Tag Archives: Gardens

Shetland Sheepdog

Books Lists and Life

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Shetland Sheepdog
Our foster dog who has since been adopted!

Wow, I had no idea I was so far behind in reporting my books read. Below are the lists for the months of March and April 2025. I will have to make another post soon to update you on my lists for May and June. Things have been busy, but still! My husband and I were both sick with the flu for three weeks. As I was recovering, my husband came down with it. A foster dog has come and gone on to his new home. We have done pet sitting for four dogs, two from the same family at a time. And the gardens are in full swing now requiring daily work. Whew, I am tired just thinking about it. So, here you go, my lists for March and April are below.

Books Read in March 2025

  1. The Lincoln Highway-Amor Towles (761 pages)

This book was not what I expected although I am glad I read it. Emmet is released from a juvenile work farm where he was sent for involuntary manslaughter. He discovers that two friends incarcerated with him stowed away in the warden’s trunk when he was delivered home. Emmett has gone home to take care of his 7 year old brother Billy. Their mother ran off years before, their father recently died, and their father lost the farm to the bank. Emmett and Billy plan to hit the Lincoln Highway and start over in San Francisco. This book covers their unexpected adventures for the 10 days before they head west. Most involve Wooly and Duchess from the work farm and next door neighbor Sally.

2. Artful Journals-Janet Takahashi (Non-fiction)

I really enjoyed this book about journal making. I learned some new techniques and enjoyed seeing the photos and processes.

3. The Art of Card Making-Various artists (Non-fiction)

This is a nice book with card projects, envelope making, etc. I enjoyed looking at the book but am not going to do any of the card projects. I would rather make my own than copy someone else’s templates.

4. Reason for Hope-Jane Goodall (Audiobook)

I have read this book before in print. It is an excellent book describing Jane’s time with the chimpanzees at Gombe and her continuing experiences. Not only is she a scientist, she goes to great lengths to change the world. I decided to to do the audiobook this time because I love Jane’s voice.

5. Tea with Elephants-Robin Jones Gunn

Friends Fern and Lily fulfill their dream of traveling to Africa together. Now middle-aged, God helps them see their blessings on this trip. We the reader get to live the experiences through them. From touring a tea plantation to seeing lions and elephants. The writing in this book is beautiful.

6. The Serviceberry-Robin Wall Kimmerer (Non-fiction)

The cover byline says it all-Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World. Some parts of the book were beautifully written and at other times, I found it to be a slow read. The message of the book makes it well worth reading.

7. Journal Sparks-Emily Neuburger (Non-fiction)

This Storey Book is part reference book, part hands on workbook. I enjoyed it and it is highly thought provoking. For now I have jotted down several ideas from it but may purchase my own copy in the future.

Magazines:  Country Living

Books Read in April 2025

  1. The Sketchbook Challenge-Sue Bleiweiss (Nonfiction)

Focuses on picking specific prompts for journaling ideas. Gives examples through showing individual artists works and comments. Also talks about how to do various methods such as screen printing or using wax, etc. Beautiful images of artists’ work.

2. Identity Unknown-Patricia Cornwell

A one time love interest and long time friend of Dr. Scarpetta is found dead at a defunct amusement park. He was an extraterrestrial scientist and died under suspicious circumstances. Lucy, Benton, and Pete are all working with Kay to solve the case. I thought this book was slower paced than most in the series because there was so much ground work to lay first. The last quarter was exciting. As with all Cornwell’s books, I enjoyed it.

3. Kiss Me At Christmas-Jenny Bayliss

I have read all five of Bayliss’ novels and enjoyed them all. I wouldn’t pick her books by the titles but when I see the author’s name, I grab them. I have never read one of her novels and not felt better. In this one, school guidance counselor Harriet Smith is trying to get through Christmas while her college age daughter spends it away from home. Hence her one night stand who shows up the next day as the attorney representing the owner of the defunct theater her students have broken into. Harriet takes responsibility and is let off the hook if they agree to fix the place up and put on a play for the holiday. Lots of caring friendships and more transpire throughout the course of the book.

4. Unraveled-Peggy Orenstein (Audiobook, Nonfiction)

This title is appropriate on two levels. It is about knitting a sweater, from shearing the sheep to processing the wool and then knitting the sweater. It is also about so much more. The book starts during the pandemic and onward. The author describes mentally unraveling with pandemic concerns, the demise of her father, and more. I’m glad I listened to this rather than reading it. I think it may have been a slow read but was an enjoyable listen.

5. Better Than Friends-Jill Shalvis

Another thoroughly enjoyable book from Shalvis. Olive Porter is back in Sunrise Cove to help her best friend with her son and provide moral support after the friend’s husband is in an accident on the job that puts him in a coma. Olive’s parents live off the grid and may be missing too. While dealing with all this she attempts to avoid former love interest and friend Noah Turner who happens to be her best friend’s twin brother. No luck. The two are continually thrown together with predictably delicious results.

