Saturday, June 13, 2009

Cloud Walkers


I woke up early this morning. Of course, I waken early most mornings, but this morning when I rolled over and looked at the clock I was amazed to see it read 5 a.m. We worked so hard yesterday on the new raised bed that Mac and I collapsed into sleep at 9:30 p. At 9, Mac said, "what happened to the days when we never made it to bed before Midnight, and now seems like we just can't wait for the sun to go down?"

I allowed as to how we work harder now than we did then. This is a job, taking care of and maintaining lawns and gardens on 4 acres. I've suggested taking a late afternoon nap, but we don't have time. We go out onto the porch at about 6 am every morning and drink our coffee and wait for the fog to burn off. Pretty soon, coffee cup in hand, I'm wandering over to the flower bed because even from there, I can see grass trying to invade the Coneflowers and the Cannas...the Gerbera Daisies are peeking through the spent Iris leaves and I know what the number 1 job will be! A sharp pair of scissors will fan those leaves nicely, about half way down.














My excitement with the morning grew as I looked over and saw that my Hollyhock was blooming. Someone told me that it was a biannual, and I have no reason to doubt their word but the Hollyhock blooms every year. I guess no one told it. As I got up close with the camera, I noticed something else. Kittens in the bed...the plants in this bed are so big and hardy that they can do no damage, so I leave them alone to enjoy their play.















I take a walk over to Mac's Tomato bed. On the wire he has green beans and cucumbers growing. I can't wait to tell Arianna to go pick me some green beans and hear her shout out "Gran, there's cucumbers growing on the bean vine!" We've already picked (and eaten) about six of the cukes and they were delightful. We grow two varieties, the Cruncher and Straight 8...we are looking forward to the first ripe tomato and the first Sink Sandwich...my mouth hurts from the watering of it!














The fog is still thick on the ground and I can remember my Grandfather, Dwight Douglas, as he took my hand and we walked out into the morning telling me that we were Cloud Walkers. A chill just went down my back because I heard his voice so clearly inside my head it was as though he stood beside me. Perhaps he was.















I walked over to the Damson Plum tree which was now heavy laden with fruit...I couldn't believe how big they were and couldn't resist showing you...this little beauty was popped into my mouth as soon as the picture was taken! Sweet heavenly breakfast.














So, before going inside to get ready for my exciting day today, here's a picture of my Thumbergia vine...often called Black Eyed Susan...I am thrilled with it's progress as it attacks the porch railing with beauty and determination. But today, I have a Book Signing at the Chesterfield County Library. I'm excited and maybe that's why 5 a came early, but I didn't even mind.

76 comments:

Susan said...

That plum looks so delicious. Book signing? Exciting!
Yesterday I read that an Iowa woman's photo of weird clouds is prompting a possible "new cloud category", speaking of 'clouds'.

Unknown said...

Love the way you have iron bed posts at each end of that flower bed!

I'm so excited for you about the book signing; don't work in the garden so hard you can't entertain your fans!

Sally said...

Good morning, Sandi! Well, no wonder you woke up early; all the beauty in your yard AND a book signing. Girl, I'm soooo happy for you!! :)

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Your raised beds look wonderful! You just reminded me I need to cut my iris leaves back too :-).

I wish I could be at your book signing! How wonderful! Enjoy your day Sandi.
Hugs,
Penny

Lee said...

Fantastic early morning walk through your garden, Sandi! Thanks for taking us along! I loved the garden that really looks like a bed with that head and foot! Your breafast of plums made me hungry! Wondering how long it took you to get the camera after you saw the day. :-)

Good luck on the book signing!

Hugs!
Lee

Carol Murdock said...

First..congratulations Sandi on your book signing today, how fun!

Second....your routine is very close to mine!

At dark-thirty, I head for the bed with my book! That usually is around eight-thirty or nine-ish.

At ten...lights out, I'm out.
Somewhere between five-thirty and six A.M, we're up and on the screen porch, coffee cup in hand! Then I stroll the place to see what's new!

I want that bedstead raised bed!!!

Life is good........ :)

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

I love your flower bed, Sandi!

We had early morning fog, yesterday. I took photos for Outdoor Wednesday. I love early morning fog, whether we're at the lake or at home. Your photos are gorgeous!

Five AM is my routine, too.

Congrats on the book signing!!!!

