN1BPdrixH8nwgnXA4x5kIoH-hYP9RsfGP0mlj6UyuI1fIpN7TZlG9x4_B4LCTmmMZehIBoWgpVSG4DFocR8oD37AR3jrEps0VRy4/w400-h300/IMG_5974.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Bees and butterflies enjoy the clumps of nepeta that edge the east wall.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzO5kpv-XlvAxaqygcexCfXJL43T8nnSSdHvfT92-BFG6-otjQtA1KoR9rycyfCwy7twgCau6mKSfPlAGP-R0MGsUR_tcvzf6F8jkq8iRQCm6oYA7Fht-n1bxcSUtg1zTx8akwWdCS5yaJKVWS5K-tbzmC-Dj2gmmQuMAG8ZtrbHYDVhEWpDtjlIi/s5184/IMG_6005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzO5kpv-XlvAxaqygcexCfXJL43T8nnSSdHvfT92-BFG6-otjQtA1KoR9rycyfCwy7twgCau6mKSfPlAGP-R0MGsUR_tcvzf6F8jkq8iRQCm6oYA7Fht-n1bxcSUtg1zTx8akwWdCS5yaJKVWS5K-tbzmC-Dj2gmmQuMAG8ZtrbHYDVhEWpDtjlIi/w400-h300/IMG_6005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Queen of Sweden.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fvIy-B9Lk94CbfaMJiTXsi1oZsAYHygWDjDDGIy26ekHpCf42n2kTZNUTnQFA-cM3CI3Te5cekIA8DATAUdG8qzULuDsD_C166G_vyJvBlk_DTF56VsRFRj7imJB3gvRloLJXHDR26MU59LbjyUhSYGIZcoHy8a9TUSeoNZegoX8ETAn4MQTFSaF/s5184/IMG_5968.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fvIy-B9Lk94CbfaMJiTXsi1oZsAYHygWDjDDGIy26ekHpCf42n2kTZNUTnQFA-cM3CI3Te5cekIA8DATAUdG8qzULuDsD_C166G_vyJvBlk_DTF56VsRFRj7imJB3gvRloLJXHDR26MU59LbjyUhSYGIZcoHy8a9TUSeoNZegoX8ETAn4MQTFSaF/w400-h300/IMG_5968.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The nameless late-blooming white clematis, only survivor of Spring Hill's 'bargain assortment.'</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FD0M1VSBOLAJsb5Q5oTgPQ7mPYaFeP_yYeXpje460sZZJnJE8yDwtCjMkDdtBUUvc-HbnMaqKJV-QvQG0BpNjs-z1GgkMff3oFUyGEvi7eaVsv2lBAnJoRjMIIhn0Nl6yKL5kcjFx6Xzt98GcWbT1vSjL7WpwG3PMdNHtXSm7dlUXVCt8xDDgWSk/s5184/IMG_6040.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FD0M1VSBOLAJsb5Q5oTgPQ7mPYaFeP_yYeXpje460sZZJnJE8yDwtCjMkDdtBUUvc-HbnMaqKJV-QvQG0BpNjs-z1GgkMff3oFUyGEvi7eaVsv2lBAnJoRjMIIhn0Nl6yKL5kcjFx6Xzt98GcWbT1vSjL7WpwG3PMdNHtXSm7dlUXVCt8xDDgWSk/w400-h300/IMG_6040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This small landscape rose is hardy and non-fussy.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumPZ6oy7_5mXEX6XEKCspDQEnyrSqynQT0c33YYrbwybkP9uszY1PxCqe3I9MxR5mZY4msL6dX1cPWKGdPgAS5PK2ZNrx9q5_qfkbHp4cmYwKQwMicY_4gi4yIezj159Nw3t8CPZl7jxK95d5c0Xi0mlwfF5bYr7aePwfM9Nhr9VKdyvPq8RqZVCR/s5184/IMG_6046.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumPZ6oy7_5mXEX6XEKCspDQEnyrSqynQT0c33YYrbwybkP9uszY1PxCqe3I9MxR5mZY4msL6dX1cPWKGdPgAS5PK2ZNrx9q5_qfkbHp4cmYwKQwMicY_4gi4yIezj159Nw3t8CPZl7jxK95d5c0Xi0mlwfF5bYr7aePwfM9Nhr9VKdyvPq8RqZVCR/w400-h300/IMG_6046.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Miniature lily, gift of a friend, which has made several moves with me.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYeR4jHgP69FGHnunht5v16220zo6teaA-vUlzO96pP0pdLa1_zUZiXgQH-6HXFwLu8sSX2unwKHCcrsovLWvJJdOxveK0tkPmqNOxaQRv33RdzUkV-PmKBjE6PjNyr4UOPIMTzKfFe14yOECTYrb9Dfmq3-4hRo35Lcn493HlpxYgGNOdLUHAgG2/s5184/IMG_5919.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYeR4jHgP69FGHnunht5v16220zo6teaA-vUlzO96pP0pdLa1_zUZiXgQH-6HXFwLu8sSX2unwKHCcrsovLWvJJdOxveK0tkPmqNOxaQRv33RdzUkV-PmKBjE6PjNyr4UOPIMTzKfFe14yOECTYrb9Dfmq3-4hRo35Lcn493HlpxYgGNOdLUHAgG2/w400-h300/IMG_5919.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Foxgloves, pinks, and the little rose.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p></p>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314065896417867122.post-20097645575069688532023-06-01T23:38:00.001-04:002023-06-02T10:01:44.328-04:00First Day of June<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZ3USk_P8iZwkriRMiiT89fX0-XiuZdMXaoYHZEQulveuyrp-ydca6n9_3R8hRtUS3O5X99xhG0XVfC4-IbFsd83oiB_1Ug2zgh6W2KjZHmf6z2Jok9SiAiybvM8AnYSrp_RrkqdQmj_gl4EM2okhXcSvEbslsUMvcBObtxCXYiXcdhGuCf18OFUk/s5184/IMG_6155.