IN Carmel

 Today started weather wise with sun and no rain, then rain, then a sliver of sun again and ended with a whimper of not much of anything else. It was off to church arriving at 8:30 sort of like it was a soup kitchen community meal making day.  No way that was on my plate,  if you remember.  The sun was shining in the east window of the sanctuary bringing a magical touch that I've seen often when preparing for Easter. often before workers arrive.  It's a wonderful treat for the eyes and heart.  Most of the black came down.  Well, all I could reach and then the beginning of preparing the altar area with flowers and banner for tomorrow's celebration of He has risen.  My silent contribution before the crew arrived..  I moved to doing a few other last minute things in the chapel and then the Oehler's and Goetzinger's and Dot Owen appeared.  Later and I could say almost to late, and then late for sure, a few other folks appeared when we were c...

 Big surprise...I thought this was going to be a week of rest with rain for most days.  It didn't work out that way.  Another beautiful day gifted.  Or was it really a gift I needed.  The morning started with a walk around after all the usuals and true to form, out came the garden tools.  Eventually they were joined by the garden cart and then one big blue.   It was time for work on the east side of the house otherwise known as the front.  I think a few weeks back it got a raking but it sure needed and received more than a raking today.  There was digging, pulling, raking and transplanting.  Then came cutting apart clumps that needed dividing followed with replanting.  Woo.  Lots accomplished but I'll add...NOT FINISHED!  But we're on the way.                        R ock moved, plants divided and hopefully most of the weeds have disappeared.  ...

                         Red Bud trees are in full bloom.  Beautiful, Beautiful against the pine tree green.  I knew it would come...that's a good night of sleep!  It's just a little allusive. The day proved to be interesting.  I checked the garden and started with an idea of cleaning a little space. That took until 11:30. I guess the space wasn't so little.  But with all the cover gone the weeds were exposed and deposited where the garden wagon was located.  It was a great way to start the day with the birds singing and all seemed well with the world.                                                                                   Lilac...

 We have been gifted a gray rainy day.  The outside world is loving it.  The green is greener and what was small yesterday has grown a bit today.  There seems to be a bit of spring in the Spring even though we might not think so.  And true to expectations, the Lenten Roses moved yesterday are feeling so much better.  The agenda for the morning included a trip to church with the to do sheet full.  The last of the Palm Sunday, Easter flowers bills were submitted.  I always feel so good when that has been completed.  Then I moved on to more Saturday preparation for the worker bees.  What happened Monday and today will make Saturday so much easier. Banners for the sanctuary, narthex and west entrance were selected.  Processional banners were put together ready to be placed Saturday.                                      ...

 Today was a home day and a Y day.  Late afternoon we added an Uber. It was a perfect day for working in the garden.  So that kept me very busy.  The energy bucket was full and refilling it wasn't hard at all with a protein drink.  There is something about Spring air, sunshine and a great wind now and then along with finding surprises to keep one on the go.  It could have been a kite day if one had a kite.  That is for a few hours.  Kites and a March wind that comes and goes is sometimes big time frustration.                         First view of the 2026 milkweed.  Now for the Monarchs.  Let's have some caterpillars.  Today's biggie in the garden was looking for wild strawberry plants.  And there were many.  Wild seem to take over if left alone robbing the other plants of water.  So they had to go.  I found new little starts of so many th...

 Today!  Different in a lot of ways but the same in a lot of ways.  Another crazy night of sleep. That seems to be the same.  Michigan family gone.  So different.  But being with friends...that was the same and wonderful.                            All three Rue plants are back with us again.  They are the perfect spot for Swallowtail                                           Butterflies to lay their eggs.  Their babies love Rue. The same can be said of dill.                                                   More lettuce has appeared and people should be well salad in a few weeks. Morning stuff...