I was so heartened to see the sun this morning! After three dark days of severe storms, I was whining that I’d never seen such torrential rains in all my born days, and now I am validated to find that I never had. Eville received about 4.5 inches of rain – or up to 6 inches in some areas – over the last 3 days, which broke a century-old daily rainfall record yesterday. This morning another downpour moved through, dropping 3/4 inch!
I moved most of the containers in from the garden after the first day of monsoon.
As you would expect, this will delay some fruiting in the Edible Garden, but their foliage is dandy.
The only visible damage from the onslaught is in the Peace/Bird Garden, where the hollyhocks broke over.
Many flower petals are on the ground, but the the phlox shines on.
The storms have moved on now, and the sun is serving up a sweltering, sweaty, heatwave as the mud dries. We’ll be opening up the pool area and staying as cool as we can.
The gardens are keeping us busy here at the Acres.
I guess I won’t be starting a separate blog for the gardens. The days are just flying by, filled with graduations, recitals, healthcare visits, and actual Work in the Gardens, so I’ll just have to share its progress here. One never knows, but at this juncture it’s shaping up to be one of my best efforts.
Yesterday morning Samantha and I rolled out early for the Willard Library Book Sale. That afternoon the whole fam came together for Nova’s singing recital.
It is our annual tradition to see how long we can put off turning on our air conditioning. We do this partly because we are cheap and don’t want a big utility bill, but I think it’s an old-person thing…I like to tell our kids and grandkids about how we didn’t have air conditioning back in our day, how we toughed it out sitting in front of fans that could cut our hands off if we reached into the cage, and slept on the basement floor (the best coolant) on a pallet to survive. Maybe you had a/c in your home, but my dad truly believed he caught colds from window units, so it was 1967 when we finally moved to a home with central air. Anyway, the humidity is horrible and I am a heavy sweat-er, but I consider it training for our upcoming visit to Disney World in Florida.
Yes, we’re headed back to Disney, specifically to ride the newly-updated Buzz Lightyear Space Command in Magic Kingdom and the revamped Rockin’ Rollercoast, now featuring the Muppets over at Hollywood Studios. The Great Thunder Mountain Railway is another “new” coaster over at MK; it used to be like the old wooden rollercoasters, but they’ve put in all new track to make it smoother. At Epcot, they switched the Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure from 3D to 2D, so I’d like to check that out, and the Carousel of Progress is going to shut down in a month to upgrade, so I need to refresh my memory of the current one.
Recently I’ve been asked by a couple of folks if I still ride the rides. We have ridden every ride there and there are some I won’t ride again (I’m looking at you, Tower of Terror), but most of them I’m up for. This trip we’ll only be there for three days, so we’ve prioritized the aforementioned rides and have plans to crawl through some resort lounges, eat some good food, and drink fancy drinks. We have Lightning Lane passes for Our favorite-of-all-time-ride, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, to wrap up our trip on Wednesday. Despite the oppressive weather this time of year, we will be having a great time – I know where the air conditioning is!
I’m still coughing, dammit, so started a round of steroids to see if we can get this thing under control.
I hope you’re enjoying these last weeks of weeks of Spring in your neck of the woods.
It was a beautiful Memorial Day for our Cemetery Tour last Monday. I had prepared decorations for my Grandmamas this year, lovely yellow rose bouquets with sturdy stands, but neglected the Grandpapas, kind of, because there are always flags everywhere. I stick with the original concept of “Decoration Day” to visit graves and celebrate our ancestors, and since the Veterans have dominated our idea of who is actually buried in these places, I especially wanted to commemorate the lives of all the Women who have come before me.
So we set out, stopping first at Lick Prairie Cemetery, where my 3x great-grandfather, Benjamin Franklin Mayne, is buried. B.F. was not a veteran and the lady who is buried with him is not my grandmother, but is his fourth wife (he outlived them all), but I was going to leave her a bouquet. The Mayne Family Plot, stretching a couple of rows along the front, also has most of B.F.’s sons and daughters, the oldest grave from around 1898. As I strolled along the immaculate graveyard, I remembered that B.F.’s third wife, Frances, the grandmother who actually raised his children after their mothers’ deaths, was buried up in the Old Lancaster Cemetery. With all due respect to Phoebe, Frances deserved my Grandmother Bouquet.