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Oh my gosh...had to come back for J!!! Do you make jelly with those Damsons??? That's his favorite. Hardly anyone has Damsons, around here, and if they do, they don't make jelly! That is J's favorite jelly. When he's luckily enough to find Damson Jelly, he brings it home!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures of your really lovely garden.

Congratulations on your book, hope all goes swimmingly at the signing...how exciting!

Jeni said...

I'm still in love with your flower "bed" -soooo cool and cute! The veggie garden looks to be about the same size as the area I now have sown some veggies and I even have some of almost everything I planted coming up and looking like they might actually survive the ordeal of growing with me being in charge of their future. Hope it works out that way!
I sleep in fits and spurts -one reason why I'm often up at odd hours during the night then ya know and right about now, the oatmeal I made the kids and I for breakfast is working on me, telling me how nice a nap would really be!

Kathy's Klothesline said...

Love the flower "bed". I love to be first up in the morning as the rest of my world lays sleeping. So much to admire in nature at that time of a day. Campers arriving very late has me out of my rhythm and cranky this day, but it was a nice stroll through your garden....thanks!

Janice said...

I'm on break from yard work and I'm having a glass of water and blogging to cool off. Nice to see your beautiful gardens. Everything looks wonderful. Have a great weekend!

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

Could there be a better way to start your day Sandi - walking in your garden (cloud walking and hearing your grandfather's voice), looking at flowers and fruit and veg. Perfect I'd say AND a book signing - bet you enjoyed every minute and it would be well deserved. A x

Love Bears All Things said...

How excited you must be about the book signing. I am not a morning person. I consider anything before seven early but after eight is late. It must be wonderful that both of you are morning people and can do the coffee on the porch thing. I used to get up with my Daddy and do that before he passed when I would visit. I always heard him get up and go into the bathroom so I'd get up too. I would have prepared the coffee the night before. He didn't have a timer on his so I'd turn it on and sit quietly until after that first swallow are two. He knew not to talk to me until then. We'd go out on the deck with our coffee and watch the sun come up. Soon the Hummming birds would be buzzing round our heads. He'd hear trucks and cars start up at houses along the road and identify them by the sound. We'd sometimes be out there an hour or two before we'd go in and cook breakfast together. Sweet memories and I miss him just thinking about it. I'd gladly get up before daylight just to have a chance to sit with him again.
Mama Bear

NitWit1 said...

Loved the post and congrats on the book signing. We should all be Cloudwalkers.

menopausaloldbag (MOB) said...

Idyllic peek around your garden and early nmorning world. You clearly have green fingers, something I don't have but admire greatly in others. Just wonderful.

i beati said...

from on ecloud walker to another - I jhave several suzy plants 2 colors sandy

Everything Stops for Tea said...

Book signing!!! Proper exciting my lady!!! hope you had fun!!!

ancient one said...

How exciting... book signing... Loved the walk around your place with you in the clouds... I already had a mater sandwich... not one we had grown, but a neighbor brought us four of his... yummy... today we dug taters ... and you know that was fun...4 rows... us old folks digging taters and the young girl fainted... whole nother story... LOL Enjoyed this post!!

ancient one said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mickle in NZ said...

What a lovely way to start the day. My morning started today with Zebby wacking me in th face, lol. yes, he drew blood.

Hope you had a fun time at the book signing,

care and huggles,

Michelle and Zebbycat (claws in this time)

��Radio Mihalis Thalassis - Athens Greece said...

Good morning, good Sunday Hello, Michalis

Jamie Dawn said...

A book signing... how exciting!!!!!
I loved being a kind of cloud walker right along with you as I read this post. Very lovely look at your morning on those gorgeous four acres. I was aching for one of those plums!!

:-)

Maggie May said...

I did love these photos.
There was a mystical look to some of the foggy ones. That raised flower bed with bed ends is fantastic!
Great to look round the garden with you.

Donna said...

....I was doing fine until I got to the part about Cloud walking and your Grandfather...THEN I look to the right and see the picture of Marcus and Margaret...."I'll write to you everyday"....GEEZ!!! Had to go get the kleenex!!!Hahaa...hughugs

Pondside said...

I love the thought of walking on clouds, and will save your grandfather's saying for just that perfect foggy moment.
Taking care of four acres is, indeed, a full time job!

Akelamalu said...

