R is for Rain #atozchallenge

Ever since I was a kid, I loved to fall asleep to the sound of rain on the roof.  There is something about a good thunderstorm that is both exhilarating and relaxing at the same time.  Spring rains are as soothing as they are cleansing.  They wash away all of the residue left over from the long winter on surfaces and in our minds.  The early garden produce is just beginning to poke its way through and it is washed gently as it emerges from the ground.  Windows are thrown open as I smell the tell tale dampness that a rain is on its way.  The old saying goes; April showers bring May flowers, and the buds on the lilacs are plumping daily, just waiting for the right conditions to burst.  This morning was foggy and the air heavy with moisture.  It has warmed through the day allowing for the promise of a storm or two early this evening.

As I write this and think of my teenage self listening to the rain fall and a little Purple Rain on the radio.  RIP Prince.

Raindrops on Roses

The Root River was above flood stage this morning, and I set out before work to take a few shots of the magnificent power of water. This week has been non stop rain, pulling us solidly out of our drought conditions and I can almost hear the trees sigh with relief as they are sated. What better time to reflect on a few Friday Favorite things...

:: the music of relief to our ears every time we here the sump pump kick on..poor thing has been going non stop for days now!

:: these amazing blankets that my SIL Christy turned me on to when I was in New Jersey. I was lucky enough to get them as an end of season sale..and with nursing injuries and the cold damp weather, they are like snuggling up in soft clouds. And a bonus they left virtually no lint after I washed and dried them!

:: I just cannot stop thinking about this magical artwork..I will have one, someday.

:: This video so made me laugh, if you're a Doctor Who fan, you will love it too!

Wishing you a happy and dry weekend!

Thoughts for a Friday

There are few things that I enjoy more than falling asleep to the sound of a steady rain.  But a steady rain on January 10th seems more than a little out of place.  I know, I know, everyone seems to complain about their weather regardless of where they are or what they have got, and though I long for a little bit of snow play, I am not sure mine is so much of a complaint as a worry.  Last year we had such an early spring that my lilacs bloomed in March, they normally bloom mid June!  We had record high temperatures and well below average precipitation.  Many articles that I have read from dozens of sources predict a similar situation this year.  I have already begun to see the signs of truth in this.   Yesterday I noticed that my crocus' had peeked their little curly heads above what should be frozen earth....at the beginning of January!  I worry for the hundreds of old trees that aren't getting their thirst quenched sufficiently.   I have been making calls and trying to put some more structural plans (like running water lines) in place for the garden this year, anticipating what may become our new normal. 

After a long hiatus, I began a new knitting project.  I wanted to make an infinity scarf, so I searched around and found an easy pattern that had just the right combination of what I know how to do and some new skills.  I just taught myself how to 'knit in the round'.  Not too bad!

Each morning as I sip my coffee, I peruse flipboard.  The recipe ap on there is fantastic and an endless source of inspiration for me.  I think that I must try this (maybe I'll use the tip I found about using a 6" round and halving a cake recipe) and this looks like breakfast love, must do stat!

Oh and a 20 foot dumpster is being delivered today, but that is a story for another post :)

Happy Friday!

Surrender

What a difference a week makes.  The trees are becoming more bare by the day, yet the shedding of their leaves has its own beauty.  After a busy weekend with our clubs soccer tournament, complete with drenching rain both days, the puddles left behind in today's sunshine reflect the contrast between two falls.  The one of light and color, and the one of a grey cold rain, giving you the excuse to huddle under a blanket indoors (or on the soccer field depending on your situation :)  Both of these falls are saturated in their own hypnotic colors inspired by the suns new lower angle.

Suddenly all of the hostas have finished for the season.  It happened overnight, and not just to us. While out today I noticed everywhere the brilliant yellows of hosta leaves that have lain down for the season.

We are still eating predominantly from our garden harvests.  As we finish our fresh produce and have all but completed our canning,  I am spending lots of time researching new hearty soup recipes and baking up a storm.  This growing season has been so successful, and we are ready to finish buttoning up the garden and tending to the few remaining beds that will produce through November.  Even as I turn my energies indoors,  I am eager to watch and care for the cold weather greens as they mature so that we can enjoy them, a last fresh taste before we surrender to the seasons end.

Farm Bag #3 Hit's the Stands

This is my favorite time of year. It consists of daily strolls through the garden where we never leave empty handed. Shortly we will be make twice or three times daily routes that should leave us scrambling to store and distribute all of our bounty. Here is a look at what is going home this week in farm bags. The most noticeable thing is the green beans. We had thoroughly combed the vines Wednesday evening before we went in. Over night we had 3.97 inches of rain. By Thursday evening we had a bucket full of beans. Poor things, just longed for cooler temperatures and a steady shower. The vines look great, but we are supposed to be getting hot again, so I am sure they will be somewhat stunted in their production. However, The beans will come, just during our glimpses of more moderate days.

Mood

I look out the window at the twilight appearance and my mind has to adjust to the fact that it's morning, not evening. The temperatures are falling and a steady rain has begun. This is Spring. Moment to moment shifts in mood leave your head spinning and just trying to keep up. The trick is not to let your own disposition adjust with it. Rather, relish the changes. One thing always leads to another, and without rain, the garden wouldn't get the start it needs and the blooming trees wouldn't be so brilliant.

I want to thank all of you who have spent a little piece of your busy days keeping up with us, and who leave lovely comments both here and on facebook. I am at just over 20,000 hits and it is so appreciated!! Another beautiful light on a gray day. Much Love!

Sunday Supper On The Porch

A long awaited gentle, soaking rain could never put a damper on a Sunday supper on the porch.

 Gentle breezes, grey skies and muted hues that suggest fall sneaking in.  The house was filled with the sounds of multiple conversations happening in unison coupled with the intricate tango that was the children's laughter, at times halted by animated discussion as they each negotiate their way, and then laughter again. 

Slow food; fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, cheesy grits, pepper pot, wine and conversation flowing freely. 

While enjoying the soft, meditative sounds of rain, that drew pause in the conversation, I reflected upon how lucky we truly are.  These are the moments that bring life back into perspective.