6. Make Magic-Brad Meltzer (Nonfiction)

An inspirational message to his son’s graduating class at university. This message is actually for all of us. We need more magic in the world and the fact that it’s within our reach gives hope. This is a vey short book that should be read again and again.

7. The Grownup’s Guide to Painting with Kids-Jennifer McCully (Nonfiction)

This book contains instructions for lots of fun looking projects that I might try with or without kids. Not right now though so I am putting it on my Thrift Books Wishlist and returning this copy to the library.

8. We Solve Murders-Richard Osman

The story is fast paced and exciting. I’m pretty sure this will be made into a movie as was Osman’s previous book. The story line switches between characters and locations always chasing the murderer/s. The main characters are private security officer Amy Wheeler and her father-in-law, retired detective Steve Wheeler. The plot of this story in a nutshell is someone is trying to frame and kill Amy. They and friends go globetrotting to solve the case before it’s too late.

9. Love at First Book-Jenn McKinlay

This is a little different than McKinlay’s usual books but so good. Even teared me up at one point. Emily Allen lands a job as assistant to her all-time favorite author while she writes the final book in her famous series. Emily leaves her needy, controlling mother behind and flies to Ireland for the job. Of course, the author has an unfriendly but extremely hot son to contend with. You will become smitten with all the Irish characters in the book. When it’s time to leave, will Emily go? No spoilers from me!

10. Birds and Flowers in Colored Pencil-Fei Niao (Nonfiction)

Not much intro or technique. It does have some nice drawings though. I tried specific areas from a couple pictures. I need more guidance.

11. Little Landscapes-Priscilla Hauser (Nonfiction)

I like nearly all the paintings in this book. They come a tracing pattern for each one! I’m taking this book back to the library but have added it to my Thrift Books list to buy later.

12. Acrylics for the Absolute Beginner-Charles Evans (Nonfiction)

Same deal as above. Added to my list to buy later. I have to finish the painting lessons in the book I’m currently working through before I start another.

Magazines:  Forks Over Knives, Best Friends, Mary Jane’s Farm (I enjoy this one so much I just ordered a subscription!)

Snippets of Nature

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Woodland
Woodland view.

“I can sit alone by an open window for hours if I like, and hear only bird songs, and the rustle of leaves. The trees are pure gold and orange.” Virginia Woolf

Here is another Virginia Woolf quote that is speaking to me. (Recently, I read a list of quotes from another blogger’s site that spoke to me so much that I saved the list. Here is a link to that post-https://katiegilley.com/2024/10/09/quotes-from-september-2024/) I think it can apply to any nature encounter that touches a soul. It takes me back to a day over 20 years ago when I was sitting on the front porch of my last home. I had a book with me and was chilling out, contemplating the fact that I would soon be moving to a new house even though I didn’t really want to move. It was a breezy day and suddenly I noticed the sound of the wind in the quaking aspen trees growing in the field next to me. It was the most magical sound that went on and on. I remember thinking “I can’t believe I will not be able to sit here and hear this sound again. It is the most perfect sound.” Yes, I was having a bit of a pity party, but even in my distress I recognized how lovely and restorative nature can be. The sound was such perfection that I remember it to this day. I have numerous memories of such snapshots in time that I have spent in nature.

Patio garden.

We have a patio garden that we enjoy sitting in. It has a lovely fountain that gives us the sound of falling water. Sometimes, I like to turn the fountain off and sit in the garden. Then I can focus on the sounds of the birds, wildlife, and trees. We live out in the country and regularly see turkey vultures, hawks, and an occasional owl or bald eagle. The sound of their wings flapping is an amazing experience. So powerful as they glide over the little valley, occasionally giving a single flap as they glide by. I also enjoy hearing the chittering and scolding of the squirrels. I even enjoy the cooing of the mourning doves and cawing of the crows.

After a number of years of watching the crows interact, I have a new appreciation for them. We observed an unusual experience with the crows near our house a few years ago. Around a dozen crows congregated in some of our pine trees and spent the day there. They cawed sharply and urgently. After a while the calls became more repetitive but distressed. Each bird had the same call that it repeated. We knew something was wrong but had no idea what. The next day we went out into the patio garden which is next to the pine grove and in one of the bordered sandstone flowerbeds, we found a juvenile crow that was dead. It had only one wound and we think it was attacked by a hawk or other large bird of prey. We think the urgent calling had been the adults trying to scare away the predator and protect the younger bird. The slow, plaintive calls we heard later on, we think were ones of sorrow. We buried the young crow with sadness. This got me curious about crows. I read that they live in family units. I have a greater respect for crows after this incident.

I think that part of nature’s magic is that it helps us live outside of ourselves, get out of our own heads for a bit. No matter what is happening in our lives, the world goes on around us, most of it without any input from us. In this way it makes me feel better and I am able to put life in perspective. And this is one reason why going for a walk in the woods makes us feel better. Whatever is going on in our private lives, life in the woods still goes on, unaffected. The Japanese have something called shinrin-yoku which means forest bathing. Forest bathing is immersing yourself in nature for physical, emotional, mental, and social health. People have been doing this for centuries and I think it is fitting that someone has put a name to it.

