Teaser

Last week was amazing but very bittersweet for those me. Sorta like that old cliche..."it is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all". Hmm. The jury is still out on that in my book.

The feel of summer, while intoxicating, was overshadowed by the dramatic change in color and noticeably cooler nights. You can not fool me Michigan, I know what you have up your sleeve. And so it was with with a heavy heart that I proceeded to pretend that indeed, it was only June and took advantage of what I had for those few days of Indian Summer. I played with my camera. We tilled, limed and planted the pasture. Let the horses out for long feasts of grass and even longer hot sweaty rides. I spent 2 evenings pulling a trailer over nearly vertical railroad tracks into a huge, secluded hay field, driving barefoot, windows down, kids throwing bales into the trailer as I inhaled the sweet smell of Alfalfa.   We spent the time that we are usually in the library during  Nathan's German class romping new parks. 

I spent long hours tending to my flower garden that sits ignored during summer's business. Dividing perennials, planting new found favorites and even removing (permanently) ones that I have never actually loved but never thought it was "OK" to remove-after all the gardener designed it so it must be good.

No more.

Even as I watched the leaves begin falling faster, I found freedom and peace in deciding what I want in my garden and the sweat, dirt and physical drain that tags along with overhauling such an area. Thanks to my amazing deal at Tractor Supply, I have a huge stock of solar lighting and  found myself outdoors well after tuck-in time, enjoying the sounds and smells that only exist after sundown. Pruning a bush by moonlight (and a bit of help from Tractor Supply) is not something you will find recommended in the better gardening magazines but it is very therapeutic, especially at this time of the year. Fortunately the bush is forgiving and will come back in time. As will summer.