“This land is mine, God gave this land to me
This brave and ancient land to me.”
The Exodus Song (This Land), Pat Boone
When I decided on a title for this blog entry, I asked John his opinion of my choice. He answered me with a rousing rendition of the song. We both had a good laugh.
A lot has been happening at Lee-Hall Farm. I wish rain were included in that lot. What a difference between this summer and last. We’re 3.74″ below normal rainfall. How hot and dry is it? If spit doesn’t evaporate before it hits the ground, it does a quick sizzle upon hitting the ground, leaving nary a trace.
In this arid heat I’ve been trying to keep our new grass, trees, shrubs, and perennials with their shallow root systems alive. It’s nearly been a full time job and I shudder to think of how many gallons of water has been used. John and I are very grateful that when it came time for a new well several years back, Sharon opted for a deep well. Two weeks ago we decided that we’d let the grass go dormant, or die as the case may be, and concentrate on the trees, shrubs, and perennials. With that cut back I’m down from full time to three-quarter time – it still takes an incredible amount of time to keep everything thriving. Well, almost everything, we have lost two perennials.
Left front planting bed
We were able to enjoy a fire in the fire pit a few times before it became so ungodly hot. Come autumn and winter, I think we’ll be sitting fire side quite often. Although the long summer days are relished, Sharon, John, and I do have longing thoughts about shorter, cooler days when we can enjoy the fire pit as a cooking apparatus by having weiny roasts. In the picture below, make note of the shed doors. Soon they will be a-changin’.
Fire pit. Anxious to learn the color of the Crepe Myrtles.
At long last we have a graveled driveway. It’s smooth (although I wouldn’t want to walk barefoot on it). No more lumps, bumps, or low spots and the drive finally meets the garage and carport apron.
I love a shapely driveway!
Remember the trees we had trimmed last year? Homer, Marjorie, Lisa, and Bart? They are flourishing! I am so glad I didn’t listen to the naysayers about Marjorie. She’s loving her new lease on life.
Marjorie to the left, Bart to the right.
Sharon volunteered to plant this year’s garden as I was too overwhelmed with inside work in early spring and both inside and outside work in late spring and into the commencement of summer. She couldn’t bear the thought of no personally grown Hanover Tomatoes and knew John and I later on would kick ourselves without them as well. I can’t recall how many tomato plants she planted, but I know she planted just four summer squash plants. Those four plants have produced so many squash that I had to search the web for new ways to cook it. Two recipes have been outstanding – a summer vegetable tian and a zucchini feta pie. We’re anxious for the tomatoes to come in. We appear to be the last kid on the block to get them. Sniff. Sniff.
Lots happening on this land that is ours. It’s nice being here. I’m finally beginning of feel like it’s home rather than somewhere I’m visiting.