Late afternoon sun peeks around the edge of the house, bathing the corner of the porch
in a warm glow.
There was wispy fog hanging over the soybean field to the east when I opened the
dining room blinds at 6:45.
Crossing to the living room I noted that the cattle pasture across the road had that softened look which is part of autumn light.
Early morning mist is not as pronounced here as when we lived just above Big Creek.
I made repotting the rosemary and thyme seedlings my first priority today.
With breakfast out of the way and laundry chugging in the washer downstairs, I began gathering small tools, pots, a stool [since I'm not supposed to be working in a bending position until my eye heals] a watering can.
My seedlings have had rather haphazard attention during the moving uproar--watered sometimes when the sun was hitting them too directly--other times remembered when they had gotten too dry.
I lost several of the largest of my rosemary seedlings. I considered putting them aside to cosset and then got sensible about the matter. I did take four which looked less than thrifty and put them together in one large pot. If any of them revive I shall be pleased.
The ones in the smaller pots had grown good roots. They should have larger pots before winter.
For now I resettled them in fresh soil mix and arranged the clay pots in a large planter left behind by the previous owners.
Although I can't/shouldn't use a garden spade or fork just now, I decided that kneeling to weed along the front porch border would be safe. You can see how dry it is.
I tucked in thyme along the outer edge and some at the left against the concrete barrier.
I still don't know where I can establish an herb garden here.
The peonies and lilies which I brought over in May are looking unhealthy--it will be a challenge to save them
The area of established perennials in the front yard is heavily shaded and I found that roots of the so-called water maples have been very invasive making digging difficult.
A truly desperate measure will be to plunk the unhappy plants at the end of the annual strip in the back garden--letting them take their chances of rooting in before severe cold weather.
Over the weekend this mantis appeared on the screening of the dining room window, moving from the center window to the one at the left. Her slow progress was followed by Nellie and Bobby who sat on the edge of the table--sometimes jumping down to pat at the window with inquiring paws.
Monday evening we noticed that the mantis was producing an egg sack.
She remained upside down most of today.
Tonight she has gone away, her work done in assuring posterity.
I suppose we must leave the egg sack glued to the screen!
Tonight I made bread--just out of the oven at nearly 10 P.M.
I also replied to the comments left on my most recent blog posts--a treat to have that bit of time.
Catching up on your last few posts I can't help but think how very glad you will be when you are finally all settled in. Have really enjoyed reading about house and garden and it reminds me that it is an adventure getting used to someone else's garden !
ReplyDeleteHildred; Letting go of gardens past is difficult for me--hours of labor and hours of enjoyment.
DeleteI am impatient right now with the restrictions of the cataract surgery--but encouraged that some of my earlier gardening efforts 'took.'
It sounds like you are finally getting settled. The eye must be making you frustrated but you'll soon be back to normal I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteThe bread smell must have been nice in the house to go to bed with. lol
Briony
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Briony; When I finally tip-toed into the bedroom the smell of freshly baked bread was there. There is something quite homely and settling about making bread!
DeleteSmall accomplishments are 'good'. Everything doesn't have to be a major project to feel like we've gotten things done. One step at a time and before we know it we feel good from things done.
ReplyDeleteWhat a year you all have had. Pretty soon you'll all have settled down and into familiar and new routines in your new home.
Be well dear heart ~ FlowerLady
Rainey; I often think of you tackling the jobs of upkeep around your home and garden--the jobs which you late husband used to do. You seem to be developing a wholesome sense of what you can challenge yourself to take on--and what you must do in small increments--or ask for help. You are an inspiration!
DeleteThat little corner of the porch is showing signs of normality, so let's hope the settling in continues at the proper pace (not overdoing it after your op) and you can start to feel more rooted there in the weeks and months to come.
ReplyDeleteJennie; I am definitely feeling uprooted--yet there are indications that the house will be a pleasant place when we are sorted--and surely an acre will be enough to manage as we are 'getting on a bit!'
DeleteIt must be hard leaving your garden. I moved from a house like that once and almost cried on the last day, out in the garden.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure as you continue to build your new garden you'll fall in love with it
and I hope your eye will soon be healed.
Kath; Most of our major moves have been accomplished in one huge 'moving day' exodus--and I have not allowed myself to fall into nostalgia. The current move being accomplished over weeks has me revisiting my garden and feeling badly over efforts left behind. I'm impatient with the healing process of my eye--even as you must be waiting for your shoulder to allow you a 'back to normal' routine.
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