How lovely - Cloud Walkers!

It's great to hear how all your fruit and veg are doing, there's nothing beats home grown produce is there? :)

Jeanne said...

Starting your day that way is well worth the early rising and early to bed. I love how you put it too Sandi, Cloud Walkers. I'll take one of those juicy plums thank you!

Sandy McTier Designs said...

SO love the head/foot rails on the raised garden box! Too cute!
Hope you have a wonderful week.
Blessings,
Sandy

Nessa said...

Maintaining property is extremely hard work. i love your flower "bed."

♥ Boomer ♥ said...

I just love your yard, Sandi! It is incredible. Fruits, flowers, everything from the Garden of Eden walks there. Just beautiful. Especially love how you put that old bed there. What a lovely idea!!!

The Muse said...

Some days...the world seems to be ours for the taking...a gift offered with no strings attached...save but that we enjoy the blessings and share the joy!

I think you have done, just that!

Deb said...

Hi ~ Thank you for sharing these incredible pictures with us. I felt like I was taking a morning stroll right beside you. I am envious - your gardens are so orderly, weedfree, so healthy. Can't wait to hear about your book signing ! Best wishes !

Anya said...

Lovely pictures ^___^
I love my garden too !!
Have a nice day :)

Country Cottage Chic said...

It all looks lovely - the "bed" is a fabulous idea!

Jayne

San said...

Sandi, everything is so lush! Our xeric gardening here in the high desert is very different. Our coneflower is just starting to sport a couple of pink blooms, for example, and I don't believe we could grow black-eyed Susans here. I do love them, however. This year our tallest hollyhock, with blackish purple flowers (looks gorgeous against the adobe wall) is being attacked by a gopher. Bennie has put in underground fencing to protect the roots, but an aggressive creature is climbing the plant to get to the more tender stems. It looks doomed! Any tips? Please......

We just put in butterfly bushes and we've had early rains this year. The new plants love it! But your flower "bed" looks plump enough to lie in and dream the sweetest of dreams.

Aunt Julie said...

A book signing? Are you published? Where can we get an autographed copy? Your shots are wonderful. You've got such a green thumb, and I have to say I'm pretty jealous!

Cheffie-Mom said...

Congratulations on the book signing! enJOY your beautiful garden!

cheshire wife said...

Hope that your book signing went well.

Your garden looks wonderful! Four acres must take some looking after.

SandyCarlson said...

That plum looks delicious. And I love the flower bed! I admire your commitment to the gardens.

Carver said...

This was a great post. You have a fabulous garden with so many of my favorites. I love hollyhocks.

david mcmahon said...

Great images, Sandi. A real labour of love.

Deanna Bland Hiott PhD, MSN, RN said...

I love my garden; I'm impressed!

2Shaye ♪♫ said...

Just lovely. The fog is gorgeous. We get it like that usually in the fall. And by then we can't grow anything up here. LOL

~Shaye

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

Everything is so beautiful...Happy week...m..

Jeff B said...

What a beautiful stroll through the garden, Thanks for the tour.

Oman said...

there is nothing like a gleeful anticipation and with that great garden, you really should be proud of what you have accomplished. good job.

Merisi said...

Good morning, Sandi!
Congratulations on actually winning Top Spot on David's Post of the Day Award!!!! :-)))

Reading "raised" bed and seeing thea ccompanying picture made me laugh out loud! You don't mince words, do you? ;-)

Regarding the hollyhocks, while they take the first year to simply grow and develop the strength to bloom the second year, they do not leave your garden bed quietly: they leave seeds behind! Leaving seeds every years means you have always a second generation blooming while the first just takes a breather to gather all it takes to bloom profusely the second year! A perfect mix, isn't it.

Loved reading your musings, so full of quiet joy and wisdom. You are one fine writer!

I am looking forward to hear about your book signing!

Hugs from V.,
Merisi

Jeni said...

WOO HOO! Another POTD and well-deserved it is too. Peace.

Susan English Mason said...

Congrats on post of the day. I liked how you said the Hollyhock was a biannual, yet yours blooms every year, so no one must have told it. nature does what nature wants.

Diva's Thoughts said...

Great looking garden!

Suldog said...

I wish we had a plum tree. MY WIFE loves 'em.

Vee said...

I envy the result but not the work involved. Oh my! You two are certainly to be commended for tending all this beauty and bounty. And yay for another book signing! I'm so delighted for you...