So Off we drove, about 3 miles down the road, to visit a grave I hadn’t seen in decades and offer up a token of my appreciation for being such a Strong Woman. Alas! The Old Lancaster Cemetery is 7/8 illegible stones. This is why I want my ashes spread; the Living just can’t keep up with the Dead.
Casey and I both have enjoyed restoring stones for our family in Ohio and down at the Marion Cemetery (which we visited next). The job at Lancaster is overwhelming, and we don’t even know where our people are actually buried. However, we will be giving it some thought. In the meantime, we said some prayers over all the pioneers buried there, then tooled on down to pay our respects to our other grands.
Parkersburg, Oak Hill Cemetery, grave of Joseph and Mary KinkadeParkersburg, Oak Hill Cemetery
The next day when we arrived for our appointment at the car dealership, I didn’t realize that it would be the last time that I drove Silvia, our 2010 Dodge Caravan. We have never traded in a vehicle before, always able to get a decent price by selling it ourselves, but this one needed brake work before I could pass it on in good conscience, so…
We bought this relic 145,000 miles ago, and her first trip was to NYC to get 5-year-old Emma for a month-long visit with us. I’d been driving a Mustang convertible and the growing number of grandchildren being born convinced me I needed more passenger room. So it was that she became the Camp Sonnystone Bus and our main travel vehicle. She served us well, though her long-distance travel days were sidelined by the travel trailer and Goldie. After we sold Goldie, we still took her on down to Disney and up to Chicago, but she was on her last legs, using oil and doing some wheezing. Still, I was sad to see her go.
My new car is an actual car and I’m still adjusting. Her name is Patsy and she is sleek, slim, and showing off a sunroof, leather seats, and all that computer hoop-la in cars these days. I haven’t driven it much, yet, but we’ll be taking her down to Disney in a couple of weeks and I’ll fill you in on the details.
We finished up the garden, planting green beans and zinnias just two days ago. Rains have been intermittent and really perfect for spring watering.
This spell of relaxation, when my work is done and it’s now the work of the plants to grow and fruit, is one of my favorite times of the year. Sitting on the front-porch swing or being very quiet around the firepit, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the breathtaking beauty of nature and our place in it.
I hope you have enjoyed your day as much as I have! The Edible Garden is nearly all planted! We have planted 6 cucumber plants, 8 cantaloupe, 4 butternut squash, 6 zucchini, 6 yellow squash, 2 pineapple sage, 2 bee balm, 6 basil, 1 lemon verbena, 2 chive, 6 tomatoes, and 3 blanket flower. I’m waiting a bit longer to put in my bell peppers, and I have yet to buy my green beans. I have marigolds and nasturtium ready to be tucked in here and there.
I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Mothers’ Day than in the garden, mothering the earth. Both of the progeny called to chat. Melissa sent me a 50mm lens for my Nikon and I’m going to start a new photography project soon. I’m dirty and tired and the day has been gorgeous.
Here’s a bit of mushy Mothers’ Day message from 2020…
I read an article the other day: 10 Unforgettable Literary Moms. I came away with one quote that resonated my heart.
It’s a quote from Toni Morrisson’s deeply haunting book “Beloved”. I confess, I didn’t get very far into the book before I set it down. It was a glimpse into a world that is so disturbing and painful that it caused me pain, too. I’ve always said I’ll get back to it when the Time is right because there is something to learn about suffering from it. At any rate, here’s the quote from Sethe, whose tragic past has complicated her relationship with her daughter, 18-year-old Denver. Despite all of Sethe’s problems, she is a Mother.
Grown don’t mean a thing to a mother. A child is a child. They get bigger, older, but grown? What’s that supposed to mean? In my heart, it don’t mean a thing.
She’s not talking about “raising” a child here. She’s talking about the ineffeable feeling of Being a Mother. There are no words, though I’ve just spent an hour trying to write some. It is Mystical Spiritual Love that is instinctively protective and nurturing. It doesn’t change just because your children reach a certain age.
It’s not about the Love you receive from your children. It’s not about what a Good Mother you are or aren’t. It’s about that Spirit that enters you when you give birth, committing you to a Lifetime of Support to your creation.
I know that some mothers don’t feel it and I’m sad for them and their children. Most of us, though, have been Blessed by that Love. Now that my kids are parents, they, too, know that Ever-Present Love and Caring for their kids.
It doesn’t change, no matter how much anger or sadness has found its way into your lives. It is Forever and Always.
