Eagle Eyes

David, one of my fellow birders, sent me this link. It's from the Norfolk Botanical Garden, and it's an eagle cam. It shows a nest with 3 young babies, just hatched beginning March 13th, each two days apart. It's moderated during the day by a really informative moderator. And it's highly addictive. And by that I don't mean during working hours, because that would be a violation of the workplace policy. --Laura

Wacky Wednesday

So a few weeks ago, dad had an arteriogram. He had 2 significant blockages and needed two stents. Earlier this week, he reported chest pains, so today he's been scheduled for a followup arteriogram. Well, he was scheduled for 2pm my time. Unfortunately, the guy ahead of him had issues. So at 7pm, he's just now entering the cath lab. Here's hoping he's in and out in about an hour, because the worst case scenario involves finding another blockage, and a chest scar matching mom.
Thus begins the waiting game. To occupy my mind, I thought I would write for the next half hour. What does one talk about when trying to get time to pass? Well, right now spring is a favorite topic. I am pleased this year. Last year I agonized a bit too much about planting a garden. Why do this when I am leaving? Well, we can see how that turned out. The houses in my neighborhood are on the market for $30K less than I still owe.
Why not plant some food? Groceries are up 20% over last year. Maybe I can save myself some money. Too bad I can't grow hotdogs. Or chickens. I already checked.
It has felt good, however, to work on my yard, turning it more into something I'd be happy to own. I have to believe I'm also making it into something someone else would also be happy to buy. While there's a dwindling number of people who want a yard, I have to believe there are people around who want to wake up to blossoming hydrangeas along the back fence, the lovely arborescens Bounty. Well there will be a Penny Mac, a Frillibert and this very interesting variety which is supposed to be purple in the south's acidic soil.
Where will the purple one go?
But I've also purchased plants from Cobb County's 4-H Club - several viburnum, which truthfully have lots in common with the hydrangeas I love. And for the shade garden around Petey the dog, some Coral Bells, or heuchera, which will hopefully look a lot like these.
A friend recently gifted me with some new pots. Unfortunately, they were clay, which truly seems to leech my vegetables, so I am going to get into the herb-growing business. What do I want? Well, Greek Oregano, Genovese Basil, sage, Thyme, and common dill. This year, I'd like to successfully grow rosemary, a skill which seems to elude me. I think the key is to get it straight into the ground rather than trying to grow it in a pot. Last year, I kept mine in a pot because it was something I wanted to take with me When I Moved. This year I'm going to put it in the ground to enjoy, and trust that if I want to grow some in Colorado, someone nice will sell me some.

P.S. - Dad got out of the cath lab with a "dynamically beating" heart and the diagnosis of acid reflux. He's starting meds for it tonight.

--Laura

two steps forward, one step back

After wonderful spring weather, we've been cast back into a patch of dreary again.
Welcome to pre-spring.
I was feeling discouraged last week, because my mockingbird was no longer greeting me on my walk into work in the mornings and evenings. So I was lifted in spirit when, this week, what should be perched on a street light right next to our entryway, but a red-shouldered hawk.
Maybe he ate the mockingbird? Just kidding. I hope not.
So, who is planting what this year? Going heirloom? Hybrid? Organic? Share it. I am still ordering things.

-Laura