Sunday, April 6, 2008

Time for Digging in the Dirt!

Yes indeed, I'm finally convinced by this weekend that Spring is here. I had been a bit hesitant based on last Easter's snow, but I couldn't help myself...this weekend I had to dig into that dirt!

We had quite a busy weekend, which successfully took my mind off other things. We surprised the girls by taking them to Sesame Street Live in Morgantown on Saturday. It was fun for Mom and Dad to see their mesmerized faces as the giant furry monsters galloped around the stage. Unbeknownst to me, I got really good tickets...2nd row, so we had a good view of all the action!

Then we moved into the first of many work weekends in the attempt to grow things and get the house ready to sell. J roto-tilled both garden plots and the area for my new flower bed. I raked the clumps of grass and big rocks out of it, and transplanted a few clumps of daffodils there from the front field. J did LOTS of clearing between the pines. I climbed on the roof and cleaned out the gutters. We got some pruning done (better late than never) and I sprayed the azalea and lilies against deer nibbling. Of course, they had already browsed most of the lilies, which were only a half inch tall! I use Plantskydd and it works really well...lasts about 3 months, except when there is a lot of growth. I will probably have to spray the lilies again in about a month, and then again when they bud.

I am anticipating the arrival of my plants from Gurney and Burpee. I planned my new flowerbed with deer resistant perennials, and may stick in a few annuals as well. I found a book called Gardening in Deer Country, by Vincent Drzewucki, Jr., which was really helpful in that undertaking.

Of course, in the midst of all this, the men installed most of the carpet downstairs on Saturday. Everything but the guest room is put back together. They also repaired a wrinkle in the living room carpet, which involved moving furniture upstairs as well. I took that opportunity to vacuum places that hadn't seen the light of day in several years, and J finally was able to remove the satellite receivers that we no longer use. (Don't miss it either!)

The girls spent the entire day outside today, including lunch. They came in with rosy cheeks, shining eyes and ravenous appetites. They fell into bed tonight and went right to sleep. J and I will soon follow, with sore muscles and exhausted bodies. But ahhh...the anticipation of growing things has me eager to get back out in the morning. Drat those jobs that interrupt my hobbies!

Happy Spring! (And happy birthday to K and little B!)

T

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