I started this post to share how this Virginia Woolf quote above makes me feel. It is amazing how two sentences can make me feel so many emotions and have so many memories. This is the beauty of words. I hope you are able to have such experiences in your own lives through nature as well as words. I would love to hear about them. (Link to my thoughts on another Virginia Woolf quote https://sanctuary-acres.com/2024/10/28/fueled-by-fall/.)

Fall beauty

Fueled by Fall

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Fall beauty
The view this morning.

“Autumn is my season, dear; it is, after all, the season of the soul.” Virginia Woolf

Recently, I read a list of quotes from another blogger’s site that spoke to me so much that I saved the list. (See her post here-https://katiegilley.com/2024/10/09/quotes-from-september-2024/) I decided to start my own series of posts, each on just one of the quotes I found to be meaningful. When a writing strikes emotion in me, it makes me feel a connection to the author and want to read more of their work to see if we really are of like minds. Maybe they have captured more of my feelings and put them into words. The first, by Virginia Woolf, is above.

For many years, I did not like fall. It reminded me of going back to school. School meant homework, discipline, and being indoors all day. It wasn’t that I disliked school. I just liked being at home better. Being at home had a certain freedom that I didn’t have at school. Years later as I was enjoying the beauty that is fall, I decided it’s time to get over that negative association with fall, grow up, and move on. Autumn has been my favorite season ever since. I love fall.

The vivid and varied colors in the trees and plants are glorious. I used to see red, yellow, orange, green, and brown. Now I see so much more. Red leaves so dark they are carmine. Coral leaves with yellow specks scattered over the surface. Salmon colored leaves that fade into peach and coral, all on the same leaf. What little jewels that sparkle in the sun! Where I live the majestic old sugar maples put on some of the best shows. The gold in the birch leaves changes hue when the trees release them, and they flutter to the ground. One thing that has helped me to appreciate these colors in greater depth is that I have recently given painting a try. I don’t just pick up a tube of yellow paint and begin painting yellow leaves. I have a simple set of paint tubes with limited colors. Even so, do I use medium yellow, lemon yellow, deep yellow, yellow ochre, or cashew? And of course, you mix colors, giving you limitless other shades to choose from. I will still never capture all the shades that Mother Nature has created. Painting has opened my eyes to see more than I did before. The greater depth was always there, I just didn’t see it. What other areas of our lives does this hold true for?

Another reason for my love of fall? The air is crisp and refreshing without the cloying heat of summer. It is the perfect weather for hiking. Fall is jacket time, and they are easily shed when you get too hot on the trail. Then you are quite comfortable and can concentrate on the beauty all around you. We often hike near bodies of water: lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. The photo above is from our hike this morning. I requested we hike on this particular trail this morning for the color contrast between the leaves and water that I knew would be there. It did not disappoint. (Wild Cherry Trail, West Branch State Park, Ohio) The trail is only one mile long, but I always think it seems farther. There are ups and downs, many tree roots popping up in the trail, and so much to see. I would rate it as moderately difficult. Our dogs had a blast as did we. Shelby stayed home but the other four went along. Cassius the greyhound and PeeWee the tiny sheltie is just in front of my husband. Zekie and Claire walk with me. Zekie was wearing his new llama sweater as his fur has thinned with the Cushing’s Disease. I think he rocks it!

Autumn hike
Dogs on the trail.

Homemade soups are something else that I enjoy in the fall. They say comfort to me. I never have a recipe when I make soup, so people are forever asking me, “What kind of soup is this?”, to which I invariably respond, “Umm, I don’t know…” and go on to list the ingredients. The soups you can make are endless and no two are ever the same. I think the key to making the best soup is to make the broth from scratch. I have a soup sack in the freezer for this purpose at all times. I make soups and stews often enough that sometimes I do have to use boxed broth. It is still a satisfying meal to have on a cool evening. With leftovers for lunch and maybe longer!

As for the opening quote, I do feel that autumn is the season of my soul. Most people see New Year’s Day and the beginning of a new calendar year as a time for starting over. I have never felt this way. I used to mock the idea in my own way. When someone would ask me if I had resolutions for the new year, I would respond with something such as “I plan to eat more chocolate.” I have since decided that if the turning of the calendar gives someone inspiration to make changes and better themselves, more power to them. It is not for me, however. I see it as just another day. New inspiration comes for me as fall arrives. The cooler temperatures rejuvenate me like a breath of fresh air. I have newfound energy and freshly inspired ideas. If I make changes to my life or take up a new hobby, it is going to be in the fall. I feel like I come alive again. My mind resumes functioning after the shutdown from the heat of summer. Once I’m done planting, weeding, watering, etc., there isn’t much left of me. (Can you tell we don’t have air conditioning?)

Woodland
Woodland view from the trail.

Oh, and when it comes to hiking in the fall, let’s not forget those crunchy leaves. What is your favorite part of fall?