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZ3USk_P8iZwkriRMiiT89fX0-XiuZdMXaoYHZEQulveuyrp-ydca6n9_3R8hRtUS3O5X99xhG0XVfC4-IbFsd83oiB_1Ug2zgh6W2KjZHmf6z2Jok9SiAiybvM8AnYSrp_RrkqdQmj_gl4EM2okhXcSvEbslsUMvcBObtxCXYiXcdhGuCf18OFUk/w400-h300/IMG_6155.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mist hovered over the meadow, the air heavy with moist heat--harbinger of summer weather.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The waxing gibbous moon climbed a sky still cast in daytime hues. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the greenhouse I filled six small pots with soil, poked in seeds of miniature zinnias, three seeds to a pot. I've not found a permanent spot for my newly purchased clematis, so disinterred it from its nursery pot to larger quarters, noting that it is in climbing mode and needing a trellis taller than the foot high plastic structure in the original container.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4VsDky5pIOb6FY92jnDX0yt1pua96SnfXXgBRr9IuCffjEShy_Zca_Sh1QfHa7wW-JT0naduuK-445RjiqToSnHT9B87kL3vSyg6KcujOyU4Y8A0YwxpRFC71qvfPg2c9CRpDwSx5SK98xkLDiMysTJVWD5-2-ZO1ZIiL43NvNCP1PuYFSNwsHf_/s5184/IMG_6152.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4VsDky5pIOb6FY92jnDX0yt1pua96SnfXXgBRr9IuCffjEShy_Zca_Sh1QfHa7wW-JT0naduuK-445RjiqToSnHT9B87kL3vSyg6KcujOyU4Y8A0YwxpRFC71qvfPg2c9CRpDwSx5SK98xkLDiMysTJVWD5-2-ZO1ZIiL43NvNCP1PuYFSNwsHf_/w400-h300/IMG_6152.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A fifteen minute downpour in late afternoon, a few distant mutterings of thunder, air so heavily moist it seemed one could reach up and squeeze a handful as one would wring out a sponge.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Jm1HvExCbLkwrGYBDINgHe7f8HCNj9NXtbjrbl2VwTe24NoyEjx4xLJpkPBrWsyA61rzXGeK-qqhnxdFDq2odgU0JSWxf2XtS7LojLHA7ZVSPfz3DA7HZ652YFmCwxBdlwj-6HrEVN-UPzL4CP_jeUu3dWLVisWZ5BATkgbPpS7OsSYunu2KJckR/s5184/IMG_6151.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Jm1HvExCbLkwrGYBDINgHe7f8HCNj9NXtbjrbl2VwTe24NoyEjx4xLJpkPBrWsyA61rzXGeK-qqhnxdFDq2odgU0JSWxf2XtS7LojLHA7ZVSPfz3DA7HZ652YFmCwxBdlwj-6HrEVN-UPzL4CP_jeUu3dWLVisWZ5BATkgbPpS7OsSYunu2KJckR/w400-h300/IMG_6151.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Each day I think we've seen the last of the grape poppies, but a few more stretch upwards and bloom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one is actually a few inches under the steps; I've watched it grow in this inhospitable location thinking it might give up and die. Almost overnight the stem twisted outward and this morning the top bud opened. Most of the others in bloom were shattered by the force of the rain.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYLfGDj1OOAgIaK96Bqz1x_FLNs7cRVQDes1_3kfAvKGr7G57u51OjfSoywl_ECIwFeeKYah1cxvCIglOjkfwMn5-oSzBp-opY7H8qFCVQfwaKJou04-ElFPNwTLUcAqRxjetp4O_yEG5SyBaAsAbE6izTVM5ynQlw4mTAwUD_dato5NLUhwS4qRZ/s5184/IMG_6150.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYLfGDj1OOAgIaK96Bqz1x_FLNs7cRVQDes1_3kfAvKGr7G57u51OjfSoywl_ECIwFeeKYah1cxvCIglOjkfwMn5-oSzBp-opY7H8qFCVQfwaKJou04-ElFPNwTLUcAqRxjetp4O_yEG5SyBaAsAbE6izTVM5ynQlw4mTAwUD_dato5NLUhwS4qRZ/w400-h300/IMG_6150.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Watching the storm from the partial shelter of the porch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Robert-cat went out after 'tea' and knowing his fear of storms I stood on the steps calling him. When he didn't immediately appear I decided he had taken shelter in one of the long roofed aisles that run either side of the shop. As the rain increased I again ventured out to call him and he popped out from under the steps, happy to dash inside and shake the rain from his coat. When Jim arrived home a few minutes later Robert demanded his attention seemingly complaining about his ordeal of being caught in the storm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The rain hit several