About Me

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I am a retired English teacher and department head, the mother of three grand mother of four, and have been married to the same man for 52 years. I subscribe to Dr. PM Forni's concept of Civility. I was born in South Philadelphia and grew up in the 'burbs. I love soft pretzels and cheesesteaks, the Phillies, the Eagles, and San Diego. I love being Mom, Aunt Kathy, Nona Kathy, and Teacher. I spend a lot of time in my gardens in the spring and summer, and in the winter I plan what I'm going to plant. I also am an avid reader and photographer.

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Sunday, March 8, 2009

Vestiges and Harbingers or What a Difference a Week Makes

It's Sunday morning and the hawks are screeching, trying to flush out their prey. It freaks me out, but I understand everybody has to eat. Today promises to be another mild day. We reached 66 on Friday, 74 yesterday, and currently it is 71 at 12:00 noon. What a difference a week makes as this time last Sunday, we prepared for our second and probable final snow event. I took this today. Notice my glass of iced tea! Also, take a quick look at the photo of the same spot last week in my previous post.

We worked outside yesterday, cutting to the ground the irises, liriope, monarda, and lythrum. I cut back most of my roses and look like I got into a tussle with a big cat and lost -- my hands and wrists were perfectly protected, but the thorns did a number on my arms! Beau, our nextdoor neighbor's Golden, helps me whenever I work in the rose garden. He's good company.

I've decided whatever roses we lost this year, I will replace with "Double Knockouts" as they are extremely hearty, fragrant, and gorgeous. They are resistant to black spot, pests, and don't need the full six hours + of sun that other roses require.

My perennials are 'popping through' already -- daffodils, hyacinths, of course, but surprisingly the shasta daisies, day lilies, liatris, peonies and sedum have already broken the surface. Today, I worked on the beds around the patio, cutting away the old to make room for the new, while Richard cleaned the beds on the other side of the house. Here, the pots await placement throughout the gardens.
It intrigues me that even though I work out five to six hours a week and lift weights in addition, that I could barely move getting out of bed this morning. So now I'm off to soak my tired and sore body and look for the Motrin.

14 comments:

CRUSTY MOM-E said...

amazing the difference in the photo from the previous post! Even the lighting is different.

I do have to ask though, how does it sound with the morning feeds? Is it like obnoxious crows?

Happy green thumbing...I'll be asking you for tips coming soon..I don't have patience and I wish i did..

HAppy tea.. !!! :)

Ruth Hull Chatlien said...

Sigh. I'm still putting off thinking about the garden. I think my brain is recuperating from the overwork.

Fortunately, our seasons are a bit behind yours.

Jay said...

Beau definitely looks like he is pretty happy to help out.

Cheryl said...

So much goes into a garden, but then it's summer and it looks so effortless. I can't wait. I wish I had some help...consider yourself very lucky to have a willing partner.

happyone said...

Your right - what a difference a week makes!

I'd like to have a Beau of my own. I miss having a dog around.

Neponset River Bridge Dig said...

Hey Kathy, Love the dog aren't they such good company?

Brad said...

Did you know my Bear's full name is Beauregard Jefferson Bear - He's a Beau too!

beachgirl said...

I'm glad your weather is improving and starting to get a little more like mine. It has been gorgeous down here.
Have an awesome day.

Anonymous said...

I'm thinking what a difference a DAY makes! We aren't in the 70's, but it's clear and sunny and ice free.

I hope your aches and pains are gone now...it's amazing how we find those muscles we didn't know we had.

cri said...

Beau is beautiful!!! I love dogs, but I have 3 cats!!!

Jamie said...

LOVE the dog...and so envious of your gardening skills.

Happy Thursday! :)

fiwa said...

Isn't it amazing the difference a week can make in the weather?

Another rose lover... EXCELLENT! I love my knockouts - they just bloom their little hearts out for me. But Abraham Darby will remain my all time favorite. :) Man, I can't wait for it to warm up enough here to make it nice being out in the garden.

Sweet Virginia Breeze said...

Hi Kathy,

Just found your blog. I love working in the yard and will be glad when the weather warms up for good. I noticed that my bleeding heart were peeking through, so I need to get out and clean up flower beds.

I will visit again.

Mary

Rick Rockhill said...

Beau looks like a cool dog! He looks like he needs a biscuit!