CatHerder said...

great pics..thanks for your post on my blog...i am hoping its been the weather here as well...i am certain he is asthmatic, doc is not...we will see..today was not a good day for him..last time the prednisone helped,but doc doesnt want to do that again with more tests...gonna have to see if he will change his mind :-)

♥ Boomer ♥ said...

Not surprised at all that David caught you on this wonderful post!!!! Congrats, Sandi!!!!!

Brian Miller said...

lovely glimpse into your life and wonderful pics. congrats on POTD!

Brian Miller said...

lovely glimpse into your life and wonderful pics. congrats on POTD!

Merisi said...

Off topic,
but not quite: Cat involved! :-)

Sandi,
I thought of you when I read this article in the NYTimes this morning,
The Limits of Control, by Leonard Mlodinow (since C. wrote her thesis about control, the subject interests me very much).
Hugs from sunny V.,
M.

Hilary said...

I absolutely love your flower bed.. it looks so wonderful in that magical fog. Beautiful post all around. Good luck with your signing. :)

Leslie Gore brought back memories with You Don't Own Me. ;)

Catharina said...

Cloud walkers - I just love that. Thank you for this glimpse into your wonderful garden.

Joanna Jenkins said...

Wow, in my next life I want a garden like yours. It's fabulous!!!

Just stopped by from David McMahon's. nice to meet you. I'll be back again soon!

Beth P. said...

Loved this! Looked down your page at an earlier post of your garden--not that long ago--wow, really going for it. I'm going to plant a 'bed' soon--I have an old brass one...

Hope your reading/book signing was a pleasure and you felt warmed by those who love you! Include me in that roster--so glad to have found you!

Justabeachkat said...

Cloud walkers. I like that!

Wow, all your hard work is paying off. It all looks wonderful and isn't it the best to handpick something you've grown? I think so.

Hugs!
Kat

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Unknown said...

Hi Sandi,

Been catching up with your blog and love your writings as always. Hope you are doing well and enjoying this time of year. Take care.............

NeereAnDear said...

I LOVE THAT BED!!!! Clever idea... and so whimsical....

Congratulations on the book signing...

Does this mean I can say I know a celebrity?? tee hee

LOTS OF HUGS
JO

Casdok said...

What a beautidul way to start the day. I love the term cloud walkers.
Hope your book signing went well :)

® ♫ The Brit ♪ ® said...

Beautiful flowers and fruits Sandi! and I loved your description of the early morning dew....
I'm back! after many months of stress and heartache... but I'm back with a new home alone in a new city (back to my wonderful Rio de Janeiro), complete with a new-found joy and happiness, a new life.... you can read a little bit of it on my new blog post that I wrote today....
Big Hugs dear friend! I've missed you!
Donnie
xxx

~Red Tin Heart~ said...

I am so in love with your garden! I miss having one so much.
Beautiful..
xoxo Nita

Finding Pam said...

Sandi, I hope you have time to stop by and pick up a lovely award I have for you.

Love the pictures.

Anonymous said...

A book signing?? You go girl!! I am so proud to know you. Sorry I haven't been by as often as I want to but life is so busy right now. I am going in the chicken business....lol. Sandi, Is that "bed" in your gardens? I love canna lilies. I remember Mamma had a bunch on them in a circle in the first house I ever lived in. .... I think I need some canna lilies...some red ones! xo Lynn

Jules~ said...

Hey there Sandi, I loved taking a stroll around your gardens with you. Your plants are ever so lovely and you flower "bed" simply perfect. Thank you for sharing.

I hope your book signing went well and you enjoyed the people. I must pick up a copy soon so that I can enjoy it.

Blessings to you today.

Cynthia Pittmann said...

What a world of abundance you have created, Sandi. Lovely that the kittens have a hideout in one of your garden beds...cute material for a story. <3

Unknown said...

Left something for you over at my place. Hope you can pick it up soon.
Jane

myonlyphoto said...

Sandi what a delightful post, oh I wish I could have the same. I grew up like that in Europe, but then when we came to Canada, smaller place, city - we had no choice. But Canada has lot of land, may be one day....beautiful post again, love the fog too, and btw hope your book signing went well. Anna :)

Tara said...

Sandi

So excited for you with the book signing! You're famous!!