Archie, my dog, is stoically looking out over our property. The outer edges of his nose are flapping, sniffing in scents and his ears are perking up to attention like mini-satellites. That he’s able to tune in to the more subtle aspects of life I can’t help but think if he is the wild.
Next to me is a lit propane fire pit, and I’m taking the moment in between sessions to catch my metaphorical breath.
Earlier, after hanging up the phone with a prospective client, I thought, wow, I sure did feel shut out by that person. Then I reflected on the words he said to me, “My Dad committed suicide when I was young,” and it dawned on me – isn’t that what he knows, the ultimate shutout?
There are signs of spring everywhere; new growth on the magnolia tree, and leaves of tulips emerging from the pot by our front door. It’s as if nature is pregnant; winter is in transition, developing and growing, in order to eventually give birth to spring. I can’t wait!
Oh, how I enjoyed learning about China’s seasons during the opening ceremonies of the Olympics this year. Specifically the names – “The Waking of Insects,” “Pure Brightness,” and “Frost’s Descent.”
Anyone looking for a band name?
This line of thinking sent me to Farmer’s Almanac, and although “you should check your local conditions,” here are the guidelines for the remaining days of February.
Days:
14-17: Clear ground, turn sod, kill plant pests.
18-20: Fine for sowing grains, hay, and forage crops. Plant flowers. Favorable days for planting root crops.
21-22: Start seedbeds. Good days for transplanting. Plant carrots, turnips, onions, beets, Irish potatoes, and other root crops in the South. Lettuce and other leafy vegetables will do well.
23-24: Poor planting days. Good harvest days.
25-26: Any root crops that can be planted now will do well.
27-28: Barren days. Fine for clearing, plowing, fertilizing, and killing plant pests. Good harvest days.
In the early days of covid, I put a lot of time in the backyard at our old house; turning unused and overgrown sloped land into terraced, usable space. This helped me tremendously with coping with my new and crazy reality.
Since there is no current garden at our new house, I need to make one.
Feeling pulled to begin today I put on my boots, grabbed a shovel, and started in; by uprooting daisies and leveling the land. Here’s a photo of my progress.
I have a full day of client work tomorrow so I doubt I’ll get back out there – but soon, cuz like the Almanac said, gotta get those leafy veggies in!
That’s it for now. Take care.
Love,
Jaclynn
Going On 40 