Live Life

Hello, I'm hoping you are finding happiness in the Spring work that has involved us all.  I've basically sworn off other social media lately, because I've found it too politically oriented, and it leaves me exhausted. We have a sad situation on our hands here in Minnesota, but the path taken is a failure, and I'll have no part in it. So I'm just posting photos that I think might enlighten, and hope you are all doing well. I feel almost obligated to post this photo of one of my flowering crab trees, because it has always been an inspiration to me over the years. It isn't quite so spectacular this year due to the March thaw and re-freeze, but I still love it.

Awhile back this beautiful Lanium  ( Lamb's Ear) started blooming and I think it is really nice. Not everything has to be dramatic, and I would call this a subtle addition to my daily life. I'm thankful I planted it two or three years ago.

Ok, so now I will just say that without these glimpses of life and the other experiences that I have everyday on this desolate farm where I live, I don't know what I would do. I will never solve the world's problems. But the love of nature and friendliness with all people comes close to being the answer. I would advise you to stay off other social media for the coming month, as I have decided, post positively, love your family, and sleep well every night. Leave the negative aside, be kind. That's what  these cowslips mean to me...kindness.

My little Big Boy Byron wishes you the same. He's "tumble roasted, jumbo salted", just as the box says.

I hope you appreciate all the "beings" around you, whether they be spouses, children, parents, or even the little creatures that depend on you. You'll never regret it. Have a blessed and beautiful Summer.

Phil

Spring Greetings

Hello. Well, it's been a long time. I haven't posted in over 4 months, not for any particular reason, but maybe a feeling of just wanting to get out of the long winter and not having a lot of news. Although winter is my favorite season, it does seem long after February. I'm keeping this kind of short, mostly because I have quite a few different things going on without a lot of results to show for my work yet. The pandemic shutdown has not really had an impact at all on my life, because I live alone and have pretty much had this life since retiring in 2014, 5 years now. I don't mind the isolation, I live about 5 miles from the closest town, do my walk every day of about 3 miles, work at various projects, and keep busy with the house and now anticipating the garden and flower beds and all the maintenance to keep things nice.

The forsythia is really pretty this year. I took some inside today, as it is starting to form leaves, so the blooming will be over this week. I'm going to try rooting some from cuttings.

I like the exotic appearance of the horse chestnut in Spring

These daffodils just bloomed after two years.

There have been some really good sunsets this past week and the hour after the sunset often provides a lot of drama.

Like the horse chestnut, the maples really are interesting before the leaves come out completely. These red maple flowers are beautiful in my opinion.

I have always had a little trouble starting seeds in the house. They seem to dampen off for me, which is discouraging. Maybe it is just too early and I should sow directly in the garden. It would just be nice to get a head start. Here are the beginnings today for zinnias and pumpkins. It seems the season for growing pumpkins is a little short here.

Josey is resting now after folding some fresh Spring-cleaned blankets. 

Wishing you a good week.

Phil

"Spring is the time of plans and projects." -Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina