Diggin' It

Thanks for Dinner Teri & Mike!






















1) Shy Poppie
2)Gooslings
3) Rats with wings
4) Pretty flamingos coming out of the box
5)Mindy basking in sunshine
6) Keri Ann & Jacoby

According to our wacky weather prognosticators, Sunday was expected to be cloudy, cool, damp, and dreary (CCDD). Imagine my sunny disposition when I woke to see nothing but clear blue skies overhead and as far as the eye could see. I was elated.

The road and walks were more than a little wet, and the pond level was high, too. I imagined how heavily it must’ve rained overnight. Come to think of it, I believe that I heard it splattering against the house. I prepped some coffee and then began my exercise routine. I noticed all of the annuals I bought last evening, which now rested on the deck, where dripping wet. Good!

Ykraps and I walked westward. While it was a little breezy & cool, it was a very lovely sunrise. I took my camera along for the walk. I got several shots of Ykraps, the sunrise, and of my new flowers. Back inside for coffee I deliberately stayed quiet in an attempt not to bother Mindy. I enjoyed my quiet time before finally checking on her well being. She was fine. Soon I headed out for my run. It was a lovely run and for the most part pain free. Still a little stiff.

The brilliant sunshine held out. I was very excited. A check of the forecast now revealed an otherwise sunny day. And to think, I almost turned around on my way to Strader’s yesterday evening after hearing the rainy forecast for Sunday. I remember thinking then that it was highly likely they’d blow it again and if I didn’t buy the flowers and they were wrong, I’d be sorry. Besides, if push came to shove, I knew that I could plant in the rain.

I chose to stay in my running attire for the day’s planting exercise. Not only is it warm, it’s comfy, too. Mindy asked for a few things before I headed out. I had my cell phone in tow just in case she needed me. I was a good soldier and turned my ringer on – something I rarely do.

I started out front with the begonias. I planted the entire flat in the bed between my 25’ foot blue spruce and sweetgum tree. Fully immersed in my work, Mindy beckoned. She was upset that she’d been hollering for me with no response. I reminded her that I was just outside the bedroom window and all she had to do was call my phone. She needed a refill of water. Next, I planted about 2/3s a flat of Impatiens in the shady spot out front of my taxus yews and boxwoods. Given that I had almost 2.5 flats of Wave petunias remaining, I continued their proliferation in the eastern-most front flower bed.

The front beds now done, I moved around back. Before digging in, I went in to check on Mindy. She was ready to come down the stairs after shower. I helped her down. She came out on the deck to absorb some of the brilliant sunshine. I warned her that it was deceptively chilly. It was still in the 50’s. Still, the sunshine was so bright that it really warmed the air. She covered herself with two blankets. I started out back by repotting the four hanging geranium baskets into my own hanging baskets. That went well, and they looked awesome. I was excited about getting them hung. Mindy liked them, too. I also arranged my two pink flamingos in the willow tree bed. I wasn’t so sure how she’d feel about them, but she liked them, too. They really look cool!

I spent the next hour planting potted geraniums amongst my Wave petunias. I planted white geraniums on the same side where I planted white petunias, and the red with the red. That turned out really nice last summer so I repeated the look.

I took a short break before starting on the vegetables. This time I placed all of the tomato cages and plastic support poles before actually sinking the plants. Smart move! I planted six of the sixteen tomato plants I bought. But I planted at least one of all four varieties: Pink Girl, First Lady, Jet Star, & La Roma. That’ll be plenty. I’ll give the others to friends and family. After tomatoes, I moved onto planting peppers. From experience, I decided to use tomato cages for my bell peppers, too. They get top heavy once they begin bearing fruit. I planted lots of peppers; Bell, Caribbean hot, Habanera, Chili, & Gypsy. Because each tray came with only one label, I was left to rummage through the trash can for several of the flower labels I pitched a bit earlier. I then fetched an indelible marker and wrote the pepper names on ‘em so I wouldn’t forget which type was where. Smart - eh!

I was beat. All the kneeling, digging, and planting took it out of me. Not to mention what it does to my sore arse! Jimaken brought the kids home around 2pm. We weren’t sure how that would go, but it went fine. Jacob hadn’t seen his mommy since Tuesday evening. After a brief exchange of hugs and kisses both kids went off with their friends.

Our good neighbors, Teri & Mike called to tell us that they were providing dinner – Italian. Too cool! However, arrangements were already in place for me to take Bella to Gloria’s. Not only was she headed over for Sunday dinner, but also to spend the night. This would make Monday morning’s routine much easier on everyone. While I was dropping Bella off at Gloria’s, Mindy’s good friend Keri stopped by for a visit. I hadn’t seen Keri in months. She was recently engaged and announced that her wedding would be this coming August in the Florida Keys. What’s even better, we’re invited.

Keri stayed for dinner. She probably stayed until 7pm or so. After Keri left, Jacob and I got in the hot tub. I needed it more for ass therapy. Jacoby used it as his quasi-bath. We called it a day early. Mindy was in bed by 9pm, or perhaps even earlier. I joined her not too much later.