Garden, Therapy Dogs, and Books I Read in August & September 2024

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Rose & Snapdragon

The roses are having a second bloom of activity with the rain and cooler weather. We haven’t had a hard frost yet, so all the plants in the walled garden are still gracing us with beauty. I think the blooms in the fall are twice as sweet. The plants bless us with a last round of activity before the long winter’s sleep.

In addition to gardens, therapy dog work has been keeping me quite busy. I have done more evaluations for potential therapy dogs this year than ever before and I still have three more sessions to go. That’s approximately 30 more dogs! Why so many? Personally, I think there are not as many evaluators around. I need to get Claire tested to be my next therapy dog since Shelby retired. The only evaluation I can find besides my own, is five hours away. I guess it will have to wait until next year. I never felt that Claire was quite ready to test even though she is sweet as punch. She will have to step up and start my next generation of therapy dogs. If she can master that long distance stay (20 ft), we should pass.

I read every day, no matter what. It centers me. So here is my list of completed reading material for the past two months. Occasionally, I start a book and decide it is not for me and return it to the library.

August 2024:

  1. Pets and the City-Dr. Amy Attas (Non-fiction)

This is the most engaging nonfiction book I’ve read in some time. Dr. Attas tells about numerous encounters as a house call vet in Manhattan, including several famous clients-Joan Rivers and Billy Joel are a couple. All the tales are entertaining and it’s fun reading what she encounters. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with this one.

2. East Coasting-Chitnis & Dorazewski (Non-fiction)

What a beautiful book! It tells you about places to visit in the northeastern United States and has wonderful watercolor paintings throughout. It worth reading even if you have no plans to travel.

3. The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club-Helen Simonson

The story is set just after World War I. Constance Haverhill is expected to give up her job, as are so many women of the time, to the men returning from war. She goes to the seaside for the summer as a lady’s companion. While there she meets Poppy Wirral and her group of women who wear pants and run a motorcycle service. Constance finds she also quite likes Poppy’s gruff brother who lost part of his leg during a plane accident. An enjoyable story.

4. Never Leave the Dogs Behind-Brianna Madia (Non-fiction)

Brianna is a social influencer who lives alone in the desert with her four dogs in a small trailer. She is brutally honest in sharing with us, her trials through the demise of her marriage and figuring out her new normal as she searches for who she is now. Of course I thought the best part was her dedication to her dogs.

5. Eruption-Michael Crichton and James Patterson

Although Crichton has passed, he left this partially finished manuscript and his research. It was finished by Patterson. A volcano is going to erupt in Hawaii and it will be the big one. Other factors added to the volcano make this a world threatening event. Volcanologists, the army, and demolition experts work tirelessly before it is too late. An exciting book well worth the read.

Magazines:  Country Living UK edition, Cottages and Bungalows, AARP (2)

September 2024:

  1. The Summer Swap-Sarah Morgan

Lily has escaped to Cape Cod after dropping out of medical school. She is figuring out the next phase of her life while cleaning cottages for the summer. Cecelia is reluctantly back at her Cape Cod cottage hiding from her family and the notoriety of her late artist husband. Kristen, Cecelia’s daughter, shows up at the cottage after walking out on her career-obsessed husband. All have issues they are dealing with and need to decide the direction they want their lives to take. They choose Cape Cod for their ruminations.

2. The Summer Escape-Jill Shalvis

Anna Moore is a private investigator. Her sister Wendy is expecting triplets soon. So of course, this is the perfect time to delve into their father’s past to see if he was a crook after finding a stolen coin in his belongings. It does result in Anna meeting Owen Harris who runs an outdoor adventure business. The coin is one from a collection owned by Owen’s aunt. Anna and Owen start to trust each other and work together on the case. Wendy gives birth to the babies in the midst of the investigation. Another enjoyable Shalvis book with likable characters.

3. How to Be Old-Lyn Slater (Non-fiction)

Good reading on what is expected of the older person and examples of how the author avoided it. This book covers the decade of her 60’s year by year. The author is a social/clothing influencer. There was a lot about the fashion world that I didn’t really care about. After finishing the book, I can say, I wish I had spent my time reading something else. The book is fine, it’s just not my cup of tea.

4. Sandcastle Inn-Irene Hannon

This book is from the Hope Harbor series. Vienna Price loses her career job and goes home to her free spirit mother. Mary Quinn goes to Hope Harbor to help his sister with the rundown B&B she purchased. The two come together to rebrand and spruce up the inn. Both are running from trouble in their lives, as is the young contractor couple who join them on the inn redo. Hope Harbor is the perfect place to contemplate the life changes all are working on. A pleasant read.

5. Four Thousand Paws-Lee Morgan (Non-fiction)

A veterinarian’s tale about being a check point veterinarian for the Iditarod as the dogs race across the Alaskan wilderness. Morgan has been an Iditarod vet for 10 years and worked many different checkpoints to make sure the dogs are healthy. He has anecdotes about the dogs, the mushers, and the Alaskan natives. An informative and fun book.

6. Making Bentwood Trellises, Arbors, Gates, & Fences-Jim Long (Non-fiction)

Gives information about finding flexible wood and various ways of fastening them together. Contains a number of different designs. Good general info to help you come up with your own structures.

7. The Summer We Started Over-Nancy Thayer

The Grant sisters, Eddie and Barrett, are close even though their parents weren’t typical. The family and several friends are all at the new family home on Nantucket for the summer. The sisters are finding men and relationships whether they want to or not. The family loves books but dad’s obsession has reached hoarder status. Enter, Eddie’s boss from New York City. She is a famous author. Dad is a struggling, unpublished author. And then there’s the late brother’s child. Lots of fun relationships in this story.

Magazines:  Down East, Yankee, Country Living (2)

PeeWee the Sheltie

Bringer of Joy

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PeeWee

Time for an update on PeeWee! He has been with us for nearly a year now. He fits in so well that it seems he has always been here. (Read about his arrival here-First Foster Dog This Year! and his trials before he made it into the house Foster Pupdate!) After we lost Baxter unexpectedly to cancer last spring, our home was not the cheery place it used to be. Our pack was older, and Baxter was no longer here to make us laugh with his antics and expressions. PeeWee arrived in the fall and after adjusting to his new surroundings, he started making us laugh again. PeeWee was just two years old when he arrived. Our other dogs are all nine and older. He has livened us all up! He even gets 14 1/2-year-old Shelby to play with him frequently. Of course, her version of playing is to stand rigidly, wagging her tail and smiling while occasionally stomping her paws. It gets her exercise and makes her happy, so it’s all good.

At his six month recheck PeeWee still had high numbers on his Lyme test although it did come down about 100 points. So, he got a second round of doxycycline and will have another recheck in six more months. Mercifully, he shows no symptoms. And he loves getting his antibiotic because it is given in a chicken flavored pill wrap. PeeWee has lost one pound since his last vet visit, but it is no wonder. He jumps on and off the back of the couch about 50 times a day. His new favorite thing is to lay in the windowsill and watch the squirrels in the yard and the cars go by.

PeeWee fills his days with his windowsill antics, banana time, chewing bones, harassing his doggie sister Claire, occasional zoomies, and begging for food. Although this is all well and good, he wants us to resume hiking. We take the summer off from hiking because it is too hot and there are too many biting flies. Also, there is too much work here in the summer with gardening and large projects. PeeWee does not understand this. When it is time for a hike, he will zoom, squeal, and bark when his leash comes out of the closet. He runs to the car. On the drive to the day’s chosen hiking spot, he looks out the window the whole way to the trail head. If he deems the drive to be too long, he starts getting antsy and pacing. Once on the trail, he diligently looks at and sniffs everything he notices. There is no down time, he is on a mission to take in new information!

He also goes in the car with the other dogs for trips to grandma’s house. This is not quite as exciting as hiking, but still cause for constant watching out the car window. His favorite place along the way is a busy intersection where five roads cross with a couple of gas stations and other places of business. There is so much to see here that PeeWee’s little body is tense with concentration and watches all activity and even the excitement of pedestrians! We rarely have pedestrians where we live, so it is quite the novelty for him. There are no sidewalks, and it is rural so very few people ever walk by our house. The city streets are a thing of wonder to him.

In short, we are smitten with PeeWee. He is just so cute that everything he does is adorable. Not that we’re biased. Wink, wink!

PeeWee enjoying the patio.

An Expanding World

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View from my lounge chair.

Summer is the season when my world seems to expand. In so many ways, both good and bad. On the good side, our living area increases. Our patio becomes an extension of our home, and we spend time there, reading, relaxing, drinking a cup of coffee, and occasionally entertaining friends and family. The bad side about my world becoming bigger is the increased work. Weeding, planting, maintaining, and watering. Oh, the watering! It has been exceptionally dry here for so early in the season and I kept putting off watering in the hopes of getting rain. I spent two hours catching up on watering. I’m happy when the growing season starts and I’m also happy when it ends. I guess this is a good balance because it affords me the chance to appreciate each one.

Cassius the greyhound.

This is a place outside where I can take all the dogs with me to relax. (Or while I work in this area too!) All five of our dogs stay confined with the fences. No longer so when I put our dogs in the fenced pasture. Our newest addition and smallest dog, PeeWee can escape the pasture. I’m not sure where he gets out, but he has come running to me a couple times when I am doing yard work and am out of his sight. Apparently, my being out of his range of view is unacceptable. I don’t like to put the dogs in their crates for the amount of time that I spend working outside every day, so I have begun tying PeeWee out on a nylon coated, wire line near wherever I am working. I do have to move him around a little, so he always has shade, but we have a lot of trees, so this is not much of an inconvenience.

PeeWee and Claire enjoying the shade.

Our dogs all love the patio. It gives them a chance to enjoy the outdoors while hanging out with their people. They are trained to stay out of the flowerbeds, even when they see me working in them. They have an opportunity to be in sun or shade and usually move back and forth. They see the fountain as the world’s largest water bowl, even though they have their own in a shady corner. (I don’t leave them unattended in case they fall in although so far this has never happened.) Some of the dogs amuse themselves by watching and chasing chipmunks. Claire will stare at the rock pile for minutes on end. I don’t usually see them, but she knows they’re in there. Even 14 year old Shelby lays on a cool corner of the patio between the raised sandstone beds and lifts her head to give me her beautiful smile from time to time. Being deaf now, she also is keeping tabs on my location to make sure we aren’t going inside. A brief wave of my hand will have her getting up and heading toward the door.