It isn’t easy, this mothering thing. We try our best to keep sight of that inexpressible Love when times are trying, but ain’t nobody perfect. The Perfect Mother is one who has done her Best…and that’s all of us…and that’s Good Enough.
They are still my children, my babies. In my heart, they never are Grown, but I sure do respect them as Adults. They are Good People. I love being their Mom and am so grateful. (I really like those grandkids, too, but that’s yet another Indescribable Love!)
Last week was quite the week for healthcare around the acres. Casey’s double hernia repair went very well; of course, it hurt and the pain meds are a blessing and a curse. On his surgery day, I was sick as a dog, coughing, sniffing, and eyes so watery I could hardly open them, but I bravely wore a mask and did my duty. The next days are a blur of care-giving for both of us, but by Thursday I was feeling much better and Michael came by to do a few chores for us. The husband was going through his “will I ever poop again?” phase and I threatened him with an enema until he pushed through on Saturday. I’m nothing but supportive with my patients…
On Saturday, my favorite plant store opened and I was the first one through the doors. Within 30 minutes, the lines were an hour long, and though I managed to get tomatoes and peppers, herbs and some flowers, the crowds were so deep I couldn’t really buy everything I need. That’s okay, we’ve got a while to go before this stuff goes in the ground.
The Peace/Bird Garden, however, is another story. My current favorite perennial there is garden phlox, which happens to also be a fave of the deer, so several weeks back I dug it all up, planning to put it in the back fenced garden. Somehow, I managed to leave in the phlox and dug up three coneflower plants instead. By the time I figured this all out, the phlox in the ground had grown quite quickly, so yesterday I got out and re-arranged the garden, adding one more phlox and re-planting the coneflower. I’ve got allium (a member of the onion family) all around the perimeter, hoping to discourage the deer and I have a few other tricks up my sleeve…
Whilst digging and moving, I moved just wrong and ended up laying on a heating pad most of the day yesterday. No, I did not take any of Casey’s pain pills… It’s somewhat better today, but I’m taking it easy.
The weather in these parts shows super temps from 50s to 80s for the next two weeks, but I’m so skeptical. I judge by my experience with Kentucky Derby Day, the first Saturday in May (5/2 this year) and more often than not we’re wearing coats with our hats, so I’m holding back planting my warm-weather crops for now. My peas and onions are doing great and my potatoes are peeping up, too.
Casey has his follow-up appointment with the surgeon this Friday. Until then, we’re free and I plan to visit as many local garden spots as I can.
Sorry to make you wait for this rather plain missive. Hope you’re feeling well where you are.
It’s been a busy week here at the Acres. We added fresh mulch all around the house foundation beds, rearranged some perennials in the Peace/Bird Garden, and planted peas, onions, and potatoes.
EVSC was on Spring Break, so I spent some time with Samantha – always a treat!
Thanks to my cousin Lori, I got to meet (on facetime) her granddaughter, Saylor Reese Deig, a most adorable little doll-baby, who cooed and smiled and is obviously brilliant!
Today we met up with the Juniors and had a nice lunch, an early Easter get-together. I always forget to take pictures at these things, but take my word for it, we are all darling af.
Now we’re packing up for our trip up North for the Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne 2026 aka World Irish Dance Championships. It’s being held in Schaumburg, Illinois, about six hours from here, and we’re so excited to be there! Eliza dances on Tuesday and Emma on Friday.
The weather looks absolutely hideous, cold, wet, windy, brrr, so I’ve given up any idea of walking much, but we will Definitely be going to the Art Institute of Chicago ! I can hardly wait to see “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte”, the backdrop for the Sondheim musical “Sunday in the Park with George”.
The Art Institute also owns “Nighthawks at the Diner” and currently there is a fabulous exhibit of works by Henri Matisse!
We’ll be returning by next Saturday, so I’ll get you caught up on our trip next Sunday…unless, of course, one of the girls actually Wins the World Championship, or comes in top 10, in which case, I’ll post a quick Breaking News Report. Wouldn’t that be great?
I hope Spring is springing in your neck of the woods.
Okay, it’s true, I lied. I did not get around to starting the new garden blog last week. I have several justifications for delaying its launch, but mostly I was busy with other stuff. I had my annual physical and I must brag that I passed my mini-mental exam with flying colors! St. Patrick’s Day is a Family Holiday with us, so the feast was feasted on Tuesday. It was a jolly day, and followed so quickly by Ostara and its accompanying menu, I’ve been an absolute Bacchus. So I didn’t get any blog blogged…
But if I had posted anything, it would look like this…
Growing Every Season
It’s been a most wonderful start to the season of renewal, rebirth! Up with the dawn to greet the sun, I could feel a resurgence of energy.