hours earlier when I was doing errands in town at the other end of the county. I was standing in the checkout line at Wal Mart when I heard the battering of rain on the roof. Approaching the outer doors I could see the parking lot awash; shoppers huddled under the metal awning, one man puffing on a cigarette, adding the odor of tobacco to the scent of wet asphalt and exhaust fumes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My tolerance for Wal Mart is very limited. It had taken nearly an hour to gather the items on my list, I had two more errands to accomplish, I wanted out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Accordingly, I plunged into the rain, shoving my laden shopping cart through streaming water, feeling it seep coldly into my shoes. By the time I reached my car rain was streaming from my hair onto my spectacles, drizzling down my neck. I had sacks of cat kibble, cat litter, a large Rubbermade bin, two bags of potatoes, sundry small items which seemed to take forever to stow in the car.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At last, shivering, I flung myself into the driver's seat, snatched off my blurred glasses, peeled off my sodden outer shirt, A glance in the mirror was not encouraging. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I looked like the proverbial drowned rat!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had earlier picked up several sets of cotton pillowcases at Good Will [I have a thing about pillowcases!] so I snatched one from the carrier bag on the seat and began rubbing at my dripping hair. Before I had finished mopping myself up the deluge ceased as quickly as though someone had turned off a faucet; the sun came out, the parking lot steamed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I drove the short distance to the bank, trudged in to cash a check. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"My goodness, your shirt is soaked, " exclaimed the white-haired cashier.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Yes," I responded, "It was a matter of remaining in Wal Mart for another 15 minutes or getting wet!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She nodded sagely, "Oh, I quite understand. Summer showers--its that time of year."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next stop, the post office. Entering the airconditioned lobby, icy air knifed through my wet T-shirt, plastered my damp hair against my neck. That kind of chill isn't good for what ails me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few blocks away is The Shepherd Shop--for less than a dollar I could have a dry shirt. Daughter Gina was there, poking about in the racks of second-hand clothing. She was astonished to learn that there had been a cloudburst two miles away, but agreed that a half hour's drive home in soaked clothing was bound to be miserable. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I quickly found and paid for a soft long-sleeved pullover and back at the car managed to peel off my clinging T-shirt and haul the 'new' one over my head. I was still clammily damp in terms of jeans, socks, shoes, but the feel of warm dry fabric settling onto my shoulders was comforting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunshine all the way home, sunshine as I hauled in the still dripping plastic shopping bags.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I gave the cats their 'tea', stuck a slice of homemade bread in the toaster, heated left-over soup. Dry clothes from the skin out, dry shoes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When the storm broke here an hour later I was settled and snug, an observer rather than victim of the elements.</div><br /> <p></p>Morning's Minionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912356455981434029noreply@blogger.com8