Friday

 The day started with a hoot!  The owls are back.  In fact, I think there were two different kinds.  One sounded like a hooter and the other could have been a little screech owl.  What a wonderful way to start the day.  It was my reward for getting up early. Then there was all the usual stuff that went well making it a very good morning.  

                                            Looks like a lot of fun at Michigan State.

I've been thinking for quite some time what I wanted to do with the garden beds next year.  The decision was more annuals like zinnias, bachelor buttons, marigolds and more cosmos. Common ordinary flowers but a little more work with planting annuals. That meant that some of the Black Eyed Susans had to go.  And some  Autumn Joy succulents didn't look so well. They needed a new beginning.  This was the morning to start.  The ground was easy and the temperature was perfect. Before calling it a day I worked in three different beds making changes for next summer's planting.

The back of the flowerbed ready for seeds.  

A few more rocks to line the bed and a lot of space behind the flowers for more flowers.  Little short stiff stems of Autumn Joy are at the back of the worked ground with B E Susans bringing up the rear. The previous Susans are in the BB. In another week or two the tall zinnias and marigolds will be gone. 

Susans ended in the B B.  The succulents were dug, divided, and replanted with a bucket full left over.  There was some new strengthening of one bed to align with the house with lots of new places for flowers for pollinators to find what they needed.  We've got to love those bees and butterflies. I think there will be plenty of Susans left to show off their pretty black eyes.

Once again the have-a-heart trap came through with another little friend trapped.  Doug took him to the woods at the park where he would find more friends to play with.  

                It's been several months since we've had a visitor.  The trap is always set to welcome                                                             any who happens to walk across the trigger bar. 

The knee held out well with work and rest, PT, and ice.  Woo. The back and hands needed a little oiling tonight. Sore muscles are a small price to pay for clean air and a sunny day outside. It makes me ready for planting time again and something to occupy my mind during the cold winter months.  

The bonus of working in the garden was seeing lots of painted lady butterflies.  There were a LOT!

I took many pictures trying to clear up the body of the butterfly and then realized their bodies were really fuzzy. I have not seen any Monarchs for a couple of days but Painted Ladies have taken their place.  

One B B is full and I'm sure there will be more before next Wednesday.  Did some texting with my grandson Jacob, and watched some TV.  Went through all the PT in the afternoon and once again in the evening.  Another great day of living for the most part outside with dirty fingernails and my favorite shovel getting ready for the summer of 2024.  Life is good. 

Lantana for Dee.  I saw smoke coming from the marbles this afternoon.  It seems that the sun shining through the Gazing Ball was focused to a point melting the plastic dish under the marbles.  Science demonstration I would say. Campfire starter if the sun is out!  The ball weighs at least 15 lb. We'll stick to matches.