Zinnia

Here is one of the flowers from a recent trip to a greenhouse for annuals. We have many perennials and plants that self-seed. We also plant annuals for variety and to make sure there is always something in bloom. I took my nieces with me the last time I went plant shopping and the zinnia was their pick. I wanted them to be able to participate and have fun too. One of them is attending an afternoon gardening camp soon. How cool is that?!

Variegated begonia

I love all things variegated! If a plant has multi-colored flowers or leaves, it’s likely to go in my basket. Weigelias, roses, petunias, it doesn’t matter. This tendency must be related to my busy mind. It carries over everywhere. I like dogs and cats that are spotted, brindled, and multi-colored. I like food that has many ingredients. My brother is fond of saying I don’t want any food, especially ice cream, unless it has five things in its name. I must admit this is true. I don’t see this variety as a bad thing. It prevents boredom and keeps my mind busy. I like my mind to be stimulated. That’s why my reading is so diverse too. I will read non-fiction, fiction, and memoirs on many subjects although I do admit being partial to mysteries. If you ask me at any point in time, what I am thinking about, the answer will rarely be “nothing”.

Sitting on the futon, staring at the sky.

Sitting on the futon and staring at the sky through the grape arbor always produces dreamy thoughts and inspires new ideas. Alas, this usually results in more work. But we only live this life once so we must make the most of it. May your life be inspired too, my friends!

Progression of a Flowerbed

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Flowerbed on south side of patio.

Gardening starts early if you want good results. The first photo is from today, March 5th. And it is after I spent about an hour each of the past two days cutting dead stalks and flowers from last year. Ok, that’s not quite true because I got distracted today and decided that Claire needed a trim since her fur was so long it caught leaves when we were hiking and dragged on the ground. But we were out there for an hour each day and most of it was spent gardening!

The other two pictures are of the same flowerbed from June 14th of last year. What a transformation three months can make! Most of those plants are perennials, but don’t underestimate the work involved. There is still transplanting, splitting of plants, weeding, fertilizing, pruning, and mulching to be done. And did I mention the weeding, lol? During the summer I dead head and prune my roses about every two weeks. This seems to give the best results.

Our patio garden is completely fenced, so the dogs can come with me while I garden here. Otherwise, I would never get any work done. Cassius the greyhound naps on the patio furniture. The others usually lay on the cold flagstones in the shade, or under the Dawn Redwood. Although Claire is a busy girl and spends time watching the rock pile for chipmunks to chase. All of the dogs learn quickly to stay out of the flowerbeds. I will have to teach PeeWee, our newest addition, this skill. He learns quickly and I don’t anticipate a problem. He is only two and will almost certainly help Claire chase chipmunks.

The pictures of the beds in bloom almost make me ready for the flurry of gardening to come. But not quite. I am still resting. That’s why everything has its season.

    Goals for the New Year

    Country Life, Dogs & Other Animals, Thoughts On Life, , , , , , , , , , ,
    Journal illustration
    Happy 2024!

    Now that all the hubbub from the holidays is dying down, it is setting in that the new year is upon us. I am looking forward to this year being a better one for us as 2023 was rather difficult. And I intend to make it a better one.

    I titled this article Goals for the New Year since I have never been a big fan of making New Year’s resolutions. I always looked at it as a poor excuse not to set goals during the rest of the year. I would make New Year’s resolutions like, “Eat more chocolate”, as my form of protest. I know, what a rebel I am. I have set three goals that I plan to work on this year. We’ll see how far I get. Something is better than nothing, right?

    Goal #1 “Daily writing/journaling for a calendar year perspective.”

    The photo above is the inside cover page of my journal. The journal was a gift from my daughter last year and I can’t think of a better use for it. I have wanted to do some writing and following my life through a year seems appropriate with how tied to the weather our lives are here. What we do each day is very weather dependent. At this time of year, we hike. We check the weather forecast to see when the warmest temperature occurs during the day. We also check the predicted precipitation times. The goal is to stay warm and dry. During the warmer months, this flips, and we look for the cooler hours. The elements also play a part in our choice of trails for the day. Will this affect how muddy the trails are? Does the weather increase the chance for flies? How does this impact which shoes I wear? There is a bit of science to it. It’s not a good idea to just put on sneakers and run out the door.

    The weather affects our daily decisions and when we do what during gardening season too. I suppose we make our daily plans somewhat like farmers do. Infact, maybe we are a sort of farmer, except for our own enjoyment and not for profit. When it’s hot, we work outside in the mornings as much as possible. I try to limit afternoon chores outdoors as I am a baby when it comes to enduring heat. Sometimes it is necessary. Certain tasks can’t wait. If it’s been rainy, you mow when it’s dry, even if it’s 90 degrees.

