Who'll Stop the Rain?

Right after I watered the garden and flowers, there was a big thunderstorm. Four and a half inches of rain were dumped on my efforts.  The following night, we got another inch and a half, and last night another half inch. Seems a bit excessive and was no doubt caused by me watering.

So, with that in mind, I rushed to get the rain barrel in service. I'd put off drilling holes in the beautiful new barrel and the aluminum downspout out of fear of messing them up forever. I got this neat kit with everything I needed to get it done, except courage.                                                                                                                                                          

The old barrel was shoved aside as being too ugly to use and probably a dumb idea for a support. Sometimes, I have to think these things through for a couple of months before slowly getting into action. The old wash tub rain catcher was overflowing, so I dipped some of the water out of it to give the barrel enough weight that today's strong winds didn't budge it.

That should put an end to those nightly showers. Also questions about why I had a barrel in the living room.

Rites of Spring

For me, spring comes when I start the broccoli and cabbages under lights.  That's when I breathe a big sigh of relief that it won't be winter forever. Potting soil is not as fun as dirt when it comes to digging, but without the early starts there is no playing in the real stuff.

Outside, some brave daffodils have come up, cheered on by encouraging words from me.  It always manages to snow on the daffodils in bloom, but they are tough flowers that laugh at the cold.  This is one of the beds I dug up and planted last fall.  What a welcome sight!

Now on my 42nd Rosie cart of firewood, I find the novelty of running the chain saw has worn off.  However, I do love the cozy fires, so am continuing to cut wood. Beau gets tired out running through the woods and appears eager to return to the couch. Now that there is soft mud on a small hill, Rosie can't manage to get over it. I have to bring the wood out in the little wagon. All the while, I'm scanning the woods floor for signs of life.  Some tiny green leaves were found, so bright and colorful against the endless browns of winter.

The river has lost its ice and sparkles in the sunshine.

There are projects afoot for the garden.  First, I've set up this old empty barrel for the base of the rain barrel that I ordered. It will make for a  bit more water pressure.  I may paint it because it's rather ugly and will clash with the red hollyhocks nearby.  The former owners installed an insecurity light on the pole to the right, but I am an advocate of the dark sky on account of being an amateur astronomer.  The first thing I did when I moved here was pull the plug on the light.


From my Home Depot, I scavenged two old glassless, screenless, toothless storm doors. As soon as I pick up some metal screws, I'll connect them with the conveniently still-attached door hinge.  Covered with plastic film, they will be a grow tunnel. Not as classy as metal hoops, but free and very sturdy.

Snow is still a possibility, but I have projects to keep me busy. Well, that and more wood-cutting.