We spent the day playing outside. Casey finished the new garden beds and filled them with garden soil and the earthy smell of manure wafted in the breeze. I brought out the over-wintered plants and started cleaning out the shed.
Later on, we had a lovely quiche and asparagus, washed it down with cider, and went down to the firepit to relax and light a fire.
We cannot see the sun set from the grove where the fire blazed, but 12 hours and 6 minutes after Ol’ Sol rose in the east, he set in the West.
If I had written it, it would go something like that, and end with
…Keep on Growing…
When I finally get that blog going, you’ll be the first to know. We’re trying to get as much heavy work done as we can before we leave for Chicago on the 30th, so we’re super grateful for such balmy weather!
Hope you’re having a lovely day in your neck of the woods!
There’s nothing like a trip to Rural King to get you in the Spring planting mood. Monday morning I bought an excessive amount of seeds for both early starts and my countertop garden, and grabbed up a houseplant.
Casey got his pressure washer delivered and my back porch has been transformed.
Check out my new raised beds. He’s tilling them today and we’ll get a load of soil next week.
I spent a lot of last week following up on what I’d spent the week before thinking/stewing about. In the last decade, we’ve all seen families torn apart by politics/religion, and one of them was my birth family. You know, if you’ve been paying attention, that after the last election I turned it off, changed my habit of living in the internet world of “news”, but one can hardly avoid the fact that he’s started a war. I don’t know if that’s why, or is it something else, but many americans are beginning to see him in a different light.
So it was that a couple of the estranged-ers reached out to me (after 10 years!), a little embarrassed and even ashamed, kind of like they woke up… I have grieved losing these dearly-loved people, and once I was sure that they were sincere, my family and I opened our circle. We stepped back and made room for more Love. We are Family and we’ll do whatever it takes to hold each other up, to help us get through.
I hope we’ve reached a tipping point somehow and more and more of us come together to repair what has been so tragically broken in our country and in our hearts.
Looking ahead…
We’re expecting a hard freeze Monday and Tuesday, so we’re preparing some covers for our roses. We’ve lost the first buds for the last two years! But my lovely forsythia have got their blooming done…
I don’t care if the Irish like it or not, I’m having corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes on St. Paddy’s Day. This year, I’m adding a new dessert: Lucky Charms Treat Bars, which should be magically delicious.
Then there’s Ostara, the Vernal Equinox, the #1 day of Spring. That involves quiche, green salads, baked bread.
Though the garden does have some green beans still to be harvested, it’s pretty much done and dusted for this year. I’ve figured out a lot, learning from both my mistakes and my successes, and plans are underway for an even more spectacular garden next year.
June
sweet cherry 100s
June
July
butternut squashsweet cherry 100s
July
August
August
September
What the September gardens lack in fruit, they make up for in flowers…
While the Peace/Bird garden’s seem like their blooms are gone, the birds still spend considerable time munching on the black cone remains, and will continue to throughout the winter…
Autumn is still teasing us with heat, but we’ve had a lot of rain and the temps are dropping, so I’m hoping for a colorful display of leaves this year.
We’ll be in Disney World for a week, leaving 10/10, but we have some plans to divide and move some perennials upon our return. At the end of every garden season, we plan for the next!
Hope the flowers are blooming in your neck of the woods..!
We met up with the Jrs at Ellis Park last Sunday for the final race of the season. I can’t win a bet to save my life, but Casey did alright, as did Samantha!
I had surgery on Tuesday to re-center my left optical lens and it went well. This time around the anesthesia left me drugged for a couple of days, more than in the past. Maybe I’m just getting old? After my follow-up appointment on Wednesday, we walked over to the downtown Market on Main. I’ve been meaning to visit since it started up in June, however, it doesn’t look like I’ve been missing much.
Anyway, I did drag around the garden, trimming and uprooting, harvesting, and arranging. Fall is in the air, and both gardens are finishing up their service.
My son, Michael, will be 44 on Wednesday, but we’re celebrating today at our usual celebrating place, so I’ll cut this missive short.
The News from Sonnystone Acres 