    Not all of my writing will be about these physical things. I also like to ponder thoughts and emotions, and pretty much anything. Like, why do I sometimes dream that the university is coming to take my college degree back? I once had someone else tell me that they’ve had this dream too. So far, I have missed one day of journaling. Not a biggie. Onward!

    Journal illustration
    Journal illustration

    Goal #2 “Meditate each morning on: being kind AND, how can I spread joy today?”.

    This has been going pretty well. During the brief meditation (I am starting with just two or three minutes), I focus my thoughts on drawing in peace to be stable enough myself, to be able to project positivity to others. Followed by several thoughts of a “Be Kind” mantra. Then I thought about something I might be able to do to spread kindness as I am going about my day. I plan to extend the length of this meditation as the year progresses.

    If I have trouble falling asleep at night, I have begun thinking the mantra of “Be Kind” then too. If I am awake anyway, I may as well put my time to good use. I don’t know if this goal is having any impact on my life or those around me yet. I find it hard to believe that there won’t be at least a few positive experiences from it. I believe kindness makes the world a better place. And we definitely need our world to be a better place right now.

    Goal #3 “Get another one of our dogs certified as a therapy dog.”

    This goal is totally different from the other two, but I still deem it a very worthy one. Shelby is still certified with Therapy Dogs International and works occasionally. I don’t work her very often because she will be 14 years old next month. She is still very happy to be working with mom when I do take her on a visit. I used to have hopes that Zekie would be my next therapy dog, but his anxiety never receded to a level where I can trust him to be reliable to my commands. He is very obedient, and I believe he could probably pass the test tomorrow. That still does not mean he would be a good therapy dog. He is obedient to my commands, but I must give him commands all the time. If I did not anticipate an inappropriate action, it could be a problem.

    I think the next dog I will try to train to pass the test is Claire. She will not be an easy dog to train for the required exercises, but I think we can do it. She is slow to respond to training. She is not stupid, she just doesn’t seem to understand what she is told. Either that or she just doesn’t want to do it. We will get there. One of my biggest qualms about using her for therapy work, or anything else, is the fact that she gets car sick if we drive more than about six miles. That’s why I don’t take her to my brother’s or my daughter’s homes. She would be well behaved once there but would get sick along the way. Claire also has a penchant for waiting until we are pulling into the driveway of our destination and get sick as I put the car in park. Other than hiking the only place Claire gets to go is grandma’s because it’s not very far.

    We have a storm heading our way and I see giant snowflakes out my window. The winds are starting to kick up and I’ve received an email from the electric company on how prepare for possible power outages. I should see about making dinner now. Just in case.

    Happy belated New Year to you all. May your resolutions, if you make them, be going well!

    Therapy dog
    Shelby spreading joy at an elementary school while we read to the kids.

    Books I Read in July 2023 (& some gardening thoughts)

    Books & Reading, Cooking, Country Life, Gardens, , , , , ,
    Flowers
    Flowers in the garden.

    This photo sums up a large part of the reason why I have been behind on posting my lists of books read. Watering, weeding, fertilizing, pruning and deadheading. That’s why. With this post I will be caught up. At least until the calendar flips at the end of the month. So follows my list of books read for July.

    1. Forever and a Day-Jill Shalvis

    Grace Brooks arrives in Lucky Harbor to figure out what will make her life happy. Answering an accidental call from Dr. Josh Scott, she agrees to be the dog walker and then temporary nanny to his five year old son. Grace takes care of the son Toby and paraplegic sister Anna. Grace is there for Josh too. Some families are built rather than born and they are worth the work.

    2. Send a Ranger-Tom Habecker (Non-fiction)

    A summary of a 32 year career as a ranger serving the National Parks system. From Washington D.C. to Gettysburg, then Yosemite to Glacier to Denali National Park, it was quite a career. The book covers day to day functions such as maintenance, law enforcement, and rescues. The author also shared the beauty and grandeur of the scenery and wildlife.  It was interesting to hear what the life of a ranger is really like.

    3. OMFG, Bees!-Matt Kracht (Non/fiction)

    A hand-illustrated guide with everything you ever wanted to know about bees. The drawings are adorable and the information is presented in a lighthearted, funny way.

    4. Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year-Rochelle Bilow

    Ruby quits her high-powered job and moves to Scotland for a year to write a cookbook. She rents a tiny cottage and helps with cooking at the adjacent local pub to help pay her rent. Ruby becomes part of the local community and feels that she has come home, especially after meeting a village Scotsman. It was fun being immersed in this bit of Scottish life.

    5. The Café at Beach End-RaeAnne Thayer

    Meredith Collins is trying to get her life in order after her ex-husband swindles many people out of their retirement savings. Most people feel she was involved even though she was as surprised as everyone else. Meredith moves from Chicago to a small beach cottage she inherited from her grandmother. It’s all she has left. Her estranged cousin Tori still lives nearby. Her undercover neighbor is looking for clues as to where Meredith’s ex-husband hid the money before he died in prison. Lots of storylines going on here. It made for an enjoyable read.

    6. Subpar Parks-Amber Share (Non-fiction)

    This book is humorous, informative, and has nice graphic art. Each of America’s National Parks has a chapter starting with the worst and most humorous review. Ie. Crater National Park,”Just something to look at and leave”. I think some people should just stay home. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and learned a lot about our parks.

    Magazines:  Dogster, Cottages and Bungalows, The English Home, AARP, Country Living, Down East

    Garden veggies
    Yesterday’s vegetables!

    This picture also illustrates the comment about why I am behind with posting my book lists and posting in general. I gave about half of these away to my daughter and mother-in-law. This evening, we are having sweet and sour eggplant with peppers and a few green beans served on Jasmine rice for dinner.

    I keep four different varieties of rice on hand. Jasmine, brown Basmati, long grain, and short grain. They all have a different taste and texture that makes them preferable for different dishes. Sometimes, I buy long grain and wild rice too. Not bad for a girl whose only exposure to rice growing up was the occasional Minute Rice for our canned La Choy “Chinese food”. My tastes have expanded from when I was growing up and our winter vegetables consisted of canned corn, peas, or green beans. I don’t think our family was all that unusual for the times. The variety of foods that we have now were not as readily available then. At least not where I lived. This may be part of the reason I enjoy growing and cooking such a wide range of things now.

    My friends, I hope you are enjoying the bounty of summer as well. Until next time…Peace be with you.

    The Gardens Are Going into High Production!

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    Monday’s Garden Bounty

    This is what I harvested from our vegetable garden on Monday. Two beets, two types of cucumbers, and a Genovese zucchini. I planted the garden right after Memorial Day which is a little late for us. Everything above was planted from seed. There are a few vegetables we buy plants to put in since there are some things, I just do not have success with from seed. I needed to replant the squash as I think the crows ate the first round. This is the first year we have tried the Genovese squash. They are delicious. A little sweeter than the standard dark green ones.

    Candy Striped Beets

    The beet seeds I planted are from a specialty mix from Pinetree Gardens. I never know which beets I will have until they are near harvest since they are different types all thrown into one seed packet. I think this makes it more fun! Our first two beets were both of the striped variety which I also think is fun. They are a little milder than the dark red beets. Whatever the case, these two are gone. We ate them for supper that evening along with the greens. My husband and I both agree that beets greens are the best greens. I usually have so many greens that I boil them down to put in the freezer. They are a wonderful addition to soups, stews, and rice dishes in the cold winter months.

    Wednesday’s Haul from the Garden

    Output is picking up. I spent about an hour picking vegetables yesterday before I went to the grocery store to get away from the heat. I made a big batch of green beans, potatoes, and ham. We gave some green beans to the neighbors. I still had beans left and will be due to pick again tomorrow. That’s ok, I like to have some in the freezer. And folks, that is one day’s picking of cucumbers. I have made two batches of refrigerator pickles thus far with more on the horizon. We also have another crook neck squash that is ready. along with our first eggplant of the year. I don’t have good luck with the full-size eggplant. They take too long to mature. I planted the Japanese variety that are long and slender which do much better here.

    Some of the garden vegetables are ready pretty much anytime we want to eat them. I just leave them in the garden until we want them. Green onions, cabbage, Swiss Chard, lettuce, arugula, beets, and turnips. They store better in the garden than in the refrigerator.

    Peruvian Lily

    And last but not least, I wanted to share a few flowers with you. The Peruvian Lily is a plant that we wintered over in an upstairs bedroom. It was sad and pitiful looking by the time we took it back outdoors in the late spring. It appears to be quite happy now and is covered with buds. We may try something different next winter. Rather than attempting to keep plants going through the winter, we want to try putting them in the basement and letting them go dormant. I will have to report back on how that goes. Hopefully it will not be a failed experiment.

    Hollyhock

    I get a kick out of this hollyhock. All of my hollyhocks had fungus or hollyhock rust for the past couple years, so I thought I was out of business with them. I planted them from seed several years ago. Now that we are several generations into production, they have started coming up in different beds and seem to have avoided the fungus this way. At least for now. This particular plant amuses me because it grew up beside our pear tree. And grew. And grew. Up into the leaves and out of sight. You could see the buds and flowers for a while. It finally bent over in its search for sunlight and now we can enjoy it. (By the way, the pear tree was called lefty for a long time because it only had branches on one side. Thank heavens it has filled in.)

    Hydrangea

    We have an entire bed full of hydrangea bushes and generally have many big heads of beautiful flowers. There are nine bushes in one raised bed. Well, my friends who comment on how everything always does wonderfully for us, this last photo is for you. Out of all those hydrangeas, this is the ONLY bloom we have this year! So, there you go, lol. Seriously, all gardeners have successes and failures. It’s a metaphor for life. Things don’t go right for anyone all the time. Make the most of your successes and promote those. I assume no one wants to see pictures of my plum trees riddled with Japanese beetle holes, or my stick of a rose plant with no blooms.

    Peace to you, my friends.